Event in Kansas is Co-Hosted by the Department of Commerce and Supports the White House Initiative on Small Business Contracting

WASHINGTON, June 8, 2011-- Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan today announced that Midwest small business owners will have an opportunity at a day-long conference later this month to learn how to grow and support their businesses by partnering with USDA, the Department of Commerce (DOC) and other Federal agencies. The meeting, in Kansas, supports the White House Initiative on Small Business Contracting.

Conference attendees will have an opportunity to participate in a full day of workshops and panel discussions led by program and small business procurement officials. Topics include acquisition needs and opportunities, procurement methods, subcontracting opportunities, business development resources, and more. As part of a continuing effort to increase small business contracting participation by enhancing the competitive posture of small businesses and small farmer-owned cooperatives, there will also be a workshop dedicated to contracting opportunities in rural America. Additionally, there will be an opportunity to meet one-on-one with USDA and DOC small business contracting specialists during a half-day "matchmaking" event.

The conference, hosted by the Department of Agriculture in partnership with the Department of Commerce will be held Tuesday, June 28, 2011, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Sheraton Overland Park Hotel, 6100 College Boulevard, Overland Park, KS 66211.

There is no conference fee. Pre-registration is preferred with onsite registration available. To register: fax your name, company name, full address, telephone number and email address to (202) 720-3001, or email to Janet.Baylor@dm.usda.gov by June 24, 2011. For further information please call 202-720-7117 or visitwww.usda.gov/osdbu.

Sunday afternoon, June 12

From 2:00–3:00 pm at The Canticle

843 Thirteenth Avenue North, Clinton, Iowa

During the past year, the Clinton Franciscan Center for Active Nonviolence & Peacemaking has sponsored a series of programs exploring how to achieve a Sustainable Clinton. Now we are planning an open, public forum that will enable our neighbors to unite and work together to make our community a healthier place for all.

We invite you to join us as we listen and learn what environmental issues are of concern to each other and then determine ways we can make a difference together.

News from Graceland University

For more information contact: Randy Meline, 641.784.5213

Area Students Named to Graceland Unviersity's Honor Lists

LAMONI, IA (06/07/2011)(readMedia)-- The honor roll lists for Graceland University's Fall 2010 term have been announced. Students named to the President's list earned a perfect 4.0 grade point average. Students on the Honors list earned a GPA between 3.65 and 3.99. Those on the Dean's list earned a GPA between 3.25 and 3.64.

Roxanne Garneau of Davenport, IA named to Graceland University's President's List.

Thomas Ratkiewicz of Moline, IL named to Graceland University's Dean's List.

Graceland University was established in 1895 as a non-sectarian liberal arts institution of higher learning. It operates campuses in Lamoni, Iowa and Independence, Missouri, and offers degree completion programs at three other sites - the Kirkwood Community College campus in Cedar Rapids, Iowa; the Indian Hills Community College campus in Centerville, Iowa; and the North Central Missouri College campus in Trenton, Missouri.

Students from more than 40 states and 40 nations choose from over 50 academic programs at Graceland. For information about attending GU, please view our website: www.graceland.edu, and follow the links to Admissions and Financial Aid, call 866-GRACELAND (866.472.2352), or write to Graceland University, Admissions Office, 1 University Place, Lamoni, IA 50140.

Urges Illinoisans to take precautions, check on elderly

SPRINGFIELD - June 7, 2011. As temperatures rise, Governor Pat Quinn today announced services available to protect people from the near-record heat, and asked people across Illinois to look out for those most vulnerable to the high temperatures, including the elderly and children. 

"We must all be aware of the health risks that accompany rising temperatures, as well as the resources that are available to assist everyone in Illinois. The state is here to help people stay cool-- providing cooling centers in more than 120 locations." said Governor Quinn. "We must all do what we can to ensure people are safe and healthy, especially by checking on elderly friends, neighbors, and relatives.

To combat high temperatures, the state is providing services to help ensure the health and safety of the public.

The Illinois Department of Human Services has established cooling centers and more than 120 state facilities, to help those without air conditioning escape the heat. The cooling centers are located at Illinois Department of Human Services offices throughout the state, as well as the seven Illinois Tollway Oases in the Chicago area. They are open to the public during regular business hours. For more information about Cooling Centers call (800) 843-6154. For a list of participating centers and oases, visit the website atwww.keepcool.illinois.gov.

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) encourages people across Illinois to take steps to protect against heat-related health problems. To stay cool, IDPH recommends increasing fluid intake, avoiding caffeine, alcohol and sugar, decreasing activities, wearing appropriate clothing and, remaining in an air conditioned environment whenever possible. For more information on summer activity safety and summer health risks, visit the website at http://www.idph.state.il.us/public/books/summtoc.htm to find the "Summer? No Sweat" Survival Guide.

