Year in Review 2017

As the year comes to a close, we take a look back at the stories which dominated the headlines in 2017.

In 2016 national politics, including a stop at the Surf Ballroom by future President Donald Trump, dominated headlines.  In 2017, it was local decisions which made the news.  As we begin 2018, the Mirror-Reporter takes a look back at the stories which provided major headlines in Clear Lake in 2017.

#1 RAGBRAI rolls in

Clear Lake welcomed summer visitors on an extra large scale in July, as for the fourth time in its history the Register’s Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa (RAGBRAI) named the community as its choice for an overnight stay. A 22-person local Steering Committee, under the direction of Diane Thompson, began work in January organizing the details for cyclists and others to come to Clear Lake to be housed, fed, and entertained during RAGBRAI. The group oversaw plans for 13 hours of entertainment, a 420,000 square foot beverage garden, over 40 vendors, five campgrounds to accommodate 10,000 bikers, eight miles of road exclusively for the bike route,  three shuttle routes to move guests from campgrounds to downtown, medical units at three locations, uniformed officers from Clear Lake, Mason City, Cerro Gordo County Sheriff Department, and the Iowa Highway Patrol, and signage to give direction to all of the above.

Clear Lake was ready when an estimated 10,000 cyclists and 45,000 others descended on the town.

One of the many special moments of the day came when Sarah Banks and Whit Oyler exchanged wedding vows on the beach stage.  The couple had their first experience with RAGBRAI, and with Clear Lake, in 2014. According to Banks, they enjoyed the ride and the town so much that they knew they’d return someday.

The 2017 Clear Lake RAGBRAI Steering Committee did not officially conclude their responsibilities until Dec. 5, when the committee met to determine the disbursal of the $4,503.72 profit from the event.  Three groups were gifted from the 2017 profits: $1,000 given to the Clear Lake School District’s Students and Families in Need of Assistance; $500 to the North Iowa Spin Club; $500 for the Clear Lake High School group traveling to Washington, D.C. in 2018.

#2 Goodbye Barrel Drive-In

After months of speculation, Casey’s General Stores confirmed in November it was in the process of closing on the purchase of the Barrel Drive-In property on Highway 18 West.  The transaction was completed for an undisclosed price later that month.  According to Cerro Gordo County Assessor records, the property sold for $342,500.

Barrel Drive-In owner Seth Thackery closed the business in 2016 after an attempt to rehabilitate and revitalize the historic restaurant.

In July 2014, Thackery went public with the very real challenges he was facing to keep his business open.  He received an overwhelming response from customers and others wanting to help.  The offers provided some sunlight to what had been a gloomy situation, according to Thackery.  During his public appeal for assistance, Thackery received a $75,000 Business Makeover award.  Many with fond memories of the business lent their talents to make necessary repairs, but to no avail.

The Barrel Drive-In was built and opened in 1958 by Jack Christensen.  Edward and Lois Kotz purchased it in 1959.  In 1959 and the early 1960’s, radio station KRIB broadcast live from the booth on the roof of the restaurant.  During those years, the Barrel was a popular “hang-out” spot for teenagers. The original Barrel was a small cement block building.  Carhops went out to cars to take and deliver orders.  The canopy was added in the mid-1960’s and the electronic ordering system in 1970.  The first dining room was built in 1975, and the second dining room was added in 1991.

#3 Boat slip blues

A shortage of places for boat owners to rent boat slips was a topic of discussion throughout much of 2017.  The problem was brought to light in March, when the Clear Lake Parks Board had tabled a request from Jake Kopriva, owner of Lake Time Boat Club, to construct a commercial boat dock at the Beach Drive lake access.

Kopriva, who promised to include five public boat slips among the estimated 30 his commercial dock would accommodate, was asked to resubmit a few different proposals for the next board meeting.  The dock would have slips for Lake Time Boat

[wlm_nonmember]To read more of this article, please login or sign up for our E-Edition[/wlm_nonmember][wlm_ismember]

Club vessels, five for P&R designation, and the remainder would be leased to the public.

