29 Jan 2014

Lt. Governor Simon to attend annual State of the State address

By Ted Nelson

SPRINGFIELD - Lt. Governor Sheila Simon will join state officials for Governor Pat Quinn's 2014 State of the State address in Springfield.

DATE: Wednesday, Jan. 29

TIME: 12 p.m.

LOCATION: Illinois House of Representatives' chamber, Illinois State Capitol, Springfield, 62706

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29 Jan 2014

Reactions to the President's State of the Union address

By Randy Stalsberg

Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa tonight made the following comment on President Obama's State of the Union address.

"The Constitution created three branches of the federal government and checks and balances among the branches that are fundamental to our strength as a nation.  Based on that, the President should use his pen and phone to build coalitions on Capitol Hill and sign legislation into law, not issue executive orders that Congress and the American people don't support.

"The President spoke about inequality.  Congress and the President should find common ground and create economic growth that builds people up.  We ought to reform the tax code to close loopholes and give job creators the certainty and confidence to expand, hire and raise wages.  We can't tax and spend our way to prosperity through government.

"The President should work with Congress to renew Trade Promotion Authority so we have more places around the world to export what we make and grow in Iowa and other states.

"The President should promote energy independence and new jobs by approving the Keystone Pipeline and faithfully executing the 2007 federal law that created the Renewable Fuel Standard.

"Together, we should strengthen the patent system to clear the way for entrepreneurs and inventors to create, innovate and grow minus the patent trolls who abuse the system with frivolous lawsuits.

"Washington should first try to get the most bang for the buck out of existing programs before rushing to create more.  For example, too many housing dollars go to executives and bureaucrats instead of people in need.  The IRS whistleblower office is limping along, when it could be helping to collect billions of tax dollars that are already due.  The Justice Department could criminally prosecute Wall Street executives who defraud consumers instead of settling for pennies on the dollar.  The IRS could make public disclosures from colleges and other major tax-exempt groups more readily available or maybe even require more disclosure in exchange for their tax exemption so executive perks and other spending that contributes to college costs receives scrutiny.

"If the President is willing to work with Congress, there are a number of areas where we can work together to create economic growth and get more from the taxpayer dollars already in the U.S. treasury."

 

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement after President Obama delivered the State of the Union address.

"My number one priority and the heart of what I have always fought for is to create jobs and grow the economy.  The middle class, and those looking to join the middle class, must have the tools and opportunity to pull themselves up and fulfill the American dream. As someone who grew up in poverty, I know the hard work and determination it takes to succeed.  I also know that without ladders of opportunity, hardworking families will continue to fall behind and young kids growing up like I did will watch the American Dream slip farther out of their reach. One way we can immediately help working families is by raising the minimum wage and I applaud the President for making it a priority, as I have been calling for.

"I also strongly back the President's focus on expanding education, skills training and high-tech manufacturing. I have long pushed to ensure workers can receive the training they need to secure good jobs and employers have access to a workforce with the skills that are needed for them to expand, boost our economy, and out-compete the global competition. To get our country moving again, we have to work to reinvigorate our manufacturing base. We must put Iowans to work while maintaining and investing in the infrastructure that is critical to our communities' well-being and economic development.

"What was not discussed enough tonight was the need to advance our rural communities and our renewable energy sector. Far too often these are left behind by Washington. Our rural economy and renewable energy sector have created good jobs and brought economic development to rural Iowa. Washington must also work to serve our veterans with the dignity and honor they deserve, including securing a good job when they return home after serving our country.

"Of course, none of these priorities will be possible if Congress doesn't put aside the partisan gridlock and ideological divisions that have threatened our economy time and again. Iowans know how to work together to get things done. It's far past time for Washington to learn from our great state and get to work on the real priorities of Iowa families and job creators. I look forward to working with the President and people on both sides of the aisle to move our country forward."

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29 Jan 2014

MÖTLEY CRÜE ANNOUNCES FINAL TOUR WITH A STOP AT THE IWIRELESS CENTER

By Rick Martin

Band Is First-Ever To Sign Binding "Cessation Of Touring" Agreement To Prevent Future, Unauthorized Touring

Last Chance To Ever See The Band Perform Live

iWireless Center

November 9, 2014

Los Angeles, CA (January 28, 2014) - After more than three decades together, iconic rock 'n roll band MÖTLEY CRÜE announced today The Final Tour and the band's ultimate retirement.The announcement was solidified when the band signed a formal Cessation Of Touring Agreement, effective at the end of 2015, in front of global media in Los Angeles today. Celebrating the announcement of The Final Tour, the band will perform on ABC's "Jimmy Kimmel Live" TONIGHT and will appear on "CBS This Morning" TOMORROWMORNING.

