Submitted by clreporter_deb on Thu, 02/28/2008 - 3:58pm
School Board approves three-year plan for PPEL spending
The Clear Lake School Board worked through a lengthy, but relatively routine agenda Monday night.
High School Principal Jay Mathis presided at the board meeting in fulfillment of a requirement as he works toward his endorsement as a superintendent.
As another part of that endorsement, Mathis has been working to development a three-year PPEL (Physical Plant and Equipment Levy) expenditure plan. Together with Maintenance and Transportation Director Kelly McLaughlin, Technology Coordinator Jason Christianson and Business Manager Lorna Leerar, Mathis made a recommendation to the Board for PPEL expenditures.
The district annually takes in approximately $490,000 through the levy, Mathis reported. However, the district had no specific plan for spending the funds. Typically, the levy was used to fund large expenditures, such as buses and computers, rather than tap the general fund for such items.
Mathis said he asked McLaughlin and Christianson to create wish lists for their departments. Then, those lists were prioritized and developed into a short-term spending plan.
“The plan will provide guidance to the district and keep us from over-spending, while also protecting us to ensure our needs can be met,” said Mathis.
The Board will revisit the proposed three-year plan on an annual basis.
Mathis and Superintendent Dwight Pierson stressed that recommendations made by a Facilities Committee in recent years will be honored, however the three-year PPEL plan will help the district plan its spending. Pierson noted the district has committed its local option sales tax revenues to its expansion project at Clear Creek School until 2013. After that date, those revenues can be considered for use on facilities recommendations, along with PPEL funds.
High School Principal Jay Mathis presided at the board meeting in fulfillment of a requirement as he works toward his endorsement as a superintendent.
As another part of that endorsement, Mathis has been working to development a three-year PPEL (Physical Plant and Equipment Levy) expenditure plan. Together with Maintenance and Transportation Director Kelly McLaughlin, Technology Coordinator Jason Christianson and Business Manager Lorna Leerar, Mathis made a recommendation to the Board for PPEL expenditures.
The district annually takes in approximately $490,000 through the levy, Mathis reported. However, the district had no specific plan for spending the funds. Typically, the levy was used to fund large expenditures, such as buses and computers, rather than tap the general fund for such items.
Mathis said he asked McLaughlin and Christianson to create wish lists for their departments. Then, those lists were prioritized and developed into a short-term spending plan.
“The plan will provide guidance to the district and keep us from over-spending, while also protecting us to ensure our needs can be met,” said Mathis.
The Board will revisit the proposed three-year plan on an annual basis.
Mathis and Superintendent Dwight Pierson stressed that recommendations made by a Facilities Committee in recent years will be honored, however the three-year PPEL plan will help the district plan its spending. Pierson noted the district has committed its local option sales tax revenues to its expansion project at Clear Creek School until 2013. After that date, those revenues can be considered for use on facilities recommendations, along with PPEL funds.
Submitted by clreporter_deb on Thu, 02/28/2008 - 4:01pm
Acts of Kindness
Father and daughter inspired to give
Submitted by clreporter_deb on Thu, 02/28/2008 - 4:17pm
Wrestlers finish third at State Dual Meet
The Clear Lake wrestling team brought home their ninth State tournament trophy with a third place finish at the State Dual Meet Tournament on Saturday.
The Lions won their first dual of the day, 31-26, over Independence. Clear Lake lost to state champion Ballard, 59-11, in the semi- final round and came back with an impressive 38-27 win over Davenport Assumption to bring home the third place trophy.
“The kids did a great job,” said Coach Gary Weber. “Ballard is the best team ever in the history of Class 2A wrestling and that is the only team we lost to.
Independence
The Independence meet started at 135 pounds. Jake Kopriva was paired against Chris Alber, who placed sixth in state last week. Kopriva wrestled the best match of his career, upsetting Alber 6-2.
“Jake really got us going. To beat a state placewinner shows that Jake should be in Des Moines next year,” commented Coach Weber.
At 145, Rudy Wieck also beat state qualifier Adam Endres 15-12 in a very exciting match. From there, Independence won four matches in a row and took a 23 -12 lead.
Patrick Kolker and Zach Lindquist both won by decision and then at 103, Jacob Colon pinned state placewinner Tyler Endres to ignite the Lion attack.
Brady Horner was inserted in at 112 and came up with a huge 11-2 major decsion. Joe Colon won by forfeit at 119 and Tucker Weber sealed the deal with a 4-3 decision bumping up to 125.
“Our kids are very unselfish. They will all move up a weight class to help the team and that says volumes about their toughness,” said Coach Weber.
Ballard
Ballard proved to be too tough for everyone. Jacob and Joe Colon were the only Lion grapplers to win in a 59-11 loss.
The Lions won their first dual of the day, 31-26, over Independence. Clear Lake lost to state champion Ballard, 59-11, in the semi- final round and came back with an impressive 38-27 win over Davenport Assumption to bring home the third place trophy.
“The kids did a great job,” said Coach Gary Weber. “Ballard is the best team ever in the history of Class 2A wrestling and that is the only team we lost to.
Independence
The Independence meet started at 135 pounds. Jake Kopriva was paired against Chris Alber, who placed sixth in state last week. Kopriva wrestled the best match of his career, upsetting Alber 6-2.
“Jake really got us going. To beat a state placewinner shows that Jake should be in Des Moines next year,” commented Coach Weber.
At 145, Rudy Wieck also beat state qualifier Adam Endres 15-12 in a very exciting match. From there, Independence won four matches in a row and took a 23 -12 lead.
Patrick Kolker and Zach Lindquist both won by decision and then at 103, Jacob Colon pinned state placewinner Tyler Endres to ignite the Lion attack.
Brady Horner was inserted in at 112 and came up with a huge 11-2 major decsion. Joe Colon won by forfeit at 119 and Tucker Weber sealed the deal with a 4-3 decision bumping up to 125.
“Our kids are very unselfish. They will all move up a weight class to help the team and that says volumes about their toughness,” said Coach Weber.
Ballard
Ballard proved to be too tough for everyone. Jacob and Joe Colon were the only Lion grapplers to win in a 59-11 loss.
Submitted by clreporter_deb on Thu, 02/28/2008 - 4:22pm
SCMT pulls away from Vikes to capture District title, 67-50
The quest for a trip to the State Basketball Tournament has ended for the Ventura boys, but not before they gave it a good try.
The boys picked up their second win in District action on Tuesday, Feb. 19, when they defeated North Iowa, 53-45. The win set the Vikings up for a repeat showdown with Sheffield-Chapin/Meservey-Thornton. Ventura fell to the Spartans earlier in the season, so they knew they’d have to play very good ball to come away with a victory. Unfortunately, SCMT also played well. They defeated Ventura, 67-50, on Thursday, Feb. 21, in Garner.
Ventura 53, North Iowa 45
The dynamic duo of Tyler Betz and Cody Kadolph led Ventura to a Class 1A District 5, Substate 3 District semifinal victory over North Iowa. The pair combined for 36 points in the 53-45 victory. Betz led the team with 19, while Kadolph added 17. North Iowa finished their season with a 12-9 record.
Ventura came out strong in the first quarter, outscoring the Bison, 17-11. Turnovers and missed shots plagued the Vikings in the second quarter, as North Iowa capitalized on their mistakes and outscored them, 14-8. Ventura picked it up in the second half on their way to the final victory.
Tyler Peterson was hitting from the three-point line. He collected nine points from behind the arc. Josh Henely and Brian Mostrom rounded out the scoring with four and three points respectively.
Betz and Kadolph also led the team in rebounds with 11 and six. Peterson, Mostrom, Henely and Aaron Christians all had one rebound.
Betz contributed five blocked shots, had one steal and three assists. Peterson picked up three steals and had three assists. Kadolph led the team in assists with four and he also had one steal.
The boys picked up their second win in District action on Tuesday, Feb. 19, when they defeated North Iowa, 53-45. The win set the Vikings up for a repeat showdown with Sheffield-Chapin/Meservey-Thornton. Ventura fell to the Spartans earlier in the season, so they knew they’d have to play very good ball to come away with a victory. Unfortunately, SCMT also played well. They defeated Ventura, 67-50, on Thursday, Feb. 21, in Garner.
Ventura 53, North Iowa 45
The dynamic duo of Tyler Betz and Cody Kadolph led Ventura to a Class 1A District 5, Substate 3 District semifinal victory over North Iowa. The pair combined for 36 points in the 53-45 victory. Betz led the team with 19, while Kadolph added 17. North Iowa finished their season with a 12-9 record.
Ventura came out strong in the first quarter, outscoring the Bison, 17-11. Turnovers and missed shots plagued the Vikings in the second quarter, as North Iowa capitalized on their mistakes and outscored them, 14-8. Ventura picked it up in the second half on their way to the final victory.
Tyler Peterson was hitting from the three-point line. He collected nine points from behind the arc. Josh Henely and Brian Mostrom rounded out the scoring with four and three points respectively.
Betz and Kadolph also led the team in rebounds with 11 and six. Peterson, Mostrom, Henely and Aaron Christians all had one rebound.
Betz contributed five blocked shots, had one steal and three assists. Peterson picked up three steals and had three assists. Kadolph led the team in assists with four and he also had one steal.
Submitted by clreporter_deb on Thu, 02/28/2008 - 4:25pm
Forest City holds off CL 65-63 in District final
The Clear Lake boys basketball teams’ season came to an end last week, but not before the Lions won their District semifinal, then pushed number one ranked Forest City to the brink in the District final.
CL 71, Algona 60
The Lions played a solid game from start to finish in downing the Algona Bulldogs, 71-60, Wednesday, Aug. 20.
“We did everything that we wanted to do tonight,” said Coach Kevin Kahler. “We out-rebounded them; we took care of the basketball (only five turnovers), and we made our free throws (28/28).”
The 71 points the Lions put on the scoreboard was a season high for the team. Free throws were probably the difference in the win, especially since the Lions sunk 21 of 27 in the fourth quarter.
Justin Uhlenhopp set the model for the team at the line. He was 12/14 from the line on his way to a 21 point evening. He was also credited with five assists.
Zach Monson had his best game of the season. He led the team in scoring and rebounding with 23 points and 15 boards. Twelve of his points came from behind the three-point line.
Jared Sholly also had a good performance with 15 points and nine rebounds. Charlie Peterson recorded a career-high nine rebounds.
The remainder of Lion scoring came from Sean McChesney with eight points, and Lukas Matheson and Zach Mueller with two apiece.
Forest City 65, CL 63
Free throws lifted the Lions to the District final against number one ranked Forest City, but missed free throws and turnovers hurt the team Thursday in Mason City.
The Lions made just five of 12 free throw attempts, while the Indians were 18 of 24.
CL 71, Algona 60
The Lions played a solid game from start to finish in downing the Algona Bulldogs, 71-60, Wednesday, Aug. 20.
“We did everything that we wanted to do tonight,” said Coach Kevin Kahler. “We out-rebounded them; we took care of the basketball (only five turnovers), and we made our free throws (28/28).”
The 71 points the Lions put on the scoreboard was a season high for the team. Free throws were probably the difference in the win, especially since the Lions sunk 21 of 27 in the fourth quarter.
Justin Uhlenhopp set the model for the team at the line. He was 12/14 from the line on his way to a 21 point evening. He was also credited with five assists.
Zach Monson had his best game of the season. He led the team in scoring and rebounding with 23 points and 15 boards. Twelve of his points came from behind the three-point line.
Jared Sholly also had a good performance with 15 points and nine rebounds. Charlie Peterson recorded a career-high nine rebounds.
The remainder of Lion scoring came from Sean McChesney with eight points, and Lukas Matheson and Zach Mueller with two apiece.
Forest City 65, CL 63
Free throws lifted the Lions to the District final against number one ranked Forest City, but missed free throws and turnovers hurt the team Thursday in Mason City.
The Lions made just five of 12 free throw attempts, while the Indians were 18 of 24.
Mearle Lunbeck
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Mearle A. Lunbeck, 84, of 309 S. 8th St., Clear Lake, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2008 peacefully at her home.
Funeral services were held Friday, Feb. 29, at Zion Lutheran Church, Clear Lake, with the Rev. Dean Hess officiating. Interment was in the Clear Lake Cemetery. Family suggests memorials to Mearle A. Lunbeck Memorial Fund.
Mearle was born Oct. 27, 1923 in Story City, Iowa, the daughter of Orvie M. and Hannah (Christensen) Holland. She graduated from Story City High School in 1943. She married Marvin H. Lunbeck Jan. 14, 1947 in Kansas City, Mo. In 1955 they moved from Ames, Iowa to Clear Lake. In 1965 she began working for St. Joseph Mercy Hospital. She worked there for 13 years as a chief admitting clerk. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. Her family meant the world to her. She was active in Zion Lutheran Church as a former Sunday school teacher and enjoyed singing in the choir.
Mearle is survived by her husband of 61 years, Marvin Lunbeck, Clear Lake; three daughters, Sandy Dillavou and her husband, Dick, Clear Lake, Deborah Swift and her husband, Alan, Hayden, Idaho and Marvel Flatness and her husband, Marvin, Lanesboro, Minn.; six grandchildren, Dawn Mennenga and her husband, Todd, Chris Dillavou and his wife, Autumn, Margo Crabb and her husband, Mike, Melissa DeVisser and her husband, Jeree, McKenzy Flatness and Morgan Flatness; nine great-grandchildren, Dalton and Danielle Mennenga, Mariah, Kori and Austin Dillavou, Paige and Ben Crabb, Tyler and Lilly DeVisser; and one sister, Ordale Fisher, Hill City, Minn.
Mearle was preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Shirley Butler; brother, Charles Holland and one granddaughter, Tamala Dillavou.
Mearle spent a lifetime enriching everyone that were blessed enough to meet her. She will be missed.
Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, was in charge of arrangements.
Funeral services were held Friday, Feb. 29, at Zion Lutheran Church, Clear Lake, with the Rev. Dean Hess officiating. Interment was in the Clear Lake Cemetery. Family suggests memorials to Mearle A. Lunbeck Memorial Fund.
Mearle was born Oct. 27, 1923 in Story City, Iowa, the daughter of Orvie M. and Hannah (Christensen) Holland. She graduated from Story City High School in 1943. She married Marvin H. Lunbeck Jan. 14, 1947 in Kansas City, Mo. In 1955 they moved from Ames, Iowa to Clear Lake. In 1965 she began working for St. Joseph Mercy Hospital. She worked there for 13 years as a chief admitting clerk. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. Her family meant the world to her. She was active in Zion Lutheran Church as a former Sunday school teacher and enjoyed singing in the choir.
