25 Jul 2012

Fabric and Threads Offers State Fairgoers Hands-On Crafts

By Lori Chappell

DES MOINES, IA (07/24/2012)(readMedia)-- The Iowa State Fair invites Fairgoers to get involved with the Fabric and Threads department with a variety of hands-on crafts and sewing projects to participate in. "Nothing Compares" to the 2012 Iowa State Fair set August 9-19.

The State Fair Sew-In will be open each Fair day from noon until 5 p.m. in the William C. Knapp Varied Industries Building. This Fair-long project offers Fairgoers a chance to try their hand at simple sewing and quilting while providing warm blankets to local children in need. Every participant will receive a commemorative pin for donating their time. No experience or pre-registration necessary. Volunteer sewing assistants and a site supervisor will be on-hand to supply materials and help with machines.

The Fabric and Threads department also holds a variety of Make It and Take It classes each Fair day. Fairgoers can choose from a variety of crafts offered such as tatting, hand appliqué and quilt block on-a-stick, to name a few. Make It and Take It sessions are held in the Varied Industries Building. Each session has a $10 materials fee and lasts approximately 1-2 hours.

For a complete list of the Make It and Take It projects and times, view the daily program online at www.iowastatefair.org/daily-events/daily-schedule/.

"Nothing Compares" to the 2012 Iowa State Fair, August 9-19. Save money on advance admission tickets now through August 8 (while supplies last). For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit iowastatefair.org.

* * *

25 Jul 2012

Last Chance to Register! See the Mucha Exhibit at Czech & Slovak Museum with GAHC!

By Kelly Lao
Greetings!

Don't miss this opportunity to see the stunning Art Nouveau exhibit at the National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library in Cedar Rapids!

Register by Wednesday, August 1st for your chance to see this once in a lifetime exhibition with the German American Heritage Center on Sunday, August 25th. Insufficient registration will cause this trip to be cancelled, do not delay!

$50 Members or $60 Non-members!
Click on the link below to register or RSVP by calling 563-322-8844!
Get more information
Register Now!
Alphonse Mucha: Inspirations of Art Nouveau features paintings, jewelry, sculptures, and lithographs from the Mucha Foundation in Praugue and London. This exhibit explores Mucha not just as the father of Art Nouveau, but also his Moravian roots, his family, his photography, and his devotion to the Slav people.

We will also see the exhibit It All Comes Out in the Wash which features the embellished textiles that were damaged in the flood of 2008 and have been painstakingly restored!
Lunch will be on your own in the Czech Village followed by a visit to Grant Wood's former home and studio.

We hope you will take advantage of this fantastic bus trip and register right away!
The Bus will meet at 1002 West Kimberly Rd. Davenport. (Behind the Kentucky Fried Chicken) at 9 am!

Where:
Czech and Slovack Museum and Library
Cedar Rapids, IA



When:
Saturday August 25, 2012 from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM CDT
25 Jul 2012

Willow Folk Music Fest

By Irene Schubert

The 45th Annual Willow Folk Music Fest, Aug 11th & 12th, will be held on the Willow Church grounds, near Stockton, Illinois.

Hours: Saturday

  • 11am - 10pm - Open Stage performances featuring flutist/songwriter Debbie Leininger from 6pm-6:30pm.

Sunday

  • 6:30am - 9:30am Breakfast followed by Gospel Music Service,
  • 10:15am-11:15am Christ's Country Choir (please joinus for this)
  • 12pm-5pm Open Stage performances.

More than 100 amateur bluegrass and country singers and acoustic musicians pefrom from a hay wagon on a country church lawn.  Jam sessions in the pasture.  Food and drinks may be purchased on the grounds.  Admission is $5 per day, ages 8 and under are free.  NO dogs, NO alcohol or drugs allowed on Church grounds.

Directions: Willow Church is 3 miles east of Stockton on Rt 20, turn right (south) on Willow Rd, travel six miles. From Freeport go west on Rt 20 past the Lena Kolb Cheese plant for 2 miles, to Willow Rd, turn left (south) and travel six miles.