 

With over 80 million albums sold, MÖTLEY CRÜE has sold out countless tours across the globe and spawned more than 2,500 MÖTLEY CRÜE branded items sold in over 30 countries. MÖTLEY CRÜE has proven they know how to make a lasting impression and this tour will be no different. Fans can expect to hear the catalogueof their chart- topping hits and look forward to mind-blowing, unparalleled live production. "When it comes to putting together a new show we always push the envelope and that's part of Motley Crue's legacy," explains Nikki Sixx (bass). "As far as letting on to what we're doing that would be like finding out what you're getting for Christmas before you open the presents.  We think in an age of too much information, we'd like to keep some surprises close to our chest until we launch the Final Tour."


 

The Final Tour presented by Dodge and produced by Live Nation will kick off in North America on July 2nd in Grand Rapids, MI and reach 72 markets before hitting international territories in 2015. To Live Nation, MÖTLEY CRÜE tours are not only box office successes but artistically their shows have set the bar for production and entertainment value. "There's no arguing that Motley Crue have been and always will be the definitive bad boys of rock and roll," says Rick Franks, Live Nation's Regional President of North America Concerts. "But behind all those notorious stories is a legendary rock band that has revolutionized heavy metal and created some of the biggest hits in music history. They are a hugely successful global brand and a touring powerhouse. Everyone at Live Nation has a tremendous amount of respect for these hard working and extremely talented gentlemen. The music industry will never have another Motley Crue."

 

The Dodge Brothers were a notorious duo, so it seemed only natural to partner with the World's Most Notorious Rock Band. "Whenever I talk to people about Motley Crue, the common thread is how cool and relevant the band remains even after 33 years," said Tim Kuniskis, President and CEO, Dodge Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. "This irreverent 'staying power' resonates deeply with the Dodge brand as we turn the corner on our 100 year anniversary. What better way to celebrate the band's final tour and the 25th anniversary of Kickstart My Heart than to do it together?"

 

Fans can look forward to Very Special Guest, ALICE COOPER joining MÖTLEY CRÜE for an incredible package - Alice invented the genre and MÖTLEY CRÜE put steroids in it! "Real hard rock bands are hard to find these days," said Alice, continuing, "Motley has always gone on stage with one attitude and that's to blow the audience away.  That's exactly how we do it.  Putting Motley Crue and Alice Cooper together is going to be just what this summer really NEEDS.  We're going to go out there and tear it up, and I can't wait to see Motley on stage.  Motley Crue and Alice Cooper - A match made in... Armageddon?"

 

As documented in the Cessation Of Touring Agreement the band signed at the press conference today, the band will not tour after this Final Tour. Band Attorney, Doug Mark of Mark Music & Media Law, explains "Other bands have split up over rancor or the inability of people to get along, but this is mutual among all four original members and a peaceful decision to move on to other endeavors and to confirm it with a binding agreement." Vince Neil, Nikki Sixx, Tommy Lee, and Mick Mars will go their separate ways after the lengthy 2-year touring cycle. Tommy Lee (drums) explains "Everything must come to an end!! We always had a vision of going out with a big fucking bang and not playing county fairs and clubs with 1 or 2 original band members! Our job here is done!!!" Of the band's tumultuous history, Mick Mars (guitar) adds "(It has been) more drama than 'General Hospital' - it keeps 'em watchin' and they keep comin' back."  Vocalist, Vince Neil says of the Finality of the tour - "I'll miss playing with the guys but I won't quit playing rock and roll!! I feel there are a lot of great opportunities and exciting projects after Motley."

 

The Final Tour will coincide with the film made from MÖTLEY CRÜE's NY Times Best-Selling book The Dirt. Jeff Tremaine (Bad Grandpa) has signed on to direct the opus that is set to debut in theaters globally in 2015, coinciding with The Final Tour. The Dirt is not only one of the best selling rock books of all time but also one of the greatest rock books of all time because of its brutal honesty, its unique voice, its multiple perspectives on the same events and its first-person inclusion of all members of the same band. Most rock memoirs are salacious mud-slinging accounts of a single person and MÖTLEY CRÜE was adamant to include the perspectives of all four of its members. Tremaine's intention is to make, not just a great movie about a band, but a great movie about four misfits who, despite themselves and everyone else, band together to overcome the odds and change the history of Rock & Roll. "The Dirt' is a movie I've wanted to make ever since I read the book in 2002," says Tremaine. "I relate to the story on so many levels; my whole professional career has been about boys behaving badly, so I have a real connection to the material. It's awesome to be working with the band at such an exciting time in Motley Crue's history." The film will be produced by the members of MÖTLEY CRÜE, Rick Yorn, Julie Yorn, Erik Olsen and 10th Street Entertainment.

