The stated purpose of the “Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act” (Dole Act) is to improve Department of Veterans Affairs programs for home and community-based services for veterans It also amends and expands employment protections afforded veterans by the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) service members who leave civilian employment for military service have the right to return to their former or equivalent positions with the same benefits if certain conditions are met USERRA prohibits employers from discriminating against employees or applicants based on their military service history It also bars employers from retaliating against employees for exercising their rights under USERRA The Dole Act amends USERRA to give service members and veterans greater protections upon their return to work lawmakers have increasingly turned to editing USERRA to bolster protections for service members and veterans President Biden signed the “Civilian Reservist Emergency Workforce Act of 2021,” or CREW Act which extended USERRA protections to Federal Emergency Management Agency reservists who deploy to major disaster site President Joe Biden signed the Dole Act into law on Jan The Dole Act represents the most recent enhancement expanding safeguards and support for those transitioning back to civilian life as efforts to improve and adapt protections continue We will keep you informed of additional updates as they unfold Please contact a Jackson Lewis attorney with any questions about compliance with USERRA or other workplace laws.  This material is provided for informational purposes only It is not intended to constitute legal advice nor does it create a client-lawyer relationship between Jackson Lewis and any recipient Recipients should consult with counsel before taking any actions based on the information contained within this material This material may be considered attorney advertising in some jurisdictions Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome Footer Contact Us Disclaimer, Privacy and Copyright Accessibility Statement Jackson Lewis P.C Please select what you would like included for printing: Copy the text below and then paste that into your favorite email application a heartwarming spirit who never met a stranger Her joyful presence brought light to those lucky enough to know her and she filled the world with laughter and love until her untimely departure on Friday a fitting tribute to her vibrant personality that shone brightly in every moment of her short life As a beloved member of Cornerstone Church in Madison Daisy embraced her faith with an innocent enthusiasm that touched the hearts of many She had an adventurous spirit that found joy in the wonderful world of dinosaurs often filling her days with playful imagination and boundless curiosity Her love for Jesus was woven intricately into the fabric of who she was guiding her interactions with kindness and warmth who cherished every sweet smile and giggle also hold dear the countless moments they shared with their beloved sibling Becky Fullingim and Ron & Menchie Dole and great grandparents Dan & Pat DelGrosso and also Marie Brown will forever remember her as a bright star who illuminated their lives A visitation to honor Daisy will be held on Friday Donations can be made to Daisy's family by clicking here. Alexander Funeral Home and Cremation Center has been entrusted with Daisy's final arrangements Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors We use cookies to improve your experience Please read our Privacy Policy or click Accept.× Please read our Privacy Policy or click Accept The 118th Congress enacted the fewest laws by far since 1980 But just before the holidays and the adjournment before the new Congress was seated lawmakers rallied to pass the most significant veterans bill of the session–one that This is a law for caregivers and all veterans Signed by then-President Joe Biden in January the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act (Public Law 118–210) is comprehensive and transformative legislation that will improve the lives of veterans and their caregivers on several fronts the Dole Act aims to streamline the disability claims process expand access to job training and employment opportunities and ease burdens for aging and disabled veterans to receive at-home care and much more The Dole Act will make significant improvements to current caregiver support programs within the Department of Veterans Affairs and expand access to home- and community-based services at every VA medical center This will give tens of thousands more veterans the option to receive medical care at home rather than in a facility The legislation will also create a mental health care grant program to support family caregivers and increase the cap from 65% to 100% of the cost of nursing home care for veterans seeking noninstitutional care alternatives potentially providing thousands of dollars more a month in support to eligible veterans and their families “This legislation includes support from several DAV resolutions and will have a profound impact on the health and economic well-being of veterans their families and caregivers,” said DAV National Legislative Director Joy Ilem “It will expand and improve programs and services vital to veterans and helps us deliver on the promises made to those who served.” The new law also includes several provisions related to improving access to and quality of community care including one that requires the VA to reach out to veterans about their community care options The measure allows surviving spouses to maintain eligibility to use certain education benefits upon remarriage includes provisions to boost supportive housing grants and mandates that the VA take a closer look at dental care options for veterans the bill requires the VA to establish a two-year dental care pilot program for enrolled veterans with ischemic heart disease “This is another tremendous victory for veterans and DAV is proud to have a leading role in advocating for legislation that will be life-changing for so many veterans and their families,” said DAV National Commander Daniel Contreras “This expansive package is an excellent example of how elected leaders can collaborate to transform lives for the better.” For more updates on other major veterans legislation, join DAV CAN (Commander’s Action Network) at davcan.org They will help you file a claim and stick with you all through the process because no veteran should have to go at it alone Americans support VA research for better Veteran care and medical advancements Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:Dial 988 then Press 1 and all contributions are tax-deductible according to IRS regulation alongside students from KU and Washburn Law will debate the ethics of medically assisted death in the United States during an upcoming event in Lawrence The program is “a cross between a mock trial and a debate,” according to the Dole Institute of Politics experts will debate the topic “Resolved: Medical Assistance in Dying Should be Legal in the United States.” The event is set for 