16 Sep 2011

Extreme Makeover: Home Edition Coming to Northeast Iowa and Community Invited to Pep Rally at UNI's McLeod Center

By Rick Martin
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Cedar Falls, Iowa – ABC's Emmy-winning hit show Extreme Makeover: Home Edition has selected a Northeast Iowa family to feature on its award-winning show that changes the lives of families and inspires remarkable community support. Each week, the show travels across the country building a new home for a deserving family.

Larson Construction Co., Inc., of Independence, Iowa, has been selected as the builder for the project. Larson Construction Co., Inc. is a family-owned business that has been in the construction industry since the 1960's and encompasses both general contracting for commercial and industrial buildings and project management.

Struxture Architects has been selected as the architect for the project. Located in Waterloo and West Des Moines, Struxture has designed commercial, educational and civic projects throughout Iowa and the Midwest since 1934.

While Larson is the main builder and a major contributor to the project, the project relies on volunteers and Northeast Iowa residents to join.  A pep rally will be held on Tuesday, September 20, at the University of Northern Iowa's McLeod Center to kick off the volunteer effort that will help accomplish this amazing feat for a deserving family.

Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. and the event will begin at 6 p.m. Parking and admission are free, but participants are encouraged to bring a nonperishable food item, which will be donated to the Northeast Iowa Food Bank.

The pep rally will be hosted by Gary Kroeger, formerly of Saturday Night Live and currently Creative Director at the Mudd Group, he'll be joined by several members of the Extreme Makeover: Home Edition production team who will talk about the show and give information on how people can help.

The event will also feature the Independence High School Marching Band, UNI cheerleaders and singer Elea Uhl, of Decorah.

The exact town and family details will not be released until after the door knock on Sunday, October 2, where Ty Pennington, team leader of the show, and his design team, will show up on the selected Northeast Iowa family's doorstep.

Larson Construction is inviting volunteers to provide their time, support and resources to help ensure the success of this life-altering project. Interested individuals or companies can find more information on how to volunteer time and/or resources at www.joinextreme.com/iowa.

There will also be a food drive for the Northeast Iowa Food Bank, which will be set up collecting canned or packaged food donations at the makeover site.

"We are thrilled that Extreme Makeover: Home Edition has selected a Northeast Iowa family for their next makeover and we are excited to not only make a difference in the lives of a deserving family, but to also play a part in inspiring our entire area for a great cause," said Ed Larson, President of Larson Construction.

For more information on volunteering visit www.joinextreme.com/iowa. To make a monetary donation toward the Family/Build Fund, make checks to Family/Build Fund, c/o BankIowa, PO Box 229, Independence, Iowa 50644

The Emmy award winning reality program Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, now in its 9th season, is produced by Endemol USA, a division of Endemol Holding. It's executive-produced by Brady Connell and George Verschoor. David Goldberg is Chairman, Endemol North America. The show airs Sundays from 7:00-8:00 p.m., CST on ABC.

 

PEP RALLY SUMMARY

WHAT: On Tuesday, September 20, a pep rally will be held for volunteers interested in being part of ABC's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition build in Northeast Iowa.

WHO: Gary Kroeger as host and special appearances by Milan Vasic, Senior Producer of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition as well as other representatives from the show.

WHEN: Tuesday, September 20, 6 - 8 p.m.

WHERE: University of Northern Iowa's McLeod Center, Cedar Falls, Iowa

WHY: Learn what Extreme Makeover: Home Edition is all about and how they bring communities together while changing lives. The rally will also provide those interested in volunteering or being a part of the project an opportunity to learn how they can help and get a jumpstart on signing up to volunteer. Find out the build schedule, the need for volunteers and how everyone can help. The team will also field some questions from the crowd. To make a monetary donation toward the Family/Build Fund, make checks to Family/Build Fund, c/o BankIowa, PO Box 229, Independence, Iowa 50644.

16 Sep 2011

Grassley Requests Agriculture Disaster Declaration for 27 Additional Iowa Counties

By Grassley Press

WASHINGTON - Senator Chuck Grassley today asked U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to grant a request by Iowa Governor Terry Branstad for 27 additional counties be designated as disaster areas.  The counties sustained substantial damage from several weather events over the summer, including a major hail and wind storm in July.

