Remember When 5-4-2022

(Above) Reading group, 1997 - Fifth grade students in Miss Jennifer Dean’s class experienced special adventures and fun in a reading group in 1997.  Pictured in the front row (L-R): Josh Lloyd, Todd Numelin, Colby Heady, Kelli Kruckenberg, Katy Nickerson, Andrew Morrison, Melissa McLaughlin, Lynn Lynch and Lindsey Arispe.  Second row (L-R): Amber Berry, Zach Kelly, Ben Harthan, Scott Shipton, Allison Wood, Russell Jensen, Joel Perry, Abby Schumacher and Rashelle Peters.  Third row (L-R):  Mrs. Stephanie Thul, Robbie Williams, Josh Whitehurst, Megan Sheimo, Katelyn Person, Caitlin Alexander, Andrew Nicholas, Justin Verhalen and Miss Dean.

by Michelle Watson

25 Years Ago

May 1997

Three committees interested in shoreline improvements north of the Sea Wall were able to reach a compromise, but the City Council wasn’t as agreeable.  The groups came ready with a concept they had unanimously agreed upon.  However, the cornerstone of that  plan - using six feet of the existing North Lakeview Drive to allow for a green area, sidewalk, short wall and steps leading to a lower sidewalk near the shoreline - was rebuffed by at least three Council members.

The Clear Lake Ventura School Districts have agreed to join North Iowa Area Community College and two other districts to create an alternative high school in Garner.  The school will open in the fall.  Clear Lake’s financial commitment to the alternative high school is approximately 40 percent of the total cost.  Some $31,000 to $32,000 will be spent annually by the local district for eight student placements, in addition to the $8,000 in start-up costs during the first year.

More than $33 million was spent in the Clear Lake area through tourism in 1996.

The Clear Lake Police Department entered a new era Monday night, as lieutenants were sworn in for the first time in the city’s history,  Former Assistant Chief Herb Garlock and Sergeants Mike Cookman and Gene Callaway were made lieutenants at the City Council meeting.  The three will now join Police Chief Dan Jackson in serving in supervisory roles in the departments.

Vic Ferrari will appear at the Surf Ballroom on May 10.  Tickets are $8.50.

Terry Peterson, manager of the AmericInn of Clear Lake, was presented with the “Innkeeper of the Year” award at the Radisson South Hotel during the annual convention for AmericInn owners and managers.  The award is given to honor the AmericInn manager who has demonstrated expertise and excellence in the hospitality industry and the AmericInn lodging systems.

The Clear Lake girl’s golf team traveled to Humboldt hoping to keep their successful season going in the right direction.  Three scores in the 40’s allowed the Lions to do just that, as they emerged victorious, 195-216.  Senior Lani Grabinski had a solid 45, which earned her medalist honors.  Amanda Mikesell shot a 48 to earn her runner-up honors.  Abby Lewis and Joslyn Esbeck both fired 51’s.

John Pratt, a teacher, coach and athletic director in the North Central of Manly school system, has been named as the new Clear Lake High School boys basketball coach.  Pratt replaces Dave Beens, who resigned earlier this spring.  Pratt will teach middle school math at Clear Lake.

Several Clear Lake Lion track athletes had outstanding performances at the E-Hawk Relays.  The team finished second.  First place finishes went to Tim Secory in the long jump; Tom Zirbel was first in the 3200 and Casey Callanan picked up a pair of championships one in the 110 meter high hurdles and another in the 1600 meter run.

The Ventura boys track team picked up a pair of titles.  Aaron Rothrock and Brad Spilman were double winners, while Andy Muff and Andy Smith each won individual events to help the Vikings to a 32-point victory over Garner.

50 Years Ago

May 1972

State Rep. Kenneth D. Scott, lifetime resident of Cerro Gordo County, announced his candidacy on the Democratic ticket for State Senator of the new Iowa Legislative Senate, District 6.

A special attraction will greet visitors of the Kinney Pioneer Museum at the season opening Sunday.  On display will be animated puppets given to the museum by Bill Baird, former Mason Cityan  and internationally famous puppeteer.

The Clear Lake Lions were squeezed out of second place in the fifth annual Clear Lake Relays.  Clear Lake had three first place finishers.  Chris Larsen tied the high jump record, going 5’10.”  Paul Jacobson won the high hurdles.  In the pole vault Clear Lake took both first and second.  Jim Klinge and Jon Owen both went 12’  Klinge was awarded first on number of tries.`

The Handicap Village board awarded a contract to build a general store or “Bargain Box” on Highway 18 in Clear Lake.  The Village Store will be used to sell products made at the Village and rummage sale type of articles that have been donated to the Village.

Grocery specials for the week at Red Owl include:  lettuce, head, 19¢; Chef’s Delight Imitation Cheese Spread, 2 lb., 69¢; Friskies Cat Foot, trial size box, 5¢; White Cloud Tissue, 2 roll pack, 29¢; Red Owl Potato Chips, 10 oz., 39¢; Debbie Snack Cakes, 2/89¢.

65 Years Ago 

March 1957

The water level in Clear Lake is 22.75” below the weir at the outlet, according to city employees last week.

Amy Lou’s Grand RE-Opening event featuring special low prices and prizes, will be held at their new store at 314 Main Av., Clear Lake.

Clear Lake will pay tribute Sunday to the school system’s retiring superintendent of schools, T.G. Burns, who is ending 40 years of work as a school administrator, 19 years of which were in Clear Lake.

The Rev. Arthur H. Krebs, of Sutton, Neb., has accepted a call to become the pastor at the First Congregational Church, replacing Dr. W.E. Day who retired in February.

Del Mully, head basketball coach at Clear Lake High School has accepted a similar position at the Ricelle, Ill. High School.

Mrs. C.A. Bouline, owner of the Maid Rite Cafe, who has been vacationing for five months, returned to work at her cafe, located at 425 Main Ave.

 99 Years Ago

March 1923

The C.E. Kluver store at Ventura was broken into again Thursday night.  They helped themselves to about $300 worth of silk goods, blew the empty safe open with nitro glycerine and fled.  As Mrs. Boomhower, who saw the robbery at work, has no phone, she couldn’t notify the police until the next day as she was too frightened to venture outdoors.  To many it seems evident this was the work of Mason City experts.

The State Department of Iowa sent Clear Lake an iron screen, weighing about 1,600 pounds.  It is to be placed at the outlet in order to prevent fish from escaping with the overflow of water.

The Cerro Gordo State Bank issued its quarterly statement this week.  It is a fine showing that would do credit to any bank.

The work of grading the primary road between Clear Lake and Thornton has begun.  The contractors are equipped with a caterpillar tractor, three elevating graders and 70 teams of good, heavy horses.  There is still a little frost in the ground.