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, April 24 at the Dole Institute, 2350 Petefish Drive. It will also livestream on the Dole’s YouTube page at this link On the affirmative side are experts Pedro Irigonegaray joined by Washburn University School of Law student Janira Silva KU senior Cas Casmus and KU freshman Ava Levin On the negative side are experts Ed Duckers joined by Washburn Law student Ryan Petersen KU sophomore Jaspreet Kaur and KU junior Harini Sreekanth Read short bios on each of the panelists on the Dole’s event page at this link a member of the Dole’s Student Advisory Board majoring in economics and political science who is on a pre-law track Recent previous topics of “The Counselors” programs include whether the draft should be reinstated and whether U.S. Supreme Court justices should be appointed to fixed terms rather than for life Click here to learn more about our newsletters first This post is by the Lawrence Times news team If you have news tips, questions, comments, concerns, compliments or corrections for our team, please reach out and let us know what’s on your mind. Email us at Hello@LawrenceKSTimes.com (don’t forget the KS!), or find more contact info and a quick contact form at LawrenceKSTimes.com/contact. Follow us so you won’t miss the local news that matters most to you: MORE … Save the date: Lawrence pool to open on Memorial Day Kansas owned and operated publication covering key news and providing important information for the Lawrence and Douglas County We operate without a paywall so that everyone can read our coverage, regardless of ability to pay. Please click here to support us if you are able The Times is a proud “aspiring entrepreneur” member of Local Independent Online News (LION) Publishers We are happy to consider individual requests to republish content; however no content from this site may be republished without express permission Joe and Ashley Fandel took a "leap" when they opened their first ice cream shop The Fandels always thought it would be fun to open an ice cream shop but the concept took off when they spotted a nearly 100-year-old building that once housed a gas station for sale at the corner of Polk City's town square After purchasing the building and opening the shop in 2019 Joe Fandel eventually quit his job in sales to focus on the ice cream business full time The concept behind the Creamery ice cream shop: "Something for everyone," Fandel said More: Get to know the new cocktails on the menu at Hello, Marjorie, divided by spirit now the shop serves 16 rotating flavors of hard pack ice cream including staples such as cookies and cream and "comets," the Creamery's take on Dairy Queen's Blizzards soft-serve options and two flavors of Dole Whip Fandel makes a cookie dough sundae with Cinnaholic's edible cookie dough paired with vanilla soft serve and topped with hot fudge The shop also buys Barn Town Brewing's root beer to make a root beer float Some popular ice cream flavors include salted caramel Fandle dishes out a lemon cheesecake and banana pudding those flavors are replaced with options such as apple crisp and carrot cake Fandel sees the Creamery as the "small town" go-to ice cream shop for people of all ages The store fits well in spots like Polk City and Bondurant but there are still people riding their bikes in town and lots of kids coming by for a sweet treat "(We) love it when families can come in on a Sunday or a Saturday a testament to their "premium" ice cream with prices that don't break the bank Joe Fandel said Ashley Fandel was immediately sold on the spot in the East Village Sandwiched between longtime staples like Aimee boutique white countertop with multicolored ice cream flavors on display behind a clear partition A large black menu board shows an array of treats and toppings behind the counter Joe Fandel said more decorations inside are coming More: The biggest restaurant opening this spring brings sushi back to the East Village Joe Fandel said he's looking forward to being part of the East Village where he's already been welcomed by longtime business owners The East Village has "its own little town feel where people walk or live or do all of their stuff down here," he said the area gets visitors from around the metro More: Black Cat Ice Cream opens its second location in Valley Junction soon. Find out when: Contact: facebook.com The ice cream shop typically closes over the winter months though Fandel says seasonal closures are still being determined Virginia Barreda is the Des Moines city government reporter for the Register Are you ready to join the thousands of companies who rely on Blue Book to drive smarter decisions We’d love to show you what Blue Book can do for you Drop us a line– we’ve been waiting for you 2025) — The innovation team at Dole Fresh Vegetables BB #:124463 continues to shake-up the packaged salad kit segment with four bold new DOLE.. The one new DOLE Chopped Kit and three DOLE Premium Kits — showcasing smash burger cool melon and strawberry poppyseed flavors — are the direct result of expanded research by Dole into the latest taste trends ranging from fruits They also directly leverage 12-month shopper grocery sales and preferences “Dole is using every R&D tool at its disposal — from new consumer insights and culinary partnerships to focus groups involving not just salad loyalists but the growing number of Millennial and Gen Z salad users — to continually evolve the packaged salad experience,” said David Austin Dole Fresh Vegetable’s VP of product innovation The four new kits bring the total number of DOLE Salads offerings to 73 and strengthen the brand’s reputation for pairing Dole lettuces and vegetables with differentiated toppings and dressings in new inspired ways to encourage healthier eating and increased vegetable consumption “This latest launch also strengthens U.S. shopper confidence in the DOLE brand, which was ranked the most-trusted in Salad Kits in the 2025 BrandSpark Most Trusted Awards Presented by Newsweek,” said Austin Now shipping to retail throughout North America the new SKUs officially launch at SEPC Southern Exposure (Booth 928) before joining the Dole refrigerated salad sets at supermarkets in the U.S Teriyaki Pineapple and Garden Herb Chopped Kits and its Backyard BBQ and Teriyaki Pineapple Fresh Takes SKUs For the DOLE Chopped Smash Burger Salad Kit Austin said his team captured all the indulgence of the trending smash burger phenomenon without the bun He cites an 118% growth in the sale of burger-related grocery items over the past year and an anticipated 159% growth in “Smash Burger” menu penetration through 2029 the DOLE Chopped Apple Harvest Salad Kit was designed to leverage the growing proliferation of apple-themed chicken salads at fast casual restaurants nationwide “A special feature is our secret-formula Apple Cider Vinaigrette that blends tangy sweet apple cider Dijon mustard and spices to create a comforting flavor experience.” “Equally trendworthy are our DOLE Chopped Cool Melon Salad Kit and DOLE Chopped Strawberry Poppyseed Salad Kit which capitalize on the growth of the agua fresca and strawberry poppyseed flavor trends as evidenced by whopping annual grocery-component sales increases of 231% and 357% This latest salad kit debut is being supported by a national marketing program encompassing SEPC Southern Exposure trade show trials contact your Dole sales rep at SEPC Southern Exposure (SEPC Booth 928) or to make separate arrangements before or after the show Dole Fresh Vegetables is one of the largest fresh and cut vegetable producers and distributors in North America. The Monterey, Calif.