DOCSLIB.ORG

Ground the Drones at Iowa Air National Guard

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Ground the Drones at Iowa Air National Guard The voice of the Des Moines Catholic Worker community JULY 2018 WWW.DMCATHOLICWORKER.ORG VOLUME 42, NO. 2 Ground the Drones at Iowa Air National Guard By Frank Cordaro Julie Brown spoke at the rally. She had just St. Ambrose Cathedral, where we will be Center: returned from Iraqi Kurdistan, where she begging the Bishop to join the effort against The first document is the one-page Mis- On May 19, Armed Forces Day, members works with Christian Peacemaker Teams. the Des Moines Drone Command Center in sion Statement found in the 132nd Wing’s of Veterans for Peace, Des Moines Catholic In her speech, Julie helped us bridge the accordance with the United States Bishops’ Intake (vol. 32, issue 4, April 2017, p. 9). This Worker, and Iowa’s religious community distance between us and our bombs by 2014 statement, which found the United document clearly states the three specialized held a rally and direct action at the Iowa Air sharing about the people she serves in Iraqi States’ drone warfare to be immoral and un- career certifications in which the Des Moines National Guard’s Drone Command Center Kurdistan who have been bombed by the just. August 6-9 commemorates the United Drone Command is operating. It states that on the south side of Des Moines. United States. States’ nuclear bombings of Hiroshima and their missions include to find, kill, and assess Our featured speaker was Elliott Adams, Des Moines Catholic Worker Frank Nagasaki, Japan. killings of targeted people anywhere on the co-chair of Creating a Culture of Peace’s Cordaro gave the closing speech. He gave This year we are going to end our three- planet from Des Moines, Iowa. board of directors, Meta Peace Team Train- an overall rationale for why the Iowa Drone day vigil with a march from St. Ambrose Ca- The second document is the “January 2014 ing Committee member, former president Command Center gets away with commit- thedral to the Drone Command Center for - Background on Armed Drones” two-page of Veterans for Peace, and friend of many ting war crimes from an active war zone, a rally and direct action at 11 a.m., the time statement from the United States Catholic Catholic Workers and peace and justice while the local Christian community ignores the United States dropped the atomic bomb Bishops, signed by Des Moines’ Bishop Pates, activists all over the country. At the rally, El- its existence. on Nagasaki, Japan on August 9, 1945. who at the time was the Chair of the United liott was introduced by Des Moines Catholic At the conclusion of the rally, Frank and States Bishops’ Committee on International Worker and Veterans for Peace Chapter 163, Elliot peacefully crossed onto base property Weekly Saturday Vigils at the Drone Com- Justice and Peace. Gil Landolt (read Elliott’s speech on p. 3). and were ordered to leave. In an act of civil mand Center: Any fair reading of these two docu- Area priests, pastors, and other religious disobedience, they refused to leave and were ments will plainly show the immorality of leaders were also asked to join the rally arrested. Both spent the night in jail, pled The Des Moines Catholic Worker and the Drone Command Center’s mission and and show their public disapproval of the guilty to trespassing at jail court, and were Veterans for Peace have restarted our weekly work. The state of Christianity in Iowa is drone command mission and presence in fined and released the following day. one-hour vigils at the Drone Command up for grabs! Christians in Iowa are sorely Des Moines. We were blessed to have four Center on Saturdays at 4 p.m. Please join us! lacking in moral leadership when it comes to religious leaders show up. They included Future Actions We need more Iowa pastors, priests and the Iowa-based war zone, where, every day Reverend Bob Cook, a Presbyterian pas- religious leaders to make a public stand op- in Des Moines, Iowans are committing war tor in Vale, Iowa, Reverend Chet Guinn, a August 6-9, Second Annual Vigil at St. posing the mission of Iowa’s Drone Com- crimes from a computer. This needs to be retired Methodist Minister in Des Moines, Ambrose Cathedral & August 9th Rally and mand Center as immoral, unjust and illegal, stopped, and we have the power to stop it! and Sisters Elaine and Jeanie Hagedorn, who Direct Action at Drone Command Center: based on our Christian just war and human are both blood sisters and Sisters of Humility rights traditions and teachings. I recommend Will you join us? from Des Moines. All four spoke at the rally. The next action in this campaign will two primary documents to assess what is go- In addition, Des Moines Catholic Worker be the second annual August 6-9 vigil at ing on at the Des Moines Drone Command Catholic Workers, faith leaders, and community members gather at the Drone Command Center in Des Moines to protest