Mearle is survived by her husband of 61 years, Marvin Lunbeck, Clear Lake; three daughters, Sandy Dillavou and her husband, Dick, Clear Lake, Deborah Swift and her husband, Alan, Hayden, Idaho and Marvel Flatness and her husband, Marvin, Lanesboro, Minn.; six grandchildren, Dawn Mennenga and her husband, Todd, Chris Dillavou and his wife, Autumn, Margo Crabb and her husband, Mike, Melissa DeVisser and her husband, Jeree, McKenzy Flatness and Morgan Flatness; nine great-grandchildren, Dalton and Danielle Mennenga, Mariah, Kori and Austin Dillavou, Paige and Ben Crabb, Tyler and Lilly DeVisser; and one sister, Ordale Fisher, Hill City, Minn.
Mearle was preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Shirley Butler; brother, Charles Holland and one granddaughter, Tamala Dillavou.
Mearle spent a lifetime enriching everyone that were blessed enough to meet her. She will be missed.
Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, was in charge of arrangements.
Ethelyn Opel
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Ethelyn Lucille (Eppie) Opel, 93, of Carlsbad, Calif., formerly Clear Lake, died peacefully on Saturday, Feb. 23, 2008 after a beautiful San Diego sunset at 9:30 p.m. Eppie died from complications of a stroke after five days of Hospice care at her retirement community where she was surrounded by friends and relatives. She was never in pain during the last days of her life.
Funeral services will be Monday, March 10, 12 p.m., at the Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake with the Rev. Scott Wilson of Clear Lake Christian Church officiating. Visitation will be one hour before the service. Interment will be in the Clear Lake Cemetery. Family suggests memorials to Ethelyn L. Opel Memorial Fund.
Ethelyn Lucille (Eppie) Opel was born Jan. 28, 1915, in Emmetsburg, Iowa where her father farmed. Shortly after her birth her family moved to a farm near the town of Rowan, Iowa. Ethelyn started to school in Rowan. When she was 10 years old her family moved to Mason City, Iowa, where she graduated from High School in 1932. In 1937, Ethelyn married Fred Opel from Clear Lake. She and her husband lived in Clear Lake for 25 years. They had one son, George Frederick (“Fritz”). Ethelyn was very active in the First Christian Church of Clear Lake, PTA, Music Mothers and various other organizations.
She moved to California with her son, Fritz, in 1963 after her husband passed away. During the last five years she lived a wonderful life at La Costa Glen Retirement Community in Carlsbad, Calif. where she was very active in the social programs, played bridge, and developed a unique interest and skill in arts and crafts.
Submitted by clreporter_deb on Thu, 03/06/2008 - 3:37pm
Man critically injured in snowmobile accident
A Grafton man remained in critical condition Tuesday after being injured in a snowmobile accident Friday night, Feb. 29, on Clear Lake.
Scott Paulson, 39, was apparently thrown from his snowmobile after hitting a snow drift on the Ventura end of the lake, said Randy Schnoebelen, of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. A 9-1-1 call was sent out at 10:09 p.m. Friday when Paulson was found unresponsive on the ice.
According to Schnoebelen, Paulson was following another snowmobiler heading west on the lake. The other rider, Robert Quinlan of Swaledale, noticed Paulson was not behind him and went back to locate him. He found his friend lying a distance away from his sled, unresponsive.
Garner Ambulance transported Paulson to Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa.
Schnoebelen said Tuesday he had not yet interviewed Paulson, but his preliminary investigation suggested he was thrown from the snowmobile after hitting a drift. Both snowmobile riders were wearing helmets, he noted.
“The late season snow can be very hard and people have to be careful and watch their speed, especially at night,” said Schnoebelen.
Scott Paulson, 39, was apparently thrown from his snowmobile after hitting a snow drift on the Ventura end of the lake, said Randy Schnoebelen, of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. A 9-1-1 call was sent out at 10:09 p.m. Friday when Paulson was found unresponsive on the ice.
According to Schnoebelen, Paulson was following another snowmobiler heading west on the lake. The other rider, Robert Quinlan of Swaledale, noticed Paulson was not behind him and went back to locate him. He found his friend lying a distance away from his sled, unresponsive.
Garner Ambulance transported Paulson to Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa.
Schnoebelen said Tuesday he had not yet interviewed Paulson, but his preliminary investigation suggested he was thrown from the snowmobile after hitting a drift. Both snowmobile riders were wearing helmets, he noted.
“The late season snow can be very hard and people have to be careful and watch their speed, especially at night,” said Schnoebelen.
Submitted by clreporter_deb on Thu, 03/06/2008 - 3:48pm
Fighting the ‘Battle of the Bulge’ with a new arsenal
Gift certificates and prize drawings combine with education and motivation for weight loss results
by Michelle Watson
The holidays and now the long, winter months can play havoc with
anyone’s diet and weight-loss goals. Help is now available through a new weight loss support group called, “Make it Great 2008.”
With the help of a team of professionals, participants are offered informative and educational presentations, support, encouragement and motivation to help reach goals and maintain a new lifestyle.
“I have done similar programs since 1996,” said Mary Drew Kohlhaas, certified personal trainer and lifestyle/weight management consultant. “We touch base on a lot of issues, but we are more about offering support and focusing on how to change a lifestyle and maintain weight loss.”
The local group began meeting on Jan. 8 and ended on March 4. There have been 44 participants in the eight-week program and they have lost a total of 358.5 pounds. Due to the success of the first program, another session began on March 4 and will continue through April 29. This session is open to new participants, but is also a continuation for former members.
“This program has been good for me,” said Lisa Nieman, a participant in the group. “I had been working on my own and I needed something to make it all new to me again and keep me excited to continue. I also like the networking and the accountability I found in the group.”
by Michelle Watson
The holidays and now the long, winter months can play havoc with
anyone’s diet and weight-loss goals. Help is now available through a new weight loss support group called, “Make it Great 2008.”With the help of a team of professionals, participants are offered informative and educational presentations, support, encouragement and motivation to help reach goals and maintain a new lifestyle.
“I have done similar programs since 1996,” said Mary Drew Kohlhaas, certified personal trainer and lifestyle/weight management consultant. “We touch base on a lot of issues, but we are more about offering support and focusing on how to change a lifestyle and maintain weight loss.”
The local group began meeting on Jan. 8 and ended on March 4. There have been 44 participants in the eight-week program and they have lost a total of 358.5 pounds. Due to the success of the first program, another session began on March 4 and will continue through April 29. This session is open to new participants, but is also a continuation for former members.
“This program has been good for me,” said Lisa Nieman, a participant in the group. “I had been working on my own and I needed something to make it all new to me again and keep me excited to continue. I also like the networking and the accountability I found in the group.”
Submitted by clreporter_deb on Thu, 03/06/2008 - 3:51pm
Clear Lakers help take NI issues to Washington
Clear Lake and Mason City officials will leave Sunday for a four-day trip to Washington, DC to gain support for issues affecting the North Iowa business climate.
Clear Lake Mayor Nelson Crabb and City Administrator Scott Flory, along with Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce Board members Denni Sue Erickson and Casey Callanan and CLEAR Project Coordinator David Knoll, will depart from the Mason City Airport Sunday morning. They will be joined by four Mason City officials and others from the county and North Iowa agencies. For local leaders, the advocacy trip will largely focus on lake water quality issues, including followup with those entities which have pledged funds to the lake restoration effort.
“It will be a long three days for us, but I’m sure the city will benefit greatly from us being there,” said Crabb.
Denni Erickson, making her fourth trip to the Capitol, agreed. “I think it’s valuable to keep our issues in the forefront. At this point the people there are educated about our efforts and are interested in the updates we can give.”
Erickson added that she feels traveling with Mason City leaders makes good sense, noting the two communities share interests in many other topics, including the airport and energy issues. This is the first time that representatives from Cerro Gordo County, Clear Lake, and Mason City have made the trip together to work on issues as a region.
In addition to meetings with Senator Grassley, Senator Harkin, Congressman Latham, and congressional aides, the group plans to meet directly with federal agency representatives to discuss key issues in-depth.
Clear Lake Mayor Nelson Crabb and City Administrator Scott Flory, along with Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce Board members Denni Sue Erickson and Casey Callanan and CLEAR Project Coordinator David Knoll, will depart from the Mason City Airport Sunday morning. They will be joined by four Mason City officials and others from the county and North Iowa agencies. For local leaders, the advocacy trip will largely focus on lake water quality issues, including followup with those entities which have pledged funds to the lake restoration effort.
“It will be a long three days for us, but I’m sure the city will benefit greatly from us being there,” said Crabb.
Denni Erickson, making her fourth trip to the Capitol, agreed. “I think it’s valuable to keep our issues in the forefront. At this point the people there are educated about our efforts and are interested in the updates we can give.”
Erickson added that she feels traveling with Mason City leaders makes good sense, noting the two communities share interests in many other topics, including the airport and energy issues. This is the first time that representatives from Cerro Gordo County, Clear Lake, and Mason City have made the trip together to work on issues as a region.
In addition to meetings with Senator Grassley, Senator Harkin, Congressman Latham, and congressional aides, the group plans to meet directly with federal agency representatives to discuss key issues in-depth.
Submitted by clreporter_deb on Thu, 03/06/2008 - 3:54pm
North Iowa becomes a Hen House Super Site
by Lowell Washburn
Thanks to a cooperative joint venture between the Manitoba, Canada based Delta Waterfowl Foundation, the Iowa DNR, and the Waterfowl Association of Iowa, breeding pairs of mallard ducks will find a noticeable increase in secure nesting sites as they return to Iowa wetlands later this month.
According to DNR Waterfowl Technician, Al Hancock, the conservation partnership calls for the installation of 500 artificial mallard nesting structures during the next five years. Known as Delta Hen Houses, the structures are an 18-inch diameter, three-foot-long wire cylinder covered in flax straw and lined with softer nesting material. When installed over water, the structures offer a safe haven from egg eating predators such as mink and raccoons. The pilot project is focused on wetlands surrounding Clear Lake and represents the first Hen House Super-Site attempted in Iowa.
“Right now, we’re in the process of installing the first 100 structures,” said Hancock. “The nests are being placed on public areas, and we’re targeting the smaller prairie pothole-type wetlands that nesting mallards prefer. As the project takes off, we’ll be monitoring those structures for usage and success.”
During future years, the Iowa DNR will maintain the structures annually by replacing the nesting material, said Hancock.
In a previous Iowa trial experiment, artificial nesting cylinders received 70 percent use by mallard ducks, and enjoyed a 70 to 87 percent rate of success. The structures are considered to be an effective way to aid in bolstering local mallard populations.
Thanks to a cooperative joint venture between the Manitoba, Canada based Delta Waterfowl Foundation, the Iowa DNR, and the Waterfowl Association of Iowa, breeding pairs of mallard ducks will find a noticeable increase in secure nesting sites as they return to Iowa wetlands later this month.
According to DNR Waterfowl Technician, Al Hancock, the conservation partnership calls for the installation of 500 artificial mallard nesting structures during the next five years. Known as Delta Hen Houses, the structures are an 18-inch diameter, three-foot-long wire cylinder covered in flax straw and lined with softer nesting material. When installed over water, the structures offer a safe haven from egg eating predators such as mink and raccoons. The pilot project is focused on wetlands surrounding Clear Lake and represents the first Hen House Super-Site attempted in Iowa.
“Right now, we’re in the process of installing the first 100 structures,” said Hancock. “The nests are being placed on public areas, and we’re targeting the smaller prairie pothole-type wetlands that nesting mallards prefer. As the project takes off, we’ll be monitoring those structures for usage and success.”
During future years, the Iowa DNR will maintain the structures annually by replacing the nesting material, said Hancock.
In a previous Iowa trial experiment, artificial nesting cylinders received 70 percent use by mallard ducks, and enjoyed a 70 to 87 percent rate of success. The structures are considered to be an effective way to aid in bolstering local mallard populations.
Submitted by clreporter_deb on Thu, 03/06/2008 - 4:16pm
Sport Shorts
Registrations ready for youth leagues
Registrations for the upcoming Clear Lake Youth Athletic League can be picked up at any Clear Lake elementary school or the middle school for the 2008 summer softball and baseball season. They can also be downloaded at the following website: www.clearlakeyal.com. Look for more information in upcoming issues of the Clear Lake Mirror-Reporter.
Youth baseball clinic planned
The Clear Lake baseball staff and players will put on a four-day Youth Baseball Clinic for players currently in third-seventh grades on April 21-24, from 4-6 p.m. Cost for the clinic will be $30 with prizes for individual and team competitions. A clinic t-shirt will also be given to each participant which will get them free admission to a Lions baseball home game. Email Coach Thompson at thompse@clearlake.k12.ia.us with any questions.
Waldorf to hold "3K3 Walk, Run, Wag"
Waldorf College will hold a 9K (5.58 miles) event, dubbed the "3K3 Walk, Run and Wag." The mini-marathon will be held on Tuesday, April 8 beginning at 5:30 p.m. Three optional loops, each 3K in length, will be marked for walkers and runners. Individuals may choose to do just one, two or all three loops. The wag portion is to welcome participants to bring their pets. The cost is $10 for students of any age and $15 for adults. The fee include a long-sleeved t-shirt if registered by March 27. A sign-up event will take place March 12 from 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. in the Atrium at Waldorf College. Registration materials are also available on the college's website: www.waldorf.edu/50 or call 641-585-8181. All proceeds from the event will benefit the American Cancer Society
Oimoen cards a low score for UAB
Submitted by clreporter_deb on Thu, 03/06/2008 - 4:22pm
Football assignments announced for Clear Lake and Ventura’s 2008 seasons
The Iowa High School Athletic Association has announced district football assignments for the 2008 season.
Clear Lake and Waverly-Shell Rock to remain familiar foes in Class 3A District 2
As a member of Class 3A District 2, Clear Lake retains last year’s biggest challenger to its district title, but gains familiar foes. Four of the eight teams in the district are members of the North Central Conference with the Lions.
The new District 2 will include Algona, Charles City, Forest City, Hampton-Dumont, Iowa Falls-Alden, Waverly-Shell Rock and Webster City.
The Lions have qualified for the State playoffs for 10 straight years under the direction of Coach Fred Wieck. Last season, they finished in a tie with Waverly-Shell Rock atop the Class 3A District 3 standings. The Lions were crowned as champs by virtue of their defeat of W-SR.
Charles City and Forest City were also part of District 3 last season, finishing at the bottom of the pack with 2-5 and 0-7 records, respectively.
Algona and Webster City were both members of District 2 last season. They finished in the middle of the district with 4-3 and 3-4 records.
Hampton and Iowa Falls-Alden both move up to Class 3A next season. Hampton won its Class 2A district last season with a 7-0 record and advanced to State. IF-A finished with a 3-4 record.