"Farmers across the state have faced about every kind of challenge that summer weather can bring.  People along the Missouri River haven't been able to assess the damage to their fields because they are still under water.  And, farmers stretching from Fremont County to Linn County have dealt with hail, wind, and drought damage," Grassley said.  "I've seen this damage firsthand as I've traveled Iowa during the month of August.  I hope Secretary Vilsack acts on Iowa's request as soon as possible."

If granted, farmers in the counties of Adams, Clarke, Davis, Decatur, Fremont, Henry, Jefferson, Jones, Keokuk, Lee, Linn, Louisa, Lucas, Marshall, Mills, Monona, Monroe, Montgomery, Page, Polk, Tama, Taylor, Van Buren, Wapello, Washington, Wayne and Woodbury, and in the counties adjacent to each of those counties, would be eligible for FSA emergency loans, the Livestock Indemnity Program, and the Supplemental Revenue Assistance Payments (SURE) Program.

Here is a copy of Grassley's letter to Vilsack.  Branstad's letter can be found by clicking here.

September 13, 2011

The Honorable Thomas Vilsack

Secretary

U.S. Department of Agriculture

1400 Independence Avenue, SW

Washington, DC 20250

Dear Secretary Vilsack:

I respectfully ask that you grant the request made by Iowa Governor Terry Branstad for a disaster designation for 27 counties in the State of Iowa as a result of severe weather including hail, drought conditions, and strong winds that were supposedly measured in some areas at over 100 miles per hour.  Not only did the strong winds damage crops, but it also caused significant damage to buildings and equipment.  The 27 Iowa counties which have been severely impacted by these weather events are Adams, Clarke, Davis, Decatur, Fremont, Henry, Jefferson, Jones, Keokuk, Lee, Linn, Louisa, Lucas, Marshall, Mills, Monona, Montgomery, Page, Polk, Tama, Taylor, Van Buren, Wapello, Washington, Wayne, and Woodbury.

Thank you for your prompt consideration of this request.

Sincerely,

Charles E. Grassley

United States Senator

16 Sep 2011

Handmade City Holiday Show 2011

By Handmade City
Hello Fellow Artists & Art Lovers!

We are happy to announce our next event will be December 3rd, 2011 at Rozz-Toxx in Rock Island, Illinois.

Applications for event have opened on our website. Space is limited so if you, or someone you know, would like to apply please do so ASAP!

More details to follow very soon!

Help spread the word, we are looking forward to another great event.

Handmade City
16 Sep 2011

Braley Working to Rebuild Iowa Communities

By Kira Ayish

Introduces bill to help rehabilitation in Cedar Rapids, Dubuque, Des Moines, Davenport, Centerville, Corning and Bloomfield

Washington, DC - Today, Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) introduced legislation to help rebuild Iowa communities that have been damaged by natural disasters.  The Rebuilding Communities Act extends important tax breaks for the historic tax credit and rehabilitation tax credit, targeted at flooded Midwestern areas for an additional three years. By providing these tax credits to help damaged communities rebuild, they are able to complete important historic rehabilitation development projects and bring numerous employment opportunities back to these areas.

"It is vital that we give flooded cities the tools to continue to renovate and rebuild," said Rep. Braley. "I continue to work hard to help Iowans recover from the floods and tornadoes of 2008, as well as the most recent flooding this summer. Recovering from damage sustained from these disasters takes years, and now is not the time to let this disaster recovery tax credit expire."

"Iowa communities are resilient, but they need support as they rebuild from the damage and destruction these disasters caused.  Helping our communities rebuild after they have been hit by a natural disaster is a critical step on the road to recovery. Ensuring that our communities have the ability to rebuild means increased job creation and faster economic recovery."

The Rebuilding Communities Act will extend tax provisions originally passed in 2008 in the Heartland Disaster Tax Relief Act.  Included in the legislation were provisions to give tax credits to rehabilitate buildings in communities that were damaged or destroyed by Midwest disasters. Cities throughout Iowa, including Dubuque, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Bloomfield, Centerville, Corning and Des Moines would all benefit from the extension of these tax breaks.

