Educational Technologies

Microsoft settlement nets Iowa schools $60 million (01/08/10)

Public forum will focus on potential mental health service reductions (10/17/09)
Earlier this year, the Iowa Department of Human Services was directed by the Iowa Legislature to assist an appointed task force with an evaluation of the four state mental health institutions (MHI) at Cherokee, Clarinda, Independence and Mt. Pleasant...

Local comrades share service (10/13/09)
The mood was jovial among the local veterans who departed Spencer Monday afternoon in a van provided by H&N Chevrolet Buick of Spencer. After submitting applications and patiently awaiting responses from the trip's organizer, each of the seven World War II veterans knew their time had come...

'Creating Grand Opportunities' -- a communitywide strategic plan (10/09/09)
Tarrel Storey and Dan Heissel, co-chairs of the Spencer Vision Coordinating Committee, unveiled a 36-project plan designed to make Spencer a better place to "Live Work and Play." Building on a theme originating with the Iowa Great Lakes Corridor of Opportunity, a team of approximately 40 Spencer area residents worked together under the label, "Spencer Area Strategic Planning Team," dedicating four-plus hours a month for the past 12 months to come up the project bases designed to build on the assets that Spencer already offers.. ...

Spencer selected for CPR instructor training (07/24/09)
Until now, American Heart Association certified instructor Colette Rossiter would have to travel to Sioux City, Mason City or Fort Dodge to maintain her status as a CPR instructor. That changed with an announcement Thursday from Spencer Hospital. The local medical center recently contracted with the American Heart Association to operate as a Training Center. The program addition is considered a key component of the emergency cardiac care (ECC) training network...

Emergency grant announced for RR Donnelley workers (07/23/09)
U.S. Labor Secretary Hilda Solis used a central Iowa stop Wednesday to announce a $664,000 emergency grant for Spencer's displaced RR Donnelley workers. R. Scott Bigelow, the vice president of human resources at RR Donnelley, informed city leaders on Jan. 13 that the company planned to close its Spencer location. The decision left 160 employees out of work. Subsequent layoffs occurred throughout February and March 2009...

Besch to be hired as Spencer Director of School Improvement (06/04/09)
Barb Besch has been issued an employment offer from the Spencer school district to serve as its new director of school improvement. If Spencer school board members authorize her hiring this month, Besch will take over some of the duties currently held by Kathy Elliott, Spencer's assistant superintendent, and Julie Finnern, Spencer's PK-12 literacy specialist, on July 20...

Spencer board alerted to district's 3.9 percent solvency ratio (03/26/09)
Spencer school board members received a stern warning from a certified public accountant Tuesday regarding the district's current financial situation. After Bruce Frink of Clarion complimented Superintendent Greg Ebeling on his 2009-10 certified budget presentation, he questioned board members about the district's 3.9 percent solvency ratio as of June 30, 2008...

School board acts on contract terminations, adopts 2009-10 budget (03/25/09)
Spencer school board members adopted the $19.3 million certified 2009-10 budget presented to them Tuesday. It is based on a 4 percent allowable growth rate and sets the overarching statutory and taxing rate limits for next school year. With some board discussion about changing the Instructional Support Levy (ISL) state income surtax from the current 4 percent to a 5 percent surtax rate next year, specifically with David Schlichtemeier's concerns about making such a move, the board approved a 5 percent ISL rate.. ...

Spencer schools proposing to not change 2009-10 tax asking (03/11/09)
Spencer school board members have previewed preliminary budget numbers for next school year and scheduled a 5:30 p.m. public hearing on Tuesday, March 24 for residents to offer their feedback on the certified budget proposed for 2009-10. A second public hearing is set for the same time and date in regard to a budget amendment proposed for this year in the categories of instruction, total support services, non-instructional programs and total other expenditures...

New exhibits open at Parker Museum (03/07/09)
Parker Museum will be hosting an opening reception, from 1-4 p.m., Sunday, March 15 for two new exhibits: "Reliving the 1920s in Clay County" and "Photography by Art Bates" created by Assistant Director Holly Kellogg. The exhibits opened March 4 and will be in place through Nov. 30, 2009...

Leading by example (02/28/09)
Laying in a hospital bed with nothing to look at but the ceiling for two months would drive most men crazy. It took its toll on Broghan Hawley, too. Just ask him. Two weeks into basic training at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, Hawley slipped from the top of a 30-foot rope, burning his hands all the way down, and breaking bones in his left leg as he hit the ground. ...

