I’ve had a few people ask for an update on the essay contest to own a farm in Howard, Ohio.
So, I went directly to the source of our comments on Thursday and haven’t heard anything back, but if I do, I’ll update everyone.
It had been a while since I visited the site, noticed they have added a few new photographs of the homes’ interior.
Some interesting new discussion points have been presented that make for an interesting discussion on this topic. In a recent Inman News question and answer section, Ilyce Glink was asked by a seller in Florida about using this method to sell their home. Her answer is one that echoes my concerns about this form of selling your home.
Unfortunately, selling a house by lottery is illegal in almost all states. Some states allow lotteries of homes, but these lotteries are generally organized by churches where the proceeds of the sale benefit the charitable organization.
I know that the state of Ohio allows for homes to be given “away” — the Blue Jackets and Dominion do so about every year — but the state makes it very difficult and the process is very cumbersome.
With only nine days until they’d hoped to wrap this project up, I really don’t know where they stand.
Popularity: 10% [?]
Tags: Columbus Blue Jackets, Contest, Dominion, Essay, Free, House, Howard, Lottery, Ohio, Prize, Real Estate, update
December 9th, 2007 at 3:37 pm
I read the previous postings and I was wondering if anybody knows approx. how much the property taxes for this property might be per year or every six months.
December 10th, 2007 at 9:59 am
http://www.ekschools.com/image.....uction.swf is the link for the middle school construction slideshow - I think the middle school is supposed to be open for this coming 2008-2009 school year. I’d call the school at 740-599-7000 for details.
December 10th, 2007 at 10:00 am
K. Harris - got to the essay website at: http://www.americandream-farmessaycontest.com
The answer to your question is there.
December 10th, 2007 at 10:02 am
AND, Toby, I DID respond to your email - they will be extending the contest through the end of February. And this isn’t a “lottery” per se, it’s a contest of “skill” - the essay review process isn’t a random drawing like a lottery.
December 11th, 2007 at 12:20 am
I need this farm and don’t care what the taxes will be on it! I made a mile drive from Shreveport La. to Howard Oh. just to gaze at what could be mine if they chose my essay. Oh GOD, it’s beautiful! I just left there. I will drive back home in the morning (all day and night drive) and tell my niece that it is everything it semed to be in the photo’s! I prayed for something great for our family and the next morning she found the site for the contest and I wrote my essay, borrowed $100. from my father in law, dropped it in the mail and headed out to Ohio to see what we might win. I am telling you right now, I am willing to get a second on the property to cover the taxes! It is SOOOO worth it (as I could see anyway). my sister was killed last month and left behind eight kids and a grand child. I have the oldest and the grandchild living with us now. We want to plant a garden and get a milk cow and a few chickens too. What ever the taxes are, our garden and a perfect farm to plant it on is worth it!!!!!
December 11th, 2007 at 12:24 am
I meant to say a 1000 mile drive. Sorry. I’ve got to go now and get some sleep for my drive back. I hate that we have to wait till Febuary. I wanted it to be my families Christmas (if we had won). It was going to be all they got aside from some small dollar store goodies. OH, I can’t wait!!!!!!
December 11th, 2007 at 10:02 am
Thank you for getting back Tabitha. Did they announce that the contest was extended, because I did not see it on the website anywhere? If so should I assume it’s because of the number of entries. What a bummer! JO
December 11th, 2007 at 10:07 am
In addition Tabitha thanks for the link and the phone number. That was the only hestitation or worry my wife and I had was the schools. Our daughtors education comes first and foremost. That is if we won. If not it’s been alot of fun thinking about it. JO
December 11th, 2007 at 11:43 am
Tabitha, what did you mean by skill. Does this mean skill of writing a story about ones life or based on what your plans are truely for the future of the farm. In addition I know it’s impossible to tell which is fiction and which is non fiction however that I’m sure will not be an easy choice for the judges. JO
December 11th, 2007 at 1:15 pm
Of course, two minutes after I sent the post about the taxes, I saw it on the website. I pray luck for all of those who enter. Remember, even if you don’t win, you helped another person or family achieve their dream. Peace and Joy.
Kay
December 11th, 2007 at 1:16 pm
P.S.
Is the contest entry date extended?
December 11th, 2007 at 1:50 pm
The contest entry date will be extended unless a flood of 3000 entries comes in the next week…
All of you sound very excited and I cannot stress to you enough that it is in all of the entrants’ best interest to spread the word about the contest to as many people as you can!
