22 Jul 2011

Braley's Bill to Help Veterans Advances in House

By Administrator

Bill would protect returning Iowa National Guard Members

Washington, DC -Today, the Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity unanimously passed Congressman Bruce Braley's bipartisan bill to help service members and veterans who return from combat and are facing foreclosure stay in their homes. The Protecting Veterans' Homes Act would protect veterans from being foreclosed upon by banks and would give returning Iowa National Guard soldiers peace of mind as many of them make their way home after a year-long deployment in Afghanistan.

"As hundreds of our National Guard troops make their way home to Iowa, this bill will give them the peace of mind that their homes and their families are safe," said Rep. Braley. "Too often, our soldiers return from combat only to face new challenges here at home. Whether it's an injury or a financial crisis caused by long deployments and time off from their civilian jobs, our veterans deserve to know that we're standing up for them. This bill will make sure our soldiers have enough time to get back on their feet and get their finances in order. This is the least we can do for the brave men and women who serve this country."

Currently, similar protections for veterans are set to expire in December 2012. The Protecting Veterans' Homes Act, introduced by Rep. Braley earlier this year, would make these protections permanent and would extend the grace period from nine months to a full year for service members and veterans returning from deployments. The bill is co-sponsored by Rep. Marlin Stutzman (R-IN), the Chairman of the VA Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity.

The Subcommittee also unanimously passed a bill to fund the U.S. Paralympics. Rep. Braley, a strong supporter of the U.S. Paralympics, voted in favor of the bill. Earlier thisyear, Rep. Braley met with Bettendorf-native Paralympian Andy Yohe to discuss the Paralympics and what Congress could do to ensure the success of the program.

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22 Jul 2011

Braley Statement on House Recessing for Weekend

By Alexandra Krasov

Washington, DC - Today, Congressman Bruce Braley (IA-01) released the following statement after House leadership said there would be no votes this weekend:

"Earlier this week, the Republican leadership informed us that we would be working this weekend. Now, they're sending us home for the weekend after all. That's disappointing when we have less than two weeks to keep our nation from defaulting on its debt. Why aren't we working through the weekend to come to an agreement? Why aren't we debating the details of the Gang of Six proposal, or any other attempt to compromise? I miss my family as much as anyone here, but I know that our economy and our nation's future must be our top priority right now."

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22 Jul 2011

News Release from the Army Corps of Engineers (UNCLASSIFIED)

By Allen Marshall

Rock Island, Ill. -- (July 20, 2011) The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Rock Island District is continuing to concentrate on water safety outreach at its lake and river projects after a deadly start to the recreation season at USACE parks nationwide.

As of May 31, 57 people have died on Corps-owned property nationwide this year, compared to 39 at this time last year - a more than 32 percent increase. Most of these fatalities were from drowning. USACE officials report that more than 90 percent of drowning victims at USACE parks were not wearing a life jacket.

"Public safety is our number one priority," said Maj. Gen. Merdith W.B. Temple, acting commanding general of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. "The increase in deaths at USACE parks this year is of great concern to us. We want to do everything we can to make people aware of potential risks when they visit one of our recreation areas, and how to make good decisions that will improve safety for themselves, families and friends."

The U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District Recreation Projects include : Saylorville Lake near Des Moines, Iowa; Lake Red Rock, Pella, Iowa; Coralville Lake, Iowa City, Iowa; the Mississippi River Project from Potosi, Wis., to Saverton, Mo.; and the Illinois Waterway from T.J. O'Brien Lock and Dam to La Grange Lock and Dam.

The Corps wants to remind its visitors to put safety first while recreating on its lands and waters.  Swim only in designated areas, learn to swim, use the buddy system, and do not exceed your abilities. Over half of the Rock Island District water related fatalities over the last 18 years have been swimming related.  If you are using your boat as a swim platform and jumping into the water to cool off do not forget to wear a life jacket. Limit your alcohol use and remember operating under the influence in a boat
in Iowa and Illinois is .08, just as it is in your automobile on the road. 

