by Michelle Watson
25 Years Ago
May 1998
Teenie Beanie Babies have caused a McFrenzie at McDonald’s Restaurants across the nation, and the Clear Lake McDonald’s is no exception. On Saturday, Clear Lake police were called to the restaurant located at the intersection of Highway 18 and Interstate 35 four times during the day to control traffic. A fifth visit to the restaurant was prompted Saturday evening when the crowd began to overwhelm the store. McDonald’s management alerted officials when they became afraid the crowd was going to get out of control.
Fareway Stores, Inc. has rejected a counter-offer from the Clear Lake Board of Education involving the purchase of the Central School property. Superintendent Mike Teigland noted that if the property fails to sell after a second call for bids, the district is poised to tear down the school shortly after it is vacated this fall. Estimated costs for the demolition range from $70,000 to $150,000.
Clear Lake and Ventura High School bands will be represented this weekend at the North Iowa Band Festival. Clear Lake has named Jessica Simmer as its band queen, while Ventura will have Jami Sonney and Nick Korth competing for queen and king honors.
The level of Clear Lake increased 2.64” to its new level of 4.80” above the weir.
There will be a retirement reception for Clear Lake High School Principal Dr. Robert Huntington on Sunday evening, June 7, at the high school student center.
Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Aaron J. Marken has completed a six-month deployment to the Mediterranean Sea and Arabian Gulf aboard the guided missile cruiser USS South Carolina.
Members of the Clear Lake girls track squad that competed in the state meet would be the first to admit that the team was a little disappointed that they came up short of a state title. But they certainly didn’t leave Des Moines empty-handed. The Lions claimed a state title in the shuttle hurdle relay for the second consecutive year. Members of the relay were Liz Jaben, Kathy Bitker, Sarah Tompkins and Brandi Halsne. Clear Lake’s lone runner-up was the 4×200 relay of Tompkins, Jaben, Anna Teigland and Laura Maring. Teigland also placed third in the 200 meter dash.
The Clear Lake boys track team will send four events to the state meet. Those competing at the State meet were Leif Kennedy, Nate Carney, Tim Secory, Casey Cooney, Fred Oakley and Casey Callanan.
The Clear Lake boys golf team earned their 12th state meet berth in 13 years by winning the District tournament with a team score of 311. Shad Muth fired a 37-37-74 to lead the Lions and give him medalist honors. Cade Pleggenkuhle finished in the top seven with a 77.
The Ventura girls and boys track teams earned third place finishes at the North Star Conference meet. The boys team qualified seven events at the State meet. Those who will compete include Adam Froiland, Josh Smith, Jared Ringus, Eric More and Brad Spilman.
Grocery specials for the week at Fareway Stores include: Charmin Bath Tissue, 4 roll pkg., 99¢; Fareway Bakeshoppe Cottage Bread, 20 oz., 89¢; Blue Bunny Lite 85 Yogurt, 6 oz., 3/99¢; Anderson-Erickson Cottage Cheese, 24 oz., $1.69; Tyson Chicken Nuggets, 5# bag, $9.99; 93% Lean Ground Beef, lb., $1.69; and USDA Choice Boneless Beef Ribs, lb., $1.89.
50 Years Ago
May 1973
The Clear Lake School Board approved a shorter school day for next year. Classes will begin at the usual hour, but will dismiss earlier, due to shortened individual class periods. Dismissal will be at 3:20 rather than 3:44.
Commencement exercises for Clear Lake’s 157 graduating seniors will be held in the high school gymnasium Friday night, May 25, at 8 p.m. Seniors Dick Erickson, Rich Chapman and Pam Turek have been chosen as theme speakers for the ceremonies.
It was announced that the Western Auto Associate Store has been purchased by Chet Garth. Garth took possession from Shelby Freeman, former owner.
Richard Kaduce has replaced Don Carrier as Clear Lake State Park Officer.
The Ventura girls track team sent six athletes to compete in the State Meet. Those competing were Kristi Kline, Ann Hyde, Cyndi Kline, Cheryl Pueggel, Debbie Larson and Dianne Pueggel. Kristi Kline placed second in the high jump, jumping 5’4”. She tied for first, but had one more miss. This jump broke the State record.
A sign in Ventura Heights warns, “Dogs Beware of Vicious Owner.” Dogs in the neighborhood better keep their cotton-pickin’ paws off this owners strawberry patch.
70 Years Ago
May 1953
Mrs. Mary Berner, 404 S. 8th St., has been named as the Oldest Mother living in Clear Lake. Mrs. Berner will be 98 years old on Sept. 29 and makes her home with her daughter, Mrs. Hattie Mason.
Verlyle Henriksen, son of Mr. and Mrs. Hans Henriksen of Clear Lake, has received his commission as an Ensign in the United State Naval Reserve at Great Lakes Naval Training Center.
It was an unfortunate day for Mrs. Harold Crane. After watching her husband board a train to Kansas City to attend the Saving and Loan Convention, she realized the car keys were in his pocket.
The Class of 1903 of Clear Lake High School will have their 50th anniversary reunion at the home of Miss Ida Clack.
95 Years Ago
May 1928
John Eliason is driving a new Essex Supersix purchased from Ernest Anderson.
Earl Ashland is building a double garage and cottage near his store at Tourist Park.
A new 5¢ air mail postage rate is to be in effect in August. A 5¢ air mail stamp has been authorized. The Postmaster General said he expected the cut in rates to increase the country’s air mail business by 300 percent.
Max Clausen was the winner of the music memory contest held in the high school auditorium. He won a silver eversharp pencil.
The Charlie McGowans’ home on East Main Street is under quarantine. Little seven-year-old Raymond has an attack of scarlet fever.
