28 Jul 2011

ISU Extension offers ProHort Certification Option to Master Gardener Training

By Joy Venhorst

Iowa Master Gardeners (MG) find many ways to volunteer in their communities, from answering horticulture questions that come into county offices to helping manage farmers' markets and community gardens. Public plantings in many Iowa communities are visual signs of the many volunteer hours Master Gardeners provide.

Master Gardener training has been offered in Iowa by Iowa State University Extension since 1979. Over the years, more than 10,000 Iowans have received instruction on a wide range of horticulture and related topics and in return provided a specified number of hours doing volunteer outreach through ISU Extension.

However, there are Iowans that would like to have the training, without the commitment of providing community service. To better serve this group of people, ISU Extension Scott County is offering the ProHort Certification for the first time this year. The ProHort Certification program will be delivered through the Iowa State University Master Gardener training program this fall in three locations. It is different from the Master Gardener program because it is a fee in-lieu-of volunteer service version of the program.

"ProHort participants will train alongside Iowa Master Gardeners," said Jennifer Bousselot, Iowa MG coordinator. "However, without the volunteer commitment, participants do not become Iowa Master Gardeners."

The Iowa Master Gardener (MG) training includes sessions on animal ecology, botany, entomology, fruit culture, herbaceous ornamentals, home landscape design, houseplants, integrated pest management/pesticides, landscape plants, plant pathology, soils, turf grass management, vegetables and weed management.

Upon completion of the program requirements, ProHort participants receive an official ProHort Certificate of training from Iowa State University, which may be displayed in a place of business.

To find out more about the ProHort Certification program being offered in Scott County this fall, contact Duane Gissel, ISU Scott County Extension 563-359-7577.

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28 Jul 2011

2011 4-H Film Festival Entries Are In

By Joy Venhorst

AMES, Iowa -Thirteen films by Iowa teens and preteens will compete at the 2011 4-H Film Festival during the Iowa State Fair

The participants had the choice of working on a film individually or as a team. At least one team member must be in 4-H. Film submissions were due July 1 and the review and judging process is under way.

"It's exciting to see the youth of Iowa grabbing their cameras, gathering friends and making such creative and fun films for all to enjoy," said Jed Findlay, a communications specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and one of the judges for the film festival. "I'm looking forward to the day of the festival to see which films get picked."

The top films will be shown at the 2011 4-H Film Festival in the 4-H Exhibits Building on Aug. 12. Teams are competing for a spot in the line-up and for the grand prize of an Apple iPad.

"These films are a great example of the kind of talent and creativity that youth are capable of and it is outstanding," says Film Festival coordinator Karen Frank.

KCWI, Blank Park Zoo, Traviss Audio Video and Taco Johns are sponsoring the event.

4-H Film Festival Entries

Iowa youth who completed any of grades 5 through 12 were eligible to submit a film in one of three categories:

Educate - Videos intended to provide information or training on a specific topic

Inspire - Videos intended to raise awareness about an important issue or call viewers to action

Just 4 Fun - Videos intended to entertain

Films from the following teams are being reviewed and judged for the 4-H Film Festival.

Educate

A Rocket, a Crew and a Trip to the Moon by The Tech Rollers - Spencer Campbell, Story County

Origami Ocean: Paper Creations That Won't Wash Up In Water by Fold-It-Up Productions - Hunter Brehm, Dubuque County

The Dangers of Texting While Driving by IDHT Productions - Sarah Braun, Warren County

Inspire

Running the Race by 4 Kids and a Camera - Joel Stephenson, Emma Stephenson, Victoria Litwiller and Matthew J. Litwiller, Hardin County

2011 South Africa Mission Trip by Films 4 Christ - Colton Bishop, Polk County

Just 4 Fun

Super Spy Granny by Barr and Padlock Productions - Alan Barr, Alicia Barr, Paul Swanson, Zack Paddok, Emilie Paddok and Bethany Paddok, Decatur County

Trisha's Lullaby by Jaden Ramsey - Tonya Ramsey, Sac County

Blue and Green by Arthur - Arthur Behnke, Scott County

Starry Eyed Surprise by Andrew Smith - Andrew Smith, Story County

Kidnapped by Kids on Scene - Callie Forgy, Madison County

The Journey to the Clover Queen by Eyes on the Child Baby Sitting Club - Mikayla VanderHeiden, Bekah Nau, Megan Garrison, Alaina O'Connor, Paige O'Connor, Amanda Ryner, Tyanna Forgy and Kendra Kirkland, Madison County

10 Weirdest things to Trip Over by ZUM Movies - Alex Zumwalt, Linn County

Hairball Revenge by French Fries - Rayna P. Buxton, Henry County

For more information, contact Karen Frank at kmnaig@gmail.comor Holly Bignall at hbignall@iastate.edu.