"Wearing a suitable life jacket is the single most important measure boaters and swimmers can take to decrease their risk of a water-related fatality. Just like wearing your seat belt in your car decreases your risk of serious injury or death," said Mike Cox, assistant operations manager, Rock Island District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

USACE officials encourage visitors to check local water and weather conditions and pay attention to recreation warnings, such as river closures from local emergency services offices prior to entering the water. Know your water and weather conditions before you go and let family and friends know where you are going and when you expect to return from your outing. You can find lake and river level information at www.Rivergages.com.  Officials stress the single most important item a person can do on the water to reduce risk is to wear a life jacket. USACE will continue its efforts to promote boating and water safety and with the public's support we will work to reduce
the risk and save lives. 

USACE is the nation's largest federal provider of outdoor recreation, hosting more than 370 million visits per year at 422 recreation parks in 43 states and we want our visitors to return to enjoy our sites again. 

For the USACE recreation area near you visit www.CorpsLakes.us.

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22 Jul 2011

Living Lands & Waters Unveils New Floating Classroom at This Year's Barge Party

By Administrator

Davenport, IA / July 20, 2011 - Local residents will have a chance to tour Living Lands and Waters' new floating classroom at LL&W's annual Barge Party Thursday, August 11 from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m at the Lake Davenp or t Sailing Club at Oneida Street Landing on   River Drive  .  The 150-foot long barge features a handicapped-accessible classroom, which can host up to 60 students at a time, as well as sleeping quarters for an 8 person   Living   Lands   and Waters crew.  LL&W crews will be providing tours of the new classroom during the annual Barge Party, a celebration and appreciate event for of volunteers and supporters of the environmental group.  Chad Pregracke and his Living Lands & Waters' staff and crew will be on hand to celebrate fourteen years of river cleanups, environmental education w or kshops, the Million Trees project and engaging communities in river stewardship.

The menu for this year's Barge Party will feature a catfish fry & shrimp boil.  Guests will also have a chance to taste-test various preparations of Asian Carp, an invasive species in the  Mississippi  that is commonly served in  Asia .  The Barge Party will also feature live music and a silent art auction, featuring the works of nearly a dozen regional artists who donated river-inspired pieces, including salvage material sculpture, mixed media painting, folk art, driftwood pieces, quilts and glass art.  Chad Pregracke will update guests on the progress they've made this year. "We couldn't keep these barges running, making the river a cleaner place, without the support of Quad-Citians who volunteer and support Living Lands & Waters. It all makes a difference and we are so grateful," said Chad Pregracke, Founder & President of Living Lands & Waters. Tickets for the event are $35 per person. Reservations can be made by calling the office at (309) 496-9848 or going to their website www.livinglandsandwaters.org.

Teachers interested in exploring a workshop for their students should contact Tammy Becker at LL&W:  tammy@livinglandsandwaters.com or 309-496-9848. "We have had over 1,600 teachers in our Educational Workshops dating back to 2003.  This will create an opportunity for thousands of students to experience the river first hand" said LL&W founder Chad Pregracke.   Also on display at the barge party, LL&W's new one-thousand horse power tow boat, needed to push the new floating classroom.  The floating classroom was made possible by the generous support of five of LL&W's long-term partners:  Cargill, ADM, Caterpillar, AEP River Operations and Ingram Barge Company.  

The Living Lands & Waters Barge Party is held in appreciation for volunteers, supporters and fans of LL&W's efforts, as a celebration of the power of committed staff, volunteers and sponsors working together to meet an important need.  Among the reasons to celebrate this year:  LL&W founder Chad Pregracke's endowment with a 'Points of Light Award.'  This distinguished honor, established by former U.S. President George H. W. Bush was awarded during a televised ceremony from the   Lincoln   Center   which featured all of the living former presidents.     Chad   ads this honor to many others he's been given to recognize his achievements since founding LL&W.  They include a Jefferson Award, and awards from the American Institute f or  Public Service; Heroes of Conservation Nomination and Field & Stream Magazine. 