-based division of Dole plc markets a wide range of value-added salads, meal kits, and farm-packed vegetables throughout the U.S., Canada and Mexico through three geographically diverse, state-of-the-art U.S. salad processing plants able to supply its broad retail and foodservice customer base. In the U.S., Dole was ranked as the most-trusted brand in Salad Kits in the 2025 BrandSpark Most-Trusted Brand Awards Presented by Newsweek. The rankings were determined by more than 29,000 American shoppers who shared their insights on which brands they trust most and why.   Get access to all the news and analysis you need to make the right decision --- delivered to your inbox. G&R Farms launches its 2025 Growing America’s Farmers (GAF) program, featuring in-store Vidalia promotions and displays Ray & Mascari Inc. of Indianapolis, Indiana, is recalling 4 Count Vine Ripe Tomatoes packaged in clam shell containers The Chilean/Peruvian offshore season will wrap up over the next four weeks. Expect pricing to increase as the offshore season winds down. The Foundation For Fresh Produce held its annual Consumer Connection Conference April 28-30, 2025, in Plano, TX. Sunkist spotlights the bold, tangy refreshment of California-grown grapefruit and introducing a new way to enjoy it © 2025 Blue Book Services. All Rights Reserved The Marquette community is invited to a retirement celebration honoring Jean Dole chief of staff in the Office of the Executive Vice President Brief remarks will begin at 4:30 p.m.  All are welcome to wish her a happy, well-deserved retirement after 22 years of service to Marquette. RSVP by emailing Katie Klamecki executive assistant to the executive vice president A Nurses Week reflection from Dean Jill Guttormson Residence halls close for summer, May 10  Learn about DE MSN program in Pathways to Nursing event Katie Benson’s introduction to the veteran health-care system Katie had just been diagnosed with Stage IV biphasic mesothelioma I became her unwavering support through the immense challenges that lay ahead Most toxins encountered by Global War on Terror veterans come from our own equipment including burn pits; open-air areas where solid waste But there are numerous other toxins that prey on servicemembers Those who were stationed at Karshi Khanabad (K2) were exposed to depleted uranium Veterans involved with Operation Tomodachi were exposed to radiation after the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant meltdown where her barracks was located near an open-air asbestos pit The average age for mesothelioma diagnoses is 72 years old Katie was told by the VA that her cancer came from normal U.S Her initial service connection claim was denied Katie and her doctors mounted a relentless effort using statistics and pinpointing the exact asbestos pit in Kuwait to prove her case Asking veterans to prove the source of their exposure is not only cruel but impossible It granted many respiratory cancers and conditions presumptive service connection The act also created a process for the VA to add conditions to the presumptive list While others fought for her service connection The five-year survival rate for Stage IV biphasic mesothelioma is nonexistent but Katie defied her three-month prognosis from Sloan Kettering in New York City to MD Anderson in Houston chasing the latest treatments and clinical trials Whenever possible she stayed in our hometown of Portland taking her infusions from one of the best views of our city on the 11th floor of the Franz Oncology Clinic but when her final treatment started to fail in March 2022 the stress of caring for her while maintaining my own career overwhelmed me I suffered a series of heart attacks caused by takotsubo cardiomyopathy; broken heart syndrome and helped her spend her final days with what joy we had left Nights were spent administering morphine every three hours to keep her comfortable Our Multnomah County veterans service officer (VSO) encouraged us to apply for the VA Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) which was meant to help caregivers like me Katie — while on her deathbed — was not sick enough I wouldn’t find out until later the reason for the denial was because she still had the ability to feed procuring a waiver based on Katie’s status as a hospice patient but the initial denial letter was devastating and left us lost In her final hours I sat by her side until she passed recounting our adventures together and reading the prologue from Lord of the Rings I told her "I love you" after each breath she took because I didn't know which would be the last I made sure the last sounds she heard were of love living for three years with Stage IV mesothelioma — a diagnosis that initially came with that grim three-month prognosis as her doctors marveled at her sheer determination and grit embodying the unwavering spirit of an American veteran to join veterans from around the country and demand better care for toxic-exposed veterans through the passage of the PACT Act Katie’s struggle to prove her invisible wounds were service-connected was unnecessary and heartbreaking many lawmakers were working hard behind the scenes knowing the sacred debt our country owes to veterans One such politician was President Joe Biden We shared a moment that goes beyond words when I told him both Beau and Katie would be proud of him The PACT Act was a major step forward but not perfect Its impact reminds us that caring for veterans is a continuous effort Our system of veterans health care is a garden that requires tilling Through the last two years few bills intended to help veterans and their families have passed not even being given the dignity of a vote Many of these bills were named for the fallen servicemembers and caregivers they were championing; Gerald’s Law amplified by The American Legion and its allies when several stalled bills were combined into the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act Because so many bills were wrapped up in this omnibus it became a must pass piece of legislation without much room for negotiation After much effort by The American Legion and allies it passed in the final days of the 118th Senate sent letters signed by the national commander and executive director and — along with our allies — visited all 211 House Democrats in 24 hours to push for this bill A guiding principle of the Elizabeth Dole Act is to allow veterans to be taken care of at home On Jan. 2, Biden signed the legislation into law. Let me tell you what this 90-provision, 256-page document will do beyond declaring it will “improve veteran health care.” This bill, in section 302, will bring the same quality of County Veteran Services I enjoyed