Adel TV Celebrating 50 Years In Business
For 50 years, Adel & Winterset TV & Appliance has served central Iowa as an appliance, electronics, heating and cooling dealer.
They would now like to invite you to a 50th anniversary event to thank you in person for supporting them throughout the years. The event will take place on February 18, 19 and 20.
Some special pricing will be offered, as well as, free extended warranties, delivery and disposal of old appliances.
Also, the popular roll-the-dice-for-savings game will be back!
Don’t forget to enter your name to be eligible for customer appreciation gift drawings.
Hope to see you there!
Terry Visits China Village
I had a nice lunch with my friends, Amy and Ryan on a visit to Adel in February. China Village was very good. The service was fast and friendly, and the food was first-class.
The restaurant is located off Nile Kinnick Drive across from the ADM High School. The front parking lot was full, so my friends and I parked in the back.
The sidewalk and parking lot were cleared of snow and there is a second entrance which we took advantage of.
The restaurant has a tasteful design and tranquil atmosphere. We chose a table and were greeted by our server who took our drink orders and let us look over the menu. The menu has classic Chinese-American options at reasonable lunch prices. Ryan ordered appetizers while we ordered our entrees, which come with choice of soup and fried or steamed rice.
Amy and I tried the Egg Drop soup. It was thick and savory which we both liked. Ryan thought the Hot and Sour soup was exceptional, commenting that, “The bowl ended before I was done eating it!”
Our appetizers arrived quickly. The crab rangoons were crispy and golden brown, without being greasy, with a creamy filling. The pot stickers were the best we’ve ever had. Amy doesn’t like pot stickers stating, “they are normally rubbery and bland.” Even she agreed that’s not the case at China Village! One side was crunchy, the other chewy. The pot stickers were also large and packed full of filling. I definitely recommend them.
Soon after receiving the appetizers our entrees arrived. Each member of our party tried something different. Ryan ordered the Mongolian Beef. “The beef was tender and well flavored, the vegetables weren’t overcooked, and it had just the right amount of sauce.”
Amy tried the Empress Chicken. Now, Empress Chicken can be hard to come by these days, with many restaurants serving a comparable alternative or new fangled recipe. If you’ve been craving “real” Empress Chicken, you have to try China Village. Amy said, “The chicken and vegetables were plentiful, crispy, and crunchy. The sauce was just right.”
I ordered the Chicken Lo Mein (my favorite of all Chinese foods), which was great. The noodles were soft, without being overcooked, with loads of vegetables. The portions were large for lunch with just enough rice to compliment the dishes.
The atmosphere was very pleasant, even though it was lunch we were encouraged to enjoy our meal and converse as the tables filled and emptied around us.
I was pleasantly impressed by China Village and recommend it for your next lunch in Adel!
– Terry
China Village
628 Nile Kinnick Dr S Ste C
Adel, Iowa 50003
Phone: (515) 993-3389
Adel Named To The National Register of Historic Places
Great News for Adel.
The Downtown area around the square has been named to the National Register of Historic Places.
This is a huge accolade for our community and one which we should all be proud.
Of particular note is the inclusion of not only the buildings, but separate designation and recognition of the Brick Streets themselves.
Please see the attached press release and accompanying map of the district.
The Adel Public Square District joins the Adel Wagon Bridge, the Dallas County Court House and the Court House lawn as Adel’s other listings on the National Register.
Chad A. Bird
City Administrator
City of Adel
515-993-4525
Fax 515-993-4527
Embracing our History, Celebrating our Future!
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For Immediate Release
Contact: Chad A. Bird, City Administrator, (515)993-4525
City of Adel’s Historic Downtown is Listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Adel, IA (January 12, 2010) – Ann Robison, Secretary for the Adel Historic Preservation Commission announced today that the City’s historic downtown district has been placed on the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places. It is listed on the National Register as the Adel Public Square Historic District.
This listing is the culmination of more than three years worth of research and writing to describe the District’s historical significance in the community, the state, and the nation.
This project began with the writing of a Certified Local Government (CLG) grant request to hire a consultant to name the square surrounding the Courthouse to the National Register of Historic Places. The city was notified that it received the grant and work on the project began in May 2007.
Throughout the project, the Adel Historic Preservation Commission members were guided by the vision of consultant William Page and the Chamber’s Design Committee.