the killing of innocent civilians abroad 2 via pacis | JULY 2018 via pacis Editorial: On Russiagate c/o Des Moines Catholic Worker By Patrick Stall. PO Box 4551 This article originally appeared June 25, 2017 on the Democratic Left blog. Des Moines, IA 50305 The palace intrigue around Donald numbers of everyday people taking the streets to 515-214-1030 Trump’s ties to Russia which has been stewing since demonstrate, but the Russian media narrative, just before the 2016 election has reached a fever congressional testimonies concerning it, and any EDITOR pitch. The capitalist press bombards us daily with impeachment trial that might come of it grants Jade Suganuma, Jakob Whitson, Bozena Scheidel the latest revelations in an endless saga of allega- agency (the ability to meaningfully have an impact tions and denials of collusion between Trump’s on events) to political and media elites. Impeach- LAYOUT campaign and the Russian government; liberal ment hearings, congressional testimonies, and Aaron Jorgensen-Briggs, Jade Suganuma, Jakob Whitson, Bozena pundits and centrist Democratic Party officials information leaks are palace intrigues that only a Scheidel now spend their days screeching at anyone who select few can effect, leaving the rest of us specta- SUBSCRIPTIONS will listen about Helinski, Trump, and treason. A tors to our own political fates. Further, the Russia- via pacis is published quarterly. How to subscribe: mail, email, or phone small but growing chorus, mostly of Democratic gate narrative itself is wholly alienating to the vast your name and address to the editor. Party operatives and media personalities, but also a majority ofAmericans: what does a working person handful of the party faithful on the ground, is now with less than $500 in their saving account, working THEDES MOINES CATHOLIC WORKER COMMUNITY openly calling for the President’s impeachment. fifty hours a week and still having trouble paying The Des Moines Catholic Worker Community, founded in 1976, is a How should we on the Left react to these calls? the bills, care about Vladimir Putin? response to the Gospel call to compassionate action as summarized by the Trump is a reprehensible man who espouses and But if an impeachment is truly unlikely, if Catholic Worker tradition. practices racist, sexist, and hyper-capitalist poli- it’s likely effects are less than desirable, We are committed to a simple, nonviolent lifestyle as we live and work tics. His policies are even now having devastating why are liberal celebrities pushing this narrative? In among the poor. We directly serve others by opening the Dingman House as a drop-in center for those in need of food, clothing, toiletries, use of a effects on undocumented immigrants and refugees: fact, the elites discussing this ‘Russian phone, toilet, shower, or just a cup of coffee and conversation. We also there is a certain urgency to resisting and removing interference’ have good reason to push this particu- engage in activities that advocate social justice. the President. And this urgency has been trans- lar story. Neoliberal Democrats, unable to lated into words and action. There was a start-up accept responsibility for their unpopular policies BECOMING A DES MOINES CATHOLICWORKER movement to convince members of the Electoral and candidates (Hillary Clinton) losing their We are open to new community members. For information about join- College to not vote for Trump in December 2016, party the election in November, are cynically seek- ing our mission, contact any community member or visit our website: even before the spectacular Women’s March and ing to shift the blame onto a favorite old foe, www.dmcatholicworker.org. JFK protests. Meanwhile, the Democratic Party elite Russia. Following the 2016 loss, the Democratic have become single-issue partisans, demanding an Party had an opportunity to move to the left and MAILING ADDRESS impeachment of the President based on his alleged democratize the party by welcoming introspection Des Moines Catholic Worker Tuesday 3pm-6:30pm ties with Russia. But while the impulse that moti- Instead, they have chosen to blame the Russians, PO Box 4551 vates cries of Russian interference and calls for allowing establishment Democrats to maintain their Des Moines IA 50305 impeachment comes from a laudable place - revul- current policy positions and pretend nothing is BISHOP DINGMAN HOUSE sion to Trump’s brand of reaction - attempts to wrong, all the while creating a new foreign enemy impeach Trump or inflate the ‘Russian interference’ to wage bloody proxy wars with. Placing blame (Drop-in Center and Business Phone) Monday CLOSED 1310 7th St. Des Moines, IA 50314 Tuesday 3pm-6:30pm narrative are both wrong-headed on the Russians strengthens the establishment 515-214-1030 Wednesday CLOSED strategically and counterproductive for the Left Democrats and their corporate agenda, while rais- Residents: Thursday 3pm-6:30pm Friday 3pm-6:30pm generally.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Iowa MRPC 2017 Annual Report
