Entertainment

New stage dedication to take place during Yearwood concert (09/06/08)
Sure, the performers are going to draw the focus most nights at the 2008 Clay County Fair. But the stage under their feet is worth some attention this year. It's new, it's bigger and it will bring the fair's favorite acts closer to the seats than they've ever been...

ISU Extension Connections at the Clay County Fair (09/05/08)
The public is invited to make an ISU Extension Connection during the 2008 Clay County Fair, Sept. 6-14. Visit the Ag Learning Center (Stub's Stable Building) just west of the small animal barn and connect with ISU Extension staff from northwest Iowa. ISU Extension Field Specialist and County Directors will be on hand to share information, answer questions, and visit with you about what ISU Extension can do for you...

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. ...

Tailgate raises funds for Tailtwisters (09/05/08)
Clark Cunningham, with Community State Bank of Spencer shakes hands with Dana Anderson, president of the Spencer Tailtwisters organization following a very successful tailgate party Friday night prior to the Spencer High School football team's home opener. The feed grossed approximately $1,250 for the club. Community State Bank picked up all the costs associated with the event, allowing all of the profit to be collected by the club...

Fair Treasure Hunt ready to roll (09/05/08)
Clay County fairgoers will have an opportunity to find out just how much they know about agricultural exhibits at the fair, and also have a chance to win great prizes with the second annual "Clay County Fair Ag Treasure Hunt." Visitors will have a chance to pick up a treasure hunt form from any of the fair information centers on the grounds. ...

Publisher interviewed for CBS Sunday Morning 'Dewey' segment (09/05/08)
Daily Reporter Publisher Paula Buenger is interviewed by CBS Sunday Morning's Martha Teichner for a segment that will air later in September regarding the impact of Dewey Readmore Books on the city of Spencer. The piece is tied to the release of former Spencer librarian Vicki Myron's novel, "Dewey: The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World." Myron will be signing copies of the book during the Clay County Fair...

Bogenrief to design ICCC sculpture (09/05/08)
When the doors to a new facility on the Iowa Central Community College campus open next July, work from local artists will be featured in it. Jesse Bogenrief of Bogenrief Studios in Spencer has been commissioned to complete an indoor sculpture for the Bio-Science Health Science Center on the Fort Dodge campus...

BatschStein Salsa to add zest to fair (09/04/08)
Iowa's "fine home-made" BatschStein Salsa is now a limited liability corporation. Company founders Ethan Batschelet, 18, and Tyler Steinkamp, 20, began making their Clay County-based concoction when they amassed an extra-bountiful harvest of vegetables in 2006. Today's fine-tuned BatschStein Salsa recipe comes in mild, medium, hot and "super nova" varieties. The duo estimate they've prepared 600 pint jars of salsa between this spring and late summer...

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...

Calling all bakers and canners (09/04/08)
Area bakers are encouraged to enter their favorite items at the Clay County Fair. In addition to two open class contests, there are 16 special contests to enter also. All the details and dates are available in the Creative Culinary Premium Book that is available online at www.claycountyfair.com under the agriculture tab. ...

'Nashville Star' finalist plans fair stop (09/04/08)
"Nashville Star" finalist Shawn Mayer is getting a chance to come home -- with the help of the Clay County Fair and local radio stations KICD, CD107.7 and Lite 104.9. Mayer is from May City in rural Osceola County and finished third in NBC's country music competition series this summer. Barring any travel snafus, Mayer will sign autographs from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday at the KICD Courtyard stage on the fairgrounds...

4-H non-livestock projects displayed at the State Fair (09/03/08)
The following Clay County 4-H members had non-livestock projects selected to represent the county at the Iowa State Fair. The exhibits were judged in Des Moines and exhibited throughout the run of the event. They will also be on display at the 4-H Exhibit Building at the Clay County Fairgrounds during the Clay County Fair...

Briefs 9-03-08 (09/03/08)
The Spencer Area Farmers Market will be held every Wednesday and Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to noon in the Southpark Mall parking lot. Come see the homegrown, fresh produce for sale. --- Losing a loved one is indescribable to someone who has not felt the loss of death. ...