The City of Adel and the Commission are proud to have national recognition of the treasures the city has with its brick buildings and brick streets. The Commission is particularly pleased that the brick streets were included as part of the listing, because the city is beginning to plan a long term project to restore the brick streets. It is a rare occurrence that non-building type structures are listed on the Register. The brick streets are a “brand” for Adel and can be a focus for tourism. In all, more than 50 buildings and structures were included in the listing.
The city is excited about using the National Register of Historic Places listing as a catalyst for rejuvenation of the square, for historic tourism, and to jump start economic development. This project has increased public awareness of our historic and architectural treasures and will continue to do so as the listing is publicized. The listing was official as of December 18th, 2009. A map of the district is attached.
According to the official website: The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources. The site address is http://www.nps.gov/nr/
Additional questions may be directed to the office of the City Administrator, City Hall, 301 South 10th Street, Adel, IA 50003 or to the National Park Service, attn: Edson Beall via voice (202) 354-2255 or E-mail: Edson_Beall@nps.gov, or National Park Service 2280, National Register of Historic Places, 1201 “I” (Eye) Street, N.W.. Washington D.C. 20005.
Spotlight on Eco-esthetics
DiscoverAdel had the pleasure of interviewing Owner and Chemist, Jessi Wagoner of eco-esthetics Skin Care and eco-esthetics Skin Studio for the December Newsletter.
Located in the former Ben Franklin building, Jessi Wagoner, along with Esthetician and Spa Manager Christine Mellencamp, has opened her skin studio inside Easton Portrait Gallery on the square in downtown Adel. Read the full article on Eco-esthetics.
Adel Kiwanis Club Youth Basketball Tourneys
Adel Kiwanis Club Youth Basketball Tourneys
The Adel Kiwanis is having the 4th Annual Boy’s and Girl’s Basketball Tournaments this winter. The tournaments have 5th-8th grade divisions.
The Girl’s tournament is January 22nd, 23rd, and 24th. Registration deadline is January 15th.
The Boy’s tournament is February 12th, 13th, and 14th. Registration deadline is February 5th.
The games are played at ADM Schools, and the entry fee is $160.00 per team.
For more information call (515)559-4696
Optimae Lifeservices
803 1/2 Main St.
Adel, Iowa 50010
Phone: (515) 993-1811
Fax: (515) 993-4975
Website: www.OptimaeLifeservices.com
Adel A Pleasant Surprise One November Morning…
Linda Kramer, who blogs for Travels With Children has a great story about Adel on her site. She found us one cold November morning while exploring the countryside.
Linda has a great perspective on Adel and some very good photos of the Square.
You can read her story at: http://minnemom.com/2009/11/16/adel-iowa-then-and-now/
2009 Holiday Open House Photos
Friday night was the 15th Annual Holiday Open House in Adel. It was a great turnout in spite of the cold!
DiscoverAdel gave out all of their cookies and got a chance to say “Hello” to a lot you.
We’d like to thank everyone who braved the cold and stopped by.
Below are a few of our photos from the Open House and Parade:
[nggallery id=4]
Adel Lions Club Donates $10,000 to Stage
Keith Soffa, President of the Adel Lions Club, recently presented an additional $2500 contribution to the Adel Partners Community Stage project.
This brings the total Lion’s Club stage contribution to $10,000, giving the club the honor of largest single project donor to date.
With this, and other recent donations, Phase II of the Adel Stage and Pavilion project is nearing completion. The interior lighting and electrical have been completed and the ceiling will be finished as soon as the weather allows.
Thank you to the Adel Lions’ Club for your generous support of a great community project!
There is still much to do and donations are still needed to finish the Stage. Phase III will start next spring with landscaping, installation of the commemorative bricks and Donor recognition.
If you would like to contribute to the Community stage, please contact the Chamber office at (515) 993-5472.
Lori Brocka,
President – Adel Partners Chamber of Commerce
Bike Trail Soon To Be 89 Miles!
On Tuesday, October 13, the Iowa DOT Commission awarded $484,995.00 to the Raccoon River Valley Trail (RRVT). This amount exceeds the $6.5 million goal for the completion of the North Loop. The trail, which passes through Adel, will soon total 89 miles in length.
Check out the RRVT site for all of the details.
Lightning Strikes Twice In Adel
The Iowa Lightning, a Semi-Pro Minor League Football Team will again be playing a play-off game this Saturday night at 7pm, at Macy Football Field in Kinnick Feller Park.
The Lightning (11-1) will play the Saint Paul Pioneers (9-1). The Iowa Lightning defeated the Dubuque Bruisers 30-14 last Saturday evening in Adel.