 

BIG MACHINE RECORDS, home to Country Superstars such as Taylor Swift and Tim McGraw has teamed up in a joint venture with MÖTLEY RECORDS and ELEVEN SEVEN MUSIC for the summer 2014 release of a Country Music Tribute To MÖTLEY CRÜE. BIG MACHINE founder and CEO, Scott Borchetta, is among the legion of Country Music fans who love MÖTLEY CRÜE. The country tribute album will show off the band's quality songwriting with these fresh takes on their classic hit songs. Among the artists already confirmed to be featured on the country tribute album are Florida Georgia Line and Rascal Flatts. Borchetta says of the collaboration, "I have been a not-so-secret Crue fan from the beginning. When manager Chris Nilsson called with the idea for a tribute album on Big Machine Records it was an immediate 'yes' from me! Our album will highlight just how great the Motley Crue song catalog is. At the end of the day, that's what will stand the test of time."

 

MÖTLEY CRÜE Fan Club members will get the exclusive first crack at tickets and VIP Packages, via a unique code, beginning on Wednesday, January 29th starting at 10am local time. VIP ticket packages will be made available to the general public on Thursday, January 30th at 10am local time.  The general public ticket on-sale for most shows is Friday, January 31st. All tickets and packages can be obtained via Ticketmaster.comhttp://www.ticketmaster.com/Motley-Crue-tickets/artist/910417, LiveNation.com http://www.livenation.com/artists/41479/motley-crue, or via MotleyVIP.com.

 

 

 

About MÖTLEY CRÜE

Hailing from Los Angeles, CA, the quartet-Vince Neil (vocals), Mick Mars (guitars), Nikki Sixx (bass) and Tommy Lee (drums)-has commandeered the rock pantheon for over 30 years. In that time, they have accumulated worldwide album sales exceeding 80 million, seven platinum or multi-platinum albums, 22 Top 40 mainstream rock hits, six Top 20 pop singles, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, three Grammy nominations, four New York Times bestsellers (including the band's biography, THE DIRT) and countless sold out tours across the globe, playing to millions of fans. Motley Crue was the first rock band in history to have completed an epic sold-out Las Vegas residency at The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. The band continues to remain on the forefront of entertainment reinventing themselves via not only their music but also their mind blowing live shows featuring never seen before elements, such as Tommy Lee's 360 drum roller coaster. Motley Crue was featured in KIA MOTORS' award winning 2012 Super Bowl commercial.

 

About Dodge Brand

The Dodge brand is tearing into its centennial year with a keen eye focused on the future and a desire to create vehicles customers can't wait to drive and are proud to park in their driveways. With 100 years of history, Dodge is building on the technological advancements of the '30s and '40s, design evolution of the '50s, the racing heritage of the '60s, the horsepower of the '70s, the efficiency of the '80s and unbelievable styling of the '90s as it paves the road to its future. New for 2014, the Dodge Durango "is kind of a big deal," with a new eight-speed transmission that delivers up to 25 miles per gallon on the highway, a new 8.4-inch Uconnect Touch infotainment center and best-in-class power, towing and fuel economy, in addition to its class-exclusive technology. The new Durango joins the new 2014 Dodge Dart with its new 2.4-liter Tigershark engine, as well as the 2014 Avenger, Challenger, Charger, Journey and a 30th Anniversary Grand Caravan. This 2014 Dodge lineup includes five Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety picks and Top Safety Pick +, five vehicles with best-in-class power, seven vehicles that deliver 25 miles per gallon (mpg) or higher, three vehicles that deliver 31 mpg or higher and three vehicles that offer seating for seven.

 

About Alice Cooper

Alice Cooper is a true rock icon, having pioneered the use of theatrics and shocking images onstage in concerts from the earliest days of the original band of the same name.   Since going solo, he has continued to produce elaborate stage shows providing fans with both shock and rock of the highest caliber.  Inducted into the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame in 2011, Alice has toured and recorded continuously, with his most recent album being Welcome 2 My Nightmare.Recorded with longtime collaborator Bob Ezrin, who produced the original ground breaking, multi-platinum Welcome To My Nightmare album in 1975, the album picks up right where they left off, with Alice trapped in his own warped mind.  Alice's catalog of hits and anthems, including "I'm Eighteen," "No More Mr Nice Guy," School's Out," "Elected," "Poison," and others, are included in his current "Raise The Dead" show, which also features his musical tribute to his fallen friends John Lennon, Keith Moon, Jim Morrison and Jimi Hendrix.  Currently, Alice's touring band features the three guitar attack of Orianthi, Tommy Henriksen and Ryan Roxie, backed by bassist Chuck Garric and drummer Glen Sobel.  Additionally, "Nights With Alice Cooper," Alice's nightly radio show, is available in nearly 100 cities in the USA, Canada, Australia, and the UK.  The show features his favorite classic rock songs along with his insider anecdotes about many of the artists.

 

About Live Nation Entertainment

Live Nation Entertainment (NYSE: LYV) is the world's leading live entertainment company comprised of four market leaders: Ticketmaster, Live Nation Concerts, Artist Nation Management and Live Nation Media/Sponsorship. For additional information, visit www.livenationentertainment.com.

