23 Aug 2011

LEARN HOW YOU CAN BECOME A TOUR GUIDE AT THE FIGGE

By Susan Horan

Information session offered Wednesday, August 24

The Figge Art Museum is offering an information session on the museum's Candidate Docent Training Program at 10:30 am Wednesday, August 24. Docents are volunteers who lead exhibition tours for schoolchildren and adults. Museum staff will explain the program requirements and answer questions prospective docents may have about the program. The information session will last about an hour.

The Candidate Docent Training Program consists of art history talks, gallery talks, and group activities to learn how to talk about and help visitors appreciate works of art on display in the Figge galleries. The program runs 9:30-11:30 Wednesday, September 14-December 7. The program is taught by Figge Curator of Education Ann Marie Hayes-Hawkinson, guest lecturers, and Figge docents who serve as mentors.

For more information about the Figge's Docent Program, please visit the Figge website at www.figgeart.org.

-end-

 

23 Aug 2011

Apple Cake Takes First in Healthy Creations Contest at State Fair

By readMedia

DES MOINES, IA (08/22/2011)(readMedia)-- Shirley Steele of Washington was awarded First Place Overall in the Healthy Creations contest judged Monday at the 2011 Iowa State Fair. Steele's Raw Apple Cake also earned first place in the desserts category .

Entries were judged on flavor, healthiness, appearance, originality, creativity and ease of preparation.

Additional results below:

Entrées

1) Joyce Whipps, West Des Moines

Appetizers

1) Diane Rauh, Des Moines

2) Deana Wright, Colfax

Desserts

1) Shirley Steele, Washington

2) Cindie Robinette-Anderson, Des Moines

3) Laura Snell, Norwalk

The Iowa State Fair Food Department is the largest of any state fair in the country. Food Department judging is held in the Elwell Family Food Center sponsored by Blue Bunny.

"Nothing Compares" to the 2011 Iowa State Fair, celebrating 100 years of the Butter Cow August 11-21. The Fairgrounds are located at East 30th and East University Avenue, just 10 minutes east of downtown Des Moines, and are open 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. each day of the Fair. Exhibit hours may vary. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit iowastatefair.org.

* * *

23 Aug 2011

Bettendorf Cook Bowls Over Judges in State Fair Soup Contest

By readMedia

DES MOINES, IA (08/22/2011)(readMedia)-- Norita Solt of Bettendorf won first place and a $100 cash award in the Souper Soups competition judged Wednesday at the 2011 Iowa State Fair.

Kyle Barton of West Des Moines took second place and $50. Ginger Johnson of West Des Moines claimed third place and $25.

Krista Kulas of Johnston received an honorable mention.

Entries were judged on taste, appearance and uniqueness.

The Iowa State Fair Food Department is the largest of any state fair in the country. Food Department judging is held in the Elwell Family Food Center sponsored by Blue Bunny.

"Nothing Compares" to the 2011 Iowa State Fair, celebrating 100 years of the Butter Cow August 11-21. The Fairgrounds are located at East 30th and East University Avenue, just 10 minutes east of downtown Des Moines, and are open 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. each day of the Fair. Exhibit hours may vary. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit iowastatefair.org.

* * *

23 Aug 2011

Governor Quinn Signs Bill to Reduce Transportation Costs for Illinois Businesses

By Katelyn Tye

New Law Modifies Truck Weight Limits to Increase Efficiency on Short Trips

EAST ALTON - August 22, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today signed legislation to help reduce fuel and equipment costs for trucking companies throughout Illinois. The new law allows the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) to issue permits for loads that previously exceeded size and weight restrictions for travel on state highways if specific conditions are met.

"This law will significantly cut transportation costs for companies throughout Illinois to help them grow their businesses and put more people to work," Governor Quinn said. "Common sense laws like this will help us continue to strengthen Illinois' position as the nation's inland port."

Sponsored by Sen. William Haine (D-Alton) and Rep. Daniel Beiser (D-Alton), Senate Bill 42 applies to "divisible" loads that previously had to be broken down into separate shipments to meet the standard truck weight limit of 80,000 pounds. Examples include sand, dirt, gravel, stone, logs, scrap metal, fuel, milk and garbage.