Comin' at ya (02/27/09)
When Spencer's Southpark 7 Theatre General Manager Jarrad Black said the new Jonas Brothers concert event is going to be a real "in your face" experience, he wasn't kidding. The local theatre location is one of 10 in the Fridley Theatre chain to install the new Barco Digital Projection system featuring Real D technology. Friday's release of The Jonas Brothers Concert movie will be the first in a series of 3D films to hit the market this year using Real D...

Opera Iowa offers student, adult performances today (02/20/09)
Opera Iowa is in Spencer today, offering multiple performances for area students, during the day, then again at 7:30 p.m. tonight. The student performance of "A Dream Fulfilled" will begin at 10 a.m. The Opera Iowa participants will provide a clinic -- "What's My Aria" -- beginning at 1:40 p.m., for high school; and 1:46 p.m. and 2:29 p.m. - dealing with singers and vocal styles -- for the middle school students...

Uptick in local library usage tied to economic times (02/14/09)
Many libraries are reporting usage spikes for the last half of 2008. Call it a sign of the economic times. While Spencer Public Library Director Kay Larson reported to board members this week that the local statistics were neutral, maybe even a bit down over the last six months, she noted Spencer is starting to see what other libraries are...

ILCC to proceed with building projects (01/22/09)
The members of the Board of Trustees of Iowa Lakes Community College moved ahead on two building projects during their meeting Tuesday afternoon. The first project was an addition to the Wind Energy building on the Estherville campus. Bids on the 6,200 square foot facility were opened last Friday. ...

Abben adds new cancer fighting tool to arsenal (01/21/09)
Abben Cancer Center added recently a new tool to their compliment of equipment as it attempts to remain on the cutting edge of cancer treatment technology. Abben, of Spencer Hospital, demonstrated its commitment to provide state-of-the-art cancer treatment technology with the introduction of a new Varian Clinac iX linear accelerator for providing radiation therapy. ...

Residents to start tackling school budget cuts Monday (01/17/09)
The 25 "additional" budget packages being offered for consideration by community residents at 7 p.m. Monday night (See "2009-10 Spencer School Additional Budget Packages" on Page 2) total a potential $823,000 worth of staff positions and programs which could be trimmed from Spencer school district's 2009-10 budget...

Library seeking replacement for Walk (01/14/09)
Spencer Public Library Director Kay Larson, who was authorized to purchase a laptop computer for patron use recently, is currently fielding a "pretty good list of candidates" for the position formerly held by Mary Walk. Walk, who officially shelved her last children's book as the Spencer library's children's librarian on Dec. 31, 2008, was recognized for her 33 years of service at the library with a come-and-go coffee held the afternoon of Jan. 6...

Area AEA professional finds new technologies exciting (01/13/09)
Appleton honored with Herb Braselman Award The Herb Braselman Award, named for the late first president of the National Association of Media and Technology Centers (NAMTC) organization, is presented in recognition of exemplary service and leadership for regional media centers and for outstanding contributions to the field of educational media and technology...

Local company acquires spec building for expansion (12/17/08)
A long-time Spencer based company, Arnold Motor Supply, a part of The Arnold Group of Companies that include The Merrill Company, is expanding in Spencer. This week, the company acquired the 20,250 square foot spec building located at Technical Park South in west Spencer, from Spencer Industries Foundation (SIF)...

SMS condo agreement on Tuesday's board agenda (12/13/08)
The Spencer Community Schools Board of Education will convene its regular monthly meeting at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 16 in the board room of the central administrative offices, located at 23 E. Seventh St. Following a public hearing on Community Housing Initiatives (CHI) and a proposed condominium agreement relating to the old Spencer Middle School building, action is anticipated to be taken by the board...

Police urge caution as scams emerge (12/11/08)
Law enforcement agencies are becoming increasingly concerned about the number of older Iowans who may be misled by fraudulent phone calls about a relative in need. At least one area resident has been scammed by the phone call, according to the Spencer Police Department...

Groups resolve senior situation ... temporarily (12/10/08)
Several steps and financial agreements - with area board members approving each - will need to occur in order for area senior citizens who participate in activities hosted at the Spencer Area Activity Center (SAAC) to continue to have a central gathering site after Dec. ...

