14 Aug 2014

BANDITS FALL SILENT TO END LOSS TO COUGARS

By Marco LaNave

Quad Cities has one hit among its final 20 batters to lose second straight game at Kane County

GENEVA, Ill. (August 14, 2014) - The Quad Cities River Bandits took a 3-2 lead Wednesday night on a third-inning single by third baseman J.D. Davis, but they had just one baserunner for the rest of the game, and the Kane County Cougars scored four runs in the bottom of the third inning to take a 6-3 lead that remained until the end of a second straight win at Fifth Third Bank Ballpark.

Kane County (31-20 second half, 76-45 overall) won its sixth straight game against Quad Cities (25-26, 60-60) after the Western Division rivals split their first 10 games. In a rematch of the Opening Day pitching matchup at Modern Woodmen Park April 3, Cougars right-hander Paul Blackburn and River Bandits right-hander Andrew Thurman (5-8) combined to allow all the game's runs. After the third inning, pitchers for both teams combined to allow four singles without a walk or runner in scoring position with 12 strikeouts.

Blackburn allowed a leadoff single to center fielder James Ramsay, who matched a season high with a hit in his seventh straight game and was the only River Bandit with two hits Wednesday. Ramsay stole second base, but Blackburn retired three straight to end the inning.

In the bottom of the first inning, Cougars second baseman Daniel Lockhart hit a one-out triple to right-center field, and catcher Ben Carhart hit Thurman's next pitch down the right-field line for an opposite-field, two-run home run - his fifth of the season - and a 2-0 Cougars lead.

Quad Cities scored its three runs and had all but two of its hits in the third inning. Catcher Brett Booth hit Blackburn's first pitch of the inning over the left-center field fence for his fifth home run. Ramsay hit a one-out single and stole second base for the second time and his 26th steal of the season - the most by a Quad Cities player since Dan Nelson's 27 in 2006. First baseaman Chase McDonald drew a two-out walk, and designated hitter A.J. Reed hit a game-tying single to right field that sent McDonald to third base. Davis' single extended his own six-game hitting streak, sent Reed to third base and scored McDonald for a 3-2 Quad Cities lead. Blackburn got left fielder Ryan Bottger on a groundout and retired four straight batters to finish four innings, allowing three earned runs on five hits with a walk and two strikeouts. It was Blackburn's shortest outing since June 4.

With his team's only lead of the game, Thurman began the bottom of the third inning by walking center fielder Trey Martin, striking out left fielder Shawon Dunston Jr., walking Carhart and striking out Carhart. With two outs, designated hitter Victor Caratini lined a game-tying single to right field. Thurman went to a 3-2 count before walking first baseman Jacob Rogers, and also went to 3-2 against third baseman Jeimer Candelario before a walk that forced home the go-ahead run. Right-hander Keegan Yuhl entered to allow a two-run bloop single to right field by right fielder Jeffrey Baez to make it 6-3. Thurman was charged with six earned runs on three hits and four walks - matching a season high - with four strikeouts in 2 2/3 innings - his shortest outing since May 1.

After allowing Baez's hit, Yuhl retired the next nine batters and 10 of 11 to finish a career-high 3 1/3 innings, allowing two singles with three strikeouts. Left-hander Chris Cotton allowed one single with two strikeouts in two scoreless innings. Meanwhile, Cougars left-hander Michael Heesch (3-1) worked three perfect innings, and right-hander Francisco Carrillo went two scoreless innings for his second save.

Quad Cities concludes its series against Kane County at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Fifth Third Bank Ballpark. River Bandits right-hander Troy Scribner (0-1) is scheduled to face Cougars right-hander Duane Underwood (5-4).

UP NEXT: A Fireworks Friday kicks off the next homestand, with a 7 p.m. game on City of Davenport Night and Global Cultural Night presented by Tyson Fresh Meats. When gates open at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, the first 1,500 fans receive a Trevor Rosenthal Bobblehead courtesy of DHCU and FOX18. Sunday's 1:15 p.m. game is a Celebration and Appreciation of Senator Tom Harkin for 40 years of service with a bobblehead giveaway for the first 1,000 fans when gates open at noon. Tickets are available at www.riverbandits.com.

ABOUT THE BANDITS: Having just been named Ballpark Digest's winner of Best Ballpark Improvement in America under $1 million, the River Bandits ownership recently made one of the biggest improvements to Modern Woodmen Park since the ballpark was first built back in 1931! A new Ferris wheel, standing 105 feet over the playing field, opened May 24, and Space Camp opened June 20; the newly expanded 300-foot long zip line has also reopened. In 2013, the team unveiled a new 220-foot long dual zip line, a rock climbing wall, and a number of new bounce houses. Last season, the team's major league affiliate, the Houston Astros, saw all six of its affiliates reach the playoffs - the first time in a decade any MLB team can claim such success. The River Bandits were one of three affiliates to reach the championship round and one of two to win their league championship.

14 Aug 2014

News and Results from the 2014 Iowa State Fair VIII

By Lori Chappell

Quilters Sew Their Way to the Top in Iowa State Fair Contest

DES MOINES, IA (08/13/2014)(readMedia)-- Vicki Swensen of Nevada earned Best of Show honors in the Quilting division of the Fabric and Threads contest judged prior to the start of the 2014 Iowa State Fair.

Debra A. Kimball of Clive claimed the Sweepstakes award.

Additional results below:

TEAM OR GROUP

Hand Appliqué (300+ inches)

1) Mary V. Shotwell, Des Moines

2) Julie Hanel, Ankeny

Pieced from a Traditional Pattern (300+ inches)

1) Wayne Bradfield, Ottumwa

2) Diane Lehman, Badger

3) Kelli Belden, Madrid

4) Marilyn Sudduth, Mount Ayr

Honorable Mention) Erin Zehm, Ames

Honorable Mention) Barbara Aldeman, North Liberty

Honorable Mention) Connie Hansen, Audubon

Pieced, Any Other Pattern (300+ inches)

1) Vicki Swensen, Nevada

2) Mary Thompson, Williamsburg

3) Gail Maddy, Albia

4) Diane Lehman, Badger

Honorable Mention) Tamara Watts-McPhail, Ankeny

Honorable Mention) Paula Ray, Jewell

Honorable Mention) Karla Pickhinke, Storm Lake

Honorable Mention) Patricia Gragg, Moravia

Mixed Technique (300+ inches)

1) Joan Kerns, Edgewood

2) Debra A. Kimball, Clive

3) Dee Van Zee, Otley

4) Bonnabelle Rayner, Lone Tree

Honorable Mention) Mary V. Shotwell, Des Moines

Honorable Mention) Lynn Johnson, West Des Moines

Hand Appliqué (¬<300 inches)

1) Debra A. Kimball, Clive

2) Leigh Lussie, Windsor Heights

3) Erin Zehm, Ames

4) Linda Arndt, West Des Moines

Machine Appliqué (¬¬<300 inches)

1) Doloris Culpepper, Des Moines

2) Mary V. Shotwell, Des Moines

3) Diana Brown, Indianola

4) Margaret Simons, Des Moines

Pieced (<300 inches)

1) Sheryl Phipps, Story City

2) Janet Westberg, Harvey

3) Margaret Beal, Adel

4) Laurie Tufford, Nevada

Honorable Mention) Dana Neumann, Ankeny

Honorable Mention) Carol Bertram, Storm Lake

Mixed Technique (<300 inches)