The new law means IDOT can issue the necessary permits for a truck hauling a load in excess of 80,000 pounds if it is traveling less than five miles and will not negatively impact pavement conditions along its route. In evaluating whether a load must be split in to another load, IDOT also must consider the safety of other motorists and the effects on economic development in the surrounding community.

Any vehicle load found by IDOT to be non-divisible still must comply with the state's established size and weight requirements.

"The Illinois Department of Transportation is committed to maintaining a safe, reliable system of highways while helping to improve the state's business climate. This law allows us to do both," Acting Illinois Transportation Secretary Ann Schneider said. "We constantly are achieving new records in motorist safety. This bill ensures that progress continues."

The new law goes into effect immediately.

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23 Aug 2011

Battle of Butter Sculpture Pays Tribute to Tradition at Iowa State Fair

By readMedia

DES MOINES, IA (08/22/2011)(readMedia)-- Three teams competed in the Battle of the Butter on Saturday at the 2011 Iowa State Fair.

First place went to Team Butter Squad with their Camping with the Cow sculpture created by teammates Melody Black, Dakota Black and Sawyer Black, all of Wellman, and Ryan Blakley of Libertyville.

Team Bead Happy, Live Piecefully was awarded second place for their sculpture, Barn Quilt. Teammates were Jill Prater of Moravia and Robin Caley of Unionville, Mo.

Third place went to team Iowa State Fair Board Members and Spouses by teammates CW and Kay Thomas of Guthrie Center and Alan and Deb Brown of Hampton.

The Battle of the Butter is part of the festivities celebrating 100 years of the Butter Cow. Teams of two to four sculptors compete daily for a chance to have their sculpture on display in the John Deere Agriculture Building, sponsored by Alliant Energy, alongside the 2011 Butter Cow. A $100 prize is awarded to the winning team each day. Judging is based on originality, creativity and use of butter.

The 2011 Iowa State Fair "Nothing Compares" ends today. The 2012 Iowa State Fair is set August 9-19. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visitiowastatefair.org.

* * *

22 Aug 2011

Ron Paul Returns to Iowa After Historic Showing at Ames

By Ron Paul 2012 PCC
Dr. Paul to make five stops to speak, meet voters ANKENY, Iowa - The Iowa component of the Ron Paul 2012 Presidential Campaign announced today that Ron Paul will return to Iowa on Saturday, August 27th, two weeks after his historic near-first place showing at the Ames Straw Poll.  

Dr. Paul will greet Republican voters in Madison County, sign copies of his book Liberty Defined, grant an in-studio interview to Iowa Public Radio, speak at the Iowa Corn Growers Annual Meeting and attend the Polk County Republican Summer Picnic.

Dr. Paul's visit takes place two weeks after his historic showing at the consequential Ames Straw Poll.  Dr. Paul won 4,671 votes at Ames, topping Governor Mitt Romney's vote total from 2007 and drawing a near statistical tie with winner Michele Bachmann at 27.6 percent of the vote versus 28.5 percent.  Dr. Paul's finish earned him a strong second place and it was the fourth highest vote total ever received by a candidate at the important test of candidate strength.

"We are so pleased to again welcome Dr. Paul to Iowa, particularly in the aftermath of his respectable showing at the Ames Straw Poll," said Iowa campaign chairman Drew Ivers.

"This next visit of Dr. Paul's and future visits will enable the Iowa team to build upon past successes while redoubling our efforts on behalf of our candidate, who is the number one family-friendly champion of the Constitution," said Mr. Ivers.

Details of the events are as follows.  All times CDT.

Saturday, August 27, 2011

10:00 a.m.
Madison County GOP Meet & Greet
North Side Café
61 W. Jefferson St. (N. of Courthouse)
Winterset, Iowa 50273

1:00 p.m.
Signs copies of his book Liberty Defined
Barnes & Noble Booksellers
4550 University Avenue
West Des Moines, IA 50266 

2:30 p.m.
Iowa Public Radio (10-min in-studio recording)                   
2111 Grand Avenue
Des Moines, Iowa 50312

3:45 p.m.
Iowa Corn Growers Annual Meeting and Policy Conference           
Polk Room
Sheraton Hotel
1800 50th Street
West Des Moines, Iowa 50266          

5:15 p.m.
Polk County Republican Summer Picnic Fundraiser             
Jalapeño Pete's at the Iowa State Fairgrounds
(Centrally located at the State Fairgrounds across from the Admin. Bldg.)