in Multnomah County to rural counties and Native Territories across the country, so veterans who choose to live among the trees and plains can enjoy the same level of care as those who live in dense communities. Section 143 ensures when a veteran experiences a service-connected health crisis in a rural state, as we did, the transportation to care is covered and finances are not part of the veteran’s decision to pursue care. Section 303 protects the loved ones of servicemembers who have passed away by repealing the outdated law investigating Gold Star spouses for alleged remarriage. This rule is not well known, but intensely feared by the Gold Star community, and its repeal is a blessing to many. Section 301 provides burial services to veterans who die at home while in receipt of hospice care provided by VA. Most veterans prefer to die at home, but the process is difficult for their loved ones, this removes the additional financial burden of burial. Section 124 mandates that the VA provide detailed explanations and information about alternative services to caregivers denied by the Caregiver Program. This ensures that caregivers, who are already dedicating everything to support an ill veteran are not left feeling abandoned and lost with just a denial letter, as Katie once was. Section 120 will increase the reimbursement cap for disabled veterans being cared for at home, allowing them to afford lifesaving ventilators and other durable equipment, while guaranteeing cost-savings to the American taxpayer. Finally, Section 122 offers essential mental health services to caregivers, providing vital support to combat burnout and emotional exhaustion. These are only seven examples of the 90-section bill that will help caregivers like me who have given their health and very soul to care for veterans who came home sick or injured. Together with the PACT Act, it shows that even in today’s divisive climate, we can honor our veterans and their families through perseverance. Katie’s legacy lives on in this progress. We must continue the work, because every veteran and caregiver deserve dignity, respect and care. Sri Benson, the surviving spouse of Cpl. Katherine Benson, is a Veterans Health Policy Analyst for The American Legion’s Veteran Affairs & Rehabilitation Division. The American Legion National Headquarters:  700 N. Pennsylvania St., P.O Box1055, Indianapolis, IN 46206 Subscribe to The American Legion's e-newsletters to receive important updates, resources, and special offers tailored for veterans and their families. Connecting decision makers to a dynamic network of information, people and ideas, Bloomberg quickly and accurately delivers business and financial information, news and insight around the world Companies in the US retail and consumer sectors are under increasing pressure to consider raising prices amid a brewing trade war 2025 at 10:40 AM EDTBookmarkSaveDole Packaged Foods LLC is raising prices on some pineapple products in the coming months due to supply challenges among the latest signs of concerns about inflation The food company, a unit of Japanese conglomerate Itochu Corp. will be implementing a price increase on “all canned pineapple and pineapple juice items” effective June 9 according to a memo viewed by Bloomberg News The amount of the increase wasn’t disclosed An official website of the United States government The Dole VA Memorial Peace Garden provides therapeutic gardening opportunities for Veterans This tranquil spot at the north side of Building 5A provides a restorative environment for quiet reflection the interactive raised-bed garden spaces can demonstrate and educate visitors about the economical and psychological benefits of food gardening Planting of the Dole VA Memorial Peace Garden began in spring 2013 with hundreds of plants and trees donated by local nurseries and the Wichita Herb Society at Botanica The formal dedication was on Veterans Day 2013 The goal of the Memorial Peace Garden is to help Veterans overcome inner turmoil through garden therapy Peer support specialists and behavioral health have encouraged patients to come out to the Garden Group which meets Friday mornings from March through Thanksgiving and anyone else wanting to find a space of calm and solace Master Gardeners come nearly every week to oversee and personal preferences for jobs such as grinding eggshells There is also the joy of sharing knowledge and life experiences To volunteer in the Dole VA Memorial Peace Garden, please contact coordinator Laura Nutter Dole VA’s pest controller and contracting officer's representative (COR) for pest control has recently earned the NPMA PRO Certified Credential from the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) This achievement places Travis among the top pest management professionals in the nation highlighting his commitment to excellence and public health protection.“The NPMA PRO Certified Credential is a testament to our industry's dedication to high standards and best practices in pest management,” said Dominique Stumpf Travis is one of the first ten professionals in North America to earn this certification reflecting his comprehensive expertise in safety protocols and treatment methods.Travis’s credentials extend far beyond his recent NPMA PRO certification He holds an associate certified entomologist (ACE) certification along with a public health entomology (PHE) certificate from the Entomological Society of America he is licensed as a commercial pesticide applicator in both Kansas and Texas and is a professional registered sanitarian in Texas.At Dole VA Travis uses Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies to create a safe environment IPM prioritizes pest prevention and least-toxic control methods focusing on understanding pests’ life cycles This approach not only enhances efficacy but also results in long-term cost savings and reduced environmental impact Addressing a drain fly infestation is a prime example of Travis’s effective IPM work Travis concluded a broken sewage pipe must be the source Dole VA’s Facilities Management Service determined there was a broken pipe and and the use of pesticides was minimized.Travis’s role as COR involves performing monthly quality reviews to ensure pest control contractors adhere to industry standards “Our key goal is to ensure the safety and well-being of our Veterans,” Travis stated “Achieving the NPMA PRO certification validates the high standards we set at Dole VA It's an honor to be recognized for our commitment to excellence in pest management.”Travis uses consistent communication and dedication to educate the staff on pest prevention and control Agreement addresses consumer demand for satisfying texture with a clean label Givaudan has announced an agreement to distribute a unique upcycled Green Banana Powder ingredient produced by Dole Specialty Ingredients (DSI) a business unit under Dole Asia Holdings Pte The new ingredient will expand Givaudan’s existing Sense Texture range of clean-label emulsification and texturiser solutions Texture is one of the keys to creating a complete and enjoyable multisensorial food experience. Green Banana Powder delivers powerful natural texture and viscosity along with water and oil holding capacities comparable to modified starches The ingredient can serve as an effective replacement for gum pectin and modified starches in applications like soups and sauces It can also increase the softness of baked goods and enhance the mouthfeel of extruded snacks Green Banana Powder adds fibre and nutritional appeal to products along with the desired texture and mouthfeel it’s an essential element that shapes how we experience food – from the creaminess of a sauce to the crispness of a snack we’re not only delivering clean-label alternatives but also elevating the eating experience with natural upcycled ingredients like Green Banana Powder This collaboration with Dole allows us to offer high performing products that also contribute to a more sustainable food system.”  