1) Bonnabelle Rayner, Lone Tree

2) Debra A. Kimball, Clive

3) Diana Brown, Indianola

4) Carol Bertram, Storm Lake

Honorable Mention) Margaret Beal, Adel

Honorable Mention) Karla Pickhinke, Storm Lake

Honorable Mention) Judie Herzog, Fairfield

COMBINATION

First Quilt

1) Anne Stoner, Logan

2) None Awarded

3) None Awarded

4) Kristal Beyer, Sully

Honorable Mention) Carol Bertram, Storm Lake

Memory Quilt

1) Gretta Wilkinson, Johnston

2) Valerie Funk, Osceola

3) Michelle And Tim Juhl, Greene

4) Becky Larson, Ankeny

Honorable Mention) Betty Westercamp, Grinnell

Embroidered by Hand

1) Janet Strouse, Storm Lake

2) Anita Gogerty, Norwalk

3) Renee McPhee, Grimes

4) Carol Bertram, Storm Lake

Embroidered by Machine

1) None Awarded

2) None Awarded

3) Junellyn Ellis, Tracy

4) Susan Body, Polk City

Honorable Mention) Pam Nelson, Ankeny

Whole Cloth

1) None Awarded

2) Martha Klatt, Adel

3) None Awarded

4) Michelle and Tim Juhl, Greene

Honorable Mention) Carol Kemme, Long Grove

Found & Finished

1) Linda Fritchen, Sigourney

2) Martha Klatt, Adel

3) Gretta Wilkinson, Johnston

4) Anita Gogerty, Norwalk

T-shirt

1) Diane Lehman, Badger

2) Leann Baumhover, Storm Lake

3) Becky Larson, Ankeny

4) Sheryl DeMouth, Johnston

Honorable Mention) Theresa Proctor, Pocahontas

Honorable Mention) Joann Olson, Ankeny

Art/Innovative

1) Kathy Lindquist, Panora

2) Becky Larson, Ankeny

3) Connie Remetch, Des Moines

4) Delores Dorland, Missouri Valley

Honorable Mention) Bonnabelle Rayner, Lone Tree

Modern

1) Janeen Pearson, Altoona

2) Martha Klatt, Adel

3) Linda McGhee, Mitchellville

4) Diane Lehman, Badger

Honorable Mention) Katheryn Russi, Johnston

Honorable Mention) Jennifer Bernard, Webster City

Appliqué Crib Quilt

1) Katheryn Russi, Johnston

2) Diana Brown, Indianola

Pieced Crib Quilt

1) None Awarded

2) None Awarded

3) Tamara Watts-McPhail, Ankeny

Honorable Mention) Debbie Wordehoff, Cedar Rapids

Honorable Mention) Joyce Brown, West Des Moines

Mixed Technique Crib Quilt

1) Linda Weber, Johnston

2) Becky Larson, Ankeny

3) Erin Zehm, Ames

Honorable Mention) Vicki Swensen, Nevada

Honorable Mention) Fern Stewart, West Des Moines

Appliqué Small Quilt

1) None Awarded

2) Mary V. Shotwell, Des Moines

3) Karen Thompson, Pleasantville

Honorable Mention) Diana Weirich, Des Moines

Pieced Small Quilt

1) None Awarded

2) Kelli Belden, Madrid

3) None Awarded

4) Renee McPhee, Grimes

Honorable Mention) Nancy Kiley, Perry

Honorable Mention) Aileen Taylor, Pella

Appliqué Miniature Quilt

1) Leigh Lussie, Windsor Heights

2) Erin Zehm, Ames

3) Diana Weirich, Des Moines

4) Julie McNair, Conrad

Pieced Miniature Quilt

1) Linda McGhee, Mitchellville

2) Carol Moellers, Greene

3) Karla Pickhinke, Storm Lake

4) Margaret Karr, Knoxville

Honorable Mention) Rebecca Roush, Cedar Rapids

INDIVIDUAL

Hand or Machine Appliqué (300+ inches)

1) Lucille Keeling, Cedar Falls

2) Delores Dorland, Missouri Valley

3) Erma Moore, Oskaloosa

Pieced from a Traditional Pattern (300+ inches)

1) Karen Thompson, Pleasantville

2) Joni Bruner, Marshalltown

3) Kerrie Rosheim, Ames

Pieced (300+ inches)

1) Joni Bruner, Marshalltown

2) Mary Holubar, Solon

3) Abbie Allen, Grimes

Honorable Mention) Vicki Swensen, Nevada

Mixed Technique (300+ inches)

1) Susan Collier, Grimes

2) Peggy Vespestad, Maxwell

Honorable Mention) Pamela Poppe, Des Moines

Hand or Machine Appliqué (-300 inches)

1) Martha Henrichs, Des Moines

2) Patty Barrett, Clive

3) Becky Larson, Ankeny

Honorable Mention) Erma Moore, Oskaloosa

Honorable Mention) Susan Collier, Grimes

Pieced (144-300 inches)

1) Janet Rabe, Ottumwa

2) Joni Bruner, Marshalltown

3) Susan Body, Polk City

Honorable Mention) Anita Gogerty, Norwalk

Honorable Mention) Ellen Kelly Smith, Des Moines

Pieced (<144 inches)

1) Diana Weirich, Des Moines

2) Teri Dorn, Ames

3) Liz Meimann, Nevada

Honorable Mention) Gayle Kauzlarich, Des Moines

Honorable Mention) Betty Whitson, Ottumwa

Mixed Technique (144-300 inches)

1) Patty Barrett, Clive

2) Bonnabelle Rayner, Lone Tree

3) Barbara Zelhart, Albia

4) Joan Kerns, Edgewood

Honorable Mention) Sharon Meisenheimer, Johnston

Honorable Mention) Julie McNair, Conrad

Mixed Technique (<144 inches)

1) Kerrie Rosheim, Ames

2) Judy Diapico, Altoona

3) Martha Klatt, Adel

4) Carolyn Link, Maxwell

OTHER

Home Accessories, Pieced

1) Debra A. Kimball, Clive

2) Martha Klatt, Adel

3) Janet Westberg, Harvey

Home Accessories, Appliqué

1) Sherrie Davis, Pleasant Hill

2) Jan Jome, Ogden

Honorable Mention) Tamara Watts-McPhail, Ankeny

Honorable Mention) Sherry Von Fumetti, Johnston

Pillow

1) Lynn Koester, Ankeny

2) Veronica Koh Eischeid, Des Moines

3) Anita Gogerty, Norwalk

Honorable Mention) Kenda Headley, Ankeny

Bag / Tote

1) Catherine Russell, Underwood

2) Patricia Gragg, Moravia

3) Leann Baumhover, Storm Lake

Quilt Block

1) Julie McMichael, Truro

2) Denise Conoan, Winterset

3) Linda Fritchen, Sigourney

4) Katheryn Russi, Johnston

Honorable Mention) Christina Yana, Miles

Fabric and Threads exhibits are on display every day of the Fair from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on the second floor of the William C. Knapp Varied Industries Building sponsored by Principal Financial Group.

Brooklyn Woman Wins Esteemed Prize in Iowa State Fair Contest

DES MOINES, IA (08/13/2014)(readMedia)-- Lillian Davidson of Brooklyn was awarded the prestigious Ruth Van Den Baard Award in the Senior Citizens division of the Fabric and Threads contest judged prior to the start of the 2014 Iowa State Fair.

The Ruth Van Den Baard Award is given to exhibitors who are at least 80 years of age when the item they submitted was completed. Exhibitors may enter any item using any technique eligible in the Fabric and Threads Department.

