24 May 2013

Civil Air Patrol takes flight into Canada to help monitor expected flooding

By Steve Cox

MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. - In what is another first for Civil Air Patrol, aircrews from the U.S. Air Force auxiliary's North Dakota Wing are flying into Canada to take aerial assessment photos in advance of expected flooding from spring thawing of ice and snow.

Secretary of the Air Force Michael B. Donley approved the CAP imagery flights, which began last Friday over the Souris River basin and could continue for the next two weeks. The request for CAP's assistance came from North Dakota through the state's adjutant general, Maj. Gen. David Sprynczynatyk.

The CAP flights are unique in that the aircraft are taking off and landing in the U.S. but are being flown in Canadian airspace.

"We greatly appreciate the secretary of the Air Force's approval for North Dakota Civil Air Patrol to conduct incident awareness and assessment flights into Canada," said Sprynczynatyk. "This is a very distinctive mission, and based on years of flood experience, uniquely suited for our pilots. It is exciting to work with our international partners to the north to better understand the impact of flooding along rivers, which we share as a common concern."

The Souris River, or Mouse River as it is known in the U.S., is 435 miles in length. Originating in the Canadian province of Saskatchewan, it flows south into North Dakota through the city of Minot and reaches its southern point at the town of Velva, and then back north through the central part of the state into Manitoba, Canada.

"We took the Ward County Emergency Management with us on Friday, so they could get an idea of what is coming our way," said North Dakota Wing Commander Col. Bill Kay, incident commander for the CAP flights.

Ward County and its county seat of Minot have experienced significant flooding several times in recent years and more is expected this spring because of higher than usual snow packs during the winter, as well as heavy rains over the past weekend.

After last Friday's initial flight into Canada, rains grounded CAP aircrews over the past few days, but they were expected to return to the skies over the Souris River today to collect new imagery. "Now that we've got the secretary of the Air Force's permission to fly across the border, we can launch when the weather permits," said Kay. "That new imagery will give us a better idea of what we'll be dealing with in coming days."

In addition to using CAP's aerial photos to predict where high waters might occur in North Dakota, the state is also sharing the imagery with the Manitoba Emergency Measures Organization, so officials in the Canadian province can monitor the flooding potential there.

Civil Air Patrol (CAP), the official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, is a nonprofit organization chartered by Congress in 1941 with a 501(c)(3) designation and pre-dates the Air Force. CAP consists of 61,000 unpaid professional members nationwide, and operates a fleet of 550 aircraft. CAP, in its Air Force auxiliary role, performs 90 percent of continental U.S. inland search and rescue missions as tasked by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center (AFRCC) and is credited by the AFRCC with saving an average of 80 lives annually. Its unpaid professionals also perform homeland security, disaster relief and drug interdiction missions at the request of federal, state and local agencies. The members play a leading role in aerospace education and serve as mentors to more than 26,000 young people currently participating in the CAP cadet programs. CAP is a force multiplier to the Air Force CAP received the World Peace Prize in 2011 and has been performing missions for America for 71 years. CAP also participates in Wreaths Across America, an initiative to remember, honor and teach about the sacrifices of U.S. military veterans.

24 May 2013

Loebsack Calls on President to Approve Iowa's Request for Disaster Assistance

By Randy Stalsberg

Leads Iowa House delegation response to April storm damage

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack, along with the entire Iowa Congressional delegation, called on President Obama to approve Governor Terry Branstad's request for a disaster declaration for 19 Iowa counties.  The declaration would assist counties that suffered significant damage caused by severe weather in late April.  If granted, the declaration would make these areas eligible for Public Assistance.

"I have toured and seen firsthand the damage that was caused by the severe storms and flooding that hit Iowa last month.  I call on the President to swiftly approve the Governor's request so communities that were affected can begin the recovery process and get the help they need."