In addition, he would like to lease 500 square foot of space within the lower level of Redstone for office use.

“The main idea of the proposal was to get my boats on the water— for easier operation, but also run a slip rental business.  The City has somewhere between  200 and 300 names on a waiting list for dock spaces.  This idea could help meet some of those needs,” said Kopriva.

The Parks Department confirmed there are 293 persons waiting for a public dock space to become available.

At its last meeting in March, Kopriva’s  proposal was turned down.

In August, a Clear Lake family asked for public support and appeals to the State government to help to save a local business and preserve much-needed boat lift space on Clear Lake. Tim Entner, son of the late Dale Entner, said the Sunset Bay Marina located immediately north of the Clear Lake State Park Beach, would lose 30 or more boat slips in 2018 if the business’ agreement with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources is not extended.

Due to the death of his father, Dale, who passed away Aug. 2, 2017 the commercial dock the family had operated since the 1970s will no longer be allowed. Dale Entner had signed an agreement with the DNR stating the dock was not transferrable to family members.

In October, Clear Lake residents and others from throughout North Iowa with an interest in boating here filled the Clear Lake State Park lodge to discuss the potential loss of commercial boat slips.  The meeting, while intended to focus on all lake issues, was dominated by discussion of a variance which had expired for the Sunset Bay Marina dock. Iowa Department of Natural Resources Director Chuck Gipp led the discussion with approximately 175 persons at the meeting, several of which have spaces on the Sunset Bay Marina dock.

Gipp explained the Sunset Bay Marina dock was an exception to the state’s rules for docks in a number of ways.  One difference is that it was allowed to exist as a commercial dock on a property zoned residential by the City of Clear Lake.   Gipp said a zoning change would be necessary for the current commercial dock standards to be used.

Sue O’Loughlin, secretary for the Iowa DNR and dockmaster for northeast Iowa, said the loss of 30 boat slips on the Sunset Bay Marina dock would represent a loss of less than 2 percent of boat slips on Clear Lake.  Currently, there are 758 permits issued by the DNR for 770 docks, providing 2,449 boat slips. However, the loss of the Sunset Bay Marina slips is a 10 percent drop in commercial boat slips, others pointed out.

On Oct. 27, 2017 Tim Entner passed away.  The future of the dock remains unclear.

#4 Veterans Memorial

After more than three years of discussion, Clear Lake V.F.W. Post 4868 members announced in May they are marching ahead with their own plan to construct a veterans memorial.  

The veterans memorial will consist of black granite slabs.  Two exterior walls of the Post will each hold three slabs of granite engraved with the names of veterans, both living and deceased.  There is room for 720 names, with the ability to expand the memorial if needed.  In addition to the walls, the design includes benches, possibly made of limestone or marble, built around three flag poles outside of the entrance to the building at Main Avenue and 3rd Street.  The center pole will feature service emblems.  A unique feature will be five life size bronze statues mounted to the building representing each branch of the armed forces.

A fundraising campaign was launched in July with a goal of completing the project by spring or summer 2018.

In June 2014 veterans first approached the city with an idea to construct a memorial honoring veterans at the Sea Wall. That idea was turned back by the Parks and Recreation Board, and later the City Council.  An eight-member task force was appointed to study the idea, but in April 2015 that group told the Council it could not reach a consensus.  In the end, members were split evenly between placing the memorial at the Sea Wall, or at the intersection of Main Avenue and 8th Street. Without a recommendation, Mayor Nelson Crabb said the City Council had no basis for action.

In November 2015 the Council agreed to enter into an agreement with Clear Lake V.F.W. Post 4868 to have RDG Planning and Design, of Des Moines, provide design services for a proposed veterans memorial at the former downtown water tower site.  Council members stressed they were not approving the site, but rather supporting creation of a conceptual design which will provide a visual for the amount of space a memorial would occupy.

