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Today is Dec. 11, the 345th day of the year. There are 20 days left in 2014. Below are news items from the Creston News Advertiser for this week (Dec. 8-14) in history.
5 years ago
Creston was hit with a blizzard Dec. 8 and 9. After covering portions of the state in snowfall amounts upwards of 1 foot, wind gusts of more than 50 miles per hour created a blizzard the National Weather Service called “extremely dangerous” with “life-threatening conditions.” Wind chills ranged from 10 to 20 degrees below zero Dec. 9 and limited visibility to near zero in many locations. Snow drifts 8 to 15 feet high were also expected today. This led to all area schools being closed. Many businesses, including Bunn-O-Matic and Farley’s and Sathers Candy Company, temporarily closed their doors.
A utility savings of $13,000 between fiscal year 2008 and 2009 was reported at Southwestern Community College, just from simple practices such as shutting down computers and lights when not in use during weekends and holidays, and adjusting temperature settings for heating and air conditioning. SWCC began following a plan adopted at Iowa State University to purchase a device called a Vending Miser, which automatically shuts down pop machines’ compressors during periods of inactivity. The Vending Miser controller allows only enough power to keep the cooled product inside at the right temperature and have it ready to dispense when someone is in the vicinity, powering down costly heat generating lighting and denying compressor cycles to run when they are not required.
Astronaut Peggy Whitson, a 1978 Mount Ayr High School graduate, earned the position to head up the nation’s astronaut corps at the Johnson Space Center for National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). She logged 377 days in space for two missions aboard the International Space Station and owns the U.S. record for long-duration spaceflight. She performed six career spacewalks, adding up to 39 hours, 46 minutes. That’s more than any other woman in the world.
10 years ago
An East Union student had a confirmed case of pertussis, whooping cough. Twenty-two students were in direct contact with the student. Nurse Beverly Simpson notified parents of exposed students by sending home letters. Letters advised children must receive antibiotics to prevent further spread of whooping cough or be excluded from school, even if they were not showing symptoms.
University of Iowa officials announced plans to reopen the Old Capitol, the school’s first building, in spring 2006. A fire engulfed the building’s dome and cupola three years earlier, and restoration was taking place. The project was on its second phase — upgrading fire systems and adding new wooden floors, as well as painting and plastering walls.
20 years ago
Lance Cpl. Colby J. Weatherly, a 1993 graduate of Corning High School, received a Meritorious Mast. He was cited for outstanding service while assigned 3rd Battalion, 12th Marines, 3rd Marine Division, Camp Butler, Japan. A Meritorious Mast is an official recognition from a Marine’s commanding officer for superior individual performance.
On Dec. 9, Creston boys basketball team, coached by Mike Gerleman, beat Harlan 77-61 at home. The Panthers took an early lead in the first quarter 24-6. The win pushed Creston’s record to 2-1 overall and 1-1 in Hawkeye 10 Conference. Brian Gerleman, a senior, scored 18 points, nine rebounds, six assists and three steals. Ben Gerleman, a junior, scored a game-high 19 points, seven rebounds, seven assists and four steals. Sophomore Kyle McCann made all five of his first quarter shots and finished with 17 points.