Specifically, the counties of Appanoose, Cedar, Clinton, Davis, Decatur, Des Moines, Iowa, Johnson, Keokuk, Lee, Lucas, Marion, Monroe, Muscatine, Ringgold, Van Buren, Wapello, Warren and Wayne are included in this request.

A copy of the letter can be found here.

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24 May 2013

Governor Branstad requests Presidential Disaster Declaration for 19 Iowa counties

By Randy Stalsberg

(DES MOINES) -Today, Gov. Terry E. Branstad signed a letter to be delivered to President Obama requesting a Presidential Disaster Declaration for 19 Iowa counties where significant damage was sustained from heavy rains, thunderstorms and flooding between April 17-30.

The Governor is making the request for federal Public Assistance Program funding for the counties of Appanoose, Cedar, Clinton, Davis, Decatur, Des Moines, Iowa, Johnson, Keokuk, Lee, Lucas, Marion, Monroe, Muscatine, Ringgold, Van Buren, Wapello, Warren and Wayne.

A joint federal, state and local preliminary damage assessment of the 19 counties found the severe weather caused an estimated $8.9 million of damage that could be eligible under the Public Assistance Program. Public Assistance funds may be used to rebuild damaged infrastructure that may include roads, bridges, culverts and other public facilities, or to cover costs of emergency work during and debris removal after storms.

The Governor's letter to President Obama will be available at www.homelandsecurity.iowa.gov.

# # #
22 May 2013

Author of "Flannel John's Cookbooks for Guys" To Donate 25% to 50% of Profits to Oklahoma Tornado Victims

By Nicholas Depew
"I have had great fortune with these books this past year," said author Tim Murphy. "25% of all the profits from the four titles sold in June will be donated to the Red Cross to assist the Oklahoma Tornado victims. If we sell at 2500 in June, I will double that to 50%."

How did these books come about?

"It all started when friends would show up at fishing and deer camp with cheese, bologna, beef jerky and beer. I would shake my head and 'say we do better this.' So I wrote the first book and it just took off," says author Tim Murphy. 

It was that idea that launched "Flannel John's Hunting & Fishing Camp Cookbook" in October 2013.  His first "Cookbook for Guys" cracked Amazon.com's "Top 1%" Sales category in six weeks.

Why cookbooks for guys? "I just didn't see anything written for men, especially novice cooks," said Murphy. "I wanted to assemble, hearty, good tasting meals that could be prepared easily and quickly. That first book covered breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, deserts and drinks. It was aimed at hunters and anglers but it's perfect for campers, RVers, male or female."

Now Murphy has penned the third and fourth titles in a planned ten-book series. For fish and seafood aficionados there's "Flannel John's Pirate Galley Cookbook - Coastal Cuisine and Maritime Meals from Oceans, Lakes and Rivers." For the backwoods, rustic soul there is "Flannel John's Mountain Man Cookbook - Frontier Food from the Hills, Country and Backwoods."

"The Pirate Galley Cookbook focuses on seafood dishes, lake and river fish recipes with a touch of southern cooking," said Murphy. "If you like albacore, lobster, sea bass, crab, lake trout, salmon and walleye this is for you. It covers dishes from the west coast, Alaska, the Gulf, Caribbean, Mid-Atlantic, Great Lakes, New England and the Bayou."

"The Mountain Man Cookbook goes real old school with recipes that go as far back as the mid-1800s. It features pioneer recipes and country staples like corn pone, hard tack, rhubarb cake, venison stew and sourdough plus new twists on older dishes." Both books feature over 110 recipes and in keeping with past titles, are simple for guys to pull.

The second title, released in February 2014,"Flannel John's Woods & Water Cookbook: Critters, Fritters, Chili & Beer" featured wild game recipes like Mountain Bear Stew, Rasta Mon Squirrel and Rattlesnake Chili with traditional dishes including burgers, stews, corn breads, chilies, chicken and beer.

But who is Flannel John? 