I talk about it at every party, fundraiser, or event I go to. I mention it in conversation to people at the bus stop. I’ve posted it on craigslist and I’ve put up signs on store fronts. But I can’t solicit 3750 entries alone, so tell everyone you meet!
December 11th, 2007 at 4:24 pm
Does this mean that the farm isn’t being given away? My aunt drove all the way to Ohio to make sure it was true. Just so me, and my moms other kids, could have a chance of being together and not split up. I will tell her, when she gets home, of the delay. She has prayed and prayed for something like this farm. When I showed her the contest page, she was in tears claiming it’s exactley what she had prayed for! Y’all have to give this farm away. Her heart wont be broken if some other well deserving family won. But if no one won at all? I will try to spred the word as far and wide as I can!!!!! She has prayed that a very deserving family gets the farm, not for God to just consider us alone. I’m calling the local news right now! I will try to get the word out that way too.
Steph
December 12th, 2007 at 7:51 am
Thanks again for getting back to me Tabitha. You all seem worried about the number of entries and for good reason. I’m sure it’s been alot of work. Good luck and have a merry Christmas. JO
December 12th, 2007 at 3:51 pm
My niece called our local news station. They are going to try to help get the word of the contest out this week! We have a lot of Katrina victims still seeking a solid home situation. they could really use something wonderful like the farm. Yes, they need a home STILL! So, I hope this helps round up some of the much needed entries and some very deserving person gets a lovely farm. Oh, if we get, we plan to run a horse boarding center there. For people in town that want (or have) hoses that they can’t keep on their own property. They can house the horse on the farm and come visit, groom and ride on 41 acres of pure beauty. So there’s an answer to transportation to and from work, jobs available in the area and what would one do with a farm if they had it. not to mention the wells on the property. Even the elderly woman that commented earlier could run a boarding stable! Good Luck to all that have entered and have a great holiday!
December 16th, 2007 at 1:42 pm
Tabitha, where have you gone?
December 16th, 2007 at 1:45 pm
Anyone else still around? Well, my local news is doing a story on this essay contest. As a matter of fact, they found a few more homes for essay contests that they are covering in the story as well. I’ll post them all on here later. I still have high hopes for the farm but might read up on the others if i don’t win this one.
December 16th, 2007 at 1:58 pm
That’s great to hear Tammy, I think the family would be glad to hear that more media coverage is helping them out.
December 17th, 2007 at 1:20 pm
Hmmm… I am wondering…. why would someone have to borrow $100 for the entry fee and then spend the money on gas to drive 2000 miles just to look at the farm and then turn around and drive back… ? It would be more than $150 worth of gas… ??? I think you would need better financial skills than that to run the farm…
December 17th, 2007 at 1:32 pm
Not trying to be mean… just an observation…
December 17th, 2007 at 7:00 pm
I had to borrow the $100.00 because I didn’t have it to pay the entry fee that same day (I have given the money back already). I financed the trip with money that was givin to me by my father-in-law. He was the one that asked if I wanted to go check it out. I love road trips and really wanted to see the Howard area…so I said yes and headed out! I had a GREAT trip, people in the area seem very kind and wonderful and it is SO PRETTY! My financial skills are not out of wack. Thank you.
December 21st, 2007 at 6:14 pm
Wow, I was praying to be the winning dreamer, but after reading Tammy’s story I am not so sure I am as worthy. I wish all of you other dreamers out there who have entered good luck. I sure hope one of us dreamers will win and not someone looking to make money on reselling this fabulous home. Thats what its about someone to LOVE the land.
