Iowa Lottery officials say unclaimed prizes are starting to pile up again.Lottery spokesman Joe Hrdlicka says millions of dollars in winning ticketsare waiting to be claimed.An estimated one-point-nine million dollars in prize money has goneunclaimed so far this year. Hrdlicka says the disappointment of notbecoming an instant millionaire may make people toss away thousands ofdollars.He says most games have multiple prizes available.If you still have some old tickets in your desk drawer, you may still havetime to claim a prize.Hrdlicka says any unclaimed prize money goes back into the prize pot for newgames. You can check on winning numbers at the store where you bought yourticket or through the lottery’s website at ialottery-dot-com.
Farm Bureau stat book shows farm problem in black and white
September 1, 1999 By
The latest book of Iowa Agricultural Statistics published by the Iowa FarmBureau shows the changing face of agriculture in black and white. FarmBureau spokesman Aaron Putze says one of the telling stats is the age offarmers. The average age of an Iowa farmer in 1997 was 52 and a halfcompared to 50 in 1992 and just over 49 ten years ago.He says there are many reasons why the face of farming is getting older.Putze says the size of farms is increasing as the average farm is 340 acrescompared to 240 acres eight years ago. There are now 97-thousand farmscompared to 119-thousand in 1980.Putze says farmers have managed to adapt to changes in the industry.The Iowa Agricultural Statistics book is available through the Iowa FarmBureau.
Bush unveils farm policy
September 1, 1999 By
Republican presidential candidate George W. Bush outlined his farm policyagenda this afternoon in rural Dallas County. Bush stood in front of a John Deere combine on a century farm near DallasCenter to propose “simple and direct” solutions to farm problems. Bushproposed allowing farmers to establish a “rainy day,” tax-deferred savingsaccount to meet expenses during income depressions. Bush called for reformof federal crop insurance.The Texas Governor promised to phase out the estate tax for farms and upholdthe property rights of farmers. In addition to a renewed call for “fasttrack” trade negotiating authority for the President, Bush said he wouldpush governments around the globe to completely eliminate ag exportsubsidies and tariffs.Bush called farming the heart of the American economy.As for the short-term ag crisis, Bush has called for immediate cash paymentsfor farmers.
Human jaw bone found in Crawford County
September 1, 1999 By
Authorities in western Iowa are trying to determine the origin of a humanjaw bone found on the bank of the Boyer river south of Denison. CrawfordCounty Sheriff Tom Hogan says the bone was brought into his office Tuesdayafternoon. Hogan says they then searched the area were the bone was foundwith a boat.Hogan says they found some other bones and possibly some clothing that theybelieve is linked to the jawbone. Hogan says the bones have been sent toIowa State University to be examined by a forensic scientist.
Alogona/Burt superintendant wins top honor
September 1, 1999 By
The School Administrators of Iowa have named the superintendant of theAlgona and Burt school districts the “Superintendant of the Year.” JenningsDr. Harold Prior says the honor reflects the ability of everyone in thedistrict.Prior will be honored at a banquest in May and be eligible for nationalsuperintendant of the year honors.
Beanie Baby announcement spurs buying frenzy
September 1, 1999 By
An announcement from the maker of Beanie Babies has sent hundreds of Iowansscrambling for spare change and their nearest collector’s store.Ty Incorporated says all current Beanie Babies will be retired December 31st,but it’s unclear if a new line of the cute critters will appear in 2000,if some other plush product is next — or if the craze will simply end. Max Rosenberg, a gift store co-owner in Des Moines, is suddenly swampedwith customers.Rosenberg ignores those who say Beanies are mere stupid stuffed animals.He calls the fuzzy phenomenons a valuable commodity and an investment.His store sells them for six dollars, though some rare ones can fetchten-thousand dollars each.