Old SMS building to host seniors (12/09/08)
In addition to agreeing to offer an early-retirement package to certified staff next year, Spencer school board members authorized moving forward with a "good-will effort" deemed "worth the investment." Before the board directed Superintendent Greg Ebeling to put specifications from Cannon Moss Brygger & Associates for a heating, ventilation and air conditioning system (HVAC) for the old Spencer Middle School (SMS) building's first floor out for bid Tuesday night, the superintendent informed them that City Manager Bob Fagen has been working hard behind the scenes to see that a partnership -- aimed at earmarking money for potential improvements, such as the implementation of a handicap-accessible restroom in the building -- is established between the school district, city, county and Clay County Community Foundation.. ...

Deer season opens Saturday (12/05/08)
Iowa's roadways and designated public areas are sure to become busier this Saturday as the first segment of shotgun deer season begins. The first season, which will continue through Wednesday, Dec. 10, will be followed by a second shotgun deer season scheduled from Dec. 13 through Dec. 21. While many more individuals have requested licenses than have been issued, an estimated 130,000 orange-vested hunters are expected to participate in the two seasons...

Holiday Family Adoption Program 7 (11/26/08)
The Holiday Family Adoption Program continues with a listing of families in The Daily Reporter. The Holiday Family Adoption Program, a Spencer-area holiday staple, allows generous area families, businesses and service groups to share in the holiday spirit and bounty...

Holiday Family Adoption Program 6 (11/22/08)
The Holiday Family Adoption Program continues with a listing of families in The Daily Reporter. The Holiday Family Adoption Program, a Spencer-area holiday staple, allows generous area families, businesses and service groups to share in the holiday spirit and bounty...

Holiday Family Adoption Program 5 (11/21/08)
The Holiday Family Adoption Program continues with a listing of families in The Daily Reporter. The Holiday Family Adoption Program, a Spencer-area holiday staple, allows generous area families, businesses and service groups to share in the holiday spirit and bounty...

Holiday Family Adoption Program 4 (11/20/08)
The Holiday Family Adoption Program continues with a listing of families in The Daily Reporter. The Holiday Family Adoption Program, a Spencer-area holiday staple, allows generous area families, businesses and service groups to share in the holiday spirit and bounty...

Holiday Family Adoption Program 2 (11/18/08)
The Holiday Family Adoption Program continues with a listing of families in The Daily Reporter. The Holiday Family Adoption Program, a Spencer-area holiday staple, allows generous area families, businesses and service groups to share in the holiday spirit and bounty...

SMS career piece focuses on personal pamphlets (11/12/08)
Vocabulary, literacy, creativity and computer skills are intertwining for Spencer Middle School seventh graders who are in the midst of writing and designing their own personal pamphlets for class. Anji Bennett, the art director of Standard Printing and Design of Spencer, spoke to students Tuesday about how layout can help make their pamphlets come to life for readers. ...

Students connect with 'Corridor' employers (11/12/08)
Over 40 high school students and parents attended the first-ever "Where Are the Welders?" Instructional Forum and Career Fair held at the Spencer High School Industrial Tech building in Spencer Monday night. The Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation hosted the Instructional Forum and Career Fair which provided students an opportunity to hear from welding instructors, employers and local manufacturers sharing their insight on the welding and fabrication industry. ...

Holiday Family Adoption Program begins today (11/12/08)
The Holiday Family Adoption Program kicks off today with the first listing of families in The Daily Reporter. The Holiday Family Adoption Program, a Spencer-area holiday staple, allows generous area families, businesses and service groups to share in the holiday spirit and bounty...

Spencer senior center representatives scrambling to answer: What's next? (11/07/08)
Representatives from the city of Spencer and the Spencer Area Activity Center (SAAC) brainstormed Thursday morning in an ongoing attempt to answer the looming question: What's next for the town's senior center? Last month, SAAC board members voted to close its doors on Dec. 31 if a feasible answer is not reached by then. Senior center board members have calculated the SAAC will have approximately $50,000 left in the center's money market account at that point...

Corridor working to join students, industry (11/04/08)
The Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation in collaboration with area high school Industrial Technology programs is working to connect students with local business and industry. A special event to expand on these efforts will be held on Monday, Nov. 10. "Where Are the Welders?" Instructional Forum and Career Fair will be held at the Spencer High School Industrial Tech building, from 6-9 p.m., free pizza and pop will be served. Students and parents are encouraged to attend...

Briefs 10-1-08 (10/01/08)
Join us at MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) from 9-11 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 2 at Hope Reformed Church in the Fellowship Hall. This year's theme "Adventure" will be featured at the meeting. Come find out what it is all about. There will be an abundance of fun and fellowship, with food and drinks provided by the Steering Committee. If you have any questions, please contact one of the MOPS co-coordinators, Cassie McCreary 240-0298 or Andrea Crew. Childcare is provided starting at 8:45 a.m...

