11 Jun 2014

Governor Quinn Joined by 12-Year-Old Chloe Stirling to Sign "Cupcake Bill"

By Rick Martin
Bill Signing Ceremony Takes Place in Chloe's Kitchen; New Law Loosens Regulations for Home Kitchen Operations in Illinois

TROY - Governor Pat Quinn today was joined by 12-year-old Chloe Stirling and her parents at their Troy home to sign legislation that supports home kitchen businesses in Illinois. The "cupcake bill" was drafted after county health officials shut down Chloe's home-based cupcake baking business. Today's action is part of Governor Quinn's agenda to make business opportunities available to everyone in Illinois and drive the state's economy forward.

"Democracy is for everyone and I salute Chloe Stirling for getting involved and making a difference for a cause she believes in," Governor Quinn said. "Thanks to her leadership, Chloe and other small-scale, home-based entrepreneurs are experiencing the sweet smell of success today. This new law ensures others like Chloe can continue their homemade operations without worry."

Chloe used her small, home-based baking business, "Hey Cupcake!", to provide treats for friends, relatives and fundraisers, including for the family of fallen Troy servicemember Senior Airman Bradley Smith. She achieved fame after her home cupcake-sale operation was shut down, making news headlines around the state. Chloe and her mother, Heather, then traveled to Springfield to lobby for a proposal that would pave the way for home kitchen businesses making less than $1,000 per month. The bill passed the Illinois House of Representatives but was initially defeated in the Senate after several amendments were added. Governor Quinn convinced Senators to put the bill "back into the oven," remove the amendments and reconsider it, after which it passed unanimously.

"When all of this started, we didn't know what to do," Chloe Stirling said. "In the end, we made it work so lots of home cooks can do what they love just like me. I am really happy that a bunch of people worked together to find a solution and I can't wait to get back to baking!"

House Bill 5354, sponsored by State Representative Charles Meier (R-Okawville) and State Senator Donne Trotter (D-Chicago), defines a "home kitchen operation" and authorizes the state or county health department to inspect a home kitchen operation in the event of a complaint or disease outbreak. The legislation is effective immediately.

The bill creates a new category of "home kitchen operators" for those who make less than $1,000 from producing food in their own homes to sell either by themselves or for a religious, charitable or nonprofit organization. Home kitchen operators cannot be regulated or shut down by local governments or health departments unless there is a complaint or health safety issue.

"I am pleased that we reached an agreement on a common-sense law that benefits everyone, from the home-based producers to the consumers," Senator Trotter said. "I commend Chloe Stirling for showing all of us what some ingenuity, desire and a never-say-die attitude can accomplish."

"After months of hard work crafting a common-sense piece of legislation that allows Chloe and other home-based kitchen operators to continue baking and selling their goods, I am happy that Governor Quinn is here today to sign the 'Cupcake Bill' into law," Representative Meier said. "Now, these small business owners will not have to fear getting shut down by the local health department and will have the freedom to grow and prosper."

"I'm pleased common sense prevailed and 12-year-old Chloe Stirling and kids like her, who are inspired to start their first business, to earn a little money for spending or saving, can realize their dreams," State Senator Kyle McCarter (R-Lebanon) said.

Governor Quinn has supported and developed programs and signed legislation to support small business development, including the launch of Illinois' first Women Owned Business Symposium to support the growth of women-owned businesses as a driving force in the Illinois economy. The Governor also created the Illinois Innovation Council in 2011 to identify and advance strategies that accelerate innovation, economic growth and job creation.

Governor Quinn has also been a strong supporter of locally produced goods and has signed legislation to designate the first Saturday of each month as "Eat Local, Buy Illinois Products Day," as well as legislation that creates a uniform standard for cottage food operations to prepare and sell their products at farmer's markets in Illinois. Also, in 2009, the Governor signed legislation to increase demand for locally-grown food by building a reliable market for it at state agencies and facilities that receive significant state support. The bill also created the Illinois Local Food, Farms and Jobs Council.

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11 Jun 2014

Are We Experiencing an Epidemic of Vicarious Violence?

By Ginny Grimsley
Tired of Frivolous Dehumanization? 4 Ways to Put Dignity Back in Your Family's Day

We pay large amounts of money to watch people kill one another on giant movie theater screens.

Video games allow for players to live a psychopathic life of crime.

America's favorite sport, football, clearly rewards brutality.

"Our increasing tolerance of, and lust for, vicarious violence is frightening," says scholar L. Craig Williams, author of "The Fourth Army," (www.lcraigwilliams.com).

The upward trajectory of vicarious violence is matched by the increasing amounts of dehumanizing media we're exposed to: "Reality television" turns supposed real-life personal heartbreak and tragedy into entertainment. The internet is casually rife with porn and horrific imagery.