December 22nd, 2007 at 8:38 pm
I have seen and been on the property. It is an oasis but those interested should also consider the upkeep cost . It could be an asset or libility and no one is getting a free lunch. The lucky winner has a lot of hard work to do
December 23rd, 2007 at 2:52 am
I agree with Charles Knowlton, It is beautiful and it will be a lot of hard work trying to keep it up. Checking fence posts, lawn and grounds up keep and building maintenance. I have done my time on a farm. My step dad had a farm back in the day. Goats, hogs, horses, cows and chickens. “Early to rise…….late to bed…lot’s of labor and the critters must be fed” that was the daily saying. And it’s sooooo true! But I will say that just about anyone that puts their minds to it can probably pull it off with a little help. You just have to have a good routine and lots of discipline. There were 10 of us kids….labor costs were very low! Now I understand why people would have 15 and 16 kids way, way back in the day! With 41 acres one could make money selling eggs, boarding and/or breeding horses and cattle, selling hay and haunted hay rides at Halloween or start a cattle ranch. The possibilities are endless and all are very exciting and adventurous as well for those new to the good ole farm life and those that have lived it their entire lives. I wish everyone the best of luck! I just pray that someone that really deserves it will get it and will have the time of their lives on it! Y’all keep spreading the word of this essay so that the number of entries needed are collected. Otherwise, it wont matter what we could or would do with the farm, will it? It would be a lovely gift, from a family member, to enter the essay for you for Christmas.(Write an essay on your behalf) Thats what my mom did for my family this year. I got a copy of the essay she wrote and the money order reciept wrapped all snug in a bow. I loved it! It was the best gift she has ever given me for Christmas! So ask your family to do the same. Call your local news station to do a story on the contest. Help get the word out!!!!! Merry Christmas to ALL of you.
December 23rd, 2007 at 3:01 am
I forgot to add the link that the local news gave out. It’s http://www.essaycontests.com.. I already had that address before they did the story but for those of you didn’t, there it is. Good luck y’all!
December 26th, 2007 at 7:47 pm
That’s what is wrong with society now days everyone wants a free hand out with the hard work. The fires in California, have devastated almost as many people, the flooding in Texas, and also in the State of washington and oregon, they have been pummeled with 100mile plus winds, and rain and flooding. I don’t feel sorry for anyone who doesn’t have the iniative to better themselves after ANY STORMS come through in their lives. We are all mostly given the God Given Potential. And if you have to borrow the money to win the house, How are you going to pay the taxes??? Just a question?
December 26th, 2007 at 7:49 pm
The question is Are They Or Aren’t They, giving the house away????
December 27th, 2007 at 2:23 pm
lisa duncan, maybe you should ask why one must borrow the money to enter before getting too far ahead of yourself with your comments. I had to help pay for my Adopted dads funeral in September, My sisters funeral in October and my brothers funeral in November. Between my brother and sister, their have been 13 children left behind. Which mean there were pleny of legal fee’s that had to be paid. I also tried to help get all those children something for christmas. The essay contest deadline was December 10, 2007. I learned of the contest on the 8th. I had spent all I had and wouldn’t be paid again till the 14th and had to borrow it from my father-in-law if I wanted to make the deadline. I paid him back on the 14th as well as all my bills and what. I don’t want the farm because I NEED a place to live. I want that farm because I would enjoy the wide open space to raise a lot of children, keep them busy and thier minds on good honest rewarding work and off the death of their mother.( I do not have my brothers children) A place that they can call their own again. A place that they can grow and learn. A place where they can just get away when they need to (somewhere private) but still be right there with the people that love them. And allow me to add that one should never judge another because they have fallen on hard times. We have ALL be there. Just because one must ask for help from time to time doesn’t mean they are looking for a hand out. And people entering this contest aren’t looking for a hand out either. They had to pay to enter just as all must do to enter. They are simply paying their portion of the total cost of the property. If they are chosen as the one’s to own the farm, they still paid their fair share as did all entrants had. I do not view this as a hand out at all. And I have credit strong enough to get a second on the property to pay the taxes. I pray that GOD with bless a very worthy person/family with this wonderful farm and lead them to ways of covering the taxes as well.
December 27th, 2007 at 3:43 pm
Tammy, I apologize if you were offended by my remarks. I too, went through a similar situation with my family back in 1995, when many family members started dying, I too have a 50+ year old mentally challenged brother that is living with me and I am his legal gaurdian. I truly want the farm my brother loves llamas, and I want cows and horses. I just believe we all have our own trials and tribulations to deal with in our lives, and if we truly believe GOD truly has a greater purpose in life, it will happen, but only in his timing will we be blest in many ways.
