Cody, Wyoming's, western museum complex, the Bill Historical Center, and the Cody Country Chamber of Commerce announced Friday, December 29, 2012, that the Chamber has taken the reins of the cutting edge Cody High Style Fashion Show held each September as part of the city-wide Rendezvous Royale. In addition, the two entities will now collaborate to produce the Cody High Style western design exhibition?a partnership that will continue to see that the event is held at the Center as part of Rendezvous Royale.

"In much the same way as we have worked so successfully with the Chamber to host the Buffalo Bill Art Show & Sale, we now add the highly popular Cody High Style into the mix," explains Bruce Eldredge, the Center's Executive Director and CEO. "The Chamber staff will manage the two events while we continue to provide space for the Cody High Style western design event."

For a number of years, the fashion show has been held in the Center's main lobby area with the runway erected above the admissions area. "Without a doubt, we've had an extraordinary time with our designers, models, and attendees," Eldredge adds. "However, we've embarked on a new strategic plan and have begun to examine how we use our resources. We simply think that the Chamber of Commerce is best suited to coordinate the fashion show as part of their efforts to promote city-wide events. With our friends at the Chamber in charge, we have no reservations at all that the show will continue to be a highlight for Rendezvous Royale attendees."

Since 1999, Rendezvous Royale, billed as "celebrating the arts in Cody, Wyoming," has brought hundreds of visitors to share in fun, engaging activities as summer winds down. The event consists of the Buffalo Bill Art Show & Sale, Cody High Style, Boot Scoot n' Boogie, and the Buffalo Bill Historical Center's Patrons Ball.

"We are pleased to strengthen our partnership with the Cody Country Chamber of Commerce and support its efforts to bring more events and activities to our community," Eldredge said. "In so doing, we'll attract more visitors?especially in the shoulder seasons?and that is definitely what we'd all like to see."

To learn more, visit http://www.bbhc.org/explore/events/rendezvous-royale/.

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Presses Transportation Secretary LaHood to stop airlines from sending parents and kids to the back of airplanes 

Washington, DC - As the holiday travel season ramps up again this week, Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) today urged US Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood to ensure airlines aren't treating parents traveling with young children unfairly.

A Wall Street Journal report last month raised questions about the perils many parents face when traveling by air with young children.  The Journal reported that many airlines have adopted seating policies that relegate parents traveling with children to the back of the plane.  Many airlines also restrict the type of strollers that can be gate-checked.  Some airlines count diaper bags toward carry-on bag allowances, and charge parents who check both a car seat and a stroller.

"Many Iowans will be traveling by air over the holidays," Braley said.  "But too often, it seems like families flying with young children have to play by a different set of rules.  From airlines purposefully keeping parents and kids in the back of the plane to charging parents fees for strollers and diaper bags, airlines should treat parents traveling with kids just like any other passenger.  That's why I've requested that Transportation Secretary LaHood immediately review airlines' policies."

The full text of Braley's letter to LaHood follows.  A copy of the letter can also be downloaded at the following link: http://go.usa.gov/N0C

--

December 19, 2011

The Honorable Ray LaHood

Secretary, Department of Transportation

1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE

Washington, D.C. 20590

Dear Secretary LaHood:

I want to direct your attention to a recent article that appeared in the Wall Street Journal.  This article details the travel nightmares that many families with small children go through while flying.  I've included a copy of the article for your reference.

As a parent, I know firsthand how stressful traveling can be with young children.  A parent's worst nightmare is being separated from their young child because the child's seat was re-assigned to the back of the plane.  This is something that clearly happens quite frequently.

As we approach the holiday travel season, millions of families with small children will be traveling by air around the country.  That being said, I would like to know what rules the Department of Transportation has in place to ease the stresses placed on families with small children who travel during the holidays.  Please provide me with an answer to the following question:

What rules does the Department have in place to ensure that airlines do not separate children from their parents when traveling by air?

If there are no rules in place, please explain why.

I ask that you please provide me with a response to this letter within 10 business days.  Thank you for your attention to my request and please feel free to contact me if I can provide further assistance.

Sincerely,

Bruce L. Braley

Airport officials found out late this afternoon, that Allegiant has agreed to add two more departures to Mesa, AZ, in anticipation of those travelers who may be following the Iowa Hawkeyes to the Insight Bowl in Tempe, AZ, on December 30th.  Allegiant added two round trip flights at the request of airport officials, knowing that the nonstop flights and extra choices in dates will be very alluring to regional area fans.

Non-stop flights on Allegiant will depart for Mesa, AZ on 12/28, and 12/31.  "The extra departure on the 28th is very important at this point because our regularly scheduled (nonstop) flights on Tuesday the 27th and Thursday the 29th on Allegiant are completely booked." says Bruce Carter, Director of Aviation.

Cathie Rochau, Marketing Representative adds "The additional nonstop flights to/from Mesa will likely serve those fans interested in returning the day after the game, and making it home in time to celebrate New Year's Day. Plus, if people choose to go back to work on Monday, they can do so with a little time to relax."

Green Vehicles to Reduce Fuel Costs, Emissions and Noise Pollution

SPRINGFIELD - November 15, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today announced that the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has been awarded a $5 million federal grant to buy up to 10 hybrid buses for Illinois communities as part of the governor's initiative to expand green transportation throughout the state. The buses are anticipated to be delivered in 2013 to the Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District, the Greater Peoria Mass Transit District, the City of Galesburg, the Rock Island County Metropolitan Mass Transit District and the River Valley Mass Transit District.

"Hybrid technology protects the environment and saves money," Governor Pat Quinn said. "Everyone wins as we use this technology to replace aging buses across the state with new, reliable vehicles. I want to thank our congressional supporters and Senator Durbin for his work with us and his leadership in securing this important federal funding."

The $5 million grant is from the Federal Transit Administration's Clean Fuels Grant Program, a competitive program that encourages the use of clean fuel and innovative propulsion systems in buses. The new hybrid vehicles to be delivered to the five Illinois communities are powered through dual motor fuel and electrical power systems that cut the usage of fossil fuels. They will replace older buses powered by gasoline and diesel, resulting in quieter rides, savings in fuel costs to taxpayers and reductions in harmful emissions.

The buses also will be equipped with the latest in green technology, including electrified power steering and air conditioning, regenerative braking and automated systems that stop the engines when they are idling to cut down on exhaust and energy consumption.

"We are thrilled to have the opportunity to expand our fleet of green transit buses throughout the state," said Acting Illinois Transportation Secretary Ann Schneider. "By employing hybrid technology, we can provide needed public transit services with state-of-the-art vehicles while improving air quality and lowering the cost of fuel purchases."

In addition to the $5 million for the hybrid buses, IDOT has received a $362,000 federal grant to develop a Web site to connect transportation providers with active military and veterans statewide. The new site will be the state's first online resource center to help active military, veterans and their families address their transportation needs by offering information on transit schedules, dial-a-ride services and ride-sharing programs in their areas.