by Michelle Watson
25 Years Ago
March 1998
Local snow plow crews spent Monday battling Mother Nature. Approximately four inches of snow was whipped by winds in excess of 40 mph. Driving conditions were dangerous.
The Clear Lake area has been chosen as the preferred site to locate a 42 megawatt wind energy project which will supplement area electrical energy needs. The Cerro Gordo Wind Energy Project is being proposed by a subsidiary of the Florida Power & Light Co. (FPL), one of he largest investor-owned electric utilities in the nation. The proposed $42 million project calls for 56 state-of-the-art wind turbines to be located on a 3,000 acre site in the Union Township area south of Clear Lake.
Clear Lake School District voters will go to the polls Tuesday, March 17, to consider an issue crucial to the district’s budgeting future. Voters are being asked to increase the Instructional Support Levy from 5 percent of the regular program budget to 10 percent.
The new city budget includes $290,000 for the proposed construction of a new addition to the Bandshell which could serve as a community room and Municipal Band rehearsal space and storage.
Marine Pvt. Jason R. White, a 1992 graduate of Clear Lake High School, recently completed basic training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, Calif.
The Blues were heard at the Surf Ballroom Saturday evening at the Winter Blues Festival I.
Jeff Stealy, a career agent for Farm Bureau Financial Services in Clear Lake, has earned the highest form of recognition available for agents. He has been named a Farm Bureau Master Agent.
Following what was truly a precedent-setting wrestling season for the Clear Lake Lions, their 1997-98 year was capped by a third-place finish at the state dual meet tournament. Clear Lake also set a school record for wins as they finished the year with a record of 20-3. Andy Thompson wrestled his final match as a Lion at the State Dual Meet. Thompson capped off a perfect 42-0 season with three more wins. The effort gave him two more CLHS records – most pins in a single season (29) and most wins in a season (42).
Tom Zirbel, of Clear Lake, earned a second place finish in the 3,000 and 5,000 meter runs while competing for Wartburg College.
Aaron Rothrock, of Ventura, is a member of the Central College men’s track team.
Re/Max Realty featured two homes for sale: 1811 N. 24th St., a 3 bdrm., 2 story home, full basement, triple garage, beautifully landscaped, $239,900; and 301 E. Lake St., Ventura, spectacular 4 bdrm., 2 story home, across from lake, $267,000.
Grocery specials for the week at Fareway include: Boomsma Large Eggs, doz., 59¢; Butternut Coffee, 34.5 oz. can, $5.99; Jif Peanut Butter, 18 oz. jar, $1.39; Doritos Tortilla Chips, 14.5 oz. bag, 2/$5; AE Cottage Cheese, 24 oz., $1.69; Lays Potato Chips, 14 oz. bag, 2/$4; Deli Sliced Wafer Ham, lb., $1.99; Whole In Bag Ribeye Loin, 12-14 lb. avg., $3.99, lb.; USDA Choice Ground Chuck, lb., $1.69.
50 Years Ago
March 1973
Gene Vande Lune took possession of Differding Ford Sales Inc. Vande Lune took possession from Lynn Differding on March 1. The business is now known as V & M Ford Sales Inc.
Clear Lake High School will present the play, “Camelot,” in April
Huisinga and Peterson, Webster City, submitted the low base bid on the general contract of $272,400 for the construction of four additional residence units at Handicap Village, Clear Lake.
Second Lt. William R. Kennedy, Clear Lake, was the distinguished honor graduate of the Infantry Officer Basic Course at Fort Benzing, Ga. Kennedy scored 95 out of a possible 100% on work throughout the course. He was also the winner of the physical training.
Cheering on the Ventura basketball teams this season were Kristi Lollier, Tanya Clark, Sharane Barkema, Jane Bokelman, Denise Knop and Debbie Braer.
65 Years Ago
March 1958
Don Huey was re-elected chief of the Clear Lake Fire Department at the annual election of officers. Other officers named were Pat Stork and Joe Jensen, assistant chiefs and Floyd (Nibbs) Nesbit, secretary-treasurer.
Five Clear Lake and three Ventura students have been entered in the 10th annual instrumental festival sponsored by Luther College Dorian Society. They are Miriam Strum Alice Ashland, Judy Davis, Terry Yocum and Darwin Lyon of Clear Lake, and Susan Ax, Carolyn Mueller and Linda Coe, of Ventura.
Larry Thein was the first place winner and Doug Hansen was second place winner in the Pinewood Derby at the Cub Scout Pack 103 Blue and Gold Banquet.
Alice Ashland, high school senior, has been chosen as Clear Lake’s Future Homemaker through the results of a test taken by all senior girls taking home economics.
99 Years Ago
February 1924
Will J. McGowan has announced himself as candidate for mayor.
Ed Stork lost over 200 head of hogs on his farm north of town when the cholera hit.
Thomas Jensen met with a serious accident Friday night while playing in the gallery of the high school gymnasium when he became overbalanced some way and fell 10 feet to the floor, striking the back of his head. He remained in a stupor until taken to the Park Hospital where x-rays showed a fractured skull. Following surgery, he is recovering.
R. W. Kabrick lost $2 uptown on Saturday. If you find it, keep what you think is right and send the rest to 323 Clark St.
The White Pier skating rink will be open every evening except Sunday.
The Clear Lake Park Co. is having 50 picnic tables made for the convenience of the public at Bayside.
For Sale: Toulouse gander and dozen guineas. Would like to exchange turkey for gobbler.
