21 Aug 2013

Winners Named in Iowa State Fair Belgian Horse Show

By Lori Chappell

Rock Creek Belgians of Prophetstown, Ill., showed the Supreme Champion in the Belgian Horse Show held August 11 through 13 at the 2013 Iowa State Fair.

Maker Farms of Strawberry Point won the Best of Iowa award for the second year in a row. Retreat Belgians of Fitchburg, Wis., took second place honors.

Additional results below:

Gelding - Registered - 3 Years and Under - Belgian

1) Salsberry Farms, Corydon

 

Herdsmanship, Six or More Stalls

1) Maker Farms, Strawberry Point

2) Jered Althoff, Strawberry Point

 

Herdsmanship, Five or Fewer Stalls

1) Retreat Belgians, Fitchburg, Wis.

2) Thomas Feldhusen, West Bend, Wis.

 

Gelding - Registered - 4 Years and Over - Belgian

1) Wade Handeland, Radcliffe

2) Double M Farms, Delmar

3) Steve Otte, North English

4) Thomas Feldhusen, West Bend, Wis.

5) Rees Family Belgians, Inc., Elk, Wash.

6) Thomas Feldhusen, West Bend, Wis.

 

Gelding - Grade - Any Age - Belgian

1) Steve Otte, North English

2) Sparrow Farms, Inc., Zearing

3) Double M Farms, Delmar

 

Grand Champion Belgian Gelding: Wade Handeland, Radcliffe

Reserve Grand Champion Belgian Gelding: Steve Otte, North English

 

Junior Stallion Foal - Belgian

1) Donald Damitz, Lena, Wis.

2) Matt or Sue Frieden, Joy, Ill.

 

Senior Stallion Foal - Belgian

1) Matt or Sue Frieden, Joy, Ill.

2) Jered Althoff, Strawberry Point

3) Hagemann Bros., Stillman Valley, Ill.

 

Stallion - Yearling - Belgian

1) Retreat Belgians, Fitchburg, Wis.

2) Sparrow Farms, Inc., Zearing

3) Matt or Sue Frieden, Joy, Ill.

 

Stallion - 2-Year-Old - Belgian

1) Mohney Farm Belgians, Benton, Kan.

2) Hagemann Bros., Stillman Valley, Ill.

 

Junior Champion Belgian Stallion: Mohney Farm Belgians, Benton, Kan.

Junior Reserve Champion Belgian Stallion: Matt or Sue Frieden, Joy, Ill.

 

Grand Champion Belgian Stallion: Mohney Farm Belgians, Benton, Kan.

Reserve Grand Champion Belgian Stallion: Matt or Sue Frieden, Joy, Ill.

 

Junior Filly Foal - Belgian

1) TTK Belgians, Lamberton, Minn.

2) Maker Farms, Strawberry Point

3) Howard and Mable Buerckley, Osage

4) Jered Althoff, Strawberry Point

 

Senior Filly Foal - Belgian

1) Hagemann Bros., Stillman Valley, Ill.

 

Mare - Yearling - Belgian

1) Mystery Hills Stable, Kiel, Wis.

2) Howard and Mable Buerckley, Osage

3) Rock Creek Belgians, Prophetstown, Ill.

4) Jan Yearian, Cumming

5) Mystery Hills Stable, Kiel, Wis.

 

Mare - 2-Year-Old - Belgian

1) Hagemann Bros., Stillman Valley, Ill.

2) Maker Farms, Strawberry Point

3) TTK Belgians, Lamberton, Minn.

4) Matt or Sue Frieden, Joy, Ill.

5) Salsberry Farms, Corydon

 

Junior Champion Belgian Mare: Hagemann Bros., Stillman Valley, Ill.

Junior Reserve Champion Belgian Mare: Hagemann Bros., Stillman Valley, Ill.

 

Mare - 3-Year-Old - Belgian

1) Hagemann Bros., Stillman Valley, Ill.

2) Jered Althoff, Strawberry Point

3) Jan Yearian, Cumming

4) Oakdale Belgians, Ogden

 

Yeld Mare - 4 Years and Over - Belgian

1) Rock Creek Belgians, Prophetstown, Ill.

2) Richard and Ginny Diehl Diehls Belgians, Prairie Dusac, Wis.

3) Oakdale Belgians, Ogden

4) Mohney Farm Belgians, Benton, Kan.

5) Mystery Hills Stable, Kiel, Wis.

6) Maker Farms, Strawberry Point

7) Hagemann Bros., Stillman Valley, Ill.

8) Retreat Belgians, Fitchburg, Wis.

 

Brood Mare - 4 Years and Over - Belgian

1) Rock Creek Belgians, Prophetstown, Ill.

2) Maker Farms, Strawberry Point

3) Jered Althoff, Strawberry Point

4) Salsberry Farms, Corydon

 

Senior Champion Belgian Mare: Rock Creek Belgians, Prophetstown, Ill.

Senior Reserve Champion Belgian Mare: Richard and Ginny Diehl Diehls Belgians, Prairie Dusac, Wis.

 

Grand Champion Belgian Mare: Rock Creek Belgians, Prophetstown, Ill.

Reserve Grand Champion Belgian Mare: Hagemann Bros., Stillman Valley, Ill.

 

Mare and Foal - Belgian

1) Matt or Sue Frieden, Joy, Ill.

