Local happenings, events, good, bad for year 2016

Jan. 6 - Savannah Roberts of Lime Springs had the privilege of playing the National Anthem with the Hawkeyes Marching Band during the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. Unfortunately the Iowa Hawkeyes lost to Stanford’s Cardinals 45-16.

The top three stories of 2015 included the closing of the Spectrum store and Lime Springs/Chester Elementary School, as well as the opening of Cresco Family Pharmacy.

Kelly Olson-Jessen explained to the Howard-Winneshiek Board of Education that she and others created Cadet PTO. It had been a few years since a parent/teacher group was active.

Kiwanis Club Student of the Month was Tyrone Grant, eighth grade.

Obituaries for the week included Irvin Holub, 71; Mildred Riehle, 91; Melanie Ollendieck Luu, 51; Lori Darland Heinrichs, 50; and Roselyn Quam, 82.

Jan.13 - Driftrunners was hosting its 45th Snowfest.

Sen. Chuck Grassley talked to locals in Cresco on one of his 99-county visits during the year. He met with Don Gooder, who had the honor of announcing Grassley to the fairgoers in Grundy County.

Presidential candidate Ted Cruz answered questions at Teluwut.

The Dollars for Scholars Phone-A-Thon was to take place.

Aaron and Melissa “Missy” Hvitved of Cresco and their two daughters, Maryn and Brynlie, received a wonderful Christmas gift. They welcomed home another sister, Soryn Marie, on Christmas Day! 

Obituaries for the week included Karl Krause, 96; Steve Leverenz, 58; Monica Rink, 81; Virginia Turvold, 87; and Adah Steinmetz, 89.

Jan. 20 - Shilo Leff and Josh Eischens had the first baby of the year for the Times Plain Dealer’s readership area. Little Callie Kay gave everyone a scare when she was born on her mom’s bathroom floor! All turned out well and big brother Colten was ecstatic.

The state report card was released, and Crestwood High School ranked in the top 13 percent of Iowa high schools.

Cresco Theatre and Opera House was closed January-February as Riehle Decorating was restoring the historic theatre to its original beauty.

Howard Cty. Supervisors proclaimed January as National Mentoring Month.

Cresco Public Library was the recipient of Iowa Public Television’s Ready for School Library Corner.

Gretchen Laub donated 13 inches of hair to Locks of Love in memory of her sister, Karen.

The City of Cresco took steps to become more energy efficient by changing lighting and having an energy audit.

Obituaries for the week included Bev Harms, 81; Robert “Bob” Miller, 78; Michael Ungs, 75; Orval Friedrich, 93; Rose Ann Valvoda, 77; Ruth Reicks, 83; and Dorothy Klink, 81.

Jan. 27 - The eyes of the nation were on Iowa as the state was getting ready to choose Republican and Democratic candidates for president. An explanation of the process was published.

Rumors were finally confirmed when Shopko signed a development agreement with the Howard County Board of Supervisors. It was hoped the store would open in mid-March. Alco was the last tenant of the building, on the west edge of Cresco. The franchise filed bankruptcy on Oct. 12, 2014.

Presidential Candidate Bernie Sanders spoke to a crowd of around 2,000 at Luther College in Decorah.

It was announced Masopust, the Czech Mardi Gras, was to be held with many activities.

As of Jan. 1, 2016, O’Henry’s changed management as Phil Henry purchased sister Jackie Lickteig’s portion of the business.

Karlos and Janet McClure celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary.

Hannah Shelton, seventh grade, was named Kiwanis Club Student of the Month.

Donavyn Gosch, eighth grade, was named Kiwanis Club Student of the Month.

The birth of Ace Jeffrey Larson was announced.

Obituaries for the week included Rev. Gale Chilson, 85; Corall Fortney, 84; William Hall, 92; Randy Russell, 59; Timothy Wohlsdorf, 62; and Virginia Larson, 87.

Feb. 3 - Wayne Riniker, Notre Dame High School Class of 1969 gave some memories of growing up in Cresco. The memories got locals excited about Cresco’s 150th celebration.

Former Secretary of State and Democratic Presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton visited Decorah.

Caucus results were released showing Ted Cruz had 27.7 percent of the Republican votes in the state of Iowa compared to Donald Trump’s 24.3 percent. Hillary Clinton narrowly beat Bernie Sanders in Iowa with 49.9 to 49.6 percent. In Howard County, Trump had 31 percent to Cruz’s 29 and Sanders had 54 percent to Clinton’s 46.

Howard County statistics were given, including births, deaths, marriages and divorces, as well as number and types of calls from the Cresco Police Department and Howard County Sheriff.

