20 Sep 2013

U.S. Soy Demand Gets Boost from Biodiesel

By United Soybean Board
U.S. Soy Demand Gets Boost from Biodiesel
Fuel manufacturers could use at least 4.8 billion pounds of soybean oil this year
ST. LOUIS (Sept. 19, 2013) - The biodiesel that fuels semis, farm tractors and bus fleets continues to fuel market potential for U.S. soybean oil and profit opportunities for U.S. soybean farmers.

In order to meet federal biodiesel-usage requirements of 1.28 billion gallons this year, manufacturers will need 9 billion pounds of vegetable oils and animal fats. At least 4.8 billion pounds of that could be soybean oil. That's the oil from 430 million bushels of U.S. soybeans.

"There's value for soybean farmers from the growing market use of soybean oil for biodiesel," says Gregg Fujan, a USB director and soybean farmer from Weston, Neb. "It expands the market for our soybeans, which also increases the price we receive."

According to research commissioned by soybean farmers in Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota through their state soy checkoff boards, biodiesel contributed to a $15 billion increase in soybean-oil revenues between 2006 and 2012. Over that time period, this raised the price of soybeans by 74 cents per bushel.

Soy-checkoff-funded research on biodiesel's environmental benefits helped it qualify under the Environmental Protection Agency as an Advanced Biofuel. Under the federal Renewable Fuel Standard (known as RFS2), at least 1.28 billion gallons of biodiesel will be produced in the United States in 2013.

For nearly 20 years, soybean oil has been the primary feedstock for U.S. biodiesel manufacturing. The soy checkoff helps fund biodiesel research and promotion efforts to increase fuel and feedstock demand for U.S. soybean farmers.

The 69 farmer-directors of USB oversee the investments of the soy checkoff to maximize profit opportunities for all U.S. soybean farmers. These volunteers invest and leverage checkoff funds to increase the value of U.S. soy meal and oil, to ensure U.S. soybean farmers and their customers have the freedom and infrastructure to operate, and to meet the needs of U.S. soy's customers. As stipulated in the federal Soybean Promotion, Research and Consumer Information Act, the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service has oversight responsibilities for USB and the soy checkoff.

For more information on the United Soybean Board, visit www.unitedsoybean.org
Visit us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/UnitedSoybeanBoard
Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/unitedsoy
View our YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/user/UnitedSoybeanBoard

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17 Sep 2013

The Old Creamery Theatre opens their 2nd Annual Great Raffle for the Arts

By Shelly Klimes

Amana - Would you like to turn $100 into $1,000, $2,000, $3,000 or even $5,000?

It might be possible when you buy a raffle ticket during The Old Creamery Theatre's 2nd Annual Great Raffle for the Arts!

Buy a ticket for $100 and you get the chance to be one of four cash winners, top prize of  up to $5,000! Only 400 raffle tickets will be sold.

Final cash prize amounts will be determined by actual number of tickets sold.

If all 400 tickets are sold, prizes will be as follows:

One cash prize of $5,000

One cash prize of $3,000

One cash prize of $2,000

One cash prizes of $1,000

Tell your friends and coworkers and purchase a ticket together! The drawing will be held as soon as 400 tickets have been sold, or December 22, 2013.

Tickets are available at The Old Creamery box office or call us and we'll send you a ticket order form, 319-622-6262. The box office is open 7 days a week and always at least 2 hours prior to a performance.

Money raised will go toward sound equipment and other theatre enhancements.

All prizes awarded are subject to federal and state taxes.

The Old Creamery Theatre Company is a not-for-profit professional theatre founded in 1971 in Garrison, Iowa. The company has been bringing live, professional theatre to the people of Iowa and the Midwest for 42 years.

13 Sep 2013

Illinois first National Guard state to hold Combatives Summit

By Capt. Dutch Grove, Illinois National Guard Public Affairs

SPRINGFIELD, IL (09/13/2013)(readMedia)-- The Illinois National Guard's 129th Regional Training Institute (RTI) will host the state's first Modern Army Combatives Program (MACP) Instructor Summit in conjunction with the Adjutant General's Combatives Championships Sept. 14 and 15 at Camp Lincoln in Springfield.

Chief combatives trainer with the RTI, Staff Sgt. Nicholas Grant of Caseyville, Ill., planned the Instructor Summit and said MACP has evolved over the last few years to include new training to meet the tactical needs of forces on the ground.

