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| SUMMIT FILE PHOTOS
Utility crews work on fallen power lines along Highway 9/69 between Forest City and Leland on June 7, Winnebago Industries had one of its toughest years in its 50th year of operating while the opening of the Forest City Family Aquatic Center proved to be one of the highlights of 2008. |
We endured a stormy 2008
By Bob Fenske
Of The Summit
One word, stormy, may best sum up the year 2008. It was that kind of year as residents endured weather storms, economic storms and campaign storms.
Mother Nature, Old Man Winter and the economic gods all seemed to have it out for us in 2008, but somehow, we weathered the squalls and even had the chance to celebrate an exceptional basketball team and a really cool new pool.
Elsewhere in this edition of the Summit, we look back on 2008 with a week-by-week chronology of our top stories, but here's one man's opinion of the top-10 stories of the year.
1) Economy heads south: Winnebago Industries cuts workload almost in half as sales plummet because of poor economy and many who do remain are working drastically reduced schedules. Still, company executives remain adamant that the company will emerge from the slump stronger than ever.
2) The Election of 2008: From the caucuses in January to Election Day in November, the process attracts huge interest. When it's over, the national highlights include Barack Obama's election as president and the Democrats adding to Congressional majorities. Closer to home, Republicans win all three area state races while independents Doug Jenson (sheriff) and Mike Stensrud (county supervisor) claim victories in what turn out to be rematches from the primary.
3) Stormy June 7: A series of severe thunderstorms, some that include tornadoes, move through the area. Barns are taken down, as are trees and power lines, while the heavy rains lead to flooding issues throughout the area and the replanting of many fields.
4) Indians take fourth at state: The Forest City boys basketball team finished 24-2, goes unbeaten in the regular season, earns its first trip to the state tournament in seven years and claims the state tournament sportsmanship award.
5) Challenges at Waldorf College: A high debt load and sagging enrollment lead Waldorf College officials to announce almost $1 million in budget cuts during April and another round of cuts that could reach $450,000 in August.
6) County budget and tax levy divide: Rural Winnebago County residents appeal the Board of Supervisors decision to raise the rural tax levy by almost 30 percent and the State Appeal Board sides with residents - ordering the county to cut the tax hike and remove $750,000 from the 2008-09 budget.
7) Tyler Olson injury and reaction: Lake Mills football player Tyler Olson suffers severe spinal cord injury in a game against Forest City on Sept. 5, but both communities rally for the injured player and his family.
8) The Forest City Family Aquatic Center opens: The new facility that includes a high diving board, slide and numerous water toys is a big hit with both children and adults alike.
9) Wintry December: The area is hit by several strong winter storms late in the year; in fact, Forest City students get three snow days in less than two weeks.
10) New pastors: Two of the area's largest churches get new senior pastors as Rod Hopp takes over at Immanuel Lutheran in September and Eric Weaver begins his duties at First Baptist Church in December.
Story created Jan 06, 2009 - 14:35:37 CST.
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