Urbandale Cook Claims Chicken Sausage Title at the Iowa State Fair

DES MOINES, IA (08/15/2014)(readMedia)-- Mary Tibbetts of Urbandale won First Place Overall and a $200 cash award in the Best Al Fresco Chicken Sausage competition judged Tuesday at the 2014 Iowa State Fair.

Norita Solt of Bettendorf claimed Second Place Overall and $100. Deanna Smith of Des Moines earned Third Place Overall and $75.

In the Entrée class Tibbetts won first place, and Solt claimed second place. Smith took third place.

Entries were judged on taste and presentation.

The Iowa State Fair Food Department is the largest of any state fair in the country. There are 226 divisions, 883 classes and over 10,500 entries at this year's Fair. Food judging is held in the Elwell Family Food Center sponsored by Blue Bunny.

 

4-H Breeding Swine Earn Ribbons at the Iowa State Fair

DES MOINES, IA (08/15/2014)(readMedia)-- Connor Conrad of Hillsboro exhibited the Supreme Champion Gilt in the 4-H Breeding Swine Show judged Monday at the 2014 Iowa State Fair. The gilt was first named Champion Duroc Gilt.

The Reserve Champion Duroc Gilt exhibited by Tyler Wellman of West Point won Reserve Supreme Champion Gilt honors.

Additional results below:

Champion Berkshire Gilt: Cole Moeller, West Point

Reserve Champion Berkshire Gilt: Mitch Harken, Pleasantville

Champion Chester White Gilt: Melanie Lane, Elkader

Reserve Champion Chester White Gilt: Grace Schlutz, Letts

Champion Hampshire Gilt: Jake Schlutz, Letts

Reserve Champion Hampshire Gilt: Kira Schult, Stockton

Champion Landrace Gilt: Leremy Jackson, Unionville

Reserve Champion Landrace Gilt: Brennan Lynch, Boone

Champion Poland China Gilt: Kennith Orr, Elgin

Reserve Champion Poland China Gilt: Shae Seils, New London

Champion Spotted Gilt: Tyler Wellman, West Point

Reserve Champion Spotted Gilt: Mitchell Chapman, Tipton

Champion Yorkshire Gilt: Jacob Schafer, Sheldon

Reserve Champion Yorkshire Gilt: Reagan Weinheimer, Greenfield

Champion Commercial Gilt: Lauren Sieren, Keota

Reserve Champion Commercial Gilt: Kade Polich, Woodward

 

Young Cattlemen Win High Honors in Iowa State Fair Show

DES MOINES, IA (08/15/2014)(readMedia)-- Madison Udell of Sioux City exhibited a Foundation Simmental heifer to capture the Supreme Breeding Heifer title in the 4-H Breeding Beef Show judged Tuesday at the 2014 Iowa State Fair.

Ben Weis of McIntire claimed Reserve Supreme Breeding Heifer honors with his Chianina heifer. Tanner Curtin of Oxford and his Champion Commercial Heifer earned Third Place Overall Breeding Heifer. Karlee Griswold of Clinton and her Champion Simmental Heifer received Fourth Place Overall Breeding Heifer. Sara Sullivan of Dunlap and her Shorthorn heifer snagged Fifth Place Overall Breeding Heifer.

Additional results below:

Champion Angus: Madison Udell, Sioux City

Reserve Champion Angus: Jordan Johnson, Fort Dodge

Champion All Other Breeds: Layne Pryor, Woodbine

Reserve Champion All Other Breeds: Brady Edge, West Branch

Champion Charolais: Garrett Stalcup, Prescott

Reserve Champion Charolais: Kal Swanson, Peterson

Champion Charolais Cross: Zachary Bradford, Luverne

Reserve Champion Charolais Cross: Violet Lapke, Logan

Champion Chianina: Ben Weis, McIntire

Reserve Champion Chianina: Abi Henderson, Ogden

Champion Hereford: Payton Vogel, Hartley

Reserve Champion Hereford: Tucker Black, Batavia

Champion Limousin: Mara Anderson, Garner

Reserve Champion Limousin: Olivia Vesey, Van Meter

Champion High Percentage Maine-Anjou: Cade Van Vliet, Otley

Reserve Champion High Percentage Maine-Anjou: Ben Weis, McIntire

Champion Mainetainer: Riley Sieren, Washington

Reserve Champion Mainetainer: Makenna Buesing, Stockton

Champion Shorthorn: Sara Sullivan, Dunlap

Reserve Champion Shorthorn: Payton Vogel, Hartley

Champion Shorthorn Plus: Sara Sullivan, Dunlap

Reserve Champion Shorthorn Plus: Carter Schweer, Cedar Falls

Champion Simmental: Karlee Griswold, Clinton

Reserve Champion Simmental: Colin Henzen-DeCap, Dixon

Champion Foundation Simmental: Madison Udell, Sioux City

Reserve Champion Foundation Simmental: Kennedy Core, Pleasantville

Champion Commercial Heifer: Tanner Curtin, Oxford

Reserve Champion Commercial Heifer: Wyatt Pryor, Woodbine

 

Kids Pull Big Weight in Iowa State Fair Contest

DES MOINES, IA (08/15/2014)(readMedia)-- Young Fairgoers pedaled their way to success in the Pedal Power Pull held Tuesday at the 2014 Iowa State Fair.