For more information, please call 815-947-3789.

24 Jul 2012

Governor Quinn Signs Laws to Help Fight Drug Crime and Strengthen Public Safety

By Nafia Khan

New Laws to Support Law Enforcement and Protect Court Officers

CHICAGO - July 24, 2012. As part of his ongoing efforts to increase public safety in Illinois, Governor Pat Quinn today signed two new laws that will help law enforcement crack down on drug crime and protect members of the justice system. The governor signed the new laws at the Illinois State Police Forensics Labs in Chicago and was joined by members of Illinois' law enforcement community who support the new laws, including the Illinois State Police, the Chicago Police Department, and numerous state's attorneys.

Governor Quinn has signed several new laws this summer to crack down on crime and strengthen public safety, including one that empowers law enforcement to prosecute street gangs as organized crime and a law guarding against sex offenders by requiring park districts to perform employee background checks.

"The men and women who protect us from crime every day need the tools to do their jobs effectively," Governor Quinn said. "These laws will help law enforcement get more criminals off the street and protect the members of our judicial system as they carry out justice for the people of Illinois."

House Bill 4081, sponsored by Rep. Jehan Gordon (D-Peoria) and Sen. Bill Haine (D-Alton), creates an exemption in Illinois' eavesdropping statute which allows State's Attorneys to give prior approval for the recording of individuals whom law enforcement suspects will commit a drug crime. The evidence obtained in these recordings may be used only in the prosecution of drug crimes or forcible felonies committed during the investigation of a drug crime. Current law allows law enforcement to obtain a court order to record a drug crime, but delays in that process in the past have resulted in missed crimes. This law is also a safeguard for undercover officers who may require immediate assistance when their lives are in danger.

"As a former State's Attorney for Madison County, I know this law will be invaluable in reducing the drug crime that plagues our communities," Sen. Haine said.

This legislation will strengthen the justice system by allowing more credible evidence into criminal proceedings. Judges and juries will be able to hear the actual conversations of those suspected of committing drug crimes, rather than relying on witness testimony that can be unreliable. Prosecutors and defense attorneys will also have more evidence to consider while negotiating plea agreements, which reduce the burden upon the criminal justice system. This new process allows Illinois law enforcement the same flexibility in crime situations as the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration and law enforcement in surrounding states. The law is effective January 1.

House Bill 5877, sponsored by House Speaker Michael Madigan (D-Chicago) and Senate President John Cullerton (D-Chicago), creates the Illinois Judicial Privacy Act, which prohibits individuals, businesses, associations or government agencies from posting a judicial officer's personal information if that officer has requested in writing that it be removed. Upon receipt of the request, government agencies must remove information that is publicly available within five business days. Individuals, associations and businesses must remove the information within 72 hours. A person who posts personal information knowing that it could pose a threat to the health or safety of a judicial officer or his/her immediate family and which is a proximate cause of injury or death would be guilty of a Class 3 felony.

This legislation is an initiative of the Illinois Judges Association, which has found threats to judges rising steadily over the past decade. It was designed in response to the murder of the mother and husband of U.S. District Judge Joan Lefkow. Law enforcement believes the two were victims of retaliation against the judge following an unfavorable ruling.

Sections of the law concerning the posting of information are effective within 60 days and provisions affecting information use by the Secretary of State for identification cards, vehicle registrations and driver's licenses are effective January 1.

###
24 Jul 2012

Schilling Requests Secretarial Disaster Declaration from Ag. Secretary Vilsack

By Andie Pivarunas
Washington, DC - Congressman Bobby Schilling (IL-17) today joined members of the Illinois Congressional Delegation and Governor Pat Quinn in requesting a Secretarial Disaster Declaration from Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack.  This declaration will help Illinois' agriculture communities currently being impacted by the drought.

"Agriculture has been a bright spot in our economy over the last several years, especially here in the 17th District, which ranks 14th out of 435 Congressional Districts when it comes to the value of sales of corn and soybeans," Schilling said.  "Some of Illinois' counties have received disaster declarations, but it's time that all eligible counties receive the designation.  Farmers and producers here and across the state of Illinois are finding themselves in a difficult spot with this devastating drought, and just can't wait any longer."