    Iowa Mississippi River Parkway Commission 2016-2017 Annual Report September 2017 Edith Reiss Pfeffer, Chair Iowa Mississippi River Parkway Commission 2016-2017 Iowa Mississippi River Parkway Commission Explore Iowa’s Great River Road Jane Regan, Treasurer Allamakee County Jenna Pollack Clayton County John Goodmann, Secretary Dubuque County Vacant Jackson County Edith Pfeffer, Chair Clinton County Scott Tunnicliff Scott County Daniel Petersen, Vice-Chair Muscatine County Jay Schweitzer Louisa County Lisa Walsh Des Moines County Martin Graber Lee County Contents MISSION STATEMENT ................................................................................................................ 1 VISION .......................................................................................................................................... 1 GOALS AND OBJECTIVES......................................................................................................... 2 IOWA MRPC STRUCTURE ......................................................................................................... 3 Iowa MRPC Commission and Technical Members ....................................................................... 3 IOWA MRPC COMMISSION MEETINGS .................................................................................... 6 2016-2017 IOWA COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES ............................................................... 7 IOWA MRPC BUDGET .............................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • City of Iowa City’S Sustainability Offices
    Table of Contents What is Green Iowa AmeriCorps?........................................................................................... 3 Energy and Community............................................................................................................ 4 Position Descriptions.............................................................................................................................. 5-7 Center for Energy & Environmental Education............................................................................. 8-9 City of Dubuque Sustainability Offices.............................................................................................. 10 City of Iowa City’s Sustainability Offices............................................................................................ 11 Greater DSM Habitat for Humanity..................................................................................................... 12 Matthew 25.................................................................................................................................................. 13 Winnieshiek Energy District................................................................................................................... 14 Land and Water Stewards...................................................................................................... 15 Center for Energy & Environmental Education........................................................................ 16-20 Dubuque County Conservation Board.......................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Jefferson Stereoptics & SADDY STEREOVIEW CONSIGNMENT AUCTIONS ($5.00)
    Jefferson Stereoptics & SADDY STEREOVIEW CONSIGNMENT AUCTIONS ($5.00) John Saddy 787 Barclay Road London Ontario N6K 3H5 CANADA Tel: (519) 641-4431 Fax: (519) 641-0695 Website: www.saddyauctions.com E-mail: [email protected] AUCTION #16-1 Phone, mail, fax, and on-line auction with scanned images. CLOSING DATES: 9:00 p.m. Eastern Thursday, March 17, 2016 Lots 1 to 474 (Part 1) & Friday, March 18, 2016 Lots 475 to 938 (Part 2) In the event of a computer crash or other calamity, this auction will close one week later. IMPORTANT: PLEASE NOTE 6% “BUYER’S PREMIUM” I REGRET THAT I HAVE TO CHARGE EVERYONE WHO BIDS IN MY STEREOVIEW AUCTIONS A 6% "BUYER'S PREMIUM". (We will absorb Paypal charges.) The amount will be automatically added to the invoice. I have never charged a "Buyer's Premium" before, but I know how hard my wife and I work and after expenses, how little we are compensated and we feel this is entirely justified. We thank you in advance for your understanding. Your business is very much appreciated. BIDDING RULES AND TERMS OF SALE AUTOMOBILES & OTHER MOTOR VEHICLES 119, 410, 432, 518, 521, 548, 554, 556, 587, 603, 672, 768, 881 1. All lots sold to the highest bidder. BANKS & MONEY 126, 265, 527 2. Minimum increments: Up to $100, $3., $101 or higher, $10. (Bids only even dollars, no BELGIUM, HOLLAND - NETHERLANDS 49, 635, 640, 747 to 750 change.) BICYCLES, TRICYCLES, VELOCIPEDE 105, 146, 147, 159, 262, 286, 289, 540, 547 3. Maximum Bids accepted, winning bidder pays no more than one increment above BOATS, SHIPS, MARINE (use Search Engine) 2nd highest bid.
