The Iowa Transportation Commission has approved more than $1.3 million for seven federal Recreational Trails Program projects. DOT spokesman, Craig Markley, says a grant of nearly $97,000 will help rebuild a bridge for the Gypsum City Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) Park. "What that does is it … [Read more...]
Powerball and Mega Millions jackpots combined top $1 billion
The Powerball and Mega Millions jackpots both went unclaimed and are at a combined total of more than one billion dollars. Iowa Lottery spokeswoman, Mary Neubauer says it is just the second time that the jackpots have simultaneously topped the $500 million mark. "They both were last won in … [Read more...]
Exhibit at Cedar Rapids museum features parodies of American Gothic painting
A new exhibit opens this week at the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art featuring some of the many parodies of the painting "American Gothic." The most famous work by Cedar Rapids native Grant Wood is considered the second-most parodied painting in the world, behind only the Mona Lisa. Museum curator … [Read more...]
State alcohol sales set a record in December
The Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division reports liquor sales for December hit a record for a single month at $42.8 million. That is an increase of 18.48% compared to December of 2019. The pandemic pushed the liquor sales for the last fiscal year that ended in June to a yearly record and an increase … [Read more...]
Plans underway for Nebraska casinos
The Native American operation, Ho-Chunk Incorporated, has launched a new division to manage and operate the expansion of casino gaming at three existing horse racing tracks in Nebraska. Ho-Chunk CEO Lance Morgan says each of those facilities will be in the $200 million cost range and compete with … [Read more...]
Transparent scratch ticket now offered by the Iowa Lottery
The Iowa Lottery has introduced a new scratch ticket that spokesperson, Mary Neubauer, says is unlike anything they've done before. "It's a scratch ticket -- but it is transparent, it's see-through, you can see through the ticket," Neubauer says."It's a concept that a few other lotteries around … [Read more...]
Iowa Poetry Association contest now taking entries
If you are a poet and want everyone to know it, the annual Iowa Poetry Association Lyrical Iowa Poetry Contest is now taking entries. Lyrical Iowa editor, Marilyn Baszczynski, says there are categories for kids and adults. She says the one thing they specify in the rules is "no vulgarity." "It … [Read more...]
Tonight is the first drawing for two large lotto jackpots
Sales of the Powerball and Mega Millions lotto tickets have slowed considerably during the pandemic -- but jackpots for both are now above $400 million. Iowa Lottery spokesperson Mary Neubauer says ticket sales for both will likely be up now that they have passed that mark. "It's only the third … [Read more...]
Giving a pet as a gift comes with many responsibilities
Iowans who gave their kids kittens or puppies as Christmas gifts last week need to realize it’s vital to know all about the animal’s diet, veterinary care and with dogs, to sign up for an obedience course right away. Lisa Karr, a companion animal specialist, says house-training can be difficult … [Read more...]
Winnebago sees boost in income from move to outdoor recreation
Boosted by more people heading into the great outdoors during the pandemic, Winnebago Industries started its new fiscal year strong. The Forest City-based outdoor lifestyle manufacturer reports first-quarter net income of $57.4 million, an increase of over 300% when compared to $14.1 million in … [Read more...]