Contact:
Drew Ivers, Iowa Campaign Chairman
Drewi@RonPaul2012.com
515.835.1914

 

Authorized and paid for by Ron Paul 2012 PCC. www.RonPaul2012.com


###
22 Aug 2011

Braley Tours Flood Damage in Dubuque & Jackson Counties

By Kira Ayish

Briefed by city and county officials on damage and recovery efforts

Dubuque, IA -Today, Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) toured Dubuque and Jackson Counties to see flood damage these areas sustained from severe storms that occurred July 27-29, 2011. 

Rep. Braley met with Dubuque City and County officials as he visited areas damaged by the floods last month. He received an update on the damage that occurred to city infrastructure including several bridges and the wastewater treatment facility in Dubuque.  Additionally, he toured flood damage at the Swiss Valley Park & Campground and received an update on flood recovery efforts by local officials who are working on public infrastructure and potential buyouts of private residences. In Jackson County, Rep. Braley was briefed by county officials and toured county roads and bridges that sustained damage during the recent floods.

"As people in these communities continue rebuilding from these storms, I encourage them to contact my office for any help they may need," said Rep. Braley. "I know navigating through government red tape during a time of recovery is the last thing people want to worry about. I'm here to make sure that Iowans get the help they need."

Earlier this month, Rep. Braley led an Iowa House delegation letter to President Obama urging him to support Gov. Branstad's request to declare Dubuque and Jackson counties major disaster areas as a result of the severe storms and flooding that took place in these counties.

"Dubuque and Jackson suffered serious damage from the storms that occurred last month. These storms severely damaged Iowa schools, hospitals, fire stations and other infrastructure critical to these communities," said Rep. Braley. "I strongly urge President Obama to declare these counties disaster areas so they are eligible for the support they need in order to rebuild as quickly as possible."

As these communities begin to recover and rebuild, the Small Business Administration (SBA) has made low-interest disaster loans available to residents and business owners impacted by these storms and flooding. Disaster loans of up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible for loans of up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property, and businesses and non-profit organizations may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged property or other business assets.

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22 Aug 2011

Governor Quinn Takes Bill Action **Friday, August 19, 2011**

By No Author

CHICAGO - August 19, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today took action on the following bills:  

   

Bill No.: HB 298  

An Act Concerning: State Government  

Allows the courts discretion to seal non-conviction records in felony arrests and charges.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: HB 466  

An Act Concerning: Finance  

Exempts universities' deferred payment plans from collection by the state for 8 years, and prohibits the sale of state debt on federal monies for child support, unemployment insurance, and the road fund. Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: HB 1149  

An Act Concerning: Public Health  

Allows those adopting internationally to use an IH-3 visa as a record of foreign birth instead of just an IR-3 form.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: HB 1320  

An Act Concerning: Local Government  

Permits the City of West Chicago to annex two parcels of land adjacent to the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory and bring them under the control of municipal ordinances.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: HB 1398  

An Act Concerning: Safety  

Requires all hotels to place smoke detectors within 15 feet of rooms devoted for sleeping.             

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Jan. 1  

   

Bill No.: HB 1426  

An Act Concerning: Aging  

Requires the Department of Aging to investigate the cost of maintaining an inventory of services available to older adults.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: HB 1476  

An Act Concerning: Professional Regulation  

Requires more disclosure and notifications of complaints and reports filed with the Medical Disciplinary Board to complainants and subjects.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Jan. 1  

   

Bill No.: HB 1702  

An Act Concerning: Transportation  

Allows a licensed physician's assistant and a licensed advanced practice nurse to administer blood tests for alcohol and drug testing in DUI situations.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: HB 1926  

An Act Concerning: Revenue  

Determines that a Housing Authority whose title is owned by a partnership or LLC is still eligible for the tax exemption if the authority would otherwise still be eligible.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: HB 2259  

An Act Concerning: Government  

Exempts Public Aid appeals committee correspondence from the Open Meetings Act and the Freedom of Information Act.    

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: HB 3346  

An Act Concerning: Finance  

Creates the Illinois Law Enforcement Alarm Systems Fund to support law enforcement, airborne, and terrorism operations.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: HB 3417  

An Act Concerning: Criminal Law  

Changes the funds where court fees get deposited for probation offenses.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Jan. 1  

   

Bill No.: SB 270  

An Act Concerning: State Government  

Separates the Division of the Lottery from the Department of Revenue.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately, except provisions related to the separation take place October 15, 2011.   

