Area News
Adel man to serve life in prison for murder
On Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023, Chief Superior Court Judge Clayton Tomlinson sentenced Lebray Berrien, 34, of Adel to life in prison for felony murder. Berrien gave a blind guilty plea (basically throwing himself at the mercy of the court) in connection with the December 2020 death of Tenesha Mordon, 41, of Valdosta, according to Superior…
Read MoreDollar General Market to open in Adel
Bill Elliott, a developer, has announced that the long-vacant former Fred’s store that he owns in Adel will be renovated for a Dollar General Market, to open soon. Elliott says the projected opening date for the Dollar General Market in Adel is April 20, 2023. “At this time, we are currently finalizing our due diligence…
Read MoreCommunity mourns passing of ‘Mr. Luchus’
Mr. Luchus McMillian, 80, a much-beloved employee of the Cook County School System for nearly five decades, passed away on Friday, Feb. 10, 2023. “Our prayers are with Mr. Luchus’ family during this time,” said Cook County school officials. “We will forever miss this gentle man.” Community members remembered Mr. McMillian as “a sweet man…
Read MoreJudge sentences former teacher for drug offenses
On Feb. 1, 2023, Superior Court Judge Richard Perryman sentenced Julie Anna Rogers, 42, formerly of Adel, to 30 years’ probation for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, reduced from trafficking in methamphetamine; possession of tools for the commission of a crime; and possession of a Schedule IV controlled substance. The judge also ordered…
Read MoreMan to serve life in prison for sex trafficking of child
On Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2023, Chief Superior Court Judge Clayton Tomlinson sentenced Jason Aaron Clendenen, 31, of Sparks to life in prison after the defendant pleaded guilty to trafficking of a person for sexual servitude, cruelty to children, first degree, aggravated child molestation, aggravated sexual battery, and sexual exploitation of children, according to Superior Court…
Read MoreCounty to install 13 tornado warning sirens
Tornadoes have slammed Cook County in recent years, causing seven deaths in January 2017, damaging homes and businesses in April 2020, and again impacting about two dozen homes in January 2023, six years to the day of the deadliest natural disaster in local history. Local leaders have responded by seeking to add another method of…
Read MoreCook High School honors outstanding students and staff
Cook High School recognized students and staff members who have excelled. CHS Principal Dr. Joi Williams joined Superintendent of Schools Dr. Tim Dixon and Board of Education Chairman Jeff Taylor in presenting the awards during the Monday, Jan. 23, 2023, regular session of the Cook County Board of Education. The awards included: Top Two Highest…
Read MoreSuper neighbors pitch in to help after tornado
Churches, individuals and groups such as the Hornet baseball team, and local government agencies joined forces last week to help with relief and cleanup efforts after an EF-2 tornado smashed through Adel on late Sunday afternoon, Jan. 22, 2023. Thankfully, no one was injured, although the twister damaged about two dozen homes in the Kent…
Read MoreSchool board approves applying for $50,000 safety grant
School Safety Director Richard Herrin presented the Rural School Safety Grant during the Monday, Jan. 23, 2023, work session of the Cook County Board of Education. The $50,000 Rural School Safety Grant will be funded by The Office of Rural Education and Innovation. No local match is required. The grant funds will be used to…
Read MoreCongratulations to 2022 Community Award Honorees!
On Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023, the Adel-Cook County Chamber of Commerce announced the 2022 Community Award Honorees. The honorees are: • Sharon Harnage, Woman of the Year. She is owner of Quick Consulting & Business Services and TSR Boutique LLC. She has been instrumental in many community activities; for example, helping coordinate the community response…
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