Born in northern Wisconsin and raised in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, he is equal parts Babe Winkelman, Red Green, Grizzly Adams, Ted Nugent and crusty mountain man. He has hunted and fished in 40 states plus Canada and Mexico. He is, in essence, Murphy's alter-ego.

"I've crossed paths with men like him over the years. This was my way of acknowledging their spirit and thanking them," said Murphy. 

Flannel John summed up the first book best. "If you're tracking deer in the U.P woods, searching for elk in Colorado, bird hunting on the Dakota prairies or ice fishing in Minnesota...food keeps the camp sane. A hearty breakfast or sustainable snack sharpens the senses. That end of the day dinner can celebrate bringing down a ten-point buck or be warming comfort when the deer tag goes unfilled. Breaking bread, eating from the community pot and telling stories around the table bonds all outdoorsmen. A good meal always makes for a good day."

Future releases include "Flannel John's Tailgating Grub & Couch Potato Cookbook" in July and "Flannel John's Cabin Christmas Cookbook" in September. 

Tim Murphy is a graduate of Western Michigan University. This 23-year radio veteran spent 17-years hosting morning radio shows in several Michigan cities including Holland, Muskegon, Traverse City, Saginaw and Houghton plus Fargo, North Dakota, Stevens Point, Wisconsin and Ketchikan, Alaska. Murphy has had a long career as a freelance and comedy writer. His work has appeared in dozens of outlets including Backwoods Home Magazine, The Porcupine Press U.P. Magazine, National Lampoon, The Traverse City Record Eagle and ABC Radio Network. 

He lives in Oregon with his wife LisaMarie Costanzo. 

All four Flannel John books are $7.95 and are available through Amazon.com and at flanneljohn.com. For additional information on the books, to interview the author or to inquire about wholesale book pricing, contact Tim Murphy at (701) 238-1775 or E-mail him at shamrockarrow@gmail.com.

"I have had great fortune with these books," said Murphy. "25% of the profits from all the books sold in June will be donated to the Red Cross to assist the Oklahoma Tornado victims. If we sell at 2500 in June, I will double that to 50%."

# # #
21 May 2013

Governor Quinn Requests Federal Disaster Aid for Families and Businesses in 16 Additional Counties

By Brooke Anderson

More Than 800 Homes Damaged by Floods in 16 Counties

SPRINGFIELD - Governor Pat Quinn today asked the federal government to add 16 Illinois counties to a recent federal disaster declaration for 11 counties hit by widespread flooding in mid-April. Counties included in today's request are Bureau, Crawford, Henderson, Knox, Livingston, Marshall, Mason, McDonough, Peoria, Putnam, Rock Island, Schuyler, Stark, Tazewell, Warren and Woodford.

"We are continuing to do everything possible to help the families and businesses who are recovering from this historic flood," Governor Quinn said. "I want to thank President Obama for his fast approval of our first request for federal assistance, and I urge quick federal approval of this request so people in these counties can access the critical help they need."

The federal disaster declaration will help people and businesses in the 16 new counties by allowing them to apply for grants and loans to assist with storm-related losses. According to reports from the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA), more than 800 flood-damaged homes were found in the counties requested today, including 14 homes that were destroyed and 202 with major damage.

On May 10, President Obama approved Governor Quinn's request for a major disaster declaration for Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Fulton, Grundy, Kane, Kendall, Lake, LaSalle, McHenry and Will counties. To date, more than 16,000 applications for assistance have been submitted from those 11 counties.

As more damage assessments are completed, Governor Quinn will request assistance for additional counties. Personnel from IEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and affected communities have documented damage to more than 4,300 homes since April 29.

Governor Quinn will also seek federal assistance to help local governments recoup 75 percent of their eligible flood-related costs. Since May 6, IEMA and FEMA have been meeting with local government officials to document expenses incurred for emergency protective measures, debris removal and repair or replacement of roads, bridges and other public facilities. That information is needed to support a request from the governor.