Schilling was also joined last week by Congressmen Aaron Schock (IL-18) and Adam Kinzinger (IL-11) in sending a bipartisan letter to House leadership urging them to bring H.R. 6083, the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management (FARRM) Act, to a vote before August.  The Farm Bill passed the House Agriculture Committee, on which Schilling serves, by a strong bipartisan vote of 35-11 on July 12, 2012.  

PDF of the letter can be found by clicking here.

# # #
To send Congressman Schilling an e-mail, click here
24 Jul 2012

Lt. Gov. Simon to talk drought, rural issues in the Quad Cities

By Justin Stofferahn

MOLINE - Lt. Governor Sheila Simon will visit the Quad Cities on Wednesday and Thursday to chair meetings of the Mississippi River Coordinating Council and the Governor's Rural Affairs Council.

 

Before the river council meeting Wednesday afternoon, Simon will discuss the state's response to recent drought conditions, the status of Governor Quinn's request for a nearly statewide disaster declaration that includes Rock Island County, and the impact the drought is having on navigation along the Mississippi River. To date, 26 counties have been declared federal disaster areas due to drought and Quinn has requested 76 more be added to the list.

 

At the rural affairs council meeting Thursday morning, Simon will release the findings of her rural listening posts, which collected quality of life data from Illinois residents in six rural communities earlier this year (Carbondale, Freeport, Gibson City, Mattoon, Peoria and Quincy).

 

More than half of participants in the rural listening posts predicted their quality of life will improve in the next five years and cited job creation, education funding and affordable healthcare as top priorities.

 

EVENT: Mississippi River Coordinating Council meeting

DATE: Wednesday, July 25

TIME: 1:15 p.m. media availability, 1:30 meeting start

LOCATION: WIU Quad Cities Riverfront Campus, Rock Island County Board of Supervisors Room, 3300 River Drive, Moline

 

EVENT: Governor's Rural Affairs Council meeting

DATE: Thursday, July 26

TIME: 9:45 a.m. media availability, 10 a.m. meeting start

LOCATION: WIU Quad Cities Riverfront Campus, Rock Island County Board of Supervisors Room, 3300 River Drive, Moline

 

###
24 Jul 2012

Braley Seeks to Expand Help for Job-Creating Entrepreneurs

By Jeff Giertz

Introduces legislation expanding tax deduction for small business startup expenses

Washington, D.C. - Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) introduced legislation today that seeks to expand a popular tax deduction for small business startup expenses.

Current law allows entrepreneurs starting a small business to claim a $5,000 income tax deduction when total startup business costs do not exceed $50,000. Braley's Support Our Startups Act would expand that deduction to $10,000, and raise the cap on total startup expenses to $60,000.

Braley said, "Small businesses have generated 65 percent of new jobs in the United States over the last 17 years.  If our economy is going to create new jobs, it's going to start with small business growth.

Braley continued, "That's why we need to give potential small business owners the tools they need to turn their dreams into reality.  Economic uncertainty is keeping good ideas grounded on the launching pad.  The Support Our Startups Act will give entrepreneurs greater incentives to get their business ideas off the ground."

Christian Renaud, Principal at Startup City Des Moines, praised the bill, saying:  "Every day, I work with entrepreneurs  trying to get their big ideas off the ground," "In this economy, the difference between a startup making it and a startup failing is very narrow.  More than ever, entrepreneurs need to use every tool in their arsenal to make their business successful.  This expanded tax break could be a difference-maker for countless new startups.  It's an extra shot of adrenaline for entrepreneurs working to get their small business up and running."

The Support Our Startups Act limits benefits to small businesses entrepreneurs by capping the startup expenses eligible for the credit at $60,000.  Expenses over that amount reduce the potential deduction, meaning large businesses, big corporations, or major investors would likely be ineligible for the tax cut.

According to the US Small Business Administration, small businesses make up over 99 percent of all businesses in the United States and employ half of all private sector employees.