an estimated 30-40% of bananas worldwide are wasted because they don’t meet quality standards.1 Consumer research has shown that 81% of global consumers say it’s important to avoid food waste2 and 51% of consumers who find upcycled ingredients appealing would like to see an upcycled certificate on food products.3 Made exclusively from upcycled green bananas Green Banana Powder offers an innovative way to address food waste concerns The new agreement positions Givaudan as the partner of choice for food developers seeking upcycled clean-label alternatives to synthetic texturisers “By transforming unripe bananas into Green Banana Powder we not only help reduce food waste but also create an ingredient that can be seamlessly integrated into a variety of food applications This allows us to drive more sustainable supply chains while offering consumers the healthier choices they’re looking for.”  Given that Green Banana Powder is a recognisable and functional ingredient with a secure supply chain this collaboration is poised to make an impact at scale Givaudan will be the exclusive commercial collaborator for DOLE® Green Banana Powder in key market countries in Europe and the Americas while the ingredient can be used in Givaudan solutions around the world “Banana Peels: A Waste Treasure for Human Being.” Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM vol is the global operating headquarters of the Dole Group of companies owned by ITOCHU Corporation Dole is one of the world’s largest producers and marketers of high-quality fresh fruits and a worldwide line of packaged and frozen foods For further information please contactEve Landen, Taste & Wellbeing CommunicationsE eve.landen@givaudan.com Frederique Carre, Taste & Wellbeing CommunicationsE frederique.carre@givaudan.com  Subscribe  Gift a Subscription We applaud the leadership of House Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Mike Bost Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Jon Tester who worked tirelessly together to get this bill through the legislative process This expansive package is an excellent example of how our elected leaders can positively impact the lives of veterans when they come together We look forward to the President signing this bill which will bring much needed relief to America’s veterans and their caregivers the content you were looking for was not found Sorry, we couldn’t find that content. We suggest you start with our Home Page At IPWatchdog.com our focus is on the business policy and substance of patents and other forms of intellectual property Today IPWatchdog is recognized as the leading sources for news and information in the patent and innovation industries Images on IPWatchdog Primarily Provided by Our website uses cookies to provide you with a better experience. Read our privacy policy for more information.Accept and Close Matt will be laid to rest at Highland Cemetery in Lawton was born to John and Lynn (Carpenter) Dole on February 4 Matt graduated from Algona High School in 1979 Matt worked with his father in the family’s road construction business for the next ten years Oklahoma where he was employed by American Airlines He eventually moved to the Springfield-Branson Regional Airport where he continued working in airport operations for Northwest Airlines until their closure in 2012 Matt was united in marriage to Becky Henderson on November 17 Matt and Becky were blessed with a loving daughter Matt worked as a maintenance technician in the local hotel industry It was during this time that he met Tracey Bewley who was also working in the hotel industry Matt and Tracey were married on November 24 Matt was employed as a receiving clerk and forklift operator at Lowe’s on the northside of Springfield He remained a loyal employee of Lowe’s until his retirement in 2024 Matt enjoyed a variety of hobbies and pastimes such as listening to country music and cheering on his favorite football team—the Oklahoma Sooners Matt also had a thriving lawn care business that fueled his passion for landscaping and maintaining the most meticulous lawns in Springfield was well known among his family and friends His most favorite activities included camping with Tracey and walking with her on sandy beaches in Florida and Hawaii brought him more joy and fulfillment than spending quality time with his family and friends who loved his family beyond measure and would do anything to help them Kylan Goodin and Kaizlee Goodin; and mother-in-law Megan Dole and Mia Dole; and a host of extended family and friends Matt will be deeply missed by everyone who knew and loved him Matt’s family will host a visitation on Saturday at Greenlawn Funeral Home North in Springfield Arrangements are under the compassionate direction of Greenlawn Funeral Home North in Springfield Your name will appear next to the candle you light.Your condolence may need to be approved before it appears on this page It may not appear immediately once submitted Upload attachment  (Allowed file types: jpg Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" It looks as though you’ve already said that!' + ' Your condolence may need to be approved before it appears on this page Thank you for leaving a condolence..Your comment has been submitted for moderation Matthew John Dole, age 64, of Springfield, Missouri, passed peacefully away on February 14, 2025, at Mercy Hospital. Matt, as he was more commonly known, was born to John and Lynn (Carpenter) Dole on February 4, 1961, in Lawton, Oklahoma.  Matt was raised in Algona, Iowa, a small town in Kossuth County.  