BACK TO THE DOME
BREEDER’S CLASSIC The Southwestern Community College Breeder’s Classic was held Sunday with the college’s livestock merchandising class helping prepare the cattle to be auctioned. Photos on 10A.
Cal Daughton’s kickoff return Friday sends Raiders back to the UNI-Dome for the Class A state semifinals. More on this story in SPORTS, page 5A. >>
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Curt Turner, longtime American Family Insurance agent, to be recognized as Creston Citizen of the Year Tuesday. ■
By KYLE WILSON
PAST CITIZEN OF THE YEAR WINNERS
CNA managing editor
kwilson@crestonnews.com
2014: Arlan Biere 2013: Denny Abel 2012: Gary Borcherding and John Kawa 2011: Martha Musmaker 2010: Darwin West 2009: Bob and Betty Jungst 2008: Flossie Roberts 2007: Jack Keuter 2006: Vaughn Seckington 2005: Dr. Robert Kuhl 2004: Don Mosman 2003: Ron Levine 2002: Ken Hudson 2001: Ed Ritter 2000: Tim Kinkade 1999: Ralph Edwards 1998: Glen Weaver 1997: Fannie Luther 1996: Darlene Loudon 1995: Galen Zumbach
You can feel it when he talks. The love Curt Turner, this year’s Citizen of the Year, has for the Creston community shines through during an interview Thursday at his house on Russell Street in Creston. The 62-year-old Turner is a retired American Family Insurance agent who gave unselfishly of his time during his career and continues to now, despite health challenges. “This award came as a complete shock,” Turner said, “because well, I haven’t done much of anything in the community the past couple years. I just haven’t felt well enough.” Turner is diabetic. His kidneys failed in 2011 and he currently does 12 hours of dialysis at home each day. He also had a heart attack and a bout with colon cancer. But, you get the indication talking with Turner about these setbacks Thursday, that he’s never been one to back down from a battle. After all, this is a guy who, in June 1986, started American Family Insurance in Creston with zero polices and little experience in the insurance industry. “At that time, my uncle was in insurance and was making three times as much as me,” Turner said. “I needed to make more money. I had three children and wanted to put them through college. It was a risk, yes, but it paid off for our family.” Turner retired in 2008 with more than 6,000 policies at American Family Insurance and led the company nationally in farm sales for 10 consecutive years. His daughter Katie now manages the agency. During his 22-year career at American Family Insur-
MORE ABOUT HIM • Graduated from Diagonal High School in 1971 where he was valedictorian of his class of 17. He later attended Air Force prep school and academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where he learned character traits and that “leadership is taught best by example.”
Contributed photo
Curt Turner, right, was inducted into the American Family Insurance Hall of Fame upon retirement in 2008. Pictured with him is his wife Diana.
ance, Turner was part of the “long red line of Panther Pride” He was often found volunteering in the Creston community. He was exalted ruler at Creston Elks Lodge #605 in the 1990s. He was on Creston School Board from 199099 when plans for the new elementary/middle school were put in place. He served on the board, at different times, with Marion James, Bob Kuhl, Sharon Bennett, Mindy Dresback and John Tapken. “He was so dedicated to the board and to the kids of Creston Schools,” Bennett said. “He played an important role on that board ... “Curt had ability to see the whole picture, Bennett said. “On the whole, the board had the goal of what is best for the kids in the district, so that a Creston High School dimploma meant something in the working world and beyond. It was also a board
that respected one another and worked cohesively for the betterment of the students.” Additionally, Bennett praised his involvement in the implementation of Dollars for Scholars and his annual donation to that cause. She also praised his talent for being good with numbers and a “go-to guy” during preparations for the school’s annual budget. “He was whiz with figures in his head,” Bennett said. Turner has also been a leader at United Church of Christ (UCC) on Montgomery Street in Creston, including numerous years on its council. He has worked its open tables to help those in need get a hot meal. He still donates to make sure the church’s food pantry is fully stocked. Today, that pantry provides 2,500 pounds of food to the needy each week. “Curt is one of those people that we take for granted
• Moved to Creston in 1978, working for Larry Crosser in sales Farmer’s Cooperative. He sold feed, fertilizer and chemicals mostly before opening up American Family Insurance in 1986. • Served as a Union County supervisors from 2002-2006.
in our lives and sometimes don’t recognize the true value of their giving. He’s extremely worthy of this award,” said Mary O’Riley, pastoral intern at UCC and training coordinator for the food pantry. O’Riley added, when Turner’s health was better, he was a mainstay in the congregation and often was found repairing gutters, mowing the parsonage or TURNER | 2A
volunteer award
Former schoolteacher gives back from behind the scenes By IAN RICHARDSON CNA staff reporter
irichardson@crestonnews.com
Creston resident Kay Raymond has spent years making a difference from the background as a volunteer for Friends of the Library, Southern P r a i r i e Raymond YMCA and many other local organizations. Tuesday evening, all that hard work will be brought to the forefront as she receives the 2015 Creston Volunteer of the Year Award during the Chamber of Commerce annual meeting at The Lobby.
Raymond retired from teaching special education in the Creston Community School District 12 years ago. Until then, Raymond said most of her focus had been on her teaching career and raising her four children. But, finding more free time on her hands, she realized she still had much to offer her community. “My family’s all healthy, we’re all healthy, I just want to give back,” she said. Since then, Raymond’s participation has touched several clubs, committees and boards in the area. As of today, she has her foot in at least a half-dozen of them.
Friend of the library One of Raymond’s first main involvements for RAYMOND | 2A
Veterans Day program to be held Wednesday There will be a Veterans Day program from 1:20 to 2:10 p.m. Wednesday at Creston High School in the gymnasium. FFA students will provide valet parking. The program will feature a parade of veterans and
keynote speaker Dr. Bill Ralston. Maddie Travis will sing the National Anthem and “Taps” will by played by CHS band members. Lesa Downing, 6–12 instructional coach at Creston Schools, is in charge of the program.
Russell named Chamber’s Youth of the Year By BAILEY POOLMAN CNA staff reporter
bpoolman@crestonnews.com
Gracie Russell doesn’t know who nominated her for Creston Chamber of Commerce Youth of the Year, but that hasn’t stopped her from being grateful for the award. “I’m not sure who nominated me. I have no idea,” Russell said. “So, whoever did, I just want to thank them.” Russell is a senior at Creston High School. She’s active in FFA, volleyball, basketball, tennis and National Honor Society at CHS. She’s also active in the community, volunteering her time
with Appalachian Service Project, Union County Youth Council and St. Malachy Youth Group, as well as putting time in with Douglas Boosters 4-H Club and Iowa Junior Beef Breeds Association. Other activities Russell has participated in are donating blood, Meals from the Heartland, roadside cleanup, Rectory Rerun time, painting at McKinley Park, decorating the restored Creston Depot for Christmas activities, Balloon Days pedal pull time, Halloween safety at Early Childhood Center, planting trees around the community and Open Table. Even with all the time and effort she’s put into helping her school and community, the 17-year-old
was shocked when Creston Chamber of Commerce Director Ellen Gerharz contacted her about the nomination. “Ellen called me about a week or two ago and told me that I had been chosen at the Chamber meeting. I was really shocked,” Russell said. “I remember the girl who got it last year (Raegen Smith), I was friends with her, but I had never thought that somebody would nominate me. I felt really honored that somebody would think of me.” Russell said, after talking with Gerharz, she immediately called her mother Julie, who, with the
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Contributed photo
Gracie Russell poses for a quick snapshot with a steer this year. Russell was named Youth of the Year through Creston Chamber of Commerce. She is active in FFA and 4-H locally.
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