   

Bill No.: SB 665  

An Act Concerning: Regulation  

Allows businesses with a craft distiller license to manufacture and store up to 15,000 gallons of spirits per year  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: SB 670  

An Act Concerning: Regulation  

Requires that if a pharmacist substitutes any generic prescription in place of a brand-name anti-epileptic drug, then the pharmacist must provide written notice to the patient before the prescription is dispensed.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Jan. 1  

   

Bill No.: SB 1043  

An Act Concerning: Criminal Law  

Requires Law enforcement to provide notice to victims or families of victims when re-opening a closed case for investigation except when the State's Attorney determines doing so could interfere with the investigation.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Jan. 1  

   

Bill No.: SB 1073  

An Act Concerning: Civil Law  

Grants Will County quick-take powers for year in an area of an intersection in order to make road improvements.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: SB 1213  

An Act Concerning: Safety  

Prohibits the sale and distribution of mercury-containing rings, seals, and sensors and clarifies the requirements faced by scrap metal recyclers in the removal of mercury switches from end-of-life vehicles.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: July 1, 2012  

   

Bill No.: SB 1253  

An Act Concerning: Local Government  

Expands the list of offices a county board member may hold to include community college district board member, if the county has fewer than 40,000 inhabitants.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: SB 1794  

An Act Concerning: Education  

Amends the School Code and removes the categorizations for special education teachers and inserts new cross-categorizations for special education teachers.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: SB 1843  

An Act Concerning: Regulation  

Modifies definition for "chiropractic physician" specifically allowing them to provide advice regarding the use of non-prescription products and to administer oxygen.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: SB 2063  

An Act Concerning: Local Government  

Creates the Prepaid Wireless 9-1-1 Surcharge Act to streamline the way 9-1-1 surcharges are collected from prepaid wireless companies  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Jan. 1, except sections pertaining to the Emergency Telephone System Act and the Public Utilities Act, which take effect immediately.  

   

 

###

22 Aug 2011

Bettendorf Cook Wins State Fair Cooking with Mrs. Clark's Contest

By readMedia

DES MOINES, IA (08/19/2011)(readMedia)-- Norita Solt of Bettendorf won first place and a $50 cash award in the Dinner with Mrs. Clark's competition judged Saturday at the 2011 Iowa State Fair.

Christine Montalvo of Windsor Heights took second place, and Scott Andreas of Ankeny earned third place.

Cooks were challenged to use at least ½ cup of Mrs. Clark's juice in a main dish.

Entries were judged on taste, creative use of juice and appearance.

"Nothing Compares" to the 2011 Iowa State Fair, celebrating 100 years of the Butter Cow August 11-21. The Fairgrounds are located at East 30th and East University Avenue, just 10 minutes east of downtown Des Moines, and are open 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. each day of the Fair. Exhibit hours may vary. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit iowastatefair.org.

* * *

22 Aug 2011

Governor Quinn Signs Legislation to Boost Public Safety in Illinois

By Andrew Mason

Laws to Protect Tenants, Help Fight Drunk Driving and Sex Crimes

SPRINGFIELD - August 21, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today continued his push to increase public safety in Illinois by signing 12 new laws that will strengthen drunken driving enforcement, protect renters from theft, and help prosecutors get justice for victims of sex crimes.

"Protecting the people of Illinois is a top priority," Governor Quinn said. "These new laws crack down on crime and make our state a safer place, and my Administration will continue to implement policies that improve public safety for all people."

House Bill 1241, sponsored by Rep. Lisa Hernandez (D-Cicero) and Sen. Iris Martinez (D-Chicago), will help prosecutors more aggressively pursue driving under the influence charges by requiring law enforcement officers to request a chemical test of an alleged intoxicated driver when the officer has probable cause to believe that alcohol was a factor in an accident that caused personal injury or death. Currently police procedure accepts, but does not require, chemical tests that reliably measure blood and urine samples for intoxication levels.

