11 Jan 2011

Iowa State Trooper Funding & Staffing Levels

By Robert Haus

Ensuring Iowa's Safety: A Plan to Rebuild the Ranks of the Iowa State Patrol

I have been fortunate to be a member of the Iowa State Patrol for over twenty years.  I work alongside dedicated and professional public servants, my fellow Iowa State Troopers. My colleagues have honored me by electing me the President of the Iowa State Troopers Association, a volunteer position I undertake in addition to my official duties.

In the capacity as ISTA President, I speak with many of my public safety colleagues around the state.  There is a growing awareness that recent state budget cuts have been so severe that the safety of Iowans is on the verge of being critically compromised.

Today, there are 371 troopers in the Patrol - a forty-five year low. A lot has changed on Iowa's roadways in those 45 years. There are more cars, more trucks, and a more sophisticated, organized contraband trafficking network on our highways.

Our Troopers today are some of the most technologically proficient law officers in the field. Working in concert with the Department of Public Safety, the Patrol utilizes systems that stretch the reach and effectiveness of each and every Trooper. There is, however, a limit to our effectiveness at today's Trooper strength levels. The number of Troopers has dwindled to a dangerously low level, and action is needed in the 2011 legislative session.

It is not uncommon these days for one Trooper to be responsible for covering a three to four county area.  The coverage area increases during evening shifts or when there is a special event requiring State Patrol resources. During the most recent winter storm, troopers handled nearly 2,543 emergency calls and investigated 64 personal injury and property-related accidents in a two-day period.  Given existing Trooper levels, the State Patrol was stretched to respond in a timely manner to everyone needing help in poor winter conditions.

The Iowa State Troopers Association hopes to work with Governor-elect Branstad and legislative leaders on a specific two-pronged strategy to ensure Iowan's safety on the road:

  • Working to secure funding for 45 Troopers that were paid for by one-time federal stimulus dollars in the last State fiscal year. Given the present strength levels, it is absolutely imperative we keep these 45 Troopers on the road.

  • Starting a planned, and reasonable, program to rebuild Trooper strength to 455, a level we last saw in the 2000 budget year. This can be accomplished by adding 20 new Troopers per year for the next four years. Taking into account retirements and separations, Director of Public Safety Meyers has indicated the number may need to be closer to 30-35 per year for a period of 8 years.

    • While there are no easy answers for Iowa's budget challenges, we have been encouraged by comments from Governor-elect Branstad and other elected officials about the priority of public safety. As the 2011 legislative session begins in earnest, we look forward to working together to determine the best options to fund these shared priorities.

    Working together, we can ensure that Iowa's roadways are the safest in the nation. That has been, and will continue to be, the most important mission of your Iowa State Troopers.

    11 Jan 2011

    Harkin: $26.4 Million in Low-Income Heating Assistance Coming to Iowa

    By Sen. Tom Harkin
    LIHEAP funding will help those in need stay warm during long winter months

    WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA), Chairman of the Labor, Health and Human Services and Education Appropriations Subcommittee, announced today that Iowa has been awarded $26,431,102 through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).  The funding will help eligible Iowans meet home energy costs, and comes in addition to the $40.5 million in LIHEAP funding Senator Harkin previously secured for the state in Fiscal Year 2011.  Today's funding was facilitated by a provision Senator Harkin included in December's Continuing Budget Resolution.

    "Winter can be a desperate time for Iowans who are struggling economically," Senator Harkin said. "This funding will help thousands of low-income households, especially those with young children and elderly, make it through the season."

    A nationwide survey of households receiving LIHEAP aid found that 42 percent of recipients went without medical or dental insurance and 32 percent went without food for at least one day.  In 2009, the latest year for which data is available, 95,234 Iowan households received LIHEAP assistance - one of the highest numbers on record for the state.

    11 Jan 2011

    Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Iowa Announces New President and CEO

    By Randy Stalsberg

    The Board of Directors of Make-A-Wish Foundation of Iowa is pleased to announce the appointment of Rob Kelly as President and CEO.  Rob assumes his new role effective Monday, January 10, 2011.

