June 14, 2025
Local NewsState & National

Throwback Thursday

Seventeen new members were inducted into the National Honor Society at Creston High School. The candidates were, front row from left: Brianna Crill, Elizabeth Kinyon, Alex Johnson, Kari McCann, Jason Lents, Elizabeth Walsh and Mary McCracken. Second row from left, Marcus Coenen, Scott Vicker, Greg Irr, Ellen Walker Courtney Weeda, Katie McKim, Heather Birchard, Keith Peterson, Caleb Brus and Nicole Stoll. Kyle McCann, law student at Creighton University, was the speaker for the ceremony. McCann was a four-sport athlete and member of NHS at CHS. (CNA file)

Today is April 14, the 105th day of the year. It’s a leap year. So, there are 261 days left in 2016. Below are news items from the Creston News Advertiser for this week (April 11-17) in history:

10 years ago

After more than 48 years in the Blazek family, Creston Motors had new owners. Partners Rick Benson, Brent Wyant and Jim Baker assumed ownership of the Ford dealership at 410 W. Adams St. Wyant and Baker owned two other dealerships in Missouri and Benson had been working for a dealership in Newton. Benson relocated to Creston to become general manager of newly named Creston Automotive. Creston Motors was purchased in 1958 by Burton Blazek and Harry Schlapia. When Schlapia died in the mid-1980s, Blazek bought his share. Blazek died in 1998, and son Mark assumed ownership of the family business.

A new Iowa State Savings Bank (ISSB) branch was being built on Taylor Street in the former Long John Silver’s, A&W, TCBY and Moxie Java location. Jan Knock, ISSB director of marketing, cited convenience for customers was driving the new location. ISSB still would have a branch at North Sumner Avenue and Devoe Street, plus its main office at 401 W. Adams St. A projected opening date was not announced.

20 years ago

Creston High School cheerleaders for football, basketball and wrestling were honored at their annual banquet. Recognized for their dedication and achievements were Stacy McNichols, Jennifer Snider, Jessica Brimm, Melissa Heatherington, Sarah Ewing, Jody Shoenhair, Mandy Diers, Salina Jackson, Jodee Wilson and Jill Goodrich.

Horace Daggett, 88th District Representative (R-Creston), and his wife, Ruth, were honored at a program celebrating his pending retirement from the Iowa Legislature. The event was hosted by the Union County Republican party, and featured several speakers and candidates for office who lauded Daggett for his years of service to the Creston area. Tim Kenyon and Pete Rogers led the program with 150 people in attendance.

Creston city workers John Hays and Dave Ahrens were busy installing Neighborhood Watch signs as part of the city’s efforts to establish the Watch program. According to Police Chief Bill Heatherington, 15 “block” captains were to be introduced at a second organizational meeting while local business displayed and explained home security devices.

50 years ago

A poll on the most popular household appliances showed television sets were the most popular with 93 percent owning one and 21 percent had more than one set. But there were more two-car owners at 23.8 percent than two-television families. Other popular appliances were refrigerators at 84.2 percent, autos at 78.2 percent, washing machines at 72 percent, dryers at 27.6 percent, air conditioners at 18.2 percent and dishwashers at 9.9 percent.

Spurgeon department stores observed their 59th anniversary. Back in 1907, H.F. Spurgeon started his first store in Afton as a variety and general store. Since that time, the organization had spread to 58 stores across the Midwest. Although the Afton store discontinued, Creston, one of the early stores, was expanded and remodeled with Gene Cozad as manager.

Underground cables for electric and telephone service were installed in the Fair View second addition in northwest Creston. Iowa Southern technician Wayne Abel, lineman Lloyd Edwards and telephone linemen Larry McKinney were busy working together as this was the first time a complete area in Creston used underground service with only street lights on poles, but no overhead wires.