December 27th, 2007 at 5:30 pm
Lisa, I honestly believe GOD has led these people to sell their property, in an essay contest, because he knows that the person that truly needs this farm didn’t have the means to just go out and buy it. I also believe that he will see to it that this deserving person/family will find a way to cover the taxes and keep this great blessing. you and I sound almost like the same person. I didn’t mean for my comment to come across as angry or what. I, too, hope that you did not take mine in the wrong way. I just want to see everyone that entered, no matter how they paid for it, to be able to dream of something great. Even if only for a moment. I don’t want anyone to feel ashamed of having to borrow or even sell something to be able to have that dream. I want to see everyone pray for one another as we all have our own reasons for wanting and/or needing this wonderful blessing of owning the farm. Tell your brother that I will pray for the llamas for him. And I am very sorry to hear of your losses as well. May GOD bless you in many ways, Tammy
December 27th, 2007 at 5:58 pm
Lisa, if your brother is 50+ then he needs to have his dream realized sooner than later. So, if you win, you and your brother will have a wonderful farm full of llamas all to yourselves. Oh, how nice that would be for y’all! So I will pray for y’all. But, if by some tiny little chance I win, I would still love to see your brother have his llamas. Even if it means sharing my dream. If I win it, we will both win it! And you now have that in writing. So print it out and start banking on it. Now if someone else win it, I can’t help you. I pray for everyone that entered but will admit to praying an extra little bit for my own family. Shame on me…I know. Tonight I will pray that one way or the other your brother gets his llamas. There… an extra little bit for us both.
December 27th, 2007 at 6:18 pm
Oh Tammy, Dreaming is what I have spent my life doing. When I was in first grade our
Phonix Books had pictures in them. I saw this farm on one of the pages, it had barns, and a long long driveway up to the house but mostly I remember the cows they were Holsteins, black and white. They were at that time the biggest animal I had ever seen. They were beautiful, and then came horses, and then pigs and then chickens. It was the most beautiful and diversified world I had ever seen, and it was all in a Phonix Book. Wow, and then mom trying to tell me that all this really existed. I have had that life, it is beautiful, and I want that kind of life again. I like shovelling horse ______. The funny thing is I do, being around barn people, is the best, best stories etc etc etc. I want to raise and train a Thoroughbred again…. I want to be assistant trainer and my son be a trainer. Someday, hopefully someday soon…..God Bless.
December 27th, 2007 at 6:23 pm
Tammy, you are a funny girl, just like me. We want to share everything, but isn’t that what God’s Bigger Plan is all about….. Sharing …..I’d share….. God Bless All Once Again, and Again.
December 27th, 2007 at 7:02 pm
Yes thats the big plan! Or I think it is anyway. Besides, 41 acres is a whole lot of dreaming for only one dreamer. Not that I couldn’t manage dreaming up a mighty 41 acre storm. Cause I could. But it’s when you put more than one mind together that you really start dreaming big. Me and my sister use to sit and dream together all the time. One of her ideas led to another from me, which led to another from her……….and so on. Dreaming together if tons of fun! And before I forget, do llamas spit at people? My 10 year old just told me they spit at people. I just started laughing really hard. Thats funny! If they really do, then that makes them just like small children. Yes, very funny!
December 27th, 2007 at 7:10 pm
Tammy, and Yes they do spit on people or even other animals. They are very terratorial creatures, but very loving if tended to correctly. They will also stomp to death any thing that might be a threat to them. Coyotes are one thing they will stomp to death. I got to go shower. Talk at you later Tammy…. Have a great evening……God Bless………
December 27th, 2007 at 7:13 pm
By the way is the contest truly extended until sometime in February????
Lisa
December 27th, 2007 at 9:01 pm
Tabitha, a friend of the family, stated on here that it would be extended till the end of Febuary.
December 27th, 2007 at 9:07 pm
As a matter of fact, they have updated their site info on the contest deadline. It has been set for Febuary 28, 2007. http://www.americandream-farmessaycontest.com . Just copy, paste and hit enter.
December 27th, 2007 at 10:27 pm
Does anyone know if they are close to the quota number of essays needed???? Everyone seems so nice on this web writings that we are doing back and forth. It’s Wonderful….. Thanks all of you of whom are participating…..
December 27th, 2007 at 11:38 pm
Lisa - From a comment that was made recently, I’d guess they are about 1/4 - 1/3 of the way to the number of entries.
December 27th, 2007 at 11:42 pm
Thanks Toby and how is Sadie????
December 28th, 2007 at 12:47 am
Toby, does anyone know how to get in touch with the owners of the farm? I noticed that they have updated the essay home page with the new deadline date but not at http://www.essaycontests.com . This could be hurting their chances of getting all 4000 entries they need. Can someone let them know that it still needs updating there?
