Today is Jan. 24, the 24th day of the year. So, there are 341 days left in 2019. Below are news items from the Creston News Advertiser for this week (Jan. 21-27) in history:
10 years ago
Jack Borland of Lenox, a University of Iowa student and alumni of the Dubuque Drum and Bugle Corps, marched with the corps during the presidential inaugural parade for Barack Obama in Washington, D.C.
Dennis Hilger retired after spending the past 35 years dedicated to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service and Natural Resources Conservation Service. He had worked on about 350 projects in seven southern Iowa counties including the development of Three Mile Lake.
Turmoil was cited as the cause for both the mayor and city clerk of Clearfield to resign. In a special city meeting, Mayor Roger Hering made his only comment, “I’m done.” In his letter, he stated turmoil created within the city hall should not be allowed to affect the citizens.
A newly student-constructed 3,448-square-foot home at 1300 Mulberry St. had not received a single bid since its completion the previous June. SWCC President Barb Crittenden said she thought it was a sign of the tough economic times.
20 years ago
Early graduation requests approved by the Creston School Board added up to 30 CHS students graduating before the spring of their senior year. Dr. Robert Kuhl, board president, said the increasing number of early graduates was a disturbing trend, with one fourth of the senior class graduating early. He said he wasn’t sure CHS was providing a senior year that was really challenging the kids.
Midwest Opportunities in Corning, a facility for mentally and physically challenged, opened a consignment store for used clothing, books and appliances to provided viable jobs for its young adults.
Jane Brown’s physical therapy office in Creston had been open for less than three months, but the repercussions were being felt at Greater Community Hospital. The popular 25-year therapist left GCH in July over a disagreement, and the hospital board suggested the hospital try to “mend fences” to see if she would come back.
50 years ago
Pat Sevier, son of Mr. and Mrs. Gene Sevier of Creston, was a member of the crew of the nuclear aircraft carrier USS Enterprise which suffered crippling explosions off the coast of Hawaii. He was an electrician and worked four decks below the flight deck where the explosions occurred. In a call to his parents, Pat reported he was fine and made it to the flight deck after the first explosion to help fight the fire. There were 25 killed and 85 injured in the blasts.
The Union County Historical Society made 210 S. Elm St. its headquarters in planning Creston’s Centennial. It also planned to establish a museum for display of historical articles. The building was the workshop of Louis Blazek, who had leased it to the society for the year.
Rodney Williamson, 18, of Creston was found innocent of manslaughter in a verdict returned by a jury in Madison County district court. He had been charged in connection with the Oct. 19 accident in downtown Creston in which Gale McClure, juvenile probation officer, had been injured and never regained consciousness before dying Nov. 11. Williamson testified in defense that he had been sniffing glue the evening before the accident and he couldn’t remember anything from 10 p.m. until he woke up in the hospital the next morning. The jury deliberated for six hours before returning its verdict after his attorney argued glue sniffing was not illegal under Iowa statutes.
Afton Star Enterprise celebrated its 90th anniversary with an open house. Leo and Maxine Kaster staged a little coffee and donut open house to thank their many patrons.