Governor Quinn declared a total of 49 counties state disaster areas after torrential rains caused widespread flash and river flooding. Those counties include : Adams, Brown, Bureau, Calhoun, Carroll, Cass, Champaign, Clark, Cook, Crawford, DeKalb, Douglas, DuPage, Fulton, Greene, Grundy, Hancock, Henderson, Henry, Jersey, Jo Daviess, Kane, Kendall, Knox, Lake, LaSalle, Lawrence, Livingston, Marshall, Mason, McDonough, McHenry, Mercer, Monroe, Morgan, Ogle, Peoria, Pike, Putnam, Rock Island, Schuyler, Scott, Stark, Tazewell, Warren, Whiteside, Will, Winnebago and Woodford.

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16 May 2013

Three Iowa Streamgages Shutting Down on Friday

By Marisa Lubeck

Three U.S. Geological Survey streamgages in Iowa, which measure streamflow and water level, will be shut down on Friday, May 17, due to the federal budget sequestration.

The affected Iowa streamgages will be discontinued beginning this Friday because of a five-percent sequestration-related budget cut to the USGS National Streamflow Information Program(NSIP). Of the 35 NSIP-funded streamgages in Iowa, 22 of which are fully funded by NSIP, the USGS Iowa Water Science Center selected the following three for shutdown:

"It was difficult to make a selection that minimized all concerns, but these three Iowa streamgages will be shut down because they have comparatively short records, limited impacts on partner organizations, and their discontinuation is least likely to affect public safety," said USGS hydrologist Jon Nania.

According to the National Weather Service (NWS), local communities may receive less accurate river flood forecasts and less advanced notice of flooding due to the shutdown of these streamgages. Communities that may be impacted include Waterloo, Cedar Falls, Fort Dodge, Finchford, and Bedford, Iowa, and Maryville, Mo.

"Streamgages like these help communities understand how and when to prepare for floods," said Jeff Zogg, a NWS Senior Hydrologist in Des Moines. "In some past floods, the peak streamflows measured by these gages have contributed several feet to the downstream crests."

Streamgages collect critical streamflow and water availability data that are used by organizations nationwide to predict and address drought and flood conditions. The USGS and over 850 federal, state, and local agencies cooperatively fund the USGS streamgaging network, which consists of over 8,000 streamgages.

The USGS will discontinue operation of no more than 200 streamgages nationwide due to budget cuts as a result of sequestration. Additional streamgages may be affected if partners reduce their funding to support USGS streamgages. The USGS is working to identify which streamgages will be impacted and will post this information onlineas it becomes available.

More information about streamgaging in Iowa is available on the USGS Iowa Water Science Center website.

More information about NWS flood forecasts and warnings is available on the NWS Des Moines website, and on Facebookand Twitter @NWSDesMoines.

13 May 2013

Secretaries Vilsack and Jewell Highlight Federal Preparedness for 2013 Western Wildfire Season

By USDA Office of Communications
Officials emphasize interagency partnership, public awareness as keys to protecting communities from wildfire

BOISE, ID - May 13, 2013 - During a visit to the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) in Boise, Idaho today, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Interior Secretary Sally Jewell outlined the Federal Government's efforts to ensure collaboration in protecting Americans from wildfire, and urged homeowners and local communities to take steps to reduce their risks during the 2013 fire season. The outlook for the fire season is severe across much of the Western United States.

"The US Forest Service, Federal fire managers and crews will continue to work closely with states and communities to protect residents, property and our natural resources during what could be a challenging wildfire season," said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. "We are working together to preposition our firefighting teams and equipment to make the most effective use of available resources during this time of constrained budgets."

"One of our greatest strengths in wildfire management is that Federal, Tribal, State, and local government agencies recognize that the challenge is too great for any one organization to tackle on its own," said Interior Secretary Sally Jewell. "As regions across the country face serious risks of wildfires this season, the work ongoing at the National Interagency Fire Center is important to ensure that we're doing everything we can to protect lives, communities and our natural resources. The public also has an important role to play, and I encourage homeowners and communities to take proactive steps when it comes to preparedness, prevention and safety."

