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Today is Sept. 15, the 259th day of the year. It’s a leap year. So, there are 107 days left in 2016. Below are news items from the Creston News Advertiser for this week (Sept. 12-18) in history:
10 years ago
David Qualseth, 7, and 9-year old twins Jessi and Jamie Hellman made $100 selling lemonade during the citywide garage sales, but their goal wasn’t to buy candy or toys for themselves. Instead, every dollar they earned was donated to help sick children at Children’s Hospital in Iowa City and the pediatric emergency room at Greater Regional Medical Center. Qualseth came up with the idea after watching a TV show on the children’s network featuring very sick children with cancer.
Only one hot air balloon graced the Creston skyline on Friday morning before the other 65 pilots arrived. High winds grounded the balloons for all four flights and the Night Glow. However, the weather was cooperative for all other events at the airport and in the business district. It was the second time in three years weather prevented the balloons from flying, but only the third time since 1987.
20 years ago
Donald and Mary Keeler gardened as a hobby. The garden, located across from their residence at 300 N. Vine St., drew many compliments and repeat viewers who dropped by periodically to see new additions. The couple, with the help of their brother-in-law John Coleman, worked all summer to put in the estimated 1,000 flowers and plants. A sign in the garden read, “Our Garden, designed by us, colors by God.”
Southwestern Community College was planning a new degree program in agriculture business. Dr. Rich Byerly, SWCC president, said he had people asking for years why SWCC hadn’t done more in that area. Classes in animal science and agriculture computer applications were offered in the fall.
All-state softball teams and players of the year were announced by the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union. Creston’s state tournament team had two players make the team. Catcher Julie Richter was selected to Class 2A first team, and pitcher/first baseman Katie Turner was named to the fifth team. Mount Ayr pitcher T.J. Groves was selected to Class 1A second team as a utility player.
50 years ago
About 2,000 people attended the fourth-annual Watermelon Festival at Lorimor, sponsored by the Lions Club, and about 6 1/2 tons of watermelon was served. Caroline Emerson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Vern Emerson of Lorimor was crowned queen with runner-up Caroline Miller, and Marsha Paxton second, both of Lorimor. Entertainment during the festival included a tractor pull won by Duane Lauer of Afton, Larry Gonseth of Murray, Robert Grandfield of Lorimor and Joe Waske of Thayer. In the talent show, Sandy Shiflett of Afton won the 13-and-over age group and Roxanne and Malory Howard of St. Charles won in the under-13 age group category. Parade winners were also announced.
A public auction was held Sept. 17 for the old hospital building and grounds located at 402 N. Oak St., in Creston by the Board of Hospital Trustees. Ed, Jim and Harvey Briles were the auctioneers. It sold for $4,750 to Creston Industries, Inc. for the purpose of becoming a girls’ dormitory for the new Southwestern Community College.