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Audio recording tripped up Tipton, the lottery rigging felon

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Surveillance video helped prosecutors catch Eddie Tipton in Hot Lotto rigging.

Now that the man who rigged lottery jackpots in Iowa and four other states has been sentenced for his crimes, officials are highlighting key details that led to Eddie Tipton’s demise.

Iowa Lottery CEO Terry Rich said Tipton bought his Hot Lotto ticket at one of the handful of Iowa conveniences stores that — back in December of 2010 — had audio on the video surveillance of purchases.

“It was the audio, when it was released, that actually gave him up, not the video,” Rich told Radio Iowa today. “He was just really unlucky that he went into that particular store and bought the ticket.”

It was a lottery official in Maine who first recognized Tipton’s southern accent because Tipton had been in Maine a couple of days earlier to do a security check at the Maine Lottery. Mary Neubauer, a vice president at the Iowa Lottery, told Radio Iowa that was just one of the “lucky breaks” in the case against the former security director for the Multi-State Lottery Association.

“I think the thing that has puzzled the public is why didn’t people realize sooner that it was Eddie Tipton,” Neubauer said. “In the case of the person from the Maine Lottery, the folks from the Multi-State Lottery and the person here at the Iowa Lottery who all called and said: ‘I think it’s Eddie Tipton,’ they all had had recent contact with Eddie Tipton, like within hours or within days before the video was released.”

The Iowa Lottery’s CEO said another key moment came when investigators mapped out the five tickets Tipton knew were sure-winners.

“It was an easy spot to be able to crack the case,” Rich said.

That’s because the drawings were held during the long Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday periods when Tipton was driving from Iowa to his home in Texas.

“It appeared that those times of year gave Eddie Tipton an excuse to be on the road and be traveling,” Neubauer said, “and then that gave him the opportunity to buy lottery tickets in lots of different states.”

Over a six-year period, Tipton rigged jackpots in Colorado, Wisconsin, Iowa, Kansas and Oklahoma. Tipton managed to “wipe” the malicious code off the computers that generated the winning jackpot numbers for the lotteries in all but one of those states. Neubauer said investigators found that needle in the haystack.

“There was still a computer in existence up in the state of Wisconsin that he hadn’t been able to get to and that’s where they ultimately found the code,” Neubauer said. “…Some lucky breaks, some technology and some perseverance were all part of the story.”

Iowa Lottery officials never paid the two people who tried to claim the Hot Lotto Jackpot for Tipton. The Canadian lawyer who called first had the security code on the ticket and told Neubauer he was wearing “a blazer and gray flannel dress pants” when he bought the ticket. Neubauer, who took the phone call, knew he was lying because the security camera footage showed a man in jeans and a hoodie making the purchase.

Third Democratic candidate emerges in fourth congressional district

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Paul Dahl

A third candidate who has run for congress before has announced he’ll seek the Democratic nomination in Iowa’s fourth district.

Fifty-three-year-old Paul Dahl of Webster City is a former United Methodist minister and librarian who’s working now as a bus driver. Dahl says the current political system is unfairly being “ruled by the rich.”

“More middle class members of congress are definitely needed,” Dahl says.

Dahl says the “top one percent” in the country “take more than their share of the wealth.”

“The sad fact that more millionaires are in congress than ever before shows us that the system is skewed and in need of recalibration,” says Dahl, who supports dramatic reform of the campaign finance system.

Dahl also declared himself a candidate for governor in 2013, but withdrew before the 2014 primary. If he remains in the congressional race through June of 2018, Dahl would likely face two other Democrats seeking the chance to challenge Republican Congressman Steve King.

“I abhor politicians that want publicity, no matter if positive or negative in nature, to bring attention to themselves,” Dahl says. “It is high time that the Iowans of the fourth district retire Mr. King from office and replace him with a representative that serves Democrats, independents and Republicans in equal measure.”

In 1994, Dahl ran for congress in Iowa’s old fifth district when then Congressman Fred Grandy did not seek reelection, but Dahl lost in that Democratic Primary to Sheila McGuire.

(Reporting by Pat Powers, KQWC, Webster City; additional reporting by Radio Iowa’s O. Kay Henderson)

Adam Gregg accompanies WWII veteran grandpa on Honor Flight

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Lt. Governor Adam Gregg and his grandfather Glenn.

Acting Lieutenant Governor Adam Gregg accompanied his grandfather on an “Honor Flight” to Washington, D.C. yesterday.

Ninety-two-year-old Glenn Gregg of Hawarden joined the Army during World War II. He was shot in the leg in Germany in 1944. Six-and-a-half decades later, he was awarded the Purple Heart for his actions on the battlefield.

Glenn Gregg (middle) with other Sioux County veterans.

Gregg was one of nearly 90 veterans from northwest Iowa, southwest Minnesota and southeast South Dakota who took an “Honor Flight” to Washington, D.C.