Matt graduated from Algona High School in 1979. AfterContinue Reading Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value" Designed and produced by ©document.write(new Date().getFullYear()); MKJ Marketing | Privacy Policy News | Apr 13 The Eagle Valley Enterprise reported on the incident while also detailing the lodge’s origins in the paper’s April 14 and April 21 editions in 1955 Nearby resident Ed Godat was wakened by his dog barking at 9:30 p.m.; when he saw the glow in the sky When owner Phil King arrived to the lodge a short time later “the roof was gone and the walls ablaze,” the Enterprise reported “A four-room cottage at the rear of the lodge was also destroyed.” Godat was a former operator of the property which dated back roughly 50 years with “a two-room log cabin built atop the knoll overlooking beautiful Sweetwater Lake,” the Enterprise reported “The first lodge at the lake was built at the lower end of the lake by … the Baer Brothers from Leadville who decided to build on top of the knoll.” King had purchased the property from John Collins of Glenwood Springs two years earlier Among the property’s most famous owners were former Denver Post artist Paul Gregg and Chicago gangster Diamond Jack Alterie Army’s 10th Mountain Division was seriously wounded on Hill 913 during the Spring 1945 offensive in Italy Dole was fighting in the Apennine mountains southwest of Bologna I’ll never know — ripped into my body and fell face down in the dirt,” Dole recalled in his memoir “One Soldier’s Story.” Dole said he couldn’t move after being hit “Then the horror hit me — I can’t feel anything below my neck but whatever it was that hit me had ripped apart my shoulder Dole’s life was saved by Ollie Manninen Manninen was a 10th Mountain Division solider who would go on to finish 19th in the Olympic marathon in 1948 “Sergeant Manninen saw that I had been hit and was stretched out facedown on the ground with blood all over me,” Dole wrote “He crouched down to see if I was still alive then pulled me behind a section of the wall Chambers died in Colorado Springs Sunday morning after a short illness with pneumonia “The deceased was one of the most highly respected ranchmen on Brush Creek,” the Enterprise reported “He bought the old Frank Long ranch in that neighborhood some four or five years ago and during the short time he had lived there had made friends of all his neighbors Black and “Mack” McConnel broke out of jail in Glenwood where they were being held on the charge of robbery The sheriff said saws and guns had been given to the men through a chute connected to an outside window “Collett stated that he barely missed westbound No 1 the night of the break and then walked to near Rifle where he hid out until the following night,” the Enterprise reported “He says he did not see any of the others after he got out where he was taken into custody as he called for his mail thus the sheriff did not have to secure the order of the Arizona governor to take the man out of the state.” Après Madness Championship Party at Avanti F&B The NCAA College Basketball Tournament may have crowned a champion on Monday but Friday is when you can congratulate this year’s winner of Vail’s own form of competition:.. Après at The Amp For its third year in a row Ford Amphitheater has proven that it’s not just a summer venue the Swedish pop band that took the world by storm in the 1970s and early 1980s with its hits “Waterloo,” “Take a Chance on Me” and “Dancing Queen,” will virtually.. Project Funway Get ready to be wowed by the fashions at Project Funway which returns to Dobson Arena again this Saturday One of the most creative fundraisers in the Vail Valley Family fun at Beaver Creek Spring break is here and that means that families are enjoying a break from school and hitting the slopes Beaver Creek has a ton of family programming happening through the.. 2 an American Legion-supported bipartisan omnibus bill that will give a significant boost to veterans Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act  amends various Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) authorities related to health care The bill enhances and reforms the delivery of services by prioritizing veterans Several proposals represented key legislative priorities for The American Legion “The American Legion is delighted that President Biden and Congress prioritized America’s veterans and families by enacting into law the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act,” American Legion National Commander James A. LaCoursiere Jr. said “One of the most meaningful ways to honor veterans is to show support for their loved ones and caregivers Elizabeth Dole epitomized the role of a loving caregiver through her many years of devotion to the late Sen LaCoursiere thanked members of Congress who paved the way for the significant victory for the nation’s veterans, their families and caregivers. Read a personal story why this legislation matters.  “This new law was the result of true bipartisan advocacy and had the full support of The American Legion and other veterans organizations,” he concluded “By opening new benefits to dedicated caregivers the United States sends an important message that the sacrifices of our veterans will not be forgotten.” Subscribe to The American Legion's e-newsletters to receive important updates and special offers tailored for veterans and their families Edmonds specializes in vision-based neuro rehabilitation at Edmonds Eye Associates in Philadelphia I was pleased to read that President Joe Biden signed the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act This bill adds optometrists practicing in the Department of Veterans Affairs hospitals and clinics to the physician pay scale and allows for pay awards I had the opportunity to spend my externship at Philadelphia Naval Hospital and was inspired to spend my optometric career in a hospital setting Wills Eye Hospital and Jefferson Moss-Magee Rehabilitation Hospital Practicing as an optometrist in a hospital setting is both challenging and rewarding and is certainly on par with physicians in both responsibility and workload I also had the unique opportunity to serve as a consultant and board member on the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education I did site visits for optometric residency programs and had the good fortune to participate in the accreditation of many of the VA programs Site visits to VA programs were always an exciting adventure Although they were all different settings and operational programs the constant theme was excellence in clinical care The preceptors in these teaching programs gained the respect of the traditional medical staff and moved optometry into the mainstream of medical care One of the most impressive elements of the practice of optometry in the VA was the complete and real time access to a patient’s entire medical chart The VA system was one of the first to implement a comprehensive electronic medical record The Veterans Health Information System and Technology Architecture started in the late 1970s and was fully operational by the mid-1990s so not only did the optometrist have full medical chart access but the eye care medical record and special eye testing were also fully accessible to all of the care team for each patient Optometry flourished in this integrated medical care model and set the standard for optometric residency programs and externship programs The best and brightest of optometry flocked to these programs and the VA continues to be a highly sought-out educational opportunity and an excellent career choice for optometrists It is with this background that I applaud the Dole Act I want to congratulate the leaders of our profession who worked for the passage of this legislation to finally recognize and compensate VA optometrists I want to thank all of the optometrists who have trained and worked in