Chad Pregracke started Living Lands & Waters in 1998 as a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the beautification and restoration of America's major rivers and to the education of people about environmental issues. From his single boat beginning, LL&W has grown to an internationally known organization with a fleet of barges and workboats.  LL&W engages thousands of volunteers each year in river cleanups, hands-on environmental education workshops, the Great Mississippi River Cleanup, Adopt-a- River-Mile programs and the Million Trees Project. 

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22 Jul 2011

Local Students Graduate from Illinois Central College

By readMedia

EAST PEORIA, IL (07/20/2011)(readMedia)-- Illinois Central College, East Peoria, congratulates 854 graduates for completing their respective program requirements during the Spring 2011 semester. Graduation ceremonies were held May 14 in the ICC CougarPlex on the East Peoria campus.

Local students and the degree/certificate they received include :

Roger H Steiner Jr, of Davenport, IA -- Certificate

Angela Marie Schmedt, of Coal Valley, IL -- Associate in Arts and Science Degree

Started in 1967, ICC is a comprehensive, public community college that prepares students to transfer to a four-year college or university to complete a bachelor's degree or providesskills and knowledge to enter a career.

22 Jul 2011

Upper Iowa University announces Spring 2011 Dean's List

By readMedia

FAYETTE, IA (07/20/2011)(readMedia)-- Upper Iowa University names its 2011 Spring Dean's List. To be honored, the undergraduate must have earned a minimum 3.50 G.P.A. for the semester and be enrolled as a full-time student.

Ty James Grunder, Durant, IA

Michelle Susanne Marsden, Davenport, IA

Randel Lee Hendrickson, Davenport, IA

For more information about Upper Iowa University, go to www.uiu.edu.

About Upper Iowa University

Founded in 1857, Upper Iowa University is a private, not-for-profit university providing undergraduate and graduate degree programs and leadership development opportunities to nearly 6,800 students-nationally and internationally-at its Fayette campus and learning centers worldwide. Upper Iowa University is a recognized innovator in offering accredited, quality programs through flexible, multiple delivery systems, including online and independent study. For more information, visit www.uiu.edu.

22 Jul 2011

Harkin Supports Governor's Request for Individual Assistance; Urges President to Approve

By Randy Stalsberg

WASHINGTON, D.C.–In a letter to President Obama today, Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) supported Governor Branstad's request for individual assistance in Fremont, Harrison, Monona, Pottawattamie and Woodbury Counties due to rising floodwaters and asked that the President approve the declaration.  Earlier this month, Harkin urged Secretary Vilsack's declaration for crop assistance.

"The cost of the flood fighting effort is evident from cities such as Sioux City to communities downriver as far as the town of Hamburg," wrote Harkin.  "Every community, business and family on the river, and in some instances miles inland from the river, has been impacted.   I therefore urge you to assist the State of Iowa and the affected counties in every way possible so they may quickly recover from this disaster."

 

The full text of Harkin's letter follows.

 

July 20, 2011

The Honorable Barack Obama
President of the United States
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C. 20500

Dear Mr. President:

I write today to urge expeditious approval of Governor Terry Branstad's request that Woodbury, Monona, Harrison, Pottawattamie and Fremont Counties receive a federal declaration of a Major Disaster for Individual Assistance. This declaration will allow federal aid to immediately assist my constituents along the Missouri River.

The individuals in the areas mentioned above have taken extraordinary steps in order to fight oncoming flood waters from the Missouri River, and have spent private dollars in order to mitigate the effects of this flood.  For that reason, Governor Terry Branstad issued a State Disaster Proclamation for these counties on June 2, 2011. The cost of the flood fighting effort is evident from cities such as Sioux City to communities downriver as far as the town of Hamburg.  Every community, business and family on the river, and in some instances miles inland from the river, has been impacted.

As Governor Branstad's disaster declaration request indicates, significant manpower and equipment available at the state, county, and local level have been dedicated to responding to the Missouri River flood.  The preliminary damage assessment completed by local and state emergency management staff in cooperation with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and Small Business Administration officials have confirmed severe cost to my constituents in western Iowa.