2) Maker Farms, Strawberry Point

3) Jan Yearian, Cumming

 

Produce of Dam - Belgian

1) Jered Althoff, Strawberry Point

2) Jan Yearian, Cumming

3) Matt or Sue Frieden, Joy, Ill.

4) Keith Rudeen, Elm Creek, Neb.

5) Salsberry Farms, Corydon

 

Get of Sire - Belgian

1) Hagemann Bros., Stillman Valley, Ill.

2) Thomas Feldhusen, West Bend, Wis.

 

Stallion and 3 Mares - Belgian

1) Hagemann Bros., Stillman Valley, Ill.

2) Jered Althoff, Strawberry Point

 

Ladies Gelding/Stallion Cart - Belgian

1) Rees Family Belgians, Inc., Elk, Wash.

2) Keith Rudeen, Elm Creek, Neb.

3) Steve Otte, North English

4) Rolling H Belgians, Ogden

5) Roby's Belgian, Rockwell City

6) Gary Loomis Loomis Farms, Afton

Ribbon) Thomas Feldhusen, West Bend, Wis.

Ribbon) Sparrow Farms, Inc., Zearing

 

Mens Gelding/Stallion Cart - Belgian

1) Keith Rudeen, Elm Creek, Neb.

2) Gary Loomis Loomis Farms, Afton

3) Roby's Belgian, Rockwell City

4) Rolling H Belgians, Ogden

5) Double M Farms, Delmar

6) Rees Family Belgians, Inc., Elk, Wash.

 

Ladies' Mare Cart - Belgian

1) Sparrow Farms, Inc., Zearing

2) Rock Creek Belgians, Prophetstown, Ill.

3) Mohney Farm Belgians, Benton, Kan.

 

Men's Mare Cart - Belgian

1) Oakdale Belgians, Ogden

2) Rock Creek Belgians, Prophetstown, Ill.

3) Kory Dammeier, Cumming

4) Salsberry Farms, Corydon

 

Team of Geldings - Belgian

1) Double M Farms, Delmar

2) Roby's Belgian, Rockwell City

3) Keith Rudeen, Elm Creek, Neb.

4) Steve Otte, North English

5) Rolling H Belgians, Ogden

6) Wade Handeland, Radcliffe

 

Team of Mares - Belgian

1) Rock Creek Belgians, Prophetstown, Ill.

2) Mohney Farm Belgians, Benton, Kan.

3) Oakdale Belgians, Ogden

4) Maker Farms, Strawberry Point

5) Hagemann Bros., Stillman Valley, Ill.

6) Salsberry Farms, Corydon

 

Open Unicorn - Belgian

1) Wade Handeland, Radcliffe

2) Steve Otte, North English

3) Rees Family Belgians, Inc., Elk, Wash.

4) Gary Loomis Loomis Farms, Afton

5) Keith Rudeen, Elm Creek, Neb.

 

Mare Unicorn - Belgian

1) Rock Creek Belgians, Prophetstown, Ill.

2) Rolling H Belgians, Ogden

3) Mohney Farm Belgians, Benton, Kan.

4) Maker Farms, Strawberry Point

 

Open Four Horse Hitch - Belgian

1) Roby's Belgian, Rockwell City

2) Double M Farms, Delmar

3) Steve Otte, North English

4) Rees Family Belgians, Inc., Elk, Wash.

5) Wade Handeland, Radcliffe

6) Rolling H Belgians, Ogden

Ribbon) Gary Loomis Loomis Farms, Afton

Ribbon) Keith Rudeen, Elm Creek, Neb.

 

Mare Four Horse Hitch - Belgian

1) Rock Creek Belgians, Prophetstown, Ill.

2) Hagemann Bros., Stillman Valley, Ill.

3) Maker Farms, Strawberry Point

4) Mohney Farm Belgians, Benton, Kan.

 

Open Six Horse Hitch - Belgian

1) Roby's Belgian, Rockwell City

2) Rees Family Belgians, Inc., Elk, Wash.

3) Double M Farms, Delmar

4) Wade Handeland, Radcliffe

5) Steve Otte, North English

6) Gary Loomis Loomis Farms, Afton

 

Mare Six Horse Hitch - Belgian

1) Rock Creek Belgians, Prophetstown, Ill.

2) Mohney Farm Belgians, Benton, Kan.

3) Hagemann Bros., Stillman Valley, Ill.

4) Maker Farms, Strawberry Point

 

Decorator Class - 15 to 18 - Belgian/Shire

1) Rolling H Belgians, Ogden

2) Rolling H Belgians, Ogden

3) Dakota Thunder Shires, Souix Falls, S.D.

 

Decorator Class - 14 and Under - Belgian/Shire

1) Thomas Feldhusen, West Bend, Wis.

2) Dakota Thunder Shires, Souix Falls, S.D.

3) Steve Otte, North English

4) Kory Dammeier, Cumming

 

Showmanship at Halter - 15 to 18 - Belgian/Shire

1) Hagemann Bros., Stillman Valley, Ill.

2) TTK Belgians, Lamberton, Minn.

3) Hagemann Bros., Stillman Valley, Ill.

4) Rolling H Belgians, Ogden

5) Rolling H Belgians, Ogden

6) Dakota Thunder Shires, Souix Falls, S.D.

 

Showmanship at Halter - 14 and Under - Belgian/Shire

1) Maker Farms, Strawberry Point

2) Wade Handeland, Radcliffe

3) Thomas Feldhusen, West Bend, Wis.

