May 22, 2025
Local NewsState & National

Throwback Thursday: First graduation held in new Creston Senior High

By Mandy McDowell
Through the years: Burton R. Hones Middle School seventh-grader James Davis, center, is all class while performing Monday night during the 20th Century choral revue at Creston High School. In the foreground are Tim Pingree and Jeff Kruse.

Through the years: Burton R. Jones Middle School seventh-grader James Davis, center, is all class while performing Monday night during the 20th Century choral revue at Creston High School. In the foreground are Tim Pingree and Jeff Kruse. (CNA 2000 archived photo )

Today is Thursday, May 22, the 142nd day of the year. There are 223 days remaining in 2025. Below is a collection of news items found in the Creston News Advertiser for this week in history.

5 years ago (2020)

It is no longer a rumor. The Strand Theatre is closing or for sale. Vice President of Fridley Theatres Russell Vannorsdel said the company’s goal is to “divest” the Creston location.

Green Valley’s campground reopened Friday and has been packed since citizens were allowed to return to state parks. Memorial Day weekend was the first big weekend back for campers and they turned out in droves. “The only thing that’s different is that the playgrounds aren’t opened up and shelters aren’t opened up yet,” said Jason Hyde, Green Valley park ranger. “But, all three cabins were rented and campers were back outside enjoying campfires at the campsites.”

Christmas came a little late for secondary roads in the form of a $263,183.79 check from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Union County Engineer Zach Gunsolley said he has been waiting on FEMA to reimburse the department for repairs from flood damage in 2019.

High school students in Southwestern Community College’s region have a unique online learning opportunity this summer. Beginning June 8, SWCC is offering three credit courses from the pre-nursing outline. Due to state funding through the Summer College Credit Program, students are eligible to complete these courses free of charge.

15 years ago (2010)

A second tough loss to Hawkeye 10 Conference rival Harlan ended the season for the Creston boys’ soccer team Wednesday night. The Cyclones claimed a one-goal victory in the Class 2A substate tournament contest against the Panthers, winning 2-1.

A 10-run fourth inning led the Creston baseball team to an 18-4 victory over Guthrie Center Tuesday night. The Panthers trailed the Tigers 3-0 after two innings, but scored twice in the third to cut the deficit to one run. Creston sent 16 batters to the plate in the fourth during a 10-run outburst.

You’ll find two seniors on the lineup card for the Creston softball team. Just two. Jill Johnson in left field and Mackenzie Pearson in right. By sheer grade level, the 2010 Panther team is young. But by sheer experience, not so much. The team — returning two all-staters, pitcher Madison Frain and shortstop Katlin Briley, is full of potential and brimming with lofty plans.

25 years ago (2000)

The war against drugs will soon include an additional officer in Lenox. Lenox Police Officer Chad Bals gave a convincing argument to the Lenox City Council at Monday’s meeting for purchase of a drug dog.

Her game was not as pretty, but the outcome was beautiful. Creston/Orient-Macksburg senior Heidi Calvin wont he Class 3A regional girls gold tournament in a five-hole playoff to advance to the state tournament May 30-31 at Jester Park in Granger.

Scoring runs by whatever means necessary was the promise of Creston baseball coach Vic Belger. In Tuesday’s opening game against Guthrie Center, the Panthers delivered with a commanding 15-3 win.

Twelve Creston Middle School and high school student athletes participated in the Special Olympics Summer Games May 18-20 at Iowa State University. Participants qualified in regional competition in April. Opening ceremonies were held May 18 and a dance was held May 19 for athletes.

The Creston Dollars for Scholars chapter raised $10,000 in a “million pennies” grassroots fundraising campaign. Hy-Vee’s $1,000 donation pushed the total to about $11,000.

35 years ago (1990)

The Class of ’90 became the first group of seniors to be graduated from Creston’s new senior high school building. On Sunday 139 Creston seniors received their diplomas during commencement at the high school gymnasium which was packed to capacity.

The Creston High School class of 1945 held its 45th reunion over the weekend. The class banquet Saturday night at the Elk’s Club was highlighted with a gift of $1,150 to the Creston High School music department for a video recorder.

A year ago, they finished the season ranked No. 1 in the state. This summer, the Creston Panthers want to finish the season in the state baseball tournament. They’re not worried about trying to match their phenomenal 1989 record of 40-4, or how high they’re ranked.

Creston