In the Pedal Power Pull, kids attempt to pedal a mini tractor 40 feet (a "full pull") pulling a box weighing from 80 pounds for 4-year-olds to 260 pounds for 11-year-olds. In the event of a tie or two full pulls, weight is added and a re-pull is held to determine the winner.

Complete results below:

GIRLS

4-Year-Olds

1) Claire Routh, Mount Ayr, Full Pull, Full Pull

2) McKynna Beemer, Washington D.C., Full Pull, 31 feet, 10 inches

3) Kendra Robinson, Tennant, 29 feet, 1 inch

4) Madison Rasmusson, Jesup, 19 feet, 3 inches

5) Hannah Cook, Pleasantville, 19 feet, 1 inch

5-Year-Olds

1) Jett Lunde, West Des Moines, 34 feet, 7 inches

2) Kennedy Hughey, Brillion, Wis., 29 feet, 8 inches

3) Skyler Murty, Gladbrook, 26 feet, 5 inches

4) Grace Collins, Dixson, 20 feet

6-Year-Olds

1) Laudri Steenhand, Gilbert, Ariz., 31 feet, 1 inch

2) Deanna Anderson, Kiron, 30 feet, 9 inches

3) Briella Drost, West Des Moines, 28 feet, 7 inches

4) Reagan Liggutt, Corydon, 28 feet, 1 inch

5) Maggie Wignall, Altoona, 26 feet, 6 inches

7-Year-Olds

1) Keirsten Klein, Osceola, Full Pull, 37 feet, 5 inches

2) Emma Beck, Spragueville, Full Pull, 34 feet, 4 inches

3) Olivia Johnson, Elma, Full Pull, 33 feet, 10 inches

4) Grace Wignall, Altoona, 31 feet, 5 inches

5) Madison Yarnell, no hometown given, 29 feet, 5 inches

8-Year-Olds

1) Elizabeth Stohlmann, Marengo, 35 feet, 7 inches

2) Kennedy Axmear, North English, 31 feet, 4 inches

3) Grace Pryloil, Riverside, 30 feet, 9 inches

4) Allie Turnbell, Mingo, 29 feet, 8 inches

5) Sena Lunde, West Des Moines, 22 feet

9-Year-Olds

1) Quinn Grubbs, Casey, Full Pull

2) Caliean Rhiner, Cambridge, 38 feet, 4 inches

3) Kylie Bohrn, Williamsburg, 32 feet, 4 inches

4) Morgan McMahon, Ankeny, 28 feet

5) Maddie Stutzman, Hartford, 23 feet, 8 inches

10 Year Olds

1) Katie Schdosser, Colfax, Full Pull

2) Becca Mohlis, Tripoli, 39 feet, 8 inches

3) Lynne Moeller, Urbandale, 39 feet, 3 inches

11-Year-Olds

1) Sky Weber, Haper, Full Pull

2) Kelsie Bohrn, Williamsburg, 37 feet, 7 inches

3) Tatum Grubbs, Casey, 29 feet, 8 inches

BOYS

4-Year-Olds

1) Quinn Andersen, Kiron, Full Pull

2) Ira Hawk, Saint Charles, 36 feet, 10 inches

3) Jaren Lindstrom, Ankeny, 36 feet, 1 inch

4) Cooper Robinson, Tennant, 33 feet, 2 inches

5) Grayson Hansen, Hartford, 33 feet, 1 inch

5-Year-Olds

1) Kane Axmear, North English, 37 feet, 10 inches

2) Brady Fett, Elma, 33 feet, 5 inches

3) Landon VanDonselaar, Oskaloosa, 29 feet

4) Collin Weis, North Liberty, 28 feet, 11 inches

5) Isaac Miskell, Story City, 28 feet, 3 inches

6-Year-Olds

1) Brock Jones, Shannon City, Full Pull, 34 feet, 8 inches

2) Evan Stohlmann, Marengo, Full Pull, 31 feet, 4 inches

3) Zachary Doud, Batavia, 35 feet, 10 inches

4) Peter Palmer, Wayland, 34 feet, 2 inches

5) Blake Sheetz, Washington, 34 feet, 1 inch

7-Year-Olds

1) Jayden Thompson, Sigourney, Full Pull, 33 feet, 1 inch

2) Michael Collins, Denison, Full Pull, 31 feet, 3 inches

3) Luke Detterman, Clinton, 38 feet, 2 inches

4) Keaton Kralik, Creston, 34 feet, 5 inches

5) Jacob Lincoln, Marion, 32 feet, 7 inches

8-Year-Olds

1) Ethan Thimmes, Mechanicsville, 38 feet, 9 inches

2) Isaac Wardlow, Revere, Mo., 36 feet, 2 inches

3) Brayden Moeller, Urbandale, 34 feet, 9 inches

4) Caleb Cook, Pleasantville, 30 feet, 3 inches

5) Jake Jones, Shannon City, 30 feet

9-Year-Olds

1) Cody Fett, Elma, Full Pull, 34 feet, 3 inches

2) Conner Collins, Denison, Full Pull, 32 feet, 4 inches

3) Samuel Phelan, Des Moines, Full Pull, 19 feet, 6 inches

4) Dillon Beck, Spragueville, 32 feet, 1 inch

5) Jacob Novak, Diagonal, 31 feet, 8 inches

10-Year-Olds

1) Kenny Schlosser, Colfax, Full Pull

2) Bryce Moffitt, Indianola, 30 feet, 4 inches

3) Isaiah Fisher, Des Moines, 21 feet, 4 inches

4) Mason Warschkow, Iowa Falls, 20 feet, 8 inches

5) Ty Wood, Corydon, 18 feet, 6 inches