4) Dakota Thunder Shires, Souix Falls, S.D.

5) Kory Dammeier, Cumming

 

Juvenile Driver Cart - 15 to 18 - Belgian/Shire

1) Dakota Thunder Shires, Souix Falls, S.D.

2) Rolling H Belgians, Ogden

3) Rolling H Belgians, Ogden

 

Juvenile Driver Cart - 14 and Under - Belgian/Shire

1) Wade Handeland, Radcliffe

2) Roby's Belgian, Rockwell City

3) Stocktons Big Little Shires, Laporte, Colo.

4) Dakota Thunder Shires, Souix Falls, S.D.

5) Thomas Feldhusen, West Bend, Wis.

6) Salsberry Farms, Corydon

7) Kory Dammeier, Cumming

8) Rees Family Belgians, Inc., Elk, Wash.

 

Juvenile Driver Team - 15 to 18 - Belgian/Shire

1) Rolling H Belgians, Ogden

2) Dakota Thunder Shires, Souix Falls, S.D.

3) Rolling H Belgians, Ogden

 

Juvenile Driver Team - 14 and Under - Belgian/Shire

1) Wade Handeland, Radcliffe

2) Thomas Feldhusen, West Bend, Wis.

3) Roby's Belgian, Rockwell City

4) Dakota Thunder Shires, Souix Falls, S.D.

5) Kory Dammeier, Cumming

6) Salsberry Farms, Corydon

 

Draft Under Saddle - Western - Belgian/Shire

1) Crystal Creek Farm, Prole

2) Howard and Mable Buerckley, Osage

 

Draft Under Saddle - English - Belgian/Shire

1) Crystal Creek Farm, Prole

2) Howard and Mable Buerckley, Osage

 

Gelding - Registered - 3 Years and Under - Shire

1) Midnight Star Breeders, Silt, Colo.

2) Foggy Meadows Farm, Brewster, Minn.

 

Gelding - Registered - 4 Years and Over - Shire

1) Wareing Shires, Blackfoot, Idaho

2) Wareing Shires, Blackfoot, Idaho

 

Gelding - Grade - Any Age - Shire

1) Wareing Shires, Blackfoot, Idaho

2) Light Horse Livery, Elkhorn, Wis.

 

Grand Champion Shire Gelding: Midnight Star Breeders, Silt, Colo.

Reserve Grand Champion Shire Gelding: Wareing Shires, Blackfoot, Idaho

 

Stallion - Foal - Shire

1) Jenson Shires LLC, Blair, Neb.

2) Jenson Shires LLC, Blair, Neb.

 

Stallion - Yearling - Shire

1) Wareing Shires, Blackfoot, Idaho

2) Midnight Star Breeders, Silt, Colo.

3) Jenson Shires LLC, Blair, Neb.

 

Stallion - 2-Year-Old - Shire

1) Haugen-Hill Shires, Red Wing, Minn.

 

Junior Champion Shire Stallion: Haugen-hill Shires, Red Wing, Minn.

Junior Reserve Champion Shire Stallion: Wareing Shires, Blackfoot, Idaho

 

Stallion - 3-Year-Old - Shire

1) Rob Rich, Baraboo, Wis.

 

Stallion - 4 Years and Over - Shire

1) Haugen-Hill Shires, Red Wing, Minn.

 

Senior Champion Shire Stallion: Rob Rich, Baraboo, Wis.

Senior Reserve Champion Shire Stallion: Haugen-hill Shires, Red Wing, Minn.

 

Grand Champion Shire Stallion: Rob Rich, Baraboo, Wis.

Reserve Grand Champion Shire Stallion: Haugen-hill Shires, Red Wing, Minn.

 

Mare - Foal - Shire

1) Haugen-Hill Shires, Red Wing, Minn.

2) Haugen-Hill Shires, Red Wing, Minn.

3) Jenson Shires LLC, Blair, Neb.

 

Mare - Yearling - Shire

1) Jenson Shires LLC, Blair, Neb.

2) Rob Rich, Baraboo, Wis.

3) Midnight Star Breeders, Silt, Colo.

 

Mare - 2-Year-Old - Shire

1) Jenson Shires LLC, Blair, Neb.

2) Stockton's Big Little Shires, Laporte, Colo.

 

Junior Champion Shire Mare: Haugen-hill Shires, Red Wing, Minn.

Junior Reserve Champion Shire Mare: Jenson Shires LLC, Blair, Neb.

 

Mare - 3-Year-Old - Shire

1) Foggy Meadows Farm, Brewster, Minn.

 

Yeld Mare - 4 Years and Over - Shire

1) Jenson Shires LLC, Blair, Neb.

2) Stockton's Big Little Shires, Laporte, Colo.

3) Jenson Shires LLC, Blair, Neb.

 

Brood Mare - 4 Years and Over - Shire

1) Haugen-Hill Shires, Red Wing, Minn.

2) Haugen-Hill Shires, Red Wing, Minn.

3) Foggy Meadows Farm, Brewster, Minn.

4) Jenson Shires LLC, Blair, Neb.

5) Foggy Meadows Farm, Brewster, Minn.

 

Senior Champion Shire Mare: Jenson Shires LLC, Blair, Neb.

Senior Reserve Champion Shire Mare: Haugen-hill Shires, Red Wing, Minn.

 

Grand Champion Shire Mare: Jenson Shires LLC, Blair, Neb.

Reserve Grand Champion Shire Mare: Haugen-hill Shires, Red Wing, Minn.