The planned memorial came at an estimated cost of $300,000 to $400,000.

#5 Village becomes One Vision

On June 20, Clear Lake-based nonprofit organization Opportunity Village, started a new chapter in its history as One Vision. The organization’s new name was officially launched at celebrations held in Mason City and Fort Dodge.

“More than 50 years ago, our founders had a vision of a place where everyone was treated with dignity and respect - a place where people could connect and find purpose,” said One Vision CEO Jeff Nichols. “Our vision has always been to support people as they connect with purpose and discover meaning in their lives. Whether it’s helping people find jobs in their community, supporting them in homes that meet their needs and wants, or encouraging them to pursue their personal interests, our community still does this each and every day, in so many different ways. This is why I believe our new name will carry us into the future while still recognizing our past.”

Adopting a new name was a goal outlined in the organization’s five-year strategic plan. One Vision was selected following a months-long process that involved gathering feedback and input from staff, board members, community members, and people supported.

Moving forward as One Vision, the new name will unify services throughout the numerous Iowa communities in which the organization currently has a presence. It also reinforces the organization’s commitment to connecting people with their communities in the many new services and endeavors it has and will pursue.

Prior to its name change, Board members announced they were exploring the possibility of transforming unused facilities on its main campus for senior living.

Jeff Nichols, chief executive officer at Opportunity Village, said no firm proposal was discussed and no decisions were made at a Board meeting held Feb. 20.  However, he said he expected the Board would continue to talk about ideas for the future of the main campus in light of the continued transition of clients to smaller homes integrated within the community.  At that time five cottages which previously housed approximately 80 residents were vacant.  Four cottages remained in use and one is dedicated to the Village’s Autism Center.  The kitchen within the Kinney-Lindstrom Activity Center became obsolete due to declining numbers at the main campus and was removed.  A gymnasium, swimming pool and offices in the main building are still used, but much less frequently than the days when the vast majority of about 200 clients lived on campus.

Nanci Elder, director of Marketing and Communications for One Vision, said the organization is looking forward to bringing a new development to Clear Lake, inclusive of condos, along with a 48 unit Senior Housing complex.  All final designs and plans are anticipated to be complete by Spring of 2018.

#6 Elections bring change

Clear Lake School Board President Chyrl Bergvig and newcomer Tony Brownlee captured the two board seats up for decision in the Regular School Election Tuesday, Sept. 12. Brownlee was the top vote getter in the local election with 306 votes.  Bergvig was next with 252, followed by another first-time candidate, Rick Knudson, with 237 votes.

The Regular City vote was anything but regular, as Clear Lake Second Ward City Council candidate Bennett Smith submitted a formal challenge to the listing of a challenger’s name, “Ben Smith,” on the November General Election ballot in its current form.

By law, the City had seven days to select a member of the Council to serve with the Mayor and City Clerk and preside at a hearing to determine whether the candidacy of Ben Smith could proceed to the general election in November.  They ruled unanimously that it could and ultimately it appeared to have no effect on the election outcome.

Both incumbents seeking re-election to the Clear Lake City Council were ousted. Bennett Smith topped two-term Councilman Tony Nelson, as well as challenger Ben Smith. In the At-Large race, Dana Brant beat incumbent Gary Hugi 568 to 343.  Brant served as the city’s First Ward Council representative from 2012 to 2016, however, due to redistricting he was forced to seek re-election in 2015 in the Third Ward.  He was narrowly defeated by the Third Ward incumbent Jim Boehnke. Clear Lake Mayor Nelson Crabb was unopposed in his bid for re-election to a third term.

In Ventura, one of two incumbents running for re-election was defeated. In his first run for public office, Pete Cash finished ahead of incumbents Brian Vaage and Crystal (Kristie) Meints.  Ventura Mayor Lynn Benson was unopposed in the election.

#7 Main Avenue evolves

Work to replace the brick paver sidewalks on Main Avenue in downtown Clear Lake began in April and continued in six phases through year-end.  Finish work will take place in the spring.