"It's no surprise we're seeing more and more mass shootings at schools and other public venues, more incidents of road rage, and even more heinous crimes committed by children," Williams says. "When we're inured to violence and we lose our appreciation for the value of every human life, society can become terribly cruel, even sadistic."

How can you shield yourself and your family from dehumanizing media?

•  Don't give your children "junk food" media. You wouldn't let your kids eat a candy bar with Yoo-hoo for breakfast; pizza for lunch and a plate of cheese fries for dinner. Discourage junk media by encouraging stimulating discussions and edifying reading material at an early age. Children are full of curiosity and wonder; don't be afraid to engage with them on their questions about life, even if you don't have all the answers.

•  Already addicted to vicarious violence? Exercise your empathy. Are you captivated by clownishly aggressive young women having meltdowns on TV? Rather than taking petty pleasure with a palpable dash of superiority in witnessing that footage, you might instead wonder why you are supporting the exploitation of broken, emotionally immature people. That young woman could be your daughter, sister, friend, coworker, etc. who forever regrets her misguided choices while a young person.

•  Read a book! Focusing on anything for an extended period of time is inherently pleasurable, and reading a book - but please not a murder mystery - provides the kind of engagement that is far more satisfying than vicarious violence. If it has been awhile since you've read a book, you'll feel just as good as you do when you exercise and eat right. Reading is good for you. Fiction is shown to increase empathy among readers, and nonfiction books broaden your understanding of how the world works.

•  Engage with the people around you. One way vicarious violence works is by a disassociation with the person being abused. This disassociation is probably being amplified by seeing people as two-dimensional profiles online - more like vague entities than human beings. Take time to renew and strengthen relationships. Pay attention to your family members; understand your neighbor may have had a rough day - heck, maybe the checkout girl at the store could use a smile and a kind word. Isn't life more interesting when you're engaged with what and who is around you?

About L. Craig Williams

L. Craig Williams holds a bachelor's degree in European History and a Juris Doctor, specializing in international law. He has written extensively about human resources and individual leadership. Williams has been an International Fellow of Columbia University and has published articles on comparative law and was a director of the German-American Law Association for many years. He has lived in Germany, France and England and makes his home in New York.

06 Jun 2014

Iowa Supreme Court Opinions June 6, 2014

By Iowa Judicial Branch
Notice: The opinions posted on this site are slip opinions only. Under the Rules of Appellate Procedure a party has a limited number of days to request a rehearing after the filing of an opinion. Also, all slip opinions are subject to modification or correction by the court. Therefore, opinions on this site are not to be considered the final decisions of the court. The official published opinions of the Iowa Supreme Court are those published in the North Western Reporter published by West Group.

Opinions released before April 2006 and available in the archives are posted in Word format. Opinions released after April 2006 are posted to the website in PDF (Portable Document Format).   Note: To open a PDF you must have the free Acrobat Reader installed. PDF format preserves the original appearance of a document without requiring you to possess the software that created that document. For more information about PDF read: Using the Adobe Reader.

For your convenience, the Judicial Branch offers a free e-mail notification service for Supreme Court opinions, Court of Appeals opinions, press releases and orders. To subscribe, click here.

NOTE: Copies of these opinions may be obtained from the Clerk of the Supreme Court, Judicial Branch Building, 1111 East Court Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50319, for a fee of fifty cents per page.

No. 12-0800

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF GLEN A. WATERMAN, Deceased JINGLES TI-OKAY WATERMAN

No. 12-2120

CHRISTOPHER J. GODFREY vs. STATE OF IOWA; TERRY BRANSTAD, Governor of the State of Iowa, Individually and in His Official Capacity; KIMBERLY REYNOLDS, Lieutenant Governor of the State of Iowa, Individually and in Her Official Capacity; JEFF BOEYINK, Chief of Staff to the Governor of the State of Iowa, Individually and in His Official Capacity; BRENNA FINDLEY, Legal Counsel to the Governor of the State of Iowa

No. 12-2310

IN THE INTEREST OF A.J.M., Minor Child. STATE OF IOWA
06 Jun 2014

Loebsack Representative to Hold Office Hours in Clinton County

By Joe Hand

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack will have a member of his staff in Clinton County for open office hours. Henry Marquard, Loebsack's District Representative, will be at the following locations. Marquard will be on hand to work with individuals who are having difficulty with a government agency, have suggestions for Dave, or would just like to share their concerns. Members of the public are invited to attend. Marquard holds regular office hours throughout Eastern Iowa.

If residents are unable to attend but have a concern to share with the Congressman, please call our district office toll-free at 1-866-914-IOWA (4692)

Marquard's schedule is as follows.