December 28th, 2007 at 11:13 am
Good Morning Tammy, and how are you today?
December 28th, 2007 at 11:23 am
Sadie is doing wonderful. We’ve had a house full of people for the holidays and she loves all the attention and we love that she takes an early bed time
December 28th, 2007 at 11:31 am
How funny…..I also, have 2 dogs, Baby, a miniature schnauzer, and Bubba a mixture of something. He’s a very good dog actually they both are Babygirl is just a little more demanding. Have a Great Day Toby…..My day, just started, I think we are 3 hours difference…..Toby is this your blog page??? I was an English/& English Literature Major in College. I Love to write.
Talk at you all later. Lisa
December 28th, 2007 at 12:53 pm
Good morning Lisa. I’m doing great today. I got to sleep in till almost noon. That NEVER happens. I normally hit the floor at five a.m. sharp. I stayed up late to finish all my chores and the kids all spent the night with their aunt. Now I am checking my mail, sipping coffee and just enjoying the peace and quite. How are you doing today? And your family?
December 28th, 2007 at 4:14 pm
Tammy, I am doing great, had a Dr’s Appt, have to leave in a minute to return duplicate things from christmas. My children are grown my daughter is 29 , she is a sherriff up in Oregon, and my son is 27, and he also resides in Oregon. My daughter is married to Kris, he is 30, and they have two little girls Lauren 6 and Alex is 4.
I have my handicap brother with me. That is why I want the farm. I would move us all there. I am very close with my children, and we all want to give my brother his dream, farming. My brother is mentally challenged and some physical, he was born this way. I have never had a better brother than Greg. Got to go… Lisa…
December 28th, 2007 at 9:43 pm
Lisa, I thought it was just you, your brother and a son. I don’t know how we will manage to squeeze so many people into two small houses. Sharing might not be a grand idea after all. Huh? I have eight children, my husband, real dad, a son in law and my niece and her baby plus me. That would be about 20 people. 21 if you have a husband. Wow…that would be crazy! Sorry. I guess it’s not really big enough to share after all. Well, I will still pray for you in this contest. I really want to win it but so do you. So do a lot of people. And there are a lot of deserving people that could use it. Including me and you. I really wish it was big enough for us all to share. But then that seems be just another dream in itself.
January 1st, 2008 at 10:13 am
Things have been very busy the last couple of weeks with the Holidays, working two jobs, and all those other joys. Sorry to not be more a part of the conversation.
Updates: I’ve not had any yet. For some reason, my e-mail and the family friends doesn’t like each other - she sends me stuff and I never get it.
Sadie is doing very well thanks for asking. She’s been enjoying watching the few flakes that are coming down outside. Though, she isn’t a fan of the wind that’s buffeting the south side of the house.
Wishing all of you a happy new year!
January 1st, 2008 at 3:49 pm
Happy New Year to you and yours Toby. Thanks for keeping us all up to date.
January 2nd, 2008 at 8:13 pm
To comment on the total count of entries. I live hear in Columbus Ohio and there was an article two days ago concerning the contest. The article did say that the contest would be extended and that there has only been a total of 90 entries. Not looking good.
January 3rd, 2008 at 5:53 pm
Didn’t Tabitha state, on the other page, that they still needed 3800 more entries? That would mean they had more than 90…huh?
January 4th, 2008 at 8:05 am
I thought there was at least 1000 entries however the paper interviewd Kimberly Compton and it said 90. ????? JO
January 4th, 2008 at 10:03 am
I think there may have been a time lapse between when the interview with Kimberly Compton was done and the story ran.
Tabitha had said a while ago that it was going to be in the Dispatch. So, it is possible that the journalist never updated the numbers.
Or the “4,000″ could be a round number and they’ll do the drawing at a number closer to 3,900. Which would make both of them “factual”…
January 4th, 2008 at 12:45 pm
Is the property still going to be given to the one who wrote the best essay? at the end of February, or will they extend the deadline again.
January 4th, 2008 at 12:47 pm
I believe that the rules state that if the number of essay’s need to aren’t reached, they will split the funds raised with a winner.
January 4th, 2008 at 12:56 pm
Tammy is correct that if they don’t get enough they’ll split the proceeds. however nothing says they can’t continue to extend the deadline if they wish.