28 Jul 2011

ISU Scott County Extension Calendar

By Iowa State Univ Extension Office

August 5                               
Pesticide Applicator Testing
10am-2pm at the Extension Office

August 23                             
Scott County Extension Council Meeting at the Extension Office
7pm 

September 2                       
Pesticide Applicator Testing
10am-2pm at the Extension Office 

September 27                     
Scott County Extension Council Meeting at the Extension Office
7pm 

October 5                             
Aquatic, Forest and Roadside Pest Management CIC, $35 if registered by 9/28/11, after that $45
At the Scott County Extension Office, 9am-11:30am 

October 7                             
Pesticide Applicator Testing
10am-2pm at the Extension Office 

October 25                           
Scott County Extension Council Meeting at the Extension Office
7pm 

October 27                           
Mosquito & Public Health Pest Management CIC, $35 if registered by 10/20/11, after that $45
At the Scott County Extension Office, 9am-11:30am 

November 4                        
Pesticide Applicator Testing
10am-2pm at the Extension Office 

November 9                        
Ornamental & Turf Applicators CIC, $35 if registered by 11/2/11, after that $45
At the Scott County Extension Office, 1:30pm-4pm 

November 16                      
Commercial Ag Weed, Insect, and Plant Disease Management CIC, $35 if registered by 11/9/11, after that
$45, at the Scott County Extension Office, 9am-11:30am 

November 29                      
Fumigation CIC, $35 if registered by 11/22/11, after that $45, at the Scott County Extension Office,
9am-11:30am 

December 2                        
Pesticide Applicator Testing
10am-2pm at the Extension Office 

December 7                        
Pest Control Operators CIC, $35 if registered by 11/30/11, after that $45, at the Scott County Extension
Office, 9am-11:30am 

Visit our events calendar at our web site:   http://dbs.extension.iastate.edu/calendar/
28 Jul 2011

MRDC Releases Wide River Wheat at August First Friday

By Mississippi River Distilling Company

Le Claire, Iowa, July 19, 2011 - Mississippi River Distilling Company is excited to announce the release of their first seasonal product, a 100% wheat whiskey called Wide River Wheat.  Whiskey enthusiasts will be able to purchase the limited release product on Friday, August 5.  In total, there will be approximately 3,000 hand numbered 375 ml bottles for distribution.  This wheat spirit uses 100% organic wheat from farmer Tracy Doonan of Reynolds, Illinois. The spirit was aged in oak barrels and during the last month was transferred to oak used to age wine at Wide River Winery of Clinton, Iowa.  This leaves consumers with a light summertime sipper with a wonderful hint of red wine.

In conjunction with the wheat seasonal release is MRDC's First Friday Fiesta on Friday, August 5 from 5:30 to 8 p.m.  The "First Friday" feature event is open to the public and was started in May as a chance for anyone who can't make it during regular business hours to come see what they're all about, try the products, and have a little fun!  Features in August include unique twists on some standby favorites.  There will be free samples of margaritas made with River Baron Vodka and mojitos made with River Rose Gin.  MRDC's "Spirited Chef" Stephanie will be sampling a Mexican shrimp and citrus dish called Caldo de Camerones.  Plus, there will be retail specials in the shop.  The rest of Le Claire is also joining in on the First Friday fun with an art stroll down Cody Road with artists and musicians in the street.  Shops and restaurants will be open for a fabulous night in Le Claire!

Mississippi River Distilling Company is open from 10 AM to 5 PM Monday through Saturday and from 12 to 5 PM Sundays.  Free tours are offered to the public daily on the hour from 12 to 4 PM or by appointment.  The tour takes visitors through the entire distilling process.  Tours end in the Grand Tasting Room with free samples of products for those patrons over 21 years of age.