Reid Wiley, seventh grade, was named Kiwanis Club Student of the Month.

Wyatt Curtis, eighth grade, was named Kiwanis Club Student of the Month.

Isaiah Passmore and Amber Mast were finalists in the Iowa State Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Division “Know Your Constitution” Project.

The first robins were spotted in Rita Gamez’ apple tree in the northwest part of Cresco.

Obituaries for the week included Leona Gerleman, 91; Diane Pecinovsky, 69; Reuben Praska, 92; John Smith, 83; and William Fenske, 77.

Feb. 10 - Wayne Mashek shared his father, the late Alvin Mashek’s, collection of colorful postcards, including many with a Valentine’s Day theme.

The love story of Leland “Bud” and Jean McCarville, who celebrated 59 years together, was featured.

Regional Health Services announced a new online bill-pay option.

Howard-Winneshiek Community School District officially turned over the keys to the elementary building to the City of Lime Springs.

The births of Laney Kay Lickteig and Tatum Jaymes Tyree were announced.

The northernmost townships in Iowa were robbed of land. When the land was being surveyed, starting from the south, there wasn’t enough land, so the sections 1-6 are nonexistent!

Obituaries for the week included Leonard Barta, 94; Marie Biwer, 79; Joseph Kubik, 73; and Irene Shimak, 88.

Feb. 17 - A fire completely destroyed the Body Shop at Dean’s Body Shop in Cresco, although the fire department was able to save the office area.

Mark Johnson and wife, Brenda Steffens Johnson, have dedicated many hours to keeping the Prairie Springs Trails groomed. Many people from all over consider them the best-groomed in the area.

Gas prices dropped to $1.499! Locals talked about the lowest and highest prices they remember paying for a gallon of gas. Some answers were 25¢ for the lowest and $80 to fill a van as the highest.

Kaylee Ollendieck, seventh grade, was named Kiwanis Club Student of the Month.

Howard-Winneshiek Community School District was moving forward with getting solar panels for the bus garage and Early Childhood Development Center/Kessel Kids.

The Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum Spaghetti Supper successfully raised money for new playground equipment.

Obituaries for the week included John Albert, 68; Hattie Hauber, 91; Karla Loonan, 56; and Raphael “Ray” Vsetecka, 88.

Feb. 24 - A grand opening was being held for Regional Health Services of Howard County’s newly remodeled facility.

Seven Crestwood wrestlers, Kaden Anderlik, 106 pounds - 6th place; Michael Millage, 120 - 2nd; Ryan Steffen, 126 - 4th; Chase Lienhard, 132 - 6th; Trae Pecinovsky, 145 - 6th; Neil Clement, 152; and Jacob Knutson, 285, competed at State.

Like son like mother — in 2014 Jake Heisler helped save the life of Brad Lodge while he was on the job at LimeSprings Beef. In 2016 his mom, Sandy Heisler, saved a life after going out to dinner at Diamond Joe’s in Dubuque.

Odyssey Paranormal Society spent five hours at the Cresco Theatre/Opera House on Jan. 16, and the results of the investigation were revealed. In conclusion, the “ghostbusters” found 80 percent of the paranormal is residual, playing over and over.

Local FFA students explained why they love the organizations during National FFA Week.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony took place at South Side Bar & Grill.

Howard-Winneshiek speech students were preparing for District individual events contest.

LimeSprings Beef slaughtered its first beef on Feb. 23.

The birth of Monroe Jalynn Schoenthal was announced.

Obituaries for the week included Ardith Flatland, 91; Phyllis “Pam” Bruning, 82; and James “J.T.” Howard, 88.

March 2 - Marv Praska walked his last route for the USPS on Feb. 26. Walking 11-12 miles per day puts him over 50,000 miles on the job, which is over twice the circumference of the earth!

Members of Hawkeye REC and Tri-County Electric were to vote on a proposed merger of the two companies.

A local former teacher admitted to being hit with identity theft over a tax return. Judy Strike gave tips on keeping your money safe. 

Crestwood Junior High presented the pay “Toy Camp.”

Cameron Ollendick, eighth grade, was named Kiwanis Club Student of the Month.

Shelley O’Brien and Jason Markov announced their engagement and upcoming wedding.

The births of Oscar Harold Granahan, Jaxton Joshua and Dakota Lynn Gibson were announced.

Howard-Winneshiek teachers presented their teaching style to UNI faculty.

Reicks Monument & Stone had its Grand Opening.

Sara Stromseth-Troy and husband Nate Troy met musical legend Todd Rundgren. Sara writes stories for his Spirit of Harmony Foundation.