In 2008, the historic tax credit was raised from 20% to 26% of qualified expenditures for any certified historic structure.  The rehabilitation credit was raised from 10% to 13% of qualified expenditures for certain other buildings undergoing rehabilitation.  Currently, these tax breaks are set to expire on December 31, 2011.  The Rebuilding Communities Act would extend these tax breaks for 3 years, through December 31, 2014.
16 Sep 2011

Governor Quinn: Illinois Film Industry Boosting State Economy

By Katelyn Tye

Blockbuster Productions Like Superman 'Man of Steel' Put Illinois on Pace for Another Record Year

CHICAGO - September 13, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today visited the production set of the new Superman movie Man of Steel to highlight the impact the film industry is having on the Illinois economy. Illinois' film industry saw a record $161 million in spending in 2010, a 54 percent increase from 2009, and resulted in more than 8,000 job hires. Approximately 550 people in Illinois are being hired for Man of Steel alone.

"With major movie productions like Man of Steel coming to Illinois, the film industry is continuing to strengthen our state's economy and create thousands of jobs," Governor Quinn said. "This film is a great example of how the impact of film and television productions is far-reaching in the Illinois economy, benefiting everyone from local restaurants to the carpenters, truck drivers, caterers and custodial staff who make them possible."

With the filming of Man of Steel, several major television shows and many commercial productions that have already filmed in the state this year, 2011 is promising to be another banner year for the Illinois film industry.

Man of Steel began production in late July in and around Plano, where the city was transformed into Clark Kent's hometown of Smallville. Production moved to Chicago on Sept. 7, where the movie is currently filming. The film stars Henry Cavill as Superman/Clark Kent, Amy Adams as Lois Lane, Kevin Costner and Diane Lane as Clark's parents, Laurence Fishburne as Daily Planet Editor Perry White and Russell Crowe as Jor-El, Clark's biological father. Chicagoan Michael Shannon stars as General Zod.

"Illinois continues to make important investments in the film industry as a way to create jobs and cultivate a more sustainable industry, which will help Illinois maintain its competitive edge against other leading production centers," DCEO Director Warren Ribley said. "The state sees an immediate return on investment when productions like Man of Steel film in Illinois, not only by increasing economic activity and adding jobs, but also by showcasing Illinois' great locations and skilled workforce."

"Last year was a record-breaking year for the Illinois film industry and with major productions like Man of Steel filming in Illinois, this is sure to be another successful year," Betsy Steinberg, Managing Director of the Illinois Film Office said. "We're seeing more and more films, TV series and commercials choosing to shoot in Illinois, which is giving our economy a boost and creating jobs."

Illinois' film industry saw a record $161 million in spending in 2010, which topped the $155 million in spending in 2007 and represents a 54 percent increase from 2009.

Earlier this year, Governor Quinn helped dedicate a new soundstage development, Cinespace Chicago Film Studios, which will make Illinois an even more attractive filming destination. The new studio, when fully built out, will include 1.2 million square feet of space and is located on 48.2 acres at the site of the old Ryerson Steel property on the near southwest side of Chicago between Ogden and Western Avenues.

 

With many unique locations, talented crews, and ample sound stages, the Illinois Film Office (IFO) actively pursues film projects by promoting Illinois as an ideal location to film. In addition, the IFO administers the Illinois' Film Tax Credit, which has been instrumental in spurring growth of Illinois' film industry. Illinois offers a 30 percent tax credit to filmmakers for money spent on Illinois goods and services, including wages paid to Illinois residents. Since its inception, the Film Tax Credit has helped bring over half a billion dollars in revenue to the state and over 10,000 full time equivalent jobs.

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16 Sep 2011

New book helps readers find peace in silent moments

By Laurie Tomlinson

ANAMOSA, Iowa - To really reap the benefits of God's word and purpose for one's life, Iowa author Sherry Hill believes it is imperative for individuals to take a deep breath, step back, and just be quiet.

In her small and powerful new book, "In the Silence: How to attain true peace and self-discovery through the Lord's purpose," Hill outlines the path to true and healing silence, helping readers see themselves for who they are and allowing them to emerge and walk into a new life of goals, discipline, destiny, and victory.

"A fulfilled existence is out there waiting for you?all you have to do is reach out and grab it," Hill says. "By listening to yourself and taking the right way, rather than the convenient, you will reach a potential that will both challenge and reward you."