    Rob has been involved with Make-A-Wish Foundation of Iowa for several years as a wish granter, fundraiser and board member.  Most recently Rob served as Board Chairman.  "Every wish I am fortunate enough to share with a child and their family strengthens my resolve, inspires and motivates me to make this the premier non-profit in the state" Mr. Kelly said. "I am grateful for the opportunity to serve the children of Iowa and honored to be joining an amazing team of staff, board members, volunteers and supporters. Together we share a passion to deliver the compassionate and worthy  mission of the Make-A-Wish organization."

    Prior to joining the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Iowa Rob held senior management positions at Wells Fargo Financial and U.S. Bank. He brings over 23 years of successful leadership and management experience to our organization.

    In a statement Mr. Tony Rogers, Board Chairman, said "We are fortunate to have someone with Rob's commitment and enthusiasm toward our mission take the lead.  Please join me in wishing Rob Kelly a successful career with our Foundation."

    The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Iowa grants the wishes of Iowa children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength, and joy. To learn more about Make-A-Wish Foundation of Iowa, please call our office at 800-797-9474 or visit our website at www.iowa.wish.org .

    ###

    11 Jan 2011

    White Peg Trash Art Opening

    By Regan Hatfield

    Friday January 28th

    6pm to 9pm is the Opening reception for White Trash Peg

    The show runs from Jan 28th to Feb 18th

    At: Star Dog Gallery and Studio for Regan at

    Bucktown Center for the Arts, 225 East 2nd st Davenport, Iowa 52801. 563 514 - 5886

    11 Jan 2011

    Pilot Club of Moline Seeking Community Input for 2011-2012 Contributions

    By Carol Triebel

    The Pilot Club of Moline is seeking input from organizations and agencies located in the Illinois Quad Cities relating to community needs for promotng the awareness and prevention of brain-related disorders, and improving the lives of those affected by such disorders through education, volunteerism, financial support and research.

    The Pilot Club of Moline is a chapter of Pilot Club International - a global organization of executive, business, and professional leaders working together to improve the quality of life in local communities and throughout the world.

    Each July, the members select a project or agency to support through its fund-raising activities.  Additionally, a matching grant from the Pilot International Foundation, if awarded, can provide up to $2,500 making a possible donation of up to $5,000.

    If your agency or organization is interested in being considered for a donation by the Pilot Club of Moline, please send a written proposal to the Pilot Club of Moline, P. O. Box 1171, Moline, IL 61265 prior to March 1, 2011.

    If you have questions, please contact Carol Triebel at 309-764-0198.

    11 Jan 2011

    Niabi Zoo to Hold Open Interviews

    By Amanda Reffert

    Niabi Zoo will be holding open interviews for available seasonal positions for the upcoming open season. The available positions include work in the ticket office, Wild Things Gift Shop, Lorikeet Landing, Endangered Species Carousel operator, receptionist, pony ride attendant, educator, and janitorial staff.

    The open interviews will be held on Wednesday, February 2nd from 9am until 11am and from 1pm until 3pm. Interviews will also be held on Saturday, February 5th from 12 Noon until 3pm. Applicants should come to the zoo education center building at the north end of the zoo.

    11 Jan 2011

    Glass Heritage, LLC, moves to larger location

    By John Watts

    Glass Heritage, LLC, is pleased to announce that it has completed its move to 3113 Hickory Grove Road, Davenport, and has added a new intern to its growing staff.

    Now serving clients around the country, the restoration and preservatinof stained glass buiness has gorwn so substantially that more space was neded to service the work. New fabrication of stained glass work and the increase in the etching business  is also a foctor in the move.

    Kristin DeMoulin, a recent graduate of the fine arts program at Indiana Wesleyan University, joins the staff to pursue her love for stained glass.  Kristin is an award winning stained glass designer and craftsperson, and Glass Heritage is very pleased to have her join the staff.

    In addition, Glass Heritage is pleased to add Greenfield Recycled Glass Stone countertops to the showroom line.  These products are made from recycled glass from a variety of sources, including Glass Heritage.  They now are able to have a much needed source to recycle their scrap glass into a beautiful and lasting product, useful in a variety of applications.