NEH will again be the toughest competition for the Vikings in District 3 eight-man action
As the number of eight-man football teams has grown, districts have become much more local. Ventura will participate in District 3 along with CAL, Clarksville, Corwith-Wesley-LuVerne, Janesville, Northeast Hamilton and Woden-Crystal Lake-Titonka.
Clear Lake and Waverly-Shell Rock to remain familiar foes in Class 3A District 2
As a member of Class 3A District 2, Clear Lake retains last year’s biggest challenger to its district title, but gains familiar foes. Four of the eight teams in the district are members of the North Central Conference with the Lions.
The new District 2 will include Algona, Charles City, Forest City, Hampton-Dumont, Iowa Falls-Alden, Waverly-Shell Rock and Webster City.
The Lions have qualified for the State playoffs for 10 straight years under the direction of Coach Fred Wieck. Last season, they finished in a tie with Waverly-Shell Rock atop the Class 3A District 3 standings. The Lions were crowned as champs by virtue of their defeat of W-SR.
Charles City and Forest City were also part of District 3 last season, finishing at the bottom of the pack with 2-5 and 0-7 records, respectively.
Algona and Webster City were both members of District 2 last season. They finished in the middle of the district with 4-3 and 3-4 records.
Hampton and Iowa Falls-Alden both move up to Class 3A next season. Hampton won its Class 2A district last season with a 7-0 record and advanced to State. IF-A finished with a 3-4 record.
NEH will again be the toughest competition for the Vikings in District 3 eight-man action
As the number of eight-man football teams has grown, districts have become much more local. Ventura will participate in District 3 along with CAL, Clarksville, Corwith-Wesley-LuVerne, Janesville, Northeast Hamilton and Woden-Crystal Lake-Titonka.
Submitted by clreporter_deb on Thu, 03/06/2008 - 4:24pm
Two earn All-Conference honors at Clear Lake
Clear Lake seniors Allison Schaefer and Victoria Nicholas have received All-North Central Conference basketball honors. Schaefer, a 5’9” inch forward, was a Second Team choice, while Nicholas, a 5’7” forward, was a Third Team pick. The pair served as co-captains of this year’s Lions team and were four-year
letterwinners.
Schaefer led her team in scoring with an average of 10.9 points per game and finished fifth in the top 10 CLHS career scoring leaders with 655 points. The senior was also a defensive leader with 12 blocked shots this season, helping her to rank third in the school’s top 10 blocked shot list with 40 in her career. She also ranks fourth in career rebounding with 463 and ninth in career steals with 85. This season Schaefer ranked fourth in the league in free throw shooting, making 27 of 36 for 75 percent. Her field goal average also placed her in the league’s top 10.
“Allison is a great team leader and was voted “Number One Teammate” by her teammates,” said Coach Kay Bacon. “She has a great attitude and brings it into every practice and game. Her stats improved in all categories with each year of experience. She has been a great asset to Clear Lake basketball.”
letterwinners. Schaefer led her team in scoring with an average of 10.9 points per game and finished fifth in the top 10 CLHS career scoring leaders with 655 points. The senior was also a defensive leader with 12 blocked shots this season, helping her to rank third in the school’s top 10 blocked shot list with 40 in her career. She also ranks fourth in career rebounding with 463 and ninth in career steals with 85. This season Schaefer ranked fourth in the league in free throw shooting, making 27 of 36 for 75 percent. Her field goal average also placed her in the league’s top 10.
“Allison is a great team leader and was voted “Number One Teammate” by her teammates,” said Coach Kay Bacon. “She has a great attitude and brings it into every practice and game. Her stats improved in all categories with each year of experience. She has been a great asset to Clear Lake basketball.”
Submitted by clreporter_deb on Thu, 03/06/2008 - 4:27pm
Boehnke earns recognition on All-Conference team
Brittany Boehnke, a junior on the Ventura girls basketball team, earned Honorable Mention recognition on the Cornbelt Conference All-Conference team for the 2007-08 season.
Boehnke led the team in rebounding with 125. She averaged eight points and 5.6 rebounds per game in conference play.
"Brittany was the most consistent player from our first game of the season to the last. She improved a lot from her sophomore season to her junior year. We always knew we would get her best effort each and every night on the court," said Coach Lucas Kreuscher.
Submitted by clreporter_deb on Thu, 03/06/2008 - 4:28pm
Lorenzen family featured in Iowa Public Television documentary
There’s one good thing about re-runs-- if you’ve missed a truly worthwhile program, you’ve got another chance to see it. ![]()
Such is the Iowa Public Television special, “More Than a Game: Six-on-Six Basketball in Iowa.” The documentary takes a look back at six-on-six basketball and its impact on generations of Iowa girls and communities. It made its debut Sunday on the statewide television network, but will be re-broadcast for all those who missed it the first time-- or for those wish to enjoy it again-- Friday, March 7, at 8:15 p.m.
The Lorenzen family, from Ventura, is featured prominently in the Iowa documentary.
Ventura High School’s Lynne Lorenzen left a significant mark in the six-on-six basketball history books. Lorenzen became the nation’s all-time top scoring amateur basketball player in 1987 with 6,736 points in her four-year career. She helped Ventura to a State title that year.
Her mother, Frances (Billerbeck), was a standout on the Reinbeck team. Frances and her twin, Francine were an upstoppable duo which helped that team to a title in 1952.
One of the most acclaimed sports in Iowa history, six-on-six basketball was especially popular in small towns. It was there that young women became queens of the court, where communities rallied behind their daughters, and where school leaders, mostly male, fought for girls’ equality. Like no where else in the country, young women in Iowa have played the game of basketball for over a century. In 1993, the era of girls’ six-on-six basketball came to an end.
Such is the Iowa Public Television special, “More Than a Game: Six-on-Six Basketball in Iowa.” The documentary takes a look back at six-on-six basketball and its impact on generations of Iowa girls and communities. It made its debut Sunday on the statewide television network, but will be re-broadcast for all those who missed it the first time-- or for those wish to enjoy it again-- Friday, March 7, at 8:15 p.m.
The Lorenzen family, from Ventura, is featured prominently in the Iowa documentary.
Ventura High School’s Lynne Lorenzen left a significant mark in the six-on-six basketball history books. Lorenzen became the nation’s all-time top scoring amateur basketball player in 1987 with 6,736 points in her four-year career. She helped Ventura to a State title that year.
Her mother, Frances (Billerbeck), was a standout on the Reinbeck team. Frances and her twin, Francine were an upstoppable duo which helped that team to a title in 1952.
One of the most acclaimed sports in Iowa history, six-on-six basketball was especially popular in small towns. It was there that young women became queens of the court, where communities rallied behind their daughters, and where school leaders, mostly male, fought for girls’ equality. Like no where else in the country, young women in Iowa have played the game of basketball for over a century. In 1993, the era of girls’ six-on-six basketball came to an end.
Vera Wicker
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Vera Mae Wicker, 69, of 1120 10th Ave S., Clear Lake, passed away Wednesday, March 5, 2008 at St. Mary’s Hospital, Rochester, Minn. A funeral service was held Monday, March 10, at the Seventh Day Adventist Church, Mason City, Iowa with Pastor Mark Luckiesh officiating. Interment was held at the Clear Lake Cemetery.
Memorials may be given to the Clear Lake Central Gardens, The Association to Preserve Clear Lake, P.O. Box 54, Clear Lake, IA or the Susan G. Koman for the Cure (Breast Cancer Foundation), P.O. Box 650309, Dallas,TX 75265-0309, as an “In Memory of Vera M Wicker” gift. That email address is www.komen.org.
Vera was born Aug. 18, 1938 in Pisgah, Ala., the daughter of James and Lizzie (Poole) Lovelace. She graduated from Northern High School in Detroit, Mich. in 1956, attended the University of Detroit and then went on to work at the O.T.A.C. in Detroit. Vera married Ned Wicker Jr., her high school sweetheart, Nov. 19, 1960 in Detroit. They lived in Michigan, moved several times, then finally settled in Clear Lake in 1974. In Clear Lake she worked for E.F. Johnson, Unisys, AC Nielsen and the Mason City Clinic, retiring in 2004.
Vera attended the New Bethel Baptist Church in Manly, Iowa, officiated by Pastor Fredrik Gillipse. Vera enjoyed gardening, camping, reading, listening to music, volunteer work and she and Ned attended several functions for the community. Vera loved spending time with her children and especially her grandchildren.
Memorials may be given to the Clear Lake Central Gardens, The Association to Preserve Clear Lake, P.O. Box 54, Clear Lake, IA or the Susan G. Koman for the Cure (Breast Cancer Foundation), P.O. Box 650309, Dallas,TX 75265-0309, as an “In Memory of Vera M Wicker” gift. That email address is www.komen.org.
Vera was born Aug. 18, 1938 in Pisgah, Ala., the daughter of James and Lizzie (Poole) Lovelace. She graduated from Northern High School in Detroit, Mich. in 1956, attended the University of Detroit and then went on to work at the O.T.A.C. in Detroit. Vera married Ned Wicker Jr., her high school sweetheart, Nov. 19, 1960 in Detroit. They lived in Michigan, moved several times, then finally settled in Clear Lake in 1974. In Clear Lake she worked for E.F. Johnson, Unisys, AC Nielsen and the Mason City Clinic, retiring in 2004.
Vera attended the New Bethel Baptist Church in Manly, Iowa, officiated by Pastor Fredrik Gillipse. Vera enjoyed gardening, camping, reading, listening to music, volunteer work and she and Ned attended several functions for the community. Vera loved spending time with her children and especially her grandchildren.
Dorothy Peterson
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Dorothy E. Peterson, 86, of 1005 First Ave South, Clear Lake, died Thursday, March 6, 2008 at Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City. A funeral service was held Monday, March 10, at the Clear Lake United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Diana Hoover officiating. Interment was at the Clear Lake Cemetery. Memorials may be given to Hospice of North Iowa and the Clear Lake United Methodist Church.
Dorothy Eileen Witter was born July 5, 1921, the second child of Ralph Leslie and Nettie Mae (Betz) Witter in Storm Lake, Iowa. Dorothy graduated from Storm Lake High School in 1939. She graduated from Buena Vista College, Storm Lake in 1941. She taught three years in Hartley, Iowa. Dorothy married Sophus Fredric Peterson Nov. 24, 1944 at the Methodist Church in Storm Lake.
Family was of great importance to Dorothy and she cherished time with her children and grandchildren. She loved to cook for her family and decorated the house seasonally, making the house festive. She was a member of the Clear Lake United Methodist Church for more than 57 years. Dorothy was active in choir and Women’s Fellowship Circle.
Dorothy is survived by her daughter, Nancy Eileen and her husband, Thomas McCarthy, of Orlando, Fla.; two sons, Robert William Peterson of Clear Lake and Fredric Ralph Peterson and his wife, Joan Elizabeth, of Freeborn, Minn.; three grandchildren, Brian Fredric McCarthy and his wife, Michelle, Orlando, Samuel Fredric Peterson, Freeborn, and Autumn Elizabeth Peterson, Freeborn; two sisters-in-law, Dorothy Pedersen, Omaha, Neb., and Ruth Peterson of Napa, Calif.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Sophus, in 2004; her parents, Ralph in 1977 and Nettie in 1968; brother, Don in 1961; and granddaughter, Michele in 2005.
Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, was in charge of arrangements.
Dorothy Eileen Witter was born July 5, 1921, the second child of Ralph Leslie and Nettie Mae (Betz) Witter in Storm Lake, Iowa. Dorothy graduated from Storm Lake High School in 1939. She graduated from Buena Vista College, Storm Lake in 1941. She taught three years in Hartley, Iowa. Dorothy married Sophus Fredric Peterson Nov. 24, 1944 at the Methodist Church in Storm Lake.
Family was of great importance to Dorothy and she cherished time with her children and grandchildren. She loved to cook for her family and decorated the house seasonally, making the house festive. She was a member of the Clear Lake United Methodist Church for more than 57 years. Dorothy was active in choir and Women’s Fellowship Circle.
Dorothy is survived by her daughter, Nancy Eileen and her husband, Thomas McCarthy, of Orlando, Fla.; two sons, Robert William Peterson of Clear Lake and Fredric Ralph Peterson and his wife, Joan Elizabeth, of Freeborn, Minn.; three grandchildren, Brian Fredric McCarthy and his wife, Michelle, Orlando, Samuel Fredric Peterson, Freeborn, and Autumn Elizabeth Peterson, Freeborn; two sisters-in-law, Dorothy Pedersen, Omaha, Neb., and Ruth Peterson of Napa, Calif.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Sophus, in 2004; her parents, Ralph in 1977 and Nettie in 1968; brother, Don in 1961; and granddaughter, Michele in 2005.
Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, was in charge of arrangements.
Submitted by clreporter_deb on Thu, 03/13/2008 - 2:25pm
County health officials say STD is on the rise
The number of young people contracting the sexually transmitted disease Chlamydia is going up in Cerro Gordo County, according to statistics from the Cerro Gordo County Department of Public Health.
Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. It can be transmitted during vaginal, anal, or oral sex, or passed from an infected mother to her baby during vaginal childbirth. Any sexually active person can be infected with Chlamydia. The greater the number of sex partners, the greater the risk of infection.
“We are seeing an increase in STDs nationwide and Cerro Gordo County is no exception,” said Betty Krones, Disease Prevention Specialist. For example, in Cerro Gordo County, there were: 72 cases of Chlamydia in 2004, 78 cases in 2005, and 85 cases in 2006.
Those were confirmed cases. “Imagine how many people go untested,” Krones said. “Statistics for 2007 are not available from the state yet. However, just in my own clinic at the Cerro Gordo County Department of Public Health, I saw 29 cases in 2007. That’s just the number of people who came to my clinic. That does not include any other practice in Cerro Gordo County. We are facing unusually high numbers of Chlamydia in Cerro Gordo County.”
Even though data is not available for 2008, the trend continues to go up. “As for 2008, I have already seen more cases than I did by this time in 2007,” said Krones.
Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. It can be transmitted during vaginal, anal, or oral sex, or passed from an infected mother to her baby during vaginal childbirth. Any sexually active person can be infected with Chlamydia. The greater the number of sex partners, the greater the risk of infection.
“We are seeing an increase in STDs nationwide and Cerro Gordo County is no exception,” said Betty Krones, Disease Prevention Specialist. For example, in Cerro Gordo County, there were: 72 cases of Chlamydia in 2004, 78 cases in 2005, and 85 cases in 2006.