Complete results below:

Crochet - Afghan

1) Anna Mae Oline, Des Moines

2) Barbara DeWit, Tracy

3) Sue McKinley, Ankeny

Crochet - Baby Afghan

1) Shirley J. Leonard, West Des Moines

2) Judy Larsen, Ankeny

3) Barbara DeWit, Tracy

Crochet - Doily

1) Kathryn Hollingsworth, Pleasantville

2) Barbara DeWit, Tracy

3) Delores McClugage, Ankeny

Knit Baby Afghan

1) Judith Lewison, Marshalltown

Knit Sweater

1) Judith Hainaut, Des Moines

2) Evelyn Mintzer, West Des Moines

3) Donna Grote, Council Bluffs

4) Eleanor Verwers, Altoona

Honorable Mention) Betty Jo Staudt, Marble Rock

Honorable Mention) Shirley J. Leonard, West Des Moines

Knit Shawl

1) Linda Shelley, Des Moines

2) Janet Luing, Panora

Tatted Item

1) Serena Linn, Des Moines

2) None Awarded

3) Louise Whitlow, Johnston

Honorable Mention) Esther Miller, Des Moines

Embroidered Towel - Hand Embroidery

1) Diane Olson Sanders, Ellsworth

2) Betty Jo Staudt, Marble Rock

3) Wilma Brouwer, Pella

4) Lois Aldridge, Kellogg

Honorable Mention) Norma J. Hill, Des Moines

Machine Embroidered Item

1) Norene Bruxvoort, Leighton

2) Diane Lehman, Badger

3) Miriam Armintrout, Des Moines

4) Mary Dustin, Albia

Honorable Mention) Dorothy Cowlen, Des Moines

Honorable Mention) Lois Friday, Iowa City

Embroidered Pillowcases

1) Betty Jo Staudt, Marble Rock

2) Kathryn Hollingsworth, Pleasantville

3) Linda Town, Wellsburg

4) Lois Aldridge, Kellogg

Honorable Mention) Norma J. Hill, Des Moines

Honorable Mention) Marcella R. Huff, West Des Moines

Needlepoint Item - Plastic Canvas

1) Colette Wortman, Urbandale

2) Marie Stuber, Des Moines

Needlepoint Item - No Plastic Canvas

1) Berniece Quint, Cedar Rapids

2) Phyllis Olson, Cedar Rapids

3) Glenda Millard, Des Moines

Cross Stitched Item

1) Betty Jo Staudt, Marble Rock

2) Linda Town, Wellsburg

Counted Cross Stitch

1) Robert Malake, Davenport

2) Lois Avitt, Des Moines

3) Mary P. Sullivan, West Des Moines

4) Karen Cody, Colo

Honorable Mention) Lillian Davidson, Brooklyn

Honorable Mention) Susan Andrew, Carlisle

Honorable Mention) Mary Jo Wolf, Cedar Rapids

Honorable Mention) Verrill Dayton, Ankeny

Hardanger Embroidery

1) Doris Evans, Pella

Pieced Wall Quilt

1) Wayne Bradfield, Ottumwa

2) Connie Remetch, Des Moines

Honorable Mention) Nancy DeLay, Indianola

Mixed Technique Wall Quilt

1) Becky Larson, Ankeny

2) Sharon Meisenheimer, Johnston

3) Delores Dorland, Missouri Valley

4) Marge Bledsoe, Des Moines

Honorable Mention) Bonnabelle Rayner, Lone Tree

Pieced Quilt - Individual or Team

1) Suzanne Halley, Marion

2) Diane Lehman, Badger

3) Marla Reedholm, Ames

4) Wayne Bradfield, Ottumwa

Honorable Mention) Janet Westberg, Harvey

Honorable Mention) Nancy DeLay, Indianola

Honorable Mention) Ellen Kelly Smith, Des Moines

Honorable Mention) Vicki Swensen, Nevada

Appliqué Quilt - Individual or Team

1) Leigh Lussie, Windsor Heights

2) Jan Jome, Ogden

3) Carol Bertram, Storm Lake

Honorable Mention) Linda Arndt, West Des Moines

Honorable Mention) Mary Martin, Clive

Scrap Quilt - Individual or Team

1) Nancy DeLay, Indianola

2) Diane Lehman, Badger

3) Sheryl Harvey, Van Meter

Honorable Mention) Karen McBeth, Oskaloosa

Any Item - Ruth Van Den Baard Award

1) Lillian Davidson, Brooklyn

2) Jackie Trevillyan, Winterset

3) Margaret Beal, Adel

4) Berniece Schumacher, Readlyn

Honorable Mention) Esther Miller, Des Moines

Fabric and Threads exhibits are on display every day of the Fair from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the William C. Knapp Varied Industries Building sponsored by Principal Financial Group.

"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.

13 Aug 2014

News and Results from the 2014 Iowa State Fair VI

By Lori Chappell

Talented Sprouts Surprise Crowd in Iowa State Fair Talent Search

DES MOINES, IA (08/12/2014)(readMedia)-- Six talented Sprout division acts (ages 2-12) have advanced to the semi-final round in Bill Riley's 55th annual Iowa State Fair Talent Search. Each act will perform again on Thursday, August 14, Friday, August 15, or Saturday, August 16.

The names, ages, hometowns and routines of the acts are:

Eli Smith, 11, Cedar Falls, Piano

Morgan Schroeder, 10, Burlington, Katie Stephens, 10 Burlington, Jazz/Acro Dance

Allison Koch, 12, Grimes, Vocal

Addie Sopha, 13, Cresco, Josie Sopha, 11, Cresco, Ella Sopha, 9, Cresco, Gwen Sopha, 8, Cresco, Vocal

Taylor Knaack, 12, Correctionville, Emma DeStigter, 11, Moville, Tap Dance

Zach Hein, 12, Walcott, Fiddle

Bill Riley, Jr. is once again hosting the competition. Two Sprout acts will be crowned champions every day of the semi-finals. The six winning acts will perform in the talent-packed championship set for Sunday, August 17, at 1:30 p.m. on the Anne and Bill Riley Stage sponsored by Pepsi.

Each of the six Sprout Champions will receive a prize of $250 after the Championship Show. More than $18,000 will be awarded to the Senior and Sprout divisions combined. This year's contest is sponsored by Hy-Vee.

Outhouse Team Earns Number-One Spot in Iowa State Fair Contest

DES MOINES, IA (08/12/2014)(readMedia)-- The Afton Care Center Dribblers/Iowa Select Farms won the 11th annual Outhouse Races Tuesday at the 2014 Iowa State Fair. Team Jason Winther, Jordan Winther, Jamie Peterson, and Misty Gettler were awarded $300 in cash for besting their competition in style and speed.

DMACC team members Keith Wersinger, Matt Walsh, Jay Tiefentahler, Dale Chell and Melody Riley took second place and earned $200. The team has competed every year of the competition.

Third place and $100 in cash went to The Real Deal team members Hannah, Abbi, Brittany and Amanda also won Best Outhouse. Best costume went to Urgent Business team members Steve Larson, Joyce Moreland, Corey Oelberg and Laurie McClannahan.

Teams, composed of three pushers and one driver, construct their own outhouses. During the race, teams push the outhouses to a toilet where the drivers must clean off the toilet seat without using their hands. Then the drivers search for a corn cob buried in a cattle trough, change a roll of toilet paper and return to the outhouses where the teams push them back to the starting point.

Monster Men and Women Compete in Iowa State Fair Contest

DES MOINES, IA (08/13/2014)(readMedia)-- Strong-armed men and women competed in five different weight classes in the Monster Arm Wrestling Tournament held Sunday at the 2014 Iowa State Fair.

First, second and third-place trophies were awarded in each class.

Complete results below:

MEN'S RIGHT

Flyweight

1) Kiefer Willis, Greenview, Ill.