    Glass Heritage is located at 3113 Hickory Grove Road, Davenport, Iowa 52806.  Glass Heritage is open Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 4:30pm.

    For more information, contact John Watts at 563-324-4300, Monday - Friday, 10am - 3pm or visit them on the web at www.glassheritage.com.

    11 Jan 2011

    Longtime Quad-Cities classic rock band NINE-1-1 packs their gear for the last time.

    By Mike Schulz
    Created in 1997, this band quickly grew in popularity, playing a mix of classic rock, country rock, alternative,  heavy metal and ballads. Over the years the band also has opened and performed with national bands such as Kansas, Foreigner, Blue Oyster Cult, The Guess Who, The Drifters, Steppenwolf, The Grassroots, Head East and Tommy Roe. After 14 years, the band has decided to play their farewell shows at the Rusty Nail in Davenport. "It's been a great run! Larry's moving out of town later this year and after much thought and discussion we decided we would put NINE-1-1 to bed and go out with a bang!" says Dale Attwood, bass.
    Fronting NINE-1-1 is lead singer Steve (Reno) Ebens. Having been in bands since 1976 in the Kewanee and Peoria area as a drummer in the band Quest, Steve moved to lead vocals in Main-Line and Triax. After a six-year break, Steve took his position with NINE-1-1.

    Larry Heitzler, on the Hammond B-3 organ, Roland and Univox keys, studied 14 years of classical piano, over 35 years of classic and current rock 'n' roll with some blues, country and ragtime added to the mix.

    Roger Canny has been playing drums for over 40 years. While playing for the U.S.O. tour overseas, he was awarded the Certificate of Esteem from the Department of Defense for Patriotic Service, Outstanding Showmanship and High Caliber of Entertainment.

    On bass, Dale Attwood has played everything from classic rock to alternative, country to club dance, to concert events. He handles the rhythm, the bottom end, backup vocals, and even some lead.

    Kurt Rocker grew up on guitar thanks to early influences from local greats like The Baker Bros., Jim DePoorter and Tim Compton, and later by Eddie Van Halen and David Gilmore.

    NINE-1-1 FAREWELL SHOWS:
    Friday & Saturday, February 4 & 5
    @ The Rusty Nail
    2606 W Locust St, Davenport, IA
    9:00pm - 1:30am
    Cover charge applies
    11 Jan 2011

    Congressman Braley Statement on Shooting in Arizona

    By Alex Krasov

    Washington, DC - Today, Congressman Bruce Braley (IA-01) released the following statement on the shooting in Tucson, Arizona:

    "While we still don't have all the details, Carolyn and I are praying for Gabby. Our thoughts go out to her husband Mark, her family, her staff and all who know and love her. And I add my deepest condolences to the families of the other victims of this morning's tragic, senseless shooting

    I also should note that Gabby's brother, Alex Giffords, was a placekicker for the Iowa State football team. She gave me a print of Beardshear Hall at Iowa State that I have in my office, which she got from her brother."

    ###

    11 Jan 2011

    Grassley To Begin Annual 99 County Tour

    By Sen Chuck Grassley

    January 7, 2011

    WASHINGTON - In his continued commitment to keep in touch with Iowans, Senator Chuck Grassley will begin his annual meetings with his constituents in each of the state's 99 counties.  Grassley has held a constituent meeting in all 99 Iowa counties since he was first elected to the United States Senate.  He will speak at service clubs, tour manufacturing facilities and other businesses and speak with employees, and meet with junior and senior high school students. 

    Grassley's schedule will take him to Grinnell, Traer, Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, Coralville, Independence, Waterloo, Waverly, Parkersburg, Reinbeck, Nevada, Webster City, Iowa Falls, Jefferson, Madrid, Greenfield, Guthrie Center, Perry, Winterset, Pleasant Hill, Lynnville, Knoxville, Osceola, Afton and New Virginia.