 

#####

28 Jul 2011

2nd Annual Camp Courageous Sprint Triathlon to be held on August 7th

By Camp Info
The 2nd Annual Camp Courageous Sprint Triathlon, sponsored by AEGON, will be held at 8 AM on Sunday, August 7, 2011. Over 250 athletes competed in last year's event and even more are expected for 2011. This is a U.S.A.T. sanctioned event and is once again part of the Heartland of American Triathlon series. Registration is available online at www.campcourageous.org until Saturday, August 6th.
The 2011 Camp Courageous Sprint Triathlon starts off with a 500 yard swim at Central Park near Amber, IA. Swimmers will transition from swim to bike at Central Park and then set off for a 16 mile bike ride through scenic Grant Wood country to Camp Courageous. At a second transition area bikers switch to a run that has changed from 2010. Runners will enjoy a 4K course that takes them through Pictured Rocks camp, around Pictured Rocks State Park, and then through and finishing inside Camp Courageous. The run course is a mixture of scenic paved surfaces and dirt trails.
Packet pick-up for all athletes and teams will be held on Saturday, August 6, 2011 from 3 PM to 7 PM at Camp Courageous. Athletes will pick-up their race materials during this time. A pre-event dinner will be held from 5 PM to 7 PM in the camp's lodge that is free for all entered athletes and $5 for all guests. Bikes can be dropped off in the transition area at Central Park from 3 PM to 7 PM in an area that will be secured until race time on Sunday. Online registration will close at noon on Saturday, August 6th. In-person registration will close at the conclusion of packet pick-up on August 6th at 7 PM.
All ages of athletes are welcome to compete in the the Camp Courageous Sprint Triathlon. Athletes can enter as individuals or as a team. Awards are given out immediately following the event. Enter online at www.campcourageous.org or download an entry form. All proceeds from this event go to Camp Courageous, a year-round respite and recreational facility for individuals of all ages with disabilities.
## END ##
27 Jul 2011

More Than $200,000 to Iowa from U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

By Grassley Press

WASHINGTON - Senator Chuck Grassley today announced that Humility of Mary Shelter, Inc. has received a $242,655 Homeless Prevention Grant from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. 

The funds are distributed through the Supportive Services for Veteran Families Program.  They are not earmarks determined by Congress.  Humility of Mary Shelter, Inc. can use the funds to provide services to approximately 125 households in Scott County, Iowa and Rock Island County, Illinois.  Services include case management, assistance in obtaining VA and/or public benefits, and temporary critical financial assistance.

"We owe a great deal to the men and women that serve our country.  These funds can help veterans who find themselves in a tough situation get back on their feet," Grassley said.

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27 Jul 2011

Grassley Asks for Education Department Policies for Contact with Investors Seeking to Profit from Agency Information

By Grassley Press

WASHINGTON - Sen. Chuck Grassley is asking the Department of Education secretary to provide details of any policies governing how department employees should handle contact with private investors seeking to profit from non-public agency information.  Grassley's inquiry comes after revelations of contact between investors tracking federal regulations affecting for-profit colleges and high-level Department of Education employees.

"Certain investors contact government agencies to try to gain any advantage they can over other investors," Grassley said.  "Since that's inevitable, the question is how federal employees respond.  Do federal employees give out information that short sellers can use to make money?  Are the employees influenced in their rule-making by investors who don't disclose their financial interests?  The Department of Education should account for how it handled investor contacts leading up to the regulations affecting for-profit colleges and going forward.  An accounting is necessary to establish confidence in the integrity of government management."

Government watchdog groups have obtained documents through the Freedom of Information Act that show contacts between Department of Education employees and short sellers who make money by betting against certain stocks, including a known short seller who publicly criticized the for-profit education industry.  The Department of Education inspector general reportedly is conducting an investigation of the propriety of the department's conduct.

In a letter today, Grassley asked the Department of Education secretary whether the department has any policies for employee contact with financial speculators looking for non-public information to profit in the securities markets.  The text of Grassley's letter is available here.

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26 Jul 2011

Braley Announces $242,655 for Davenport Veterans

By Alexandra Krasov

Washington, DC - Today, Congressman Bruce Braley (IA-01) announced a $242,655 grant award for Davenport, Iowa through the Department of Veterans Affairs' Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) Program. The grant will go to the Humility of Mary Shelter to serve over 100 homeless and at-risk veteran families in Scott County.