I therefore urge you to assist the State of Iowa and the affected counties in every way possible so they may quickly recover from this disaster. Thank you for your prompt attention to this important matter.

 

Sincerely,

 

Tom Harkin

22 Jul 2011

Weather-related Livestock Losses may Qualify for Indemnity Program

By Joy Venhorst

AMES, Iowa -- Producers who have lost livestock from the recent wind storms or heat may be eligible for payment through the Livestock Indemnity Program. Iowa State University (ISU) Extension beef program specialist Denise Schwab said the "Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008" authorized the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) to provide benefits to livestock producers for livestock deaths in excess of normal mortality caused by adverse weather.

Schwab said producers who think they have losses that might quality should remember that LIP has eligibility requirements and application deadlines.

"To be eligible for LIP, the livestock must be owned by the producer and raised for commercial use as part of a farming operation. Pets or recreational animals do not qualify," Schwab said. "Contract swine or poultry growers also may qualify for lost livestock if they have a written agreement with the livestock owner setting the specific terms, conditions and obligations of the parties involved."

Payment for losses is determined by USDA calculations but is approximately 75 percent of the average fair market value of the livestock, or 75 percent of the average income loss sustained by the contract grower with respect to the dead livestock, she said. Producers also are restricted by other USDA payment limitations.

Producers who suffer livestock death losses should submit a notice of loss and an application for payment to the local Farm Service Agency (FSA) service center that maintains the farm records for their business. This application needs to be made within 30 calendar days after the loss of livestock was apparent to the producer.

More information is available on the FSA website in this LIP fact sheet. People also can contact their local FSA office for details and to apply. The LIP sheet can be found at: http://www.fsa.usda.gov/Internet/FSA_File/lip2011_158c020211.pdf

For information on heat and heat stress in beef cattle operations, check out this page on the Iowa Beef Center website, or contact your ISU Extension beef program specialist. IBC site can be found at: http://www.iowabeefcenter.org/heatresources.html

IBC was established in 1996 with the goal of supporting the growth and vitality of the state's beef cattle industry. It comprises faculty and staff from ISU Extension, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and College of Veterinary Medicine, and works to develop and deliver the latest research-based information regarding the beef cattle industry. For more information about IBC, visit www.iowabeefcenter.

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22 Jul 2011

Battalion Buddy Program Reaches Milestone: 20,000 Brave Young Warriors Receive Surprise Hugs

By Operation Gratitude

July 20, 2011 / Encino, CA - In just two months since the program's launch, Operation Gratitude's Battalion Buddy Packages have brought smiles and hugs to 20,000 anxious sons and daughters of deploying U.S. military personnel.

In May, Operation Gratitude started sending special stuffed toys -- known as "Battalion Buddies" -- to the children of U.S. service members as their units prepare to deploy into harm'Battalion Buddy Toyss way. Each Battalion Buddy wears a tag saying: "Hi Brave Young Warrior! I am your Battalion Buddy. I am here to cuddle with you while your Mommy or Daddy is away."

Operation Gratitude's initial Battalion Buddy efforts were made possible by the McKesson Corporation, which provided a generous donation of thousands of the toys. The program has continued with the cooperation and support of Family Readiness Officers and battalion leaders nationwide. To date 20,000 packages have been shipped to 32 unique Zip Codes in 17 States plus Guam and Germany, and to 56 different deployed or deploying units.

"Battalion Buddies offer comfort and encouragement during a difficult time of separation," said Operation Gratitude founder, Carolyn Blashek. "We are excited that the momentum for this program is building and that more friends across the country are joining our efforts to support military children."

Blashek says the response from families receiving the Battalion Buddy packages has been overwhelming.Boy with his Battalion BuddyShe shared an email one deployed father recently sent from Afghanistan: "Thank you for what your organization does and the positive impact you have on the lives of military service members and their families," he wrote. "You bent over backwards to help us receive several hundred Battalion Buddies for our deploying unit and I for one was very grateful as my son and daughter absolutely loved them. According to my wife, they have kept them close every night as they go to sleep."