"Many of the techniques and training methods we will cover during the summit were adopted from the Special Operations Combatives Program," said Grant. "We will train on how to fight with weapons, weapon retention and transition during hand-to-hand combat, hand cuffing and vehicle extraction techniques, and most importantly, how to conduct MACP training at the unit level in a safe yet realistic manner."

Grant attended the three-day Army-wide national summit at Fort Benning, GA., in 2012.

"That sparked the idea to create a summit for our combatives instructors here in Illinois," said Grant. "Our intent is to make this an annual event to coincide with the TAG Combatives Championships each year."

He said combatives instructors at the unit level are spread throughout the state and it is difficult to get them all together to update the training after their initial MACP instructor certification.

"This summit will provide a priceless opportunity to bring dozens of our MACP instructors all together at one time to train on the latest and greatest that MACP has to offer and provide a rare opportunity to network with other instructors to share ideas on training methods and unit-level combatives program development," said Grant.

With the idea in place, Grant said it was a considerable challenge to prioritize the vast amount of material and squeeze it into one day of training.

"The combatives program has progressed so much in the past few years we could easily spend several days training on new stuff and hopefully next year we will," said Grant.

He hopes the instructors will return from the summit to their units with more tools to conduct safe and realistic combatives training.

"Plain and simple, combatives saves lives. Whether directly by providing the tools needed to dominate an enemy in close-quarter-combat or indirectly by providing the courage, confidence, resiliency and warrior ethos needed to survive in a combat environment," said Grant.

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13 Sep 2013

Tom Jones meets Elvis at The Old Creamery Theatre

By Shelly Klimes
Amana - The energy, charisma and music of Tom Jones and Elvis all come together for one spectacular tribute show at The Old Creamery Theatre on Saturday, Nov. 9 at 3 p.m. on the Main Stage.

Starring tribute artist, Irv Cass, who has spent many years perfecting his Elvis performances. He has worked with the famous show "Legends in Concert," in four different states, as well as performed live in many countries and on dozens of cruise ships. Irv is proud to carry the world champion title from the "Images of Elvis" competition in Memphis, TN as well as winning many other competitions and awards throughout his career. Irv has also appeared in the movie "Almost Elvis" as well as TLC's "The Men Who Would Be King," and a special for 20/20 among other TV specials. He's shared the stage with celebrities DJ Fontana, The Jordanaires and Willie Nelson, just to name a few.

Irv is also an accomplished Tom Jones impersonator and is credited for convincing many others to pay tribute to a variety of artists. Irv's favorite part of performing or emceeing at Elvis themed events is making friends with all those he meets.

The event will be emceed by the multitalented Ronny Craig, formally of Tama, Iowa. Ronny worked for 10 years as a professional Elvis Tribute artist and opened his own show in Branson, MO, which had a successful five year run. He is also the producer of the Elvis Explosion, a highly popular contest in LaCrosse, WI and has appeared on numerous TV and radio shows.

Call the box office at 319-622-6262 or visit the website at www.oldcreamery.com for more information, ticket prices or to reserve your seats. Walk-ins are always welcome if seats are available. Reservations are highly recommended for this one day only special event.
12 Sep 2013

Great Need for BATH TOWELS

By Holly Nomura
Homeless Family Shelter in Dire Need

Quad Cities, USA:  The Salvation Army Family Service Center, 301 W. 6th Street, Davenport, is in desperate need of new or gently used bath towels and wash clothes.

People often come to The Salvation Army with just the clothes on their backs and the towels are given to new residents and their children (60% of the shelter's residents are children) as they enter the program.

Approximately 100 people reside at the Family Service Center every night receiving shelter, food and case management.  This homeless family shelter provides all the basic needs to the residents who are without.

The towels and monetary donations can be dropped off any time at The Salvation Army, 301 W. 6th Street, Davenport - on the corner of Harrison and 6th Streets.

If you wish to make a donation by credit card, please call 1-800-SAL-ARMY (725-2769).
11 Sep 2013

"Save the Hardacre Theater" public meeting set for Sept. 25

By Rick Martin

TIPTON, Iowa?The Hardacre Theater Preservation Association (HTPA) will host a town hall-style informational meeting, open to the public, at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 25 at the Hardacre Theater in Tipton. The meeting will offer an open panel discussion to provide an update on steps being taken to save Tipton's Hardacre Theater and an opportunity for the public to voice questions and concerns regarding the future of the theater.

Currently, the HTPA is awaiting approval of its 501(c)3 tax-exempt status application, in order  to operate as a nonprofit organization. This will help the HTPA apply for grants to supplement donations from the community as it prepares to purchase and renovate the building. Also, 501(c)3 status would give the HTPA the ability to provide tax deductions for donations. Contributors who do not require a tax deduction for their donation are encouraged to donate at any time.