Governor Quinn also approved House Bill 147, sponsored by Rep. Lisa Dugan (D-Bradley) and Sen. Toi Hutchinson (D-Chicago Heights), which cracks down on bus drivers who are driving under the influence of alcohol and better protects students. Passed unanimously by the legislature, the new law imposes a three-year suspension of a bus driver's license if the driver tests positive for alcohol or drugs or refuses a blood-alcohol test.

Senate Bill 1035, sponsored by Sen. Hutchinson and Rep. Emily McAsey (D-Romeoville), was also signed to help ensure child-predators are more quickly brought to justice. SB 1035 expands the Illinois Attorney General and States' Attorneys authority to issue subpoenas to electronic communication companies such as internet service providers for records pertaining to criminal investigations of child sexual exploitation. This law will help ensure vital electronic records of criminal behavior are not lost due to court system delays. Governor Quinn also signed House Bill 277, a related measure sponsored by Rep. Bill Cunningham (D-Beverly) and Sen. John Mulroe (D-Chicago). HB 277 law protects victims of sex-based crimes and their families by making those who are required to be or are registered as sex offenders guilty of aggravated stalking when the offender violates orders of protection or otherwise terrorizes their previous victims or their families.

To protect local peace officers from unfounded complaints, Governor Quinn signed House Bill 1985, sponsored by Rep. John D'Amico (D-Chicago) and Rep. Bill Haine (D-Alton). The new law will require that any sworn complaint against a peace officer that is found to contain knowingly false information to be forwarded to the State's Attorney for a determination of  prosecution. This measure extends existing protections for state police officers to local authorities and helps them clear their records of false complaints, which are frequently made by gang members.

"This bill adds a layer of protection for the officers who serve and protect us every day," Rep. D'Amico said.

Governor Quinn also approved House Bill 1233 to protect renters from theft due to key mismanagement. Sponsored by Rep. Rita Mayfield (D-Waukegan) and Sen. Emil Jones III (D-Chicago), the new law requires landlords in Cook County to change the locks of each unit before a new tenant moves in and provide a signed disclosure form to the renter that confirms the change. If the lock change is not made,  landlords will be civilly liable for theft and other damages incurred by tenants that are found to be caused by not changing the lock.

In addition, Governor Quinn signed the following bills to improve public safety, including:

    • House Bill 143, sponsored by former Rep. Dan Reitz (D-Steeleville) and Sen. Bill Hanie (D-Alton), allows an active member of a nationally recognized military re-enactment group to possess a vintage rifle or modern reproduction if they meet certain requirements.
    • House Bill 233 (Rebecca's Law), sponsored by Minority Leader Rep. Tom Cross (R-Oswego) and Sen. Linda Holmes (D-Chicago), increases the penalty for aggravated battery that causes great bodily harm, where the battery was intentional and involved torture. The new law will reclassify the crime as a Class 1 felony up from a Class 3 felony.
    • House Bill 1195, sponsored by Rep. Monique Davis (D-Chicago) and Sen. Tim Bivins (R-Dixon) ensures all police animals are trained through programs certified by the Illinois State Police and requires records to be kept of all sniffs performed by police dogs during traffic stops.
    • House Bill 1398, sponsored by Rep. Don Moffitt (R-Galesburg) and Sen. Darin LaHood (R-Peoria), ensures that all hotels in Illinois install smoke detectors within 15 feet of each room used for sleeping.
    • Senate Bill 1321, sponsored by Sen. Ed Maloney (D-Chicago) and Rep. Will Davis (D-Chicago) ensures that firefighters and other personnel remain safe when responding to an emergency by requiring suppliers to add information about the presence of potentially dangerous medical oxygen tanks in residences to the Illinois Premise Alert Program.
    • Senate Bill 1914, sponsored by Sen. John Sullivan (D-Rushville) and former Rep. Dan Reitz (D-Steeleville), allows property owners outside the City of Chicago to guard against potential trespassers, unauthorized hunters and poachers by using purple paint or purple tags on trees and fence posts to indicate that property access is forbidden.
    • Senate Bill 2293, sponsored by Sen. Michael Frerichs (D-Champaign) and Rep. Naomi Jakobsson (D-Urbana), creates an income tax form checkoff to benefit the Crimestoppers program, which is administered by the Illinois Criminal Justice Authority to offer rewards for crime tips. The law also creates a second checkoff to support the After-School Rescue program, which is administered by the State Board of Education to promote extracurricular activities that prevent youth crime.

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