Those were confirmed cases. “Imagine how many people go untested,” Krones said. “Statistics for 2007 are not available from the state yet. However, just in my own clinic at the Cerro Gordo County Department of Public Health, I saw 29 cases in 2007. That’s just the number of people who came to my clinic. That does not include any other practice in Cerro Gordo County. We are facing unusually high numbers of Chlamydia in Cerro Gordo County.”
Even though data is not available for 2008, the trend continues to go up. “As for 2008, I have already seen more cases than I did by this time in 2007,” said Krones.
Submitted by clreporter_deb on Thu, 03/13/2008 - 2:28pm
Police will participatein special enforcement effort Thursday
On Thursday, March 13, the Clear Lake Police Department will participate in “Operation Avenue of the Saints.”
Law Enforcement officers from 14 counties in Iowa and 13 counties in Missouri will concentrate extra enforcement efforts on impaired driving and seat belt laws. The ultimate goal of this special project is to reduce serious injuries and fatalities. Enforcement efforts will be directed at traffic on the Avenue and adjacent or connecting highways. The Avenue of the Saints does not run through Clear Lake. Clear Lake officers will concentrate their efforts on Interstate 35 and Highway 18 within the Clear Lake City limits.
This operation has been organized in Iowa by the Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau.
Law Enforcement officers from 14 counties in Iowa and 13 counties in Missouri will concentrate extra enforcement efforts on impaired driving and seat belt laws. The ultimate goal of this special project is to reduce serious injuries and fatalities. Enforcement efforts will be directed at traffic on the Avenue and adjacent or connecting highways. The Avenue of the Saints does not run through Clear Lake. Clear Lake officers will concentrate their efforts on Interstate 35 and Highway 18 within the Clear Lake City limits.
This operation has been organized in Iowa by the Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau.
Submitted by clreporter_deb on Thu, 03/13/2008 - 2:39pm
Four Vikings earn post-season basketball honors
With the success the Ventura basketball team had in its 2007-08 season, it’s no surprise that four players
were selected to Cornbelt All-Conference teams. The Vikings finished their season as co-champions of the Cornbelt Conference, along with Ruthven-Ayrshire. Both teams finished with a 9-1 record.
Senior Cody Kadolph and junior Tyler Betz were named to the First Team All-Conference.
Kadolph led the team and was second in the conference for points. He scored a total of 355 points in the 2007-08 season, for a 16.9 point 
average per game. Kadolph ranked number one in the conference in steals with 50. He was also a leader in three-point shots, connecting on 39. Under the boards, he collected 138 total rebounds for a 6.57 average per game. He ranked third in the conference in assists.
“Cody led our team in a lot of categories this year and he scored over 1,000 points for his career,” said Coach Nick Schauf. “He is a special kid that worked extremely hard to achieve his success.”
Betz, Ventura’s post player, was the second leading scorer on the Ventura team and he ranked fifth in the conference with 335 points. He ranked second for field goal percentage with 56.90 percent in the conference. He was a leading rebounder in the conference with 173 total rebounds and an 8.24 per game average. Betz ranked fourth in the league for blocked shot with 28 and he was in the top 10 in steals with 39.
Submitted by clreporter_deb on Thu, 03/13/2008 - 2:44pm
Clear Lake wrestlers earn end of the season awards
The Clear Lake wrestling program celebrated an outstanding year with a banquet last week. Coach Gary Weber said he was pleased to share a number of achievements and honors with his wrestlers.
The 2007-08 team earned its place in school history with a record 22 wins. The Lions finished the season with a 22-5 mark.
Joe Colon, a junior, also set two school records during the season. He earned the program’s most wins (44) and most pins (30).
The Lions also won their third straight North Central Conference Tournament title and were conference dual champs for the second straight year.
Varsity wrestlers posting winning records this season included: Jacob Colon (31-5), Joe Colon (44-1), Tucker Weber (40-4), Joe Bieber (25-10), Jake Kopriva (23-14), Christian Trebil (24-9), Rudy Wieck (29-8), Spencer Rollefson (20-17), Patrick Kolker (37-5) and Zach Lindquist (31-6).
Three memorial awards were presented at the wrestling banquet.
The Dustin Palmer Courage Award was given to Ryan Wilcke. The Ryan Boeshart Scrambler Award was earned by Joe Colon. New this year is the Kyle DeVries Love, Laugh and Live Award. This year’s recipient was Jake Kopriva.
The 2007-08 team earned its place in school history with a record 22 wins. The Lions finished the season with a 22-5 mark.
Joe Colon, a junior, also set two school records during the season. He earned the program’s most wins (44) and most pins (30).
The Lions also won their third straight North Central Conference Tournament title and were conference dual champs for the second straight year.
Varsity wrestlers posting winning records this season included: Jacob Colon (31-5), Joe Colon (44-1), Tucker Weber (40-4), Joe Bieber (25-10), Jake Kopriva (23-14), Christian Trebil (24-9), Rudy Wieck (29-8), Spencer Rollefson (20-17), Patrick Kolker (37-5) and Zach Lindquist (31-6).
Three memorial awards were presented at the wrestling banquet.
The Dustin Palmer Courage Award was given to Ryan Wilcke. The Ryan Boeshart Scrambler Award was earned by Joe Colon. New this year is the Kyle DeVries Love, Laugh and Live Award. This year’s recipient was Jake Kopriva.
Submitted by clreporter_deb on Thu, 03/13/2008 - 2:46pm
McChesney named Second Team All-North Central Conference
Clear Lake’s Sean McChesney has received Second Team All-North Central Conference basketball honors.
McChesney blocked 23 shots during his senior season, ranking him fifth in school history for blocks in a season. He also finished his career with 42 total blocks, placing him second in school history for blocks in a career.
This season McChesney scored 225 points and had 108 total rebounds this season for an average of 10.7 points and 5.1 rebounds per game. He averaged 59 percent shooting from the field and 60 percent from the free throw line.
“Sean gave us great effort night in and night out,” said Coach Kavin Kahler. “His defense, more than anything, was what really separated him. He often defended the other team’s best offensive player whether it was a guard or a post player. He, along with the other seniors, provided great leadership all season long.”
McChesney blocked 23 shots during his senior season, ranking him fifth in school history for blocks in a season. He also finished his career with 42 total blocks, placing him second in school history for blocks in a career.
This season McChesney scored 225 points and had 108 total rebounds this season for an average of 10.7 points and 5.1 rebounds per game. He averaged 59 percent shooting from the field and 60 percent from the free throw line.
“Sean gave us great effort night in and night out,” said Coach Kavin Kahler. “His defense, more than anything, was what really separated him. He often defended the other team’s best offensive player whether it was a guard or a post player. He, along with the other seniors, provided great leadership all season long.”
Submitted by clreporter_deb on Thu, 03/13/2008 - 3:05pm
It wasn’t exactly the Academy Awards, but Iowa’s version of the red carpet event had a distinctly local flavor this year.
Greg Schmidt, of Clear Lake, accepted the Best Actor award at the inaugural Midwest Studio Showcase Awards Thursday night at a gala black-tie affair in Lamoni (Graceland College).
Schmidt, originally of Garner, returned to Iowa in the mid-1970s after studying the film industry in Los Angeles, Miami, New York and London. Among his first local projects was “Michael, My Brother,” the story of his brother, a resident of Opportunity Village in Clear Lake. Through the years he has led summer theater offerings, a “Godspell” production for a local church, and numerous promotional videos and documentaries, including the story of the local men who built the Alaska Highway.
Aside from filming projects, he continues to produce festivals throughout the Midwest.
Schmidt explained the awards night in Lamoni was established to honor the most promising TV/film production studio in the region. This year’s recipient went to DAF Studios of Bondurant, Iowa. Special recognition went to producer Joe Leto and director Neil Wells who had recently made three episodes of a pilot TV series for national distribution (“Out of the Static”), a variety of short subject movies, and comedy commercial spoofs. This summer they will be shooting their first full-length feature movie in Iowa.
At the awards presentation there were seven categories for honors to actors from the 39 nominees who had appeared in the various DAF Studios productions shot over the past 16 months. At the top of the ceremonies, Schmidt was given the overall Best “Ghost Town.”
Acting honor fuels the fire for Schmidt
It wasn’t exactly the Academy Awards, but Iowa’s version of the red carpet event had a distinctly local flavor this year.
Greg Schmidt, of Clear Lake, accepted the Best Actor award at the inaugural Midwest Studio Showcase Awards Thursday night at a gala black-tie affair in Lamoni (Graceland College).
Schmidt, originally of Garner, returned to Iowa in the mid-1970s after studying the film industry in Los Angeles, Miami, New York and London. Among his first local projects was “Michael, My Brother,” the story of his brother, a resident of Opportunity Village in Clear Lake. Through the years he has led summer theater offerings, a “Godspell” production for a local church, and numerous promotional videos and documentaries, including the story of the local men who built the Alaska Highway.
Aside from filming projects, he continues to produce festivals throughout the Midwest.
Schmidt explained the awards night in Lamoni was established to honor the most promising TV/film production studio in the region. This year’s recipient went to DAF Studios of Bondurant, Iowa. Special recognition went to producer Joe Leto and director Neil Wells who had recently made three episodes of a pilot TV series for national distribution (“Out of the Static”), a variety of short subject movies, and comedy commercial spoofs. This summer they will be shooting their first full-length feature movie in Iowa.
At the awards presentation there were seven categories for honors to actors from the 39 nominees who had appeared in the various DAF Studios productions shot over the past 16 months. At the top of the ceremonies, Schmidt was given the overall Best “Ghost Town.”
Submitted by clreporter_deb on Thu, 03/13/2008 - 3:09pm
School Board to consider selling properties
Future of Administrative Office, Lincoln School to be discussed
The Clear Lake School Board said Monday night it will consider the future of two district buildings-- Lincoln
School and the downtown Administrative Office.
Earlier this year the Board held a public input session to hear ideas for the future of Lincoln School, which will be vacated at the end of the school year, but Monday night’s meeting was the first time the board has discussed selling its Administrative Office at 306 1st Ave. N.
“The district bought this (administrative office) at a bargain basement price of less than $30 per square foot, but the board may want to look at what the building might bring today,” said Superintendent Dwight Pierson, adding that the building houses approximately one-half of the staff it did when the building was purchased for $120,000 in 1999.
Re-location of personnel at the administrative office might also provide greater staff support at other buildings, he said, meaning secretaries could be more easily shared and he could assist principals, in turn making them more available to teachers in classrooms.
“At the time we bought this building we needed space and it made sense to locate the business office downtown. But now our buildings have more room and we’re not using (the administrative building) to its full advantage anymore,” said Board member Sandy Christ.
Members also noted the voter approved local option sales tax has provided steady funding for building projects which have expanded space at the schools.
The Clear Lake School Board said Monday night it will consider the future of two district buildings-- Lincoln
School and the downtown Administrative Office.Earlier this year the Board held a public input session to hear ideas for the future of Lincoln School, which will be vacated at the end of the school year, but Monday night’s meeting was the first time the board has discussed selling its Administrative Office at 306 1st Ave. N.
“The district bought this (administrative office) at a bargain basement price of less than $30 per square foot, but the board may want to look at what the building might bring today,” said Superintendent Dwight Pierson, adding that the building houses approximately one-half of the staff it did when the building was purchased for $120,000 in 1999.
Re-location of personnel at the administrative office might also provide greater staff support at other buildings, he said, meaning secretaries could be more easily shared and he could assist principals, in turn making them more available to teachers in classrooms.
“At the time we bought this building we needed space and it made sense to locate the business office downtown. But now our buildings have more room and we’re not using (the administrative building) to its full advantage anymore,” said Board member Sandy Christ.
Members also noted the voter approved local option sales tax has provided steady funding for building projects which have expanded space at the schools.
John Howell
Saturday, March 15, 2008
John W. Howell, 68, a resident of the Good Shepherd Health Center in Mason City and formerly of the Apple Valley Assisted Living in Clear Lake, died Saturday, March 15, 2008 at the Good Shepherd Health Center in Mason City.
A memorial service will be held 2 p.m., Wednesday, March 19, at Fullerton Funeral Home, 123 2nd St. SE in Mason City with Rev. Thomas W. Healey officiating. Cremation has taken place in the care of Fullerton Funeral Home.
A memorial gathering of family and friends will be one hour prior to John’s service Wednesday at the funeral home in Mason City.
Those wishing to extend memorials or expressions of sympathy may direct them to the family in C/O of John’s son, Eric Howell, 2855 Taft Ave., Garner, IA 50438.
John Wood Howell was born Nov. 18, 1939 in Mason City, Iowa, the son of Alvin J. and Stella M. (Milnes) Nuehring. John grew up and attended school in Rockwell. On Oct. 5, 1963 John was united in marriage to Jean Tosel. John was employed as truck driver and dock foreman for Briggs Transportation, Buttertop Bakery and Land O’ Lakes throughout most of his working life.
John’s love of the outdoors was spent fishing in Canada and along the banks of the Mississippi River. He also enjoyed hunting, camping and playing cards. John will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him. He was a volunteer for the Rockwell Fire Department.
A memorial service will be held 2 p.m., Wednesday, March 19, at Fullerton Funeral Home, 123 2nd St. SE in Mason City with Rev. Thomas W. Healey officiating. Cremation has taken place in the care of Fullerton Funeral Home.
A memorial gathering of family and friends will be one hour prior to John’s service Wednesday at the funeral home in Mason City.
Those wishing to extend memorials or expressions of sympathy may direct them to the family in C/O of John’s son, Eric Howell, 2855 Taft Ave., Garner, IA 50438.
John Wood Howell was born Nov. 18, 1939 in Mason City, Iowa, the son of Alvin J. and Stella M. (Milnes) Nuehring. John grew up and attended school in Rockwell. On Oct. 5, 1963 John was united in marriage to Jean Tosel. John was employed as truck driver and dock foreman for Briggs Transportation, Buttertop Bakery and Land O’ Lakes throughout most of his working life.
John’s love of the outdoors was spent fishing in Canada and along the banks of the Mississippi River. He also enjoyed hunting, camping and playing cards. John will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him. He was a volunteer for the Rockwell Fire Department.
Dick Kaster
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Dick D. Kaster, 80, of Ventura passed away on Tuesday, March 11, 2008 at the Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City, Iowa.
According to his wishes, there will be no visitation or funeral service. Burial will be at a later date.
Dick was born Feb. 13, 1928, in Ventura, the son of Charles and Winnie (Burkholder) Kaster. He served in the Maritime and Army with an honorable discharge. Dick married Charlotte Clapper on Nov. 19, 1948, in Clear Lake. He worked at Northern Natural Gas Company and during that time farmed and raised cattle and pigs. Upon moving to fewer acres west of Ventura, Dick raised feeder pigs and became owner of the Reel Inn in Ventura. There he enjoyed serving many buffets of turtle, chicken and buffalo, along with live country and western dancing. Dick then decided to open Kaster Sports and Fisheries, to go along with his love of fishing and trapping. On July 1, 1983, Dick retired from Northern Natural Gas Company after 33 years of service.