January 4th, 2008 at 1:15 pm
Hi guys - sorry to have been out of the loop for so long - my father passed away on 12/22/07 and the essay has been the last thing on my mind. ALL RULES ARE ON THE CONTEST WEBSITE - I’ve never seen a question on this blog that couldn’t be answered by reviewing the entire site. I don’t believe there is anything that says the contest couldn’t be extended again after February…just curious, what would you rather see happen? The winner at the end of February to receive 50% of the entry fees as a prize or for the contest to continue until the number of entries are reached?
January 4th, 2008 at 3:12 pm
Either way the winner would be a winner. I would take that money and buy the farm and finance the rest.
January 4th, 2008 at 5:52 pm
Tabitha: I’d rather have what ever is best for the family that currntly owns the property. I would love to have the farm, but do not want to see anyone put too far out of their way just to please me. The money would really please my family right now, but so would the property. Bottom line is, they need to do whats right for them. Either way someone will win something.
January 5th, 2008 at 5:41 pm
I agree that God is going to make it possible for one of his flock to have a dream home through this contest. I am one of many who loves the country, but I haven’t the cash to buy a farm outright. I discovered the contest by accident and immediately felt like my prayers were possibly going to be answered. I am not going to divulge my tales of woe, but I feel that even if I don’t win that means God is helping another believer and I helped by sending in my essay contributing to their winning. I truly believe that God will determine the winner of this essay contest. I have been praying for all of us essay writers that God makes it possible for one of his chosen to win. It is sad that the owners can’t reconcile their differences and keep their marriage together. The farm looks as though the owners did love it and thought of it as home and not just a piece of land. I think it commendable of them to want someone else to love and take care of their home. Good luck to all who are in dire need. I hope this farm goes to a family to love it even if it isn’t mine, as I know in my heart that this is trully a way for a desperate family to have their worthy prayer answered. God bless everyone.
January 5th, 2008 at 5:50 pm
Tammy and Lisa, you should exchange phone numbers via private email. It sounds like the two of you could become close friends. Tabitha, sorry about your loss.
January 5th, 2008 at 6:24 pm
Edna, I can’t grasp what your last entry is about. This contest should be bringing us all, hope, that dreams can come true, no animosity towards one another. I have no tales of woe, and you won’t hear anything negative come out of my mouth. Cheer Up, and God Bless.
Lisa
January 5th, 2008 at 10:35 pm
Edna, I agree with Lisa. I, too, am lost when trying to understand the meaning of your comment. Was that a comment in support of Lisa and I becoming friends or where you trying to hint that we are taking up far too much page space with our comments to each other? And I have tons of woes to tell but will spare you of having to sit through it all. I just love chatting with you all! This is the best and most friendly site I’ve ever been on! EVER! Hi Lisa. Hows the family today? Tabitha, I too am sorry to learn of your loss. May GOD bless you and your loved ones in your time of dispair.
January 5th, 2008 at 11:38 pm
I think Edna suggested private email as opposed to you putting your PHONE NUMBERS on the web. I don’t think Edna had any intention of slighting anyone. She sounded sincere.
As for the tales of woe, I’m sure we all have them, some are just choosing to share them with everybody and some of us are not.
January 6th, 2008 at 1:11 pm
I thought Edna sounded sincere but wasn’t sure. She has been posting the most kind and pleasent comments thoughout the thread. I was just wondering if she was asking me to stop taking up so much page space or not. The last thing I wan’t to do is offend anyone. And I don’t want to take up too much page space either. All you nice people are why I think this is the best and most friendly site ever! I love reading all the comments and questions posted and saying hi to y’all in the morning. So, Edna, if I am taking up to much space….just say so. Everyone should be able to enjoy this page, not just me. And people have to be very blunt with me or I’ll find what ever good I can in the comment and take the whole thing as supportiveness. (Did I spell that right?) Oh well, GOD bless you ALL and good morning to AL. One last thing. Some things that are typed don’t sound the same when read as they do when said. With that said…I meant this comment to be read as a happy, cheerful and possitive one. I am not being a smarty pants in this comment or the last one either.
January 7th, 2008 at 8:26 am
Tabitha - I’m also sorry to hear about your loss, and know that I understand what you are going through. I’ve been told it gets better.
Everyone Else - Thanks for the great dialog on the site. I’ve had a lot of visitors and written a lot of posts on this blog; but this is my favorite collection because of the stories that people are telling and willing to share. Thanks for making this a vibrant site and I wish everyone of you where to win it.
