Given the economic challenges of the times, its probably not surprising that the number of families requesting help this holiday season has risen.
    It’s also not surprising that the community is responding so strongly.
    The Clear Lake Mirror-Reporter kicked off its Giving Tree program Monday, Dec. 1. More than 230 ornaments  featuring the Christmas wishes of Clear Lake and Ventura youngsters were hung on the Giving Tree at the Mirror-Reporter office, 12 N. 4th St.  The number, which may still rise, is the highest in the 19 year history of the program.
    Through Clear Lake and Ventura Schools, parents were invited to sign up for assistance.  Although toys are always welcomed and appreciated, the Giving Tree program focuses on meeting clothing and food needs for children and families.  Based upon information by parents,  ornaments are created for each child or family in need.  All information is kept in strict confidence.  
    More than 115 ornaments were selected from the tree Monday by local residents and groups wanting to help.  The ornaments identify the gender of the child, along with their clothing size.  New clothing or toys may be purchased by those selecting the gift ornaments from the tree.
    Ornaments for those families requesting help in purchasing food for the holidays state how many members are in their family.  Non-perishable food items, or food gift certificates, may be purchased by those selecting food ornaments from the tree.
    Wrapped gifts, with the Giving Tree ornament firmly attached, must be returned to the Reporter office by Friday, Dec. 12.  Families will be contacted when gifts are complete.

    The Clear Lake City Council gave its approval Monday to a request from a local employer to extend the timetable of its development agreement with the city and state.
    In November  2005, the City approved the submission of a grant application to the Iowa Department of Economic Development’s (IDED) Economic Development Set-Aside (EDSA) program on behalf of Orange Tree Employment Services.  The grant, in the form of a forgivable loan, was based upon the company’s intent to locate in Clear Lake and create 59 new jobs here over a three-year period.  The request to IDED was in the amount of $125,000, which would be forgiven based upon the company meeting its performance standards. The City also received $8,000 for grant administration services.     The EDSA grant between the Company and IDED expired at the end of November, 2008.  
    Orange Tree Managing Partner Craig Vinje told the Council Orange Tree has created approximately 32 new jobs.  It is anticipated that, over the next 12 months, the company will be adding additional jobs to the Clear Lake facility.  The company provides pre-employment and drug screenings for businesses.
    Vinje noted that the nationwide economic downturn has impacted Orange Tree, but he is confident the company can “close the gap” and reach its employment number goals.

    Elida Morse, of Clear Lake, is pictured accepting $50 in Clear Lake Chamber Bucks from Mike Finnegan, owner/publisher of the Clear Lake Mirror-Reporter.  Morse won the $50 in the first of four weekly drawings the Mirror-Reporter is holding.  The $50 prizes are part of a holiday subscription campaign going on right now at the Mirror-Reporter.-Reporter photo.

    Eighteen-year-old Tyler Scott Monson, of Clear Lake, has been charged by the Clear Lake Police Department with Criminal Mischief and Trespassing in connection with vandalism to a billboard sign owned by Lamar Outdoor Advertising of Cedar Rapids.
    The billboard sign is located on South 24th Street in Clear Lake.
    The charges against Monson allege that on or about May 17, 2008  Monson spray painted graffiti on a billboard owned by Lamar Outdoor Advertising causing $640 in damages.
    The charge of Criminal Mischief in the third degree is an aggravated misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail or two years in prison and up to $6,250 in fines. The second charge of Trespassing is a serious misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and $1,875 in fines.
    According to Police Chief Greg Peterson, graffiti has resulted in thousands of dollars in damages to the residents of Clear Lake when their buildings and other property are spray painted.
    “Graffiti also costs the residents of Clear Lake when public property becomes the target for ‘taggers’.  Tagging is a property crime that costs innocent people time and money; no different than say a theft. We will vigorously investigate the crime of graffiti in Clear Lake and we will prosecute those responsible to the fullest extent of the law,” said the Chief.

    The Clear Lake City Council found itself deadlocked in a 2-2 vote Monday night in
response to a request from Central Gardens of North Iowa to contribute funds for additional work on the garden perimeter.
    In updating the Council on progress at the gardens, Board members asked the city to provide funding which would help to finish the southwest corner of the gardens with a curved masonry wall, terrace and fountain.
    The Board noted that in 2004 the City Council approved spending an amount “not to exceed $230,000” for installation of brick pavers, fencing and ornamental lights around the gardens.  That work was done at a cost of approximately $210,000.  Now, the group is seeking the remaining $20,000 for additional work.
    However, Council members were reluctant to approve more spending on the project.  
    Councilman Terry Unsworth said he felt the request by the Central Gardens board extended beyond the scope of the original resolution and he was not in favor of continued spending under the resolution.
    “I recall originally this project was not going to impact the taxpayers in a major way.  Obviously, the City of Clear Lake partnered with you to a pretty good extent.  I’m not so much in favor of kicking in again now,” said Councilman Mike Callanan.
    Both men, while expressing their support of the project, voted against more spending at this time by the city.  
    Councilmen Ben Furleigh and Shane Cooney supported the request for more funding.
    “I feel a sense of obligation to see it through.  I like the way it is going,” said Furleigh, adding that he would like to see the Board give the Council quarterly updates.  Shane Cooney also said he hopes to work with the group.