He had been a past member of the Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce and The Preservation of Clear Lake. Dick had been a member of Ducks Unlimited and also of the Ventura Gun Club. He was proud to have been a lifetime member of the Clear Lake VFW Post #4868. In his later years he enjoyed playing cards with friends. Gardening was his greatest pleasure and he shared his vegetables with people around him. Being an outdoors person, he treated his backyard “friends” as royalty at the feeders.
Dick is survived by, Charlotte, his wife of 59 years; son and daughter, Gary Kaster of Harpers Ferry, Iowa, Cathy (Dean) Gilbertson, of Omaha, Neb., and one sister, Lois “Tootie” Hauge, Mason City; grandchildren, Kristy Gilbertson and Kyle Gilbertson, Omaha, Jessie Kaster and her fiancé, Matt Miller, Waukon, Iowa; one great-grandchild, Memphis Miller, Waukon; many nieces and nephews, and his beloved “four pawed buddy” Snickers.
According to his wishes, there will be no visitation or funeral service. Burial will be at a later date.
Dick was born Feb. 13, 1928, in Ventura, the son of Charles and Winnie (Burkholder) Kaster. He served in the Maritime and Army with an honorable discharge. Dick married Charlotte Clapper on Nov. 19, 1948, in Clear Lake. He worked at Northern Natural Gas Company and during that time farmed and raised cattle and pigs. Upon moving to fewer acres west of Ventura, Dick raised feeder pigs and became owner of the Reel Inn in Ventura. There he enjoyed serving many buffets of turtle, chicken and buffalo, along with live country and western dancing. Dick then decided to open Kaster Sports and Fisheries, to go along with his love of fishing and trapping. On July 1, 1983, Dick retired from Northern Natural Gas Company after 33 years of service.
He had been a past member of the Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce and The Preservation of Clear Lake. Dick had been a member of Ducks Unlimited and also of the Ventura Gun Club. He was proud to have been a lifetime member of the Clear Lake VFW Post #4868. In his later years he enjoyed playing cards with friends. Gardening was his greatest pleasure and he shared his vegetables with people around him. Being an outdoors person, he treated his backyard “friends” as royalty at the feeders.
Dick is survived by, Charlotte, his wife of 59 years; son and daughter, Gary Kaster of Harpers Ferry, Iowa, Cathy (Dean) Gilbertson, of Omaha, Neb., and one sister, Lois “Tootie” Hauge, Mason City; grandchildren, Kristy Gilbertson and Kyle Gilbertson, Omaha, Jessie Kaster and her fiancé, Matt Miller, Waukon, Iowa; one great-grandchild, Memphis Miller, Waukon; many nieces and nephews, and his beloved “four pawed buddy” Snickers.
Submitted by clreporter_deb on Thu, 03/20/2008 - 2:53pm
North Iowa delegation delivers regional message to Washington
Pentagon stop is a highlight
Editor’s Note: The following article was prepared for Army News Service by Carrie McLeroy. It is reprinted with permission.
More than a dozen leaders from two northern Iowa communities met with senior Army leadership Wednesday at the Pentagon to learn more about the Army’s mission and the challenges it faces.
The guests, who represented local governments and businesses from Clear Lake and Mason City, were briefed by various levels of Army leadership on the current state of the Army, its role in the war on terrorism and how American communities can support servicemen and women. They were also afforded the opportunity to meet with and ask questions of several officers recently home from Iraq and Afghanistan, who gave an overview of their experiences in theater.
The Army has been conducting what are referred to as, “Fly-Ins,” for several years, according to representatives from Army Executive Partnerships office at Headquarters, Department of the Army.
“These events are outreach opportunities for the Army to build partnerships with local leaders throughout the country,” said K. Stephenson, director of Executive Partnerships, who explained that most of the communities that participate find out about the program from the National Chamber of Commerce.
Brig. Gen. David Halverson, director of Operations, Readiness and Mobilization, gave the leaders and business people an overview of what the Army does, its uniqueness and its senior leaders’ goals for the future.
“As an Army, we face the same issues as small-town America, but on a magnified scale,” he said. “We have to take care of our Soldiers and their families, educate our men and women and equip them for the future.”
Editor’s Note: The following article was prepared for Army News Service by Carrie McLeroy. It is reprinted with permission.
More than a dozen leaders from two northern Iowa communities met with senior Army leadership Wednesday at the Pentagon to learn more about the Army’s mission and the challenges it faces.
The guests, who represented local governments and businesses from Clear Lake and Mason City, were briefed by various levels of Army leadership on the current state of the Army, its role in the war on terrorism and how American communities can support servicemen and women. They were also afforded the opportunity to meet with and ask questions of several officers recently home from Iraq and Afghanistan, who gave an overview of their experiences in theater.
The Army has been conducting what are referred to as, “Fly-Ins,” for several years, according to representatives from Army Executive Partnerships office at Headquarters, Department of the Army.
“These events are outreach opportunities for the Army to build partnerships with local leaders throughout the country,” said K. Stephenson, director of Executive Partnerships, who explained that most of the communities that participate find out about the program from the National Chamber of Commerce.
Brig. Gen. David Halverson, director of Operations, Readiness and Mobilization, gave the leaders and business people an overview of what the Army does, its uniqueness and its senior leaders’ goals for the future.
“As an Army, we face the same issues as small-town America, but on a magnified scale,” he said. “We have to take care of our Soldiers and their families, educate our men and women and equip them for the future.”
Submitted by clreporter_deb on Thu, 03/20/2008 - 3:19pm
Hearing tonight to discuss South Shore Project
One-way or two-way? Bike lanes or not? Those are not the questions the Clear Lake City Council will consider at a public hearing tonight involving the proposed reconstruction of South Shore Drive.
Mayor Nelson Crabb ended Monday night’s City Council meeting by prefacing the 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 19, public hearing in the City Hall Community Room.
“This will not be a debate forum or question and answer,” warned Crabb. “This particular hearing is only to discuss whether or not to use the assessment process.”
City Administrator Scott Flory said City Hall has received comments and Letters to the Editor have been appearing in the newspaper from those objecting to the city’s consideration of one-way travel and bike lanes on South Shore from 4th Avenue South to 12th Avenue South.
In January, the Council approved a one-way concept for an eight-block stretch of South Shore Drive. Jerry Weiland, consulting engineer for the project from WHKS in Mason City, explained the one-way concept was developed through preliminary meetings with property owners. The one-way option provided a balance in design issues, including: preservation of more than 50 mature trees located between the curb and sidewalk; limited on-street parking; bike lanes and Iowa Department of Transportation requirements.
The other concept considered by the Council would have kept two-way traffic on the road and bike lanes, but would have resulted in the elimination of on-street parking.
Bike lanes were included in both concepts and some funding, about $150,000 from the state, supported the addition of bike lanes on the road. The inclusion of federal funding made it necessary for the Council to identify a concept for the project, which has been submitted to the DOT.
Mayor Nelson Crabb ended Monday night’s City Council meeting by prefacing the 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 19, public hearing in the City Hall Community Room.
“This will not be a debate forum or question and answer,” warned Crabb. “This particular hearing is only to discuss whether or not to use the assessment process.”
City Administrator Scott Flory said City Hall has received comments and Letters to the Editor have been appearing in the newspaper from those objecting to the city’s consideration of one-way travel and bike lanes on South Shore from 4th Avenue South to 12th Avenue South.
In January, the Council approved a one-way concept for an eight-block stretch of South Shore Drive. Jerry Weiland, consulting engineer for the project from WHKS in Mason City, explained the one-way concept was developed through preliminary meetings with property owners. The one-way option provided a balance in design issues, including: preservation of more than 50 mature trees located between the curb and sidewalk; limited on-street parking; bike lanes and Iowa Department of Transportation requirements.
The other concept considered by the Council would have kept two-way traffic on the road and bike lanes, but would have resulted in the elimination of on-street parking.
Bike lanes were included in both concepts and some funding, about $150,000 from the state, supported the addition of bike lanes on the road. The inclusion of federal funding made it necessary for the Council to identify a concept for the project, which has been submitted to the DOT.
Submitted by clreporter_deb on Thu, 03/20/2008 - 3:20pm
City may purchase land to expand 12th Avenue recreation area
The Clear Lake City Council will hold a public hearing Monday, April 7, to discuss the acquisition of approximately 20 acres to expand the city’s recreational area on 12th Avenue South.
The City is considering purchasing 19.41 acres at a cost of $150,000 from property owner Van Carrier. The property was formerly used by the Adult Softball Association.
In 2001, the City spent $145,000 to purchase an 18.7 acre parcel adjacent to the land now available. At that time the Parks and Recreation Board, with assistance from consultants began to investigate possible uses for the property. Expansion of soccer fields, Frisbee golf and other ideas have been suggested.
City Administrator Scott Flory noted development of a “community level park,” one greater than 20 acres, has been identified as a need in the City’s Comprehensive Plan and is a priority in the Parks and Recreation Department’s fiscal year 2009 budget.
Flory noted city leaders may want to consider selling a section of its property on 12th Avenue South for private single family development. Approximately four acres on the west edge of the city’s land could accommodate 10 to 20 lots. Infrastructure is already in place for development, he said.
The City is considering purchasing 19.41 acres at a cost of $150,000 from property owner Van Carrier. The property was formerly used by the Adult Softball Association.
In 2001, the City spent $145,000 to purchase an 18.7 acre parcel adjacent to the land now available. At that time the Parks and Recreation Board, with assistance from consultants began to investigate possible uses for the property. Expansion of soccer fields, Frisbee golf and other ideas have been suggested.
City Administrator Scott Flory noted development of a “community level park,” one greater than 20 acres, has been identified as a need in the City’s Comprehensive Plan and is a priority in the Parks and Recreation Department’s fiscal year 2009 budget.
Flory noted city leaders may want to consider selling a section of its property on 12th Avenue South for private single family development. Approximately four acres on the west edge of the city’s land could accommodate 10 to 20 lots. Infrastructure is already in place for development, he said.
Submitted by clreporter_deb on Thu, 03/20/2008 - 3:22pm
New owners will keep variety store downtown
A variety store will remain a fixture on Main Street, Clear Lake.
The former Larson’s Mercantile has been purchased by Alan and Jason Gochanour, of Toledo, Iowa.
Alan Gochanour said Tuesday he and his partner take possession of the Main Avenue business in early April. No date has been set for its opening.
“The store will be very similar to Larsons,” said Gochanour, who has been in the variety store business about 30 years. He also owns Ben Franklin stores in Eagle Grove and Waterloo.
He explained many of the suppliers used by Ben Franklin stores are the same used by Kim Larson, owner of Larson’s Mercantile for 15 years. The difference in stores is based on markets, size of the store and demand.
Gochanour noted the city’s recently approved business incentives were effective in peaking his interest for the property.
The former Larson’s Mercantile has been purchased by Alan and Jason Gochanour, of Toledo, Iowa.
Alan Gochanour said Tuesday he and his partner take possession of the Main Avenue business in early April. No date has been set for its opening.
“The store will be very similar to Larsons,” said Gochanour, who has been in the variety store business about 30 years. He also owns Ben Franklin stores in Eagle Grove and Waterloo.
He explained many of the suppliers used by Ben Franklin stores are the same used by Kim Larson, owner of Larson’s Mercantile for 15 years. The difference in stores is based on markets, size of the store and demand.
Gochanour noted the city’s recently approved business incentives were effective in peaking his interest for the property.
Submitted by clreporter_deb on Thu, 03/20/2008 - 3:36pm
Ventura’s Kadolph and Betz receive All Sub-State recognition
Two members of the Ventura boys basketball team received All Sub-State recognition.
This is the second year that senior Cody Kadolph as received the honor. Kadolph was a leader in the![]()
Cornbelt Conference in a number of categories. He was the second leading scorer with a total of 355 points for the 2007-08 season. He ranked number one in the league in steals and was also a leader in three-point shooing, assists and rebounds. Kadolph was also one of only a few Vikings to have scored over a 1,000 points in his career at Ventura.
This is the first year that junior Tyler Betz has earned the All Sub-State honor. Betz, who is Ventura’s post player, ranked fifth in the conference in scoring with 335 points. He was a leading rebounder in the league with 173 total rebounds and an 8.24 per game average. Betz ranked fourth in the conference for blocked shots.
“These two are very special players and this award shows that coaches from two districts also thought they were pretty good,” said Coach Nick Schauf. “It shows that Betz is one of the best big men and Cody is among the top guards.”
Players are nominated for the honor by their coaches. Coaches from other districts vote on the players and the top eight receive the honor.
This is the second year that senior Cody Kadolph as received the honor. Kadolph was a leader in the
This is the first year that junior Tyler Betz has earned the All Sub-State honor. Betz, who is Ventura’s post player, ranked fifth in the conference in scoring with 335 points. He was a leading rebounder in the league with 173 total rebounds and an 8.24 per game average. Betz ranked fourth in the conference for blocked shots.
“These two are very special players and this award shows that coaches from two districts also thought they were pretty good,” said Coach Nick Schauf. “It shows that Betz is one of the best big men and Cody is among the top guards.”
Players are nominated for the honor by their coaches. Coaches from other districts vote on the players and the top eight receive the honor.
Roger Beck
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Roger Earl Beck, 69, of 1200 10th Ave. N., Clear Lake, died Tuesday, March 18, 2008 at the I.O.O.F. Home in Mason City, Iowa.
Due to his wishes he was cremated. Graveside services will be held at a later time at the Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City, with military honors by the Clear Lake V.F.W.
Roger was born April 19, 1938 in Walthum, Minn. the son of Earl Wilham and Angeline (Severson) Beck.
He served in the United States Navy as a seaman from 1956 to 1960. He worked at the Clear Lake Bakery.
He is survived by two sisters, Donna Ohaver, Albuquerque, N.M., and Marvel Mogen, Sun City, Az. and two brothers, Gary Beck, Sun City, and Don Beck, Waverly, Iowa.
Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, was in charge of arrangements.
Due to his wishes he was cremated. Graveside services will be held at a later time at the Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City, with military honors by the Clear Lake V.F.W.
Roger was born April 19, 1938 in Walthum, Minn. the son of Earl Wilham and Angeline (Severson) Beck.
He served in the United States Navy as a seaman from 1956 to 1960. He worked at the Clear Lake Bakery.
He is survived by two sisters, Donna Ohaver, Albuquerque, N.M., and Marvel Mogen, Sun City, Az. and two brothers, Gary Beck, Sun City, and Don Beck, Waverly, Iowa.
Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, was in charge of arrangements.
Howard Oehlert
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Howard M. Oehlert, 86, Clear Lake, died Thursday, March 20, 2008 at Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City, Iowa. A funeral service was held Tuesday, March 25, at the Clear Lake United Methodist Church with the Rev. Diana Hoover officiating. Interment was held at the Mt. Vernon Township Cemetery, rural Swaledale, Iowa. Military honors were provided by the Clear Lake V.F.W. Memorials may be given to Hospice of North Iowa.
Howard was born Nov. 29, 1921, the son of Julius C. and Leila (King) Oehlert, southwest Meservey, Franklin County, Iowa. In 1922 his parents moved from the Meservey area to farm south of Clear Lake. Howard attended eight years of country schools, Mt. Vernon No. 4 and graduated from Clear Lake High School in the spring of 1939. In 1942 he enlisted in the United States Air Force and served four years in service. He was discharged from the service Feb 14, 1946.
Howard was married to Verna E. Davis on March 7, 1943 while home on furlough. They had four children, Margaret Ann, stillborn in 1944, Rich C. in 1947, David in 1949, and Garry in 1958.
Howard and Verna started farming in the spring of 1946 south of Clear Lake. In the spring of 1971 Verna and Howard moved to their present address of 106 Fairway Dr., Clear Lake. He was engaged in crop farming for 57 years. Howard was a populist person in life with his thoughts and ideas.
Howard was born Nov. 29, 1921, the son of Julius C. and Leila (King) Oehlert, southwest Meservey, Franklin County, Iowa. In 1922 his parents moved from the Meservey area to farm south of Clear Lake. Howard attended eight years of country schools, Mt. Vernon No. 4 and graduated from Clear Lake High School in the spring of 1939. In 1942 he enlisted in the United States Air Force and served four years in service. He was discharged from the service Feb 14, 1946.
Howard was married to Verna E. Davis on March 7, 1943 while home on furlough. They had four children, Margaret Ann, stillborn in 1944, Rich C. in 1947, David in 1949, and Garry in 1958.
Howard and Verna started farming in the spring of 1946 south of Clear Lake. In the spring of 1971 Verna and Howard moved to their present address of 106 Fairway Dr., Clear Lake. He was engaged in crop farming for 57 years. Howard was a populist person in life with his thoughts and ideas.
Wayne Howard
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Wayne W. Howard, 70, 608 8th Ave N., Clear Lake, passed away March 22, 2008 of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis at Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City, Iowa. Funeral services will be Thursday, March 27, 1:30 p.m., at Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 101 N. 4th St., Clear Lake, and officiated by the Rev. Dennis Ganz. Visitation will be Wednesday, from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. at Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel and then one hour preceding the service. Burial will be held at the Clear Lake Cemetery with military honors provided by the Clear Lake V.F.W. Memorials may be given to the Wayne Howard Memorial Fund.
Wayne was born Feb. 12, 1938 in Waukon, Iowa, to George and Iowa (Barth) Howard. After an honorable discharge from the US Navy, Wayne made his home in Eagle Grove, Iowa where he met and married the love of his life, Mary Flatebo, on March 15, 1958. To this union four children were born, Ricky, Penny, Kim and Stacy.
Wayne worked most of his life in heating, air conditioning and the sheet metal trade. In 1987 he purchased the Town Pump in Clear Lake. He then decided to add a grill and became well know for his noon specials and 1/3 pound hamburgers, thus coining the phrase “Hamburger Heaven.” His wife, Mary, and daughter, Kim, owned and operated the business with him until they sold it in 1997. He then went to work at Monson Plumbing and Heating. He then worked at Martin Marietta until ill heath forced him to retire.
He enjoyed hunting, fishing and wintering in Texas. He was an avid Green Bay Packer fan. He was a charter member of the Clear Lake Evening Lions and a member of the Clear Lake V.F.W.
Wayne was born Feb. 12, 1938 in Waukon, Iowa, to George and Iowa (Barth) Howard. After an honorable discharge from the US Navy, Wayne made his home in Eagle Grove, Iowa where he met and married the love of his life, Mary Flatebo, on March 15, 1958. To this union four children were born, Ricky, Penny, Kim and Stacy.
Wayne worked most of his life in heating, air conditioning and the sheet metal trade. In 1987 he purchased the Town Pump in Clear Lake. He then decided to add a grill and became well know for his noon specials and 1/3 pound hamburgers, thus coining the phrase “Hamburger Heaven.” His wife, Mary, and daughter, Kim, owned and operated the business with him until they sold it in 1997. He then went to work at Monson Plumbing and Heating. He then worked at Martin Marietta until ill heath forced him to retire.
He enjoyed hunting, fishing and wintering in Texas. He was an avid Green Bay Packer fan. He was a charter member of the Clear Lake Evening Lions and a member of the Clear Lake V.F.W.
Elda Motland
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Elda Motland, age 72, died Wednesday, March 19, 2008 at the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy after a brief but courageous battle with cancer. According to her wishes her body was cremated and no public services will be held. A private family burial will take place at Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City, Iowa.
Elda was born on Aug. 14, 1935, on a farm west of Garner, Iowa, the daughter of Alfred and Elfrieda (Zeitz) Woiwod. She was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Garner, and graduated from Ventura High School in 1953.
She was united in marriage to Herb Fuller Jr. on Sept. 6, 1953 and they made their home in rural Clear Lake, where together they had two children, Rodney and Nancy. They later were divorced, and in 1979, she moved to Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She started working at Midwest Metal Products in 1982 where she remained until her retirement in 2001.
Elda enjoyed dancing and baking, and took great joy in making goodies to share that not only tasted wonderful, but were also decorated to perfection. She also enjoyed spending time with her friends and family, but her pride and joy were her grandkids. Elda touched many lives, and will be greatly missed and forever cherished by those who loved her.
Elda is survived by her son, Rodney Fuller and his wife, Cecile, Clear Lake; her daughter, Nancy Gates and her husband, Rick, Clear Lake; four grandchildren, Brian Gates, Jessica Fuller, Erin Gates and Jennifer Fuller; her sister-in-law, Kathy Zeitz, Welcome, Minn.; nieces, Liz (Mark) Waddingham, Garner, and Susie (Dwight) Steege, Waverly, Iowa; and her nephew, Neal Woiwod, Garner.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Ina Mae Woiwod; and her brother, Arlo Woiwod.
Brosh Chapel in Cedar Rapids, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.broshchapel.com.
Elda was born on Aug. 14, 1935, on a farm west of Garner, Iowa, the daughter of Alfred and Elfrieda (Zeitz) Woiwod. She was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Garner, and graduated from Ventura High School in 1953.
She was united in marriage to Herb Fuller Jr. on Sept. 6, 1953 and they made their home in rural Clear Lake, where together they had two children, Rodney and Nancy. They later were divorced, and in 1979, she moved to Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She started working at Midwest Metal Products in 1982 where she remained until her retirement in 2001.
Elda enjoyed dancing and baking, and took great joy in making goodies to share that not only tasted wonderful, but were also decorated to perfection. She also enjoyed spending time with her friends and family, but her pride and joy were her grandkids. Elda touched many lives, and will be greatly missed and forever cherished by those who loved her.
Elda is survived by her son, Rodney Fuller and his wife, Cecile, Clear Lake; her daughter, Nancy Gates and her husband, Rick, Clear Lake; four grandchildren, Brian Gates, Jessica Fuller, Erin Gates and Jennifer Fuller; her sister-in-law, Kathy Zeitz, Welcome, Minn.; nieces, Liz (Mark) Waddingham, Garner, and Susie (Dwight) Steege, Waverly, Iowa; and her nephew, Neal Woiwod, Garner.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Ina Mae Woiwod; and her brother, Arlo Woiwod.
Brosh Chapel in Cedar Rapids, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.broshchapel.com.
Ruth Juhl
Monday, March 17, 2008
Ruth Lois Juhl, 90, of Clear Lake died Monday, March 17, 2008 at the Heritage Care Center in Mason City, Iowa.
Funeral services were held Friday, March 21, at the United Methodist Church in Clear Lake, with Pastor Dianna Hoover officiating. Burial was at Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City.
Memorials can be made to the family.
Ruth Lois Juhl was born Oct. 23, 1917, the daughter of David and Doris (Hanks) Enabnit, in rural Swaledale, Iowa. She was baptized at the Swaldale Baptist Church and received her education at the Swaldale Community Schools where she graduated in 1935. She attended Waldorf College and NIACC. She married Leonard Juhl in 1937.
Ruth was an elementary teacher for rural Hanlontown and Ventura schools for 20 years and retired in 1975. She was also a Title 1 teacher for Ventura Community School from 1973-1975, and was a private tutor in home for physically and mentally handicapped children.
Ruth was a member of United Methodist Church of Clear Lake for 47 years, the Clear Lake Schools Music Mothers president for two years, and the secretary and treasurer of the Senior Center of Clear Lake.
Ruth wrote many poems and prose which she received awards for. She also loved music and played both the organ and piano for the Senior Center. She loved to go to stockcar races, and had a wonderful sense of humor. She was known as the “Biscuit Lady” because of her well known cooking and baking. Ruth’s family was her life and she loved animals.
She is survived by her two daughters, Doris (Harold) Wendel, Mason City, and Wanda Orr, Mason City; grandchildren, Vance (Kim) Wendel, Clear Lake, Todd (Barb) Wendel, Clear Lake, Clint (Alissa) Wendel, Mason City, and Dustin Orr, Mason City; great-grandchildren, Nathan Wendel, Nicole Wendel, Madison Wendel, Sean Wendel, Mandy Wendel, Margaret Wendel, Hailee Wendel, and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held Friday, March 21, at the United Methodist Church in Clear Lake, with Pastor Dianna Hoover officiating. Burial was at Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City.
Memorials can be made to the family.
Ruth Lois Juhl was born Oct. 23, 1917, the daughter of David and Doris (Hanks) Enabnit, in rural Swaledale, Iowa. She was baptized at the Swaldale Baptist Church and received her education at the Swaldale Community Schools where she graduated in 1935. She attended Waldorf College and NIACC. She married Leonard Juhl in 1937.
Ruth was an elementary teacher for rural Hanlontown and Ventura schools for 20 years and retired in 1975. She was also a Title 1 teacher for Ventura Community School from 1973-1975, and was a private tutor in home for physically and mentally handicapped children.
Ruth was a member of United Methodist Church of Clear Lake for 47 years, the Clear Lake Schools Music Mothers president for two years, and the secretary and treasurer of the Senior Center of Clear Lake.
Ruth wrote many poems and prose which she received awards for. She also loved music and played both the organ and piano for the Senior Center. She loved to go to stockcar races, and had a wonderful sense of humor. She was known as the “Biscuit Lady” because of her well known cooking and baking. Ruth’s family was her life and she loved animals.
She is survived by her two daughters, Doris (Harold) Wendel, Mason City, and Wanda Orr, Mason City; grandchildren, Vance (Kim) Wendel, Clear Lake, Todd (Barb) Wendel, Clear Lake, Clint (Alissa) Wendel, Mason City, and Dustin Orr, Mason City; great-grandchildren, Nathan Wendel, Nicole Wendel, Madison Wendel, Sean Wendel, Mandy Wendel, Margaret Wendel, Hailee Wendel, and many nieces and nephews.
Deloris Schmidt
Monday, March 17, 2008
Deloris Irene Schmidt, 91, of Joice, Iowa, died Monday, March 17, 2008 at Fulton County Hospital, Salem, Ark. A funeral service was held Tuesday, March 25, at Redeemer Lutheran Church, Ventura, with the Rev. Daird Korth officiating. Interment was held at the Fairview Cemetery, Dows, Iowa. Memorials may be given to the Deloris I. Schmidt Memorial Fund.
Deloris was born Oct. 20, 1916 in Dows, the daughter of Henry L. and Charlotte Olivia (Maryhew) Olson. She married Joseph Dietrich Sept. 1, 1938 at the Little Brown Church, Nashua, Iowa, and they farmed near Popejoy, Iowa. He died in February of 1950. She worked at the Marcon Ballroom in Iowa Falls, Iowa where she met and danced with friend Lawrence Welk.
Deloris married Richard Schmidt on Dec. 2, 1954 at Redeemer Lutheran Church, Ventura. Richard, with Deloris, farmed in rural Joice with a blended household of seven children. Deloris met Richard at a dance at the Surf Ballroom. They continued to dance the rest of her life. Deloris loved gardening, bullhead fishing, swimming and golfing. She also loved knitting, playing games and especially caring for her children and grandchildren.
In the last 40 years Deloris and Richard spent their winters as snowbirds in Arizona and then later after 1999 in Arkansas.
Deloris was born Oct. 20, 1916 in Dows, the daughter of Henry L. and Charlotte Olivia (Maryhew) Olson. She married Joseph Dietrich Sept. 1, 1938 at the Little Brown Church, Nashua, Iowa, and they farmed near Popejoy, Iowa. He died in February of 1950. She worked at the Marcon Ballroom in Iowa Falls, Iowa where she met and danced with friend Lawrence Welk.
Deloris married Richard Schmidt on Dec. 2, 1954 at Redeemer Lutheran Church, Ventura. Richard, with Deloris, farmed in rural Joice with a blended household of seven children. Deloris met Richard at a dance at the Surf Ballroom. They continued to dance the rest of her life. Deloris loved gardening, bullhead fishing, swimming and golfing. She also loved knitting, playing games and especially caring for her children and grandchildren.
In the last 40 years Deloris and Richard spent their winters as snowbirds in Arizona and then later after 1999 in Arkansas.
Charles Glidden
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Charles “Chuck” Glidden, 67, of Ventura, died Saturday, March 22, 2008 at Mercy Medical Center of North Iowa.
Memorial services will be held Wednesday, March 26, 2 p.m. at Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel in Clear Lake. Military honors will be provided by the Clear Lake V.F.W. Memorials may be made out to the family.
Chuck was born Oct. 16, 1940 in Windom, Minn., the son of Thomas and Helen Gertrude (Putt) Glidden. He graduated from Spencer High School and served in the US Navy from 1962-1965. Chuck married Nancy Kimball Sept. 8, 1978 at MacIntosh Woods in Ventura.
Chuck formerly owned the Ventura Meat Locker, and retired as the bakery manager of HyVee in Rochester, Minn. He was a member of the Clear Lake V.F.W., and a past member of the Lions. He enjoyed golfing, fishing and camping, along with playing cards at the V.F.W., and vacationing with his family.