An annual report released by the nonprofit Kaufman Foundation in March showed that the national rate of small business startups dropped 5.9 percent between 2010 and 2011, from an estimated 565,000 new businesses opening per month to 543,000 new businesses opening per month.  The report also showed that Iowa has one of the lowest entrepreneurship rates in the country.

To download a copy of the Support Our Startups Act, click on the following link: http://go.usa.gov/fvh

# # #
24 Jul 2012

Progress Iowa to Congressman Latham: 'We Want Our Money Back'

By Matt Sinovic

Petition drive launched at LathamBailout.com to return the $2.4 million borrowed by his family bank and never paid back


DES MOINES, IOWA -- Progress Iowa today launched a petition drive at LathamBailout.com, calling on Congressman Tom Latham to return the $2.4 million loaned to his family bank, Green Circle Investments, as part of the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP). According to his most recent financial disclosure form, Congressman Latham's personal investment in the bank is worth up to $5 million.

"For weeks Congressman Latham has ducked questions about his involvement in the decision to voluntarily accept a bailout from the taxpayers and never pay it back," said Matt Sinovic, executive director of Progress Iowa. "We're through waiting for answers, and have just one simple request: we want our money back."

When Latham's family bank, Green Circle Investments, accepted their $2.4 million bailout in 2009, it was just one year after Congressman Latham voted against it. He even issued a press release, asking:

"Why is Washington so quick to focus on the needs of Wall Street at the cost of those responsible Iowans who have sacrificed, saved and spent within their means? No wonder real America has lost faith in Washington."


"Congressman Latham should take his own advice and help restore our faith," said Sinovic. "Every dollar of the Latham Bailout that remains unpaid is a dollar that can't be spent on our schools, our roads, our communities. Iowa taxpayers are footing the bill to support an investment for our Congressman, and we're paying the price for it."

Green Circle Investments is operated by a board comprised of Latham's family and friends, including his brother Bob Latham, who is President and Chairman. Nine financial institutions in Iowa have voluntarily received funds from the Capital Purchase Program of TARP. Only three have failed to pay back any of the principal on their loan, including Green Circle Investments.

To learn more about the Latham Bailout, and to sign the petition, visit LathamBailout.com.

###


Background:

24 Jul 2012

Tour of Drought-Impacted Farm Shows Importance of Farm Bill Passage

By Jeff Giertz

Tour of Drought-Impacted Farm Shows Importance of Farm Bill Passage

By: U.S. Representative Bruce Braley

Last Friday, I met with two farmers from Palo, Gary and Vicki Owens, to see their farm and discuss the drought conditions that are affecting crops across Iowa. I saw the dry ground and struggling corn and soybeans that the Owens are hoping will survive in the heat and dry weather. Gary and Vicki told me how concerned they are that sporadic rain during the month of July will doom their crops, but they continue to hope that wetter and cooler weather will grace their crops sooner rather than later. They are preparing for the worst, but hoping for the best.

The lack of rain along with the blistering heat are making farmers take a look at their insurance policies and what the federal government is doing to assist them if the weather causes a massive loss in crops.

Today, just as we saw in the 1920s, the federal government needs to take responsibility when farmers suffer from events outside of their control.  That's the reason why, last week, I joined Iowa's entire House delegation, Republicans and Democrats, to demand that Congressional leaders hold an immediate vote on the bipartisan Farm Bill.  Some disaster relief programs from the 2008 Farm Bill have already expired, and if Congress does not pass the farm bill by September, laws will revert back to the outdated 1949 Farm Bill.  We can't afford to go back to laws that are that outdated - let alone when we are suffering from such a difficult summer.

I will continue to work with the US Department of Agriculture to get farmers the help they need, and keep working to bring members of both parties together to ensure that the Farm Bill is passed as quickly as possible.  Iowa farmers and their families need some degree of certainty during such uncertain times.  The Farm Bill ensures a safety net and allows farmers a degree of financial security for the future.

