The farm crisis, in addition to skyrocketing gold and diamond prices, devastates jewelers across the Midwest; more than 12 jewelry stores close in the Quad Cities alone. All Nusser family members employed in their business take drastic pay cuts to keep the staff employed. Hands’ off-site business office is destroyed in a devastating fire that began in the bicycle store one floor below in December. Most records, photographs, and memorabilia are lost.