    [Show full text]
  • The Iowa State Capitol Fire 19041904 Contentse Introduction the Iowa State Capitol Fire: 1904…………………………1
    The Iowa State Capitol Fire 19041904 Contentse Introduction The Iowa State Capitol Fire: 1904…………………………1 Section One Executive Council Report…………………...………………..3 Section Two Senate and House Journals…………………………….…...4 Section Three Pictures……………………………………………………...……..6 Section Four Fireproof……………………………………………………...….13 Section Five 1904 Iowa Newspaper Articles………..…………...…...19 Section Six Capitol Commission Report………………………………...68 November 2012 The Iowa State Capitol Fire January 4, 1904 Introduction The Iowa State Capitol Fire: 1904 The Iowa State Capitol Fire: 1904 1 Introduction The Iowa State Capitol Fire: 1904 he twenty-first century Iowa State Capitol contains state-of-the-art fire T protection. Sprinklers and smoke detectors are located in every room and all public hallways are equipped with nearby hydrants. The Des Moines Fire Department is able to fight fires at nearly any height. However, on Monday morning, January 4, 1904, the circumstances were much different. By the beginning of 1904, the Capitol Improvement Commission had been working in the Capitol for about two years. The commissioners were in charge of decorating the public areas of the building, installing the artwork in the public areas, installing a new copper roof, re-gilding the dome, replacing windows, and connecting electrical lines throughout. Electrician H. Frazer had been working that morning in Committee Room Number Five behind the House Chamber, drilling into the walls to run electrical wires and using a candle to light his way. The investigating committee determined that Frazer had left his work area and had neglected to extinguish his candle. The initial fire alarm sounded at approximately 10 a.m. Many citizen volunteers came to help the fire department.
    [Show full text]
  • Some Do's and Don'ts During Your Visit
    Advocate’s Guide to Visiting the Iowa Capitol To learn more about advocacy at the state capitol, contact Sheila Hansen at [email protected] or visit www.commongoodiowa.org. Thank you so much for coming to Des Moines to meet with your legislators! You are about to participate in one of the most important and effective strategies to influence the legislative process and help ensure future public support for programs and services for young children. Furthermore, you can take pride in knowing that your visit to your legislative delegation contributes to our great democratic process and sets an example for others to follow. The purpose of your visit is to educate legislators about the importance of the issues you care about — and how their support can advance opportunity for Iowans. What is Your Legislator’s Job? Your Iowa legislators do more than just vote “aye” or “nay” on bills. They are responsible for: Lawmaking • Studying, discussing and voting on proposed legislation • Allocating money to state agencies and programs • Creating, modifying and abolishing state laws and programs as necessary • Settling conflicts, righting injustices and making authoritative decisions Representing • Serving constituents living in the district • Doing what is in the best interest of the state as a whole • Acting as a liaison between citizens and state government Monitoring • Overseeing the work of departments and agencies funded by the Legislature • Ensuring that laws are being carried out according to legislative intent • Confirming the Governor’s appointments and responding to vetoes • Keeping the lawmaking process open and honest The information you share with them will help them effectively fulfil their responsibilities.