Crews from Larson Construction began removing the curb and gutter and salvaging personalized bricks for placement in the new sidewalk.

The city identified the need to replace the Main Avenue sidewalks more than a year ago and has received complaints and even reports of injuries occurring as the result of bricks which have settled unevenly.  The Council looked at a variety of options for sidewalk replacement, including designs which were concrete and brick paver blends.  The Council voted to keep the familiar brick paver look, but use pavers which will lay flatter and tighter.  The pavers will also be  placed into a concrete base, which will make them less susceptible to the freeze-thaw cycles that have resulted in an uneven walkway.

Notable changes downtown in 2017 also included an expansion project at Clear Lake Bank and Trust. A pair of businesses which occupied the building, j avenue and Lyla’s, closed their doors.  A two story addition to the bank is being constructed by Dean Snyder Construction, of Clear Lake.  The project will adjoin CLBT’s current office with the property the bank has owned, but rented to retail and personal tenants since the 1990s. Due to structural issues, the building had to be torn down, according to bank officials.

A tentative timeline for the work called for the sidewalk in front of the building site to be restored by late fall or early winter 2017.  Building completion is anticipated by April 2018.

#8 Rentals, fireworks, smoking restricted

Changes in society, as well as state law, caused city leaders to make changes, or additions to, local laws.

In March, the City Council gave its support to development of an ordinance to regulate the use of vacation rentals and short-term rentals within the city.  Like many other tourist areas, Clear Lake has started to see owners of single family homes renting out property for short-term periods.  As the popularity grows, regulation is needed to protect the character of neighborhoods and lessen physical impacts of the practice.

City leaders were also encouraged to adopt a new ordinance which restricts the use of fireworks within the city.  The state of Iowa passed legislation allowing the use and sale of fireworks.  During the City Council meeting on May 30, the Council unanimously passed an ordinance to ban the use of fireworks in Clear Lake, with concern for public safety.

Another ordinance, passed in October, made it illegal to smoke in city parks and public outdoor spaces.

# 9 Recycling woes

Clear Lake residents and visitors who enjoyed using the can and bottle recycling centers provided by One Vision and the Chamber of Commerce for upwards of 20 years, are still looking for another way to dispose of their beverage containers after the organizations announced they were stopping the collection in July.

The funds collected by the project were split between One Vision and the Chamber of Commerce Fireworks Fund. However, One Vision lost money on the task and made the decision to discontinue their involvement in the program, and reassigned the recycling staff to other positions.

The same deposit fee of 5 cents has been around since the 1970s.  Initially it was enough to cover the costs of labor, but now it isn’t sufficient.

In December, the Clear Lake City Council gave its approval to a request from the Clear Lake C.A.R.E.S. Post Prom Committee to re-establish the recycling bin in the parking lot located south of Randy’s Neighborhood Market on 1st Avenue South. According to Mayor Nelson Crabb, the C.A.R.E.S. group will collect recyclable cans and bottles through March 15 as a fundraiser.

Council members agreed to the plan, but added they are hopeful another group will take over the operation and keep the recycling option available year-round.

# 10 Mother Nature confused?

Strange weather headlined many newspapers in 2017. Although North Iowa was spared the worst of an ice storm which ravaged the Midwest in early January, rain and sleet, along with temperatures hovering at freezing, made a mess of streets and sidewalks.

Organizers of The Jack Race announced they would opt to hold their event Feb. 10-11, rather than in January,  since temperatures were expected to reach 40-degrees.  The decision looked to be a good one when 15-inches of snow fell in late January, however, by the first week of February temperature swings were already making conditions more wet than frozen.  The event went on despite sloppy conditions.

The Color The Wind Kite Festival, which was to have been the subject of a CBS Sunday Morning segment, had to be canceled due to rapidly deteriorating ice conditions.

Temperatures in the 60s in mid-February provided inspiration for most to get out and enjoy what felt like early spring weather.

[/wlm_ismember]