2) Dustin Ohmstede, Newton

3) Jermaine Day, Des Moines

Lightweight

1) Jake Reed, Bussey

2) Todd Bolar, Marshalltown

3) Lavern Yoder, Zearing

Middleweight

1) JD Brittain, West Des Moines

2) Bobby Chance, Cambridge

3) Jake Willis, Des Moines

Heavyweight

1) Brian Willett, Muscatine

2) Branden Smith, Coon Rapids

3) Patrick Brown, Melcher-Dallas

Super Heavyweight

1) Brian Willett, Muscatine

2) Steven Aikin, Rhodes

3) Patrick Brown, Melcher-Dallas

MEN'S LEFT

Flyweight

1) Trent Todd, Washta

2) Dustin Olmstede, Newton

3) Mitch Todd, Papillion, Neb.

Lightweight

1) Jake Reed, Bussey

2) Mory Lassa, Fort Dodge

Middleweight

1) JD Brittain, West Des Moines

2) Bobby Chance, Cambridge

Heavyweight

1) Rob VanDerMolen, Des Moines

2) JD Brittain, West Des Moines

3) Jake Reed, Bussey

WOMEN'S RIGHT

Flyweight

1) Kelsey Reed, Mingo

2) Kara Rempe, Sioux City

Lightweight

1) Shawna Hartley, Nevada

2) Tiffany Davison, Middletown, Ill.

Middleweight

1) Heather Edwards, Washington

2) Kaylan Simmons, Casey

3) Riley Anderson, Kamrar

The contest was part of "Rural Americana Olde Tyme Competitions" in Farm Bureau Pioneer Hall. A first prize of $5 and ribbons were awarded to each class.

"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.

* * *

13 Aug 2014

10th annual Adaptive Sports and Recreation Clinic in Des Moines

By Joyce Ellens

Adaptive Sports & Recreation Expo for Iowans with a spinal cord injury

URBANDALE, Iowa - The Spinal Cord Injury Association of Iowa will hold its annual Adaptive Sports & Recreation Expo on Saturday, August 16 at Easter Seals Camp Sunnyside. This year marks the tenth year the SCIA has given Iowans with spinal cord injuries a chance to break boundaries by doing things they may not have thought were possible.

"Watching someone ride a bike or paddle a kayak for the first time in years, decades for some, is so incredible," said Angie Plager, SCIA president. "For a moment, those of us with spinal cord injuries are able to forget about our chair or our crutches and SCIA is so happy to be able to offer moments like that to Iowans every year."

The Adaptive Sports & Recreation Expo is a free, one-day event offering those with spinal cord injuries specialized equipment to participate in activities like hand cycling, kayaking, power soccer, bowling, and basketball. In addition, they get to meet other Iowans with spinal cord injuries fostering bonds between people who understand what it's like to live with a spinal cord injury.

"Planning for the next year starts right after the event ends," said Plager. "We've worked hard to improve the event every year. This year we added archery, bocce ball, a rock climbing wall and fishing."

Beyond adaptive sports, the Expo also features information and resources for people with spinal cord injury/disease/disorder.

For more information about the Adaptive Sports & Recreation Expo, visit our Facebook page, email us, or call (515) 309-0727.

13 Aug 2014

BANDITS COLLAPSE AS COUGARS WIN WITH 4-RUN 9TH

By Marco LaNave
Quad Cities falls four games behind Cedar Rapids, stays three behind Wisconsin in second-half race

GENEVA, Ill. (August 12, 2014) - The Quad Cities River Bandits held a 3-0 lead entering the bottom of the ninth inning, but two errors, a home run, an infield popup, wild pitch, two walks and ultimately a walk-off single to left-center field by Kane County Cougars shortstop Daniel Lockhart led to the home team's four-run ninth inning and 4-3 win at Fifth Third Bank Ballpark Tuesday night.

After River Bandits right-handers Kevin Comer and Adrian Houser each pitched four shutout innings, right-hander Frederick Tiburcio started the ninth inning with a 3-0 lead. Cougars catcher Victor Caratini led off by grounding a ball to first baseman Chase McDonald, who threw to Tiburcio covering first base, but the pitcher dropped the ball for an error. Tiburcio fell to a 3-1 count against first baseman Jacob Rogers, who drove a two-run home run to right field - his Kane County-leading 14th home run - to cut Quad Cities' lead to 3-2.

With no outs, the bases empty and a one-run lead, Tiburcio got designated hitter Cael Brockmeyer to hit a popup near second base, but the ball dropped behind second baseman Marc Wik for a base hit that put the tying run at first base. After Carlos Penalver pinch ran for Brockmeyer, third baseman Jeimer Candelario lofted a fly ball to right-center field, where center fielder James Ramsay and right fielder Ryan Bottger converged, and Bottger was charged with the inning's second error when the ball dropped, placing runners at first and second bases. Second baseman Chesny Young then sacrificed the tying and winning runs into scoring position with a bunt that rolled up the first-base line to Wik with his foot on first base to record the inning's first out.

Tiburcio threw a wild pitch on his first pitch to right fielder Jeffrey Baez that got past catcher Brian Holberton to the backstop, allowing Penalver to score the tying run and Candelario to reach third base. In a 3-3 tie, Tiburcio intentionally walked Baez and center fielder Trey Martin to load the bases. With the infield in, Tiburcio struck out left fielder Shawon Dunston Jr. In a 1-1 count, Lockhart hit a fly ball toward left-center field that dropped between Ramsay and left fielder Bobby Boyd, scoring Candelario for a 4-3 Cougars win. It was Quad Cities' fifth walk-off loss of the season and first since June 2 at Wisconsin.

Cougars right-hander Jen-Ho Tseng retired the first eight River Bandits and did not allow a hit through 4 1/3 innings. Bottger's fifth-inning single was his team's first hit, but he was thrown out at second base trying to advance on a pitch in the dirt. In the sixth inning, shortstop Thomas Lindauer hit a leadoff single to left field, advanced to second base on Boyd's sacrifice, to third base on a wild pitch and scored the game's first run on Wik's sacrifice fly. Ramsay hit a two-out double down the first-base line and Tseng loaded the bases with walks to McDonald and designated hitter A.J. Reed. Right-hander Michael Wagner walked third baseman J.D. Davis to bring in the second run. Tseng allowed two earned runs on three hits and three walks with five strikeouts in 5 2/3 innings. Wagner also allowed a run in the eighth inning, when he issued a two-out walk to McDonald, and Reed and Davis each singled for a 3-0 lead.

Comer scattered a hit in each of the first four innings, twice stranding a runner at third base and matching Tseng for the first four innings. Houser began the fifth inning in a scoreless game and allowed lone hits in the fifth and seventh innings to toss four shutout innings. He retired 11 of the final 12 batters he faced. Kane County did not have a hit with a runner in scoring position until Lockhart's walk-off single.

Quad Cities (25-25 second half, 60-59 overall) continues its series against Kane County (30-20, 75-45) at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at Fifth Third Bank Ballpark. River Bandits right-hander Andrew Thurman (5-7) is scheduled to face Cougars right-hander Paul Blackburn (9-4).

UP NEXT: A Fireworks Friday kicks off the next homestand, with a 7 p.m. game on City of Davenport Night and Global Cultural Night presented by Tyson Fresh Meats. When gates open at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, the first 1,500 fans receive a Trevor Rosenthal Bobblehead courtesy of DHCU and FOX18. Sunday's 1:15 p.m. game is a Celebration and Appreciation of Senator Tom Harkin for 40 years of service with a bobblehead giveaway for the first 1,000 fans when gates open at noon. Tickets are available at www.riverbandits.com.

12 Aug 2014

MICHAEL FELIZ NAMED MIDWEST LEAGUE PITCHER OF THE WEEK

By Marco LaNave

Top-ranked Quad Cities prospect allows just one run and six hits with 14 strikeouts in 13 innings to earn honor

DAVENPORT, Iowa. (August 11, 2014) - Quad Cities River Bandits right-handed pitcher Michael Feliz has been named the Midwest League Pitcher of the Week for August 4-10. The top-ranked prospect on the Quad Cities roster, Feliz made two starts totaling 13 innings, giving up a run on six hits with no walks and 14 strikeouts. His eight-inning start Aug. 5 against Burlington was the longest by a River Bandit since Kyle Hald tossed a complete game on June 4, 2012, in a 6-2 win over Burlington.