# # #

24 Jul 2012

Simon: Link card users see local food choices double

By Justin Stofferahn

50 farmers' markets in Illinois to receive federal grant funds

 

CARBONDALE - July 24, 2012. Thanks to a federal grant, the number of farmers' markets in Illinois that accept Link, debit and credit cards could double, Lt. Governor Sheila Simon, a local food advocate and chair of the Governor's Rural Affairs Council, announced today.

Simon said 41 farmers' markets across Illinois each will receive $1,200 grants from the Illinois Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) Wireless Project. Due to popular demand, additional applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis.

The program will enable farmers' markets to accept Illinois Link cards, which access federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, wirelessly for the first time.  A total of 49 SNAP-certified farmers' markets and direct-marketing farmers accepted Link cards in 2011, according to the United States Department of Agriculture, up from 15 in 2009. The wireless EBT project could bring the total to 99, or about one-third of farmers' markets statewide, by this year's end.

"We expect sales of local foods across Illinois, from urban gardens in Chicago to farms in Alexander County, to increase because of this program. Health benefits will follow," Simon said. "As a state, we export more than 95 percent of our food dollars. Doubling the number of farmers' markets accepting Link, debit and credit cards will keep more of those dollars in local communities, while improving the health of our citizens and underserved neighborhoods, at no new cost to state taxpayers."

The wireless EBT project, funded by a grant from the USDA, aims to expand access to fresh produce for low-income residents and boost sales of local foods. The program will be administered by the Illinois Department of Human Services and the Illinois Department of Agriculture with support from the Lt. Governor's office.

The funding is part of a $4 million nationwide effort by the USDA to increase SNAP use at farmers' markets. SNAP sales at Illinois farmers' markets totaled nearly $70,000 in 2011, an increase of over 522 percent since 2009.

"We're excited to have this opportunity to improve opportunities for low-income individuals to obtain nutritious foods and to support local farmers," said USDA Food and Nutrition Service Administrator Audrey Rowe. "SNAP participation at farmers' markets helps provide fresh fruit and vegetables to families and expands the customer base for local farmers - a win-win for agriculture and local communities."

Simon and Rowe will host a media call-in at 1 p.m. today with Connie Spreen, the executive director of the Chicago not-for-profit Experimental Station, and vegetable farmers, Cheryl and Josh Dotson, of Dotson Farms in Beecher. The mother-son team, along with Josh's wife, Bonnie, sells produce at several farmers' markets in Chicago.

Dotson Farms began selling at farmers' markets in 1979, when the operation was owned by Josh's grandparents. Today the Dotsons sell a variety of tomatoes, peppers, watermelon, cantaloupe, sweet corn and 30 other kinds of vegetables at three SNAP-certified farmers' markets in Chicago: Lincoln Square Farmers Market, Division Street Farmers Market and Pullman Farmers Market.

Since those markets began accepting Link, Josh Dotson has seen sales of his produce increase five percent at Lincoln Square and Division Street, and nearly 10 percent at Pullman which is in a low-income neighborhood situated in what is known as a food desert, or an area without easy access to fresh fruits and vegetables.

"Our farm has been selling at farmers' markets for many years, but we gained access to a whole new set of customers when they began accepting Link cards," Dotson said. "As a family farm, every new customer makes a difference."

The 41 farmers' markets that have been selected are located in 22 different counties across Illinois and range from large operations with nearly 100 vendors and artisans to tiny ventures with less than five farmers selling produce. These markets must obtain certification to accept SNAP benefits through the USDA Food and Nutrition service and sign a contract with the Illinois Department of Agriculture that requires disclosure of sales data, use of the wireless machine on all market days, and participation in required trainings, before seeking reimbursement from the program.

Participating markets will be able to keep the wireless EBT machines, but must absorb the wireless service costs after the project is complete in September 2013 or when their $1,200 grant is expended. Minimal customer service and transaction fees will not be reimbursed by the grant. Markets that are already certified and own an EBT machine can seek reimbursement as long as their certification and EBT purchase happened after November 18, 2011.

