June 19, 2025
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Throwback Thursday

Matt Denton and Andi Davidson are named East Union homecoming king and queen during a coronation in October 2005. Andi is the daughter of Mark and Rose Davidson of Afton. Matt is the son of Dale and Nancy Denton of Thayer. (CNA file)

Today is Oct. 15, the 288th day of the year. There are 77 days left in 2015. Below are news items from the Creston News Advertiser for this week (Oct. 12-18) in history.

5 years ago

Wellman Dynamics of Creston was presented an award for outstanding service from NASA and Pratt and Whitney Rocketdyne Inc. for its work on the LPOTP housing piece that was used in the service of space shuttle engines and programs. Wellman Dynamics is a magnesium and aluminum foundry that casts aerospace components. About 50 percent of components produced are for military purposes, with its primary customers being Bell and Sikorsky helicopters, Pratt and Whitney and NASA. “We get recognition from our customers when we contribute key components to different programs,” said Greg Saveraid, foundry engineer.

Charles F. Palma of Prescott was recognized by the agricultural department at the Iowa State Fair Aug. 17. He was presented a certificate in honor of his Century Farms in Adams and Adair counties, which are located west and north of Williamson.

The Southwest Iowa Shutterbugs club began in January 2009, with a meeting at The Pizza Ranch in Creston with a total of 11 members present. The purpose of this meeting was to bring southwest Iowa camera lovers together and provide education and activities to those interested in photography. Deb Bates, president of the Shutterbugs, and club Vice President Sheila Sutton, along with a few others, brought the club together. People started hearing about Shutterbugs through word of mouth, and it had grown to 45 members by 2010.

10 years ago

Representatives of Supertel Hospitality, Creston Mayor Mike Tamarius and Chamber of Commerce executive Ellen Gerharz broke ground for construction of a new 41-room Supertel Inn and Conference Center. The facility, located at the intersection of Laurel and Taylor streets, was estimated to cost between $2.3 and $2.6 million and was scheduled to be completed in May 2006.

Creston cross country runner Scott Vicker became the first-ever conference champion from Creston High School at the Hawkeye 10 Conference Meet in Atlantic. Karla Fisher and Dana Miller earned medals for their performances in the girls race. Both the boys and girls teams placed eighth overall.

Members of the Iowa State Savings Bank Employment Team (BEAT) Linda Linch, Erin Kiley, Adam Snodgrass and Emily Ford helped raise $500 for Union County Habitat for Humanity. Mike Lang, chairman of Union County Habitat for Humanity, accepted the donation that would go towards completing its second house in Creston. Habitat for Humanity gives families in need of shelter, self-respect and hope of a better life. ISSB’s BEAT raises its funds by providing activities that benefit bank employees and the community.

Sharon Snodgrass, elementary principal and curriculum coordinator for Creston School District, was awarded the “Excellence in Education” award at the annual Youth Plus banquet at SWCC. The award honors outstanding effort in enhancing and improving the educational advancement of all Union County citizens. Others recognized were Joy Brown, Arlene Madison, Lesa Downing, Leslie Tyler, Shirley Wright, Peg Eblen, Bob Arnold and Sharon Irelan. The groups YACC and YEAH were also highlighted.

20 years ago

A local rock ‘n’ roll band was selected for a compilation disc to be released later in the year by a recording producer in Des Moines. The band “Inbred,” with members Jerry Spargur and June Hirose of Creston, hoped this would lead to being signed to a major label company. Another Creston rock band, “Hooker’s Farm,” had also released two CDs to date. The CDs were being sold at Best Buy and played on Des Moines radio stations.

Six community residents were named finalists for the first-ever Creston Citizen of the Year award. There were Jack Davis, M&M Motors owner; Ralph Edwards, retired Ford executive; Darlene Loudon, Boosters leader; Chris Mansour, public health nurse; Mike Wolfe, Wolfe’s Jewelry owner and Galen Zumbach, CHS FFA instructor. Arvid Huisman, CNA publisher, brought the idea to the Chamber board “to honor the people who are positive and work hard for Creston.”