    [Show full text]
  • Iowa and the Underground Railroad
    Iowa and the Underground Railroad Iowa played an important role in antislavery and Underground Railroad activity It’s still surprising to many Iowans to learn that the state's earliest settlers played in important role in antislavery and Underground Railroad efforts in the years leading up to the Civil War. Though slaves were escaping and being helped to freedom from the early days of slavery in the United States, the phenomena known as the Underground Railroad lasted from about 1830 to 1861. Neither underground or an actual railroad, the term alluded to a loose network of sympathetic individuals and groups that were willing to risk life and liberty to help these fugitive slaves as they headed for the free states of the North and Canada. Antislavery and underground railroad participants who operated north-of-the-border states knew Iowa as their westernmost free-state link. The risks of this already dangerous activity of helping escapees increased on September 18, 1850 when the United States Congress passed the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850. It required the United States government to aid in returning escaped slaves and punish those who hindered it. Nevertheless, a number of Iowa's earliest settlers, often motivated by religious convictions and a marked appreciation of the principles of individual rights and personal liberty, provided shelter, transport, and material support for the travelers on this trail to freedom. The State Historical Society of Iowa conducted historical research and fieldwork through the Iowa Freedom Trail Project. This project sought to document Underground Railroad activities throughout Iowa by identifying individuals and groups who were involved with these activities and the places where these events occurred in Iowa.
    [Show full text]
  • Iowa State Capitol Building AND/OR COMMON
    HATA Form No. 10-300 , \& tfW»M \Ji I * l\ SHEET UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES INVENTORY - NOMINATION FORM SEE INSTRUCTIONS IN HOW TO COMPLETE NATIONAL REGISTER FORMS __________TYPE ALL ENTRIES -- COMPLETE APPLICABLE SECTIONS______ | NAME HISTORIC _____Iowa State Capitol Building AND/OR COMMON LOCATION STREET & NUMBER Grand Ave. and E. 12th Street _NOT FOR PUBLICATION CITY. TOWN CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT Des Moines VICINITY OF 4 STATE CODE COUNTY CODE Iowa Polk CLASSIFICATION CATEGORY OWNERSHIP STATUS PRESENT USE —DISTRICT X.PUBLIC ^-OCCUPIED —AGRICULTURE —MUSEUM .XBUILDING(S) —PRIVATE —UNOCCUPIED —COMMERCIAL —PARK —STRUCTURE —BOTH —WORK IN PROGRESS —EDUCATIONAL —PRIVATE RESIDENCE —SITE PUBLIC ACQUISITION ACCESSIBLE —ENTERTAINMENT —RELIGIOUS —OBJECT _IN PROCESS —YES: RESTRICTED X.GOVERNMENT —SCIENTIFIC —BEING CONSIDERED X_YES: UNRESTRICTED —INDUSTRIAL —TRANSPORTATION _NO —MILITARY —OTHER: OWNER OF PROPERTY NAME State of Iowa STREET & NUMBER CITY, TOWN STATE VICINITY OF LOCATION OF LEGAL DESCRIPTION COURTHOUSE. REGISTRY OF DEEDS.ETC. Secretary Q f State> p ffice STREET & NUMBER Iowa Statehouse CITY. TOWN STATE Des Moines Iowa REPRESENTATION IN EXISTING SURVEYS TITLE DATE —FEDERAL —STATE —COUNTY —LOCAL DEPOSITORY FOR SURVEY RECORDS CITY. TOWN STATE DESCRIPTION CONDITION CHECK ONE CHECK ONE —EXCELLENT —DETERIORATED X.UNALTERED ^.ORIGINAL SITE X.GOOD —RUINS —ALTERED —MOVED DATE. _FAIR _UNEXPOSED DESCRIBE THE PRESENT AND ORIGINAL (IF KNOWN) PHYSICAL APPEARANCE The cornerstone of the Iowa 8tate Capitol, more commonly called the Statehouse, was laid on November 23, 1871. It was dedicated on January 17, 1884, and com­ pleted around 1886. The Statehouse in form and plan is a classic state capitol design of symmetrical wings dominated by a central dome.
