Remember When 11-20-2019

(Above) Hunting helpers in 1969 - Donald Leonard, of Clear Lake, had plenty of assistances while hunting the Ventura Marsh in 1969.  His sons, Scott, Mark and Jeff and dog, “Sari,” were on the lookout for ducks while Dad set his sights.  Hunters were reminded that the duck season ended on Nov. 23.  The goose season ran through Dec. 12.

By Michelle Watson

25 Years Ago

November 1994

Clear Lake is one of 39 communities across Interstate Power Company’s Iowa service territory which has been granted funds totaling $72,000 for tree planting under Interstate’s Partners in Planting program.

Teamsters Local Union No. 828, representing Clear Lake police officers and dispatchers has asked the City of Clear Lake for a 10 percent wage increase.

What has become a holiday tradition of neighbor helping neighbor will continue for a fourth year.  “The Giving Tree,” featuring ornaments with the wishes of local children, will again be displayed in the Clear Lake Reporter office, according to Publisher Mike Finnegan and Julie Livingston, of Clear Lake Schools.  Last year, 126 ornaments were displayed on the tree.

The Clear Lake Noon Lions Club presented Schools Superintendent Steve Voelz with a check for $6,182 to help fund a new sound system for E.B. Stillman Auditorium.  Voelz said five donations from various organizations were received for the $15,000 project.

Tristi A. Thompson and James T. Finstad were united in marriage on Oct. 22, 1994, by Pastor Dean Hess during a 3 p.m. ceremony held at Zion Lutheran Church.

A 35th wedding anniversary in honor of Leo and Mary Stattelman will be held Saturday, Nov. 26, at St. Patrick’s Parish Hall in Clear Lake.  A reception and dance will begin at 7:30 p.m.

Navy Midshipman Kirk W. Sorbo, son of William and Cheryl Sorbo, of Clear Lake, recently took part in summer training at sea.  He served aboard the guided missile frigate USS McClusky, forward deployed in Yokosuka, Japan.

Electricians mate 3rd Class, Aaron Markel, has completed 26 weeks of extensive on the job training at the naval nuclear power training unit in Basston Spa, N.Y.  He is now a qualified nuclear power electrical operator and will begin serving on the U.S.S. South Carolina, a naval cruiser out of Norfolk, Va.

Michael D. Mahaffey has joined the staff at Opportunity Village as a development officer.  Mahaffey will be promoting financial support of the non-profit Village through general gifts and planned giving.

Senior Matt Freeseman is one of three starters back for the Wartburg basketball team.  The 6’6” Freeseman was Iowa’s leading scorer in his senior year at Clear Lake High School.

Ventura residents are being asked to submit information for a Ventura Centennial Historical book.  The historical book outline is: the beginning; land holdings and pioneer stories; railroad history; naming of the town; geographic growth; road paving; Ventura area townships; maps and platts; census information; school news; police and fire department; telephone company; outdoor sportsmen activities; among many other items.

Grocery specials for the week at Fareway Stores include:  Folger’s Coffee, 39 oz. can, $5.39; Hershey’s Chocolate Chips, 2 lb. bag, 99¢; Wells Blue Bunny Ice Cream, 5 Qt., $2.79; Original or Thin Tombstone Pizza, 12”, 2/$5; Dole Celery, lb., 39¢; Hellman’s Mayonnaise, 32 oz. jar, $1.99; 80% Lean Ground Beef, lb., $1.19; Black Label Bacon, lb., $1.59; Boneless Round Steak, lb., $1.59; and John Morrell Large Bologna, lb., 89¢.

50 Years Ago

November 1969

Fibraco Manufacturing Co., in business in Clear Lake since November of 1965, plans an expansion move to Sheffield.  The main office and headquarters will remain in Clear Lake and will not affect operations here.

L.E. Bill Eaton, operator of the Surf, was in Omaha Tuesday discussing financial arrangements which hopefully will lead to the re-opening of the Clear Lake ballroom.

Two pieces of farm equipment were damaged in first reported to the Clear Lake Fire Department.  The department was called to extinguish a fire in the motor of a combine on the Howard Nelson farm.  A corn picker on the Roger Best farm six miles south of Clear Lake caught on fire Monday morning.

Five Clear Lake football players earned All-Conference honors.  There were no First Team or Second Team selections this year.  Coaches just picked their top 25 players.  Named to the list for Clear Lake were: Tom Lewis, Brad Heitland, Vance Hansen, Cliff Peterson, and Al Hayward. Earning Honorable Mention recognition were Mike Byington and Rick Ott.

65 Years Ago

November 1954

One vote is all that Fred Baum got in the election, Nov. 2, but that one vote was all he needed to get a Justice of Peace position in Clear Lake.

The Clear Lake Fire Department was called to the Roy Stuart home at 401 South 9th St. to extinguish a grass fire.

Charles Crane, who was discharged from the Army Air Force Sept. 10, will now be associated with his father, Harold H. Crane in the office of the Clear Lake Federal Savings and Loan.

Harlen Reid, 1012 2nd Ave. N., announced that he has purchased the Pease Clothing Store and will take possession Jan. 1, 1955.  Mr. and Mrs. C.A. Pease, who have operated the store in partnership with their son, Clarence A. Pease, for 17 years, plan to retire.

Linda Kotz, Clear Lake High School senior, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Kotz, placed second in the Palmolive Most Beautiful High School Girl Contest.  She won a $25 savings bond.

100 Years Ago

October 1919

Rich. Bros. have just traded 960 acres of land in South Dakota for an implement store in Webster City.

Saratoga Post No. 222 of the American Legion was fully organized last Wednesday night.

A gigantic soldier and sailor homecoming is planned for Mason City soon for all the boys from Cerro Gordo County.  The giant parade will be under the auspices of the American Legion.  One of the big features will be a barbecue.  Several beeves will be roasted in pits. Sousa’s band will play.  Entertainment will be free at theatres and other places of entertainment.  Clear Lake has raised $1,000 toward the event.

J.H Woodstock has sold his jewelry and optical business to Frank L. Knutson after 29 years in business here.