Gov. Branstad this week named Chuck Gipp as the new Director of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Gipp replaces Roger Lande, who resigned the position last week.

“I am excited to name Chuck Gipp as the new director of this important department,” said Branstad of Gipp, who most recently was serving as the Deputy Director of the DNR. “Chuck has an outstanding record of service to this state, and I am pleased he will use his knowledge and talents at the DNR. Iowa has some of the most beautiful scenery, amazing waterways and fertile land in the country, and Chuck shares my belief in protecting these precious resources.
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On the heels of Gov. Mitt Romney clinching the GOP presidential nomination, Iowa House Speaker Kraig Paulsen (R-Hiawatha) and Majority Leader Linda Upmeyer (R-Garner) released the following statements:

“In Iowa, we’re working hard to create an environment for job creators to put Iowans back to work but Barak Obama’s administration has been hostile to our efforts. Gov. Romney understands the economy because he has worked in the economy. He knows what to do on day one – lowering taxes and cutting regulation. Gov. Romney will make a great partner for Iowa in the White House,” said Speaker Kraig Paulsen.
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House Speaker Kraig Paulsen (R-Hiawatha) today commented on the resignation of Rep. Steve Lukan (R-New Vienna) from the Iowa House:

“Rep. Lukan has been a tremendous asset to the Iowa House and the Republican caucus. Steve has worked to move Iowa forward, always putting the needs of Iowans first. While we will miss his leadership in the House, we wish him all the best in his future endeavors.”

Gov. Branstad today named state Rep. Steve Lukan (R-New Vienna) as the new Director of the Iowa Office of Drug Control Policy. Lukan replaces Mark Schouten, who Branstad named as Director of the Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management last November.

“Steve Lukan has demonstrated himself as an exceptional leader in the Iowa House, and will be a great director of this important agency,” said Gov. Branstad. “We have seen the harmful effects of drugs across this state, and I will look to Steve to help us stay ahead of the dangerous trends that often emerge, wreaking havoc on Iowa’s families.”
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• Iowa State plans to focus on faculty additions: GLOBEGAZETTE
• Nuclear emergency planning overhaul draws fire: GAZETTE
• Vilsack says US must prepare for veterans: GAZETTE
• Post-deployment cancer diagnosis ‘taking its toll’: GAZETTE
• Audit faults UNI sex assault policies: QCTIMES
• Recruiting, retaining teachers the topic for task force: RADIO IOWA
• States making fewer gas pump checks: SCJOURNAL
• Iowa official calls for time out on commodity trades: RADIO IOWA
• Republicans statewide face primary challenges: SCJOURNAL
• American workers aren’t using earned vacation time: REGISTER
• Some urge tougher rules related to alcohol and boats: REGISTER
• Iowa restaurant jobs expected to grow by 5.2 percent, say associations: REGISTER
• Condition of Iowa’s parks: REGISTER
• Grassley as a watchdog and as a scold: REGISTER
• Up, down in Iowa’s whiplash economy: OBRADOVICH

Gov. Terry E. Branstad has accepted the resignation of Roger Lande as the director of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. The resignation is effective, today.

The governor thanked Lande for his service to the state of Iowa, and for leading the Department of Natural Resources through two legislative sessions these past 16 months.
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Memorial Day is a sacred day of remembrance to honor those who paid the ultimate price for our freedom. On Memorial Day this year, don’t forget remember and pay respects for those who paid the price for protecting and preserving the freedoms we enjoy.

• Obama calls Romney’s ‘prairie fire’ rhetoric ‘cow pie of distortion’: RADIO IOWA
• Iowa 2nd district GOP hopefuls call for cutting spending, privatizing services: GAZETTE
• UI foundation backed deal for Mason’s spouse: GLOBEGAZETTE
• Feds: sex trafficking ring used backpage.com ads: QCTIMES
• Property values prompt few appeals this year: GAZETTE
• Iowa mom sent to prison for allowing abuse: SCJOURNAL
• USDA reserve to accept 3.9 million acres: REGISTER
• UI foundation issue: it’s about trust: REGISTER

• Workforce Development says more workers needed for ‘middle skill’ jobs: RADIO IOWA
• Officials: Dry spell now won’t stop future flooding: WCFCOURIER
• Cedar Rapids modifying hotel/motel tax funding: GAZETTE
• State releases audit of Iowa Braille and Sight Saving school: RADIO IOWA
• Sioux City casino owner looks at options: QCTIMES
• Report shows Iowa below national average for ‘kinship care’ children: RADIO IOWA
• Sen. Grassley rails against ‘immorality’ of student loan interest rate: WCFCOURIER
• Iowa GOP gives caucuses high marks, need for more training: QCTIMES
• Obama to campaign in Iowa, promote energy plan: GLOBEGAZETTE
• Iowa revenue gains show economy expanding slowly: SCJOURNAL