Remember When 2-7-2018

Blizzard, 1993 - The snow falling as fast as Michele Bush could sweep it off of her car in 1993.  In all, Clear Lake was left with nearly nine inches of snow.  Cold temperatures kept the snow around.

25 Years Ago

February 1993

It was more like a reunion, than a tribute, with Buddy Holly the grandfather of it all.  More than 2,100 people packed the Surf Ballroom over the weekend to revel in 1950s music made popular by Buddy Holly.  People came from all over the world including England, Japan, Germany, and Canada. Performers taking the stage Saturday night included: Paul Waters, Ar Stevens and The Ricochettes, Bobby Vee, Mike Berry, Frankie Ford, Sonny Curtis, The Crickets and Jason D. Williams.  Bobby Vee served as Master of Ceremonies.

Clear lake Bakery was the winner of the first place trophy in the second annual Community Spirit Award program during the Buddy Holly Tribute ’93.  The judges noted: “Besides an artistic and trendy window display, the sound of Buddy Holly music was heard as we entered the door.  Artistic paintings of the Buddy Holly era were super, as was the poodle skirted mannequin.”

The spotlight in the case of a man accused of drawing a woman in Clear Lake 26 years ago turned to the prosecution Friday when the defense attorney charged the case is “tainted.”  John Rea Wallace, 45, has been charged with first degree murder.  Wallace has pleaded innocent to killing Norma Jean Horgen, of St. Ansgar.  Horgen’s body was found floating in Clear Lake Sept. 10, 1966.

The public is invited to come out of hibernation and take part in a variety of winter activities at the annual Winterfest celebration Saturday at McIntosh Woods State Park, in Ventura.

Ventura Mayor Bob Wolfram is issuing a warning to his town - recycle, or else.  Wolfram said that he has been notified by Keith’s Sanitation that the town participation in the voluntary recycling effort over the past 18 months continues to be below average.

The Ventura Community School Appreciation Hog Roast will be held Friday, Feb. 19.  The school annually provides the meal to thank the community for its support.

Kathy Walls, a senior at Clear Lake High School, has been offered an appointment at the United States Naval Academy.  She is the first female from CLHS to receive such an honor.

Alyssa Blake an Chris Calloway announce their engagement.  Blake is a graduate of Forest City High School and Iowa State University.  She teaches sixth grade in the Clear Lake Community School District.  Calloway is a graduate of Clear Lake High School and the University of Iowa.  He is a trooper with the Iowa State Patrol.  A June 26 wedding is planned at United Methodist Church in Forest City.

The Clear Lake girls basketball team earned the North Central Conference title by defeating Eagle Grove, 76-50, pushing their record to 11-0.  With the title under their belts, the girls were ready to focus on District play.  In the first game, they shut down Humboldt, 81-58.  Next they overwhelmed Belmond-Klemme, 76-47.

The Clear Lake boys had two very close games last week.  The Lions picked up a 59-57 triumph over Eagle Grove.  That was just a warmup, as they topped Humboldt, 75-72, in overtime.  Paul Bruns had a stellar night for Clear Lake against Humboldt, as he collected 42-points and 11 rebounds.  He hit 13 out of 16 free throws.

The Ventura boys made a quick exit from the North Star Conference tournament.  Woden-Crystal Lake defeated the Vikings, 37-35.  Matt Dillavou was a bright spot for the Vikings. He scored 21-points, had four steals, two assists and three rebounds.

50 Years Ago

January 1968

Spec. 4 Darwin Watt, son of Mr. and Mrs. Don Watt, RR 1, Clear Lake, has been wounded for the second time in Vietnam.  He was wounded Jan. 12, in Que Son Valley.  He was first injured in August.  He has been awarded the Purple Heart.

Members of the 1968 Butt’r Top men’s team in the Mason City YMCA league include:  Gary Anderson, Bill Truesdale, Vern Jensen, Gary Mullenbrook, Vern McGonagle, Al Iverson, Dave Suntken and Norman Rutz.

The grand opening of Clear Lake’s newest retail business, Houck Drug, begins Wednesday.  Among the prizes to be given away is a $350 mink stole.  Houck Drug, located in the Stillman building at 8 N. 4th St., is owned by Garvis Houck who has operated a drug store in Mason City since 1965.  Floyd Skinner is manager of the store.

Playing at the Lake Theatre is “Barefoot in the Park,” starring Robert Redford, Jane Fonda, Charles Boyer and Mildred Natewick.

85 Years Ago

January 1933

The Purple Heart Award from the Secretary of War was received last week by Jens Wind.  This award is for military merit in the World War.  Mr. Wind was a corporal in Company A, 168th Infantry.  He was wounded twice in service.

Margarete Wurzel and Kathleen Watts, sophomores, were the only high school students whose grades for the first half of the school year were 95 percent or above.

Coach Johnston’s Lions cane thru with a sizzling hot game last Friday to drop the Northwood quintet, 33-28.  With Adam Miller banging them in from all angles, the Lions nosed the visiting Norsemen out.

Next Saturday there will be a roller skating party at Sid Halfords garage.

Miss Zilphy Long, a local whistler, is to broadcast her talent from W.M.T., Waterloo.  Miss Darlene Rice will accompany her on the piano.

100 Years Ago

January 1918

A war service program will be given at the Lakeside Church on Feb. 7.

A little more snow keeps coming occasionally, we may get some sleighing done after all.

A committee consisting of Mesdames D.H. Palmeter, Chehock and H.N. Halverson, representing the Civic League, waited on the city council last Friday evening in regard to making an attractive restroom out of the old library quarters.  The council granted their every request, a new ceiling will be put on and other repairs made.

A sewing bee will be held at the F.L. Pierce home for the benefit of Belgium children.  This will be an all day “eatless” affair.

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Stork entertained in honor of their son, Leo, who has recently enlisted in the Navy.  The guests enjoyed a sleigh ride to the Stork home where the afternoon was spend in singing and playing games.  Mr. Stork was presented with a handsome Kodak.