 

About Big Machine Label Group

At the helm of the independent Big Machine Label Group is industry veteran Scott Borchetta, who serves as President and CEO. The conglomerate encompasses Big Machine Records (founded in 2005), The Valory Music Co. (founded in 2007) and Republic Nashville (a partnership with Universal Republic founded in 2009 with Jimmy Harnen serving as President). The Big Machine Label Group's current artist roster includes Multi-Platinum superstars Taylor Swift, Rascal Flatts, Tim McGraw and Reba; Platinum sensations The Band Perry and Florida Georgia Line; Legendary group The Mavericks; Gold-selling artists Brantley Gilbert and Justin Moore; Chart-topping act Eli Young Band as well as Hot newcomers Thomas Rhett, Cassadee Pope, RaeLynn, Laura Bell Bundy, The Cadillac Three and Danielle Bradbery, in addition to soundtracks for ABC's hit drama "NASHVILLE." BMLG artists have received multiple GRAMMY, CMA, ACM, American Music Awards, CMT Music Awards, Teen Choice Awards, MTV Video Music Award and People's Choice Award accolades as well as Brit Award and JUNO Award nominations. In 2012 BMLG rejuvenated its publishing arm with Big Machine Music, which has created a joint venture with Lukasz "Dr. Luke" Gottwald's Prescription Songs, allowing the two companies to co-publish songwriters and artists whose unique talents translate across genres. Big Machine was also the first-ever label to align with terrestrial radio for performance royalty rights. The label group has also forayed into the racing world, sponsoring the Brickyard 400 as well as back-to-back Indy500 drivers.

 

About Jeff Tremaine

Jeff Tremaine, along with Spike Jonze and Johnny Knoxville, created jackass, a television series that became a cultural phenomenon, spawning the franchise of hits: jackass: the movie, jackass number two and jackass 3D, which were all #1 at the box office. Beyond jackass, Tremaine created and executive produced a number of television series, including MTV's Wildboyz, Rob & Big, Nitro Circus, Rob Dyrdek's Fantasy Factory, Ridiculousness, and the Adult Swim series, Loiter Squad. He has also directed and produced a number of music videos and documentaries. Most recently, Tremaine directed "Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa", another #1 box office hit, which was released by Paramount Pictures on October 25th, 2013.

 

Website: Motley.com

Facebook: http://facebook.com/motleycrue

Twitter: @MotleyCrue

Follow the Band on Twitter: @TheVinceNeil, @NikkiSixx, @MrTommyLand, @mrmickmars

29 Jan 2014

Branstad, Reynolds send RFS comments to President Obama, EPA

By Randy Stalsberg

Comments submitted on final day of the EPA's public comment period regarding a proposed rule weakening the Renewable Fuel Standard  

   

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds today sent a letter to President Barack Obama and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Gina McCarthy submitting comments and studies that support a robust Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). The submission, which includes comments from Democrats and Republicans across the Midwest, comes on the final day the EPA will accept comments on their proposed rule to roll-back the RFS.  

   

Branstad and Reynolds write, "We write to strongly encourage you to revise and increase the proposed U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) volume obligation levels to thresholds that will demonstrate your continued commitment to growing the production and use of renewable fuels.  A robust RFS is needed to provide the Federal policy predictability that rural America needs to continue investments in the renewable fuels that diversify our nation's energy portfolio, clean the air, provide value-added opportunities to various bio-stocks, give consumers lower-cost choices at the fuel pump, and create good paying jobs that empower rewarding careers."  

   

The letter continues, "As state leaders, we are keenly focused on helping create a business and public policy environment that drives job growth throughout the State - in communities both large and small, urban and rural.  We share the concerns of many Iowans and citizens throughout the Midwest that the EPA's current proposal will erode the healthy and stable agricultural economy in rural America and abandon the various public policy benefits that flow from the RFS."  

   

The letter includes comments from Iowa's entire Congressional Delegation, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey, Iowa Economic Development Authority Director Debi Durham, Iowa Department of Natural Resources Director Chuck Gipp, Iowa Department of Transportation Director Paul Trombino, Indiana Lt. Governor Sue Ellspermann, Minnesota Department of Agriculture Commissioner Dave Fredrickson, South Dakota Secretary of Agriculture Lucas Lentsch, Nebraska Department of Agriculture Director Greg Ibach, Iowa Farm Bureau President Craig Hill, in addition to local farmers and business leaders.  

   

The letter concludes, "We appreciate your past support on renewable fuels and the commitments you have pledged.  We hope you will protect the RFS, renew your commitment, and stand strong along with us, consumers, and agricultural producers in supporting American-made renewable fuels."  

   

   

The full letter can be viewed here or below:  

 

January 28, 2014

The Honorable Barack Obama                       The Honorable Gina McCarthy

President of the United States                        Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency

1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.                   1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.