11-Year-Olds

1) Grant Pryloil, Riverside, Full Pull, Full Pull

2) Benjamin Moffitt, Indianola, Full Pull, 37 feet, 2 inches

3) Jake Turnbull, Mingo, Full Pull, 35 feet, 6 inches

4) Devon Brown, Chariton, 38 feet, 4 inches

5) Dominick Baker, Des Moines, 36 feet, 6 inches

"Nothing Compares" to the 2014 Iowa State Fair, August 7-17. The Fairgrounds are located at East 30th and East University Avenue, just 10 minutes east of downtown Des Moines, and are open 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. each day of the Fair. Exhibit hours may vary. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit iowastatefair.org.

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SPRINGFIELD - Governor Pat Quinn today announced a plan to name the Illinois State Museum Building in Springfield after the late U.S. Senator Alan Dixon. Governor Quinn initiated and is working with the Illinois General Assembly to pass a joint resolution making that designation official.

"Alan Dixon served with distinction on the local, state and federal levels and was an integral part of our state's history for four decades," Governor Quinn said. "Naming this building in his honor will help serve as a reminder of his lasting legacy of public service and his dedication to the people of Illinois."

"This is a very fitting way to honor the career of Alan Dixon who served the residents of our state with honor and energy for decades. I will be proud to sponsor this resolution," Illinois House Speaker Michael J. Madigan said.

"Alan Dixon's legacy of bipartisanship, leadership and commitment to seeking the common good represents the best aspects of public service in our state and country," Illinois Senate President John J. Cullerton said.

The Illinois State Museum at 502 S. Spring St. in Springfield will be named the Alan J. Dixon Building of the Illinois State Museum upon passage of the joint resolution.

Dixon was born in Belleville on July 7, 1927. He earned a law degree and served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Dixon was elected one of the youngest legislators ever to serve in the Illinois House of Representatives and served as an Illinois State Representative from 1951 to 1963. He served in the Illinois State Senate from 1963 to 1971, rising to the position of Assistant Democratic Leader. He also served as Illinois Treasurer from 1971 to 1977 and Secretary of State from 1977 to 1981. Dixon served in the U.S. Senate from 1980 to 1993, and was chairman of the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission in 1994 and 1995. Dixon died on July 6, 2014 and is survived by his wife, Joan "Jody" Fox Dixon, three children, eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

The Illinois State Museum inspires discovery and caring about Illinois' cultural and natural resources and heritage. The museum's extensive collections and research activities provide the foundation for exhibitions and public programs that tell the story of the land, life, people and art of Illinois. The Illinois State Museum is headquartered in Springfield with branch facilities throughout the state. All State Museum facilities are open to the public free of charge.

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500 Housing Professionals Expected to Attend HousingIowa Conference

DES MOINES  - The Iowa Finance Authority will host housing professionals from throughout the state at the Des Moines Marriott Downtown for the HousingIowa Conference Sept. 3-5. The conference, themed Awesometown, will showcase the wide-ranging benefits affordable housing has on communities. Attendees will hear from national housing experts, discuss local issues and network with housing professionals. The event is open to anyone interested in learning more about the housing industry. The registration fee is $200. More information is available at IFAMeetings.com.