"While the HTPA is made up of a small group of organizers, we'd like to remind residents of Tipton and surrounding areas that this is a community-wide effort and it cannot be done without the support of the community," said Greg Brown, HTPA president. "Completion of a successful campaign would not only ensure the future of the Hardacre Theater but also a downtown location for all types of performing arts?filmed entertainment and live performances?that would culturally enhance the area for generations to come. The HTPA invites the community to join in on this mission to bring this vision to reality."

To find out how you can help or to make a commitment to save the Hardacre, please visit the HTPA website: www.thehardacre.org. An online pledge form is available on the website, as well as a printable form that can be mailed to: Hardacre Theater Preservation Association, P.O. Box 344, Tipton, Iowa, 52772.

Contact the HTPA at (563) 299-4985 or thehardacre@gmail.com with any questions.
11 Sep 2013

Grassley Receives Award for Work to Develop Ethanol

By Grassley Press

WASHINGTON - Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa today received the 2013 Fueling Growth Award from Growth Energy for his work to develop clean-burning, domestically produced ethanol.  The award acknowledges that Grassley's "hard work in Congress has made a significant contribution to the viability of the biofuels industry," according to Growth Energy.

"I'm honored to receive this award today," Grassley said.  "I've long been a supporter of renewable fuels, starting with ethanol.  Alternative energy sources reduce our dependence on foreign oil, increase national security, and create jobs for American workers in addition to extending our fuel supply and lowering prices at the pump."

The award is given annually by Growth Energy to members of Congress who support ethanol advancement and work to craft consistent and fair federal policy for the industry.

Grassley has worked for many years to promote favorable federal policies in order to establish renewable fuels as a strong alternative to finite fossil fuels.  Grassley vigorously advocates for the maintenance of the Renewable Fuel Standard.  In August 2013, Grassley, along with Sen. Amy Klobuchar, urged the Federal Trade Commission to investigate possible anti-competitive practices by oil companies that may be limiting the competitiveness of renewable fuels.

Nationally, the U.S. Department of Energy estimates that for every one billion gallons of ethanol produced, 10,000 jobs to 20,000 jobs are added to the economy.  In 2011, more than 400,000 jobs were created and supported by the ethanol industry and production of ethanol contributed $42.4 billion to the national Gross Domestic Product, according to the Energy Department.

The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association reported that with 41 ethanol plants and 3.7 billion gallons produced in 2012, Iowa is the largest producer of ethanol in the country.  According to the Iowa Corn Growers Association, Iowa's ethanol industry supports 55,000 jobs and accounts for $5.4 billion of the state's total economy.

Comprising many American ethanol producers and other organizations within the industry, Growth Energy represents producers and promotes ethanol production to "fuel America in ways that achieve energy independence, improve economic well-being and create a healthier environment for all Americans today."

Grassley will receive the award this evening at the Growth Energy Advocacy Conference congressional reception.

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10 Sep 2013

THE SIXTH ANNUAL ALL IN A DAY PLAY FESTIVAL RETURNS TO THE CCPA SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 AT 7:30PM

By Megan Flanagan

Performance Features Seven 10-Minute Plays Written and Rehearsed in Just 24 Hours

The Coralville Center for the Performing Arts, City Circle Acting Company of Coralville, and Dreamwell Theatre announce the sixth annual All in a Day Play Festival, Saturday, September 21 at 7:30pm at the Coralville Center for the Performing Arts, 1301 5th Street, Coralville.

Dreamwell Theatre board president Matt Falduto notes, "The All in a Day Play Festival is a great example of the amazing things theater groups can accomplish when they work together."  At 7:30pm on Friday, September 20, seven writers, seven directors, and 30+ actors will come together to create seven original plays.  Writers will be randomly assigned a location, a genre, and one other dramatic detail they must include in their script.  Directors and actors will be randomly assigned to each playwright.  The playwrights will deliver their script to the directors and cast by 8am the next morning; the directors and actors then have the day to rehearse.

24 hours from the start of the process, audience members will be treated to a variety of new and unique shows.  Plays and performers will be adjudicated by a panel including Coralville Mayor Jim Fausett, CCPA Managing Director Megan Flanagan, and director/producer Christopher Okiishi, with awards presented for performers, playwrights, and directors.