"When fires burn uncontrolled in our nation's wildlands, it means the loss of our homes, businesses, personal possessions, and all too often, lives," said U.S. Fire Administrator Ernie Mitchell. "As the men and women of our nation's firefighting forces prepare for this year's wildfire season, they need your help. By taking simple fire prevention steps, you will not only protect yourself and your families, but also the firefighters who put their lives in harm's way to fight wildfires. Remember, fire is everyone's fight."

This year, significant fire potential is predicted to be above normal in much of the West, including almost all of Arizona, New Mexico, California, Oregon and Idaho; and portions of Montana, Colorado, Utah, and Washington. In 2012, 9.3 million acres of private, state, and federal land, and more than 4,400 structures burned in wildfires. That was the third highest number of acres burned since at least 1960, the earliest date with reliable records.

On average, Forest Service and Interior agencies respond to tens of thousands of wildfires per year, suppressing all but a small percentage during the first burning period. However, the few fires that cannot be suppressed during the initial stages run the risk of becoming much larger.

Federal assets include more than 13,000 firefighters, including permanent and seasonal federal employees; more than 1,600 engines; up to 26 multiengine air tankers and two water scooper aircrafts; approximately 27 single engine air tankers; and hundreds of helicopters. At the National Interagency Fire Center, firefighting experts from multiple government agencies continuously monitor fire activity, weather and fuel conditions while strategically positioning Federal firefighters, ground equipment and aircraft to support wildfires across the country as the season shifts.

During their visit, Secretaries Vilsack and Jewell urged the public to do their part to help prevent wildfires while preparing for fire season, noting that most wildfires are human-caused. They urged residents of the more than 70,000 communities at risk from wildfires to take proactive steps and improve safety by developing community wildfire protection plans. Communities and residents can access educational resources available at www.fireadapted.org; and through the " Firewise," and " Ready, Set, Go!" programs.

More than 590 million acres of public lands are in significant need of restoration, including thinning and prescribed burning, due to the cumulative impacts of wildfire, insects and disease, and drought. More than 1,000 post-fire assessments show that these types of restoration efforts are effective in reducing wildfire severity. Forest Service and Interior continue to focus restoration treatments on high-priority areas to lessen the impacts of wildfire when it happens.

# USDA.gov logo

USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (866) 632-9992 (Toll-free Customer Service), (800) 877-8339 (Local or Federal relay), (866) 377-8642 (Relay voice users).

#
09 May 2013

Area Program to be offered on Native Iowa Plants and Trees

By Amanda Heitz

If you have ever wanted to learn more about Iowa's native trees, grasses and wildflowers, you'll have a chance to do so in a series of classes being offered in the area this spring and summer. Trees Forever will be offering its popular Stewards of the Beautiful Land program in Scott County this year.

Trees Forever's Stewards of the Beautiful Land program is designed to educate participants about the role and use of native trees, grasses and wildflowers in community, rural and home landscaping projects. Trees Forever staff will lead four different, monthly class sessions from June through September. Other participating partners include the Scott County Conservation Board, Scott County Extension & Outreach, the Scott County Soil and Water Conservation District, and Nahant Marsh. The first class starts June 11.

The Stewards of the Beautiful Land program will cover topics such as:
• Native plant identification
• Benefits and use of native plant species
• Design principles
• Planting practices
• Establishment and maintenance techniques
• Project Funding

In addition, class members will also help plan and plant a small local project using native plants.

The four-part series of classes begins on Tuesday, June 11, at the Nahant Marsh, 4220 Wapello Avenue. Subsequent classes will be held at other locations around Scott County. Participants should plan to travel to all four classes for the entire educational experience. Classes will be held from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., and include classroom-style instruction as well as outdoor field study.

