by Michelle Watson
25 Years Ago
May 1998
The Clear Lake City Council met with members of the Sea Wall Committee and a design engineer to put finishing touches on their final design of a sea wall extension on North Lakeview Drive. The proposal calls for the narrowing of the existing North Lakeview Drive, installation of a sidewalk set adjacent to the street and work on the slope of the land to the lake.
The weather was sunny and warm for the approximately 150 walkers who participated in the annual Opportunity Village Benefit Walk held Sunday, May 3. The estimated total raised this year was just over $26,000.
An integral part of the Clear Lake School System was lost Friday when Assistant Principal and Athletic Director Jim Ahrens died after battling cancer. Ahrens was 57. He came to Clear Lake in 1970. For 11 years he taught high school social studies and coached basketball, baseball and was assistant football coach. His 1972-73 and 1978-79 basketball teams qualified for the State tournament. His baseball team defeated both Mason City and Newman in the 1972 Sectional Tournament. In 1981, he was named administrator’s assistant at CLHS in addition to his teaching position. Jim furthered his education by earning a master’s degree in school administration from Drake University in 1991. He retired earlier this year.
Betty Jacobson received the Golden Circle Award at the Beta Sigma Phi Founder’s Day. The award is given to a member who has been in Beta Sigma Phi for 50 years.
The Clear Lake boys golf team set a school record dual score and finished the NCC season with a 8-1 mark. The Lions shattered the school record dual score at a home meet against Hampton-Dumont. Two Lions came into the clubhouse under par, and Clear Lake’s team total of 143 allowed them to beat the previous record of 148 handily. Juniors Joe Fandel and Cade Pleggenkuhle shared medalist honors for the second time in three outings. Both carded 35’s to lead the Lions. Senior Shad Muth was the runner-up medalist with an even-par 36. Senior Brad Floy added a 37 for the final Clear Lake score of 143.
The Clear Lake boys tennis team shut-out Dora-New Providence, 9-0. Picking up singles wins were Ryan Lee, Travis Hirsch, Isaac Sorenson, Brad Price, Ben Stealy, Shawn Person.
The Clear Lake girls tennis team dropped matches to Osage and Iowa Falls-Alden. Picking up wins against Osage were Carolyn Nicholas, Kristy Austin and Anna Ostrander. Picking up wins against Iowa Falls were Austin, Sara Person and Ostrander.
Clear Lake seniors Matt NcNamara and Angie Richey were the lucky winners of two drawings, giving them the opportunity to drive sports cars to their prom.
Norman Johnson was congratulated on his retirement from the Clear Lake Bakery after 32 years of service.
50 Years Ago
April 1973
Who will reign as Clear Lake’s favorite mother? There’s still time to submit your letter if you think your mother should receive this recognition.
Mrs. Lloyd (Esther) Johnson, Clear Lake, and Mrs. Irwin (Genevieve) Christiansen, Mason City, will be the guests of honor at a reception held on Sunday, May 6, at the Ventura Elementary School. The two elementary teachers are retiring this year after a total of 26 year in the Ventura School system.
A few details remain to be cleared, but plans are well under way for construction of a par-3 golf course south of Clear Lake. The project is being planned by Mr. and Mrs. Gene Sherman.
The Clear Lake Jaycees are sponsoring the Carson & Barnes Five Ring Wild Animal Circus in Clear Lake July 16.
75 Years Ago
April 1948
Work is now progressing on the new Surf Ballroom. The official opening will be July 4, according to Earl Harding, general manager of the Prom, Terp and Surf Ballrooms.
Direct air mail service will begin at Clear Lake according to postmaster Mary Doris Carroll. The service will be on a temporary trial basis. If Clear Lake can produce enough air mail volume in 30 days the service will continue and it will be possible to mail a letter here at 11 a.m. and have it reach Chicago in the afternoon. Airmail stamps are 5¢. The Yellow Cab will bring the mail to and from the airport.
Lee Harthan sent a 640 lb. hog to President Harry Truman to show him a need to end the meat strike which has been plaguing the farmer as well as the packers and their employees. It cost $65 to ship the critter, but Lee said he had some help in paying the bill.
99 Years Ago
April 1924
People who have summer cottages will be interested to know the city council has decided a $10 deposit will be required when the water is turned on each year.
Mrs. Joseph Teed purchased a lot in Oakwood Park. This will make six lots she owns. She is proving to be quite a business woman.
Sondrol & Co. has men’s porous union suits for 95¢.
Lost on Main St., an elk tooth made into a cuff button. Finder is asked to leave it at the Smoke Shop.
The road from Bayside to Dodges Point is being widened and will be graveled this summer.
The advertising committee of the Commercial Club are mailing to Kansas City between 2,000 and 3,000 booklets. This year they will start advertising in the Kansas City Star, opening up a new field of summer visitors for Clear Lake.