Ranked in midseason by MLB.com as the Houston Astros' seventh-best prospect and No. 98 in all of baseball, Feliz is the first Quad Cities Pitcher of the Week since Boone Whiting won for Aug. 20-26, 2012. Feliz becomes the third River Bandit to win a weekly honor from the Midwest League this season, as shortstop Thomas Lindauer was the Player of the Week for April 21-27, and outfielder Ronnie Mitchell was the league's Player of the Week for May 26-June 1.

A native of Azua in the Dominican Republic, Feliz helped snap a six-game Quad Cities losing streak for the second time in three weeks by firing eight shutout innings with a season-high nine strikeouts Tuesday in a 4-0 victory over Burlington. The 6-foot-4-inch, 228-pound right-hander followed that performance Sunday by limiting the Beloit Snappers to a run on three hits with four strikeouts in five innings to help the River Bandits earn a series split with a 6-1 win.

Signed by the Astros as a non-drafted free agent on May 19, 2010, Feliz spent the 2010 season with the Dominican Summer League Astros before pitching for the Gulf Coast League (GCL) Astros in 2011. He split the 2012 season with the GCL Astros and Rookie-level Greeneville Astros before pitching with Short Season Class A Tri-City last season.

In his first Midwest League season, Feliz is 8-4 with a 3.70 ERA. He has tossed 82 2/3 innings over 21 games, including 15 starts, fanning a team-high 94 batters against 31 walks with only 71 hits allowed and a .231 opponents' batting average. He pitched for the World Team in the 2014 SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game on July 13 at Target Field in Minneapolis.

UP NEXT: A Fireworks Friday kicks off the next homestand, with a 7 p.m. game on City of Davenport Night and Global Cultural Night presented by Tyson Fresh Meats. When gates open at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, the first 1,500 fans receive a Trevor Rosenthal Bobblehead courtesy of DHCU and FOX18. Sunday's 1:15 p.m. game is a Celebration and Appreciation of Senator Tom Harkin for 40 years of service with a bobblehead giveaway for the first 1,000 fans when gates open at noon. Tickets are available at www.riverbandits.com.

12 Aug 2014

Food News and Results from the 2014 Iowa State Fair

By Lori Chappell

Best Bacon Dessert Cook Crowned at Iowa State Fair

DES MOINES, IA (08/11/2014)(readMedia)-- Cristen C. Clark of Runnells proved that when sweet and savory meet good things are bound to happen, as she won first place and a $1,000 cash award in the Beeler's Bacon Dessert competition judged Thursday at the 2014 Iowa State Fair.

Anita Van Gundy of Des Moines claimed second place and $500. Norita Solt of Bettendorf earned third place and $250.

Entries were judged on taste, bacon's contribution to the dessert and originality.

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.

Funnel Cake Sticks Win Iowa State Fair Value-Priced Food Contest

DES MOINES, IA (08/12/2014)(readMedia)-- The Funnel Cake Sticks took top honors in the New Food Contest at the 2014 Iowa State Fair. The tasty new treat bested four other value-priced finalists after receiving nearly 40 percent of the votes. The winning dish will be available throughout the Fair, August 7-17.

The champion treat is just $3 and offers a new twist on a Fair classic with funnel cake batter fried to golden perfection, served on-a-stick and topped with chocolate, strawberry or vanilla glaze. Fairgoers can find the sweet snack at Arnold's Concessions on Grand Avenue across from Hy-Vee Health and First Aid.

Arnold Blewer will receive an official Iowa State Fair plaque and a year's worth of bragging rights for his winning entry.

The four other finalists are also $3 and will remain available throughout the Fair at their respective locations:

  • Brownie Blitz: available at Bauders Ice Cream on the southwest side of the Agriculture Building
  • Caprese Salad On-a-Stick: available at the Salad Bowl in the Agriculture Building and Cultural Center Courtyard
  • Smoked Brisket and Bacon Mac N Cheese: available at the Rib Shack in Walnut Square
  • Three Buck Bowl: available at Steer N Stein on the Grand Concourse

Entries in the New Food Contest were limited to value-priced items for $3 or less. Prior to the start of the Fair, five finalists were chosen based on taste/flavor, presentation/appearance, value and creativity/originality. Fairgoers were invited to vote for their favorite finalist during the first four days of the Fair.

Mount Pleasant Pumpkin Grower Wins Iowa State Fair Contest

DES MOINES, IA (08/11/2014)(readMedia)-- The state's best giant pumpkin growers squared off in the Big Pumpkin competition judged Friday at the 2014 Iowa State Fair.

Martin Schnicker of Mount Pleasant won first place and a $1000 cash award for his 1,131-pound pumpkin.

Don Young of Des Moines earned second place and a $650 cash award with his 780-pound entry.

David Miller of Riverside received third place and a $450 cash award with his 768-pound pumpkin.

Marc Peterson of Clinton was awarded fourth place and a $250 cash award for his 715-pound pumpkin.

Jennifer Heeren of Allison received fifth place and a $150 cash award for her 414-pound entry.

The State Fair record of 1,323-pounds was set in 2010.

The winning entries will be on display outside the John Deere Agriculture Building throughout the Fair.

"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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12 Aug 2014

Iowans Carve Out Honors in Wood Projects Contest at Iowa State Fair

By Lori Chappell

DES MOINES, IA (08/11/2014)(readMedia)-- Woodcarvers from all around Iowa gathered to showcase their skills in the Wood Projects contest held prior to the start of the 2014 Iowa State Fair.

The contest is divided into two divisions: Woodcarving and Woodworking. Randy Hansen of Des Moines earned Best of Show honors in the Woodcarving division. Clark Weaver of Grinnell grabbed second-place Best of Show honors, and Sue Orth of Plainfield received third. Judy Simmons of Windsor Heights snagged fourth.

First place in the Best of Show category for Woodworking went to Tom Brumback of Alleman. Second and third places were given to Bernie Kluesner of New Vienna. LeRoy G. Monson of Waukee received fourth.

Additional results below:

WOODCARVING

Animals Domestic - Realistic

1) Sue Orth, Plainfield

2) None Awarded

3) None Awarded

Honorable Mention) Randall Freeman, Clive

Animals Domestic - Caricature

1) Roger Beane, Oskaloosa

2) Roger Beane, Oskaloosa

Human Figures - Realistic

1) None Awarded

2) Sharon L. Powell, Urbandale

Human Figures - Caricature

1) Linda Medhus, Gilman

2) Roger Beane, Oskaloosa

3) None Awarded

Honorable Mention) Walter Smith, New Sharon

Abstract - Non-Objective

1) Perry Schaeffer, Ankeny

Stylized - Human Figure

1) Perry Schaeffer, Ankeny

Stylized - Animal

1) Perry Schaeffer, Ankeny

Stylized - Other

1) Perry Schaeffer, Ankeny

2) None Awarded

3) Ray Layton, Ankeny

Honorable Mention) Darrell Brown, Des Moines

Miscellaneous - Signs, Canes & Gunstocks

1) Sue Orth, Plainfield

2) Roger Beane, Oskaloosa

3) None Awarded

Honorable Mention) Randy Pleva, Urbandale

Miscellaneous - Chip Carving

1) Linda Medhus, Gilman

Miscellaneous - Woodburning

1) Nole Blair, Auburn

2) Nole Blair, Auburn

3) Kelsie Adams, Fruitland

Honorable Mention) Paula Eichinger, Slater

Miscellaneous - Miniatures

1) Roger Beane, Oskaloosa

2) Hazel Bohardt, Waukee

3) Denny Neubauer, Rockford, Ill.

