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IWD Awards $3.5 Million to Support Registered Apprenticeship Programs Across Iowa; Local Businesses Among Awardees

Posted on by Sam Parsons

DES MOINES, IOWA – Iowa Workforce Development today announced $3.47 million in new funding designated to create or expand Registered Apprenticeship (RA) Programs across Iowa. Spread across two types of programs, the funding is expected to support the experiences of 5,206 apprentices in a wide number of occupations.

A few local businesses were among the awardees.

Sinclair Tractor in Sigourney was awarded about $7,400 to support 13 apprentices.

Van-Wall equipment in Grinnell was awarded over $29,000 to support 51 apprentices.

Manatt’s Incorporated was awarded $25,000 to support 1 apprentice.

“Today we reiterate our support for one of the most successful tools Iowa has to build and expand today’s workforce,” said Gov. Kim Reynolds. “More and more Iowa employers are turning to the earn-and-learn model, because it works. Registered Apprenticeships are creating new opportunities for Iowans in nearly every occupation you can imagine, and they remain a valuable tool for helping Iowa grow.”

“Registered Apprenticeships assist our state’s economy across a wide spectrum of occupations, high schools, and employers,” said Beth Townsend, Director of Iowa Workforce Development. “Their impact is everywhere. Iowa has long been a leader in recognizing the value of Registered Apprenticeships, and we remain committed to this important tool for building the highly skilled workforce that our state needs.”

RA programs involve Iowa employers and, in many cases, high schools collaborating to educate new workers and create new workforce pipelines in high-demand fields. Young Iowans are able to earn while they learn and develop promising careers without accumulating debt.

State support for these programs comes via the Iowa Apprenticeship Act (15B) and the Iowa Registered Apprenticeship Development Fund (15C). Iowa Code Chapter 15B supports annual funding for training or ongoing costs within any active Iowa Registered Apprenticeship program. Chapter 15C assists programs that have been created or expanded to include a new program in a high-demand occupation.

The full list of 2023 awardees – 63 programs under 15B and 25 programs through 15C – can be viewed here:

Iowa saw record growth in Registered Apprenticeships in Fiscal Year 2022, with a total of 5,402 new apprentices joining programs. The state also led the nation by creating 163 new programs in multiple areas, which included 25 non-construction occupations. There now are more than 890 RA programs across the state.

For more information on Iowa’s RA programs and the funding programs available, visit earnandlearniowa.gov/funding.

Eric Church Gets Star On Nashville Walk Of Fame

Posted on by Bob Ballard

Eric Church experienced another career highlight Thursday, as the North Carolina native was honored with his own star on Nashville’s Music City Walk Of Fame.

At his induction ceremony, Church reflected on getting his start in Music City – and the city that’s become his home: “I came to this town in a 1987 two-tone Chevy Blazer in 2000. And I remember pulling in. I didn’t know anyone. I had a guitar, mediocre songs at the time, and big, big dreams…I thought I had big dreams. But this is beyond those things. I’ve been here 23 years now. I met my wife here. My manager Jon Peat’s here. Had my kids here. Go to baseball games here now. It’s become home to me. So the honor is for the accomplishments I’ve had in my career, but it’s also for: This is home.”

The Walk of Fame is across the street from the Country Music Hall of Fame on Demonbreun Street in downtown Nashville. Eric’s star is the 99th on the Walk, joining legends like Hank Williams, Dolly Parton, Randy Travis and others – making the Walk a must for Music City tourists.

