1936

90 years ago

Eighth day of baking heat

Mercury in Webster City hit 100 degrees at noon today

The eighth consecutive day of searing heat in Webster City fortunately has failed to claim the lives, directly or indirectly of any persons in this vicinity although the death toll in the state has risen to 25.

]After three days wherein the mercury failed to go over the 99 degrees, Webster City today seemed well on its way for the hottest day thus far this summer. At noon today, the mercury officially reached 100 degrees and it was getting hotter every hour.

No rainfall

Scattered clouds yesterday raised hopes that there would be some rainfall in the city and vicinity by nightfall, but the clouds refused to release much needed moisture. Again today the skies were partly clouded but residents have given up hope that rain will fall anytime during the day.

1946/80 years ago

City accepts requests for vets’ housing

Applications on file tomorrow morning in three offices

Applications for 24 emergency housing units to be constructed here on the old Bonebright lots will be accepted at offices of the city manager, Chamber of Commerce and city clerk starting at 9 a.m tomorrow.

Veterans who may have listed their names for housing with city or chamber authorities at some earlier date must re-apply for the government quarters C.C. McCarthy, city manager, emphasized.

The first shipment of the barracks in sections being trucked here from Concordia Kansas was expected today, but has not yet arrived this afternoon, according to Carl Ainslie, local representative of the contractor, Ainslie and his crews expect to start assembling the buildings immediately upon arrival. A date for occupancy has not been established.

1986/40 years ago

Sergeant Roe honored for volunteer work

Jack Roe, a sergeant with the Webster City Police department was awarded a certificate of recognition earlier this summer by Gov. Terry Branstad during ceremonies honoring the state’s volunteers. Roe has volunteered his time teaching a snowmobile safety course for the Iowa Conservation Commission.

1991/35 years ago

County Speedway plays host to big night of racing action

While Des Moines is getting ready for the Greater Des Moines Ruan Grand Prix, Hamilton County is gearing up for its own version of the “big race”.

The third race In the United Midwest Promoters (U.M.P.) Summer nationals series will make a stop at Hamilton County Speedway tonight.

Over 60 late models will take part in the feature race, which boasts a top prize of $5,000. The night’s racing will have $26,000 in overall purses available.

The Speedway has been the site of some top-caliber racing, but this is the first time the local oval has been chosen to host a race of this magnitude, said local racing pro­moter Howard Mellinger.

“The race has been advertised (all over the country),” he said “We are going to have the best drivers from 24 different states Basically, it’s the best racing you can get. ”

The race will bring together several of the top drivers in the country. The field includes two-time world champions Freddy Smith, Scott Bloomquist and Bill Moyer, Jack Boggs, who won the second leg of the series Monday in Farley, Iowa; local favorite Curt Martin of Independence, la; Terry Phillips of Springfield, Mo , Mike Duvall, The Flintstone Flyer,”, Steve Kosiski and Joe Kosiski, both of Omaha, Neb.

Hot laps will begin at 6:45 p.m., followed by racing at 7:30 p. m.

2001/25 years ago

Cultural group receives support

More than $600 was raised at a recent ice cream social held to benefit the newly formed All Cultures Equal (ACE) group. The event was sponsored by Faith United Methodist Church and First Congregational United Church of Christ. The check was presented by Donna Ryherd to ACE board members: Bob Johanns, Moun Thongsouk, Tan Kakleck and President Doug Bailey.

WC looks to protect 2-mile zoning limit

Nearing completion on the city’s revised comprehensive plan, Webster City Planning and Zoning Commission members spent time during Monday evening’s meeting finalizing the narrative on the future land use and existing land use maps, with particular attention given to the two mile area around the corporate limits. They also discussed their strategy for zoning.

Two major goals for future development noted were to coordinate the activity of the city with that of the county’s concerning zoning, and to channel growth into designated areas, corridors, rather than allow “salt shaker” or scattered approach.