Tuesday, June 10

Camanche City Hall

917 3rd St.

9:00 - 10:00 AM

 

Clinton City Hall

611 S. 3rd St.

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

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05 Jun 2014

Braley Applauds Dubuque Man's Efforts to Raise Awareness of Foster Care Shortage, Submits Congratulations in Congressional Record

By Rick Martin

Congressman praises Chris Barnett's 'Walk Across Iowa'

Washington, D.C. - Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) today congratulated Chris Barnett of Dubuque on successfully completing his 'Walk Across Iowa' to raise awareness of the need for foster families in the state of Iowa. Braley submitted official remarks into the Congressional Record in commendation of Barnett.

"All Iowa children deserve to grow up in loving homes, and I'm proud of Chris for taking on mother nature, blisters, and 875 miles to spread this important message across Iowa," Braley said. "It's truly inspiring to see the lengths Chris is willing to go to increase awareness of this issue and inspire Iowans to provide loving foster homes to children, and I sincerely congratulate him on this extraordinary accomplishment."

Barnett, a former foster child himself, began his walk on Saturday, May 3rd in Dubuque, walked to Davenport, and then across the state to Council Bluffs and back to Dubuque in hopes of inspiring Iowans to become foster families. He completed his journey on May 31. Chris and his wife have fostered more than 30 children since they first became foster parents in 2003.

A copy of Braley's entry into the Congressional Record is available online HERE.

Braley has been a consistent advocate for Iowa foster and adoptive families. Last October, Braley introduced the Children in Families First Act which helps streamline the adoption process by removing unnecessary bureaucratic barriers to international adoptions.

In 2012, Braley introduced the Making Adoption Affordable Act to make the adoption tax credit permanent. The Braley effort was successful, and now the adoption tax credit is permanent law.

This year Braley has been advocating for a Dubuque family as they battle the Democratic Republic of the Congo for the rights to their legally adopted children.

# # #
04 Jun 2014

Deputy Promotion

By Pamela Bennett
On Monday, June 9, 2014 at 9:00 a.m., the Scott County Sheriff's Office will hold a promotional ceremony on the second floor of the Scott County Courthouse in the Sheriff's Administration Conference room. Deputy Ryan Lage will be promoted to the rank of sergeant. Deputy Lage served in the United States Air Force from 1995 to 2000. He began his career with the Sheriff's Office as a correctional officer in the Scott County Jail from 2000 to 2005, where he was promoted to the rank of jail sergeant and has been a Scott County deputy sheriff from 2005 to present. Deputy Lage is a Standardized Field Sobriety Test instructor and a former instructor in ASP Baton, pepper spray and defensive tactics. Ryan and his wife have 2 children and reside in Eldridge.
03 Jun 2014

QCAIR announces receipt of a new Amercians initiative Grant

By Nana Ouro-Agoro

QCAIR is pleased to announce the receipt of a $20,000 grant from the New Americans Initiative. The grant will be used to assist Lawful Permanent Residents in the Illinois Quad Cities by providing information, to those who desire it, on citizenship eligibility and provide assistance in obtaining citizenship.

This program will work to identify Lawful Permanent Residents interested in naturalization. We will also refer immigrants and refugees to the Quad Cities World Relief office and Black Hawk College for screening, any necessary education and paperwork completion for obtaining US Citizenship.

The purpose of QCAIR is to build stronger, long-lasting relationships among refuges, immigrants and the receiving community of the Quad Cities.

Please call Nana Ouro-Agoro, QCAIR NAI Coordinator, 309-716-7437 or email nana.ouro-agoro@acair.org with requests for additional information on the grant. For information on QCAIR please contact our Executive Director: Ikponwonsa Oriaikhi, 309-786-2995 (office) or email: IK@qcair.org.

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03 Jun 2014

2014 Iowan of the Day - Searching for Iowa's Greatest All-Stars

By Emily Friedricks

DES MOINES, IA (06/02/2014)(readMedia)-- Hit, run, score! Summer is near, and the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation needs your help to find this year's Iowan of the Day All-Star team lineup. These exceptional all-stars will be honored at the 2014 Iowa State Fair August 7-17. All-stars are those who step up to the plate as a captain in their community and go the extra innings to help those around them.

Iowan of the Day nominations should be based on acts of relentless community involvement, leadership and an outstanding sense of Iowa pride. All nominees must currently live in Iowa. Other materials such as testimonials, photos or newspaper articles that demonstrate the greatness of your nominee are welcomed. Each Iowan of the Day winner will receive his or her own day of recognition at the 2014 Iowa State Fair.