This is a rare opportunity to see this level of football played right here in Adel and Dallas County! Bring out the whole family.
There will be no admission charge to the game! A full concession stand will be available.
Please text, e-mail, and spread the word about the ‘Game in the Park’ this Saturday at 7pm! This is a great family event and Adel is happy to host them again!
Press Release:
Iowa Lightning Strikes In Adel Iowa Last Saturday 9-26-09
The Iowa Lightning is Des Moines Premier Non-Profit Minor League Men’s Football Team. This year, the Lightning are one of best teams in the League and boasted an 11-1 record going into the NAFL National Playoffs last Saturday, in Adel, Iowa. The Lightning is seeded 2nd in an eight team regional playoff and feature several local players from the Des Moines area.
The Lightning are the top scoring team (47.0 per game) in the league, and have posted 30+ points in seven games, including three games of 70+ points. However, they were held to 7 points (14-7 vs. Cedar Valley Vikings) in their lone loss. Because of the soft schedule, a good question would be,
“How good are the Lightning and will their soft schedule hurt them”? The question was partially answered last Saturday. After a first half of pretty even football, the Iowa Lightning pulled away and defeated Dubuque 30-14.
With the first game under their belt, they are scheduled to play the Saint Paul Pioneers (9-1) this Saturday, October 9th at 7:00 p.m. in Adel, Iowa.
A win on Saturday will put them into regional games for the right to play for a national championship in Miami, Florida, November 14th and 15th.
This is a very competitive league, with great football at the semi-pro level. Everyone is welcome to come and cheer on the Lightning at Saturday’s game. www.iowalightningfootball.com.
1st Annual River Cleanup
1st Annual River Cleanup
Date: 8/29/2009 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Cost: Free
Location: North Raccoon River
Adel, Iowa
Saturday is the 1st Annual River Cleanup of the Raccoon River. Friends, paddlers and lovers of rivers wild in Dallas County, are invited to help us clean up our rivers. Participants will pilot canoes along an 8-mile section of the North Raccoon River beginning in Adel.
Familes with youth under 14 or those who don’t canoe can still be involved in the land-based portion of the cleanup. Canoe use will be free if you don’t have your own.
At 7:00 pm there will be a celebration at Adel Island Park.
Space is limited. Registration is required for this FREE event.
You can register for the water-based or the land-based portion of the clean-up by
emailing conservation@co.dallas.ia.us or calling 515-465-3577.
6th Annual Adel Sweet Corn 5K Results Posted
Courtesy of Adel Partners Chamber of Commerce
Saturday the 8th, saw the 6th Annual Adel Sweet Corn 5K, which is held in memory of Danialle Hutzell and winds through scenic Adel.
The weather was hot and humid but the turnout far exceeded last years race.
First place went to Evan Selsor, 17 of Winterset, Iowa with a time of 16:48.
Congratulations to Evan and all who competed. We look forward to seeing you next year!
You can find a complete listing of the 2009 Sweet Corn Run Results Here.
Sharing is Healing
DiscoverAdel.com would like to welcome Sharing Is Healing to the community! Owner Michelle Rolings has moved her private counseling practice from Ames to Adel and will be working out of her home.
Sharing is Caring provides a variety of services, specializing in Eating Disorders and Self- Harming Behaviors, with Eating Disorder meetings held year round. Meeting dates and times are available online at her website.
Michelle’s clinic helps those experiencing Trauma, Anxiety, Depression and Relationship Matters. She also works with individual’s coping with Long Term Illness, Grief, Loss, Family of Origin, Identity and LGBT Concerns.
For more information about Michelle Rolings, Sharing Is Caring or to set up an initial consultation to determine the best clinical care, please visit www.michelleroling.com
Volunteer of the Year Awards
Jan Price and Van VanBuren
Adel Partners Chamber of Commerce presented the 1st Annual Volunteer of the Year Awards to Jan Price and Van VanBuren at the annual members meeting on Tuesday, July 21.
Jan Price was honored as Community Volunteer of the Year for her work at the Adel Historical Museum in addition to being an active volunteer with the Adel Women’s Club, Partners Design Committee, and several other community organizations.
The Community Volunteer of the Year award is presented to recognize outstanding volunteer contributions throughout the Adel community.
Van VanBuren was chosen as the first recipient of the Chamber Volunteer of the Year Award for his extensive work as chair of the Adel Partners Economic Development Committee and as a member of the Iowa Book Festival Committee.
