A group pushing for special recognition of the man who’s considered the father of the American cavalry says there’s one "obstacle" to their goal: Iowa Congressman Steve King. The Polish Legion of American Veterans has gotten the U.S. Senate to pass a resolution that would grant honorary U.S. citizenship to a Polish man who came to this continent in 1777 to help fight the Revolutionary War. Casimir Pulaski was named a general by George Washington. He died of wounds suffered in a Revolutionary War battle in Georgia. The bid by the Polish veterans group to get Pulaski declared an American citizen has stalled in the U.S. House, though. The group blames Congressman King for blocking a vote on the measure in the House Judiciary Committee. The Polish veterans group calls King’s action "puzzling" and "political." King’s spokesman says King doesn’t have the power to block a vote and the resolution would pass if a majority of members on the committee wanted to vote for it. Congress has bestowed honorary U.S. citizenship on six people. In 1963, Winston Churchill was named an honorary American citizen. In 1981, a Swedish diplomat who rescued Jews in the Holocaust earned the designation. Three years later, William Penn and his wife were similarly honored. Penn, as you may know, was the governor of the American colony of Pennsylvania. In 1996, congress gave honorary American citizenship to Mother Teresa and then in 2002 bestowed it upon a Frenchman who served as another one of George Washington’s generals in the American Revolution.
Group blames Congressman King for blocking citizenship for Polish General
Application for heating assistance begins Monday
Starting next week, low-income Iowans can apply for federal help with their winter heating bills. Jerry McKim is director of Iowa’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). He says households with a disabled family member, or a member over the age of 60, can begin applying for the program on October 1. Other families or individuals can apply after November 1. To qualify, a family must be at or below 150% of the federal poverty level. "As an example, for a household of one, the maximum annual income to be eligible would $15,315," McKim says. "For a household of four, the maximum income would be $30,975." Last year, LIHEAP paid benefits to 85,500 Iowans. The average benefit was $317.
Iowa native talks about covering Vietnam, Iraq
A journalist who has covered both Vietnam and the Iraq war spoke this week at a symposium on Martin Luther King Junior at Grinnell University. Robert Hodierne, a Grinell College graduate, says there are some similarities that immediately stick out about Vietnam and Iraq.
Hodierne says we got into both wars based on a misunderstanding or misrepresentation of what the threats were, and in neither case had a clear understanding of what the enemy was and what the issues were, which made it hard to formulate a plan to proceed to victory.
Hodierne says the Vietnam war provided unprecedented access for journalists to the action. He says the Iraq war began that way with embedded journalists. Hodierne says as the Iraq war has worn on, the rules haven’t changed, but logistically it is very difficult to get out with the units in the field. The Vienam war was the first where photographs and film from journalist like Hodierne were brought directly into the living rooms of Americans.
Hodierne says technology has made it easier, and faster, to get photos back from Iraq — but we don’t see many images of the fighting. He says you see "surprisingly few" bloody pictures from the war, and he says that’s because the logistics have made it dangerous for reporters to get out into the field. And Hodierne says the fighting in the war in different.
Hodierne says the fighting in Vietnam included battles that lasted for days and a photographer could get out to the battle and back. He says the Iraq battles are mostly individual bombs that explode, and unless you’re right there at the time, you don’t get many combat pictures. Hodierne has been a journalist for 35 years and has worked as a writer, editor and photographer for a number of newspapers, wire services, magazines, radio and television stations, and Internet publications.
Report shows growth in metro areas
Iowa’s nine metropolitan areas are all growing according to a new report from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. Shawn Rolland is a spokesperson for the Iowa Department of Economic Development. He says economic growth is happening across the state, and Des Moines in particular is experiencing some of the fastest growth in the nation.
The report says the Des Moines area economy grew 7.2 percent from 2004 to 2005. The report claims Iowa’s capital city has the 24th fastest growing economy in the country. Rolland credits Des Moines’ finance and insurance industry. "The state is now home to many insurance and financial giants," Rolland says, "today, 6,100 firms and 81,000 employees (in Iowa) are working in the financial services sector."
