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Today is Thursday March 23, the 82nd day of the year. There are 283 days remaining in 2023. Below are news items found in the Creston News Advertiser for this day in history.
3 years ago (2020)
A reported one-fifth of the globe is facing lockdown. By shuttering businesses, clearing streets and keeping people away from one another, authorities hope they can slow down the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.
A resident of northeastern Iowa is the first person in the state whose death has been linked to the coronavirus outbreak, which continues to spread statewide, Gov, Kim Reynolds said Tuesday. Reynolds identified the deceased as an “older adult” resident of Dubuque County who was between 61 and 80 years old.
A warm front forged through southern Iowa Saturday afternoon and along the front, a line of severe storms quickly popped up and spawned a tornado that damaged a few locations in southern Adair County. The tornado is thought to have developed in far northern Adams County as storm damage was reported by authorities there.
Traffic was heavy in downtown Creston Saturday evening as locals both young and old came together to relive a forgotten tradition of Creston’s yesteryear. The idea to “Scoop the Loop” Saturday originated when Amy Jo Lohoff, a Creston resident, created a Facebook event encouraging people to get out and socialize – but at a distance. Lohoff, said she used to drive the “loop” with her friends in her youth. The idea turned into a hour-plus long get together with locals showing off their cars, motorcycles, camping out in the back of pickup trucks and playing music.
13 years ago (2010)
Next year’s Creston Community Schools budget received preliminary approval Monday from the district’s board of education. The estimated 2010-11 budget presented by Business Manager Don Krings calls for an increase of $192,532 in taxes. The levy rate will be 49.7 cents higher per $1,000 in valuation.
George Faust of Creston will be recognized as a distinguished volunteer in a special ceremony 1 p.m. Friday at Creston Senior Center in the Restored Depot. The Breta Kinkade Distinguished Service Award will be given to Faust for his 21 years of volunteer service to the Creston Senior Center.
Creston High School EAST students received numerous awards at the annual National EAST Conference in Hot Springs, Arkansas, including a “Superior” rating for their community contributions and teamwork during the current school year. The CHS program was one of only 32 schools to receive the ranking out of 211 schools in eight states.
23 years ago (2000)
When Creston Police Chief Bill Heatherington traveled in Canada he saw “phantom” Mounted Police cars sitting along the streets. “Every time I saw one, I hit the brakes,” Heatherington said, “It’s just human nature.” After recent budget cuts left the Creston Police Department one officer short, Heatherington decided to try the same approach. Creston now has a phantom car complete with mannequin officer in uniform placed at various locations. Heatherington said the purpose is to get people to watch their driving habits more closely and to be more aware. The phantom car is moved several times a day including weekends.
The Slinky has wobbled its way into the National Toy Hall of Fame. The toy, along with the jump rope, bicycle, jacks and Mr. Potato Head, were designated Wednesday as new inductees into the hall at the A.C. Gilbert Discovery Village in Salem, Oregon.
A fourth candidate has thrown his hat into the race for Union County Sheriff. Richard Harman of Afton wants to use his experience, education and community service to serve Union County. Harman, 41, has lived in Afton seven years, where he owns and operates Harman Signs and Everywhere screen printing. Harman, running on the Democratic ticket, will face Jo Ann Duckworth of Creston for the party’s nomination in the June 6 primary.
33 years ago (1990)
Next year, for the first time in the history of Creston girls basketball, Eldon Gammell will be just another fan in the stands. Monday night the school board certified Gammell’s resignation as girls coach. Gammell started the Creston program in 1972.
The Iowa High School Baseball Coaches Association named Creston skipper Vic Belger as the All Western District Coach of the Year for Class 3A. Belger also received a plaque for winning his 500th career game.
Nearly 100 local retail associates and managers attended sales boosting seminars last week, co-sponsored by the Creston Chamber of Commerce and the Small Business Development Center.
Creston School Superintendent Paul Grumley’s contract is in jeopardy after a Creston Board of Education vote Tuesday night. The board voted 4-1 to consider terminating his contract during a special board meeting at the school administration office. The board declined to say why the measure was deemed necessary.