by Michelle Watson
25 Years Ago
December 1997
Four Clear Lake police officers and a dispatcher have been presented with letters of commendation for their handling of a potentially dangerous situation. Patrol Officers John Green and Kevin Borrill exercised “tremendous judgement,” according to Police Chief Dan Jackson, after they responded to a report of a women needing assistance. Instead, the officers were attacked and chased from a Clear Lake home by a woman wielding a five-inch boning knife. Lt. Mike Cookman and Lt. Gene Callaway, who aided Green and Borrill, were also recognized.
Christmas has come early for some Clear Lake and Ventura students. In what epitomizes what the holiday is all about, a local businessman has given 10 refurbished computers to children who might not otherwise be able to have a computer in their home. Clint Stevens, owner of Clear Lake Computers, says his first computer giveaway far exceeded all of his goals.
Randy and Kathy Truesdell, Clear Lake, are proud to announce the birth of a new baby boy, Parker Alexander. He was born Wednesday, Dec. 10, weighing six pounds, nine ounces. He will be welcomed home by his four-year-old brother, Tanner.
Clubs sharing news in the “Club News” section include: Lincoln Peppy Pals 4-H Club, Chapter NW P.E.O., Clear Lake Lioness Club, Library Reading Club, and Vietnam Veterans of America.
Mike Hejna, a race car driver from Clear Lake, won the International Motor Contest Association (IMCA) modified title at the Algona Raceway this year. He received a plaque during an awards ceremony held in Council Bluffs on Nov. 29.
The Clear Lake girls basketball squad’s dreams of a precedent-setting year crept closer to reality. The girls are now ranked number 18, following wins over Algona and Eagle Grove, moving their record to 5-0.
The Ventura boys shook the monkey off their back Tuesday night with a 69-7 victory over Northeast Hamilton. The win broke an ugly losing streak dating back to last season. Jared Ringus led the team with 19 points and 11 rebounds. Brad Spilman put in 16 points, followed by Scott Eichmeier with 13 and Tom Menke with 10.
The Ventura Lady Vikes defeated Southeast Webster, 53-51, moving their record to 2-4 overall. Angie Avery led the team with 17 points and five rebounds. Alicia Peterson had her best outing of the season with 11 points.
Anna Teigland, an outside hitter for the Clear Lake volleyball team, has been named to the All-State Class 2A 6th Team.
Grocery specials for the week at Easter Foods includes: Jack’s Pizza, 4/$8.88; Pepsi Products, 12-12 oz. cans, 3/$7; Bud or Bud Light Beer, 12-12 oz. cans, $6.29; Folgers Coffee, 23-26 oz., $4.99; Lay’s Potato Chips, 2/$4; bone-in whole ham, lb., $1.19; and Corn King Sliced Bacon, 16 oz. pkg., $1.59.
50 Years Ago
December 1972
Four Clear Lake firemen were listed in “good” condition Tuesday morning at Mercy Hospital, Mason City, from burn injuries received Saturday afternoon when a house they were investigating for a gas leak exploded. The firemen are: Joe Scott, Denny Davis, Myron Haugen and Russell (Bud) Young. Ernest Roth was treated and released. Scott, wearing an oxygen mask, was the only one inside the house at the time of the explosion. He was blown out about 15 feet from the house.
The Clear Lake wrestling team picked up a 31-18 victory over Hampton, winning seven individual matches out of 12. Winning for the Lions were Allan Prescott, Joel McChesney, Bob Erickson, Larry Toresdahl, Steve Dankle, Dick Erickson and Ted Klein.
Jerry Hejna, his wife, Joann, and sons, Alan, 10 and Mike, 3, will welcome guests to an Open House at Hejna Auto Service in Ventura. Extensive remodeling has been done. Door prizes include a pink bunny suit and a case of LeMans oil.
Pat Roseland is proving to be a force on the Ventura Vikingettes team. Roseland scored 19 points against Kanawha and 30 against Meservey-Thornton. She’s taking some pressure off the Pueggel sisters, Diane and Cheryl. Diane scored 31 points against Kanawha and Cheryl had 29 points.
65 Years Ago
December 1957
S/3c Gordon Thompson arrived home by plane Wednesday morning from Bremerhaven, Germany, where he has been since June 1956 in the 61st Army Band. He received his discharge at Camp Sheridan, Ill. He left on Wednesday for Ames to enroll for the second quarter at Iowa State College.
12 Days of Christmas, an operetta, will be presented at the Ventura High School on Dec. 19.
A small opening in the ice directly off city beach proved the downfall of one ice boat Tuesday afternoon. Piloted by LeRoy Barkhurst, the boat hit the hole while skimming across the ice. The boat tipped over into the hole but Barkhurst, luckily, was thrown over the open water and onto the ice. Lake Patrolman Irv Grettinger was called, and with some help they pulled the boat out after it had sunk down with only a part of the boat showing.
Fred Fistler, 2313 Main, caught a four-pound plus walleye while fishing last week.
100 Years Ago
December 1923
Mayor D.E. Kenyon reports that complaints have been coming to his office that certain people on Fourth Street have been letting their chicken run loose. He will give them a warning, but the ordinance will be enforced.
A statewide drive by all peace officers to confiscate slot machines and other gambling devices will be commenced at once in the state. These machines are especially attractive to children, taking their nickels from them. This instills the gambling spirit and is to be deplored.
The village of Chapin, four miles south of here, had a fire which completely destroyed the Woodford-Wheeler Lumber Co. and its contents. The lumber company is a branch of the Clear Lake business. The loss is estimated to be at $10,000 with about three-fourths covered by insurance.
Walt Mason says, “A film of frost is on the pump, it glitters white and pearly, reminding us that we should hump and do our shopping early.”