Rolland says the economic growth outside of Des Moines is linked to a number of new industries. "We’re seeing growth in renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, and biosciences," Rolland says. The report measures gross domestic product for 363 U.S. cities. Cedar Rapids ranks 57th, with it’s economy growing 5.6 percent; Iowa City, 3.1%, 152nd; Dubuque, 2.8%, 179th; Waterloo/Cedar Falls, 2.7%, 189th; Davenport, 2.4%, 202nd; Ames, 1.7%, 246th; Sioux City, 0.9%, 280th.
Ragtime music featured in Hamilton County
Ragtime music is being featured this weekend in the Hamilton County town of Randall, which is marking its 20th annual "Ragtime in Randall" to be held in the Community Gymnasium. Organizer Ellis Anderson, of Randall, says today’s events will include seminars on ragtime music in Iowa, women ragtime composers and several performers. Anderson says musicians tonight include a two-piano concert of ragtime and jazz is scheduled for 6 P.M., followed by an 8 P.M. show featuring the Ballyhoo Foxtrot Orchestra from Des Moines. Anderson says Sunday will bring a ragtime gospel service at 11 AM followed by a special program dedicated to a late, local musical legend, Bob McNutt. McNutt founded Ragtime in Randall in 1987 and died in 1993. His son, Bobby, will do a "Remembering Dad" seminar at 2 P.M. A dedication of a new rose garden in Randall will be held at 4 P.M., followed by the grand finale concert at 5 P.M. For more information, visit www.ragtimeinrandall.org .
Fred Thompson courts Christian conservatives
Republican presidential candidate Fred Thompson spoke with nearly every one of the 850 people at Saturday’s Iowa Christian Alliance banquet. Thompson positioned himself at the head of the food line, just before the plates and napkins, where he could shake hands and pose for pictures with the Iowa Christian Alliance members.
Thompson was the lone candidate to accept the invitation to attend, but not speak at the event. Thompson also refused to speak with reporters afterwards. Thompson recently told a crowd in South Carolina that he is "right with God" but does not regularly attend church. Thompson indicated he does not plan to speak about his religious beliefs as he campaigns for the presidency.
The last time Republicans selected a presidential nominee, George Bush made no secret of his own faith and during a debate in Des Moines said his favorite political philosopher was Jesus Christ.
Many in the crowd of Christian conservatives gathered Saturday night in Des Moines have already made up their minds and are backing another candidate anyway.
Barb Gilbertson of Cedar Falls says she really likes Mike Huckabee, the former Arkansas governor who’s a Baptist minister."Just because he’s incredibly genuine and he has ideas that reflect my own," Gilbertson says. But other members of the Iowa Christian Alliance, like Robert Gamble of West Des Moines, haven’t found a candidate yet. Gable knows what he’s looking for, however.
"We want a conservative, someone who’s strong on family values and traditional marriage," he says. "Somebody who will lead our country and be strong against terrorists."
Bob Klaus of Cedar Rapids is "considering" Thompson. "He reminds me a little bit of Ronald Reagan in a lot of ways," Klaus says.
Toward the end of Thompson’s Saturday night appearance, he led a line of reporters and photographers from one end of the hall to the other, headed for the exit where his campaign had promised he’d stop to answer questions.
But his first swing by the exit took Thompson into the men’s restroom instead. When he emerged, Thompson doubled back into the hall to collect his wife and child before exiting and climbing in a black SUV and driving away.