Hill invites readers to join her in accomplishing life's divine, God-ordained purpose and attaining ultimate peace in the silence.

Published by Tate Publishing and Enterprises, the book is available through bookstores nationwide, from the publisher at www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore, or by visiting barnesandnoble.com or amazon.com.

Hill is a student and mother of an adult son, Alex, who suffers from autism. She knows that God has blessed her with this child, and has a profound desire to transcend any obstacles to give her son the best and most rewarding life that he can have. She and her son live in the small community of Anamosa, Iowa.

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16 Sep 2011

12th ANNUAL BREW HA HA SET FOR SEPTEMBER 17th IN LECLAIRE PARK PROCEEDS SUPPORT LOCAL PUBLIC TELEVISION

By Lora Adams

MOLINE, ILLINOIS - WQPT hosts the 12th annual Brew Ha Ha at LeClaire Park in downtown Davenport on Saturday, September 17TH from 1 to 5 p.m.  A wide variety of ales, pilsners, and porters are available for tasting as well as cheeses provided by Cabot Creamery Cooperative of Vermont.

Musical performances by Wicked Liz and the Belly Swirls take place at 1 - 2:30 pm and 3:15 to 4:15 pm. The comedy will be provided by The Blacklist Improv Comedy Troupe.  They perform from 2:30 - 3:15 pm. Games return for attendees to try like the Beer Bottle Ring Toss and the Golf Ball Stack, with prizes from everyone. Admission to Brew Ha Ha includes an event program, unlimited tasting, and a commemorative tasting glass.

Presenting Sponsors for Brew Ha Ha are Old Chicago, Rhythm City Casino,  River Cities Reader, Rock 104.9, Star 93.5, 97X Classic Hits, KJOC 1170AM, along with Dimitri Wine & Spirits, Inc., Glazer's Distributors of Iowa, Coors Light, Budweiser, KWQC, Mediacom, Downtown Partnership,and Cabot Creamery Cooperative. With additional support from The Blacklist Improv Comedy Troupe,  Hawkeye Ice, Iowa American Water, Iowa QC Chamber Downtown Partnership, Millennium Waste, Quad City Golf Cars and Sunbelt Rentals.

Tickets for Brew Ha Ha are $20.00 prior to the event and $25.00 at the gate. "We are continuing our tradition of keeping ticket sales capped so that our attendees are able to enjoy as many tastings as they like," said WQPT Special Projects Coordinator, Bea Brasel. Tickets may be purchased at the WQPT offices at 3800 Avenue of the Cities, Suite 101, Moline and  CO-OP Records in Davenport and Moline (add a $1.00 service fee at CO-OP locations) until 5 pm on Friday, September 16th and until midnight at Old Chicago in Bettendorf.  Attendees must be 21 or older. Children in strollers and animals will not be admitted. Feel free to bring your own lawn chair.  For more information log on to wqpt.org/brew.

Brew Ha Ha is a fundraising event to support WQPT, the local public television station serving eastern Iowa and western Illinois.

# # #
16 Sep 2011

America's Family Coaches Presents Military Marriage Conference

By Angela Ten Clay

DES MOINES, Iowa, September 13, 2011 - In the fall of 2010, Iowa faced its largest deployment since World War II, with over 2,800 soldiers deployed. Imagine being separated from your spouse and family for months or years, and then returning after so much time has passed and readjusting. For the men and women in our military in Iowa, these difficulties are a reality.

In response to this large deployment and the return of many of our troops, America's Family Coaches is hosting a Military Marriage Conference October 7-8 at the Sheraton West Des Moines Hotel. Military personnel are invited to bring their husband or wife to the event where they will be pampered with a one-night hotel stay, meals, marriage resources, entertainment by a comedian and marriage teaching sessions by Dr. Gary & Barb Rosberg.

Internationally known marriage experts Dr. Gary & Barb Rosberg and their non-profit organization, America's Family Coaches, have created a pipeline of resources to strengthen military marriages before, during and after deployment. Through a network of military chaplains in 17 states, the Rosbergs are providing resources offering ongoing hope, encouragement and support to deployed soldiers as well as their families at home.

Over the past few years, generous donors have provided more than 16,000 free resources for military families. The impact of these resources has been so significant that chaplains have specifically identified and requested resources for more people nationally, as sponsorships become available.