This day of honor includes an introduction on the Anne & Bill Riley Stage, VIP parking, gate admission, use of the Iowan of the Day golf cart and Grandstand show tickets for the evening of their award day. In addition, all winners will receive $200 in cash, accommodations at the Des Moines Downtown Marriott Hotel the night before their day of recognition, and a one-year subscription to The Iowan & Iowa Gardening magazine.

Help us recognize the people that are worthy and deserving of this all-star award. Nomination forms can be downloaded online at www.blueribbonfoundation.org/iotd or by calling the Blue Ribbon Foundation at 1-800-450-3732. All nominations are due by July 1, 2014.

The Blue Ribbon Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization. Since its inception in 1993, the Foundation has generated more than $100 million for renovations and improvements to the Iowa State Fairgrounds.

 

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03 Jun 2014

Governor Quinn Celebrates Marriage Equality in Illinois

By Dave Blanchette
Attends Wedding Ceremony of James Darby and Patrick Bova

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today celebrated marriage equality in Illinois by attending the wedding of James Darby and Patrick Bova during a day of ceremonies at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) in Chicago. The Governor announced yesterday that marriage equality is now in effect, allowing all couples in Illinois the ability to receive the rights and protections of marriage. The new law is part of Governor Quinn's agenda to make Illinois the most welcoming state in the nation.

"Three years ago to this very day I witnessed Jim and Patrick's special ceremony as they joined in civil union," Governor Quinn said. "Now I'm honored to be in attendance as they take the sacred vow of marriage. We worked hard to make this day possible but we never lost hope that love would prevail in the Land of Lincoln. Today we celebrate full marriage equality for all couples across Illinois."

James and Patrick have been together for 50 years. Their wedding is one of several ceremonies planned during a day of festivities at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) Chicago in celebration of the new law. The MCA opened its galleries and sculpture garden for the private wedding ceremonies and post-ceremony receptions.

Governor Quinn led the charge for marriage equality and signed the Illinois Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act on November 20, 2013, making Illinois the 16th state in the nation to embrace full marriage equality. The law is officially in effect as of June 1, allowing every couple in Illinois, regardless of gender, equal access to the status, benefits, protections, rights and responsibilities of marriage.

Governor Quinn first called for marriage equality in May 2012 and made it a top legislative priority, featuring it in his 2013 State of the State address. In November, the Governor signed the historic bill in front of thousands at the University of Illinois at Chicago's UIC Forum. James and Patrick were also in attendance at the historic signing.

In addition to equal access benefits and protections, current provisions in the Affordable Care Act require all insurance companies to offer the coverage to all couples, regardless of their gender. This means that all married couples and their children can now enroll in a plan together in Illinois and may qualify for financial help on the Health Insurance Marketplace.

Marriage and other qualifying life events may allow couples to get coverage in the Health Insurance Marketplace through a Special Enrollment Period, but they must enroll in a plan within 60 days of the marriage or other life event. A Special Enrollment Period also allows residents to make changes to their current plan, like adding a spouse and children, changing carriers, and possibly getting financial help. To learn more about coverage options or to find free in-person help visit GetCoveredIllinois.gov or call 866-311-1119 Monday - Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

In 2011, the Governor signed into law historic civil union legislation. For the more than 6,000 couples across Illinois who have joined in a civil union, the law also allows the ability to convert a civil union to marriage and make the marriage date retroactive to the date of the civil union. When applying for a Special Enrollment Period, residents are asked to use the date their civil union was converted to a marriage.

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02 Jun 2014

Blue Grass Police Apprehend Escapee

By Stacey J. Green

On June 1, 2014 at approximately 4:06 PM Blue Grass Officers were called to a report of an off duty officer following behind a stolen vehicle inside the City of Blue Grass. Blue Grass Sergeant was able to catch up to the vehicle on Hwy 61 heading toward Muscatine. Blue Grass Police assisted in the pursuit until the suspect turned back around and began leading officers back to Scott County.

During the pursuit in Scott County, the suspect vehicle nearly hit three vehicles. The Blue Grass Police Sergeant ended the pursuit by conducting a pit maneuver. The suspect vehicle hit the highway off ramp exit sign which stopped the vehicle from going any further. The driver exited the vehicle and led the Sergeant on a short lived foot pursuit where the Sergeant ultimately apprehended the suspect.

The driver of the vehicle was identified as Brennen Smith who was a DOC escapee. He was taken into custody for the warrant for being an escapee. There is no bond. There will be additional charges pending including theft in the first degree, aggravated interference with official acts and eluding.

The passenger of the suspect vehicle identified as Amanda Thompson was taken to hospital for medical checkup and is also facing charges. Nobody involved in the accident was injured.

The assisting agencies were: The Buffalo Police Department, The Walcott Police Department, Iowa State Patrol and the Scott County Sheriff's Office.

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