    [Show full text]
  • Leopold Letter Winter 2012 Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture
    Leopold Letter Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture Winter 2012 Leopold Letter Winter 2012 Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture Follow this and additional works at: http://lib.dr.iastate.edu/leopold_letter Part of the Agriculture Commons, and the Sustainability Commons Recommended Citation Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture, "Leopold Letter Winter 2012" (2012). Leopold Letter. 59. http://lib.dr.iastate.edu/leopold_letter/59 This Book is brought to you for free and open access by the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture at Iowa State University Digital Repository. It has been accepted for inclusion in Leopold Letter by an authorized administrator of Iowa State University Digital Repository. For more information, please contact [email protected]. A NEWSLETTER OF THE LEOPOLD CENTER FOR SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE VOL. 24 NO. 4 WINTER 2012 Crop rotation study makes national media splash By MELISSA LAMBERTON, Leopold Center graduate research assistant INSIDE THIS ISSUE recently published study with professor and a principal investigator of Leopold Center origins that shows the project. A how diversifying crop rotations can The results were published in a peer- create profitable and sustainable farms has reviewed online journal, PLoS ONE, found an enthusiastic audience. on October 10. Since then the article The experiment, begun in 2002 has been viewed more than 15,000 at ISU’s Marsden Farm with funding times. The research has been featured from the Leopold Center and the U.S. in national media such as the New York Department of Agriculture, compares a Times, Discover, Wired Science and Grist, 6 conventional corn-soybean system with as well as local and regional newspapers two alternatives, a three-year rotation that and the radio programs Talk of Iowa and adds small grains and a red clover cover Successful Farming Radio.
    [Show full text]
  • Iowa Network Against Human Trafficking and Slavery (NAHT) Board of Directors Meeting Minutes Wednesday, January 17, 2018, 11:30 A.M
    Iowa Network Against Human Trafficking and Slavery (NAHT) Board of Directors Meeting Minutes Wednesday, January 17, 2018, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Face-to-Face Board meeting and no conference call Iowa State Capitol, Senate Room 116 Present: George Belitsos (Chair), Liz Cox (Vice Chair), Sr Shirley Fineran, Joy Fopma, Taylor Houston, Brynne Howard, Jennie Kerger, Liz Quinn (Fitzgerald Proxy), Shirlee Reding, Bernadette Rixner, Erin Schneider, Maggie Tinsman (Secretary), Suzanne Wright Excused: Jan Beran (Treasurer), Teresa Davidson, Stephen O’Meara, Alissa Stoehr Guests: Alyce Egan, Braking Traffik; David Lorenzen, Chief, MVE IA DOT Truckers Against Trafficking; Roxanne Ryan, Commissioner, Department of Public Safety Office to Combat Human Trafficking; Celine Villongco, Human Trafficking Coordinator, Office of the Iowa Attorney General Crime Victim Assistance Division In audience: Del and Georgia Bluhm (Rotary), Kathryn Bly, Brenda Brown, Sara Brown (YSS TAHT), Elizabeth Carman (Beza Threads), Sandy Chandonia, Priscilla Colon, Patricia Conlan, Megan Cox, Lauren Gildersleeve (Garden Gate Ranch), Yolanda Harden (YSS TAHT), Pat Harmeyer (IA DOT), Chuck Hurley (Family Leader), Lynn Keller (Newton Says No to Human Trafficking), Amber Lawrence (YSS TAHT), Brenda Long, Paula McClintic, Cherice McNair, Vanessa McNeal, Lauryn Muzny (Children’s Justice IA Courts), Linda Pierce (Newton Says No to Human Trafficking), Kelly Saul (Braking Traffik), Kevin Schneider (Polk Co), Shannon Schott (YSS TAHT), Steffani Simbric (IA LE Academy), Emily Whitehead, Kevin Winker (IA DPS), Taking Minutes: Margaret Epplin Call to Order and Roll Call The meeting was called to order by Chair Belitsos. Roll call was taken. Guests and Board members introduced themselves. Review today's agenda.