Honorable Mention) Denny Neubauer, Rockford, Ill.

Miscellaneous - Decorated Functional Frames & Clocks

1) Nedra Herr, Newton

2) None Awarded

3) Rex Kepford, Des Moines

Honorable Mention) Denis Johansen, Knoxville

Miscellaneous - Bark Carving & Cyprus Knees

1) Judy Simmons, Windsor Heights

2) Robert Frisk, Des Moines

3) Robert Frisk, Des Moines

Honorable Mention) Roger Beane, Oskaloosa

Miscellaneous - Seasonal Decorative

1) Roger Beane, Oskaloosa

2) Roger Beane, Oskaloosa

3) David Cretors, Grimes

Honorable Mention) Hazel Bohardt, Waukee

Whittled Pieces - Chains, Balls & Cages

1) None Awarded

2) David Lammers, Sioux Center

Decoys - Ducks & Geese Floating

1) Randy Hansen, Des Moines

2) Tom Swale, Clive

3) Harvey Blanchard, Hartford

Decoys - Shore Birds

1) Richard Peterson, Callender

Decoys - Other Waterfowl

1) Richard Peterson, Callender

2) Don Van Ekeren, Hartford

3) Tom Swale, Clive

Decoys - Working Decoys

1) None Awarded

2) None Awarded

3) Robert Sellers, Council Bluffs

Wild Fowl - Birds of Prey

1) Clark Weaver, Grinnell

2) Randy Hansen, Des Moines

3) Richard Peterson, Callender

Honorable Mention) Jim Chittenden, Ames

Honorable Mention) Robert Sellers, Council Bluffs

Wild Fowl - Song Birds

1) Randy Hansen, Des Moines

2) Randy Hansen, Des Moines

3) Clark Weaver, Grinnell

Wild Fowl - Upland Game Birds

1) Harvey Blanchard, Hartford

2) Tom Swale, Clive

3) Tom Swale, Clive

Wild Fowl - Miniature Birds

1) Clark Weaver, Grinnell

Wild Fowl - Birds (group or pair)

1) Randy Hansen, Des Moines

2) Richard Peterson, Callender

Novice Adult - 1st Year Carver, Age 18 & Over

1) None Awarded

2) None Awarded

3) Jim Evans, Knoxville

Youth - Age 12 & Under

1) Ian Landers, West Des Moines

2) Emma Landers, West Des Moines

Wildlife - Realistic Predators

1) None Awarded

2) Harvey Blanchard, Hartford

3) None Awarded

Honorable Mention) John Ver Steeg, Runnells

Honorable Mention) Clarion Lofte, Des Moines

Wildlife - Caricatures

1) Perry Schaeffer, Ankeny

Wildlife - Other Animals

1) None Awarded

2) None Awarded

3) None Awarded

Honorable Mention) Clarion Lofte, Des Moines

Wildlife - Fish/Sea Mammals

1) None Awarded

2) None Awarded

3) Harvey Blanchard, Hartford

Honorable Mention) Harvey Blanchard, Hartford

Religious Carving - In the Round

1) Hazel Bohardt, Waukee

2) Stephen Bennett, Pella

3) Hazel Bohardt, Waukee

Religious Carving - Relief

1) None Awarded

2) Don Van Ekeren, Hartford

Relief Carving - Nature Scenes

1) None Awarded

2) None Awarded

3) Leroy Orth, Ames

Honorable Mention) Ray Layton, Ankeny

Relief Carving - Natural History

1) Robert Sellers, Council Bluffs

2) Denny Lind, Colfax

3) Don Van Ekeren, Hartford

Honorable Mention) Leroy Orth, Ames

Relief Carving - Scene (other than nature)

1) Sue Orth, Plainfield

2) Denis Johansen, Knoxville

3) Sharon L. Powell, Urbandale

Relief Carving - Human Subject

1) Roger Beane, Oskaloosa

2) Roger Beane, Oskaloosa

3) Dwayne Mortenson, Knoxville

Honorable Mention) Denis Johansen, Knoxville

Group Carvings

1) None Awarded

2) Philip Kohler, Ankeny

3) Philip Kohler, Ankeny

Instructor Assisted - Birds

1) None Awarded

2) None Awarded

3) Denny Lind, Colfax

Instructor Assisted - Human

1) Roger Beane, Oskaloosa

2) Roger Beane, Oskaloosa

3) Denny Lind, Colfax

Honorable Mention) Darrell Brown, Des Moines

Instructor Assisted - Wildlife

1) Dorcas (Dee) Wolfe, Des Moines

2) Darrell Brown, Des Moines

3) Darrell Brown, Des Moines

Honorable Mention) Dorcas (Dee) Wolfe, Des Moines

Roughouts - Human

1) Roger Beane, Oskaloosa

2) James Hogue, Winterset

3) Dwayne Mortenson, Knoxville

Honorable Mention) Dorcas (Dee) Wolfe, Des Moines

Roughouts - Other

1) Harry Pringnitz, Urbandale

2) Harry Pringnitz, Urbandale

WOODWORKING

Turned Wood - Bowl

1) Dick Meuler, Runnells

2) James Hogue, Winterset

3) LeRoy G. Monson, Waukee

Turned Wood - Box

1) James Hogue, Winterset

2) James Hogue, Winterset

3) James Hogue, Winterset

Turned Wood - Hollow Vessel

1) Robert Beattie, Des Moines

2) Robert Wallace, Ames

3) Jack Rolison, Ottumwa

Turned Wood - Household Item

1) Robert Beattie, Des Moines

2) Robert Beattie, Des Moines

3) Jeremiah S. Murphy, Mount Ayr

Turned Wood - Jewelry

1) LeRoy G. Monson, Waukee

2) Dick Meuler, Runnells

3) Dick Meuler, Runnells

Turned Wood - Pen, Pencil, Seam Ripper, etc.

1) Dick Meuler, Runnells

2) Chuck Spitler, Des Moines

3) Nate Gibson, Indianola

Turned Wood - Seasonal

1) Dick Meuler, Runnells

2) Walter Smith, New Sharon

3) Walter Smith, New Sharon

Turned Wood - Segmented Bowl or Vessel

1) Walter Smith, New Sharon

2) Ben Swartz, Clive

3) Pete Holden, Traer

Turned Wood - Stylized

1) Jack Rolison, Ottumwa

2) Jack Rolison, Ottumwa

3) Daniel Henderson, Waukee

Turned Wood - Any Other

1) LeRoy G. Monson, Waukee

2) Robert Beattie, Des Moines

3) Peggy Smith, New Sharon

Other Techniques - Luthier Class

1) Roger D. Anderson, Marengo

2) Larry DaRos, Ankeny

3) Roger D. Anderson, Marengo

Other Techniques - Wood Inlay or Intarsia

1) Dave Rabe, Ottumwa

2) Russell Hansen, Collins, Iowa

3) Dick Meuler, Runnells

Honorable Mention) Sue Orth, Plainfield

Other Techniques - Furniture Item

1) Tom Brumback, Alleman

2) Tom Whalley, Urbandale

3) John Twedt, Ankeny

Other Techniques - Table

1) Stephanie Riva, Norwalk

2) John Twedt, Ankeny

3) Tom Brumback, Alleman

Other Techniques - Model

1) Bernie Kluesner, New Vienna

Other Techniques - Clocks

1) Dave Rabe, Ottumwa

Other Techniques - Household Item

1) John Twedt, Ankeny

2) John Cinnamon, West Des Moines

3) Lee Nepple, Clive

Honorable Mention) Steve Dishman, Pella

Other Techniques - Wood Toy

1) Tom Whalley, Urbandale

2) Shawn Brown, Urbandale

3) John Cinnamon, West Des Moines

Honorable Mention) Tom Whalley, Urbandale

Other Techniques - Scroll Saw

1) Bernie Kluesner, New Vienna

2) Lynn Clary, West Des Moines

3) Todd Olstad, West Des Moines

Senior Citizen Project

1) Robert Beattie, Des Moines

2) Ben Swartz, Clive

3) Dwayne Mortenson, Knoxville

Honorable Mention) Russell Hansen, Collins, Iowa

"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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12 Aug 2014

FFA Winners and Results from the 2014 Iowa State Fair

By Lori Chappell

Nelson Wins Iowa State Fair Breeding Sheep Show

DES MOINES, IA (08/11/2014)(readMedia)-- Chansea Nelson of Exira showed the Champion Commercial Ewe in the FFA Breeding Sheep show Friday at the 2014 Iowa State Fair. Nelson's ewe topped 266 sheep exhibited by 112 other competitors.