The Times Plain Dealer’s Girls Day Out had a great turnout and the ladies had fun shopping and visiting.

Obituaries for the week included H. Reade Bronner, 81; Marilyn “Meg” Nicholas, 77; Wayne Perry, 85; and Norma Robinson 91.

March 9 - Regional Health Services of Howard County’s Grand Opening had many locals touring the newly remodeled facility. The work was a three-phase affair, starting with the groundbreaking in March 2013 that cost $16 million.

Howard County Fair grandstand entertainment was announced, with the Roots & Boots Tour (Aaron Tippin, Colin Raye and Sammy Kershaw) on Friday and Hairball on Saturday.

Shopko Hometown Store announced its Grand Opening on the west edge of Cresco on March 25. 

Kandise Hauber was crowned Winneshiek County 2016-17 Beef Princess.

Chester native Kyle Ullom was named 2015 Officer of the Year for the Waterloo Police Department

Students at Howard-Winneshiek Community School District received a visit and a book from The Cat in the Hat for Read Across America Day. The books were a gift from the newly-formed PTO group.

Saude and Jerico Lutheran Churches had a new pastor, Rev. Peter J. Faugstad.

Emerald Ash Borer was confirmed in Winneshiek County.

Although the old Cresco Pool building on 3rd St. West was torn down to make room for a solar array, the arch with the name “Cresco Pool” engraved on it was salvaged.

Obituaries for the week included Patricia “Patsy” Borgan, 86; Rochel Buck, 57; Dean Buls, 61; and Evelyn Costley, 95.

March 16 - Cresco Wildlife Club had a woman-only gun safety class.

A story featured South Side Bar & Grill and the new kitchen and dining area.

The birth of Theodore Allen Knox was announced.

The meat lockers of Howard County were congratulated on a good job at the IMPA Convention. Those winning awards included Elma Locker &Grocery, Polashek Locker of Protivin and County Line Locker of Riceville.

Other businesses featured included Darland’s Auto Repair, Kubik Plumbing-Heating-A/C, O’Donnell Insurance, Knights Construction and A&W/Long John Silvers.

With warm weather enveloping the area, locals got outside for some yard work.

Teens from Calmar, Cresco, Lansing and Waukon went on a 24-hour fast at Notre Dame parish to learn more about hunger.

The obituary for the week was for David “Gabby” Howland, 68.

March 23 - Youth of the county and others toured the newly finished hog portion of the Ag Education Center at the Fairgrounds. A meeting was held for youth interested in raising hogs in the new facility.

Over 500 attended the Eighth Annual Brew & Stew 5K Run and 15K Ride. Winners of the costume contest were the group Leprechaun Zombies and individual Hillary Klimesh.

Ron Rear and Evelyn Kingsley sold Cresco Liquor Store after 29 years in business to Aaron Wemark, with his sister, Maria Larson, as manager.

Turkey Valley School was utilizing cross-age teaching to help older and younger students alike.

The birth of Layla Rose Norman was announced.

A group was looking to form the Howard County Energy District. The organization would help locals understand the best way to get energy savings from solar, wind and geo-thermal.

The Howard-Winneshiek School Board was trying to reduce spending by $400,000 to make a better budget.

Crestwood High School choir was to purchase new robes and stoles after using the old ones for 30 years.

CUSB Bank and Cresco Bank & Trust each vowed to donate $5,000 each year for five years for a total of $50,000 to the Howard-Winneshiek Community School Foundation, which will give grants to teachers for help in the classroom.

Obituaries for the week included Richard Miller, 49; Dale Anderlik, 85; Marie Eaton Barr, 96; Diane Berg, 68; and Joyce Elaine Hart, 85.

March 30 - Riehle’s Decorating restored the Cresco Theatre/Opera House from January-March. The project went a month over schedule due to some water damage found after they got started. An open house was being held April 1-2.

Area towns had Easter egg hunts.

Dick Holten retired from H&S Motors after 33 years in business. His son, Brent Holten, purchased his interest in the business.

For Youth Art Month, PK-6 students got creative in their art classes at How-Winn.

Fifteen junior high Science Fair students were heading to State competition after receiving outstanding ratings at the NICC Regional Science Fair at Calmar.

Furniture Re-Do hosted its Third Anniversary & Remodeling Open House. Owners Nancy Henry and Barb Eide use their creativity to make unique gifts and furniture.

The birth of Merlyn Z. Zimmerman was announced.

Crestwood eleventh grade cafeteria coaches visited the elementary school to promote healthy lunches.

Alternative students from Crestwood High School attended an Alternative Education Retreat at NICC to help plan their own high school careers.