    [Show full text]
  • IOWA ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION - Birding Sites in Polk County Printed on 4/6/2020
    IOWA ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION - Birding Sites in Polk County Printed on 4/6/2020 Ashworth Park (eBird Hotspot) (Important Bird Area) GPS Coordinates: 41.5754971,-93.6830641 Ownership: City Description: Habitat: Directions: Amenities: Big Creek SP (eBird Hotspot) (Important Bird Area) GPS Coordinates: 41.816873,-93.7511444 Ownership: State Description: A state park probably best known for fishing and sailing, Big Creek was created during the building of Saylorville Reservoir and the building of the Big Creek dam and spillway. Habitat: Mostly edge habitat surrounds the park but it can be attractive to a number of passerine species. Most birders go to Big Creek for waterfowl and gulls. Directions: At the northern end of the Sayloville Lake area in Polk Co. Take Hwy. 415 a little over 1.5 miles north out of Polk City to the park entrance. Amenities: Restrooms | Drinking Water | Parking | Trails | Brown's Woods (eBird Hotspot) (Important Bird Area) GPS Coordinates: 41.5462314,-93.7084007 Has Site Guide Ownership: County Description: This county preserve is upland timber along the south banks of the Raccoon River. Amenities are few and trails may be steep but the birding is great. Habitat: Upland timber that often hosts many otherwise difficult to find birds such as Summer Tanager and Pileated Woodpecker. Directions: From I-235 inn West Des Moines: Take the 63rd St exit, and head south for about 3 miles to Brown's Woods Dr. Take a right at the stoplight and follow the signs. Amenities: Parking | Trails | Capitol Complex GPS Coordinates: 41.5903341597234,-93.6032296616211 Ownership: State Description: The Iowa State Capitol Complex has hosted breeding Western Kingbirds for a number of years.
    [Show full text]
  • Iowa State Capitol VISITOR GUIDE Preface
    Iowa State Capitol VISITOR GUIDE PREFACE In 1969, State legislators called for the preparation of a booklet for distribution to State Capitol visitors to call attention to the beauties of the Iowa State Capitol Building, stating that “the citizens of the State of Iowa can point with justifiable pride to the magnificence of the architectural structure of their Capitol Building” and that “the history of the building is an important facet of the heritage and development of the State.” Following this tradition of showcasing the State Capitol building, the Legislative Services Agency, on behalf of the Iowa General Assembly, has created this revised Iowa State Capitol Visitor Guide devoted to presenting the building in a pictorial format to the public as one of the State’s most recognizable symbols and treasured landmarks. The book is intended to serve as a guided tour of the building and the surrounding grounds and monuments, as a reference guide, and as a lasting keepsake of a memorable visit to the Iowa State Capitol. Proceeds from the sale of the book, as with all Capitol Gift Shop merchandise, are used to maintain and expand the Gift Shop’s selection of State Capitol and Iowa-themed items and to support educational outreach activities conducted by the Capitol Tour Guides. Book layout and design assistance was provided by Heuss Printing in Ames, Iowa. Photographs were furnished by Gary Hoard Photography in Madrid, Iowa. The General Assembly Seal was designed by Steve Pyle of Pyle and Associates, Des Moines, Iowa. March 2016 TABLE OF CONTENTS
    [Show full text]
  • Pieces of Iowa's Past
    Pieces of Iowa’s Past This Week: Jeremiah Smith Built Iowa’s First Capitol April 3, 2019 Pieces of Iowa’s Past, published by the Iowa State Capitol Tour Guides weekly during the Legislative Session, features historical facts about Iowa, the Capitol, and the early workings of state government. All italicized text/block quotes in this document are taken directly from historical publications with the actual spelling, punctuation, and grammar retained. Jeremiah Smith Built Iowa’s First Capitol Jeremiah Smith Jr. (also known as Major Smith) built the first Capitol in the Iowa District of Wisconsin Territory. Smith was born in Ohio in March 1802 and moved with his family to Illinois. He served in the Mounted Rifle Brigade in 1832 during the Black Hawk War. Smith arrived in Burlington in 1833 before Iowa became a territory in 1838. He had a farm about a mile and a half outside of town and owned property in town on Water Street along the Mississippi River, where he built a warehouse and a store. Dubuque County Counties within the Wisconsin Territory, 1836, Belmont Capitol (right) and the boarding before the Iowa Territory was house for legislators (left) established Pieces of Iowa’s Past April 3, 20192 Smith was a Representative from Des Moines County (Iowa side of the Mississippi) and Peter Hill Engle was a Representative from Dubuque County at the Wisconsin Territorial Legislature in Belmont, Wisconsin. Smith convinced the Wisconsin Territorial Legislature to move the temporary seat of government to Burlington on the Iowa side of the river by promising to build a “Capitol” using his personal funds.
    [Show full text]