    "These face-to-face meetings give me a chance to answer questions, and get information, feedback and comments from a wide cross-section of Iowans.  Whether it's on the factory floor, at a local school or in a service club, each Iowan I speak with provides invaluable input for my work on their behalf.  I take those common sense solutions I hear in Iowa to Washington," Grassley said

    Details of the events are below:

     

    Wednesday, January 12, 2011

    9:30 - 11:30 p.m.        Tour and meet with employees at Jeld-Wen, Door Systems Division, 820 Industrial Avenue, Grinnell

    1:15 - 2:15 p.m.          Speak with students and staff at North Tama High School, 605 Walnut Street, Traer

     

    Thursday, January 13, 2011

    8 - 9 a.m.                    Speak with students and staff at Isaac Newton Christian Academy, 1635 Linmar Drive NE, Cedar Rapids

    10 - 11 a.m.                Meet with employees at ITC Midwest Holdings, 123 Fifth Street SE, Cedar Rapids

    1:30 - 3 p.m.               Speak with students and staff at Iowa City West High School, Little Theatre, 2901 Melrose Avenue, Iowa City

    4 - 5 p.m.                    Tour and meet with employees at Vangent, 2450 Oakdale Boulevard, Coralville

     

    Monday, January 17, 2011

    10 - 11 a.m.                Speak with students and staff at Independence High School, 514 Fifth Ave. S.E., Independence

    Noon - 1 p.m.             Speak with the Waterloo Rotary Club,  Five Sullivan Brothers Convention Center, 205 West Fourth Street, Waterloo

    2:30 - 3:30 p.m.          Meet with Bremer County residents, Bremer County Town Meeting, Waverly Public Library, 1500 West Bremer Avenue, Waverly

    4:45 - 5:45 p.m.          Meet with Butler County residents, Butler County Town Meeting, Parkersburg Civic Center, 502 Third Street, Parkersburg

    6:45 - 7:45 p.m.          Speak with the Reinbeck Lions Club, Reinbeck Memorial Building, 208 Broad Street, Reinbeck

     

    Tuesday, January 18, 2011

    6:20 - 7:30 a.m.          Speak with the Nevada Kiwanis, Gates Memorial Hall, 825 15th Street, Nevada

    9 - 10 a.m.                  Speak with the Webster City Diamond K Kiwanis Club, Windsor Manor, 4101 Wall Street, Webster City

    12:10 - 1:10 p.m.        Speak with the Iowa Falls Lions Club, Camp David Restaurant, 119 Main Street, Iowa Falls

    3:30 - 4:30 p.m.          Meet with Greene County residents, Greene County Town Meeting, Greene County Community Center, 204 West Harrison Street, Jefferson

    6:30 - 7:30 p.m.          Speak with the Madrid Lions Club, Madrid Homes Communities, Main Campus Dining Room, 613 West North Street, Madrid

     

    Wednesday, January 19, 2011

    8 - 9 a.m.                    Meet with Adair County residents, Adair County Town Meeting, Andrews Memorial Adair County Health & Fitness Center, Meeting Room, 202 North Townline Road, Greenfield

    10 - 11 a.m.                Speak with students and staff at Guthrie Center High School, 900 School Street, Guthrie Center

    12:10 - 1:15 p.m.        Speak with the Perry Rotary Club, Hotel Pattee, 1112 Willis Avenue, Perry

    2:45 - 3:45 p.m.          Meet with Madison County residents, Madison County Town Meeting, Winterset Public Library, Meeting Room, 123 North Second Street, Winterset

    5:15 - 6:16 p.m.          Speak with the East Polk Chamber, Southeast Polk High School, Auditorium, 7945 NE University Avenue, Pleasant Hill

     

    Thursday, January 20, 2011

    9 - 10:30 a.m.             Tour and meet with employees at Co-Line Welding, 1041 Cordova Avenue, Lynnville

    Noon - 1 p.m.             Speak with the Knoxville Noon Kiwanis Club, Swamp Fox, Lower Level, 116 North 2nd Street, Knoxville

    2:30 - 3:30 p.m.          Meet with Clarke County residents, Clarke County Town Meeting, Clarke County Courthouse, Old Probation Room, 100 South Main Street, Osceola

    4:30 - 5:30 p.m.          Meet with Union County residents, Union County Town Meeting, Afton City Hall, 115 East Kansas Street, Afton

    7 - 8 p.m.                    Speak with the New Virginia Lions Club, Lions Hall, 503 West Street, New Virginia

     

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