Source: WhiskeyRiff

This day in Country Music History

Posted on by Bob Ballard
  • Today in 1976, The Man in Black donned a black robe: Johnny Cash receives an honorary Doctorate of Human Letters from San Diego’s National University. San Diego mayor Pete Wilson declares Johnny Cash Day.
  • Today in 1982, Willie Nelson’s “Always On My Mind” was at #1 on “Billboard’s” country singles chart.
  • Today in 1995, Lee Roy Parnell released “A Little Bit of You.”
  • Today in 1999, Martina McBride played herself in a cameo appearance on CBS-TV’s “Early Show.” The show was about a guy named Gary, who magically gets tomorrow’s paper a day early so he can prevent tragedies from occurring. In the episode, he read in “the paper” that Martina would be seriously injured while rehearsing with her band, so he raced to the concert hall to save her.
  • Today in 2000, Brad Paisley made his “Tonight Show” debut.
  • Today in 2000, Reba McEntire snagged the top spot on “Billboard’s” Liquid Audio chart with the single, “We’re So Good Together.” It was her first foray into downloadable music.
  • Today in 2004, “You’ll Think Of Me” took Keith Urban to the top of the “Billboard” country singles chart.
  • Today in 2005, Mindy McCready was taken to a Nashville hospital after ex-boyfriend William McKnight broke into her home, beat and choked her. McKnight was later charged with attempted murder. They soon reconciled and a year later, she gave birth to their son, Zander. They split again, of course, and sadly in spite of her attempts to get her life together, she ultimately committed suicide on February 17, 2013.
  • Today in 2012, Lady Antebellum performed “Wanted You More” on the season finale of NBC’s “The Voice.” One of Blake Shelton’s team members, Jermaine Paul, is voted the winner.
  • Today in 2017, former Chicago Cubs catcher David Ross waltzed to “Humble And Kind” as a contestant on ABC’s “Dancing With The Stars,” receiving nine out of 10 points from each of the four judges, including Julianne Hough.

Ex-Uber security chief sentenced for data-breach cover-up

Posted on by Sam Parsons

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The former chief security officer for Uber was sentenced to probation Thursday for trying to cover up a 2016 data breach in which hackers accessed tens of millions of customer records from the ride-hailing service.

Joseph Sullivan was sentenced to a three-year term of probation and ordered to pay a fine of $50,000, the U.S. attorney’s office announced.

Sullivan, 54, of Palo Alto was convicted by a federal jury in San Francisco last October of obstructing justice and concealing knowledge that a federal felony had been committed.

It was believed to be the first criminal prosecution of a company executive over a data breach.

Sullivan was hired as Uber’s chief security officer in 2015. In November 2016, Sullivan was emailed by hackers, and employees quickly confirmed that they had stolen records on about 57 million users and also 600,000 driver’s license numbers, prosecutors said.

After learning of the breach, Sullivan began a scheme to hide it from the public and the Federal Trade Commission, which had been investigating a smaller 2014 hack, authorities said.

According to the U.S. attorney’s office, Sullivan told subordinates that “the story outside of the security group was to be that ‘this investigation does not exist,’ ” and arranged to pay the hackers $100,000 in bitcoin in exchange for them signing non-disclosure agreements promising not to reveal the hack. He also never mentioned the breach to Uber lawyers who were involved with the FTC’s inquiry, prosecutors said.

Uber’s new management began investigating the breach in the fall of 2017. Despite Sullivan lying to the new chief executive officer and others, the truth was uncovered, and the breach was made public, prosecutors said.

Sullivan was fired along with Craig Clark, an Uber lawyer he had told about the breach. Clark was given immunity by prosecutors and testified against Sullivan.

Prosecutors had recommended a sentence of 15 months in federal prison for Sullivan, who submitted more than 100 letters of support from friends, family and colleagues.

In an April sentencing memo, prosecutors said that showed that Sullivan is “a wealthy, powerful man” with a deep network of family and friends.

“There cannot be two different systems of justice, one for the privileged and another for the rest,” the memo argued. “Any such perception would do grievous damage to public respect for the law.”

His lawyers argued that Sullivan already “has suffered, and will continue to suffer, significant consequences because of this case.”

No other Uber executives were charged in the case.

The hackers pleaded guilty in 2019 to computer fraud conspiracy charges and are awaiting sentencing.

Iowa House and Senate adjourn 2023 legislative session

Posted on by Sam Parsons

By O. Kay Henderson (Radio Iowa)

The 2023 Iowa legislative session ended early this afternoon.

Over the past four months, the Republican majority approved a series of GOP priorities like state funding for private school expenses and curbs on what books are allowed in public school libraries, A bipartisan property tax relief plan cleared the legislature this week.

“We wanted to work on school choice. We wanted to work on parental empowerment,” Senate Republican Leader Jack Whitver told Radio Iowa. “…We really wanted to work on property taxes knowing that the huge assessments were coming. I think we were able to get all of those things accomplished, so it was a very, very successful year.”

House Speaker Pat Grassley began talking about school choice in 2020 and he told reporters with 24 new Republicans in the Iowa House this year, the plan came together. “We try to make commitments and follow through with those things that we tell Iowans we’re going to do,” Grassley said, “whether it’s on the campaign trail or whether it’s when we show up here for the first day of session.”