Along with the McKesson Corporation, Tobu Print Group, Inc., Frontline Freight and Reddaway Trucking have generously provided services to assist with the production and shipment of Battalion Buddy packages.

As with its Care Packages to deployed troops, Operation Gratitude's Battalion Buddy Program will provide American companies and every citizen opportunities to encourage the children of troops serving in combat by donating stuffed toys and contributing funds.

Those wishing to donate new stuffed toys (14-18 inches from head to toe) to be used as Battalion Buddies may send them to the following address:

Operation Gratitude
17330 Victory Boulevard
Van Nuys, CA 91406
Attn: Battalion Buddy Program

Financial donations can be made online here: Donate to Battalion Buddies or by check made payable and addressed to:

Operation Gratitude
16444 Refugio Road
Encino, CA 91436

Corporate Donors should contact Blashek at cblashek@gmail.com regarding sponsorship opportunities. Family Readiness Officers and battalion leaders wishing to request Battalion Buddy packages should send an email to BattalionBuddy@gmail.com for more information.

About Operation Gratitude
Operation Gratitude annually sends 100,000+ care packages filled with snacks, entertainment items and personal letters of appreciation addressed to individually named U.S. Service Members deployed in harm's way, to their children left behind, and to Wounded Warriors in Military hospitals and Transition Units. The organization's mission is to lift morale, bring a smile to a service member's face and express to our Armed Forces and their families the appreciation and support of the American people. Each package contains donated product valued at ~$125 and costs the organization $15 to assemble and ship. For safety and security, assembling of packages occurs at the Army National Guard armory in Van Nuys, California. Since its inception in 2003, Operation Gratitude volunteers have shipped more than 660,000 packages to American Military members. 

Learn more about Operation Gratitude by visiting:

Web: http://www.OperationGratitude.com
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/OpGratitude
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/OperationGratitude
Blog:            http://OpGrat.wordpress.com
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/OpGrat
Email: OpGrat@gmail.com
22 Jul 2011

Governor Quinn Announces New Law To Expand School Choice in Illinois

By Andrew Mason

New Law Will Improve Quality of Illinois' Charter Schools  

and Empower Parents with More Choice  

   

CHICAGO - July 20, 2011. As part of his agenda to give Illinois' children more opportunities for a quality education in Illinois, Governor Pat Quinn today announced the signing of legislation that will increase school choice for parents. Senate Bill 79 establishes an independent charter school commission that is dedicated to school reform and has the power to authorize and regulate charter schools throughout the state.  

   

Currently, 13,000 children in Illinois are on waiting lists for charter schools, which can only be created when authorized by school districts and certified by the Illinois State Board of Education. The new State Charter School Commission will provide an alternative path to charter school creation and improve the quality of charter schools by setting accountability and outcome standards.   

   

"I am committed to expanding choices for a quality education for every child in Illinois," said Governor Quinn. "Parents shouldn't be limited by zip codes when choosing a school for their children. By creating an accountable body dedicated to charter schools, we are giving communities another way to empower parents with more choices for their child's education."  

   

Sponsored by Sen. Heather Steans (D-Chicago) and Rep. Karen Yarbrough (D-Maywood), Senate Bill 79 allows the State Charter School Commission to hear and decide all appeals to charter school applications. The Illinois Board of Education will appoint the nine members of the commission from a slate of candidates proposed by the Governor. The commission will be funded through fees to charter schools which are authorized by the commission.  

   

Governor Quinn also announced the signing of House Bill 2401, sponsored by Rep. Jerry Mitchell (R- Rock Falls) and Sen. Kimberly Lightford (D-Maywood), which clarifies Illinois law to ensure that each re-enrollment charter school campus has the option to enter the collective bargaining process as its own entity.   

   

Charter schools are just one part of Governor Quinn's broad agenda to give children more options for a great education in Illinois. In recent months, Governor Quinn signed legislation to pave the way for a longer school day and longer school year in Illinois, and establish first-ever performance standards for teachers. Senate Bill 79 goes into effect immediately and House Bill 2401 takes effect Jan. 1, 2012.  

 

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