Conference highlights:

Keynote speakers

• Liz Murray, From Homeless to Harvard
• Mary Kelly, PhD,  An Economic Update: What Housing Professionals Need to Know in Awesometown
• Jon Stetson, Invest in your Intuition
  • 2014 HousingIowa Awards

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Events highlighting Harkin's investment in Iowa: Clinton, Keokuk, Burlington, Jewell, Mason City, and Davenport

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today announced several events in Iowa this week designed to complement a legacy tour announced earlier this summer.  A full list of his public events follows.

Wednesday, August 13 – Clinton

9:30 A.M.       Clinton Community Health Center Event

The Canticle, Sisters of St. Francis

843 13^th Avenue North

Clinton, IA 52732

Senator Harkin will meet with members of the health care community as well as local officials and supporters to encourage their ongoing commitment to the future success of the clinic. Over the years, Harkin has worked to secure $3.2 million to build the Clinton Community Health Clinic.

 

3:00 P.M.        Burlington Community Health Center

1706 W. Agency Road

West Burlington, IA 52655

Senator Harkin secured $1,825,000 to construct Burlington's Medical and Dental Clinics.  These clinics are housed on the grounds of Southeastern Community College, which provides hands-on training for nursing and health aide students studying at the college. The Burlington Community Health Center provides services to a five county area (Iowa-Des Moines, Lee, Henry, Louisa and Illinois-Hancock).

 

Thursday, August 14 – Keokuk and Burlington

9:15 A.M.       Tour of Lock and Dam No. 19

Lock 19

525 N. Water Street

Keokuk, IA 52632

Senator Harkin will meet with local officials and Colonel Mark J. Deschenes, Commander and District Engineer of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District at the Army Corps Lock and Dam 19 to discuss how federal funding has helped improve the Lock and Dam system along the Mississippi River. From 2004 to 2007, as a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, Harkin helped to secure more than $23 million for rehabilitation and maintenance of projects at Lock and Dam 19.

 

11:30 A.M.      Iowa Army Ammunition Plant Picnic

Burlington Memorial

200 Front Street

Burlington, IA 52601

Senator Harkin will attend the annual Iowa Army Ammunition Plant (IAAP) Picnic in Burlington to meet with local officials and current and former IAAP workers. In 1997, Harkin received a letter from Bob Anderson, a constituent in Iowa who wrote about how he and many of his former co-workers at the IAAP had become ill with various types of cancer after working at the plant. Although the U.S. Army initially denied these accusations, Harkin continued to investigate the situation and discovered that Department of Energy workers were in fact exposed to massive doses of radiation at the Burlington plant from 1948-1974. The primitive safety measures in place at the time meant that these workers were exposed to unmonitored and excessive levels of radiation and other chemicals that led many to develop various types of cancer and other illnesses. Harkin has continued to work to get compensation to Bob Anderson and thousands of other sick workers across the United States, including the passage of the bipartisan Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Plan Act of 2000. To date, the U.S. Department of Labor has paid out almost $300 million in compensation to workers and survivors in Iowa, including both the Burlington workers and former workers at the Ames Laboratory.

 

Friday, August 15 – Jewell and Mason City

1:00 P.M.        Hamilton County Main Street Investments Tour

632 Main Street

Jewell, IA 50130

 

Senator Harkin will tour a portion of Main Street in Jewell to see firsthand the impact that Harkin Main Street Grants have had on the community. Since 2004, Hamilton County has received four Harkin Main Street Grants totaling $240,000 for restoration of historic areas in the downtown district. These Grants have leveraged over $650,000 in private funds for the projects. On the tour, Harkin will see projects completed as a result of these funds, including the Shorthorn Building that was reconstructed in 2007 as well as three residential and commercial properties that have been completely renovated after long-term vacancies.

 

3:45 P.M.        Mason City Water Treatment Plant Tour

Senator Harkin will tour the Mason City Water Treatment plant to learn about how investments for the facility have helped to protect the public health and provide access to clean water for Mason City residents. From fiscal years 2003 to 2004, Harkin worked to secure $4.9 million to help the treatment facility construct the world's third largest electrodialysis reversal technology system to remove increased levels of radium from the local water. Over the years, Harkin has worked to maintain federal assistance for the water treatment plant, including $492,000 in 2008 to expand the facility's operating capacity and $220,000 for self-chlorination services following Hurricane Katrina.

 

Sunday, August 17 – Davenport

1:15 P.M.        Quad City River Bandits' "Tom Harkin Day" Game

Modern Woodmen Park

209 S. Gaines Street

Davenport, IA 52802

Senator Harkin will throw out the first pitch at the Quad City River Bandits' game as part of "Tom Harkin Day" at the Modern Woodmen Ballpark. The Bandits, along with the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce will host the event to honor Harkin's years of dedicated service to the region through securing federal funding for local projects and investing in programs that benefit all generations of the community. Spectators will receive a Tom Harkin bobblehead and the Bandits will present Harkin with an honorary jersey for his work to support the Quad Cities region.

 

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