Democrats say Republicans have left $2 billion in the taxpayer relief fund and even more tax revenue remains unspent. House Democratic Leader Jennifer Konfrst said it could have been used on key priorities, like water quality.

“We could be investing in public schools. We could be doing more for mental health in this state. We could be doing more for the issues that Iowans can about with those resources,” Konfrst said. “Instead, they’re sitting in an account, so that the governor can brag about having a big account.”

Senate Democratic Leader Zach Wahls told reporters the GOP pursued “divisive” policies this year. “Republican poured gasoline on the flames of the culture war by undermining and politicizing Iowa’s public schools…banning books from school libraries,” Wahls said,” and attacking the freedoms of parents and the LGBTQ community.”

This afternoon, Governor Kim Reynolds signed the property tax changes that passed the legislature this week with the support of Republicans and nearly all Democrats. Lawmakers say the goal is to ensure this spring’s assessments don’t lead to massive property tax increases in September of next year.

Reresentative Beth Wessel-Kroeschell, a Democrat from Ames, says Republicans are hoarding three-and-a-half billion dollars in the taxpayer relief fund and even more in other reserves.- “This is a hoarding problem,” she said. “We are stockpiling taxpayer dollars. This money belongs to the taxpayers. There are lots of ways we can give it back to the taxpayers through quality services — a high quality public education, public safety, clean water.”

Mahaska County Extension Offering Informational Meeting for Food Safety at Events

Posted on by Sam Parsons

OSKALOOSA — ISU Extension and Outreach – Mahaska County is offering an event for any adults and youth who serve food at community events.  It will be held at the Mahaska County Extension Auditorium 212 North I Street, Oskaloosa.

From popcorn and pretzels to casseroles and cupcakes, the safety of everyone eating at an event relies on workers and volunteers following proper food safety procedures. You will learn to use four steps—clean, separate, cook, and chill—to ensure food is prepared and served safely.

Intended audience: Adult and youth volunteers and staff serving food at community events (concession stands, fundraisers, school and church activities, fairs, festivals, etc.)

Event is FREE to attend, however registration is required.  Register by Monday May 8  https://go.iastate.edu/YZJZZM.

ISU Extension and Outreach has great resources for many topics relating to food preparation at the Mahaska County Extension office or on ISU Extension and Outreach websites.   One resource  is AnswerLine; it provides information and resources for Iowa consumers with home and family questions.  Call 1-800-262-3804 toll free Monday – Friday 9 am – Noon and 1-4 pm or visit their website https://www.extension.iastate.edu/humansciences/answerline .

Questions? Contact the Mahaska County Extension office by phone (641)673-5841 or email striegel@iastate.edu.

Oskaloosa City Council Amends Charter

Posted on by Sam Parsons

By Sam Parsons

The Oskaloosa City Council held a special meeting last night to amend the city’s charter. City officials said that the article in the charter pertaining to Initiative and Referendum, which sets procedures for putting issues on voting ballots not otherwise addressed by the council, was not in conformity with state code. 

The city attorney said that there were court cases dating back “100+ years” that ruled that Initiative and Referendum was not allowed for Iowa cities. He said that he represents “about 10 cities” in Iowa and has not seen Initiative and Referendum in their city laws. 

Councilmember Charlie Comfort said that a previous city attorney had raised the issue, saying that the State’s Attorney General’s office has opined on two different occasions that Initiative and Referendum “may be unconstitutional or otherwise illegal under state code”. He also said the city’s charter is heavily based on the charter for the city of Clinton, which was the subject of a 1995 court case that ruled that Initiative and Referendum was contrary to state code.

One resident spoke against the proposed amendment, arguing that the city couldn’t repeal a section of their charter retroactively and that the city was harming the ability of residents to petition. Councilmember Bob Drost disagreed with that sentiment, saying that residents still had plenty of avenues to voice their opinions.

“You talk about listening to the people, I think that’s what this forum is, right? We have council meetings the first and third Mondays of every month. It’s publicized, the agenda is published well in advance according to state requirements.

“So when we talk about not listening to the public, I don’t know how many phone calls and emails and personal conversations that [the rest of the council has], I have a lot of those conversations both professionally and personally. So I think that a statement saying that the council does not listen to the public is inaccurate.”