The Illinois Department on Aging encourages relatives and friends to make daily visits or calls to senior citizens living alone. When temperatures and humidity are extremely high, seniors and people with chronic health conditions must be watchful for dehydration and other effects of extreme heat. Additionally, seniors should eat lighter meals, take longer and more frequent rests, and drink plenty of fluids.

For information about preparedness, visit the Ready Illinois website at www.Ready.Illinois.gov.

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Join us June 13 in support of Camp Courageous of Iowa at the 16th Annual Benefit Golf Outing. Come enjoy a round of golf with your peers, clients, customers or family members at the exclusive Sunnyside Country Club in Waterloo, Iowa. This 18-hole course challenges golfers of all levels and is in top condition for an unforgettable day of play.

Afterwards meet up with other golf teams and Camp supporters at the heart of Sunnyside Country Club, their private clubhouse. Where you will enjoy a great dinner, networking opportunities and of course award presentations for the days golf events.

Have Fun in the Sun and Support 
CAMP COURAGEOUS OF IOWA!

MONDAY, JUNE 13, 2011

SUNNYSIDE COUNTRY CLUB
Waterloo, IA

  • 11:00 am - Registration Opens
  • Noon - Shotgun Start
SPONSORS -  For years, your generosity has made the golf outing a success. Download the registration form, fill-out the SPONSOR section to show your support. Hurry! Hole sponsorships fill up fast. For other sponsorship opportunities contact Sandy at (515) 224-7545orsandy@pmcofiowa.com.
Take Ansborough Ave exit North off of US Hwy-20 to Olympic Drive turn West, follow Olympic Drive into Sunnyside Country Club.
To Register Go To:  www.pmcofiowa.com/

Jordan Catholic School Honor Roll

The Outstanding Honor Roll requires more A's than B's with no C's. The Distinguished Honor Roll requires more B's than A's with no more than one C. 

GRADE 6
OUTSTANDING
Lucy Adlfinger
Maris Boelens
Sidney Boelens
Conner Boyd
August Darrow
Brian Do
Lisa Do
Sam Dodson
Michael Elliott
Ellie Franks
Molly Hunter
Noel Huntley
Peter Moens
Peyton Tanghe


GRADE 6
DISTINGUISHED
PJ Collins
Samantha Sharp
Ashley Slaight
Ben Woeber

GRADE 7
OUTSTANDING
James Becker
Lily Coleman
Lilia Darrow
Jenna Fisher
Bryce Humphrey
Andy Maloney
Grace Maloney
Katie Maloney
Andy Maynard
Ali Milani
Jasmine Moseley
Marina Pickslay
Yvonne Ramirez
Brooke Sheraden
Cassie Wales 

GRADE 7
DISTINGUISHED
Kyle Barkalow
Emily Bauer
Amber Bausch
Lucy Berry
Sabrina Cincola
Matthew DiIulio
Maria Do
Kate Florence
Kathy Hougland
Dominic Huntley
Kaylee Jawoisz
Frankie Lozoya
Austin Mendoza
Peter Mihm
Rachel Patting
Ale Rodriguez
Abby Springsteen
Kyler Yodts

GRADE 8
OUTSTANDING
Isabelle Anderson
Joe Bryant
Michael Do
Phuc Do
Claire Dodson
Daria Guzzo
Michaela Hird
Anthony Hoang
Emily Hoffman
Justice Humphrey
Sam Kelly
Kadie Klauer
Andrew Lekowski
Jacob Orth
Andrew Rea
Sydney Ruggles
Jake Schoeck
Claire Schroeder
Julia Thomer


GRADE 8
DISTINGUISHED
Claire Benisch
Addie Brenny
Grace Copen
Connor Darrow
Tommy Davies
Anna Parkinson
Hannah Standefer

Backyard-inspired salads available for a limited time

(June 7, 2011) - Wish you could mix up all the delicious tastes of summer in a single serving? Well, thanks to Noodles & Company, you can now get the unforgettable flavors of vegetable gardens, juicy strawberries and backyard barbecues in two wholesome, tasty salads. For a limited time, your neighborhood Noodles & Company is offering a summer twist to its salad line-up that features fresh ingredients and big flavor.

"Along with our noodles and soups, our new summertime salads represent the '& Company' side of the Noodles & Company menu. They feature ingredients that appeal to big eaters and little nibblers," says Tessa Stamper, Noodles & Company's chef and registered dietitian. "Our guests have also been asking for new salads to complement the three we already offer on the menu. We listened - and we're excited for them to taste all the flavor we packed in."

Noodles & Company guests have two delicious new ways to get their veggies this summer:

Backyard Barbecue Chicken Salad with fresh-cut corn is a hearty, nutritious salad featuring marinated pulled chicken breast with fresh-cut summer corn, ripe Roma tomatoes and chopped red cabbage served over mixed greens and tossed with a smoky coleslaw dressing. This "perfect picnic plate" is a leafier version of a backyard barbeque.

