by Michelle Watson
25 Years Ago
February 1998
The Clear Lake School Board made it official Monday night. The district will ask voters to approve an income tax/surtax as a means of supporting an all day, every day kindergarten program and other needs of the district. The special election will be held Tuesday, March 17.
The Clear Lake Economic Development Corporation is partnering with the Mason City Economic Development Corporation, City of Mason City and Cerro Gordo County to produce a labor force survey for the county.
Local elementary schools kicked off Read A Million Minutes Month with the help of Miss Iowa, Sheri Riley. The Clear Lake native spoke to students and Sunset and Lincoln Schools about the importance of reading.
Dano Morf was the newly elected president of the Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce. He presented outgoing president Bill Sorbo a plaque in appreciation for his hard work as the Chamber’s leader in 1997.
A Clear Lake man sentenced after pleading guilty to misdemeanor involuntary manslaughter last year was arrested by Clear Lake police on Jan. 22 for parole violation.
Second District Congressman Jim Nussle announced that Katherine Kennedy, a senior at Clear Lake Community High School, has been offered an appointment to the Military Academy at West Point, N.Y.
Air Force 1st Lt. Sarah J. Christ has been deployed on a temporary duty assignment as part of the Joint Task Force Southwest Asia (JTF-SWA) headquartered in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Christ is a resource advisor.
Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Aaron Marken, is currently halfway through a six-month deployment to the Mediterranean Sea aboard the guided missiles cruiser USS South Carolina.
The Clear Lake boys basketball team picked up a win at home against Clarion-Goldfield, 75-53, but dropped two games on the road. Erik Cochran led the team against C-G with 25 points, 11 of which came from the free-throw line. Nate Carney had 20 points, while Jeff Marsh added 13.
The Ventura Lady Vikes had an up and down week, but finished the week at an even 4-4 in the North Star Conference and 8-8 overall. The Team topped Alden, 59-47. Angie Avery scored a game high 27 points and had four rebounds. Nicki Heimer scored 11 points.
Homes listed by RE/MAX Realty include: 15385 Lakeview, a 4 bdrm., lake home with fireplace dock and beautiful views, $315,000; 2013 North Shore Drive, across from the golf course and on the lake, $279,000; and 113 15th Ave. S., off shore 3 bdrm. home with vaulted ceiling and two story playhouse, $68,000; and a unit at Groharbour condos, 2 bdrm., 2 bath, new four season Florida room on lake side, $175,000.
50 Years Ago
February 1973
A reduction in the price of meals was announced at the Meals on Wheels Inc. The meals will be $1 per day instead of $1.25. Roger Ritter, manager of Ritter’s Oakwood Manor, where the meals are prepared, said he hopes the lower fee may enable additional persons to avail themselves of the service.
Promiscuous fishing will be allowed in the Ventura Marsh beginning immediately. Fish may be taken by any means except dynamiting, electric shock, poison or stupefying substances.
Two businesses in Clear Lake have changed owners. The purchase of Haddy’s Sport Shop was made by Norm Theiss. Theiss will continue coaching with his son, Dave, taking over active management of the store. William Miles has purchased Eastman’s Grain Co., 814 N. 5th St., from Don Eastman.
Playing at the Lake Theatre is Walt Disney’s, “Snowball Express.” Coming soon is “Funny Girl.”
65 Years Ago
February 1958
A 40 pound gray wolf, or possibly a cross between a coyote and dog, was bagged by three hunters, Dale Anderson, Ben F. Greiman, and Willie Nelson, all farmers living southwest of Clear Lake, while hunting fox Monday. The men were using high powered rifles. They also shot three foxes.
An unusual phenomena for Clear Lake this winter is the large amount of open water in the lake, despite temperatures remaining far below freezing.
Ice hockey in Clear Lake will get its first big showing to the public in years when two town teams clash on the lake rink off City Park at 2 p.m. Sunday. The “old covers” who have challenged the youngsters are believed to include Jack Kennedy, Keith Raw, and Tom Joslyn.
Mr. and Mrs. Cecil Miller will take over operation of the Maidrite Cafe next week from Mrs. Gladys Bouline.
90 Years Ago
February 1933
The Purple Heart Award from the Secretary of War was received by Jens Wind. This award is for military merit in the World War. Wind was a corporal in Company A, 168th Infantry. He was wounded twice in service.
A drink for your car and a drink for yourself is the motto at the DeBruyn Super Service now. Coffee with your gasoline, or any other purchase, is the plan. F.C. DeBruyn has purchased 5,000 cups of coffee from the Coffee Shop to carry out the idea.
No trace has been found on Gregory Lindon’s stolen car.
Coach Johnston’s Lions came through with a sizzling hot game to drop the Northwood quintet 33-28. Adam Miller was banging them in from all angles for the Lions.
