by Michelle Watson
25 Years Ago
September 1998
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has completed its testing of public beaches for bacteria levels. The DNR reported water samples showed acceptable levels for both fecal coliform and E. coli bacteria. The City of Clear Lake will also be monitoring the lake in 50 locations as part of a study the City Council approved at their regular meeting. The Council agreed to spend $35,000 to $50,000 for the study. Costs may vary depending upon the number of tests which are actually used.
It’s the day many Clear Lake students have been looking forward to since the school year began – no, not the last day of school – moving day! The Clear Lake School District will take possession of its new elementary school Thursday, Oct.1 A formal dedication of the school building and open house is planned for Sunday, Oct. 11.
Carolyn Nicholas, a senior at Clear Lake High School, was crowned Miss Iowa Teen at the state pageant, qualifying her to represent Iowa in the 1998 National American Teen Pageant. Nicholas won the talent competition and placed third in the academic achievement category. She is the daughter of Greg and Julie Nicholas, of Clear Lake.
It was the hottest ticket in town. The Surf Ballroom sold out 1,800 tickets to its Nov. 5 Doobie Brothers Concert in just 63 minutes. But never fear, the Surf has scheduled another concert with the still-popular 1970s band for Wednesday, Nov. 4.
There were no races in Tuesday’s school board elections, so incumbents were all returned to their positions in Clear Lake and Ventura.
The Ventura School District has received permission from the state to extend its budgeting authority by more than $59,000.
Katherine E. Kennedy has recently completed the cadet basic training program at the U.S Military Academy, West Point, N.Y. Kennedy is the daughter of William and Susan Kennedy of Clear Lake. She is a 1998 graduate of Clear Lake High School.
Navy Seaman Jeremiah Angle recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill.
The Clear Lake football team stifled a late rally to beat Garner, 28-21. For a few scary moments it looked like the Lions might go into their district schedule with a 0-2 record. Sophomore Ryan Molencamp led the team with 132-rushing and two touchdowns. Mike Lester rushed for 30-yards.
According to Coach Jerry Morris, Clear Lake’s cross country team showed tremendous improvement in the Lions’ second meet of the year. Leading the way for the Lions was April Wilhelm in the girls’ race. She placed fifth with her career best time of 12:52. Leif Kennedy was the top finisher for the boys’ race. He finished with a time of 17:47, good for 8th place.
Perhaps the Ventura Vikings should have looked at the pre-game mishaps as bad omens. First, Graettinger’s bus broke down, delaying the start of the game. They arrived on a borrowed bus. Second, a transformer blew in the second half of the game, knocking out half of the field lights. An Alliant power crew got things started again by 9 p.m. The game ended, with the Pirates topping the Vikings, 22-0. Eric Morf led Ventura’s ground game with 52-yards.
50 Years Ago
September 1973
The Farmers Fall Festival Appreciation Dance, jointly sponsored by the Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce and Surf Convention & Civic Center, will be held Saturday, Sept. 15, at the Surf.
Cheering on the varsity football team this year will be Roberta Bodin, Linda Radach, Sandy Hanes, Carolyn Field, Nancy Nielsen, Lisa Van Slyke, Martha Budolfson, Sue Hansen, Barb Yates and Sarah Schick.
The Clear Lake Lions returned after the intermission Friday night to spark a three touchdown rally to defeat Forest City, 19-8 in their season opener at Lion’s Field. Key tackles by Lion grid men Greg Garth, Dan Baack, Don Erickson and Don “Putz” Erickson held off the scoring threat of an equally green, but battered Forest City squad. Scott Huntley was the evening’s leading rusher with 111-yards in 15 carries.
Specials at Garth’s Western Auto, 412 Main Ave., include: Admiral dual-temp refrigerator/freezer with ice maker, $329.95; Admiral 25” Solarcolor TV in wooden counsel, $564.95; Admiral Portable AM Transistor Radio, $1.99.
75 Years Ago
July 1948
Arleigh Eddy created some sort of a record when he shot a 32 on his round of golf during the stag night supper match.
Football suits were issued to 50 candidates at the high school Saturday by Bob Heston. Lettermen returning this year are: Dan Rice, John Monaghen, Bob Replogle, Don Bisgrove, Chet Garth, Jack Kimball, West Edgar, Kay Ellerson and Don Nelson.
Announcement was made of the change in name and ownership of the Page Lumber Company to the Clear Lake Lumber Company. F.C. Lovell and his son, Chuck, have purchased the interest of Harry B. Myhr, who has been associated with the yard for 25 years will remain manager.
A contract for the building of Clear Lake’s new water plant was signed for $253,860 with Dobson Bros., Lincoln, Neb. The plant will have a capacity of a million gallons a day.
There were 925 pupils registered in the Clear Lake schools including 83 in the kindergarten classes.
99 Years Ago
August 1924
Last Tuesday afternoon a Britt man was coming to Clear Lake and was met by a Packard going at a high rate of speed coming toward Clear Lake from Ventura. The Packard struck the Ford Mr. Peterson was driving, demolishing it. Mr. Peterson’s sister, went through the windshield, dislocating her ankle. The Packard was owned by a Boston lady on her way to Spencer. She paid Mr. Peterson $175 for his demolished Ford and doctor bills, thus showing a fine spirit.
Friday morning about 1 a.m., Allstot the traffic cop, saw an auto and two men up near the fish hatchery. He rode along side their auto and when he saw a dripping liquid from their auto, arrested them, placing a can of alcohol in safe keeping and filed a charge of transporting against the men. The two men had been suspicious characters living in Oakwood all summer.
ORANGE SALAD
(Recipe from 1973)
1 pkg. orange Jello
1 pkg. orange or vanilla tapioca pudding
1 pkg. regular vanilla pudding.
Add 3 cups of water to above and cook one minute or until thick. Set aside to cool.
Fold in 2 cans of mandarin oranges or 2 cans of pineapple and 1 qt. Cool Whip. Blend and chill.