Van and the Economic Development committee organized and conducted several events supporting small business development in the Adel community over the past year and has generously donated his time and business expertise to further the goals of the chamber.
The Chamber Volunteer of the Year award is presented to an Adel Partners committee member in recognition of outstanding contributions to chamber goals and projects.
Adel Youth Wins at Regional Horse Show
Photo Courtesy Bar H Photography
Erin Tuil of Adel, Iowa, won the “First Time Exhibitor Youth Horsemanship” award at the 2009 Region Three Experience show in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Erin won showing, No Scotchin Chips.
Full story at- America’s Horse Daily
Nile Kinnick Museum Article
We’ve had several requests to re-run the March Newsletter article we ran on Nile Kinnick. With the passing of June and the anniversary of his death, it seems only fitting to honor one of Adel’s native sons. We hope that you enjoy. (July 17, 2009)
– Courtesy: Julie Bailey – Adel Partners Chamber of Commerce.
The community of Adel is well-known for its brick streets, beautiful County Courthouse, and the Sweet Corn Festival. Adel is also the hometown of Nile Clarke Kinnick Jr., the winner of the 1939 Heisman Trophy for the University of Iowa. The football stadium at the University of Iowa is named in his honor.
The Adel Historical Museum and Adel Partners Chamber of Commerce are pursuing a vision for a Nile Kinnick Wing of the current historical museum in Adel.
In April 2009, a few select pieces of Nile Kinnick memorabilia will be available through an online auction. The Adel Historical Museum is fundraising in an effort to purchase all or part of this memorabilia and bring it home to Kinnick’s community where he spent his childhood. This would also complement the Kinnick items currently held in the Adel community and support the beginnings of a museum addition to highlight Kinnick’s life.
Nile Kinnick was born on July 9, 1918, in Adel, Iowa, the grandson of a governor. His grandfather, George Clarke was Governor of Iowa from 1913 to 1917 and practiced law in Adel. Nile was a star athlete in football and basketball at Adel High School before the family moved to Omaha, Neb., after his junior year.
In 1939, Irl Tubbs was out as coach, Eddie Anderson was in, and the path was cleared for Kinnick’s senior season at the University of Iowa. A halfback who was the team’s main passer, Kinnick threw for 638 yards and 11 touchdowns as well as rushing for 374 yards on 106 carries (3.5-yard average). He also made 11-of-17 dropkick conversion attempts and scored 41 points. By passing, running or kicking, Kinnick was directly involved in 107 of Iowa’s 130 points that season. He also made eight interceptions. He finished his career at Iowa with 1,674 yards rushing, 18 interceptions (an Iowa record that lasted half a century) and an average of 39.9 yards per punt.
The Chicago Tribune’s version of the Big Ten MVP award preceded Kinnick’s winning the Walter Camp and Maxwell awards, further validating the prevailing opinion he was the nation’s best football player. On Dec, 6, 1939, his acceptance of the Heisman Trophy became a seminal moment – both in athletics and in oratory. Kinnick’s celebrity became so strong, he was named 1939’s top male athlete in the country by the Associated Press. The honor was particularly noteworthy considering his competition included Joe DiMaggio, Joe Louis and Byron Nelson.
In August 1941, Kinnick decided war was imminent and joined the Naval Air Corps Reserve. While waiting to be called to active duty, he was an assistant coach for Iowa that fall. On December 4, three days before Pearl Harbor, he reported for duty. On June 2, 1943, Kinnick was flying a training mission from the U.S.S. Lexington off the coast of Venezuela when he experienced engine problems. Rescue parties searched for several hours, but Kinnick’s body was never found amid the oil slick. Nile Kinnick was 24.
“A Nile Kinnick wing of the Adel Historical Museum would be a tremendous asset to the Adel community and the state of Iowa.” says Julie Bailey, Program Director for the Adel Chamber of Commerce. “Kinnick’s legacy is so large and it only seems fitting to honor him in the town he loved so much.” she continued.
Anyone interested in learning more about the Kinnick museum planning process or is interested in making a tax deductible contribution toward the purchase of the memorabilia to begin the new museum effort can contact Adel Partners Chamber of Commerce via email at chamber@AdelPartners.Org or phone 515-993-5472.
2009 Brick Street Classic Has A Great Show!
The Brick Street Classic Car Show in Adel is an annual event put on by the Adel Partners Chamber of Commerce.
