Photos


	On April 25, the Senate passed a resolution honoring Code Talkers from all tribes, including Iowa’s Meskwaki tribe. Code Talkers were valiant soldiers during both World Wars I and II. Among those on hand for the tribute were Rob and Diana Roberts of Montour.
	On April 22, Governor Chet Culver signed Senate File 2420, which will help make up a $200-million-a-year shortfall in Iowa’s transportation budget. Estimates show that the legislation will generate about $125 million by 2012, in part by changing the way pickup fees are assessed. This is a first step to developing a stable, fair and long-term way of maintaining the safe roads and bridges that support Iowa’s growing economy.
	On April 15, Governor Chet Culver signed Iowa's Smoke-free Air Act into law. This statewide ban on smoking in public places will reduce exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke, which kills more than 400 Iowans annually and makes thousands ill. The initiative should also reduce the $300 million in taxpayer money that goes to treat smoking-related illnesses every year. The smoking ban will apply to most workplaces, public places and certain outdoor areas.
	Governor Culver and I greeted former state Senator Jim Wells after the signing of the Smoke Free Air Act. Sen. Wells was the first legislator to propose a statewide smoking ban 33 years ago. It was an honor to meet him and to help Iowa finally reach the goal he set so long ago.
	Senate Resolution 147 passed on April 14, designating the week of April 13-19, 2008, as week of the young child. Advocates for children celebrated the event with legislators during a visit to the Statehouse.
	On April 11, I was presented with an honorary membership to the American Association of University Women by Janet Heinicke, Iowa president for AAUW. I participated in the annual conference for the AAUW, which was held at Simpson College. The AAUW promotes equity for women and girls through advocacy, education and research. Learn more at www.aauwiowa.org.
	Pastor Gene Anderson, of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Indianola, served as Pastor of the Day in the Legislature on April 10. He gave the opening prayer in the House and Senate. Pictured, from left: John Larson, a Senate clerk and member of Redeemer Lutheran Church, Anderson and Appel.
	On April 7, we passed Senate Resolution 134 honoring Roxanne Conlin for more than four decades of service as an activist, community leader, and attorney advocate for the people. Roxanne's life and career have been dedicated to public service and hard work, making her a positive role model to all young people of Iowa. Congratulations Roxanne... and thank you!
	On April 1, Gov. Chet Culver signed Senate File 2347 into law, providing $4.6 million to create a statewide system of optical scan voting machines before the November elections. This new law will give Iowans a verified paper record of the ballot they cast and will guarantee that voters with disabilities have the same opportunity to use a protected voting system. On hand for the bill signing, from left: Secretary of State Mike Mauro, Warren County Auditor Traci VanderLinden, Culver, and Sen. Staci Appel.
	Terry Boettcher of Indianola and his wife, Connie, visited the Iowa Senate on March 26 to witness the approval of legislation that expands Iowa's Gold Star license plate bill to include veterans who “died as a result of injuries sustained,” as well as those killed in action. Boettcher’s father died as the result of injuries he suffered during World War II. While at the Statehouse, Boettcher talked with the cosponsor's of the bill, State Senators Daryl Beall of Fort Dodge and Staci Appel of Ackworth.
	Arlinda McKeen of the State Public Policy Group talks with Sen. Staci Appel during a Statehouse visit on March 18. SPPG helps state agencies and private sector organizations promote their issues, define their goals and evaluate their results. Projects include the Association of Iowa Workforce Partners, the Iowa Peer Support Training Academy, and the Successful Families Caucus. For more on SPPG, go to www.sppg.com.
	Louise Alcorn of West Des Moines Public Library and Senator Staci Appel during public libraries legislative day at the Statehouse Law Library on March 11.
	With members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) outside the Senate chamber on March 12. From left: Kenny Dietzenback of Waukoma, Robin Clark of Des Moines, Senator Staci Appel, and Paula Martinez of Carlisle.
	On March 11, Gov. Culver signed HF2359 a day after it was passed by the Senate. The bill creates a regular source of funding for the Veterans Trust Fund. The Legislature established the fund in 2003 to help Iowa’s veterans with expenses such as education and unemployment assistance. The problem is that there are only $5 million in a fund intended to contain $50 million. That will change now that we’ll have four new Iowa Lottery games, which are expected to pump an estimated $3.3 million a year into the Veterans Trust Fund. To find out more, visit: www.iowava.org.
