25 Years Ago
October 1997
The assistance of farmers was critical in bringing a raging field fire under control Friday north of Clear Lake. Seven fire departments battled the fire, which was propelled by high winds. Area farms brought their plows to disc rows in an attempt to stop the fire from spreading. The blaze traveled from County Road B-20 to the 310th Street area. Before it was over, 320 acres of land, including many with unharvested crops, were burned. It is believed the fire started when some material, possibly a leaf, blew up against something hot on a truck being used to haul beans. Friday, the wind was blowing in excess of 40 mph.
The Clear Lake City Council has approved an extension of the Sea Wall along North Lakeview Drive. The street will be narrowed by three-feet to accommodate a green area, sidewalk and slope to the lake with a boulder base along the four block area. The city now plants to pursue grants which may help to fund the project, estimated at $273,000.
The Clear Lake Sanitary District has begun work to extend sewer lines in the South Shore Drive area, despite the fact that some property owners have filed a petition in district court asking for an injunction to stop the project. A hearing is scheduled for Oct. 21 to hear the request by 11 property owners.
Jami Sonney and Nick Korth were named Ventura High School’s Homecoming queen and king.
Clear Lake Bank and Trust held a Fall Celebration Saturday as a way of marking 63 years of serving Clear Lake and the surrounding area. The public enjoyed lunch, live music, face painting, games and a beautiful day.
Tammy Herfendal has opened Tammy’s Collectibles at 630 Highway 18 East, Clear Lake. The shop features booths with antiques, collectibles, furniture, crafts, books and glassware from 15 North Iowa dealers.
The Clear Lake volleyball team defeated Newman Catholic. Anna Teigland led Clear Lake with 16 kills and six aces as she went 19-23 hitting and 27-28 serving. Kimberly Bacon was 23-25 hitting with nine kills and four blocks.
If you don’t score, you can’t win. The Lions of Clear Lake traveled to face an undefeated Hampton-Dumont team Friday, and they rediscovered that theory via a 20-0 loss. ESPN’s Sportscenter would have had a difficult time choosing even a few remotely exciting highlights from the first quarter, and as a result, the game remained scoreless. Midway through the third period, the Bulldogs finally broke the tie. Leading rushers for Clear Lake was Terry Rauk with 68-yards and Nate Carney with 52.
The Ventura Vikings picked up a 22-12 Homecoming victory against Rudd-Rockford-Marble Rock Friday night. Jared Ringus rallied 227 of Ventura’s 304 yards rushing. Will Pueggel took over quarterback duties for an injured Luke Brager. Ringus and Pueggel each had interceptions.
Vic Ferrari is playing at the Surf Ballroom on Friday, Oct. 10. Tickets are $8.
The new Clear Lake welcome signs are now in place along the east entrances to the city on 4th Ave. S. and Highway 18.
50 Years Ago
September 1972
Ten Clear Lake girls were chosen to vie for Homecoming Queen. From those 10, three were chosen as finalists they are Pam Harrington, Su Peterson and Lori Field. The 10 were chosen by the varsity football squad and the three finalists were picked by the student body. The other seven girls were Linda King, Kathy Bertz, Dawn Starkey, Becky Collins, Diane Radach, Pam Turek and Kathy Melhus.
In observance of his 25 years in business in Clear Lake, Cliff Peterson will hold an open house at the Peterson Farm Store, 200 10th Ave. N.
Grocery specials for the week at Fareway include: Old Style Beer, 12 cans, $1.89; Brach’s Chocolates, lb., 67¢; Heinz Dill Pickles, qt., 49¢; Kraft Miracle Whip. qt., 49¢; Red Potatoes, 10 lbs., 47¢; salmon steaks, lb., 69¢; and T-bones, lb., $1.49.
65 Years Ago
October 1957
Dr. and Mrs. A.A. Joslyn returned Friday from Europe where they had been for five weeks.
Mr. and Mrs. E.L. Secory left to spend a week in New York where they will attend the World Series and visit Mr. Secory’s brother, Frank Secory, who is an umpire.
Airman 3c Russell D. Wood plans to leave Sunday for Sondrestrom, Greenland, after visiting his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Wood for 18 days.
Mayor M.A. Hintzman, city clerk Keith Raw and councilmen Frank Knutson, Jerry Jensen and Nibbs Nesbit left early Wednesday morning to attend the 59th annual convention of Iowa Municipalities at Hotel Fort Des Moines for two days.
Gary Pattschull, 175 pound senior fullback from Clear Lake, is on his way toward winning his third varsity football letter at Grinnell College.
99 Years Ago
September 1923
Lassoing a moving car is a dangerous and not very bright idea as Keith Raw learned the hard way. Keith was having considerable sport with his lasso. He had practiced until he had become quite proficient for a 10 year old. A Ford delivery car came by and he threw his rope and caught the fender. The rope, which was tied around his waist, caused him to be dragged about 15 miles an hour down the street, resulting in scratches on his face and neck. The driver carried him home and called a doctor who dressed his wounds, which weren’t too serious.
Fresh bulk oysters are now available at Stunkard’s Market.
The Electric Lines put on a schedule of trains that shows commendable enterprise. The one man car brings thousands of people to Clear Lake every year. The first car leaves here at 5:15 a.m. and runs every hour until midnight.
Friday afternoon the first football game of the season will take place on South Fourth St. when Clear Lake plays Belmond. $3 will buy a season ticket to 25 games.