 

Mare and Foal - Shire

1) Haugen-Hill Shires, Red Wing, Minn.

2) Haugen-Hill Shires, Red Wing, Minn.

3) Jenson Shires LLC, Blair, Neb.

 

Produce of Dam - Shire

1) Haugen-Hill Shires, Red Wing, Minn.

2) Stockton's Big Little Shires, Laporte, Colo.

3) Jenson Shires LLC, Blair, Neb.

4) Midnight Star Breeders, Silt, Colo.

5) Foggy Meadows Farm, Brewster, Minn.

 

Get of Sire - Shire

1) Jenson Shires LLC, Blair, Neb.

2) Haugen-hill Shires, Red Wing, Minn.

 

Breeders Group - Shire

1) Jenson Shires LLC, Blair, Neb.

2) Haugen-Hill Shires, Red Wing, Minn.

 

Gelding/Stallion Cart - Registered Shire

1) Dakota Thunder Shires, Souix Falls, S.D.

2) Wareing Shires, Blackfoot, Idaho

3) Rob Rich, Baraboo, Wis.

 

Mare Cart - Registered Shire

1) Jenson Shires LLC, Blair, Neb.

2) Stockton's Big Little Shires, Laporte, Colo.

3) Jenson Shires LLC, Blair, Neb.

4) Stockton's Big Little Shires, Laporte, Colo.

 

Team - Registered Shire

1) Dakota Thunder Shires, Souix Falls, S.D.

2) Wareing Shires, Blackfoot, Idaho

3) Jenson Shires LLC, Blair, Neb.

4) Stockton's Big Little Shires, Laporte, Colo.

 

Grade Team - Shire

1) Wareing Shires, Blackfoot, Idaho

 

Unicorn - Shire

1) Wareing Shires, Blackfoot, Idaho

2) Dakota Thunder Shires, Souix Falls, S.D.

3) Stockton's Big Little Shires, Laporte, Colo.

 

Four Horse Hitch - Shire

1) Wareing Shires, Blackfoot, Idaho

2) Dakota Thunder Shires, Souix Falls, S.D.

3) Stockton's Big Little Shires, Laporte, Colo.

 

Open Six Horse Hitch - Shire

1) Wareing Shires, Blackfoot, Idaho

2) Dakota Thunder Shires, Souix Falls, S.D.

 

Supreme Six Horse Hitch Showdown - All Breeds

1) Robys Belgian, Rockwell City

2) Rock Creek Belgians, Prophetstown, Ill.

3) Double M Farms, Delmar

4) Rees Family Belgians, Inc., Elk, Wash.

5) Wade Handeland, Radcliffe

6) Wareing Shires, Blackfoot, Idaho

7) Gary Loomis Loomis Farms, Afton

8) Dakota Thunder Shires, Souix Falls, S.D.

9) Hagemann Bros., Stillman Valley, Ill.

10) Mohney Farm Belgians, Benton, Kan.

11) Steve Otte, North English

 

Best American Bred Registered Gelding - Shire

1) Midnight Star Breeders, Silt, Colo.

 

Best American Bred Stallion - Shire

1) Rob Rich, Baraboo, Wis.

 

Best Stallion Bred and Owned by Exhibitor - Shire

1) Rob Rich, Baraboo, Wis.

 

Best American Bred Mare - Shire

1) Jenson Shires LLC, Blair, Neb.

 

Best Mare Bred and Owned by Exhibitor - Shire

1) Jenson Shires LLC, Blair, Neb.

 

Best of Breed - Shire

1) Wareing Shires, Blackfoot, Idaho

 

"Nothing Compares" to the Iowa State Fair. The 2013 Fair ends today. The 2014 Iowa State Fair is set August 7-17. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit iowastatefair.org.

 

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21 Aug 2013

Fixing America's Welcome Mat

By Rick Martin

by U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley

They say history has a way of repeating itself. That certainly came true in June when the U.S. Senate approved a sweeping reform bill to revamp the nation's immigration laws. Unfortunately, the U.S. Senate failed to learn from the mistakes created by the 1986 overhaul.

Consider the 1986 bill that President Reagan signed into law.

At that time, about three million people who were living in the country illegally were granted citizenship.

Today, 27 years later, the U.S. estimates 11 million undocumented immigrants are living here.

What should that tell us? It says that the 1986 law failed to stem the flow of illegal immigration. It sent the wrong signal by granting legal status to millions while ignoring the need to secure the border.  It gave the green light to millions of others that it was okay to break our laws because enforcement wouldn't be taken seriously.

I voted for the 1986 law. And by looking through the rear-view mirror, I don't need a crystal ball to tell me what would happen on the road ahead if we repeat the mistakes of the past.  I saw how legalizing before securing our borders turned out. It turned America's time-honored welcome mat into a timeworn doormat.

America's immigration system is broken. It's time to fix it so that a legal flow of immigration can help the economy and bolster areas of the workforce that are short of workers, from low-skilled to high-tech workers. But, immigration laws should not come at the expense of American workers or cause them to be disadvantaged, displaced or underpaid. Rooting out fraud and abuse from many of our visa programs should be a priority.

We need to secure how people enter the United States through legal channels. For instance, it makes sense to allow foreign students who have been trained and educated on U.S. soil to remain here.  We need to enact solutions that ensure we keep those highly skilled and sought after students here.  At the same time, we need to ensure that we protect American students and encourage them to explore Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) fields.  We also need to close any loopholes with the student visa process in order to protect our national security.