	With representatives from the Iowa's Division of Latino Affairs at the Statehouse March 11.
My Day in Indianola On Friday, March 7, I spent the day in Indianola, where I met with schools Superintendent Mike Tiegland. He showed me the blue prints for the new Wilder Elementary School, provided an update on the progress of that project, and discussed some of the current education legislation under consideration in the Senate.
	Tom Palme and Gary Ruble of Cemen Tech gave me a tour of their plant, where they employ 180 workers in two shifts and export to 45 countries. I was really impressed by the team environment at Cemen Tech. To learn more about this manufacturer of cement-mixing systems, visit their website at www.cementech.com.
	Fire Chief Brian Seymour showed me the over-crowded fire station and discussed pilot projects, such as "fire districts," in which towns pool resources to support county-level departments.
	I had a wonderful breakfast at the Collage Inn, under new owners Rick Cross and Juan Flores. The restaurant is open every day for breakfast and lunch. They also serve dinner on Tuesday through Saturday. The menu includes steak, seafood, Italian and Mexican. Let's support our local businesses and give the Cottage Inn a try for dinner!
	Dr. Clayton Lowe of Lowe Chiropractic Clinic in Winterset joined members of the Iowa Chiropractic Society at the Statehouse on March 6.
	Indianola student places in statewide contest On Mar. 4, the Senate recognized nine student winners of the 24th Annual Write Women Back into History essay contest. The essay contest was established in 1985 as part of Women’s History Month celebrations to give students a deeper appreciation of women’s roles in history. Students in grades 6-9 participated in the statewide contest. Nine were selected for recognition at the Statehouse, including Kaitlin Moews of Indianola Middle School. She took third place in the 8th-9th grade category for her essay on Oscar-winning actress and Iowa native Donna Reed. Kaitlin's sponsoring teacher was Kathy Turnball. Winning essays can be found at www.women.iowa.gov. For more information on the student winners or on how schools in your area can participate in next year's contest, contact the Iowa Commission on the Status of Women.
	Senator Staci Appel of Ackworth spoke at a press conference for the Iowa Commission on the Status of Women at the Statehouse March 4. She encouraged more women to run for elected office and get involved in the political process.
My day in Winterset I spent Friday Feb. 29 in Winterset, where I enjoyed lunch with Mayor James Olsen at Cooking from the Heart. While the Mayor updated me on Winterset's water issues, I enjoyed the guacamole burger, which I'd highly recommend.
	I visited with County Auditor Joan Welch about election law and the importance of every county in Iowa having the same machines with a paper trail.
	County Supervisor Bob Weeks stressed the importance of SILO to rural schools, especially Winterset.
	I enjoyed a stop at the Birthplace of John Wayne. The home is beautifully restored and displays a great collection of John Wayne memorabilia. To learn more, go to www.johnwaynebirthplace.org.
	In Mrs. Hill's kindergarten classroom at Winterset Elementary, we read The Lorax in celebration of Dr. Seuss' birthday.
	Elementary Principal Gary Anker and I talked in the school's media room. When I asked what he'd most like to show off at Winterset Elementary, he replied, "The teachers!" I'd have to agree. I had the chance to observe several classrooms, and Principal Anker is right: the teachers are fantastic!
	Janet Billeter, administrator at Genesis Development, and her staff work to provide opportunities, choices and support to people with disabilities. Genesis has been helping mentally ill, mentally retarded, brain injured and developmentally disables Iowans since 1973. To learn more about Genesis' offerings, go to www.genesisdevelopment.com.
	Senator Staci Appel leads debate on the Senate floor Feb. 27 when a statewide ban on smoking in public places passed on a bipartisan 29-21 vote.
	On Feb. 23, Senator Staci Appel joined Des Moines Senators Jack Hatch (left) and Matt McCoy (right) for a roundtable discussion with constituents on healthcare concerns. About 40 central Iowans met with the legislators to talk about a proposal to insure every child in the state. Hatch, co-chair of the Legislative Commission on Affordable Health Care, fielded questions about costs and the potential to move toward universal health care.
