Remember When 4-10-2019

MusiGals from 1969 - Members of a young mothers group called, “MusiGals,” are all dressed in their new attire in 1969.  Members of the group were back row (L-R): Sharon Rule, Ruth Garlock, Kathryn Denney, Mary Statesman, Morleen Bell, Mickey Varty, Joanne Oines, Joyce Knorr, Jane Pedelty.  Middle row (L-R): Louise Folkmann, Gerry Heimdahl, Lorraine Buck, Norma Hayes, Janelle Sargent, Diane Adams, Grace Jones, Carol Costello, Mary Helen Pedelty.  Front row (L-R): Kathryn Hauge, Marguerite Olson, Rita Rose, Jeannette Severtson, Charlotte Pierce, Arlene Radach, Darlene Buchan, Marilyn Sadler.  Missing from the photo was Winona Potter, Carol Ungs, Kay Nelson and Wanda Lambert.

by Michelle Watson

25 Years Ago

March 1994

Clear Lake police are looking for information about a flurry of vandalism which occurred Monday and Tuesday, April 4-5.  Seven vehicles and three mailboxes were vandalized in the time period, according to police records.  Chief Dan Jackson said currently there are no leads to finding the vandals.  It appears a pellet or air rifle was used to break the windows of the vehicles, while mailboxes likely were struck with a bat.

The Clear Lake School Board routinely approved its 1994-95 budget.  There were no objections to the budget, which is about 8 percent higher than the current spending level.  Board members approved the $9,167,711 measure, meaning the property tax rate will go from $11.85 to $12.69 per $1,000 of assessed property valuation.  Superintendent Steve Voelz explained the increase was needed to offset the drop in the total value of property within the school district.  Property valuations plummeted some $17 million within the district from a year ago.  Because of the drop, the property tax hike will still generate less than 1 percent more money next year.

Stephanie Christians, a 1977 graduate of Clear Lake High School, was accepted as a post graduate exchange student from Iowa State University to attend the Otago University at Dunedin, New Zealand, which she is now attending.

Cherylyn Black, a native of Clear Lake, will begin primary care residency training in July, after receiving a Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Iowa College of Medicine.

Clubs featuring their news in “Club News” include: Men’s Garden Club, Stepping Forward, Clear Lake Duplicate Bridge, Clear Lake V.F.W., Sorosis Club, T.T.T. Chapter EH and Rural Lakettes Club.

Ventura students Nicole Lueders and Laura Yohn participated in regional and state Invent Iowa! competitions.  They advanced to State competition with their invention, a Snow Ski, described as a combination snowmobile and jet ski.

Clear Lake first, second and third graders learned about water safety by visiting Don Boyer Memorial Pool at Handicap Village and listening to Water Safety Instructor, Cyndi Richardson.  After Richardson’s demonstration, the students took to the water to try rescue techniques on each other.

Knowing everyone is gunning for them, the defending Class 3A champion Clear Lake boys golf team answered the challenge early with a 152-157 win over Hampton-Dumont.  By itself, a score of 152 would be impressive, but to post it in the first meet of the year even got laid back coach Al Rannals a little excited.  Jason Floy and Eric Riepma tied for medalist honors with 36s.  Also golfing for Clear Lake was Kevin Broers, 38; Adam Secory, 42; Brad Svoboda, 43; and Jason Quigley, 44.

The Clear Lake girls golf team got off on the right foot with a convincing 215-240 victory over Charles City.  Coach Fred Wieck was impressed with the depth of his team.  Jodi Grabinski was solid at the number one spot with a 47, which earned her medalist honors.  Katie Crabb, Janelle Bouma and Lani Grabinski all carded a 56.

Grocery specials for the week at Fareway Stores include: Country Rich Ice Cream, 5 qt. pail, $2.79; ERA Liquid Laundry Detergent, 100 oz. jug, $3.99; Starkist Oil or Water Packed Tuna, 6 1/8 oz. can, 59¢; strawberries, lb., 77¢; bananas, lb., 99¢; Navel Oranges, 10 lb. bag, $2.99; West Bay Cherry Pie Filling, 20 oz., 69¢; Golden Wheat Macaroni and Cheese, 7.2 Oz. Box, 4/$1; Deli Thin Boiled Ham, lb., $1.99; Thick Cut Iowa Chops, lb., $1.99; and USDA Choice Round Roast, lb., $2.39.

50 Years Ago

April 1969

Flags were flown at half mast in Clear Lake on March 31, and the Community Schools were closed as a tribute to former President Dwight D. Eisenhower.  A Memorial Service was held in the Ventura High School gym at 10 a.m.

Iceboaters had a fun time all day Sunday on Clear Lake.  It is unusual to find this activity flourishing on the last day of March, but with the cancellation of school, many students took advantage of the “boating” condition of the lake.

The noisier the kids get, the louder we sing!” is how 29 young harmonizing mothers of Clear Lake get their practicing done.  The “MusiGals” rehearse once a week for an hour.  This is strictly an informal practice session.  Their practice results in a high caliber, professional performance by the MusiGals.  Their popularity is growing rapidly.

Sixteen Clear Lake teachers have submitted their resignations, and 12 vacancies remain to be filled for the 1969-70 school year, according to R.R. Lashier, superintendent.

75 Years Ago

February 1944

Music mothers entertained their families at a potluck dinner Friday evening at the high school economics room.

The Townsend Club will meet Thursday evening at City Hall.

On account of bad health, Frank Young is selling lawn benches, fishing table, dock materials and boat oars.

100 Years Ago

March 1919

Hugh Bell of Nashua is to be the new principal of Clear Lake Schools.  Supt. Chehook has been re-elected superintendent of the Perry Schools at a raise in salary of $2,500.

Fred Wreghitt, living north of Ventura, caught his hand in a circular saw, losing his thumb on the right hand and part of his little finger and one next to it was cut off.

E.H. Rich has purchased a fine enclosed Cadillac auto, the finest car in this part of the country.

Nate Miller reports that 26 little chicks hatched already this spring by a mother hen.

Henry Thomas, who has been over in France with the AEF for about a year is now at Camp Merritt, N.J.

California sweet oranges at 35¢ a dozen at Sondrol’s.