the VA system for their years of hard work in providing excellence in optometric education and clinical health care specializes in vision-based neurorehabilitation at Edmonds Eye Associates in Philadelphia He can be reached at scott@edmondsgroup.com Get the latest news and education delivered to your inbox The email address associated with your Healio account is: If you would like to edit or change the email address that your subscriptions and alerts are sent to You'll receive reminders to complete your saved activities from Healio CME 2025) – The DOLE Brand BB #:124463 is one of only a handful of brands to be ranked as most trusted in multiple food.. Dole was named the #1 most-trusted brand in the Fresh Fruit and Salad Kit categories and the #2 most-trusted brand in Fresh Berries Winners were determined by more than 29,000 U.S shoppers who shared their insights on which brands they trust most and why Dole was the only fresh fruit brand to receive enough consumer votes to qualify for the rankings Dole finished ahead of several other ranked brands “This year’s BrandSpark rankings confirm what Dole has been committed to all along: provide the highest-quality fruits and vegetables and the peace-of-mind that comes from 170+ years of the highest product standards social responsibility and nutrition education,” said William Goldfield retailers and other partners who help deliver Dole to a hungry world.” the BrandSpark program asks consumers to evaluate brands in a different set of product and service categories annually the program ranked brands for trustworthiness in Baby & Kids; Health Beauty & Personal Care; Home Goods & Outdoor; Household & Pet; Retail & Restaurants; and Services trust is at the core of the brands they choose especially produce and other perishables.” said Goldfield we are continually reminded that consumers are more demanding than ever in the products and services they provide their families — all of which makes Dole’s rankings The BrandSpark Most Trusted Awards are based on the 2025 BrandSpark American Trust Study in which BrandSpark surveyed a nationally representative sample of 29,420 qualified American shoppers to determine the most trusted brands in the U.S Their top-of-mind unaided responses for categories they actively shop and services they use formed the basis for ranking with ties declared if the margin of victory was within 3% To be declared a winner or within the top 3 most trusted brands a brand had to achieve a minimum 10% trust share in its category visit the 2025 BrandSpark Most Trusted U.S Founded in 1851, Dole produces and markets a worldwide line of fresh produce. Headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, Dole operates in more than 70 countries and employs, on average, 20,000 full-time, regular employees and 7,000 full-time seasonal or temporary employees, worldwide. Dole is one of the world’s largest producers and marketers of high-quality fresh fruit with revenues of approximately $2.5 billion. For more information, please visit www.dole.com Get access to all the news and analysis you need to make the right decision --- delivered to your inbox FFP and IFPA announced the newest cohort of companies selected to participate in the 2025 Fresh Field Catalyst Accelerator Progressive Produce released its first Sustainability Report a major milestone for its Rooted initiative and outlining goals for 2025 G&R Farms launches its 2025 Growing America’s Farmers (GAF) program featuring in-store Vidalia promotions and displays is recalling 4 Count Vine Ripe Tomatoes packaged in clam shell containers The Chilean/Peruvian offshore season will wrap up over the next four weeks Expect pricing to increase as the offshore season winds down Applications for the Elizabeth Dole Foundation’s Dole Caregiver Fellowship Class of 2025 are now open. Apply here Dole Foundation Fellows are active-duty military and veteran caregivers selected each year from across all 50 U.S states and territories to represent the Foundation Each class consists of approximately 15 Fellows who serve a two-year term as a current Fellow then transition to the foundation’s Alumni program to continue as an Alumni Fellow ·         Fellows have multiple responsibilities: ·         Drive increased support and action for caregivers in their local communities ·         Advocate for military and veteran caregiver issues on a local ·         Advise the Foundation on programs and initiatives ·         Serve as Elizabeth Dole Foundation’s Hidden Heroes representatives at meetings and events with local and national leaders and interviews with media ·         Provide inspiration and personal support for other caregivers through the online Hidden Heroes Caregiver Community Applications will be accepted until 11:59 pm PST on January 24 202,5 and will be reviewed as they are received.       2025) — The world’s largest banana provider is teaming-up with an industry-leading frozen dessert maker and home composter to spotlight the full sustainable lifecycle.. 2025) — The world’s largest banana provider is teaming-up with an industry-leading frozen dessert maker and home composter to spotlight the full sustainable lifecycle of the iconic fruit in honor of National Banana Day on April 16 soft-serve desserts and even the beloved Dole Whip® and then compost the banana peels to create a farm-to-table-to-garden food cycle right in your own home for a total prize value of more than $950.  In addition to the sustainability-focused sweepstakes the program will include a co-branded National Banana Day landing page digital downloads and social media activations The three partners will share recipes and usage ideas featuring different exotic banana varieties available at U.S. retailers with a special focus on the 14 official Dole Whip® recipes on the Dole Whip® Wonderland page — 12 of which call for DOLE® Bananas “A holiday honoring America’s most popular fruit and the most-purchased item in supermarkets National Banana Day has become a week-long celebration at Dole,” said William Goldfield Dole Food Company’s director of communications this year’s goal was to expand the public’s perception of what’s possible by including Ninja and Reencle in a deliciously sustainable collaboration that’s as good for the planet as it is for banana lovers.” “We’re excited to join forces with Dole Food Company for National Banana Week to celebrate America’s favorite fruit,” said Kaitlyn Hebert “Our customers love using the Ninja Swirl™ by CREAMi® to create their own personalized versions of the iconic Dole Whip We’re looking forward to giving banana enthusiasts the tools they need to create quality frozen treats at home while supporting eco-friendly initiatives.” “We’re absolutely delighted to team up with Dole and Ninja for this banana-tastic celebration,” said Sung Ho Park “Our vision for National Banana Day is simple: enjoy the delicious fruit transform it into amazing frozen treats with Ninja then toss those peels into your Reencle to complete nature’s perfect cycle From banana to belly to garden—it’s sustainability you can actually see and taste We can’t wait for more households to discover how satisfying it is to watch those peels disappear and turn into nutrient-rich compost that helps grow tomorrow’s produce.” shoppers will be asked to post a photo of a DOLE® Banana taken at their favorite supermarket with the hashtag #BananaHaul on Dole’s Facebook or Instagram page between April 9 and 12 Noon ET on National Banana Day participants can post a photo of a Ninja SwirlTM by CREAMi® Soft-Serve & Ice Cream Machine or Reencle Home Composter using the same hashtag Full sweepstakes rules will be available prior to the promotional start date.  