	Senator Staci Appel of Ackworth met with members of the Carlisle Family Career and Community Leaders of America in the Senate Chamber on February 20. FCCLA is a program through family and consumer science classes that encourages community service and provides leadership training to young adults.
	Simpson College students were at the Statehouse Feb. 19 with Professor Kedron Bardwell. Senator Staci Appel of Ackworth spoke with them about her work in the Senate and showed them around the Senate Chamber. From left: Erin Hoff, Amanda Ruff, Bardwell, Appel, Blair Boyd, Bailey Harris, Victor Carter, Joe Strong and Alex Bardole.
	An emphasis on our cultural heritage enriches Iowa communities and attracts a vibrant workforce that helps improve our economy. That was the message my constituents presented to legislators when they were at the Capitol with the Iowa Cultural Coalition on Feb. 18. Becky Wigeland of Indianola is curator for the National Balloon Museum.
	Mary Sudbrock of Indianola, who works with Living History Farms, was also at the Statehouse for Cultural Advocacy Day. She and other members of the Iowa Cultural Coalition work to improve the livability of Iowa communities through support for the arts, history and cultural events.
	On Friday, Feb. 15 I spent the day in Norwalk, a community in northwest Warren County. I started my day at Scott's Foods, where I met with office manager Nancy Hildreth. We discussed concerns about expanding the bottle bill, and Scott's Food's also made a terrific donation to the Food Pantry of Iowa.
	I met with Norwalk Police Chief Ed Kuhl. We talked about current sex offender laws and the Peace Officers Bill of Rights before he gave me a tour of his facilities. Norwalk citizens should be proud of this well thought-out and wisely used building.
	I met with city council member Eric Delker and Doug Richardson and Scott Palmer. They all work for the Norwalk Fire Department. I left the department feeling that the citizens of Norwalk are in good hands with these devoted individuals.
Templeton Rye owner Scott Bush would like to open a distillery and a retail establishment in Norwalk. We talked about the concept, and it seems very exciting. It would be a fantastic draw for people, who would stay in the area, eat at local restaurants and shop at the stores in town. Scott Bush is a valuable addition to the community. I hope you'll join him in helping his dream become a reality.
	I stopped by La Quercia and met owners Kathy and Herb Eckhouse. They have 11 employees in Norwalk, where they produce wonderful prosciutto. The pork is not from confinement-raised livestock. I wanted to buy some to take home, but I learned it was available only on the Internet. I encourage you to try some for yourself. Go to www.laquercia.us, and you'll be helping an Iowa-owned company while enjoying delicious prosciutto.
	I spent the afternoon at Lakewood Elementary, where Hanna Hegland and Kiersten Viaske gave me a tour of their school.
	I spoke with Mrs. Nichols fifth grade class about how a bill becomes a law. The students thought it would be a good idea to propose a bill for a longer recess. We worked it through the process of a subcommittee, committee and the Senate floor. Then through the House and Governor. I gave the veto power to their teacher. Veto! We had fun, and I hope they'll always remember how the process works.
	In the classrooms of Mrs. Fox, Mrs. Becker and Mrs. Greis, I read a book about Michael Jordan and how he practiced every day to become the best in his field. We had a terrific time asking questions of each other--a great group of children!
	Principal Jill Anderson and Superintendent Dennis Wulf really impressed me during my time at Lakewood Elementary. As a parent of five, I'd be proud to send my children to the Norwalk schools, and as a Senator, I can see that the children of Norwalk are getting the best. They're being well educated and have a devoted team that works to give them the best experience possible. They work together to develop strengths of every child. Lakewood Elementary is an example of what every school in Iowa should aim to be.
	Governor Chet Culver signed a bill increasing the state's contribution to local schools by 4 percent on Feb. 12. The appropriation, which passed the Legislature last week, provides our K12 schools with an additional $222 per student. The money is used for textbooks, heating bills, technology and other necessities that help make students, teachers and schools successful.
	Representatives from Black Children's Hospital spoke with me Feb. 13 about kids' health issues. As a mother of five, keeping our children healthy and strong is one of my top priorities. From left: Dr. Jennifer Groos, Assistant Majority Leader Senator Tom Courtney of Burlington, pediatrician Dr. Pete Hetherington, I, and Alissa McKinney, director of development at Blank Children's Hospital.