June 6th started as a rainy day. Nearly an inch of rain fell between 6:00 a.m. and 7:00 am. John Standley was standing in his kitchen getting ready for the scheduled Brick Street Classic Car Show anyway. The rain cleared off, the doppler showed that it was moving out of the area and he headed to his NAPA store in Adel to start setting up for the day.
8:15 saw John and one of his store assistant’s putting up the tent for the band. The band, Voodoo3 had called several times to see if the day was still on. John in his usual cheery self said “Why not?”
By 9:00 all of the tents were up, the vendor spots remarked, the previous night’s rain had erased the previous markings. T-Shirts were being hung in the Registration tent at the corner of Nile Kinnic and Court St. just across from Brick Street muscle. Gary Curnes, from Brick Street Muscle, His wife Mary, and his sons were carried over boxes of this year’s shirts for the show participants.
John’s wife, Mary set up the NAPA tent on Main Street as volunteers helped set up the vendors. The band, located on the East side of street across from Cameo Rose could be heard tuning up for the day. The vendors moved in and around the barricades setting up their tents and wares. Granpa’s Gifts from Earlham was the first to show up, followed shortly by Knitting by Annette. Brick Street BBQ, Grace Lutheran and Cafe in the Park soon followed.
CoolBeans had a constant stream of traffic in and out of their store as folks got coffee and oriented.
Phone calls were still coming in to John and Gary from car owners as to what the weather was doing in Adel. Many of the cars were coming from surrounding areas that were still seeing rain. Reassurances were given as most vowed to still come out.
John and Gary were understanding of the concerns. As Gary mentioned, “Most of these guys have a small fortune into getting these cars just right, and it takes three days to clean the underside when they get dirty”.
Still the cars steadily showed up. Keith Soffa of the Lions Club had a crew of Lions helping park the cars. Starting at the corner of Court St. and Kinnick and slowly progressing around the Square and then back.
Mary Curnes from Brick Street Muscle and Lori Brocka of the Adel Partners Chamber of Commerce took registrations and handed out participant packs, shirts and hats to the registrants.
The Sun played hide and seek, but everyone was in good spirits. The Noon whistle blew and suddenly the crowds appeared. The vendors were busy and the band was well into their second hour.
Over 80 cars were parked as Bob Ockerman, a Lion and Dallas County Supervisor, manned the front barricade directing particpants.
The red shirts of the volunteers could be seen everywhere helping participants, vendors and show goers. The smell of BBQ pleasantly filled the air as Brick Street BBQ and Cafe in the Park served their tasty wares. Grace Lutheran served cookies and baked goods.
The sun popped in and out of the clouds as everyone had a great time. John and Gary traveled between the crowds and the cars making sure all continued to run smoothly.
At 4:00 Gary announced the awards. Door prizes of certificates donated by Casey’s general Store and Red Lobster, car care items donated by NAPA and Brick Street Muscle were given out. 2o awards were given for the various classes, all voted on by the registrants. Best of show was awarded, this year’s winner will have his car featured on next year’s advertising and T-shirt.
For a day that started off rainy, it proved to be a hit as the crowds remained large right through the Awards ceremony.
By 4:30, John, Gary and the volunteers had everything restored to the square and the trailer loaded up to return the tents and the supplies of the day. Both Gary and John were in the same good moods that they had started the day off with.
If you missed this year’s show, Check out the Slide Show of the 5th Annual Brick Street Classic. Don’t forget to mark the show for next year down on your calendar as it is truly a first class event show casing some of the sweetest rides.
This year’s sponsors were, Adel Partners Chamber of Commerce, CoolBeans, McAnnich, Adel Auto Parts/NAPA, Arnold’s Auto Store, and Brick Street Muscle.
Phil Keoghan’s Stop in Adel
Published: April 2009
The Amazing Race’s host, Phil Keoghan stopped at the Adel Library on Sunday, April 19th on his way to the Capital. Phil was greeted by fans who braved the rain and cold to cheer him on and get an autograph or two.
Phil braved the weather on his way to the Capital in Des Moines as he rides across the country to raise awareness for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
“I fly over 400,000 miles a year and I figured it was time to stretch my legs. I love to ride so I thought I’d see what this great country looks like up close instead of taking a bird’s eye view at 30,000 feet,” said Keoghan. “In this economic climate, bike riding makes a lot of sense – it’s good for your waistline and easy on your wallet.”
You can find more information on Phil’s ride at the Phil Rides Across America website.
Photos courtesy of Julie Bailey, Program Director for the Adel Partners Chamber of Commerce.
