Remember When 12-30-2015

(Above) Blizzard, 1990 - These two boys were the only ones brave enough to head out following a snow storm in 1990.  The storm blanketed Clear Lake with 10” of snow.  High winds accompanied the snow, which shut down the town for a few days.

25 Years Ago

December 1990

You might say Clear Lake leaders were cloud watching Friday - looking for the silver lining on the heels of a disappointing announcement that Pella Rolscreen would not locate its next plant here, but instead will locate in Shenandoah.  According to City Administrator Tom Lincoln, the city has nothing to hang their heads about and did a fine job of trying to persuade Pella to locate in Clear Lake.  He said they also offered some good incentives, which would have saved $954,123 in taxes over a 10-year period if they had picked Clear Lake.

Quest Inc., a fledgling company formed when Unisys announced the closing of its software division, has been awarded a $150,000 interest-free loan from the state.

Gives Construction, of Eagle Grove, will have to pay the price for the late completion of construction on North Shore Drive the City Council voted.  The company will be fined $200 per day for the 60 days it was late in finishing the project.

Ventura Mayor Robert Wolfram announced the winners in the Ventura lighting contest.  First place winner was Bill Wilson, 9 Crystal Heights Place; tied for second place were Ed Buchanan and Ed Snopeck; third place went to John Overgaard, Carol Steinlicht and Ben Hall.

Shannon Berge, son of Dr. Donald and Nicky Berge and Kirk Sorbo, son of William and Cheryl Sorbo, have been selected by the faculty and administration of Clear Lake High School to have their names placed in nomination for the National Honor Society Scholarship.

A son, Jake Alexander, was born to Thomas and Carolyn Farmer, of Clear Lake.  Jake was born Nov. 24, 1990.  He is their first child.

The Clear Lake High School wrestling team is enjoying a successful and exciting season.  Leading the way for the Lions have been four grapplers who are still undefeated.  The winning wrestlers are Jason Salge, Chad Whitecotton, Shawn Zimmerman and Brandon Frampton.

A prank telephone call led to the cancellation of the Northwood-Kensett Invitational Wrestling Tournament.  The Clear Lake team was slated to participate.  An unidentified person called radio station KGLO and said the event had been cancelled.  By the time school officials realized what had happened, it was too late.  Wrestlers were already eating breakfast and would likely not have made their weights.

The Clear Lake boys basketball team gave Iowa Falls a one-two punch that resulted in a seven-point victory, 71-64.  Matt Freeseman led the team with 30-points, followed by Paul Ebeling with 13.

Grocery specials at Easter’s Super Valu include:  Fisher Mixed Nuts, 12 oz., $2.99; Vlasic Sweet Pickles, 16 oz., $1.49; Minute Maid Orange Juice, 64 oz., $1.69; Kemps Sour Cream, 8 oz., 49¢; Dole head lettuce, each, 69¢; Coke-Sprite, 12-12 oz. cans, $1.79; Frito Lay Ruffles Potato Chips, 15 oz., $1.79; Hormel Little Sizzlers, 12 oz., 99¢.

50 Years Ago

December 1965

Three Clear Lake youths had a cold damper put on their iceboating activities Sunday afternoon when their two ice boats went through the ice in about 10 feet of water.  Several residents who live along the South Shore saw the accident and immediately called the police.  Despite their efforts the ice kept breaking off in front of them as they tried to get out, one of the boys managed to roll onto the ice and helped the others out.  The boys had to run nearly a mile in their wet clothes before being intercepted by the police.

The Clear Lake wrestlers devastated Northwood, 43-5.  Winning by pins were Paul Miller, Jack Anderson, Dave Henn, Dave Erickson, Gene Baker, Denny Lincicum, Marty Davidson and Duane Schlichting.

The Yardbirds are coming to the Surf Ballroom, along with James Bond and the Agents.  This should be the greatest attraction in the Surf’s history according to Manager Carroll Anderson.

75 Years Ago

December 1940

The Mason City and Clear Lake Railroad Co. have put up their equipment along the east shore of the lake preparatory for the ice harvest which will begin as soon as the ice is thick enough.  At present it is between 8 and 10 inches thick.  Guy Coyier is foreman of the harvest.

An outstanding corn yield of 116 bushes per acre has won the championship for John Osnes who lives two miles south of Clear Lake.

Twelve inches of snow fell here last week.  A crew of about 20 men were put to work clearing the snow.  There were also others working the side streets.

100 Years Ago

December 1915

The Palmeter Hardware Company, the oldest hardware in town has sold to N.B. Carpenter and Frank E. Hill.  The hardware, which has been operating in town since 1874, has disposed of its stock.  The organization dates back nearly a half century.

A well merited recommend has come to Guy Thomas, who has for many-years been connected with the Clear Lake Creamery.  He has been invited by Prof. Mortonson, of Ames, to give a short course of instruction in churning for 10 days.

Two of the films of “The Birth of a Nation” were damaged so badly by fire Tuesday evening it was necessary to send to Minneapolis for others.

Special attention is given to children’s hair bobbing at Miss Hendy’s.

The German submarines have thus far sunk about 500 vessels.