Event co-organizer Brian Tanner of Dreamwell says, "This is one of my favorite events of the year.  I always look forward to seeing what everyone comes up with and it amazes me that everything was accomplished in such a short time!"  Liz Tracey of City Circle adds, "It is a thoroughly entertaining and original evening - and one made for the digital age.  I enjoyed myself so much last year that I signed up to direct this year."

This year's participating playwrights are Matt Falduto, Brian Tanner, Joe Jennison, Amy White, Mike Moran, Tony Craine, and Andrew Juhl.  The directors are James Trainor, Meg Dobbs, Barbara Lau, Liz Tracey, Adeara Jean Maurice, Bev Mead, and Paul Freese.

City Circle Acting Company of Coralville is Coralville's community theater and the CCPA's resident theater company.  City Circle's mission is to present professional caliber theatrical productions and provide performing and educational opportunities to people of all ages.  Upcoming productions include Monty Python's Spamalot (October 25-November 3) and A Christmas Carol (December 13-22).

Dreamwell Theatre is an award-winning theater company that creates challenging, innovative, and inclusive theatrical experiences as a "theatre of exploration."  Upcoming productions include Fictional Murders (October 11-19) and Clybourne Park (November 15-23).

Owned and operated by the City of Coralville, the Coralville Center for the Performing Arts is dedicated to enriching the community and contributing to the vitality of Coralville by offering an accessible, affordable venue for a variety of performances, presentations, and public and private events.  The 472 seat theater opened August 26, 2011 and has hosted performances from City Circle Acting Company, Orchestra Iowa, Cedar Rapids Opera Theatre, Dan Knight, Lola Astanova, Lorie Line, Judy Carmichael, Jim McDonough, Nolte Academy of Dance, and many others.  Coralville schools are also able to use the Center free of charge up to three times per year; 16 school events took place at the Center in the 2012-2013 school year. The Center was named 2012 Member of the Year by the Iowa City/Coralville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.

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10 Sep 2013

Ian Sodawasser to perform in Culver-Stockton's annual musical

By Heidi Lanier

CANTON, MO (09/10/2013)(readMedia)-- Ian Sodawasser, junior musical theatre major from Davenport, Iowa has been cast in Culver-Stockton's production of "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown." Sodawasser will appear as Schroeder. Performances will be in the Mabee Little Theatre, located in the Robert W. Brown Performing Arts Center and are scheduled for Sept. 19-21 at 7:30 p.m., with a matinee Sept. 22 at 3 p.m.

Tickets are $8 for adults and $6 for students. "You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown" is presented as part of Culver-Stockton College Family Weekend activities and is part of the college's Academic and Cultural Affairs program. The musical is suitable for audiences of all ages.For ticket information and reservations, call the C-SC Fine Arts Office at 573-288-6346.

Culver-Stockton College, located in Canton, Mo., is a four-year residential institution in affiliation with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). C-SC specializes in experiential education and is one of only two colleges in the nation to offer the 12/3 semester calendar, where the typical 15 week semester is divided into two terms, a 12-week term and a 3-week term.

06 Sep 2013

Lombardi opens Sept. 19 on The Old Creamery's Studio Stage

By Rick Martin

Amana - 1958 begins a whole new era for the Green Bay Packers when Vince Lombardi is named head coach for a team that has not had a winning season for more than a decade.

Who could have known that Lombardi's reign would take the Packers to new heights and their coach would become a legend? A look into the real life of famed coach Vince Lombardi and how he inspired all those he met. You don't have to like football to love this play!

Written by Eric Simonson, Lombardi is based on the book "When Pride Still Mattered - A Life of Vince Lombardi," by David Maraniss. Directed by Angie Toomsen of Cedar Rapids, the cast of Lombardi consists of, Tyler Brown of Nashville, Tenn., William Groth of New York City, Kevin Moore of Coralville, Justin Reid of Coral Springs, Florida, Marquetta Senters of South Amana and Alexander Volpi of Maysville, North Carolina.

Tickets are $27.50 for adults and $18 for students. Show times are Thursdays and Sundays at 3 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. Group rates for 15 people or more are available. Lombardi is rated Theatre R and runs through Oct. 6.

Lombardi is sponsored by The Gethmann Foundation with media sponsor WMT-AM.

Call the box office 319-622-6262 or visit the website at www.oldcreamery.com for tickets or more information. Walk-ins are always welcome if seats are available.

Reservations are highly recommended.

The Old Creamery Theatre Company is a not-for-profit professional theatre founded in 1971 in Garrison, Iowa. The company is celebrating 42 years of bringing live, professional theatre to the people of Iowa and the Midwest.

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