Washington, DC  20500                          Washington, DC 20460

Re: Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2013-0479

Dear President Obama and Administrator McCarthy:

We write to strongly encourage you to revise and increase the proposed U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) volume obligation levels to thresholds that will demonstrate your continued commitment to growing the production and use of renewable fuels.  A robust RFS is needed to provide the Federal policy predictability that rural America needs to continue investments in the renewable fuels that diversify our nation's energy portfolio, clean the air, provide value-added opportunities to various bio-stocks, give consumers lower-cost choices at the fuel pump, and create good paying jobs that empower rewarding careers.  Specifically, we ask your Administration to increase the biodiesel volume to 1.7 billion gallons, modify the cellulosic level to match production expectations, and to reinstate the conventional renewable fuel target to 14.4 billion gallons since there is no domestic supply shortage.  The gradually increasing RFS levels have been an important part of diversifying our nation's transportation fuels and reducing fuel costs at the pump.

On January 23, 2014, we hosted the "Hearing in the Heartland" in cooperation with the entire Iowa congressional delegation, state leaders, interested citizens and community leaders from across the Midwest.  At this open forum where all interested citizens were invited to present, we heard from 83 panelists from across the Midwest Region that spoke from the heart about the importance of the RFS to their livelihoods and a healthy rural economy; only two individuals presented in opposition to a robust RFS.  As you can see by the numbers, there is overwhelming consensus in the Heartland for the EPA to reverse course on its draft proposal and reject Big Oil's attempt to get rewarded for bad behavior.  The bipartisan support at the forum mirrored the strong bipartisan support that led to the initial passage of the RFS provisions, which aim to promote the development of a domestic renewable fuels industry.  The RFS, which enables gradually increasing amounts of renewable fuels to be included in nation's fuel supply, is one of the best recent examples of a policy success that has come out of Washington, DC.


As state leaders, we are keenly focused on helping create a business and public policy environment that drives job growth throughout the State - in communities both large and small, urban and rural.  We share the concerns of many Iowans and citizens throughout the Midwest that the EPA's current proposal will erode the healthy and stable agricultural economy in rural America and abandon the various public policy benefits that flow from the RFS.  For decades, the agricultural economy lurched from crisis to crisis and farmers often depended on government subsidies to stay afloat.  The RFS helped brighten the future of the agricultural sector by providing a stable policy framework that gives value-add opportunities for various agricultural commodities, while helping clean air objectives - a true win-win.  In recent years, there has been renewed interest in agriculture among young people given the hope that follows stable policy, innovation, and technological advancement.

In many ways, the agriculture economy has been a bright spot in the national economy over the last five years and the draft RFS proposal would jeopardize the health of the economy in rural America.  Put simply, continuing with the current EPA proposal would create a negative counterbalance to your Administration's work in the White House Rural Council.

During the "Hearing in the Heartland", there were many references to recent data analyses, not utilized in the EPA's draft regulations, that we believe provide you the opportunity and obligation to refine the draft EPA proposal.  We have enclosed a document entitled "State of Iowa RFS Proposal Comments:  Legal Concerns, Current Data and Perspective from the Heartland" which shares legal concerns on the EPA proposal, sources for relevant recent analyses, and perspectives of citizens from across the Midwest.

If the EPA's currently proposed rule becomes final, the negative impact would be disproportionately felt by rural America.  According to an Iowa State University estimate, corn prices alone could drop twenty-five cents per bushel based on the proposed rule, which could bring corn prices below the cost of production for many farmers.  The proposed EPA rule could also cause a ripple effect on agri-business, our communities, and the entire economy.  Despite Big Oil's attempt to pollute the public discourse, corn prices are now close to $4 per bushel, down significantly from the 2012 drought levels of $8 per bushel. 

We want to address the fuel versus food argument and environmental questions that often enter the discussion on renewable fuels.  At the height of the drought, the ethanol industry was assailed for causing increases in food costs.  If this argument was true, then why have food prices not plummeted now that corn is nearly half the price it was during the drought?  Renewable fuel critics often ignore the fact that a modern dry-mill ethanol refinery produces 17.5 pounds of highly valuable DDGs from one bushel of corn which is utilized by cattle producers throughout the Midwest.  Critics also claim that the RFS has driven more acres into production and increased fertilizer demand.  However, the truth is quite the contrary.  Total U.S. cropland planted to corn in the 1930's was 103 million acres versus the 97 million acres in 2013, and thanks to improved agricultural practices and the precision of modern technologies and applications, the use of fertilizer has decreased substantially in recent decades.[1] In short, thanks to the productivity of America's farmers and the innovation in the agricultural and renewable fuel sectors, we can both feed and fuel the world.