They toured memorials to veterans of World War II, Korea and Vietnam. They also witnessed the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns in Arlington National Cemetery.

Adam Gregg says he was “deeply honored” to make the trip with his grandpa. He posted photos from the trip on Twitter.

 

Senator Ernst agrees it’s not time to withdraw from Afghanistan

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Senator Joni Ernst. (file photo)

Senator Joni Ernst is praising President Trump for using his prime time address on Monday to call on India and Pakistan to do more in Afghanistan.

“Great intent shown by our president,” Ernst says of the president’s plan.

According to Ernst, 20 different terrorist networks have found refuge in Afghanistan and now is not the time to abandon the fight there. Ernst, a veteran of the Iraq war, said President Obama made a mistake by setting a timeline for withdrawal from Iraq — and Ernst said Trump made the right decision to refrain from signalling an end date for the Afghan war.

“Now it’s up to congress and our military leaders to decide actually what should be happening on the ground,” Ernst said,” and we don’t want to project that out to the American public or any of our adversaries.”

Ernst said Afghanistan is “vulnerable” to the influence of Iran and Russia and she said maintaining U.S. military operations in Afghanistan at “status quo” levels would have been unacceptable.

(Reporting by Dennis Morrice, KLEM, Le Mars; additional reporting by Radio Iowa’s O. Kay Henderson)

Grassley says law should improve access to affordable hearing aids

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Senator Chuck Grassley

Senator Chuck Grassley says Americans with mild to moderate hearing loss should be able to buy reliable, over-the-counter hearing aids. Grassley was the lead Republican co-sponsor of a bill President Trump has signed that will establish federal standards for hearing aids sold in retail stores.

“About 48 million American experience age-related hearing loss, yet only a small share of them have the benefit of hearing aids,” Grassley says. “That’s mostly because hearing aids are very, very expensive.”

Medicare and private insurance plans rarely cover the cost of hearing aids. The new law requires the Food and Drug Administration to establish safety standards for amplification devices. Grassley says it means consumers will be able to buy hearing aids without a prescription and without a medical exam.

“Consumers are interested in new hearing aid products to improve their quality of life at an affordable price,” Grassley says. “The more products available, the more consumers will be able to find something they can afford.”

According to Grassley, fewer than one in six Americans who need hearing aids buy them, because they’re too expensive.

“The measure will help fill a very pressing need,” he says.

Consumer Reports recently surveyed its readers and found those who needed hearing aids put off buying them for a couple of years because of the cost. Those who did buy hearing aids spent an average of $2,700 on the devices. However, 16 percent of the magazine’s readers said they spent more than $5,000 on prescription hearing aids. Grassley says with more competition from over-the-counter sales, hearing aid costs will hopefully go down.

Improved reading scores reported among Iowa students in early grades

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Governor Kim Reynolds and Education Dept. Director Ryan Wise.

A new report indicates 70 percent of Iowa students in kindergarten through third grade met or surpassed reading goals by the end of last school year.

Iowa Department of Education director Ryan Wise says that’s a four percent improvement in reading proficiency in the early grades compared to the year before.

“Early literacy is critical because success in school starts with the ability to read,” Wise says.

Students are tested three times during the school year to assess their reading skills. The testing began in the fall of 2015 and Wise says it helps quickly identify which kids need more help.

“Students who struggle to read early on are more likely to drop out of school, less likely to pursue post-secondary education and training and less likely to earn a living wage,” Wise says.

Iowa policymakers abandoned a previous plan to force students to repeat third grade if they were not reading at grade level by the end of the year. A pilot program which provided extra money so struggling third graders could attend summer school will not be continued. Governor Kim Reynolds says there may be other ways to accomplish the goal of boosting reading skills among elementary students.

“Bottom line is we want to impact as many students as we can and so we did programming throughout the state with schools that volunteered to participate in the summer reading program,” Reynolds says. “Some of them are still providing that…It’s just not a mandate.”

Reynolds is embarking on a “back to school” tour. Her first stop was at an inner-city Des Moines elementary school this morning where five students read a book aloud to the governor. Reynolds is visiting Emmetsburg schools this afternoon. On Wednesday, she’ll make stops in the Forest City, Central Springs and Garner-Hayfield-Ventura community school districts.

Grassley hoping country heard Trump denounce bigotry last night

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Senator Chuck Grassley. (file photo)

Senator Chuck Grassley this morning said President Trump is the commander in chief and he does not disagree with Trump’s decision to keep U.S. troops in Afghanistan. Grassley, though, is emphasizing the opening paragraphs of Trump’s address last night.

“I hope people took note of the fact that he spoke very strongly against bigotry in America and doing all we can to pull America back together again,” Grassley said. “It’s too bad he didn’t make that very clear on the Saturday of the Charlottesville incident.”

Grassley suggested Trump’s news conference a week ago “departed” from that message and Grassley said he’s glad Trump “further clarified” his thoughts last night.