There is no cost to participate in the Stewards of the Beautiful Land program, but space is limited. No prior experience with or knowledge of native trees and plants is necessary, only a commitment to actively participate in the class series and the planting project.

To register for Trees Forever's 2013 Stewards of the Beautiful Land program, or to get more information, visit the events calendar at www.treesforever.org. You can also contact Dustin Hinrichs at dhinrichs@treesforever.org or 319-373-0650 ext. 124, or Mark Pingenot at mpingenot@treesforever.org or 319-560-9079, for more information. The deadline for registration is May 31.

Trees Forever is an Iowa-based nonprofit environmental organization focused on community tree planting, water quality initiatives, and roadway and trail enhancements. The Stewards of the Beautiful Land program is funded by the Iowa Living Roadway Trust Fund (www.iowalivingroadway.com).

 -30-

09 May 2013

Loebsack Welcomes Gov. Branstad's Disaster Declaration

By Rick Martin

15 additional counties affected by strong storms and flooding now available for state assistance

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement today after Governor Branstad issued a disaster declaration for additional counties in Iowa.  People who qualify in Appanoose, Clinton, Davis, Decatur, Des Moines, Jefferson, Keokuk, Lucas, Marion, Monroe, Ringgold, Van Buren, Wapello, Warren and Wayne Counties are now able to apply for state grants to help with home or car repairs, replacement of clothing or food, and for the expense of temporary housing.  Previously, disaster declarations were made for Cedar, Iowa, Johnson, Lee, Mahaska, Muscatine, Scott and Washington Counties.

"I am pleased with the Governor's actions to make assistance available to those who have seen damage from the recent storms and flooding. I will continue work with local communities and the State to ensure those with significant property damage get the help they need."

For more information, Iowans should visit www.dhs.iowa.gov and click on the Disaster Assistance link.

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07 May 2013

Governor Branstad issues disaster proclamation for 15 counties

By Office of the Governor of Iowa
(DES MOINES) - Governor Terry E. Branstad today issued a third proclamation of disaster emergency in response to recent storms and flooding in south and southeast Iowa.

Fifteen counties are included in this proclamation:  Appanoose, Clinton, Davis, Decatur, Des Moines, Jefferson, Keokuk, Lucas, Marion, Monroe, Ringgold, Van Buren, Wapello, Warren and Wayne.

Governor Branstad had issued two proclamations in April covering eight other counties as a result of a storm system that came through the state on April 17: Cedar, Iowa, Johnson, Lee, Mahaska, Muscatine, Scott and Washington. Those proclamations activated the Iowa Individual Assistance Program for those counties, which provides grants for households with incomes up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level.

This latest proclamation of disaster emergency also activates the Iowa Individual Assistance Program, and in addition authorizes the use and deployment of state resources to those 15 counties. This proclamation contains provisions to assist the Iowa Department of Transportation in requesting federal emergency relief funding for the repair or reconstruction of federal highways and bridges throughout the impacted counties.

In addition, FEMA will begin conducting damage assessments jointly with the Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division and local officials in 19 counties impacted by April 17 storms and flooding. Results of these damage assessments could be used to determine if a request for a Presidential Disaster Declaration is warranted. Damage assessments will be conducted in the following counties: Appanoose, Cedar, Clinton, Davis, Decatur, Des Moines, Iowa, Johnson, Keokuk, Lee, Lucas, Marion, Monroe, Muscatine, Ringgold, Van Buren, Wapello, Warren and Wayne.

The Iowa Individual Assistance Program provides grants of up to $5,000 for home or car repairs, replacement of clothing or food, and for the expense of temporary housing. Original receipts are required for those seeking reimbursement for actual expenses related to storm recovery. The grant application and instructions are available at the "Disaster Assistance" link on the Iowa Department of Human Services website: www.dhs.iowa.gov<http://www.dhs.iowa.gov/>.

The proclamation can be viewed at www.homelandsecurity.iowa.gov<http://www.homelandsecurity.iowa.gov>.

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