	Dave Smith of Earlham and his children were at the Capitol on Feb. 13 with NICHE, the Network of Iowa Christian Home Educators. The Smith family and others discussed their passion for home schooling and thanked legislators for preserving the parents' right to educate their own children here in Iowa. From left: Dave, Sarah, Joshua and Tiffany Smith, and I.
	Stan DeHaan, an Abraham Lincoln impersonator from Orange City, was at the Statehouse Feb. 11 to help us celebrate the bicentennial of Lincoln's birth and the important achievements of his life and presidency.
	Simpson College students were at the Statehouse on Feb. 11 to attend a Senate Education Committee meeting. They also had the chance to discuss education issues with the committee's vice-chair, Senator Staci Appel, who represents Indianola and surrounding areas in the Iowa Legislature.
This year I'm spending Fridays visiting communities throughout our Senate District, which includes Madison and Warren counties, as well as the southwest portion of Dallas County. On February 8, I spent the day in Earlham, a town of about 1,300 in northwest Madison County.
	My first stop was to LPB, Inc. where I met owner Lars Boerre. LPB is a meat-packing plant and, with 50 employees, the largest employer in Earlham after the school district. As a business owner, Mr. Boerre said he sees real value in teaching financial literacy in the K-12 school system. He also told me about how in his native country, Sweden, retired business leaders are working with young people, passing on their expertise and wisdom to help future generations achieve success.
	I stopped by Montross Pharmacy and spoke with pharmacist Mark Jobst, who grew up in Earlham, about the importance of quality healthcare coverage. Jobst told me that the people of Earlham look out for each other, a sentiment that was evident among all the residents I met that day. Janiece Rater, who runs the front of the store, had just returned from seeing her daughter off for a tour of duty in Egypt. I hope you will join me in keeping Janiece, her daughter and her family in your prayers.
	I met a fascinating young man named Dusten Gratny, who has recently settled in Earlham with his wife, Sarah. Dusten comes from a rodeo background; he trains horses and works with buckin' bulls. We discussed current politics and his impressions of Iowa. I am always glad to see energetic young people with fresh ideas moving into Iowa.
	Some of the best barbeque in the state can be found in Earlham. I have personally hired the Master Griller to cater for me on two different occasions. You can get ahold of owner Jon Horton at 515-758-2200 or visit his Web site at www.MasterGriller.com.
	I toured the Earlham Public Library with Phyllis Sheeley. What a wonderful collection and a terrific children's section!
	After the tour, I held a listening post at the library. Constituents talked to me about livestock confinement issues and the possibility of an ATV park in Earlham. I'm pictured here with Maxine Bussanmans of Bevington, Jim Ross of Earlham, Earlham City Clerk Kathy Timmerman, and Earlham City Billing Clerk Linette Crouch.
	I ate lunch at the Westside Bar & Grill, where I had the best hot beef sandwich (I recommend the half serving --it was huge!). The locals told me to make sure I got to the restaurant before 11:30 a.m. or the special would be sold out. They were right, the place was packed!
	In the afternoon, Ms. Brenda Mason's first-grader welcomed me to their classroom. We read The Little Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly and had a great discussion time. The students had lots of clever questions for me. When I asked them what they think the State Legislature should focus on, they decided that it would be good to pass a law so that no one can bully another person.
	Superintendent Michael Wright gave me tour of the Earlham schools. We were joined by Jan Fletcher, high school principal, and had the chance to discuss educational concerns facing our rural schools, including the local option sales tax that helps support our schools, the model core curriculum to be implemented across Iowa, and vocational training to prepare our young people for skilled jobs. Superintendent Wright and Principal Fletcher are clearly committed to Earlham's students, teachers and families. Mr. Fletcher, who's been a part of the school district for 30 years, said he believes in leadership by service. That's the type of message that will have a positive impact on generations of young people.
	On Feb. 5, leaders from the Iowa House and Senate introduced legislation that could make Iowa the first state in the nation to ensure all children have health insurance. At the podium, Tina Hull, a mother who is unable to afford health insurance for her daughter. From left: Rep. Ro Foege (Mount Vernon), Sen. Jack Hatch (Des Moines), Rep. Mark Smith (Marshalltown), Sen. Amanda Ragan (Mason City), and Sen. Staci Appel (Ackworth).