"This grant is an important step towards making sure our veterans get the care and services they need," said Rep. Braley. "No veteran or their family should be out on the street - but right now, it's a tragic reality and one we must work to fix as quickly as possible. That's why I'm proud to announce this grant for the Humility of Mary Shelter - and that's why I'll keep fighting to make sure our veterans, and their families, get the care and services they need."

###

26 Jul 2011

Braley Statement on Proposed Post Office Closure

By Alexandra Krasov

Washington, DC -Today, Congressman Bruce Braley (IA-01) released the following statement after the U.S. Postal Service released a list of proposed post offices closures in Iowa:  

"I'm incredibly disappointed and concerned to see so many post offices in Eastern Iowa on this list. All Iowa communities depend on their post offices, and I know how much this service means to my constituents. Post offices are important community fixtures and provide thousands of good-paying jobs to Iowans. That's why I'll keep fighting to protect these, and other post offices that are being considered for closure."

###

26 Jul 2011

Former 1644th Soldier Takes Command of Unit for Kuwait Deployment

By readMedia

ROCK FALLS, IL (07/26/2011)(readMedia)-- Capt. Michael Barton with the Illinois National Guard's 1644th Transportation Company has deployed and returned a decorated Soldier and now as the opportunity to deploy as the commander for the same unit.

Barton, a Greenview native, deployed as an enlisted Soldier with the 1644th in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2004-2005, receiving a Purple Heart. Now as the commander of the Rock Falls unit, Barton believes he can do even more.

"With my other deployments, everything was being directed towards me," Barton said. "Now, I'm the one providing direction for the unit."

Barton deployed with the 1144th Transportation Battalion in 2007-2008 and received a Bronze Star for his service.

With two deployments under his belt, Barton took command of the 1644th in 2009. Barton admits to being a little nervous upon taking command, as he would be leading some of his former comrades. However, the Soldiers accepted him immediately and the relationship has only improved.

"When I found out he was coming back I was really excited," said Sgt. 1st Class Kyle Hacker of Rock Falls, a truckmaster with the unit who deployed with Barton in 2004. "He was a standout guy as an enlisted Soldier, and now he's a standout guy as an officer."

Now the 1644th will tackle line haul operations in Kuwait. They will move equipment throughout Kuwait and Iraq in support of Operation New Dawn.

"I'm excited for this deployment and what lies ahead for the 1644th," Barton said. "The team we have assembled is extremely professional, tactically and technically proficient. I have no doubt they will accomplish any mission that is given to them."

Lt. Col. Tracey Collins of Naperville, battalion commander for the 1644th, served with Barton when he was a young specialist and she was a youthful lieutenant with the Rock Falls unit. She said Barton is a great fit for the 1644th.

"Cpt. Barton is an awesome leader," Collins said. "You give him a mission and he runs with it. Having been in that unit for so long, he has established himself and earned the respect of his troops. I am 100% behind his leadership style."

While Barton is serving in an atypical role, he is commanding a unique unit. The 1644th has four husband and wife duos, two father and son tandems, and three groups of siblings in its ranks. Despite the familiar relations, Barton says this is the most professional team he has ever worked with.

"Being the commander of the 1644th has been the highlight of my 15 and a half year career to this point," Barton said.

The 1644th was mobilized in early July and will spend the next two months training at Fort Bliss, Texas prior to deploying to Kuwait. They will replace the 1244th Transportation Company from North Riverside, which was mobilized in September 2010.

Photo 1: Capt. Michael Barton of Greenview

Photo 2: Photo submitted/ Capt. Michael Barton of Greenview, then a staff sergeant with the 1644th Transportation Company in Rock Falls, sits atop a five-ton truck as his convoy travels through Iraq. Barton received a Purple Heart while deployed with the 1644th in 2004-2005. He is currently training in Fort Bliss, Texas preparing to deploy to the Iraq/Kuwait theater this summer, this time as the commander of the 1644th.

Photo 3: Photo submitted/ Capt. Michael Barton of Greenview, then a staff sergeant with the 1644th Transportation Company in Rock Falls, poses next to six Iraqi children. Barton was deployed with the 1644th in 2004-2005, receiving a Purple Heart. He is now preparing to deploy to Kuwait with the Rock Falls-based unit, this time as the commander.

Story by Spc. Brian Vorce, 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

For high resolution photos, please contact the Illinois National Guard Public Affairs Office at ngilstaffpao@ng.army.mil

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