Very Berry Spinach Salad is a wholesome meal that includes fresh strawberries, pecans, crispy bacon and house-made croutons atop tender spinach leaves finished off with blue cheese crumbles and a balsamic fig glaze. It's "berry" good, if we say so ourselves (and yes, we said "berry").

Guests can customize the salads, as with any Noodles dish, to meet their dietary needs or taste preferences.  This could include adding one of 14 fresh veggies or protein-rich foods, including meats, shrimp or organic tofu, or removing or swapping an ingredient. 

These limited-time summer salads are available at all Noodles & Company restaurants through the end of August.  Noodles & Company is open seven days a week and offers convenient carry-out, phone-in and fax-in orders.  Our full menu, nutritional information, restaurant hours, events and more can be found at www.noodles.com.

About Noodles & Company

Noodles & Company is about serving real food, real quick. Our menu features made-to-order noodles, salads and sandwiches that are inspired by classic dishes from around the world and that make everyone happy, from kids to adults. Think Mac & Cheese, Pad Thai, Chinese Chop Salad, and Pesto Cavatappi all under one roof. Within minutes of ordering, a fresh, made-to-order dish will be delivered to the table on real china with real silverware. Nothing fake here. You also don't have to clear your table or leave a tip. We just aim to please.

Noodles & Company is a collection of more than 260 neighborhood restaurants in 20 states and growing. Please visit www.noodles.com to find a restaurant near you. If you're craving more, please follow us on Facebook, YouTube, Flickr or on our Noodles & Company blog, affectionately called "& Company."

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The media is invited a very special preview of Science Bulletins at the Putnam Museum on Friday, June 10 at 10am. Please contact Dan McNeil if you plan to attend.

Beginning on June 11, visitors to the Putnam Museum will be able to enjoy award-winning Science Bulletins video productions from the American Museum of Natural History. The visually stunning updates include the latest in astrophysics, Earth sciences, biodiversity, and human biology?displayed on high-definition plasma screens in four locations through out the Museum. The Bulletins (Astro, Earth, Bio, and Human) use a blend of documentary videos, three-dimensional animation, and data visualization to bring scientific research to life for adults and children alike. 

Many of these features are six- to eight-minute documentaries that follow scientists to field sites and laboratories around the world to explore topics ranging from the search for ultra-high energy cosmic rays to the rapid evolution of fish species along the Lower Congo River, to the latest research on human papillomaviruses (HPV) and the various cancers they can trigger in humans.

Science Bulletins is a production of the National Center for Science Literacy, Education, and Technology (NCSLET), part of the Department of Education at the AMNH.  Each Bulletin is produced by AMNH's curatorial and scientific staff and a team of video producers, designers, writers, and educators using state-of-the-art technologies such as high-definition video and 3-D computer graphics to present cutting-edge research.

Science Bulletins is brought to the Putnam Museum thanks to a grant from the Alcoa Foundation.

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Appoints Seasoned Education Professional to Oversee Landmark Reform of Education in Illinois

CHICAGO - June 7, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today named Gery Chico as the chairman of the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE). Today's action is the latest in a series of appointments the Governor is making as he continues to fulfill his commitment to increasing efficiency and accountability in all areas of state government, fostering economic development and creating jobs today and in the future.

"Gery Chico's decades of experience in education and administration will help keep our schools competitive and prepare our students to succeed in the global economy," said Governor Quinn. "His leadership will be vital as Illinois prepares to implement ground-breaking education reform that we hope will become the model for the entire country."

Chico previously served as president of the board of trustees for the Chicago Public Schools and chairman of the City Colleges of Chicago board. He is also a former chief of staff in the Chicago mayor's office. Chico holds a juris doctorate from Loyola University Chicago and is active in numerous community organizations including the Chicago Urban League, After School Matters and the Illinois Education Foundation.

As President of the Chicago Public Schools, Chico led an effort that improved student performance and teacher confidence for six consecutive years, turned a projected deficit of $1.3 billion into a $345 million surplus, and invested money to build 65 new school facilities and renovate another 375 existing school structures.

Chico also pushed for extended school day programs that allowed over 125,000 students to get more time in the classroom. In addition, he oversaw the creation of afterschool and summer programs that provided nearly 200,000 students with constructive activities to prevent youth crime.

The Illinois State Board of Education is composed of nine members appointed by the Governor to serve four-year terms. The board sets educational policies and guidelines that benefit Illinois' more than two million students attending for public and private schools, preschool through grade 12, as well as vocational education.

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WASHINGTON - Senator Chuck Grassley today said that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded funding totaling $1,853,527 to Iowa the through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.

According to the Department of Homeland Security, Iowa will use the funds to upgrade 42.9 miles of electric distribution line, so that it can better withstand severe weather.  This is part of Iowa's Consumers Energy Overhead Electric Retrofit Project.

FEMA obligates funding for these projects directly to the state.  It is the state's responsibility to ensure that the eligible sub-grantees receive these awards.  FEMA contributes 75 percent of the total cost of a project.  State and local entities contribute the other 25 percent.

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