DES MOINES, Iowa - A Davenport man scratched a "Crossword" ticket to unwind after work, but ended up feeling more excited than he had all day.

Matt Gilmore, 36, claimed the 29^th of 97 top prizes of $30,000 in Crossword at the Iowa Lottery's regional office in Cedar Rapids on Friday.

"I just couldn't believe it," Gilmore said. "I was in shock."

Gilmore said he had trouble sleeping before claiming his prize. He called his mom to tell her the big news, but she had a hard time believing him.

"Not at first, anyway," Gilmore said.

Gilmore said news spread quickly at UPS in Davenport where he is a sorter and everyone is happy for him.

Gilmore hasn't yet made plans for how to spend his winnings. He purchased his winning ticket at Sub Xpress & Gas, 4307 W. Locust St. in Davenport.

Crossword is a $3 scratch game. Players win a prize by uncovering at least three complete words in the ticket's puzzle. If a player uncovers 10 words, he/she wins $30,000. The overall odds of winning a prize in the game are 1 in 3.82.

Sixty-seven top prizes of $30,000 are still up for grabs in Crossword, as well as 96 prizes of $3,000, more than 1,330 prizes of $300 and more than 6,400 prizes of $100.

Since the lottery's start in 1985, its players have won more than $3 billion in prizes while the lottery has raised more than $1.4 billion for the state programs that benefit all Iowans.

Today, lottery proceeds in Iowa have three main purposes: They provide support for veterans, help for a variety of significant projects through the state General Fund, and backing for the Vision Iowa program, which was implemented to create tourism destinations and community attractions in the state and build and repair schools.

By Congressman Dave Loebsack

Throughout the month of February, Iowans gathered for different events and celebrations across the state to honor and pay tribute to the many contributions African Americans have made to our great state and nation.  Iowa has always had a proud history of leading the way in advancing civil rights.

As we reflect on the long history of African Americans and their struggle for freedom and equality, we must also take the time to commemorate the great achievements of African Americans right here in Iowa.  From the Civil War to the 21^st Century, some of our country's greatest African American leaders have called Iowa home.

As a graduate of Iowa State, I have long appreciated the story and achievements of George Washington Carver.  Born on a plantation in Missouri, Carver came to Iowa and became the first African American to enroll at what would later be known as Iowa State University.  Completing his bachelor's degree in 1894, he became the school's first African American faculty member.  After graduating with his master's, he joined Alabama's Tuskegee Institute, where his work resulted in hundreds of new products from peanuts and other crops.  Today, he is remembered for improving farming practices and being one of the first prominent African American scientists.

I'm proud to represent an area that is home to many great African American leaders.  Born in Ottumwa, Archie Alexander went on to study engineering at the University of Iowa.  He later became a renowned architect and designed a variety of projects around the country.   One of his most well-known endeavors was the design of airfield where the legendary Tuskegee airmen trained during the Second World War.

In 1941 President Franklin Roosevelt overruled his top generals and ordered the creation of an all African American flight training program.  These pilots, navigators, bombardiers, maintenance, and support staff became known as the Tuskegee Airmen.  They served with distinction during World War II despite facing segregation both inside and outside the military.  A few years ago, I had the great honor of presenting the Tuskegee Airmen Bronze Medal to a constituent in the Second District in honor of his service during World War II as one of the first African American military pilots.

I am proud to be an Iowan and I hope that over the last month you have found a way to commemorate the great achievements of African Americans here in Iowa and across the United States.  Our state and our country have made great advances in equality and we must honor those who struggled so long against injustice and discrimination.  As we have done in the past, it is my hope that Iowa will move forward together and continue to fight for equality for all our people.

Historic Davenport Hotel Part of 55^th Annual Awards

DAVENPORT, IOWA - Hotel Blackhawk management is pleased to announce its recognition today in Los Angeles, CA as a 2013 Recommended Property by the Forbes Travel Guide - one of 24 hotels to earn the title. The announcement is part of the guide's 55^th annual Star Awards for hospitality establishments worldwide.

The Forbes guide (originally known as the Mobil Travel Guide) was the originator of the prestigious Five Star ratings and certifications. It has provided the travel industry's most comprehensive ratings and reviews of hotels, restaurants and spas since 1958.

This latest honor adds to other notable achievements such as its 2012 AAA Four Diamond Award-Lodgings, 2012 TripAdvisor® Certificate of Excellence Award, the Bix Bistro's 2012 Wine Spectator Award of Excellence as well as 2011 and 2012 Smart Meetings Platinum Choice Award recognition.

"Recognition by the Forbes Travel Guide is yet another example of how the team at Hotel Blackhawk strives to raise the bar for our guests every day," said General Manager Tim Heim. "To be named by such a prestigious organization is to be part of what is considered the gold standard for hospitality excellence today."

Hotel Blackhawk re-opened December 15^th, 2010. The hotel retains its 98-year-old historic character while featuring modern conveniences throughout the 130 guestrooms and extended-stay suites, six meeting rooms and up to 300-person banquet capacity in the signature Gold Room.

Other features include wireless internet, a fitness center, business center, swimming pool, hot tub, Spa Luce (lu-CHAY), Milan Flower Shop, the Bix Bistro restaurant, the Beignet (been-YAY) Done That coffee shop and Blackhawk Bowl & Martini Lounge. The hotel is part of the Summit Hotels & Resorts group (www.summithotels.com) and the Historic Hotels of America network (www.historichotels.org).

For more, visit www.hotelblackhawk.com or find us on www.facebook.com (Search: Hotel Blackhawk).

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