“I think it’s very important that he do that,” Grassley said, “particularly at the very same time that he gets to the point of making a decision in regards to Afghanistan which is the opposite of what he said during the campaign.”

Grassley said presidents have access to more information than candidates before making decisions. Grassley considers Trump’s decision on Afghanistan to be focused on deterring terrorism.

“I don’t disagree with his decision,” Grassley said. “But even if I did disagree with it, it seems to me that if we’re going to send our men and women into battle…it’s my responsibility…to make sure that our folks in danger have all the tools that it takes to accomplish the goal that the commander-in-chief has assigned to them.”

Grassley made his comments this morning during a conference call with Iowa reporters.

AUDIO of Grassley answering question about last night’s speech

Ernst says senate should make health care changes ‘in smaller chunks’

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Senator Joni Ernst. (file photo)

U.S. Senator Joni Ernst is arguing Republicans must abandon the idea of repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act in one huge piece of legislation.

“Unfortunately, because it did fail, we will have to address it in smaller chunks,” Ernst said earlier today. “That means a lot of these families that have been hurt by ObamaCare, they’re going to have to hang on just a little bit longer as we work through the system.”

Ernst said individual bills could limit damages awarded in medical malpractice lawsuits or address the rising cost of prescription drugs, but she said the senate must first determine how long ObamaCare subsidies helping low-income people buy private insurance will continue.

“We need to address the health care insurance issue right away,” Ernst said. “That’s an immediate press right here in Iowa.”

The only company currently offering 2018 health insurance policies on the ObamaCare exchange is proposing significant premium increases due to uncertainty about the system’s future. Earlier this month, President Trump suggested Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell should resign if he can get key GOP agenda items approved in the senate. Ernst is suggesting McConnell needs to appoint another GOP senator to shepherd the health care overhaul and tax reform through the senate.

“If he’s not going to pull the effort together, then he needs to have a point person,” Ernst said. “Whether it’s tax reform or the ObamaCare repeal and replace, assign somebody that can inspire our caucus and find a way forward.”

Ernst made her comments to reporters in Sioux City after she spoke to the Sioux City Rotary Club. The Rotarians ended their midday meeting early so members could go outside to see the solar eclipse.

(Reporting by Woody Gottburg, KSCJ, Sioux City; additional reporting by Radio Iowa’s O. Kay Henderson)

Senator Grassley hoping for Afghanistan strategy shift

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Senator Chuck Grassley

Senator Chuck Grassley today said he hopes the president unveils a plan tonight that will get the U.S. out of Afghanistan or at least ensure the country doesn’t disintegrate into the terrorist refuge it was before the 9/11 attacks.

“The number one responsibility of the federal government is the defense of the American people,” Grassley said.

Grassley has been questioning some of the Pentagon’s spending decisions in Afghanistan, like the $28 million worth of new uniforms for Afghan soldiers made in a forest-green camoflage fabric — despite the lack of forests and green landscape in the country. Grassley said the U.S. needs to focus on defending the homeland.

“We’ve seen in Orlando; Chattanooga; Ohio State; Boston; Minneapolis; Garland, Texas; Fort Hood, Texas and San Bernadino where about 150 Americans were killed, you’ve got to understand that terrorism isn’t something that’s just over there,” Grassley said. “It’s here as well.”

The U.S. invaded Afghanistan in October of 2001, less than a month after the September 11th attacks. Afghanistan is now the longest war in U.S. history. President Trump is scheduled to speak to the country tonight at 8 p.m. Iowa time about the war.

(Reporting by Bob Fisher, KRIB, Mason City)

State grants and tax breaks awarded by state officials today

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A state board has handed out financial assistance and tax breaks to five companies — and state officials say those companies pledge 62 new jobs will be created.

Cambrex, a pharmaceutical company based in New Jersey, plans to expand its production facility in Charles City, Iowa. It’s getting $125,000 and some tax breaks from the State of Iowa for the project. Company officials expect 29 more people will be added to the Charles City payroll once the expansion’s complete.

The Iowa Economic Development Authority Board has extended tax breaks to four other companies that pledge to pay workers significantly more than the minimum wage. A Waterloo company that’s adding new freezer space is one of the companies that has qualified for state tax breaks. Crystal Distribution Services plans to hire one more worker when the facility is done.

Farmers Edge, a Canadian company, plans to build a soil testing laboratory in Grimes and hire five people to work at the lab. Highway Equipment Company plans to build new research and development facilities in Cedar Rapids and hire 14 people. The other company getting state tax breaks is Legacy Manufacturing in Marion. It is planning a 12-million dollar expansion of its existing facility and is promising to hire 13 more people.

The Iowa Economic Development Authority’s Board also provided a grant to the “StartUp Dubuque” program at Northeast Iowa Community College. A mentoring program in the Iowa City and Cedar Rapids area is getting a state grant, too. The “Startup Factory” at Iowa State University’s Research Park and a University of Iowa “hub” for entrepreneurs working on medical devices are each getting $200,000 grants.