Winners

Here’s some good news for Iowans. New census results show that the median household income for Iowans rose from $47,170 to $48,075 from 2004 to 2006, and that Iowa was one of five states tied for the lowest percentages of households without health insurance, and that the poverty rate in Iowa dropped from 11.1 to 10.3 percent.

Gateway Inc., founded in 1985 by University of Iowa dropout Ted Waitt, will become part of the third largest seller of personal computers in the world after the struggling company inked a deal with Taiwan-based Acer Inc. for $710 million. Gateway, known for its cow-spotted boxes, has struggled in recent years after its consumer electronics division and retail stores failed.

Tom Coates, director of Consumer Credit of Des Moines, is leading a team of volunteers to help homeless men and women in Hope Ministries’ recovery program to improve their credit. Inability to make mortgage or rent payments is a leading cause of homelessness, and once homeless people fall behind on their bills, it is difficult for them to recover.

Pigskin fans rejoice. Football season is upon us. Last week (before press time), the UNI Panthers and Drake Bulldogs opened their seasons with impressive victories, including Drake’s stunning upset of 1-AA No. 7 Illinois State. The Iowa State Cyclones ushered in the Gene Chizik era with a loss to lowly Kent State. But at least a record number season ticket holders got to see it — so that must make Jamie Pollard happy.

Trouble, the pampered Maltese that belonged to the late Leona Helmsley, made out better than two of the luxury hotelier and real estate billionaire’s grandchildren. Helmsley’s dog gets $12 million and burial alongside her former owner in a mausoleum. Alvin Rosenthal, Helmsley’s brother, was named to care for Trouble, and also received millions. Helmsley’s late son, Jay Panzirer, had four children — two of which will receive $5 million if they promise to visit their father’s grave once a year, and two of which were left nothing, “for reasons that are known to them,” The Queen of Mean wrote in her will.

Losers

South Carolina’s Miss Teen USA pageant contestant Lauren Caitlin Upton was the toast of the talk show circuit after her confused, mangled response to a question about why one-fifth of Americans can’t locate the United States on a map. Later, she admitted that she was overwhelmed and made a mistake, adding, such as, “I’m human.” Again, wrong answer, Caitlin. You’re a Barbie doll. Such as… that is.

Polk County property owners received their tax statements last week from Treasurer Mary Maloney and were reminded how Greater Des Moines cities enjoy huge property tax windfalls, the likes of which far exceed any increase in income most people might receive from their employers. But if you thought taxes were high this year, wait until summer 2008 after property taxes accrue following this year’s radical assessment spikes. Those statements will be the assessor’s giant middle finger to taxpayers who battled them and other government officials in 2007 over increased property tax assessments and proposed property tax increases. It started in May when thousands of low- to middle-income owners of older homes across the metro — including young families, the disabled and senior citizens — received double-digit property tax assessment hikes. It got worse for the few thousand brave souls that contested the increase but ultimately lost their appeal to the Polk County Board of Review in early July, and were threatened in writing by the same group that if they requested a second hearing they were guaranteed another inspection of their property that would likely bring additional increases to their assessment. The final act to the three-ring circus came in the form of the Project Destiny vote in June where taxpayers resoundingly defeated a measure that proponents say would have decreased property taxes for 10 years, but increase sales taxes. Wise voters didn’t fall for the robbing-Peter-to-pay-Paul scheme because even if it was approved there was no stopping Polk County from continuing to increase property tax assessments, which they are so fond of doing. The voters might have won that battle, but Polk County continues to win the war. By the way, payments are due Oct. 1 and interest on delinquent taxes accrues at 1.5 percent per month.

Idaho Sen. Larry Craig denied any wrongdoing despite the fact he pleaded guilty this summer to inappropriate behavior in a men’s restroom in a Minneapolis airport. Craig has faced rumors about his sexuality for years, but allegations that he has engaged in gay sex have never been substantiated. His latest stunt, in which an undercover police officer occupying a nearby bathroom stall accused Craig of engaging in actions “often used by persons communicating a desire to engage in sexual conduct,” certainly won’t help, despite his statements: “I am not gay. I never have been gay.” Fellow Senate Republicans have called for an ethics committee review of Craig’s case. CV

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