by Michelle Watson
25 Years Ago
March 1998
By the narrowest of margins – just 13 votes – Clea Lake School District voters approved an increase to the Instructional Support Levy, Tuesday, March 17. By a vote of 737 to 724 voters approved an income tax/surtax with will provide for all day, every day kindergarten to be offered in the district this fall.
The Clear Lake School Board is scheduled to open bids on the Central School site at a special hearing at 5:30 p.m. Monday, March 30. No decisions regarding the proposed sale of the school property will be made that evening.
Ventura Community School will hold a Chili/Soup Supper Wednesday, April 8, as an all-activities fund raiser. The event will be held in the elementary cafeteria. Cost is $3 for adults and $2 for those age 12 and under.
Kay Turek said she had been dreaming about her own shop for years – and when the home at 600 2nd Ave. N. (just east of the United Methodist Church) was on the market, Turek grabbed the property and began to transform the older residence into a showplace of products and specialty items for everyday living. The new business is called, Lucy Long’s, named after her great-grandmother.
Members of the Library Reading Club observed the group’s 100th anniversary. Members present were June Olson, Donna Dull, Elaine Taylor, Florence Riggs, Bertha Micklick, Martha Meyer, Thelma Knutson, Doris Luscomb, Mildred Anderson, Wilma Gardner, Donna Furleigh and Betty Lieder.
Cole Sewall Corporation has announced that it has named Dave Wamre to the position of vice president of operations at its Clear lake facility.
The Ventura Gun Club has announced sign-up for the Junior Shooters, for individuals from 10 through 17 years of age.
After completing a record-breaking year, the Clear Lake girls basketball team had six girls named to the All-North Central Conference girls teams. Sophomore Becky Avery was a unanimous First Team All- North Central Conference selection. Junior Rachael Handeland was also a First Team selection. Senior Anna Teigland was a Second Team pick and sophomore Rachel Wistey was named to the Third Team. Senior Steph Eliasen and junior Kimberly Bacon were Honorable Mention selections.
Clear Lake senior Casey Callanan led the Lions Saturday in the Iowa State Classic with a fifth place finish in the 110 meter high hurdles. Callanan completed the race in 8.02 seconds.
Two Clear Lake and two Ventura seniors have been awarded scholarships through the Wartburg Regents Scholarship Program. Bradley Floy and Liz Jaben, from Clear Lake High School, and Jami Sonney and Angie Avery, from Ventura, were awarded scholarships.
Grocery specials for the week at Easter Foods include: Pepsi Products, 12 pack, $2.89; Dole Head Lettuce, each, 49¢; Coors Beer, 12 pack, $5.59; Michigan Ida Red Apples, lb., 69¢; Extra Laundry Detergent, 128 oz. liquid, 2/$5; Farmland Pork Chops, lb., $1.49; and Oscar Mayer Bologna or Cotto Salami, 16 oz. pkg., 2/$3.
50 Years Ago
March 1973
The Clear Lake Lions, who were defeated in tourney action last week, were honored at an assembly Monday morning. The team compiled more victories than any other team in the history of Clear Lake basketball. They were only the second team in history to make it to the State tournament. A rally by the Lions in the second rally failed to offset a big Marshalltown lead, as the Lions fell, 71-53.
Many Iowa school districts are feeling a financial pinch this year because the 1971 School Aid law places a maximum budget restriction on districts based on the number of pupils. In Cerro Gordo County, the Clear Lake and Mason City districts have more than 1,000 pupils. District with less than 1,000 pupils are under considerable pressure.
The Silver Boot, South Shore Dr., will open for the season March 26 with ribs, sandwiches, steak, seafood and chicken.
Now appearing at the Holiday Motor Lodge is Sloopy and the “Red Baron.” Enjoy the new sing along piano bar room featuring Jim Nelson.
75 Years Ago
February 1948
Three men have announced this week that they will be candidates for city council. They are Keith McGowan, Floyd Cookman and Carl Johannessen.
While Clear Lake voters were decisive in their vote against the $195,000 school bond issue for a new field house, there was a relatively small vote, only 755.
The lease for the present Youth Center expires May 1 and it will be discontinued. Edgar Duesenberg, who owns the building, wishes to use it at this time.
E.L.Yeager was named president of the Clear Lake School Board. Roscoe Miller is the retiring president.
About 400 attended the annual Home Town Party. The party was for traveling men and Clear Lake residents who are employed elsewhere. The purpose of the party was to get them acquainted with their neighbors. The affair was held at the All Vets Social Center and was hosted by the Chamber of Commerce.
99 Years Ago
March 1924
Last Thursday night someone broke into the livery barn. Unable to find any money in the drawer, the disgruntled thieves opened the back door and let out all the horses. They were found south of town. Suspicions point to certain parties and further developments may be exposed soon.
Do you realize it’s March already and all harnesses should be repaired and oiled at Pattersons?
There was a 5 inch snowfall last night and autos were unable to reach Mason City on the pavement.
Miss Jeanne Wolf will sing at Iowa City tonight and her songs will be broadcast over the radio. If you wish to hear her, make use of your radio.
Choice real estate for sale: on account of business interest in Wisconsin, I am offering for sale: 12 choice North Lake Shore Lots; eight choice lots on North Lake Shore, facing the lake; 25 acres joining corporation on North Lake Shore; 80 acres seven miles from Mason City. For further information write Lee Boyd, Clintonville, Wis.
