Remember When 2-24-2016

(Pictured Above) Wrestler recognition, 1991 - Clear Lake Wrestling Coach Gary Weber was joined by Mayor Lois Kotz, School Superintendent Steve Voelz, and Booster Club President Bill Cooney in 1991 in congratulating the Clear Lake Wrestling team on their second place finish at State.  A special ceremony was held for the team, with speakers noting that success, like that experienced by the wrestlers, breeds a successful attitude in all aspects of the school.  Hopefully a tradition is being started.

25 Years Ago

February 1991

After days of warm temperatures, North Iowans were rudely reminded that it is, indeed, still winter.  Wind gusts near 40 mph created white-out conditions on area highways and made travel, even by foot, difficult.

Property taxes for Clear Lake residents will rise approximately 3.8 percent to support several local capital outlays and position the city for what lies ahead.  The proposed 1991-92 budget is $4,777,311.  Although that figure reflects a net decrease of $43,584 from the current year’s amended total budget, City Administrator Tom Lincoln says demands placed on the city’s budget have not decreased.

Kirk Sorbo, of Clear Lake, has been selected to attend the 1991 National Young Leaders Conference in Washington DC.  Kirk is the son of Bill and Cheryl Sorbo, of Clear Lake.  He is a senior at Clear Lake High School.

The advent of war in the Persian Gulf has prompted Americans to display all types of symbols to show they are keeping troops in their thoughts.  Deb Buchanan, a seamstress from Clear Lake, has expanded on a World War II idea to remember soldiers and has begun producing “Saudi flags.”

The Clear Lake post office lobby has been expanded to accommodate more postal boxes, as well as a stamp machine and drop boxes.

Ron and Judy Klemm, of Clear Lake, opened “The Coffee Break.”  The new business, located at 505 Main Ave., offers visitors more than 50 choices of coffee beans, as well as many decaffeinated blends and two kinds of loose and bagged teas.  Coffee will also be available by the cup to go.

Aggressive, feisty and intimidating all may be used to describe the Clear Lake girls basketball team in their 59-49 come from behind victory over Forest City.  The Lions were down eight at halftime.  The Clear Lake guard court of Kendra Berge, Jen Keifer held the Indians to just seven third quarter points, while the forward court of Kathy Walls, Heather Datema and Mindy Day put together 19-points.

The Clear Lake wrestling team beat favored West Hancock of Britt to win its first sectional tournament since 1973.  Seven Clear Lake grapplers advanced to the District tournament, five were sectional champions.  Champions on the day included Chad Whitecotton, Brandon Frampton, Shawn Zimmerman, Mike Andrews and Jason Salge.  Also advancing are Craig Billings and Andy Hansen.

Ventura’s Scott Hinrichs scored his 1,000th career point in last week’s 75-64 victory over Dows.

Jim Hansen Ford, of Clear Lake, is offering a showcase of cars and trucks for sale.  Featured 1991 cars and trucks include: Aerostar window van, $14,177; F150 pickup, $11,995; Ford F250 4X4, $16,459; Ford Ranger, $7,388 and a Festiva L+, $6,473.

50 Years Ago

February 1966

A petition for a merger of the Mount Vernon Township School District with the Clear Lake Community School District was approved Friday by the Cerro Gordo County Board.

A break-in at the Farmers’ Lumber Company, 12 N. 8th St., was reported to the Clear Lake police.  A quarter inch drill was reported missing and the pop machine was damaged.

Elgin Morris, assistant cashier of the Clear Lake Bank and Trust Company, was elected president of the Clear Lake Jaycees.

The Clear Lake Lions assured themselves of a share of the North Central Conference crown by turning back Hampton, 65-52.

85 Years Ago

February 1931

The Harvey Wood home is under quarantine for a couple of weeks owing to the death of the three-year-old who suffered a communicable disease which caused his death in a few days.

Miss Mary Siesseger entertained a group of 12 ladies.  The fun loving group played court whist, enjoyed a light lunch and ended the evening dancing to radio music.

A coupe driven by Harold Shoop and a large car driven by F.P. Walker collided at the corner of 5th St. and North St.  The coupe turned, striking a telephone pole, damaging it so it required the services of the wrecker to get it to the garage.  The Walker car was not damaged.

100 Years Ago

February 1916

George Gardner lost his faithful family driving horse a few days ago.  It was 31 years old.  George raised this horse and owned him always.  Its loss will be felt by every member of the family.

At the present time a $50,000 damage suit is in progress.  A.E. Carter, living on route 4, had his two daughters severely burned by an explosion of an oil can, one girl died a few days later and the other was left scarred and a nervous wreck.  It was alleged by the plaintiff the employees of an oil company filled the fifty gallon tank on the Carter farm with a mixture of kerosene, gasoline and naphtha, instead of with kerosene as directed.  When Miss Frances used the oil the next morning to kindle a fire an explosion followed.

New middy blouses with embroidered initials, C.L.H.S., are on sale at Sondrol’s for $1.25.  Show your school spirit.