by Michelle Watson
25 Years Ago
June 1998
Thanks again to a large contribution from an anonymous donor, plus numerous contributions from others throughout the area, plans are underway for another record breaking fireworks display in Clear Lake on July 4th, beginning at 10 p.m.
The Cerro Gordo 911 Service Board has voted to begin a two-year program to replace address markers in the unincorporated area of the county. Each blue sign will consist of a 6” metal blade mounted on a “U-Channel post.
The first annual “Take Me Back By the Lake” 70s reunion combined good fun and music with beautiful weather on Saturday. The event was held in City Park and the sounds of the group, Milk and Honey, were enjoyed by all.
Dollar General will open a new store in Clear Lake on Thursday, June 25. The store will be located at 216 Highway 18 West.
Ronald and Pamela Pitkin, of Clear Lake, welcomed a son, Austin Ronald. Austin was born June 12, 1998. He will join two sisters, Kristen and Ashley.
A reception will be held Saturday, June 27, for retiring local educators, Dick and Rita Wempen. Their children will host an event at Pine Tree Park. All are invited.
Celebrating anniversaries are Marian (Miller) and Kermit Roisen. Friends and family are invited to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary at an open house at Zion Lutheran Church. Also celebrating an anniversary are Mr. and Mrs. Chuck (Ruth) Norris, who celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary with a family dinner.
Five recent Clear Lake High School graduates hold the distinction as being athletic letter winners in four sports during their four years in high school. Those being recognized are Stephanie Eliasen, Nate Carney, Casey Callanan, Brandi Halsne and Anna Teigland.
The Clear Lake baseball team rebounded with three wins last week to move its record to 5-5. Clear Lake pulled off a close, 7-6 victory over Iowa Falls. Terry Rauk was the only Lion to get two hits. Jeff Hall and Nate Carney each had two RBIs. Hall recorded the win on the mound, pitching 2 1/3 innings. He allowed no runs on two hits and had two walks and three strikeouts.
First innings home runs by Ventura’s Tom Menke and Jared Ringus set the stage for a 13-8 victory over CAL-Dows. Menke went on to blast another homer in the sixth inning. Nick Korth also had a home run.
50 Years Ago
June 1973
Possibly one of the oldest building in Clear Lake is being demolished at the corner of 601 2nd Ave. N. The property was purchased by the Park Board of the City of Clear Lake and will be converted into a small park. The building was a livery stable; also a saloon before being used as a residence.
A new men’s hairstyling business, Lue’s, opened at 429 Main Ave. The business specializes in longer hair on men.
Considerable concern has been expressed by the public as to what is causing the death of bullheads in Clear Lake.
Grocery specials for the week at Fareway include: T-bone steaks, lb., $1.69; Ground Beef, lb., 73¢; Jeno’s Frozen Pizza, 13”, 59¢; Crunch Berries Cereal, 11 oz. box, 55¢; Milwaukee’s Best Beer, 12 can carton, $1.69.
70 Years Ago
June 1953
Stan McClintock, Mason City, won the weekly fishing prize from Lustre Cleaners, for his catch of a 20 lb., 2 oz. catfish.
July 1953
E.W. (Ted) Winnie, for the first time in 31 years, will not be chairman of the Fourth of July parade, but he will be the “advisor” Saturday morning to see that the annual gigantic parade is lined up at the Surf parking lot. Ted suffered a broken pelvis this winter and felt he could not handle the job.
Amy Lou’s Apparel Shop and Otto B. Petersen store will do a quick switch of places and will reopen in their new location Aug. 1.
Merle Miles announces that he is giving away $100 worth of prizes for the Grand Opening of his new clothing store, Merle Miles Clothing. The store was formerly Bailey’s Variety Store.
99 Years Ago
June 1924
The city workmen clean the business streets every morning. Some of the business men sweep papers and various litter into the gutter thus making the streets appear unsightly during the entire day. Business men need to cooperate.
Memorial Day was a beautiful one. Hanford MacNider delivered the address at the cemetery.
Last Sunday the people who went out from Vix Stanfield’s dock on the south shore came in late in the day with over 300 fine fish. One string consisted of 30 pike.
The Arwana boat caught fire Saturday. George Kabrick had just filled it with 50 gallons of gas when there was an explosion. The fire company quickly controlled it with about $200 in damages.
Mrs. Ned O’Neill has opened an up-to-date marcel shop in her home. She will specialize in cutting, shampooing hair, bobbing, trimming and manicuring.
The Clear Lake Creamery made 4,600 pounds of butter last Tuesday which set a record.