Kaci Keitzer of Mediapolis was awarded Reserve Champion Commercial Ewe.

Additional results below:

Champion Suffolk Ram: Kolton Werner, Grinnell

Reserve Champion Suffolk Ram: Kayte Werner, Grinnell

Champion Suffolk Ewe: Ashleigh Metzger, State Center

Reserve Champion Suffolk Ewe: Kayte Werner, Grinnell

Supreme Champion Suffolk Individual: Ashleigh Metzger, State Center

Champion Dorset Ram: Logan Wilson, Colfax

Reserve Champion Dorset Ram: Blake Miller, Atlantic

Champion Dorset Ewe: Zach Vermillion, Pleasant Hill

Reserve Champion Dorset Ewe: Daren Chambers, Indianola

Champion Other Meat Breeds Ram: Rebecca Martin, Dewitt

Reserve Champion Other Meat Breeds Ram: Faith Reiners, Muscatine

Champion Other Meat Breeds Ewe: Payge Edwards, Monroe

Reserve Champion Other Meat Breeds Ewe: Blake Miller, Atlantic

Champion Commercial Ewe Lamb: Chansea Nelson, Exira

Reserve Champion Commercial Ewe Lamb: Kaci Keitzer, Mediapolis

Champion Commercial Yearling Ewe: Tara Gray, Toledo

Reserve Champion Commercial Yearling Ewe: Jaxon Kampen, Humboldt

No Horsing Around for FFA Competitors at Iowa State Fair

DES MOINES, IA (08/11/2014)(readMedia)-- Elyse Buysse of West Liberty was named High Point Exhibitor at the FFA Horse Show judged Thursday during the 2014 Iowa State Fair.  Katie Rinkert of Prole showed the High Point Horse.

Additional results below:

Champion Barrel Racing: Melissa Lindley, Creston

Reserve Champion Barrel Racing: Sydney Dornbier, Wesley

Champion Flag Race: Jannell Huebbe, Maquoketa

Reserve Champion Flag Race: Morgan Quick, Redding

Champion Draft Breeds: Ethan Bair, Keswick

Reserve Champion Draft Breeds: Ethan Bair, Keswick

Champion Draft Showmanship: Ethan Bair, Keswick

Reserve Champion Draft Showmanship: Kim Blackford, New Virginia

Champion Trail Class: Abbey Smith, Adel

Reserve Champion Trail Class: Elyse Buysse, West Liberty

Champion Draft Horse Single Pleasure Driving: Kim Blackford, New Virginia

Champion Light Horse/Pony Pleasure Driving: Lauren Faas, Williamsburg

Champion Heavy Hitch Draft Team: Ethan Bair, Keswick

Champion English Pleasure: Elyse Buysse, West Liberty

Reserve Champion English Pleasure: Katie Rinkert, Prole

Champion English Equitation: Katie Rinkert, Prole

Reserve Champion English Equitation: Jessica Hanrahan, Prole

Champion Hunter Hack: Jessica Ackerson, Indianola

Reserve Champion Hunter Hack: Amy Turner, Knoxville

Champion Two-to-Five Year Old Walk Trot: Amber Hammes, Ankeny

Reserve Champion Two-to-Five Year Old Walk Trot: Elyse Buysse, West Liberty

Champion Pony Western Pleasure: Jane Hoffmann, Deloit

Reserve Champion Pony Western Pleasure: Amy Turner, Knoxville

Champion Junior Western Pleasure (two and three-year-old): Elyse Buysse, West Liberty

Reserve Champion Junior Western Pleasure (two and three-year-old): Wade Wuebker, Jefferson

Champion Junior Western Pleasure (four and five-year-old): Shania Roush, Newton

Reserve Champion Junior Western Pleasure (four and five-year-old): Jessica Hanrahan, Prole

Champion Senior Western Pleasure: Brittany Nicholson, Ellsworth

Reserve Champion Senior Western Pleasure: Meredith Williams, Hudson

Champion Western Equitation: Brittany Nicholson, Ellsworth

Reserve Champion Western Equitation: Katie Rinkert, Prole

Champion Reigning: Danielle Nemmers, Earlham

Reserve Champion Reigning: Deven Heitland, Sheffield

Champion Bareback Pleasure: Brittany Nicholson, Ellsworth

Reserve Champion Bareback Pleasure: Elyse Buysse, West Liberty

Champion Ranch Horse Pleasure: Deven Heitland, Sheffield

Reserve Champion Ranch Horse Pleasure: Danielle Nemmers, Earlham

Champion Pony Breeds: Jane Hoffmann, Deloit

Reserve Champion Pony Breeds: Alexandra Cleverley, Newton

Champion Mule: Bailey Brummel, Peru

Champion Other Light Breeds: Leslie Marvin, Bellevue

Reserve Champion Other Light Breeds: Caley Jacobsen, Clinton

Champion Western-Type Horse: Katie Rinkert, Prole

Reserve Champion Western-Type Horse: Larissa Volz, Norway

Champion Showing: Crystal McGarry, Bryant

Reserve Champion Showing: Brittany Nicholson, Ellsworth

Premier Exhibitor

1) Amy Turner, Knoxville

2) Jarret Horn, Newton

3) Meghan Mills, Janesville

FFA Members Flock for Ribbons at Iowa State Fair

DES MOINES, IA (08/11/2014)(readMedia)-- Fifty-seven FFA members exhibited 329 birds in the FFA Poultry Show judged Thursday at the 2014 Iowa State Fair.  Emily Martins of Fairbank showed the Grand Champion Market Broiler. Hannah Sikkink of Decorah claimed the Reserve Champion Market Broiler title.  Payton Rivera of Durant won the Grand Champion Breeding Birds title while Nathaniel Foell of Forest City claimed the Reserve Champion Breeding Birds banner.