If the EPA's proposed rule stands, consumers across America would be limited in their choices at the pump.  When consumers have choices, like they do in Iowa, they choose ethanol and other biofuels.  The oil companies are preventing fuel choice in other parts of the country and consumers lose, paying much more for fuel.  Iowans purchased more than 3.61 million gallons of E85 in the third quarter of 2013, nearly double the 1.83 million gallons of E85 purchased in the first quarter of 2013 and up from the 2.62 million gallons of E85 sold in the second quarter, according to Iowa Department of Revenue data.  Big Oil does not like renewable fuels because they don't control them - but consumers deserve choice.

We urge your Administration to use its regulatory authority in a manner that both supports a growing renewable fuels industry and meets the statutory requirements of the law. 

We appreciate your past support on renewable fuels and the commitments you have pledged.  We hope you will protect the RFS, renew your commitment, and stand strong along with us, consumers, and agricultural producers in supporting American-made renewable fuels.

Sincerely,

Terry E. Branstad                       Kim Reynolds

Governor of Iowa                           Lt. Governor of Iowa

cc:        The Honorable Tom Vilsack, Secretary, U.S. Department of Agriculture

The Honorable Bill Northey, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture

The Iowa Congressional Delegation

29 Jan 2014

Herbert Hoover National Historic Site Offers Snowshoe Walks in February

By Adam Prato

WEST BRANCH, IOWA? A park ranger will lead snowshoe hikes through Herbert Hoover National Historic Site at 10 a.m. on Saturdays, February 8 and 22. The one-hour "Snowshoe Through the Park" is suitable for ages 5 and up, will begin at Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum, and will cover less than one mile through the tallgrass prairie. Participants must have sturdy boots, and should dress appropriately for the weather and bring water.


The park has some snowshoes to lend. Call (319) 643-2541 to reserve a pair. Participants borrowing snowshoes should arrive 15 minutes early to get fitted.


Herbert Hoover National Historic Site and the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum are in West Branch, Iowa at exit 254 off I-80. Both are open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time. For more information go online at www.nps.gov/heho or call (319) 643-2541.


Herbert Hoover National Historic Site

110 Parkside Drive

PO Box 607

West Branch, Iowa 52358


319 643-2541 phone

319 643-7864 fax

www.nps.gov/heho


Twitter: @HooverNPS

Facebook: HerbertHooverNHS

29 Jan 2014

Loebsack Championed Issues Included in Farm Bill Conference Report

By Vonnie Hampel

House, Senate reach agreement on long-term, bipartisan farm bill

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement today after House and Senate negotiators announced an agreement on a five-year, bipartisan, bicameral farm bill. Loebsack has been fighting to finish a long-term farm bill since the last one expired over two years ago. He also fought to ensure the bill would include robust funding for the Energy Title in the farm bill. The Farm Bill Conference Report contains important investments in programs to help farmers and rural small businesses be able to continue to create jobs and grow our rural economy in a value-added and sustainable way.

"While this legislation is long past due and does not contain everything I would have included, I am pleased that Congress finally came together and completed a long-term, bipartisan farm bill. This bill contains much needed reforms, lowers the deficit, and provides farmers and rural communities with the stability they need.  

"I am proud that the farm bill contains important investments in energy projects that put people to work, create entrepreneurial opportunities, and generate new value-added opportunities for our farmers, rural small businesses, and communities, even though it didn't included everything desired. I am also pleased that the negotiators were able to find an agreeable path forward on anti-hunger initiatives, known as SNAP, that closes loop-holes but also allows those who need assistance to receive it.

"I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to make sure this legislation is fully implemented and provides the necessary support for our farmers, rural communities and economy."

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29 Jan 2014

Nutrition info for seniors

By National Institute on Aging

Eating a well-planned, balanced mix of foods every day has many health benefits for older adults. Research shows that smart food choices can help reduce risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis.

The National Institute on Aging, part of the National Institutes of Health, now offers an engaging online nutrition resource, What's On Your Plate? Smart Food Choices for Healthy Aging. 

Explore What's On Your Plate? for reliable information based on scientific research, including:

  • ·         recommended eating plans
  • ·         how to shop for food that's good for you, even on a tight budget
  • ·         food safety
  • ·         practical tips to help older adults lead healthy lives

You can also print the resources to use on-the-go or to share with others. Visitwww.nia.nih.gov/health/publication/whats-your-plate today!

The National Institute on Aging offers a wealth of information on healthy aging. Subscribe to get regular updates.

28 Jan 2014

Saturday Events, Citzenship, History & More from Your Library

By R. I. Public Library
Valentine's Fun for Families at the Library 

The library will offer a "Knight in Shining Armor" Valentine's Day Party, to complement the children's  Midwinter Knight's Read winter reading challenge. Join us at 2:00 pm on Saturday, Feb. 1 at the Rock Island 30/31 Branch Library, 3059 30th Street, is part of expanded Saturday programming offered to meet the needs of families with work or scheduling conflicts during the week. 