Dole plc, is one of the world’s largest producers and marketers of high-quality fresh fruit and fresh vegetables. Operating in more than 70 countries, Dole is an industry leader in many of the products it sells, as well as in nutrition education. For more information, please visit www.dole.com Dole was ranked as the most-trusted brand in Fresh Fruit and Salad Kits in the 2025 BrandSpark Most-Trusted Brand Awards Presented by Newsweek as determined by more than 29,000 American shoppers who shared their insights on which brands they trust most and why VA|News #VetResourcesVets Experience The sharing of any non-VA information does not constitute an endorsement of products and services on the part of VA Veterans should verify the information with the organization offering Please join the Elizabeth Dole Foundation for the 9th Annual National Convening on Military and Veteran Caregiving It is free to register for this virtual event We will present the new RAND report publicly for the first time giving attendees a detailed look into the experiences of today’s military and Veteran caregivers and their families The data will expose alarming gaps in support in critical areas and detail how significantly the population of hidden heroes has evolved since our 2014 landmark study Alongside our lead partners—Wounded Warrior Project public health experts and leading advocates for caregivers and Veterans will come together to learn about the report’s troubling findings and galvanize action to strengthen support for America’s caregivers In addition to the reveal of the RAND study the Convening will also showcase several exciting panels featuring leaders in the caregiver Elizabeth Dole FoundationMilitary and Veteran Caregiving This page includes links to other websites outside our control and jurisdiction VA is not responsible for the privacy practices or the content of non-VA Web sites We encourage you to review the privacy policy or terms and conditions of those sites to fully understand what information is collected and how it is used Reference herein to any specific commercial products does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement or favoring by the United States Government and shall not be used for advertising or product endorsement purposes The comments section is for opinions and feedback on this particular article; this is not a customer support channel. If you are looking for assistance, please visit Ask VA or call 1-800-698-2411 never put personally identifiable information (SSAN etc.) or protected health information into the form — it will be deleted for your protection Vote for Vetrepreneur and Veteran of the Year AwardsVoting to crown the Vetrepreneur and Veteran of the Year at the state-level is now open All Veterans and patriotic Americans are encouraged to vote at now through Memorial Day This post contains links to job listings for the week of May 5 we’ll continue to post relevant and timely listings as we receive them Lindsay Kasow’s dedication to service didn’t end when she hung up her military uniform A Marine Corps Veteran and current VA employee Lindsay embodies a continued commitment to supporting her fellow Veterans Get more resources at VeteransCrisisLine.net An official website of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Looking for U.S. government information and services?  Visit USA.gov This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just performed triggered the security solution There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page The produce giant said it was worried the proposal could impact farming operations in the state Dole has been working to donate aging water infrastructure related to its former pineapple plantations to the state of Hawai'i after racking up years of violations and fines for potential safety risks to the public. Agricultural advocates had hoped the donation would be a key step toward rebuilding local farming operations in the state However, a plan to turn nearby land into a landfill could complicate that goal. Honolulu officials recently announced plans to construct a landfill on 150 acres of land owned by Dole Food Company Dole said it needed more time to discuss the decision with its partners and community stakeholders before moving forward with the project Dole’s main focus is finalizing the transfer of its irrigation system to the state of Hawai’i said in a statement that the transfer is “critical to ensuring the continued viability of agriculture on O’ahu.” The irrigation system is used by more than 50 farmers and serves more than 500 jobs in the region It also provides critical flood protection and under Hawai’i’s ownership can take advantage of federal funding opportunities to ensure water and agricultural security “We appreciate the importance of the landfill discussion but ensuring the longevity of agriculture on O‘ahu remains our focus at this time,” Nellis said The plan for a new landfill is a critical step toward closing the current Waimānalo Gulch Sanitary Landfill Members of the state’s land use commission ruled in 2019 to close the landfill by 2028 over environmental justice issues Honolulu officials said if the Wahiawā site is rejected they will seek legislative changes to allow the siting of landfills closer to residences officials said they will have to extend the gulch’s landfill operations which is something the administration opposes “The City understands and acknowledges the public’s concerns and the absolute necessity to safeguard our island’s underground water supply aquifers against contamination,” Roger Babcock director of Honolulu’s department of environmental services “We will ensure aquifer protection by exceeding federal and state design standards for safe operations and regulations for monitoring solid waste landfills building instead to a higher level of protection that would typically only be required for the creation of a hazardous waste facility,” he added The city of Honolulu plans to assess the environmental impact of the project and conduct public outreach and engagement throughout the design and permitting process It is also in talks with the property owner of the proposed site Get the free daily newsletter read by industry experts While prices in July were sharply lower compared to a year ago for most commodities meat and dairy producers benefited from lower supply Herbicide bans and new application restrictions aimed at protecting farmworkers and the environment have also made it more difficult for farmers to manage crops Subscribe to Agriculture Dive for top news The free newsletter covering the top industry headlines