Week 5 scores
CLASS 4A
SE Polk 43, Indianola 14
C.R. Kennedy 42, C.R. Prairie 35
Cedar Falls 28, Linn-Mar 10
Cedar Rapids Jefferson 27, Dubuque Senior 24
Ottumwa 24, DM Roosevelt 7
Ankeny 44, Dowling Catholic 18
Davenport Assumption 44, Davenport West 0
Bettendorf 47, Muscatine 10
Marshalltown 57, Mason City 20
Waukee 23, Fort Dodge 0
Johnston 41, Urbandale 10
WDM Valley 24, Ames 0
Newton 63, DM North 13
DM Lincoln 26, DM Hoover 7
Council Bluffs Lincoln 20, Council Bluffs Jefferson 6
North Scott 23, Burlington 7
Pleasant Valley 56, Davenport North 27
Iowa City High 29, Dubuque Hempstead 14
C.R Washington 27, Iowa City West 10
C.R. Xavier 42, Waterlo East 14
Dubuque Wahlert 42, Waterloo East 14
Sioux City North 27, Sioux City East 0
CLASS 3A
DISTRICT 1
Sioux Center 42, Sibley-Ocheyden 7
Storm Lake 23, MOC-Floyd Valley 21
Denison-Schleswig 42, Sergant Bluff-Luton 7
LeMars 13, Spencer 6
DISTRICT 2
Algona 30, Humboldt 9
Boone 27, Dallas Center-Grimes 21
Ballard 59, Saydel 6
Webster City 48, Nevada 8
DISTRICT 3
Clear Lake 54, Forest City 14
Waukon 26, Charles City 9
Waverly Shell-Rock 27, New Hampton 7
Decorah 28, Cresco, Crestwood 6
DISTRICT 4
Williamsburg 41, Vinton-Shellsburg 0
Oelwein 30, Independence 7
Benton Community 28, West Delaware 13
South Tama 35, Grinnell 0
DISTRICT 5
Marion 49, West Liberty 0
Mount Vernon 52, Anamosa 6
Central Clinton 42, Maquoketa 14
Western Dubuque 21, Clear Creek-Amana 0
DISTRICT 6
Washington 35, Mount Pleasant 7
Fairfield 36, Fort Madison 12
Centerville 28, Oskaloosa 26
Keokuk 74, Davis County 14
DISTRICT 7
Pella 36, Winterset 16
ADM 35, Norwalk 14
Carlisle 38, Knoxville 0
Chariton 47, Clarke 7
DISTRICT 8
Creston 14, Clarinda 7
Harlan 49, Perry 0
Atlantic 10, Lewis Central 9
Carroll 36, Glenwood 20
CLASS 2A
DISTRICT 1
Central Lyon/George-Little Rock 42, Boyden-Hull/Rock Valley 0
Cherokee 38, Western Christian Hull 19
Sheldon 38, Unity Christian 28
Sioux Center 42, Sibley-Ocheyedan 7
DISTRICT 2
Esterville-Lincoln Central 15, Emmetsburg 13
East Sac County 48, Manson NW Webster 10
Okoboji 37, Clarion-Goldfield 31
Eagle Grove 46, Garner-Hayfield 6
DISTRICT 3
Roland-Story 36, Iowa Falls 23
East Marshall 23, Ogden 14
Hampton-Dumont 28, Gilbert 14
South Hardin 41, Hudson 27
DISTRICT 4
Waterloo Columbus 30, Osage 20
Center Point-Urbana 41, Sumner-Fredricksburg 27
North Fayette 47, MFL MarMac 0
Union 18, South Winneshiek 7
DISTRICT 5
Maquoketa Valley 18, Cascade 15
Monticello 49, Camanche 0
Solon 35, Dyersville Beckman 7
Tipton 35, North Cedar 0
DISTRICT 6
Louisa-Muscatine 24, Durant 14
West Burlington-Notre Dame 54, Central Lee 21
Mediapolis 38, Columbus 20
Wilton 24, New London/Danville 8
DISTRICT 7
Bondurant-Farrar 32, Colfax-Mingo 0
CMB 33, Eddyville-Blakesburg 14
PCM 35, Albia 0
Sigourney-Keota 44, Mid-Prairie 35
DISTRICT 8
Missouri Valley 33, Red Oak 0
JSPC 27, Tri-Center 24
Carroll Kuemper 12, West Central Valley 0
Maple Valley/Anthon-Oto 28, Shenandoah 6
CLASS 1A
DISTRICT 1
Hinton 14, Harley-Melvin-Sanborn 6
Battle Creek-Ida Grove 24, Sioux Central 6
