Page 6 - Clear Lake Mirror Reporter E-Edition 12-30-2015
P. 6
Opinion Clear Lake Mirror-Reporter
Page 6 • Dec. 30, 2015
REMEMBER WHEN Longing For
A Little
25 Years Ago
December 1990 Silent Night
You might say Clear Lake leaders
were cloud watching Friday - look- By Guest Columnist Dorothy Rosby
ing for the silver lining on the heels
of a disappointing announcement Disclaimer: The views expressed who would settle for that. That song
that Pella Rolscreen would not locate in this column do not reflect those of should only be performed at elemen-
its next plant here, but instead will the staff and publishers of this news- tary school Christmas concerts where
locate in Shenandoah. According to paper and possibly no one else on the it’s still cute, even if it is a lie.
City Administrator Tom Lincoln, the planet either. “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa
city has nothing to hang their heads I love Christmas music. And I’m Claus” is another song that should
about and did a fine job of trying to sincerely grateful to those radio sta- only be sung by small children, and
persuade Pella to locate in Clear Lake. tions that play it all day, every day the Chipmunk song, “Christmas
He said they also offered some good from Thanksgiving until Christmas. Don’t Be Late,” should only be heard
incentives, which would have saved I sing along with all my favorites, by small children. That song makes
$954,123 in taxes over a 10-year pe- which I’m sure is as entertaining to me long for a little “Silent Night,”
riod if they had picked Clear Lake. the people next to me at stoplights as which, by the way, is one of my favor-
Quest Inc., a fledgling company it is annoying to those in the car with ites.
formed when Unisys announced the me. I’d never get my tree up and my And speaking of musical animals,
closing of its software division, has Christmas shopping done if it weren’t hearing dogs bark “Jingle Bells” is a
been awarded a $150,000 interest-free for music getting me into the spirit of once in a lifetime experience, by which
loan from the state. the season. And sometimes even that I mean, once in a lifetime is enough. I
Gives Construction, of Eagle doesn’t work. don’t know about chestnuts, but that’s
Grove, will have to pay the price for I love “O Holy Night,” “Away in one Christmas CD I wouldn’t mind
the late completion of construction a Manger,” and “Silver Bells.” Every roasting over an open fire.
on North Shore Drive the City Coun- time a snowflake falls, I burst into a That and “Grandma Got Run
cil voted. The company will be fined chorus of “It’s Beginning to Look a Over by a Reindeer.” It’s mean, it’s dis-
$200 per day for the 60 days it was Lot Like Christmas,” even if it falls respectful, and there’s no way it could
late in finishing the project. in April. I like “White Christmas” as have happened. Everyone knows rein
Ventura Mayor Robert Wolfram much as anyone, as long as I don’t
announced the winners in the Ventura have to shovel. And “Winter See ROSBY on page 7
lighting contest. First place winner
was Bill Wilson, 9 Crystal Heights Wonderland” is one of my fa-
Place; tied for second place were Ed vorites. You know it: “Later on
Buchanan and Ed Snopeck; third we’ll perspire, cuz it’s warm by
place went to John Overgaard, Carol the fire. Plus we’re afraid of the
Steinlicht and Ben Hall. plans that we’ve made, walking
Shannon Berge, son of Dr. Don- Blizzard, 1990 in a winter wonderland.”
