25 Years Ago
October 1997
Blueprints are finalized, groundbreaking has taken place, construction is in progress, and now it’s time to name the new school building. A committee has been organized for the purpose of naming the school and has launched a campaign to solicit ideas from the community.
Clear Lake residents needing emergency medical attention will have their calls answered by a paramedic level ambulance service by the end of the week. The Clear Lake City Council unanimously voted to enter into an agreement with Snell’s Ambulance Service to provide the service. Four firms responded, but only Snell’s will assume their own dispatching duties. After the 9-1-1 call is placed to the Clear Lake Police Department, those requiring medical assistance will be transferred to a Snell’s dispatcher.
The Clear Lake Rotary Club has announced that Ludwig Wangberg is the recipient of its 1997 “Citizen of the Year” award.
Aviation Electronic Technician Senior Chief David Earl Lechner retired from the Naval Air Base in Fellon, Nev., Sept. 30. Lechner served 21 years in the United States Navy. He was a 1976 graduate of Clear Lake High School.
Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Aaron J. Marken, son of Alan Marken and Bonnie Marken, both of Clear Lake, recently departed on a six-month deployment to the Mediterranean Sea aboard the guided missile cruiser USS South Carolina. Marken is a 1991 graduate of Clear Lake High School and joined the Navy in February 1993.
Clear Lake Fire Chief Rob Bell announced a change in his officers, following the retirement of Assistant Chief Matt Miller. Succeeding Miller will be Tom Lincoln, currently with the rank of captain. Will Gustafson has been named as a captain. Bryan Williams will continue as a captain.
“New Horizons” Alternative High School held a ribbon cutting at their school located in downtown Garner. The new school is at full capacity with 20 students from Clear Lake, Ventura, West Hancock and Garner-Hayfield high schools.
The Clear Lake cross country team competed at the NCC Meet. The girls’ team placed third, while the boys placed fourth in the conference meet. Nate Otis led the boys with a 10th place finish with a time of 17:01. Erin Oelschlaeger finished in 10th place with a time of 13:17, :10 second behind her was freshman April Wilhelm who placed 11.
The football team knew their playoff hopes were riding on a contest to be waged against Algona. The Lions posted 370 yards of rushing on their way to a 31-14 victory over Algona. Terry Rauk led the rushing onslaught with 151-yards. Nate Carney had 103-yards and Tim Secory ended with 47.
A successful two-point conversion in the final minute pushed Nora Springs-Rock Falls past the Ventura Vikings, 28-26 in Class A, District 10 play Friday night. The Vikes fell to 2-5 on the season. Quarterback Luke Brager completed seven of 11 passes for 164-yards. Jared Ringus had 91-yards on 18 carries. Adam Cash and Tom Menke paced the defense with 10 tackles.
50 Years Ago
October 1972
Gayle Hinrichs, 23, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bill Hinrichs, Clear Lake, has been elected as an Outstanding Elementary Teacher of America for 1972. She teaches at Ringsted Elementary School. She is a Clear Lake High School graduate.
Debbie Larson was named Ventura’s Homecoming Queen during a pep assembly Friday afternoon. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Gene Larson.
Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church, Ventura will hold a special worship service in honor of its 25th anniversary Following the worship a potluck will be held.
The Lions beat the Webster City Lynx, 7-0, Friday night for the first time in 18 years.
Caesar Romero, Jim Backus, Kurt Russell and Joe Flynn star in, “Now You See Him, Now You Don’t,” at the Lake Theater.
The excitement of Homecoming week was capped with a football win by the Ventura Vikings. The Vikings topped Meservey-Thornton, 26-13. The Vikings fought hard and Gene Toppin’s black eye proved it. Player standouts include Mark Behmer, Terry Anderson, Jeff Schult, Scott Smith, Charlie Roenfanz, Doug Ransom and Bill Dockstader.
65 Years Ago
October 1957
Three hundred students were absent from classes in Clear Lake schools today, mostly because of the flu, said Earl O. Berge, superintendent of schools.
Albert Huber sustained a cracked rib, cuts and bruises when he fell nearly 18 feet when the ladder he was standing on while painting his barn was knocked over by pigs.
The 10th anniversary of Peterson’s Farm Store, 200 10th Ave. N., will be observed at an open house and celebration all day Oct. 12.
“The Lonely Man” starring Jack Palance and Anthony Perkins will play at the Lake Theatre.
Clear Lake High School Homecoming festivities will get underway Thursday evening and continue through Friday evening. High School students will stage a bonfire and pep rally at Lion’s Field, followed by a snake dance downtown and ending with another rally at the high school.
Twirling Ensemble of Clear Lake, consisting of Judy Klinge, Janaan Cookman and Judy Davis won a division I rating in Class A competing in Waverly.
90 Years Ago
September 1932
Mrs. Sherman Hanna was greatly surprised Friday evening when she found 100 of her chickens, that had been stolen days before, returning in groups to the chicken house. It is thought whomever stole them had a feeling of conscious and returned them.
Over 100 people attended the party at the A.N. Grimm farm now occupied by Clarence Cook, Tuesday evening. The time was spent in dancing in the new barn that was just completed. The Huck-Schaffer orchestra furnished the music.
John Kopecky will erect a new bungalow on the south lake shore and will move there from Mason City.
A poultry show will be held in the Ford Garage on Dec. 5-8.
Rev. H.O. Urness drove to Fertile Sunday afternoon taking with him 60 quarts of fruit and vegetables the ladies of the church donated to the Orphans home at Beloit, Iowa.