Unfortunately, the bill passed by the U.S. Senate won't fix what's broken and is chock-full of loopholes that make the legalization system far from ideal.

Thankfully our system of self-government protects representation of, by and for the people with a bicameral Congress. Now the U.S. House of Representatives has a chance to get it right.

Here's what I'd like to see:

• border security first and its verification by elected and accountable members of Congress, not the federal bureaucracy or administration;

• meaningful interior enforcement that empowers federal, state and local authorities;

• stronger laws to deter criminal offenses, including identity theft and gang-related activity; and,

• policy to ensure qualified Americans have the first opportunity at U.S. jobs.

Finally, as a taxpayer watchdog, I cannot support a bill that does what Congress seems to do best: throw taxpayers' money at the problem without actually solving the problem. Originally, the bill's price tag started at $6.5 billion. At final passage, the Senate sponsors jacked that up to $46.3 billion, essentially to win support. And, in the end, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office said that the bill would only reduce illegal immigration by one third to one half.

For more than 200 years, immigrants have looked to America's shores as the beacon of hope, freedom and opportunity. Immigration has played a central role in the social, cultural and economic fabric of our communities and neighborhoods for generation after generation.

That's why it's so important for Congress to fix America's welcome mat. We can learn from the lessons. We need immigration laws in place that welcome law-abiding immigrants to share their entrepreneurial spirit, build better lives for themselves, and help make America a better place for generations to come.
21 Aug 2013

Niabi Zoo Giraffe Calf Dies Shortly After Birth

By Marc Heinzman
Coal Valley, IL - August 20, 2013 - The staff at Niabi Zoo is mourning the death of a female giraffe calf born on August 13. The calf survived for approximately three hours before a sudden and rapid decline set in. The calf has been sent to the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, where a veterinary pathologist is completing a full necropsy (animal autopsy). Full results are expected to be in sometime next week.

"This was a terrible loss that was felt by everyone at the zoo, particularly the giraffe care staff. Our experienced animal care and veterinary staff made every attempt to resuscitate the calf, but ultimately we were unable to help her pull through," said Marc Heinzman, Niabi Zoo Director.  

The calf was born to Mimi, an experienced mother who has had two healthy and successful calves in years past. Weighing 124 pounds at birth and showing no outward signs of trouble during her initial veterinary exam, the calf began to experience apparent breathing trouble approximately two and half hours after birth. Zoo staff noticed her breathing troubles and intervened in an attempt to increase her rate of respiration. Despite their best efforts, the calf continued to fade until passing away at approximately 11:20 am.

"As with any newborn at the Zoo, we were keeping continuous observations on this calf. She had been exhibiting normal behaviors for newborn giraffes, including several attempts to stand for the first time," said Heinzman. "We are continuing to keep a close eye on Mimi to make sure she continues to do well."

Studies of wild giraffes have shown that mortalities of newborn calves are not uncommon. Fifty percent of giraffe calves do not survive past 6 months of age.  

# # #
20 Aug 2013

AFSCME Iowa Council 61 calls for Director Baldwin's Resignation

By Brian Jennings
AFSCME IOWA: CLARINDA INMATES' ESCAPE SYMPTOMATIC OF DIRECTOR BALDWIN'S BROKEN INMATE CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM

DES MOINES - AFSCME Iowa Council 61 President Danny Homan issued the following statement regarding the escape of Rodney Eugene Long from Clarinda Correctional Facility on Friday:

"First, I would like to extend the thoughts and prayers of AFSCME Iowa Council 61 members to Taylor County Sheriff's Deputy Dan Wyckoff and his family. Deputy Wyckoff, who was shot by Rodney Long on Sunday, is a public employee who puts his life on the line to protect the public. We wish him a speedy recovery.

"This morning Inmate Long was shot and killed by one of the residents of a home in rural Bedford. He was killed after holding hostage the couple who lived there.

"The shooting of Deputy Wyckoff, the danger law enforcement and the public we exposed to, and the death of inmate Long are a direct result of the Director of Corrections and the Governor's ill-thought out policies and procedures. The understaffing of the state institutions is at a critical stage and needs to be corrected

"It is time for Director John Baldwin to resign and for the Governor to work with legislators to fix the staffing issues in our correctional system.

"Friday's escape is a symptom of Director Baldwin and the Branstad Administration's lack of common sense staffing and inmate classification policies. Director Baldwin has refused to acknowledge the severe understaffing in the State of Iowa's correctional system. Instead, he has reconfigured the inmate classification system to quickly and recklessly push more inmates towards less secure settings or towards parole.

"Rodney Long, a repeat offender and an offender that had his probation revoked, was transferred from a medium security facility to a minimum security live out facility after only a short period of time. The combination of offenders being pushed into lower security facilities and correctional understaffing is a dangerous combination.

"The Department is pushing to lower the prison population when it is not safe to do so. In addition to pushing inmates into lower security correctional facilities, the Department is pushing inmates to work release and parole in an unsafe manner. This has resulted in numerous inmates walking away from community based corrections facilities. Examples of this include Eric Allen Shaffer (Burlington Work Release Facility on 8/14/2013), John Joseph Rosales Brown (Larry Nelson Work Release Center in Cedar Rapids on 8/3/2013), Michael E. Hannum (Council Bluffs work release facility on 8/3/2013), Osvaldo Guerra Jr. (Fort Des Moines work release facility on 4/2/2013), Marco Johnson (Waterloo work-release center on 3/20/2013), Roger Romero Clayton (Davenport halfway house on 2/1/2013; Mr. Clayton also escaped from a halfway house in 2012 as well), and Corey Dewitt (Fort Des Moines work release facility on 12/4/2012).