 

The event will repeat at 6:00 pm on Monday, Feb. 3 at the Rock Island Southwest Branch, 9010 Ridgewood Road.

 

Among other activities, children will make a knight's shield and valentine cards and play valentine bingo. "This is more than a storytime," said Children's Librarian Ranell Dennis. "It's a one-stop event with games, several stories and multiple crafts that beat cabin fever with some free family time at the library. And beyond fun, events like these foster a lifelong love of reading and learning." 

 

Each Super Saturday starts with a early childhood storytime at 11:00 am, with the all ages party connected to a different holiday or theme following at 2:00 pm. Additional Super Saturday parties include a St. Patrick's Day party on Saturday, March 8 at the Southwest Branch; an April showers frog party on Saturday, April 19 at the 30/31 Branch, and a yellow-brick road Wizard of Oz party on Saturday, May 17 at the Main Library Children's Room, 401 19th Street. The Saturday storytime is at the same location as each month's party.

 
Community Partnerships at Your Library 
Get Enrolled for Health Insurance! Walk-in one-on-one help sessions are available on the 2nd floor of the Rock Island Main Library, 401 19th Street, on every Thursday, from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Counselors will be on hand to help you sign up.

Counselors from the Rock Island County Health Department will be here during the United Way Tax Assistance Day to help people enroll for health coverage. They'll be here from 9 am to 1:30 pm, on Saturday, Feb. 8. 

Get free tax preparation assistance from certified volunteers at the United Way Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) project on Saturday, Feb. 8 from 9:30 to 2:00 pm at Rock Island Main Library Community Room, 401 19th Street. Free tax preparation at no cost for qualifying individuals and families from certified volunteers. Appointments are strongly encouraged - those without appointments may experience long waiting times or be unable to be seen. A second "Super Saturday" will be offered on Saturday, April 5, from 9:30 pm to 3:00 pm at the Main Library. 

The library provides the room only and cannot take appointments. Please call United Way of the Quad Cities to make an appointment and find out what papers you need to bring with you before you come. See attached document for more details. United Way Tax Preparation Locations

Contact the United Way information line by dialing 2-1-1 or 563-355-9900. 
Citizenship Connection Is as Close as Your Library

A new "Citizenship Connection" partnership involving Rock Island Public Library, Casa Guanajuato Quad Cities, Moline Library, Davenport Library, and Silvis Library, kicked off Monday with a free workshop at Rock Island LIbrary, and the establishment of citizenship collections at participating libraries. 

 

The third of its kind in the nation, the partnership will help future citizens navigate questions about the immigration and citizenship processes with materials, special programs, library resources and other information.

 

The Rock Island Library has established a centralized collection at the Main Library. Material call numbers begin with "Citizen" and include books on becoming a citizen, the U.S. Constitution, and two citizenship kits. The section also includes information from Casa and the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services department.

 

CASA volunteers will offer 10-week Citizenship classes with step-by-step study instructions for the naturalization test. That class will be at the Main Library for 10 Saturdays from Feb. 15th through April 26th, from 10:00-11:30 am. There will be no meeting on April 5.  Registration is required. Call Casa a t309-736-7727.

 

Additional citizenship and DACA (deferred action for childhood arrivals) workshops offered in February at Moline Public Library, in March at Davenport Public Library, April at the Silvis Public Library and in May again at the Rock Island Main Library. CASA staff will discuss, one-on-one with interested immigrants about applying for citizenship, naturalization, and changing their immigration status.

 

Workshops are free and open to the public.For more information, call Casa Guanajuato at 563-322-3723 or 736-7727.
More Opportunities for Adults 
Independent Movie Night for Adults - Thursday, Feb. 6 at 6:00 pm, Rock Island Main Library. Movie is 

La Sirga, Spanish with English subtitles

 

Knit for Peace - Tuesday, Feb. 11th, 6:00 pm

Main Library. Come meet other knitters the second Tuesday of each month at the Main Library and bring your knitting needles or crochet hooks! 

 

Library How-To: Download Magazines - Tuesday, February 4th, 6:30 pm, Main Library. Learn how to use the Library's downloading magazine service, Zinio, to download some of your favorite magazines to your computer or other personal device!

 

In 2014, the Friends of the Library Big Book Sale returns to an every other month schedule. The first discount book sale of the year is Thursday, Feb. 6, from 9;00 am to 8:00 pm, at the Rock Island 30/31 Branch Library, 3059 30th Street. 

Can't wait? You don't have to! The book sale room is open during regular branch hours. Stop by and pick up some great deals, anytime you are in the neighborhood.