Ultimately, the charter amendment passed on a 6-1 vote, with councilmember Lisa Ossian the lone dissenting vote.

The Oskaloosa city council will host its next regular meeting on May 15.

Blake Shelton To Get A Star On Hollywood Walk Of Fame

Posted on by Bob Ballard

Blake Shelton is getting his flowers – in the form of a star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame.

The country singer-turned-reality tv judge’s star will be the 2,755th to earn a place on the Walk Of Fame  – with his coming in the category of Recording for his “outstanding achievements in the music industry.”

In a statement from Walk Of Fame producer Ana Martinez, she said “Blake Shelton is one of the music and television world’s most popular entertainers. He keeps “The Voice” audiences in stitches with his witty banter and he has captured many fan’s hearts with his soulful country voice. To think that he began his career at the age of 17 is amazing. We are proud to have him join the Hollywood Walk of Fame.”

The dedication will take place at 6212 Hollywood Boulevard in front of Amoeba Music in Los Angeles, California on Friday, May 12 at 11:30 AM PST. If you can’t fly off to Hollywood, Blake’s star ceremony will be streamed live exclusively at walkoffame.com.

Source: CountryNow

This day in Country Music History

Posted on by Bob Ballard
  • Today in 1977, Loretta Lynn was on the cover of “Rolling Stone.” In the accompanying article, she noted: “It’s a strange deal. I’m supposed to be a country singer, writing songs about marriage and family and the way normal folks live. But mostly I’m living in motel rooms and traveling on my special bus.”
  • Today in 1982, Vince Gill and his first wife, Janis, welcomed their daughter, Jenny.
  • Today in 1989, Rodney Crowell topped the charts with the single, “After All This Time.”
  • Today in 1995, Mark Chesnutt hit #1 on the singles charts with “Gonna Get A Life.”
  • Today in 1997, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill welcomed their first baby, Gracie Katherine McGraw. At age nine, she had her “big break” as part of the children’s chorus at the close of her dad’s hit single, “Last Dollar (Fly Away).”
  • Today in 1998, Garth Brooks released his box set, “The Limited Series.” LeAnn Rimes also released her “Sittin’ On Top of the World” album, John Michael Montgomery’s “Leave A Mark” project and Mark Wills album, “Wish You Were Here,” also arrived in stores.
  • Today in 1999, Faith Hill took four trophies in the 34th annual Academy of Country Music awards. She won Single Record and Video of the Year, for “This Kiss”; claimed Top Female Vocalist; and shared Vocal Event with Tim McGraw, for “Just To Hear You Say That You Love Me.”
  • Today in 2000, Vince Gill and Amy Grant made their first national television appearance together as newlyweds today on CBS-TV’s “Early Show.” The couple was plugging the Electrolux USA Championship women’s golf tournament, which they were jointly hosting.
  • Today in 2000, the annual issue of “In Style” magazine’s “Makeover Edition,” credited Faith Hill as one of the “most improved” and LeAnn Rimes’ fashion sense as “coming of age.” Faith was also featured in the magazine’s “Hall of Fame” section that focused on “celebrities for whom change is the only constant.”
  • Today in 2001, Blake Shelton performed his breakthrough single, “Austin,” during his debut on the Grand Ole Opry.
  • Today in 2009, Dolly Parton received a Tony nomination in New York for Best Original Score for “9 To 5: The Musical.” She lost out to Brian Yorkey and Tom Kitt for their work in “Next To Normal.”
  • Today in 2015, Chris Stapleton’s debut solo album, “Traveller,” was released.

MEET THE H & S FEED & COUNTRY STORE PET OF THE WEEK: “HUGO”

Posted on by Bob Ballard

This week’s H & S Feed & Country Store Pet of the Week is “Hugo”, a 7 year old Mastiff mix. Hugo’s a big boy, but a real sweetheart. He’s very well behaved, most likely housetrained, and even gets along well with other dogs and even cats. Hugo is great dog and deserves a loving home. He’s fully vetted, vaccinated, and would love to meet you!

If you’d like to set up an appointment to meet Hugo or any of the pets at Stephen Memorial Animal Shelter, visit https://www.stephenmemorial.org/ and fill out an adoption application.

Check out our visit about Hugo with Shanna from Stephen Memorial Animal Shelter here:

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