"The situation in Iowa's correctional system is critical and must be dealt with immediately."

###
20 Aug 2013

Branstad signs executive order immediately implementing higher standards for care and training at the Iowa Juvenile Home

By Tim Albrecht

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry E. Branstad today signed Executive Order 82, found here, which immediately holds the Iowa Juvenile Home to higher standards of care. The Iowa Juvenile Home will be held to the same standards for restraint or seclusion as a private comprehensive residential facility.

These increased standards for care will lead to greater safety, transparency and oversight in treatment for children at the Iowa Juvenile Home.

Additionally, Executive Order 82 mandates trauma-informed care training for staff at the Iowa Juvenile Home. The principles outlined in the executive order are as follows:

WHEREAS,     protecting the health, safety and welfare of Iowa's children is of the utmost importance; and

WHEREAS,     all Iowa children deserve the best care and education we can provide; and

WHEREAS,     the Iowa Juvenile Home is a comprehensive residential facility for children and is entrusted to provide effective interventions for the most troubled youth in the State; and

WHEREAS,     the culture at the Iowa Juvenile Home must focus on high quality care and education; and

WHEREAS,     treatment for children, including the use of seclusion or restraint, should only be employed in a safe and transparent manner consistent with the highest standards and practices set for similar private sector facilities.

The executive order will also establish a five-member task force to formulate new recommendations for the juvenile home and assist in their implementation. Their responsibilities are as follows:

a.      Make recommendations about how to improve services for residents;

b.     Review incident data to ensure a high-level of care is delivered at the Iowa Juvenile Home;

c.      Recommend a strategy for the permanent elimination of seclusion rooms outside the cottage setting;

d.     Recommend a strategy outlining the transition of the Iowa Juvenile Home's education plan from being managed from the Department of Human Services to Area Education Agency 267; and

e.      Reach other goals and objectives as requested by the Office of the Governor.

Task force members appointed by the governor will be as follows:

Prof. Jerry Foxhoven, Executive Director, Drake Legal Clinic

Charles Palmer, Director, Iowa Department of Human Services

Dr. Mary Stevens, Director of Special Education, Area Education Agency 267

Dr. Mark R. Peltan, Chairman, Council on Human Services

Ron Steele, former Executive Director, Youth Homes of Mid-America

Foxhoven will chair the task force.

The task force report is due October 15th.

# # #

20 Aug 2013

Immigration Reform Bus Tour Starts -- 11 Cities in Four Days with Focus on Judiciary Committee Members

By Christian Newswire

WASHINGTON, Aug. 19, 2013 /Christian Newswire/ -- Forty activists are launching an 11-city, four-day bus tour through Midwest "battleground states" prodding key members of Congress to adopt comprehensive immigration reform.

The event is being headed by the Minnesota-based Asamblea de Derechos Civiles, the Assembly for Civil Rights (ADDC), an affiliate of Gamaliel. The tour targets politicians who sit on the House Judiciary Committee.
The tour makes three stops in Ohio, two stops in Minnesota and Missouri, and one stop in Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois and Indiana.
"Last week, we celebrated the one year anniversary of the executive order, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)," said Pablo Tapia, co-founder of ADDC. "DACA is not a permanent and stable solution. The House must act NOW to provide a pathway to citizenship for the 11 million undocumented folks living in this country."
Ana Garcia-Ashley, Executive Director of Gamaliel said, "The family is the basic unit of our society, but our broken immigration system divides families and keeps loved ones apart for years or decades."
Bus Tour Schedule:
Monday, August 19
9:00am- Vigil at Rep. Eric Paulsen's office, Eden Prairie, MN
9:30am- Vigil at Rep. John Kline's office, Burnsville, MN
1:00pm- Vigil at Rep. Steve King's office, Mason City, IA
Tuesday, August 20
9:30am- Vigil at Rep. Sensenbrenner's in Brookfield, WI
12:30pm- Meeting with Rep. Luis Gutiérrez in Chicago, IL
5:00pm- Dinner with community & rally in South Bend, IN
Wednesday, August 21
9:30am- Action at Rep. Jim Jordan's office in Lima, OH
11:00am- Action at Rep. John Boehner's office in Troy, OH
2:30pm- Action in Rep. Steve Chabot's office in Cincinnati, OH
Thursday, August 22
9:30am- Vigil at Rep. Jason Smith's office in Farmington, MO
5:00pm- Rally in St. Charles, MO
Asamblea de Derechos Civiles is a statewide, faith-based organization which organizes immigrants from predominantly Latino congregations to build power to change the immigration system and the underlying political and economic structures behind it.
20 Aug 2013

Docudrama Filmmaker Explodes 4 Myths About Bodybuilding Subculture

By Ginny Grimsley
Writer-Director Vlad Yudin Spent Months With 7 Contenders
for 'Generation Iron'

Myths abound about the subculture of bodybuilding, a sport that took off with the explosion of the health-and-fitness industry in the 1970s.

Back then, the public knew even less about these extreme and dedicated athletes until the release of a breakthrough docudrama in 1977, "Pumping Iron," produced by Jerome Gary and featuring a champion named Arnold Schwarzenegger.

