by Michelle Watson
25 Years Ago
August 1998
Officials from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, state and local departments of public health and University of Iowa Hygienic Labratory held a press conference Friday to update the public on water testing on Clear Lake. To the disappointment of all, there were no revelations as to the source of high bacteria levels in the lake. However, experts stressed the lake was safe for recreational activities, other than swimming. Officials said the chances of getting ill from contact with the water is remote, other and from direct ingestion.
The city’s request for proposals for the 17-acre tract of land known as the Lakeland property has yielded four proposals.
City Beach in Clear Lake will remain closed due to high bacteria levels.
The Lake level rose .36” to its new rating of +3.12” above the weir according to officials at the Water Treatment Plant.
The Clear Lake Public Library will hold a “Family Sock Hop” at the Surf Ballroom on Sunday, Aug. 16, from 3-6 p.m., to celebrate the end of the 1998 Summer Reading Program.
Playing at the Lake Theatre is “Armageddon.”
A grand opening and ribbon cutting was held at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Ventura. Redeemer Preschool has expanded its program to include Day Care and a Before and After School Program. Kari Johnson is the director of Preschool and Day Care.
The Clear Lake Evening Lions held their annual Veggie Burger and Sweet Corn Feed Sunday in City Park. The event received strong support from the community, which enjoyed the beautiful weather, as well as the good food. Two hundred dozen ears of corn were prepared.
Selma Lomen, the oldest resident of Oakwood Care Center in Clear Lake, will be 103 on Monday, Aug. 17. A family gathering will be held at the care center. She was born in 1895.
Jennifer Dean and Gregory Kumsher were married July 18 at Zion Lutheran Church in Clear Lake.
Four Ventura High School cheerleaders returned from a National Cheerleaders Association summer camp. The Ventura cheerleaders received the Most Improved Award during the week-long camp. In addition, Brandi Sonney was an All-American nominee chosen by NCA staff.
The Clear Lake softball team ended its season with a 42-2 mark. Members of the team included: Katie Gerhardt, Jennifer Gunsallus, Megan McDermott, Jessica Gunsallus, Chelsea Snyder, Sarah Tompkins, Melissa Washburn, Anna Teigland, Steph Eliason, Liz Jaben, Brandi Halsne, Kristle Wolcott, Jenny Gerhardt, Amanda Jennings, Becky Avery, Kimberly Bacon, Kristin Keefe, Rachel Handeland, Jessica White. The team is coached by Troy Heller and Angie Hughes and Jodi Holck are assistants.
Houses listed for sale by First Northern Realty include: 3 Timberlane Drive, in ground pool, 20×40 fenced yard, 3 bdrm. ranch, $149,500; 15347 Bayside Court, new 3 bdrm. home, 3 baths, dbl. garage, association pool, tennis court and park area, $205,000; 21123B Fir Ave., exceptional 3 bdrm.ranch acreage, $129,900; 102 Pilot House, one bdrm. condo, $45,000; 498 North Shore Drive, former Dairy Queen, great commercial location, $119,500; 705 North Shore Dr., 45’ of lake frontage, excellent kitchen, sand beach, 3-stall garage, $299,000.
Boubon Street, 1210 South Shore Drive, has live music on the weekends. Scarlet Runner, a Texas-style blues band, will play on Aug. 15. There is a $3 cover charge.
50 Years Ago
August 1973
Residents in the 2700 block of S. Lakeview Dr. won their first step in their objections to the building of a condominium in their neighborhood. Complaints included the sewers not being able to handle the added residents, parking and the hazards of adding additional traffic to an already busy street.
A new piece of equipment is on trial in the Clear Lake Police Department. It’s a Ra-Gun, value of the speed detecting guns is $995. The department has had the gun since July and it is being used 24 hours a day in one of the three patrol cars. Police Chief Bob Wagner said it is not being used as a revenue maker, but rather they just want people to slow down.
A TV crew from ABC Broadcasting was in Clear Lake doing interviews for a feature on Watergate.
Greg Garth and Tim Esbeck were named to the 1973 North Cental Conference Baseball Team. Both were named to the Second Team, Garth as an infielder and Esbeck as an outfielder.
Playing at the Surf Ballroom is Flash Cadillac. Tickets are $3.50 at the door and $2.50 in advance.
70 Years Ago
July 1953
Keith Raw, long time resident of Clear Lake and Cerro Gordo County Auditor for the past six years, accepted the position of Assistant City Clerk for the City of Clear Lake. He will assume his new duties Sept. 15.
Bill Bickford, a left handed golfer from Clear Lake, placed second in the first flight in the Iowa Association of Left-handed golfers Sunday at the Woodside Club in Des Moines.
Mr. Charles Whitney and Mr. Robert Hayden left for Columbus, Ohio, where they will get the Imperial Seed display ready for the Ohio State Fair.
Capt. Ellis J. Wick, 1108 3rd Ave. S., Clear Lake, is at Fort Sheridan, Ill., for a two week tour of active duty with the U.S. Army Reserves.
95 Years Ago
August 1928
Jack Kunst has sold his barber shop to Floyd Nesbit who for the past nine years has had a chair in the shop. Floyd is a good workman and popular with all the customers of the shop. Hey’’s do well.
Miss Frances Drake is in Chicago at the National Golf Tournament. Miss Drake won the State Golf Championship in Des Moines.
The threshing will be completed this week in this vicinity if the weather continues to be favorable. The crops are fine and abundant. The grain weighs out well. There is only one thing lacking and that is the price of grain on the market.
Yesterday was a red letter day for Overman-Mason Company for this season, having sold and delivered there new Whippet sedans in the one day.