"With 1 in 7 Illinoisans currently receiving SNAP benefits, increasing the availability of EBT machines at farmers' markets makes so much sense: SNAP customers will gain access to the healthiest foods, and potentially millions of SNAP dollars will be redirected toward local agricultural producers, enabling them to invest in and grow their businesses," Spreen said.

Grant recipients will be provided community kits developed by the Lt. Governor's office and the Illinois Department of Agriculture that will include training and promotional materials including an EBT implementation guide that explains SNAP regulations, how to use an EBT machine and ways to partner with community organizations to increase the sustainability of a wireless EBT program.

Markets will be required to attend one of three regional trainings that will be held in late August and led by Experimental Station and the Illinois Farmers Market Association. These trainings will be open to any farmers' market in Illinois that would like to attend. An online presentation will be provided for markets unable to attend one of the trainings in person.

Upon completion of the program, Southern Illinois University Carbondale will use monthly sales data and market surveys to study and measure the impact wireless EBT machines and SNAP accessibility have on overall sales at farmers' markets and will release findings at the end of 2013 or early 2014.

Additional applications for the Illinois EBT Wireless Project will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis. For more information, or to apply, visit www.agr.state.il.us or call 217-524-9129.


Illinois EBT Wireless Project Participants

Abundant Market - Tuscola Downtown Farmers Market (Tuscola)

Alton Farmers' and Artisans' Market (Alton)

Aurora Farmers Market East (Aurora)

Bartlett Farmers Market (Bartlett)

Bureau County Farmers Market (Princeton)

Carbondale Community Friday Night Fairs (Carbondale)

Central Park Farmers Market (Decatur)

City of Mendota Farmer's Market (Mendota)

Clark County Farmers Market (Martinsville)

Clinton Area Farmers and Artisans Market (Clinton)

Deerfield Farmers Market (Deerfield)

DeKalb Farmers' Market (DeKalb)

Discover Sycamore's Farmers Market (Sycamore)

Elmwood Park Farmers Market (Elmwood Park)

F.R.E.S.H. Farmers Market (East St. Louis)

French Market (Villa Park)

George Washington Carver Farmers Market (Chicago)

Haymarket Square Park Farmers Market (Dixon)

Hinsdale Farmers Market (Hinsdale)

Hopkins Park/Pembroke Farmers' Market (Pembroke Township)

Huntley Farmers Market (Huntley)

La Grange Farmers Market (La Grange)

Lincoln Square Thursday Evening Farmers Market (Chicago)

Lockport Farmer's Market (Lockport)

Loyola Farmers Market (Chicago)

Main Street Farmers Market of Olney (Olney)

Morton Grove Farmers' Market (Morton Grove)

Northbrook Farmers Market (Northbrook)

Old Capitol Farmers Market (Springfield)

Oswego Country Market (Oswego)

Palos Heights Farmers Market (Palos Heights)

Portage Park Farmers Market (Chicago)

Ravinia's Farmers Market (Chicago)

Ridgeville Farmers' Market (Evanston)

Seaway Bank Farmers Market (Chicago)

Shelbyville Farmers Market (Shelbyville)

Skokie's Farmers Market (Skokie)

The Land of Goshen Community Market (Edwardsville)

Trinity United Church of Christ Farmers Market (Chicago)

Twin City Market (Sterling)

Uptown Farmers Market at Weiss Memorial Hospital (Chicago)

 

###

Pages

more

Subscribe & Listen to Reader Podcasts

On Stands Now

 

Tagged Content

    

Two Ways to Subscribe

1. Subscribe to free weekly e-mail content updates.

You'll get both the current official narrative challenge and What's Happenin' in the Quad Cities.
(Did you know we publish a new Real Astrology and RCR Crossword every week?) 

Subscribe!

* indicates required

2. Get 12 monthly issues mailed first class for $48

Get 12 issues mailed monthly for $48 per year.

Get the printed Reader edition mailed to you (or anyone you want) first-class for 12 months for $48.
$24 goes to postage and handling, $24 goes to keeping the doors open!

Click this link to Subscribe now.

 
 

Meetings Calendar

Kids Calendar

Eat & Drink Calendar