The film has long fascinated Vlad Yudin, writer, director, producer and principal of The Vladar Co., (vladar.com). He has been busy on multiple film projects this year, but right now his focus is the Sept. 20 release of "Generation Iron," created with "Pumping Iron" producer Gary and narrated by Mickey Rourke.

Yudin spent months with the seven bodybuilders featured in the docudrama as they prepared for the Mr. Olympiad contest. He says he came away with an appreciation of how little the public still knows about the sport and the athletes who so compulsively pursue physical perfection.  For one, many people believe bodybuilding is about size - not true.

"It's about developing symmetry," he says.

Here are four myths he says are rampant in literature about bodybuilders, and why they're not true.

• Myth No. 1: Bodybuilders suffer from "negative body image," or "reverse anorexia." Many observers have written that bodybuilders are driven by an eating disorder known as reverse anorexia: No matter how big they get, when they look in the mirror, they still see a skinny wimp. Not true, says Yudin. "The whole point of this sport is to perfect the physique - the goal is to develop perfect symmetry, not to get as big as you can be. These guys are striving for a perfect score in competition. If they see a weak spot, they're going to work on building that up."

• Myth No. 2. Bodybuilders depend on steroids to achieve results. Steroids do not make champions, Yudin says. Bodybuilding champs are athletes so dedicated to constantly consuming the right nutrients on the right schedule and to working out, it becomes a lifestyle. "People think they're just pumping themselves up with steroids, but bodybuilding is a science that requires effort 100 percent of the time, Yudin says.

• Myth No. 3: Bodybuilders have low self-esteem. For some, this may have been true at one point in their lives, Yudin says. Some experienced bullying; others had acceptance issues. But most now have a healthy, even robust, sense of self-esteem. "You can see it in how they carry themselves. They don't do this because of a lack of confidence," he says. "If they did, they wouldn't be able to go on stage and be judged with such intense scrutiny on their physique. They've put in a lot of work and they know they look good." He gives the example of Phil Heath, one of the seven men featured in his film. Heath grew up as a talented athlete and played basketball for the University of Denver. "He started hitting the gym more to train, and became more interested in bodybuilding than basketball," Yudin says. The two-time Mr. Olympia knew he had talent from the get-go and took advantage of it, he says.

• Myth No. 4: Body builders are socially isolated. They get a rap because they dedicate their life to the gym and their diet, Yudin says. They eat every two to three hours and they're in the gym two to three times a day. You just don't see them out and about very often. "But four of the seven men we featured are married. A fifth lives with the mother of his children, and a sixth got married after we stopped shooting. Their family lives are a big part of the film," Yudin says. While he concedes bodybuilders have to be selfish to a degree in order to maintain their grueling schedule, that doesn't mean they're loners who avoid others.

"Branch Warren is a devoted family man who brings his daughter to competitions," Yudin says. "In the film, you see him carrying his daughter through the back stage."


About Vlad Yudin

Russian-born writer, director, producer Vlad Yudin is the principal of The Vladar Co., a media and entertainment production company. New projects include the ARCANA Comics graphic novel and film "Head Smash," and the bodybuilding docudrama "Generation Iron." A second film, "Catskill Park," a horror movie, is also scheduled for release this year. Yudin is currently working with "Game of Thrones" producer Mark Huffam to adapt the historical fiction novel "The French Executioner" for film. He recently published the graphic novel "Head Smash," which will be adapted for film next year. Yudin directed and produced the critically acclaimed docufilm "Big Pun: The Legacy" (2008), and wrote, directed and produced the dark comedy, "Last Day of Summer," in 2009. Yudin grew up in Russia and New York and is a graduate of Pace University and the New York University Filmmaking Program.

19 Aug 2013

Honoring Grandparents Who Raise Their Grandkids

By Jason Alderman

By Jason Alderman

In 1978, Congress passed legislation proclaiming the first Sunday after Labor Day as National Grandparents Day. Presidents since Jimmy Carter have issued proclamations urging citizens to, in the words of President Barack Obama, "honor those who have helped shape the character of our nation, and thank these role models for their immeasurable acts of love, care and understanding."

At a stage in life when many people are already comfortably retired, some 2.7 million grandparents have taken on the responsibility of providing basic needs for their grandchildren, according to data compiled by Generations United. An alarming 21 percent of these vital caregivers live below the poverty line, even though 60 percent are still in the workforce.

All told, an estimated 7.8 million children under 18 live in households headed by grandparents or other relatives, including those whose parents are absent due to death, substance abuse, military deployment or other reasons.

Ironically, even though many of these "grandfamilies" barely scrape by, they save taxpayers more than $6.5 billion each year by keeping children out of the foster care system. So it only seems fair that many federal, state and local aid programs are available to help these guardian angels provide financial and emotional safety nets for their grandchildren.

Among the many difficulties these families sometimes face:

  • If you become your grandchild's foster parent, you're responsible for day-to-day decisions and care, although the state retains legal custody and pays for the child's care.
  • Unless you establish some form of legal relationship (custody, guardianship or adoption), the parent may be able to take your grandchild from your home at any time.
  • In some states, it's difficult to enroll the child in school or get medical care without some form of legal relationship.
  • Most senior-only housing complexes don't allow child residents - which is legal - so some grandfamilies are forced to move.