	Indianola resident Joe Weinman met with Sen. Staci Appel of Ackworth during his visit to the Capitol on Feb. 5 for Insurance Day on the Hill. Weinman is a member of the Independent Insurance Agents of Iowa.
	On Feb. 2, Sen. Staci Appel (Ackworth) presented Boy Scout Troop 122 with a proclamation from Governor Chet Culver in honor of the Troops 75th anniversary. Troop 122, led by Scout Master Patti Campidilli, is sponsored by the First United Methodist Church in Indianola, where Sen. Appel and her family attend services.
	Senator Staci Appel of Ackworth hosted Pastor Linda Stueve, who served as Pastor of the Day at the Capitol on Jan. 31. Stueve gave the opening prayer in the House and Senate chambers. She is a pastor at of First United Methodist Church in Indianola, where Senator Appel and her family attend services.
	On January 30, members of the United Way of Iowa visited the Statehouse to thank the Legislature and Governor Culver for supporting last year’s “2-1-1” initiative. 2-1-1 is a free 24-hour referral helpline that allows callers to speak with trained professionals about a wide variety of health and human services. The service is available in all of Iowa’s 99 counties and receives more than 20,000 calls a month. Iowans can also access information by going to www.211iowa.org. The support that 2-1-1 received from the Legislature last year is enabling the United Way to better serve Iowans by developing a single database of organizations and services. The program is nationally recognized for its effectiveness during disasters and crisis recovery efforts. From left: Don Brown of Indianola, I, and Kate Walton of Indianola.
	I talked with members of the Polk County Medical Society at the Iowa Statehouse on January 30. We discussed their ideas for recruiting new physicians to Iowa, as well as ways to increase the affordability and access to high-quality health care here in Iowa. From left: Dr. Alan Koslow, president of the Polk County Medical Society, Roger Hansen, and I.
	The proven benefits of doing more with less energy was a hot topic this week at the Iowa Statehouse. I talked with Bill McAnally, chair of Industrial Technology at Iowa Central Community College in Fort Dodge, and Simon Lindner, a 2007 graduate of his carpentry program. They told me about how modern building techniques result in new homes that use 65% less energy than older homes. Saving energy is actually creating jobs and improving the budgets of businesses and families across Iowa. To learn more, contact Bill at McAnally@iowacentral.edu. From left: Lindner, McAnally, and I.
	I talked with Rick Tuttle of Peru and small-business owner Maxine Bussanmans of Bevington at a town hall meeting in Winterset on Jan. 26. Please join me for upcoming Winterset forums at 9 a.m. on Feb. 23, March 29 and April 26. The meetings are held at Farmers & Merchants State Bank.
I spent Friday, January 25 meeting with citizens in Milo, a small town in southeast Warren County. I had the opportunity to listen to the concerns of local citizens and see how legislative efforts have helped the community. One of my first stops was at the largest employer in town, the Milo Locker, owned by Darrell Goering. Goering employs 11 people in Milo and had several concerns about small businesses and the possibility of universal healthcare. I am truly impressed by his commitment to his family and business.
	My next stop was at the Milo Library. While there I met with Renee Minton and discussed state funding for libraries and how it impacts the Milo Library. State funding has helped the library purchase wireless routers so that patrons can access the Internet from all library computers. Funding has also helped bolster the library’s media archives.
	For lunch, I visited the Main Street Station., owned by City Councilman Jeff Knight. The food was great, and I was joined by Mayor Chester Crouse, Councilwoman Renee Minton and firefighters Elden Emmick and Jeremy Cross. We discussed the first two weeks of the 2008 legislative session and the possibility of achieving universal healthcare in Iowa.
	I finished my day in Milo with a visit to Southeast Warren Primary Center, the local school for children in pre-school through third grade. I had the privilege of observing the new pre-school program, which received funding from a new preschool initiative that spearheaded last year. I also stopped by Ms. Williams’ second-grade class to read to the students and in Ms Young’s third-grade classroom to play "20 questions" with the students.