Charles is survived by his wife, Nancy, of Ventura; his children, Nathan Glidden, Ventura, Justin Glidden, Ventura, Kris Rons, Spencer, Iowa, Travis (Theresa) Glidden, Garner, Iowa, Matthew Glidden, Mason City, Mark Glidden, Clear Lake; several grandchildren; his brother, Bob (Bonnie) Glidden, Clear Lake; mother and father-in-law, Bob (Nettie) Kimball, Ventura; sister-in-law, Clarice Glidden, Denison, Iowa; sisters and brothers-in-law, Bev (Wayne) Kozisek, Clear Lake, Bonnie (Darrell) Bullington, Minneapolis, Minn., many special nieces and nephews and his dog, Spanky.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother, Richard Glidden.
Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapelwas in charge of arrangements.
Memorial services will be held Wednesday, March 26, 2 p.m. at Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel in Clear Lake. Military honors will be provided by the Clear Lake V.F.W. Memorials may be made out to the family.
Chuck was born Oct. 16, 1940 in Windom, Minn., the son of Thomas and Helen Gertrude (Putt) Glidden. He graduated from Spencer High School and served in the US Navy from 1962-1965. Chuck married Nancy Kimball Sept. 8, 1978 at MacIntosh Woods in Ventura.
Chuck formerly owned the Ventura Meat Locker, and retired as the bakery manager of HyVee in Rochester, Minn. He was a member of the Clear Lake V.F.W., and a past member of the Lions. He enjoyed golfing, fishing and camping, along with playing cards at the V.F.W., and vacationing with his family.
Charles is survived by his wife, Nancy, of Ventura; his children, Nathan Glidden, Ventura, Justin Glidden, Ventura, Kris Rons, Spencer, Iowa, Travis (Theresa) Glidden, Garner, Iowa, Matthew Glidden, Mason City, Mark Glidden, Clear Lake; several grandchildren; his brother, Bob (Bonnie) Glidden, Clear Lake; mother and father-in-law, Bob (Nettie) Kimball, Ventura; sister-in-law, Clarice Glidden, Denison, Iowa; sisters and brothers-in-law, Bev (Wayne) Kozisek, Clear Lake, Bonnie (Darrell) Bullington, Minneapolis, Minn., many special nieces and nephews and his dog, Spanky.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother, Richard Glidden.
Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapelwas in charge of arrangements.
Submitted by clreporter_deb on Thu, 03/27/2008 - 3:00pm
Daffy Gram! CLHS group has some fun raising funds for organizations
One of the basic principles of National Honor Society is community service. This year Clear Lake High School’s Semper Fidelis Chapter of the National Honor Society has been carrying out this principle with some new
ventures.
In December, the chapter decided to explore a new area of service and the members organized and carried out the collection of toys for the Toys for Tots program sponsored by the area Marine Corps Reserve. Most recently in another new endeavor, the chapter joined with the local chapter of the American Cancer Society to participate in the Daffodils Days Program.
NHS members took orders for “Daffy Grams,” notes of encouragement to fellow students, teachers or administrators. The students and teachers who wrote the “Daffy Grams” paid $1 for each note and on March 11 the “Daffy Grams” and daffodils were delivered to students and teachers at CLHS.
The CLHS NHS chapter raised $135 for the American Cancer Society. Students at CLHS agreed that both of these service projects conducted by the NHS were a good way to demonstrate that service can also have a fun side.
ventures. In December, the chapter decided to explore a new area of service and the members organized and carried out the collection of toys for the Toys for Tots program sponsored by the area Marine Corps Reserve. Most recently in another new endeavor, the chapter joined with the local chapter of the American Cancer Society to participate in the Daffodils Days Program.
NHS members took orders for “Daffy Grams,” notes of encouragement to fellow students, teachers or administrators. The students and teachers who wrote the “Daffy Grams” paid $1 for each note and on March 11 the “Daffy Grams” and daffodils were delivered to students and teachers at CLHS.
The CLHS NHS chapter raised $135 for the American Cancer Society. Students at CLHS agreed that both of these service projects conducted by the NHS were a good way to demonstrate that service can also have a fun side.
Submitted by clreporter_deb on Thu, 03/27/2008 - 3:03pm
Lincoln School to be discussed April 7
The Clear Lake School Board will finalize discussion regarding the future of the Lincoln School property at a public hearing set for 7:30 p.m. Monday, April 7, at the district’s Administrative Office.
The School Board has held one public input session and has a committee developing criteria which can be used to evaluate options for the school property.
Lincoln School, located at the corner of 8th Street and 4th Avenue South, will be closed at the completion of this school year. First and second graders will attend classes in an addition to Clear Creek Elementary School in the fall.
In other school district building news, the April School Board agenda will include a decision concerning the possible sale of the district’s Administrative Office.
Superintendent Dwight Pierson told the Board an estimated $20,000 to $30,000 could be saved annually by selling the downtown building. The property has been valued at $270,000 to $290,000. It was purchased for $120,000 in 1999.
Pierson said personnel from the office could be relocated into space now available at the Middle School.
The School Board has held one public input session and has a committee developing criteria which can be used to evaluate options for the school property.
Lincoln School, located at the corner of 8th Street and 4th Avenue South, will be closed at the completion of this school year. First and second graders will attend classes in an addition to Clear Creek Elementary School in the fall.
In other school district building news, the April School Board agenda will include a decision concerning the possible sale of the district’s Administrative Office.
Superintendent Dwight Pierson told the Board an estimated $20,000 to $30,000 could be saved annually by selling the downtown building. The property has been valued at $270,000 to $290,000. It was purchased for $120,000 in 1999.
Pierson said personnel from the office could be relocated into space now available at the Middle School.
Submitted by clreporter_deb on Thu, 03/27/2008 - 3:04pm
Council tables South Shore project to mull assessment comments
Clear Lake City Council members voted Wednesday to table discussion of South Shore Drive reconstruction to consider its plan to assess the work to the 135 affected property owners.
About 75 persons attended a public hearing Wednesday to comment on the assessment process the city planned to use for the $1.85 million project. Assessments would account for approximately $800,000 of the project cost.
Federal funds totaling $515,000 and general obligation bonds issued by the city represent the remaining funding.
According to City Administrator Scott Flory, the average assessment against an affected property is $7,000. The cost may be as high as $14,000 for some. Flory noted Clear Lake has a long history of paying for street reconstruction projects, such as the one proposed for South Shore Drive, through the assessment process. Approximately one-half of communities in the state use the assessment process for street and infrastructure projects. Notices of assessments to property owners may be reduced if the end project costs less than estimated, however, the assessment may never be increased. Assessments are payable over 10 years.
The Council said it will place the South Shore Drive project on its April 7 agenda for a decision. In the meantime, Council representatives say they will review written and oral comments on the assessment process.
Councilman Ben Furleigh was absent from the public hearing, but is expected to be present at the April 7 regular meeting.
About 75 persons attended a public hearing Wednesday to comment on the assessment process the city planned to use for the $1.85 million project. Assessments would account for approximately $800,000 of the project cost.
Federal funds totaling $515,000 and general obligation bonds issued by the city represent the remaining funding.
According to City Administrator Scott Flory, the average assessment against an affected property is $7,000. The cost may be as high as $14,000 for some. Flory noted Clear Lake has a long history of paying for street reconstruction projects, such as the one proposed for South Shore Drive, through the assessment process. Approximately one-half of communities in the state use the assessment process for street and infrastructure projects. Notices of assessments to property owners may be reduced if the end project costs less than estimated, however, the assessment may never be increased. Assessments are payable over 10 years.
The Council said it will place the South Shore Drive project on its April 7 agenda for a decision. In the meantime, Council representatives say they will review written and oral comments on the assessment process.
Councilman Ben Furleigh was absent from the public hearing, but is expected to be present at the April 7 regular meeting.
Submitted by clreporter_deb on Thu, 03/27/2008 - 3:06pm
One administrator, five teachers will take early retirement incentives
One administrator and five teachers have informed the district they plan to take advantage of early retirement incentives this year.
The district’s incentive plan includes $30,000 cash pay outs and single health insurance coverage to age 65.
Those announcing their early retirements include:
•Middle School Principal Robert Mondt, who joined the district in 1993.
•Lothar Meyer, industrial arts teacher, will leave the district after 35 years of service.
•Martha Andrews will retire after serving the district 24 years. Andrews currently is an instructor in special education at the Middle School.
•Mary Swenson, a middle school counselor, will step down after 19 years with the district.
•Linda Muth, a special education teacher at Clear Creek, will retire after 15 years.
•Diane Radack, art teacher at the high school, will retire after 14 years in the district.
The district’s incentive plan includes $30,000 cash pay outs and single health insurance coverage to age 65.
Those announcing their early retirements include:
•Middle School Principal Robert Mondt, who joined the district in 1993.
•Lothar Meyer, industrial arts teacher, will leave the district after 35 years of service.
•Martha Andrews will retire after serving the district 24 years. Andrews currently is an instructor in special education at the Middle School.
•Mary Swenson, a middle school counselor, will step down after 19 years with the district.
•Linda Muth, a special education teacher at Clear Creek, will retire after 15 years.
•Diane Radack, art teacher at the high school, will retire after 14 years in the district.
Submitted by clreporter_deb on Thu, 03/27/2008 - 3:08pm
School district must cut $450,000 from ‘08-09 budget
It’s a sign of the times, says School Superintendent Dwight Pierson. Clear Lake, like the majority of school districts in the state, must make significant cuts in its 2008-09 budget.
The School Board held a public hearing Monday concerning its proposed budget. Pierson said $450,000 must be cut overall; he recommends $200,000 of that amount be trimmed from Special Education.
“The number of special education students is down about 40 over the past three to four years, yet the staffing has remained the same and support staff numbers have even risen,” he explained. Pierson noted his frustration with federal funding for special education, saying the federal government has not lived up to its responsibility in that area. The state funding formula for special education is “barely adequate,” he added, and school districts are challenged to maintain programming. Clear Lake’s special education programming has been running at a $220,000 deficit, said Pierson.
Clear Lake’s plan to trim its budget also includes reduction of 5.75 full time teaching equivalents, including one administrator, along with cuts in support personnel, including custodial and maintenance help, as well as para-educators.
Middle School Principal Robert Mondt has decided to take early retirement (see related story on this page). Pierson said the district’s administrative team can be realigned to keep a principal at the Middle School without hiring a replacement for Mondt.
Staffing reductions based on attrition and those taking early retirement also result in district savings.
“Our reductions are not just in one category and we are able to maintain the highest level of programming,” added Pierson.
The School Board is expected to take action on its proposed budget at its April 28 meeting.
Tax rate increase
The School Board held a public hearing Monday concerning its proposed budget. Pierson said $450,000 must be cut overall; he recommends $200,000 of that amount be trimmed from Special Education.
“The number of special education students is down about 40 over the past three to four years, yet the staffing has remained the same and support staff numbers have even risen,” he explained. Pierson noted his frustration with federal funding for special education, saying the federal government has not lived up to its responsibility in that area. The state funding formula for special education is “barely adequate,” he added, and school districts are challenged to maintain programming. Clear Lake’s special education programming has been running at a $220,000 deficit, said Pierson.
Clear Lake’s plan to trim its budget also includes reduction of 5.75 full time teaching equivalents, including one administrator, along with cuts in support personnel, including custodial and maintenance help, as well as para-educators.
Middle School Principal Robert Mondt has decided to take early retirement (see related story on this page). Pierson said the district’s administrative team can be realigned to keep a principal at the Middle School without hiring a replacement for Mondt.
Staffing reductions based on attrition and those taking early retirement also result in district savings.
“Our reductions are not just in one category and we are able to maintain the highest level of programming,” added Pierson.
The School Board is expected to take action on its proposed budget at its April 28 meeting.
Tax rate increase
Submitted by clreporter_deb on Thu, 03/27/2008 - 3:24pm
Sport Shorts
YSF football registration begins
YSF Football signup for this year's fourth and fifth grade boys and girls will be held at the Clear Creek lunch room on Thursday, April 3, at 6 p.m. There will be a short informational meeting along with the registration. Players must be in attendance. This is open to Clear Lake and Ventura students. Cost for participation is $100. Practices will start in August. For further questions contact Jeff Kelso, district and Clear Lake coordinator at 357-3675.
Youth baseball clinic planned
The Clear Lake baseball staff and players will put on a four-day Youth Baseball Clinic for players currently in third-seventh grades on April 21-24, from 4-6 p.m. Cost for the clinic will be $30 with prizes for individual and team competitions. A clinic t-shirt will also be given to each participant which will get them free admission to a Lions baseball home game. Email Coach Thompson at thompse@clearlake.k12.ia.us with any questions.
Registrations underway for youth leagues
Registration for baseball, softball and T-ball programs for the Clear Lake Youth Athletic League summer program is underway. Application fees are $30 and due April 1 for grades K-7 with a $40 late fee and deadline of April 15. The Rookie League 4 and 5-year-old T-ball program is $25 with an April 15 deadline. No registrations will be accepted after April 15. Forms can be downloaded at www.clearlakeyal.com or they can be picked up at any Clear Lake Elementary school or the Middle School. For further questions contact Board Members, Dave Adams, Steve Ruzek, Mark Fischels or Randy Truesdell. More information on draft dates will be included in upcoming issues of the Clear Lake Mirror-Reporter.
Mighty Lions to hold wrestling banquet
YSF Football signup for this year's fourth and fifth grade boys and girls will be held at the Clear Creek lunch room on Thursday, April 3, at 6 p.m. There will be a short informational meeting along with the registration. Players must be in attendance. This is open to Clear Lake and Ventura students. Cost for participation is $100. Practices will start in August. For further questions contact Jeff Kelso, district and Clear Lake coordinator at 357-3675.
Youth baseball clinic planned
The Clear Lake baseball staff and players will put on a four-day Youth Baseball Clinic for players currently in third-seventh grades on April 21-24, from 4-6 p.m. Cost for the clinic will be $30 with prizes for individual and team competitions. A clinic t-shirt will also be given to each participant which will get them free admission to a Lions baseball home game. Email Coach Thompson at thompse@clearlake.k12.ia.us with any questions.
Registrations underway for youth leagues
Registration for baseball, softball and T-ball programs for the Clear Lake Youth Athletic League summer program is underway. Application fees are $30 and due April 1 for grades K-7 with a $40 late fee and deadline of April 15. The Rookie League 4 and 5-year-old T-ball program is $25 with an April 15 deadline. No registrations will be accepted after April 15. Forms can be downloaded at www.clearlakeyal.com or they can be picked up at any Clear Lake Elementary school or the Middle School. For further questions contact Board Members, Dave Adams, Steve Ruzek, Mark Fischels or Randy Truesdell. More information on draft dates will be included in upcoming issues of the Clear Lake Mirror-Reporter.