However, grandfamilies may be eligible for several federal tax credits:

  • A Child Tax Credit of up to $1,000 for each qualified grandchild, provided they lived with you for more than half the filing year and are under 17 at year's end.
  • If you qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit, you may be eligible for an additional amount for grandchildren you support.
  • A Child and Dependent Care Credit for childcare expenses incurred so you can work or seek employment.
  • If you adopt your grandchildren, you may be eligible for a nonrefundable Federal Adoption Credit of up to $12,970 per child.

In addition, depending on your income and the health/disability status of your grandchildren, you may also be eligible for benefits from Medicaid, your state's Children's Health Insurance Program, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and numerous other federal, state and local aid programs.

Helpful resources for grandfamilies include :

  • Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, a government-sponsored site at. www.usa.gov, that provides links to various subject-matter experts.
  • AARP's comprehensive GrandFamilies Guide (at www.aarp.org).
  • Benefits QuickLINK, an AARP tool to find out whether you or your grandchildren qualify for 15 different public benefits.
  • GrandFacts, a searchable database at www.aarp.org, where you can locate key state and local resources, foster care policies and services, public benefits, financial and education assistance, and relevant state laws.
  • Generations United, whose "Grandfamilies" website highlights challenges often faced by these households (www.gu.org/OURWORK/Grandfamilies.aspx).

Do something to honor your own grandparents this Grandparents Day. And if you know others who are raising their grandkids, make sure they know about the many available resources.

19 Aug 2013

Governor Quinn Signs Law to Protect New Pet Owners

By Grant Klinzman
"Puppy Lemon Law" Protects Those Who Buy Dogs or Cats from Pet Shops 

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today signed a new law that protects those who purchase dogs or cats from pet shops. The legislation gives buyers protection for pet purchases and helps to reduce the possibility of the emotional trauma that comes from losing a pet. The new law is part of Governor Quinn's commitment to protect pets and their owners, while ensuring that all animals in Illinois are treated ethically and responsibly.

"Our pets are part of our families, and it is a heartbreaking experience for anyone to go through when a new family member arrives home sick or dying," Governor Quinn said. "This law offers more protections against 'puppy mills' and gives people who purchase a new dog or cat more choices as they select a new pet."

Senate Bill 1639 was sponsored by State Senator Dan Kotowski (D-Park Ridge) and State Representative Michael Zalewski (D-Riverside). It gives those who purchase a dog or cat the option of a full refund, exchange or veterinarian bill compensation if a licensed veterinarian determines the animal was sick or diseased when purchased. The law also offers the same options if a veterinarian determines the animal has a congenital or hereditary condition that requires hospitalization, surgery or has caused its death. Pet shops must also provide buyers with each animal's medical history, and notify the Illinois Department of Agriculture immediately when they become aware of any contagious or potentially life-threatening diseases among the animals in their possession.

The new law does not apply to not-for-profit animal adoption operations such as animal shelters.

"This law will both protect consumers as well as our pets," Senator Kotowski said. "It will reduce the spread of diseases by discouraging breeders and pet stores from selling unhealthy dogs and cats."

"The main goal of this new law is to protect consumers and animals while encouraging pet stores to work with reliable and safe breeders, not the 'puppy mills' that purposely withhold medical information when selling to pet stores," Representative Zalewski said. "Illinois is now the 21st state to implement such a law, recognizing the importance of cracking down on unscrupulous practices and helping to minimize the heartache of losing a family pet."

The law takes effect January 1, 2014.

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16 Aug 2013

Governor Quinn Proclaims "Jackie Robinson West Little League Champions Day"

By Rick Martin

Says #42 Would Have Been Proud of Their "Grit and Grace"

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn proclaimed today "Jackie Robinson West Little League Champions Day" in honor of the baseball team from Chicago's South Side that came within one game of the Little League World Series. After ousting teams from Wisconsin, Kentucky and Ohio, they advanced to the Great Lakes Regional Tournament in Indianapolis, Ind., but fell short in the championship game against Michigan's Gross Pointe Woods-Shores.

"Number 42 - Jackie Robinson - would have been so proud of this unheralded team, true underdogs who showed the same grit and grace Jackie showed as a player," Governor Quinn said. "Jackie Robinson once said 'Life is not a spectator sport.' These players, their coaches and their parents worked hard and made sacrifices to achieve excellence."

Thanks to a combination of teamwork, speed and power, they cruised through the Illinois play-offs by scoring 65 runs in six games. Then, in the five-game Great Lakes Regional Tournament, they batted .444, crossing the plate 59 times.

Earlier in the season at a game in Beardstown, Ill., the Jackie Robinson West players' performance and demeanor impressed local residents. The team has since been invited to return to Beardstown and ride a float in their annual fall parade.

In his Proclamation, the Governor said, "...the longevity of the Jackie Robinson West Little League Baseball team is a tribute to all of the parents, coaches, sponsors and fans who are committed to ensuring that young people develop the skills and work ethic necessary for becoming productive, successful adults."

In 1983, Jackie Robinson West won the Regional Championship, a feat accomplished by only two Chicago-area teams since (Lemont in 2006 and South Holland in 1992).

The Jackie Robinson West Little League team was founded in 1971 - the year before Jackie Robinson died - by educator Joseph H. Haley, whose goal was to provide young people with wholesome, healthy recreation through baseball. The team's mission is to bring children into a structured program environment supported by adult volunteers where values of leadership, teamwork and self-discipline are emphasized.

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