ald and Nicky Berge and Kirk Sorbo, But there are a few Christ-
son of William and Cheryl Sorbo, These two boys were the only ones brave enough to head out following a snow storm in 1990. The storm blanketed mas songs that make me grate-
have been selected by the faculty and Clear Lake with 10” of snow. High winds accompanied the snow, which shut down the town for a few days. ful Christmas comes but once
administration of Clear Lake High
School to have their names placed in team gave Iowa Falls a one-two punch boys had to run nearly a mile in their Twelve inches of snow fell here a year, and “Santa Baby” is at
nomination for the National Honor that resulted in a seven-point victory, wet clothes before being intercepted last week. A crew of about 20 men the top of the list. Do you hear
Society Scholarship. 71-64. Matt Freeseman led the team by the police. were put to work clearing the snow. what I hear? (See how I did
A son, Jake Alexander, was born with 30-points, followed by Paul Eb- The Clear Lake wrestlers devas- There were also others working the that? I love that one.) The sing-
to Thomas and Carolyn Farmer, of eling with 13. tated Northwood, 43-5. Winning by side streets. er is flirting with Santa, who as
Clear Lake. Jake was born Nov. 24, Grocery specials at Easter’s Super pins were Paul Miller, Jack Anderson, far as I know, is a happily mar-
1990. He is their first child. Valu include: Fisher Mixed Nuts, Dave Henn, Dave Erickson, Gene ried man. And all she wants for
The Clear Lake High School 12 oz., $2.99; Vlasic Sweet Pickles, Baker, Denny Lincicum, Marty Da- 100 Years Ago Christmas is … a lot. Just a fur
wrestling team is enjoying a successful 16 oz., $1.49; Minute Maid Orange vidson and Duane Schlichting. December 1915 coat, a convertible, a yacht, a
and exciting season. Leading the way Juice, 64 oz., $1.69; Kemps Sour The Yardbirds are coming to The Palmeter Hardware Com- duplex, some checks, a ring,
for the Lions have been four grapplers Cream, 8 oz., 49¢; Dole head lettuce, the Surf Ballroom, along with James pany, the oldest hardware in town has decorations from Tiffany’s, and
who are still undefeated. The win- each, 69¢; Coke-Sprite, 12-12 oz. Bond and the Agents. This should sold to N.B. Carpenter and Frank E. the deed to a platinum mine.
ning wrestlers are Jason Salge, Chad cans, $1.79; Frito Lay Ruffles Potato be the greatest attraction in the Surf ’s Hill. The hardware, which has been All I want is to never hear her
Whitecotton, Shawn Zimmerman Chips, 15 oz., $1.79; Hormel Little history according to Manager Carroll operating in town since 1874, has dis- ask for it all again.
and Brandon Frampton. Sizzlers, 12 oz., 99¢. Anderson. posed of its stock. The organization The only wish list longer
A prank telephone call led to dates back nearly a half century. than hers is in “The Twelve
the cancellation of the Northwood- 50 Years Ago 75 Years Ago A well merited recommend has Days of Christmas.” I read
Kensett Invitational Wrestling Tour- December 1965 December 1940 come to Guy Thomas, who has for that it would cost $155,000 to
nament. The Clear Lake team was Three Clear Lake youths had a The Mason City and Clear Lake many-years been connected with the buy everything for that 12-day
slated to participate. An unidentified cold damper put on their iceboat- Railroad Co. have put up their equip- Clear Lake Creamery. He has been gift-giving rampage, and what
person called radio station KGLO and ing activities Sunday afternoon when ment along the east shore of the lake invited by Prof. Mortonson, of Ames, would they have to show for
said the event had been cancelled. By their two ice boats went through the preparatory for the ice harvest which to give a short course of instruction in Special birthdayit? A big, noisy mess. At least
the time school officials realized what ice in about 10 feet of water. Several will begin as soon as the ice is thick churning for 10 days.
had happened, it was too late. Wres- residents who live along the South enough. At present it is between 8 Two of the films of “The Birth of they can have the ladies danc-
tlers were already eating breakfast Shore saw the accident and immedi- and 10 inches thick. Guy Coyier is a Nation” were damaged so badly by ing and lords a-leaping shovel Natalie Poole had a very special 50th birth-
and would likely not have made their ately called the police. Despite their foreman of the harvest. fire Tuesday evening it was necessary out the aviary, because they’re day celebration in July with her sister, Valer-
weights. efforts the ice kept breaking off in An outstanding corn yield of 116 to send to Minneapolis for others. going to need one. ie Lafrenz. Natalie had always wanted to see
The Clear Lake boys basketball front of them as they tried to get out, bushes per acre has won the champi- Special attention is given to chil- “All I Want for Christmas New York City. The trip had been planned
one of the boys managed to roll onto onship for John Osnes who lives two dren’s hair bobbing at Miss Hendy’s. Is My Two Front Teeth” is a 10 years ago and it was a lifetime highlight
the ice and helped the others out. The miles south of Clear Lake. The German submarines have really short, but equally an- for the two to see it happen. -Submitted
thus far sunk about 500 vessels. noying Christmas wish song. photo
There’s not a child in America
We should do Amanda Ragan may be eligible for
all that we can to this need-based fi-
help more workers State Senator nancial aid, which
and their families covers up to half of
join Iowa’s middle the average tuition
class. 515-281-3371 or 641-424-0874 and fees for two
As 2015 comes amanda.ragan@legis.state.ia.us years.
