Top stories of 2007
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2007 was a year of ongoing clean-up for the Creston News Advertiser coverage area, as residents fought to keep their properties in good shape through several severe storms, governments cracked down on nuisance properties and construction crews kicked up dirt during the Highway 34 resurfacing project and expansions at Greater Regional Medical Center. Spring and summer of 2007 were times of mourning for locals after five area residents were killed in traffic accidents near Creston. The area also saw national issues become local priorities through two alternative energy efforts and a slew of presidential candidates' visits. National attention of a different kind saw a local man arrested on federal pornography charges in October. And, of course, some of 2007's news will carry over into 2008. Watch future issues of the Creston News Advertiser to see how one Creston resident's shoplifting charge plays out in court, as well as how newly-sworn Creston officials manage the city's business. Meanwhile, read on for a recap of the area's top 10 stories, issues, events and ongoing efforts of 2007. Nuisances Area towns decided to clean up their acts regarding nuisance properties. The city of Creston hired Bill Heatherington as its nuisance officer in May and by Oct. 17, he’d resolved about 100 nuisance disputes in Creston city limits. Union County Supervisors worked to get possession of a block in Kent that had long been full of ramshackle buildings and junk vehicles, which they cleared in September just before Union County Landfill closed and became a waste transfer station. In Diagonal, the city council also worked to crack down on nuisances.
Highway 34 Residents and visitors alike struggled to navigate around or through detours, closed lanes, drop-offs and construction crews as they did business along Highway 34 in Creston during the year-long resurfacing project. The highway was formally reopened Nov. 13.
Energy Southwest Iowa turned to alternative energy sources with a new ethanol plant in Corning and wind-energy projects in Adair and Union counties. Poet Biorefinery in Corning opened May 4, and will produce about 60 million gallons of ethanol per year. In June, MidAmerican Energy proposed a wind turbine project in southern Adair and northern Union counties. After MidAmerican refused to negotiate with a group of about 40 landowners, the group endorsed Invenergy Wind North America of Chicago. Currently the two wind energy projects are competing for business in the area.
Damage Area properties took a beating from Mother Nature during severe rain and hail May 5-7 and a major ice storm Dec. 11. The damage in May was significant enough to earn Union County a disaster declaration from the Federal Management Emergency Agency. Rain from the same storm flooded many area basements, as well as Southwestern Community College’s gym, making it necessary to replace the floor. By September, rain had caused Creston sewers to raise a stink again. Homeowners across the city complained to city council members about raw sewage knee-deep in their basements. The council is still looking into equipment, funding and engineering options to resolve this ongoing issue. December’s storm caused widespread power outages, some lasting up to six days, and countless downed tree limbs. Iowa Gov. Chet Culver declared Union County a disaster area along with 21 other counties. A request for federal disaster declaration has not yet been decided.
Lost Families, friends and entire communities mourned the loss of five local residents in traffic accidents. March 19, Tiffani Braman, 31, of Shannon City died in an accident south of Creston. Jackie Scadden, 42, of Creston died April 16 in a three-car accident about three miles east of Creston. Three Creston youths were killed in a June 13 accident. Kalita Moore, 17, Chris Lowe, 21, and Jolynn Kimball, 15, all of Creston, were killed in the collision two miles east of the Kent corner on Highway 34. Politics Area residents saw a swarm of candidates for President, including Republican former Utah Gov. Mitt Romney and Sen. Joe Biden, D-Del., on July 3, followed by two Republicans: John Cox, a conservative businessman, and Rep. Tom Tancredo of Colorado, as well as several Democrats: former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards, New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson and Illinois Sen. Barack Obama. Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y. visited The Chicken Inn Nov. 20, and, most recently, Fred Thompson, R-Tenn., was in town Dec. 26. Biden returned to Creston Dec. 27. Some of the candidates’ wives also made visits to the area, including Ann Romney with her husband July 2, Jackie Dodd Nov. 29 and Michelle Obama Dec. 27.
Shoplifting Jan Harris, Creston schools assistant principal, was charged Aug. 21 with fifth-degree theft for allegedly shoplifting $104.90 worth of clothing items from Creston Wal-Mart Supercenter. Harris pleaded not guilty. He maintains his innocence, and the case has not yet gone to trial.
Federal bust A Creston man was arrested Oct. 10 on federal pornography charges. Kent Adamson was charged with transporting obscene materials to a minor and coercion and exploitation of a minor — both felony charges. Adamson had worked as a paraprofessional at Creston Middle School and was formerly a high school and middle school coach, however, he had been on administrative leave since August.
Elected Leadership in Creston changed hands, as Warren Woods was elected Mayor in the city election Nov. 6 and Larry Wynn defeated incumbent Lois Monday for the at-large city council seat. Incumbent councilman Richard Madison lost his bid for mayor and his Ward 1 seat was filled by write-in candidate Loyal Winborn. Outgoing Mayor Mike Tamerius conducted his last council meeting Dec. 17, where he recommended a 47 percent salary increase for city administrator Mike Taylor, which was approved by the council on a vote of five to two.
Hospital Ongoing renovation and expansion at Greater Regional Medical Center will result in a new main entrance, emergency room and cancer center at the facility. Also, ground was broken Sept. 14 on the Greater Regional Hospice Home. The hospital’s projects are slated for completion in 2008.