Reminder:Property taxes due Sept. 30 (09/24/08)
Clay County Treasurer Sande Geidl would like to remind property owners that the first installment of property taxes is due Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2008. Property tax information may be obtained online at www.iowatreasurers.org or by calling the treasurer's office at (712) 262-2179. To avoid penalty on the first installment, payment must be received in the treasurer's office or postmarked by Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2008...

New school board members welcomed, former SMS first-floor study approved (09/24/08)
The past service of two one-term Spencer school board members was recognized as two new people took their positions around the board table Tuesday night. In the presentation of the Sept. 9 election abstract for the two at-large board director positions up for grabs, it was reported that Dean Mechler and Les Zobrist received 274 and 210 votes respectively. ...

Green Plains announces grand opening ceremony (09/19/08)
Green Plains Renewable Energy, Inc. will host a grand opening celebration at its ethanol plant in Superior on Saturday, Sept. 20. The festivities will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and include food and refreshments, courtesy of local livestock producers...

ILCC wind tech students may transfer to UI under agreement (09/19/08)
The University of Iowa College of Engineering and Iowa Lakes Community College of Estherville, Iowa, have signed an agreement that will allow some Iowa Lakes students to transfer to either the UI Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering or the UI Department of Mechanical Engineering, effective fall semester 2009...

LaBounty picked for community development program (09/18/08)
Doug LaBounty, president of Community Housing Initiatives, Inc., in Spencer, has been selected to participate in the Neighbor-Works Achieving Excellence in Community Development program at Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government. LaBounty is one of 47 leaders selected for this Achieving Excellence class -- a prestigious and highly selective training program offered by NeighborWorks America through the Kennedy School of Government...

Briefs 9-05-08 (09/05/08)
Fair booster tickets will be sold individually for $5 each, a savings of $2 from the regular daytime gate admission price for adults. Individuals and businesses may take advantage of the savings by purchasing tickets from a fair booster ticket location or a fair booster representative prior to 5 p.m. ...

Briefs 9-04-08 (09/04/08)
Arts on Grand will host an "open mic" event at 7 p.m. tonight. This is an excellent opportunity for local artists to share their talents in a casual, supportive environment. Interested musicians, poets, or anyone else who would like to take part may sign up in advance at Arts on Grand or just show up that evening...

Ambassadors cut ribbon at Anytime Fitness (08/28/08)
The Spencer Ambassadors met with local site manager, Greg Spies, at the new location of Anytime Fitness, at 218 11th St. SW in Spencer. The 24-hour fitness gym offers memberships beginning at $39.99. There are 1,200 Anytime Fitness facilities nationwide, including Spencer as a trio of sites owned by Jason Whitey and Bria Yang. ...

Payne escapes prison time in conviction (08/27/08)
Despite an emotional appeal from the victim and her mother in court Monday, Kyle Dean Payne will serve no prison sentence for his conviction on three crimes related to an incident in which he partially stripped an unconscious fellow Buena Vista University student, photographed himself fondling her body, and later installed the images and video on his computer...

Spencer student interns for Grassley in Washington (08/26/08)
WASHINGTON --Cale Kassel, son of Julie and Paul Kassel of Spencer, has just finished spending six weeks in Washington, D.C. working as an intern in Senator Chuck Grassley's office. Kassel is a 2007 Iowa State graduate and is currently a student at the University Of Iowa Carver College Of Medicine...

AREA SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATES PROFILED - CC/E candidate answers questions (08/26/08)
One position with the Clay Central/Everly school board is up for grabs in the upcoming Sept. 9 election. Clay Central/Everly candidate Brad Phelps, of 209 S. Washington in Everly, is featured today. The one-term board member has filed nomination papers for another one-year term for the District 2 seat he currently holds...

Democrats rally local troops on eve of national convention (08/26/08)
Clay County Democrats gathered at the Oneota Park shelter house Sunday evening for their annual fundraising steak fry. The meeting, coming just a day after Barack Obama named Sen. Joe Biden as his vice presidential running mate via a much hyped text message to supporters, had County chairman Bob Whittenburg's stressing organization to his fellow Democrats...

Board to commit financially to SMS auditorium design study (08/23/08)
The Spencer Community Schools Board of Education will convene its monthly meeting at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 26 in the board room of the central administrative offices, located at 23 E. Seventh St. Approval of consent items, including minutes from the July 24 and Aug. 13 board meetings, bills, student open enrollment applications, and personnel recommendations will be sought...

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