Breed division winners in the FFA Poultry Show included:

Champion American: Payton Rivera, Durant

Reserve Champion American: Emily Meerdink, Hawarden

Champion Asiatic: Nathaniel Foell, Forest City

Reserve Champion Asiatic: Emily Meerdink, Hawarden

Champion Continental: Zach Redmond, Long Grove

Reserve Champion Continental: Madalyn Boehm, Elgin

Champion Mediterranean: Alaina Martensen, Onslow

Reserve Champion Mediterranean: Darcey Tjaden, Wyoming

Champion English: Emily Meerdink, Hawarden

Reserve Champion English: Emiy Meerdink, Hawarden

Champion Miscellaneous: Darcey Tjaden, Wyoming

Reserve Champion Miscellaneous: Josh Sunberg, Red Oak

Champion Bantams, Old English Game: Hunter Britton, Muscatine

Reserve Champion Bantams, Old English Game: Hunter Britton, Muscatine

Champion Bantams, Rose Comb, Clean Legged: Cami Maurer, Wilton

Reserve Champion Bantams, Rose Comb, Clean Legged: Jay McCoskey, Jewell

Champion Bantams, Any Other Comb, Clean Legged: Natasha Klocke, Rockwell City

Reserve Champion Bantams, Any Other Comb, Clean Legged: Natasha Klocke, Rockwell City

Champion Bantams, Feather Legged: Alaina Martensen, Onslow

Reserve Champion Bantams, Feather Legged: Rease Morris, Maxwell

Champion Bantams, Single Comb, Clean Legged: Jay McCoskey, Jewell

Reserve Champion Bantams, Single Comb, Clean Legged: Cami Maurer, Wilton

Champion Ducks, Market: Kenzie St. Germain, Gilbert

Reserve Champion Ducks, Market: Braeden Vandervoort, Wilton

Champion Ducks, Breeding: Nathaniel Foell, Forest City

Reserve Champion Ducks, Breeding: Bradlee Hank, Wapello

Champion Geese, Breeding: Bradlee Hank, Wapello

Reserve Champion Geese, Breeding: Bradlee Hank, Wapello

Champion Turkeys, Breeding: Noah Gronewold, Calamus

Reserve Champion Turkeys, Breeding: Noah Gronewold, Calamus

Champion Egg Production: Madalyn Boehm, Elgin

Reserve Champion Egg Production: Natasha Klocke, Rockwell City

FFA Exhibitors Compete for Supreme Honors at the Iowa State Fair

DES MOINES, IA (08/11/2014)(readMedia)-- Drew Norris of Corydon exhibited the Supreme Female Champion in the FFA Breeding Beef show held Thursday at the 2014 Iowa State Fair.

James Gradert of Sibley won the Reserve Supreme Female title.

Additional results below:

Champion Angus Heifer: Drew Norris, Corydon

Reserve Champion Angus Heifer: Chayse Jaspering, Washington

Champion Charolais Heifer: Joni Erwin, Crawfordsville

Reserve Champion Charolais Heifer, Matthew Schroeder, Radcliffe

Champion Chianina Heifer: James Gradert, Sibley

Reserve Champion Chianina Heifer: Makayla Smith, Charter Oak

Champion Hereford Heifer: Colton Black, Chariton

Reserve Champion Hereford Heifer: Hunter Wilkening, State Center

Champion Limousin Heifer: Bailey Walrod, Moorland

Reserve Champion Limousin Heifer: Anna Radcliff, Davenport

Champion Appendix Maine-Anjou Heifer: James Gradert, Sibley

Reserve Champion Appendix Maine-Anjou Heifer: Cody Fausch, Cambridge

Champion Shorthorn Heifer: Jacob Darbyshire, Morning Sun

Reserve Champion Shorthorn Heifer: Mikaela Boss, Manchester

Champion Simmental Heifer: Paige Reck, Blakesburg

Reserve Champion Simmental Heifer: Katlyn Ruth, Iowa City

Champion Foundation Simmental Heifer: Cendra Sebolt, Seymour

Reserve Champion Foundation Simmental Heifer: Kennedy Wohlford, Geneva

Champion All Other Breeds Heifer: Mallory Bormann, Algona

Reserve Champion All Other Breeds Heifer: Parker Frey, Earlham

Champion Commercial Heifer: Jaden Compton, Tipton

Reserve Champion Commercial Heifer: Jordan Crall, Albia

Champion All Other Breeds Bull: Katelyn Holmes, Benton

Reserve Champion All Other Breeds Bull: Morgan McDermott, Wiota

Champion All Other Breeds Cow-Calf: Sadie Simatovich, State Center

Reserve Champion All Other Breeds Cow-Calf: Rachel Maloy, Ottumwa

FFA Ag Mechanics Competition Revs-Up Its Engine at the Iowa State Fair

DES MOINES, IA (08/11/2014)(readMedia)-- Restored tractors and metal working topped off the Ag Mechanics competition judged Friday at the 2014 Iowa State Fair.

Entries were judged on the basis of workmanship, design, usefulness, appearance and safety.

Complete results below:

Restored Tractor 1958 & Prior: Tayler Jones, Eddyville

Restored Tractor 1959 & Later: Jacob Miller, Dixon

Restored Tractor by First Year Exhibitor: Parker Kray, Monticello

Restored Tractor by Group: North Scott FFA, Eldridge

Metal Working (small): Natalie Johnson, Murray

Metal Working (medium): Riley Rowold, Wheatland

Metal Working (large): Brett Roquet, Fremont

Restored Farm Equipment: Kyle Huber, Wellman

Computer Designed: Logan Mesenbrink, Gilbert

Woodworking (indoor): Taylor Lee, Sumner

Woodworking (outdoor): Addison Crow Schrader, Marion

Overall - First Year: Parker Kray, Monticello

"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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12 Aug 2014

Milo Hamilton Named to Iowa Sports Hall of Fame

By Glen Dias

Marks sixth Hall of Fame for the long-time Astros broadcasting icon

HOUSTON, TX - The Des Moines Sunday Register announced today that Houston Astros radio broadcasting great Milo Hamilton has been inducted into their Iowa Sports Hall of Fame.

Hamilton, who grew up in Fairfield, Iowa, is the 215th inductee into this Hall of Fame as he joins the likes of Major League Baseball great Bob Feller, Olympic gold medalist Bruce Jenner, former NFL greats Alex Karras, Emlen Tunnell, Roger Craig and Kurt Warner and legendary University of Iowa football coach Hayden Fry.

This marks the sixth Hall of Fame for Hamilton, whose 59 seasons as a Major League broadcaster are second all-time to Vin Scully's record of 65 seasons in the booth. Hamilton served as the radio voice of the Houston Astros from 1985-2012, and in that span, called some of the greatest moments in franchise history. For the past two seasons (2013-14), he has joined the Astros radio broadcasts during home Sunday games for his "Milo's Memories" feature. Hamilton will be on the air in the sixth inning of this afternoon's Astros-Rangers game.

"Congratulations to Milo on another well-deserved honor," said Astros President of Business Operations Reid Ryan. "He truly is a broadcasting  icon that has been a part of Astros baseball for decades. This is  another fitting honor for one of baseball's broadcasting greats."

Globally, Hamilton is best-known for his radio call of Hank Aaron's historic 715th home run on April 8, 1974, while serving as the Atlanta Braves play-by-play announcer. Hamilton and Aaron have a special bond that remains today. When the Astros honored Hamilton's career with a special night in 2012, Aaron made the trip to Houston to speak at the event.

Other highlights from Hamilton's illustrious career include calling 11 no-hitters, Nolan Ryan's 4,000th career strikeout and Craig Biggio's 3,000th hit. In addition to the Astros and Braves, Hamilton also had stints with the Pirates, including their 1979 World Championship season, and with the White Sox, Cubs and Cardinals.

In 1992, Hamilton received the industry's highest honor, receiving the Ford C. Frick Award from the National Baseball Hall of Fame. In 2009, in honor of his 25th season in Houston, a street outside Minute Maid Park was renamed Milo Hamilton Way. Later that year, Hamilton was named "King of Baseball" by Minor League Baseball at the Annual MLB Winter Meetings.

HALLS OF FAME FOR "THE CAPTAIN" MILO HAMILTON

--National Baseball Hall of Fame (Ford C. Frick Award) - 1992

--Texas Baseball Hall of Fame -1994

--Radio Hall of Fame - 2000

--Texas Radio Hall of Fame - 2005

--Iowa High School Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame - 2011

--Des Moines Sunday Register's Iowa Sports Hall of Fame - 2014

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