to an end, Iowa con-
tinues its recovery A new report tells
from the national economic recession. us how the Legis-
We’re making steady progress, but continue to fight for education and lature’s $5 million investment in this
many Iowans are still out of work or training that prepares Iowans to fill grant program helped students during
unable to find the jobs they want. skilled jobs—those that are currently the 2014-15 school year. Among the
According to the Iowa Policy available and the ones we want to at- highlights:
Project, the state is short about 35,000 tract. We support investments in job •4,926 recipients were awarded
jobs needed to keep up with the pop- training, apprenticeships, high school all available funds.
ulation growth we’ve seen in recent completion, skills certification and •52 percent of recipients were 25
years. And when it comes to the jobs credentials that will put more Iowans years old or older, training for better-
that are available, many Iowans don’t on the path to good jobs. To strength- paying work.
have the skills needed to fill them. en Iowa’s economy, these opportuni- •About 49 percent of the funds
CNBC once again has put Iowa ties must be accessible to all who want assisted students studying nursing
in the top 10 states for doing business to improve their prospects. and allied health, an area of particular
this year for our low costs and qual- Skilled Workforce Shortage Tu- need with Iowa’s aging population.
ity of life, but they say our workforce ition Grants are making a better fu- In other job training news, Iowa
development is lacking. ture a reality for thousands of Iowans. has been hailed as a national leader in
That’s why Senate Democrats Iowa residents preparing for in-de- creating more job opportunities for
mand jobs at our community colleges
See RAGAN on page 7
Serving Clear Lake & Ventura Owner/Publisher...... Mike Finnegan The Clear Lake Reporter is a member of the “National
communities since 1869 Newspaper Association” & an award winning
mike@clreporter.com member of the “Iowa Newspaper Association.”
12 N. 4th St., Clear Lake, IA. 50428 • Ph. • 641-357-2131 • Fax • 641-357-2133 Editor.................. Marianne Morf Subscription Rates/Year Visit our home page at www.clreporter.com
marianne@clreporter.com
1 year Cerro Gordo County $59.00 (6 Mo. $35.00) The Clear Lake Reporter web-site
Kim Ritter Kathleen Thul Chris Barragy Michelle Watson Amy Palmer 1 year adjoining counties $68.00 (6 Mo. $42.00) includes up-to-date information:
1 year out-of-state $91.00 (6 Mo. $52.00)
kim@clreporter.com kathleen@clreporter.com Chris@clreporter.com michelle@clreporter.com amy@clreporter.com Single copy price $150 • News • Sports • Classifieds
To transfer a subscription out of state ....$500 Plus complete real estate listings found in the
• Sales • Production Manager • Photography • Opinion •Classifieds All subscriptions are Non-refundable.
• Graphic Design • Graphic Design • Agri.-Business • Billing • Clear Lake Home Buyers Guide
John Schmidt The Clear Lake Mirror Reporter is an official county newspaper (USPS 117-120).
• Distribution • Production • Sports • Circulation A legal newspaper prescribed by law, published weekly by Prefin Inc., 12 N. 4th Send us your suggestions,
• Social • Legals St., Clear Lake, Iowa 50428. Periodical Postage paid at the post office at Clear comments, or classified ads to:
• Home Buyers Guide Lake, Iowa 50428.
Contact us at office@clreporter.com POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Clear Lake Mirror Reporter 12 N. office@clreporter.com
4th St., Clear Lake, Iowa 50428 or phone (641) 357-2131.