Military couples can register for the event and learn more at www.TheGreatMarriageExperience.com. Major sponsors are still needed to underwrite this event so couples can attend for only $20. To make a donation, visit the website or call 515.334.7482 ext. 7006.

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16 Sep 2011

U.S. Soybeans Take the Field for Football Season

By United Soybean Board
EVENT

U.S SOYBEANS ARE IN THE FIELD ? FOOTBALL FIELD, THAT IS

U.S. soybeans can be used to make food, feed, fiber, fuel and, now, fields. Kansas State University recently installed AstroTurf® GameDay Grass® on its football field. The turf's backing includes soy-based BioCel®, from Universal Textile Technologies. BioCel uses soy-based-polyol technology developed with support from the soybean checkoff.

Checkoff farmer-director Bob Haselwood can tell you more about the new, sustainable turf, as well as other uses for U.S. soy that may surprise you.

Haselwood will be in the Kansas Soybean Commission's tent before the Wildcats' game against Kent State. Come by and join him!

Try some barbecue, play a round on a miniature golf course made with soy-based turf and other soy-based products and even take home a turf sample!

You can also find ample material for further stories. Manufacturers of industrial products increasingly use more and more soy as a replacement for petroleum-based products. You might be surprised.
DATES Saturday, Sept. 17, 3-6 p.m. Central Time
LOCATION Kansas Soybean Commission tent
Outside the southwest corner of Bill Snyder Family Stadium
Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kan.
16 Sep 2011

Fwd: CNN removes Gary Johnson from poll two weeks after he outpolled Huntsman and Santorum -- in their own poll!

By Ron Nielson
September 12, 2011

Gary Johnson is the anti-establishment Republican Presidential candidate. He is committed to cutting spending, balancing the budget, rooting out special interests, and protecting Liberty for all Americans.

A CNN poll two weeks ago showed him tied with Herman Cain and ahead of Rick Santorum and Jon Huntsman.

It's disappointing, then, that Governor Johnson's established credibility as a presidential candidate has not earned him the opportunity to present his message in the nationally televised debates.

Our campaign has been respectful when questioning the media's decisions to exclude Governor Johnson, but credible observers have speculated that there may in fact be a 'Gary Johnson Rule' to ensure that he doesn't appear on stage. (See here and here.)

While the national media may have devised polling "criteria" to determine who is invited and who is not, those criteria become a lot less objective if the polls they're based on don't include all the candidates.

How can you qualify for the debates when you're not included in the polls?

The irony, of course, is that many of the same media outlets who decide the debate participants are also the same people who devise the national polls. While they may say that their debates are open to anyone, their carefully restricted polls effectively play the role of gatekeeper.

When Governor Johnson was included by CNN in their last nationwide survey, he placed ahead of Jon Huntsman and Rick Santorum, and tied with Herman Cain -- all three of whom have been invited to every debate, including tonight's.

But this morning, despite his previous inclusion -- and despite polling ahead or even with three other candidates -- CNN released their latest poll without Governor Johnson as an option.

We find this truly baffling, and have been left scratching our heads. And so we ask, 'why?'

What is it that CNN is afraid of? Is a candidate with fresh ideas - and a track record as a successful two-term governor - too much for the establishment to deal with?

Or is it that CNN can't understand how Gary Johnson can poll competitively with other candidates who've spent millions -- possibly 10 or 20 times the amount Governor Johnson has spent?

Why does it seem so infeasible that an authentic message from a former Governor with a true record of fiscal conservatism would resonate with real voters?

We don't know what's going on, but something is.

If you are as bewildered and concerned as we are, ask CNN what the deal is. Here are their email addresses and phone numbers:

CNN:

(404) 827-1500 or (202) 898-7900
Text: CNN (space) and your news tip to 772937 (don't forget the space after CNN).
http://www.cnn.com/feedback/forms/form1.html
Twitter: @CNN or @teamCNN

It's time for the establishment media to admit that Gary Johnson speaks for a lot of Republicans and Independents whose views are simply not being heard on their invitation-only stages.

Thank you for your current and ongoing support: https://donate.GaryJohnson2012.com.

Live Free,

Ron Nielson
Senior Campaign Advisor
Gary Johnson 2012

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