Mighty Lions to hold wrestling banquet
Submitted by clreporter_deb on Thu, 03/27/2008 - 3:32pm
Ventura girls track team competes at Central College
Toppin takes top spot in 800 meter run
The Ventura girls track team wasn’t intimidated by larger schools, as they took a few of the top spots Saturday, March 22, at an indoor meet at Central College, Pella, Iowa.
Seventeen teams competed in the large meet. Schools represented were North Tama, Mt. Pleasant, West Liberty, Iowa City West, Southeast Polk, Atlantic, Fairfield, Mason City, Williamsburg, Ankeny, Panorama, Ventura, Gladbrook-Reinbeck, GMG, Marshalltown, Waterloo Columbus and Interstate 35.
Ventura freshman Andrea Toppin won the 800 Meter Run in a time of 2:36.12. Toppin also ran the anchor leg of the 4x800 Meter Relay, which finished in fourth place with a time of 11:02.97.
The following were the top Ventura individuals and relays in each event:
•55 Meter Dash, Kaley Imhoff, 35th place out of 102 competitors, 8.26
•200 Meter Dash, Alicia Christians, 41st, 31.22 and Kim Hale, 44th, 31.31. There were 94 competitors in this event.
•400 Meter Dash, Susan Cox, 24th out of 25, 1:28.24
•800 Meter Run, Andrea Toppin won this event in a time of 2:36.12. There were 41 girls running in this event.
•1500 Meter Run, Hannah Vavrik, 26th out of 27, 6:38.78
•55 Meter Hurdles, Kaley Imhoff, 16th, 9.85 and Alicia Christians, 21st, 9.97. There were 62 competitors in this event.
•4x200 Meter Relay, Kiana Cullinan, Kaley Imhoff, Alicia Christians and Kim Hale, 15th, 2:04.97
•4x800 Meter Relay, Brittany Boehnke, Amanda Stephenson, Amber Smith and Andrea Toppin, 4th, 11:02.97
•High Jump, Amber Smith and Amanda Stephenson, both finished 5th, 4’04”.
•Long Jump, Kim Hale, 13’, 19th
•Shot Put, Hannah Vavrik, 27’04”, 25th
The Ventura girls track team wasn’t intimidated by larger schools, as they took a few of the top spots Saturday, March 22, at an indoor meet at Central College, Pella, Iowa.
Seventeen teams competed in the large meet. Schools represented were North Tama, Mt. Pleasant, West Liberty, Iowa City West, Southeast Polk, Atlantic, Fairfield, Mason City, Williamsburg, Ankeny, Panorama, Ventura, Gladbrook-Reinbeck, GMG, Marshalltown, Waterloo Columbus and Interstate 35.
Ventura freshman Andrea Toppin won the 800 Meter Run in a time of 2:36.12. Toppin also ran the anchor leg of the 4x800 Meter Relay, which finished in fourth place with a time of 11:02.97.
The following were the top Ventura individuals and relays in each event:
•55 Meter Dash, Kaley Imhoff, 35th place out of 102 competitors, 8.26
•200 Meter Dash, Alicia Christians, 41st, 31.22 and Kim Hale, 44th, 31.31. There were 94 competitors in this event.
•400 Meter Dash, Susan Cox, 24th out of 25, 1:28.24
•800 Meter Run, Andrea Toppin won this event in a time of 2:36.12. There were 41 girls running in this event.
•1500 Meter Run, Hannah Vavrik, 26th out of 27, 6:38.78
•55 Meter Hurdles, Kaley Imhoff, 16th, 9.85 and Alicia Christians, 21st, 9.97. There were 62 competitors in this event.
•4x200 Meter Relay, Kiana Cullinan, Kaley Imhoff, Alicia Christians and Kim Hale, 15th, 2:04.97
•4x800 Meter Relay, Brittany Boehnke, Amanda Stephenson, Amber Smith and Andrea Toppin, 4th, 11:02.97
•High Jump, Amber Smith and Amanda Stephenson, both finished 5th, 4’04”.
•Long Jump, Kim Hale, 13’, 19th
•Shot Put, Hannah Vavrik, 27’04”, 25th
Robert Lutz
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Robert E. “Bob” Lutz, 86, of 3514 Spruce Ave., Manly, Iowa died Tuesday, March 25, 2008 at the Manly Care Center. Memorial services were held Friday, March 28, at the Bethel United Methodist Church, Manly, with the Rev. Don Preston officiating. Military honors were provided by the American Legion Edward Tosel Post #110, Manly. Inurnment will take place at a later time at Oakwood Cemetery, Plymouth, Iowa. Family suggests memorials to Robert E. Lutz Memorial Fund.
Bob was born Oct. 23, 1921 in Plankinton, S.D., the son of Lawrence and Ruth (Jones) Lutz. He quit school at an early age to help on the family farm and other farms and ranches. He enlisted in the United States Army on July 20, 1942. As with many of his 535th AAA WW II buddies, he was very proud of his country and its flag and also those who served under it. He participated in many military operations beginning at Camp Haan, desert of Calf to Camp Callan near San Diego, Calif., then back across country to the Tennessee Maneuvers and Camp Atterberry, Ind., Ft. Fisher, N.C., Camp Davis, N.C. and on to Shanks, N.Y. to be shipped to England via Grenwich, Scotland. Then it was on to beaches of Normandy up through France, Belgium, Germany and Austria. Whether it was on foot, truck, bus, train, troop ship or luxury ocean liner he had an interesting story to tell. He was discharged from the Army as a sergeant. On Nov. 24, 1945, with citations of Bronze Arrowhead, American Theater Ribbon, European-African Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal 43, Bronze Star Medal Go 17, and 99th INF DIV 45. Following his discharge he always stayed in touch with his unit and enjoyed attending the reunions.
After the service he moved back to South Dakota where he drove truck, farmed and worked various construction jobs. He married Dawn Jobe Hawkins Sept. 28, 1946 in Mt. Vernon, S.D.
Bob was born Oct. 23, 1921 in Plankinton, S.D., the son of Lawrence and Ruth (Jones) Lutz. He quit school at an early age to help on the family farm and other farms and ranches. He enlisted in the United States Army on July 20, 1942. As with many of his 535th AAA WW II buddies, he was very proud of his country and its flag and also those who served under it. He participated in many military operations beginning at Camp Haan, desert of Calf to Camp Callan near San Diego, Calif., then back across country to the Tennessee Maneuvers and Camp Atterberry, Ind., Ft. Fisher, N.C., Camp Davis, N.C. and on to Shanks, N.Y. to be shipped to England via Grenwich, Scotland. Then it was on to beaches of Normandy up through France, Belgium, Germany and Austria. Whether it was on foot, truck, bus, train, troop ship or luxury ocean liner he had an interesting story to tell. He was discharged from the Army as a sergeant. On Nov. 24, 1945, with citations of Bronze Arrowhead, American Theater Ribbon, European-African Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal 43, Bronze Star Medal Go 17, and 99th INF DIV 45. Following his discharge he always stayed in touch with his unit and enjoyed attending the reunions.
After the service he moved back to South Dakota where he drove truck, farmed and worked various construction jobs. He married Dawn Jobe Hawkins Sept. 28, 1946 in Mt. Vernon, S.D.
Gertrude Albers
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Gertrude Marie Albers, 91, died March 22, 2008, at the Stewartville Care Center, Stewartville, Minn.
Memorial services will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, April 5, at Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 101 North 4th Street, Clear Lake, with Pastor Jeff Ungs officiating. Inurnment will be in the Concord Cemetery, Garner, Iowa. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service on Saturday at the funeral home.
Gertrude Marie Honken was born Aug. 6, 1916, in Lanark, Ill., the daughter of Michael and Minnie (Blank) Honken. She graduated from Worthington High School, Worthington, Minn.. Gertrude was united in marriage to Marvin Prilipp on Feb. 11, 1939; to this union two children were born. She was later united in marriage to Menno Albers on Dec. 10, 1970. For most of her life she was a homemaker.
Gertrude loved embroidery work, playing cards, dancing, cooking, and traveling. She was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church.
Gertrude is survived by her daughter, Marvena (Floyd) Janet, Rochester, Minn., son Richard (Darlene) Prilipp, Aurora, Colo., seven grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
She is preceded in death by her two husbands, Marvin Prilipp and Menno Albers, and one sister.
Memorial services will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, April 5, at Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 101 North 4th Street, Clear Lake, with Pastor Jeff Ungs officiating. Inurnment will be in the Concord Cemetery, Garner, Iowa. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service on Saturday at the funeral home.
Gertrude Marie Honken was born Aug. 6, 1916, in Lanark, Ill., the daughter of Michael and Minnie (Blank) Honken. She graduated from Worthington High School, Worthington, Minn.. Gertrude was united in marriage to Marvin Prilipp on Feb. 11, 1939; to this union two children were born. She was later united in marriage to Menno Albers on Dec. 10, 1970. For most of her life she was a homemaker.
Gertrude loved embroidery work, playing cards, dancing, cooking, and traveling. She was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church.
Gertrude is survived by her daughter, Marvena (Floyd) Janet, Rochester, Minn., son Richard (Darlene) Prilipp, Aurora, Colo., seven grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
She is preceded in death by her two husbands, Marvin Prilipp and Menno Albers, and one sister.
Jack Bonner
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Jack Douglas Bonner, 51, died Wednesday, March 26, 2008, after a courageous battle with lung cancer, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City, Iowa.
Funeral services were held Saturday, March 29, at St. Peter Lutheran Church, Rockwell, with the Rev. Ron Bolinger and Pastor Ed Bard officiating. Interment was in the Pleasant Valley Cemetery, Swaledale, Iowa.
Memorials may be directed to the Jack Bonner Memorial Fund or Hospice of North Iowa.
Jack Douglas Bonner was born June 30, 1956, in Mason City, the son of Jim and Beverly (Watson) Bonner. He was baptized and confirmed in the St. Paul Lutheran Church, Thornton, Iowa. Jack graduated from Rockwell-Swaledale High School in 1974. After high school Jack went to work for his dad at Bonner Truck Line. Jack was united in marriage to Jamie Fink on Aug. 25, 1979. Jack was an owner/operator, and he was currently leased with LB Transport in Buffalo Center, Iowa. He traveled from coast to coast and to Canada, and Mexico and over the years Jack developed very strong friendships. He was a good friend to many.
Jack was an avid Harley rider, loved drag racing, semi-trucks, automobiles, and anything with power and speed got Jack going. He loved spending time with his family and friends. Jack and Jamie took many weekend bike trips with their friends visiting South Dakota, Wisconsin, and Colorado. Some of Jack’s best times were hanging out at the “shop” with his friends for hours talking about the good old trucking days! Jack always had a good story to tell, he not only told them, but added action.
Funeral services were held Saturday, March 29, at St. Peter Lutheran Church, Rockwell, with the Rev. Ron Bolinger and Pastor Ed Bard officiating. Interment was in the Pleasant Valley Cemetery, Swaledale, Iowa.
Memorials may be directed to the Jack Bonner Memorial Fund or Hospice of North Iowa.
Jack Douglas Bonner was born June 30, 1956, in Mason City, the son of Jim and Beverly (Watson) Bonner. He was baptized and confirmed in the St. Paul Lutheran Church, Thornton, Iowa. Jack graduated from Rockwell-Swaledale High School in 1974. After high school Jack went to work for his dad at Bonner Truck Line. Jack was united in marriage to Jamie Fink on Aug. 25, 1979. Jack was an owner/operator, and he was currently leased with LB Transport in Buffalo Center, Iowa. He traveled from coast to coast and to Canada, and Mexico and over the years Jack developed very strong friendships. He was a good friend to many.
Jack was an avid Harley rider, loved drag racing, semi-trucks, automobiles, and anything with power and speed got Jack going. He loved spending time with his family and friends. Jack and Jamie took many weekend bike trips with their friends visiting South Dakota, Wisconsin, and Colorado. Some of Jack’s best times were hanging out at the “shop” with his friends for hours talking about the good old trucking days! Jack always had a good story to tell, he not only told them, but added action.
Sheryl Peterson
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Sheryl J. Peterson, 72, of Clear Lake died Wednesday, March 26, 2008 at the Mercy Medical Center of North Iowa, Mason City, Iowa. Funeral services were held Monday, March 31, at United Methodist Church, Clear Lake, with the Rev. Diana Hoover officiating. Interment was at the Concord Cemetery, Garner, Iowa. Memorials may be made to the Sheryl J. Peterson Memorial Fund.
Sheryl was born Jan. 27, 1936, in Garner, the daughter of Franklin and Julia (Borchers) Bredlow. Sheryl graduated from Garner High School in 1953. She worked at Hancock County National Bank in Garner form 1953-1961, Wisconsin State Bank, Milwaukee, Wis. from 1961-1963 and then Community State Bank, Clear Lake 1963-1968.
Sheryl married Larry J. Peterson Oct. 23, 1965 at the Methodist Church in Garner. After her husband’s death in 1982 Sheryl returned to work for Community State Bank until 1997.
Sheryl was an avid basketball fan. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, playing board games, watching TV game shows and playing cards. She was a member of the Clear Lake United Methodist Church.
Sheryl is survived by two daughters, Angela (Pat) Culliton, Clear Lake, and Amy (Rick) McDaniel, Eagle Grove, Iowa; four grandchildren, Victoria Culliton, Shaila McDaniel, Jacob McDaniel and Andrew McDaniel; two sisters, Lorain Bredlow, Garner, and Marjorie Millard, Perry, Mo.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Larry in 1982; four brothers, Glen, Marvin, Loroy and Ronald Bredlow.
Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, was in charge of arrangements.
Sheryl was born Jan. 27, 1936, in Garner, the daughter of Franklin and Julia (Borchers) Bredlow. Sheryl graduated from Garner High School in 1953. She worked at Hancock County National Bank in Garner form 1953-1961, Wisconsin State Bank, Milwaukee, Wis. from 1961-1963 and then Community State Bank, Clear Lake 1963-1968.
Sheryl married Larry J. Peterson Oct. 23, 1965 at the Methodist Church in Garner. After her husband’s death in 1982 Sheryl returned to work for Community State Bank until 1997.
Sheryl was an avid basketball fan. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, playing board games, watching TV game shows and playing cards. She was a member of the Clear Lake United Methodist Church.
Sheryl is survived by two daughters, Angela (Pat) Culliton, Clear Lake, and Amy (Rick) McDaniel, Eagle Grove, Iowa; four grandchildren, Victoria Culliton, Shaila McDaniel, Jacob McDaniel and Andrew McDaniel; two sisters, Lorain Bredlow, Garner, and Marjorie Millard, Perry, Mo.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Larry in 1982; four brothers, Glen, Marvin, Loroy and Ronald Bredlow.
Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, was in charge of arrangements.