	A wide variety of groups dedicated to protecting and improving Iowa’s soil, air, and water braved the bitter cold to visit the Statehouse on January 24. Tim Palmer of Madison County talked with me about local environmental issues.
	Erin Bradford, an AmeriCorps Wildlife Habitat Specialist from Winterset, was also on hand to discuss Iowa's natural resources.
	I had the chance to meet with former State Senator Norm Rodgers and his grandson, Zach Rodgers, when they visited Lt. Governor Patty Judge's office at the State Capitol Jan. 23.
	I spoke with Senior Des Moines Police Officer Ted Stroope when he visited the Statehouse Jan. 23 on behalf of the Iowa Association of Chiefs of Police and Peace Officers. We talked about the unique challenges law enforcement officers face on the job every day and what the Legislature can do to help them keep the rest of us safe. (Credit: Hans Erickson)
	Governor Chet Culver met Jan. 22 with the Legislature's leaders on education issues. Culver and lawmakers are committed to keeping promises made last year to help middle-class families by improving teacher pay, expanding access to high-quality child care, and holding the line on tuition costs. Pictured, from left: Culver, Lt. Governor Patty Judge, Sen. Staci Appel of Ackworth, vice-chair of the Senate Education Committee, and Sen. Brian Schoenjahn of Arlington, chair of the Senate Education Committee. (1/22/08)
	Chris Grandstaff, a single father in Winterset, visited the Iowa Statehouse January 15 to talk with legislators about an agency that is helping his family better their lives. Grandstaff has been working with Kristie Davidson from MATURA Action Corp. in Creston, an organization that provides state-funded services to Madison County families working to achieve self-sufficiency. Grandstaff said Davidson’s efforts to help him apply for veterans benefits and Social Security disability benefits were a turning point in his life. Grandstaff is pictured here with Davidson and State Senator Staci Appel of Ackworth, who represents Winterset in the Iowa Senate.
	Senator Staci Appel of Ackworth opened the 2008 legislative session January 14 at the Iowa Statehouse with her clerk, Joe Winn. Appel said her primary goal this year is to keep making progress on commitments made last session to improve teacher pay, expand access to quality child care, limit increases on college tuition, make health care more affordable, and boost the state's economy through the Iowa Power Fund initiative. Appel said there is no reason for the state to break its promises at a time when the state's rainy day funds are the highest level ever and there is more than half a billion dollars in the state's savings accounts.
During 2007, the Warren County Philanthropic Partnership received $77,800 in County Endowment Funds. The Partnership recently used the money to award eight grants to not-for-profit organizations in four local communities. The awards were presented by Libby Minert, president of the Partnership, and board member Senator Staci Appel in a ceremony on January 10. In addition to the grant recipients pictured below, the Carlisle Soccer Club received $5,000 to buy a lawn mower; Children & Families of Iowa received $2,500 for an initiative that teaches families how to maintain safe, clean homes; and Trinity United Presbyterian Church in Indianola was awarded $5,000 to purchase computers and office equipment for its WeLift program, which helps adults achieve financial stability.
	The Indianola Chamber of Commerce received $3,700 to make a promotional video. Pictured, from left: Minert, Appel, Denise Day, Nancy Goering, Rachel Gocken, and Ardene Downing.
	The Carlisle Area Historical Society was awarded $5,000 to re-wire the historic Randleman house, which is being refurbished as a museum. Pictured, from left: Minert, Appel, Danny Roach, and Mary Sue & Rob VanRyswyk.
	The City of New Virginia got a $5,000 grant, which will be used to complete a community building at Gerry Allen Park. Pictured, from left: Minert, Appel, Karen Cooley, and Ann Borseth.
	WOOF, the Indianola Dog Park Committee, received $5,000 for fencing and water stations at an off-leash play area for dogs and their owners. Pictured, from left: Minert, Appel, Dan Reinke, Terri Sinn, and Glen Cowan.
	Red Rock Area Community Action in Indianola was awarded $700 to purchase lawn-maintenance equipment for their Chore Services Program. Pictured, from left: Minert, Laura Cogswell, and Appel.
	I attended the Des Moines Register Democratic Presidential Debate on Dec. 13, where my son Theodore and I had the chance to talk with Sen. Hillary Clinton and her daughter, Chelsea.