January 7th, 2008 at 12:05 pm
Tabitha,
My mother died right before Christmas 12 years ago, So the Christmas Holidays are the most difficult for me. I am truly sorry for your loss, I will Keep you and your family in my prayers.
I do also like the friendliness of this blog. We are here to raise each other’s hopes up about the farm to be given to someone, if not that, let’s just raise each other’s hopes up about life itself.
Gotta Run, Good to see you back, Toby……..
January 11th, 2008 at 1:58 pm
I believe there is another home in Ohio being given away in an Essay Contest…see http://www.essaycontests.com.
I hope the farm in Howard finds a new family…sounds like all the entrants are excited and hopeful.
January 21st, 2008 at 2:10 pm
Looks like all the hype and excitement just died all a sudden. Well, I’m sure everyone is still hopeful. I thought I’d stop in and say hi to everyone and see what might be new.
January 21st, 2008 at 2:12 pm
I forgot to mention, Stephanie says to say hi for her also. So…Hi all!
March 18th, 2008 at 12:33 pm
I understand folks’ concern about people having to borrow funds to enter the contest and/or for a drive to look at the place.
There are some hard-core realities to winning a contest like this,
While there is indeed equity in the farm, there’s a matter of paying the taxes. Even if you are able to get an equity loan to pay the taxes, you still have to have a source of income to pay those taxes. And while the farm may be beautiful, that beauty takes a heap of work to maintain.
If you have no means of paying for an entry fee or gasoline, how can you afford to service a mortgage and maintain the farm?
I don’t think people were being harsh at all, they’re just pointing out the reality of the situation.
March 21st, 2008 at 1:17 am
A lady has posted some information, on the other page, about the contest. She said the owners have decided to split the monies, raised through the contest fee’s, with a winner within the next thirty days. She said it is going to be about eight thousand dollars or so. That’s a pretty big chunk of money. Well, if that’s what the owners are doing, who ever wins will have the money to cover the taxes. They can put it away when they cash their winnings in at the bank. Good luck to everyone that has entered the contest!
If you are the winner, and you had to barrow the money to enter, I hope you paid them back already. Once they find out you won cash, they may be looking for some interest on the loan. So be quick, pay it back now (if you haven‘t already)! Before they find out, lol
Here’s the link to the other page for those of you that do not already have it: http://www.delawareohrealestat.....ward-ohio/
July 10th, 2008 at 10:15 pm
I was searching for homes for sale in Howard, Ohio and came across this website/chain of blogs. I was born and raised in the Howard area and was curious to see what I could find out about this property. There is a Knox County Auditors website that anyone can view which shows detail information about any property. Here is the link…. http://www.knoxcountyauditor.o.....-00328.001 I hate to burst you all’s bubble, however it appears this may have been a scam. From this website you will be able to observe that the current owners of the 11105 Hill Rd address are still the original owners (COMPTON MICHAEL V & KIMBERLY G) and have been since 1998. If there was a contest winner there has been no property deed transfer or sale transaction through the county auditors office. What a shame….totally sad what people are capable of doing to other people. Lord Forgive us all.
July 11th, 2008 at 7:16 am
My apologies! After reading more blogs from an attached site it looks like there was a cash reward and the house did not sell. Please forgive my previous harsh words….next time I should mind my own business, eh. Lord forgive me.
July 11th, 2008 at 7:43 am
Observer - Don’t worry. At least you were mature enough to admit you hadn’t read the entire post. Have a wonderful day! - Toby
July 11th, 2008 at 9:49 am
OBSERVER: please go to the official contest website for accurate information - people get a little hot under the collar in this blog and there isn’t room for speculation
July 12th, 2008 at 3:45 am
Tammy, and Lisa, I did not intend to come across that you were taking up too much space. I have enjoyed reading everyone’s voices on here. I felt that you were destined to meet on here and become friends. Exchanging numbers privately in email to talk to each other one on one was my intent. Sharing and caring as kindred souls. Edna
July 12th, 2008 at 3:53 am
Hello again, I hope that I have not offended anyone on here with any of my comments. I have felt enriched by sharing in these posts on here with all of you wonderful writers. Somehow, I have felt connected in these dialogs from everyone. God bless each of you. I am very grateful for his blessings to me, and pray he blesses everyone else more. Thanks Edna