Participants in the Big Loser Contest for 2016 were introduced. They included Susan Balk, James Larson, Kathy McCarville, Heather Riha, Kim Streich, Crystal Wetherington and Sharol Zweibohmer.

Obituaries for the week included Lawrence Jirak, 77; Gaylord Borgan, 87; Elvin Winnaberg, 91; and LaVern Zobeck, 91.

April 6 - Locals shared their memories of Cresco Theatre/Opera House during its open house and ribbon-cutting on April 1.

A community open house was held at the Ag Education Center on March 22.

A task force was formed to look at the importance of a new jail for Howard County. The current jail is obsolete and may have to be closed down in the future, forcing the county to ship its inmates out of county at a high cost.

Team Howard County competed at the State 4-H Equine Extravaganza with Thea Hartzell, Emma Mannery and Abby Kennon advancing to Western National round-up in Denver, Colo. in January 2017.

The birth of Wyatt Clay Martin was announced.

The Crestwood FFA Banquet showcased the students’ achievements. Star Chapter Degree went to Emily Dohlman, Outstanding Junior was Kandise Hauber, Outstanding Sophomore was Karissa Stika and Star Greenhand was April Halverson.

Bodensteiner’s new shop building was featured.

Elma filmmaker Garry McGee won two top awards at Hollywood and Cedar Rapids film festivals for his film “Movie Star: The Secret Lives of Jean Seberg.” Seberg was a Marshalltown, Iowa native.

Crestwood Junior High students analyzed the odds of predicting a perfect bracket during March Madness.

The NICC welding class was building four picnic tables on wheels to be used in the community, especially in time for Cresco’s 150th celebration.

Obituaries for the week included Elaine Kappes, 76; DuWayne Kirchner, 78; and Ellen Bessie Halstead, 80.

April 13 - Jazz Spotlight 2016 was another success for Crestwood High School choir and band.

During Child Abuse Prevention Month in April, a mini-prom was held at Cresco Fitness Center. The youth of the community had fun dressing up in elegant and debonair clothing and accessories.

Chad, Kristie, Kyler and Charley Curtis were named Kiwanis Farm Family of the Year at the annual FFA Banquet.

Over $93,000 was handed out to deserving organizations by Howard County Community Foundation.

The Swinging Hoops Club from Cresco’s Centennial in 1966 was featured. The ladies had fun going from town to town announcing the town’s celebration.

Notre Dame hosted its annual mini-carnival.

Obituaries for the week included Donald Ahern, 80; Alexander Egorenko, 76; Arzella “Pat” Reed, 82; and Lorraine (Miller) Brekke, 87.

April 20 - Ellen (Reicks) Whalen wrote “Boots and Badges,” a book honoring Fillmore County veterans.

Marilyn Anderson of Cresco felt blessed. She asked her family to use the money they would usually spend on birthday gifts for her and give it to the activity fund at Patty Elwood Center, where Marilyn’s husband had been a resident.

Carol Kerian-Masters returned to RHS as the new Chief Nursing Officer. She worked at the facility when she was 15. After getting her LPN and RN, she went to St. Marys in Rochester for 30 years. She came full circle.

Paul Larson shared his memories of Cresco in commemoration of the town’s 150th celebration.

Tourism grants were given by City of Cresco to Brew & Stew, Cresco Theatre/Opera House and Mighty Howard County Fair. Rod Freidhof reported to council the water accountability was at 98 percent.

Cresco Fairway raised the third highest amount of any store for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Rich’s Electric of Davis Corners won two big awards — one was the Gold Sales Achievement Award for the Mathews Company and the other was the President’s Club Award for Sukup Mfg.

Judy Portis of Riceville won $10,000 in the Iowa Lottery.

Farm Bureau women visited Northeast Iowa Food Bank in Waterloo.

St. Paul Lutheran Church in Lime Springs, thanks to an endowment from Geneva Prinz, was able to give over $40,000 to local organizations.

Junior and senior students at Crestwood High School enjoyed Prom 2016, the theme was “The Great Gatsby.”

Isaiah Passmore won th 2016 Youth Tour Contest given through Hawkeye REC.

Sons of the American Legion Squadron Post 279 sold 300 tickets to the Lawler Stars and Stripes Spectacular Banquet and Auction.

Members of Hawkeye REC and Tri-County Electric Co-op agreed to a merger.

Each year, Howard County Conservation, as well as the DNR, perform controlled burns of prairie areas to keep the brush down. The burn also fertilizes the ground, leaving it fresh and healthy.

Obituaries for the week included June Bodensteiner, 66, and Helen Perkins, 92.