Looking for something to do? Volunteers wanted for the Book Sale Room. Stop by and talk to a Friends volunteer. 
Beat Cabin Fever with Great Programs 

February history and culture programs for adults at the Main Library, 401 19th Street, include;

 

Intimate Life of Abraham Lincoln, 2:00 pm, Wed., Feb. 12On a day set in November 1862, Abraham Lincoln reflects on his relationships with three men, both his past and his present time.  Presenter Michael Thomas Masters will read from Yours Forever, lead a question and answer session, and screen a documentary documentary screening on Lincoln.

 

A Leap of Faith: History of the Black Church, 6:30 pm, Thurs., Feb. 13. Rev. Dwight Ford, director of the Martin Luther King, Jr Community Center, presents on a discussion for Black History Month on the moral and ethical agency of the Black Church in history.

 

River of Logs: 19th Century Logging, 6:30 pm, Thurs., Feb. 20. In an illustrated talk based on her chapter in the 2004 Grand Excursions on the Upper Mississippi, Gayle Rein describes logging in Wisconsin and Minnesota and the rafting of logs down the Mississippi River to lumber companies in the Quad Cities area.  She includes many photos and stories from the early logging camps and rafting. 

 

Historic Bridges, 6:30 pm, Tues, Feb. 25. Illustrated presentation by Professor Curt Roseman on the major bridges on the Mississippi and Rock Rivers in the Quad Cities. Collectively, the bridges represent a great variety of styles and histories.  Included are truss, arch, and suspension bridges. Serveral QC bridges are historically significant, including one span that was built in 1868 and the first railroad bridge to span the Mississippi. His talk includes stories of how and why these bridges were originally conceived and built.  
Winter is Made for Reading! 

It's cold outside - so why not get credit for the reading you are already doing? The "Midwinter Knight's Read" winter reading challenge is going on now at all Rock Island locations. 

 

Kids get a prize just for signing up. If they read 12 books or 3 hours of time, they'll win a book and bookbag. Special events during winter reading include a free "Clone Wars" children's movie at 1:00 pm on Friday, Feb. 14 at at the Rock Island Main Library. 

 

Teens can pick up entry slips at any Rock Island Library locations, turning in a slip for each five hours of reading time. Prizes will be drawn from all completed slips after the close of the promotion on March 1.

 

Adults participate just by completing one entry form for each adult book, eBook or audiobook completed during the Jan. 21 to March 1 challenge period. Only books read between the contest period should be counted. Entries will go into a random drawing for the grand prize of an Amazon Kindle Fire HD, or secondary prizes of gift cards and passes to restaurants, merchants and attractions. 

 

Entries are due back to Rock Island Library by  5:00 pm Saturday, March 1. "Joust" read and you could win! 

 
Save the Date

Money Smart Week Community Shred Day: Saturday, April 12, 10 am to noon, Rock Island Main Library, 401 19th Street. Identity protection project for Money Smart Week. Bring personal papers to be shredded in bulk by Document Destruction & Recycling Service (DDRS). Drive up, drop off, for secure bulk shredding offsite at the DDRS plant in Davenport. 
28 Jan 2014

Governor Quinn Statement on Tragic Monday Evening Accident on I-88

By Grant Klinzman

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today issued the following statement regarding the Monday evening accident on the Reagan Memorial Tollway (I-88) in Aurora that killed Tollway employee Vincent Petrella and seriously injured an Illinois State Trooper:

"Vincent Petrella is a hero. Both he and the injured State Trooper were doing heroic work - assisting their fellow citizens in an emergency. Both men were committed to keeping our roads safe and to helping those in need.

"Vincent was a selfless man, dedicated to his family and his job. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends and fellow employees during this difficult time.

"I am ordering the state's flags to be flown at half-staff so all Illinois citizens can be reminded of Vincent's life of service and sacrifice.

"We also offer our wishes for a full recovery for the injured Illinois State Trooper, and thank him for bravely going above and beyond the call of duty."

###

28 Jan 2014

Grassley Comments on the President's State of the Union Address

By Randy Stalsberg

 

                WASHINGTON ? A comment from Sen. Chuck Grassley regarding President Obama's State of the Union Address will be available tonight for television and radio.  A written comment will also be sent later this evening.  

                An audio comment is expected to be available after 9 p.m. (CST) on Grassley's website, Grassley.senate.gov. 

                Video comments will be available by satellite between 9:15 and 9:45 p.m. (CST) at the following coordinates:     

SD Coordinates

AMC 1

Transponder C22 Slot A (9MHz)

Downlink 4126.50 Vertical

FEC ¾

Symbol Rate 6.1113

Data Rate 8.448

MPEG-2

DVB-S QPSK

4:2:0

SD 4:3 NTSC

 

HD Coordinates

AMC 1

Transponder C24 Slot A (18MHz)

Downlink 4171.00 Vertical

FEC ¾

Symbol Rate 13.235

MPEG-2

DVB-S QPSK

4:2:0

HD 16x9 1080i

Please call the control room at 202-224-9203 if there are problems during the feed. 

 

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