South O’Brien 21, West Sioux 7
West Lyon 41, Akron-Westfield 21
DISTRICT 2
West Marshall 41, AGWSR 12
Southern Cal 21, Prairie Valley 3
South Hamilton 10, Pocahontas 0
DISTRICT 3
Mason City Newman 35, North Butler 0
Saint Ansgar 10, Lake Mills 7
Nashua-Plainfield 7, North Iowa 6
Turkey Valley 34, Rockford 6
DISTRICT 4
Dike-New Hartford 34, Denver 19
Aplington-Parkersburg 42, Jesup 0
Gladbrook-Reinbeck 14, BCLUW 0
Starmont 36, Grundy Center 13
DISTRICT 5
North Linn 37, Alburnett 12
Central Elkader 19, Clayton Ridge 0
Bellevue 17, Edgewood-Colesburg 9
Northeast 35, Preston/East Central 0
DISTRICT 6
Pekin 21, Montezuma 0
Iowa City Regina 42, BGM 0
Wapello 26, Belle Plaine 24
West Branch 63, Van Buren 20
DISTRICT 7
North Polk 65, Wayne 0
Pella Christian 27, Nodaway Valley 20
Mount Ayr 39, I-35 34
Pleasantville 41, Central Decatur 6
DISTRICT 8
Underwood 47, Riverside 3
Panorama 41, Corning 7
Logan-Magnolia 38, Griswold 13
CB St. Albert 38, Audubon 0
CLASS A
DISTRICT 1
Kingsley-Pierson 39, Westwood 7
Woodbury Central 28, Galva-Holstein 8
Lawton-Bronson 76, River Valley 20
West Monona 14, LeMars Gehlen 13
DISTRICT 2
A-H-S-T,Avoca 46, Boyer Valley 0
I-K-M 41, Treynor 7
Bedford 64, West Harrison 20
Manning 14, Guthrie Center 13
DISTRICT 3
Alta 50, Schaller-Crestland 0
Newell-Fonda 7, Laurens-Marathon 6
Clay Central-Everly 23, Odebolt-Arthur 8
Rockwell City-Lytton 25, SE Webster-Grand 8
DISTRICT 4
West Hancock 40, S-C-M-T 0
Northwood-Kensett 35, Graettinger-Terrill 6
Belmond-Klemme 14, West Bend-Mallard 13
DISTRICT 5
Lansing Kee 38, Dunkerton 12
Valley Community 28, West Central 14
Postville 7, Tripoli 0
East Buchanan 26, Riceville 0
DISTRICT 6
Lisbon 13, North Tama 12
Central City 55, Springville 19
Don Bosco 34, Olin 7
DISTRICT 7
Iowa Valley 48, English Valleys 0
WACO 43, Cardinal 14
HLV 41, Highland Riverside 14
Winfield-Mt. Union 21, Lone Tree 7
DISTRICT 8
Earlham 62, Lynnville-Sully 6
North Mahaska 21, Van Meter 20 OT
Madrid 49, DSM Christian 14
SE Warren 27, Colo-Nesco 0
NON-DISTRICT
Woodbine 27, MMC 0
Algona Garrigan 35, Central Springs 6
Wapsie Valley 39, Midland 14
EIGHT PLAYER
DISTRICT 1
Janesville 48, Clarksville 13
Rockwell-Swaledale 23, Cal 12
DISTRICT 2
C-W-L 48, W-C L-T 0
Armstrong-Ringsted 40, North Kossuth 18
Sentral 24, Pomeroy-Palmer 9
DISTRICT 3
Aurelia 19, Remsen St. Mary’s 14
Harris-Lake Park 28, Remsen-Union 12
Spalding Catholic 24, Ruthven-Ayrshire 2
DISTRICT 4
Ar-We-Va 67, Charter Oak-Ute 19
Glidden-Ralston 64, Elk Horn-Kimballton 0
DISTRICT 5
Fremont-Mills 21, Farragut 6
DISTRICT 6
CAM 32, Exira 14
Villisca 40, Adair-Casey 38
Walnut 54, South Page 14
DISTRICT 7
Lenox 31, Murray 6
Grandview Park Baptist 69, Lamoni 14
Mormon Trail 82, East Union 76
DISTRICT 8
Melcher-Dallas 54, Harmony 36
Tri-County 55, Moravia 6
Twin Cedars 61, Russell 14
NON-DISTRICT
Coon Rapids-Bayard 58, Whiting 16
NE Hamilton 30, Twin River Valley Bode 0
East Mills 56, Hamburg 8
Essex 52, Clarinda Academy 0
Stanton 56, Sidney 8
Seymour 52, Martensdale-St. Mary’s 8