Ag Equipment Parades showcase best of farm machinery at fair (09/03/08)
Agricultural Equipment Parades will line the fairgrounds for three days during the 2008 Clay County Fair. The parades will be featured on the first Saturday and Sunday of the fair, September 6 and 7, and the last Friday, September 12. All parades will begin at 11 a.m. and entries will be announced in the KICD Courtyard...

Parkersburg tornado survivors to attend Clay County Fair (09/03/08)
It will be easy to spot the 50 people from Parkersburg who attend this Saturday's opening day of the 2008 Clay County Fair. They'll be wearing this black accessory. Paul Daniels, who has managed the U.S. Cellular stores in Spencer and Storm Lake since October, thinks the busload of tornado survivors Spencer resident Ted Cate is lining up to attend the celebrated annual event are in need of the getaway. ...

ISU Extension Connections at the Clay County Fair (09/02/08)
The public is invited to make an ISU Extension Connection during the 2008 Clay County Fair, Sept. 6-14. Visit the Ag Learning Center (Stub's Stable Building) just west of the small animal barn and connect with ISU Extension staff from northwest Iowa. ISU Extension Field Specialist and County Directors will be on hand to share information, answer questions, and visit with you about what ISU Extension can do for you...

Briefs 9-29-08 (09/02/08)
The Spencer Area Visually Impaired/Blind Self-Help Group will hold its monthly meeting at 1:30 p.m. today in the Round Room of the Spencer Public Library. Individuals of all ages with vision loss are invited to attend. Families and friends are welcome also...

Concert Association season tickets go on sale (09/02/08)
Season tickets for the Spencer Area Concert Association will go on sale Sept. 6 at Arts on Grand and at the Art Barn at the Clay County Fair. The 2008--09 season will be the biggest ever, with eight concerts in Spencer. Along with their season tickets, subscribers will receive an order form for tickets to the Vienna Boys Choir concert on Valentine's Day 2009. Tickets for the Vienna Boys Choir concert will go on sale to the general public on Nov. 1...

CCF2008 COUNTDOWN: 5 days to fair! (09/02/08)
Ahh, the life of showbiz! Always "Hamming It Up." You might say these performers are known for "Hogging The Spotlight". But for good reason. Introducing the world's foremost trained pig show, The Pork Chop Revue. The most amazing stunts and tricks performed by the biggest and most talented pigs you've ever seen...

OCM to host event at Clay County Fair (08/29/08)
LINCOLN, Neb. -- The Organization for Competitive Markets (OCM) is sponsoring a major event to raise awareness about concentration of market power in the seed industry and the impacts on rural Iowa. The event, "Taking It Back: Bringing Fairness and Competition Back to the Seed Industry for Our Farmers," will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 11, in the 4H building at the Clay County fairgrounds in Spencer...

Briefs 8-29-08 (08/29/08)
A retirement coffee for Elmer Williams, city of Spencer street superintendent, will take place from 2-4 p.m. today in council chambers at City Hall. --- The Photography Department will be accepting entries from 12-7 p.m. today and from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 30. The photography department is now located just east of the Pork Producers Chop Shop and directly south of the outdoor horse arena. Pre-registration is encouraged...

Briefs 8-28-08 (08/28/08)
Music will return to the gallery at Arts on Grand tonight after a brief hiatus due to Mainstreet Market. This week's music will be provided by popular local entertainers Jerry Roberts and Dennis Wienke. They will perform a variety of traditional music, country music, and rock-and-roll oldies beginning at 7 p.m. A $5 donation is requested, with all proceeds going to the musicians...

'Up to the Down Staircase' announced as SHS fall production (08/28/08)
"Up the Down Staircase" has been announced as the Spencer High School Drama Department's fall production, according to Larry Untiet, theater director. In 1964, "Up the Down Staircase" by Bel Kaufman first appeared on the shelves of book stores across the nation as a best-selling novel, with millions of copies going into the hands of American people...

Briefs 8-27-08 (08/27/08)
Music will return to the gallery at Arts on Grand this Thursday after a brief hiatus due to Mainstreet Market. This week's music will be provided by popular local entertainers Jerry Roberts and Dennis Wienke. They will perform a variety of traditional music, country music, and rock-and-roll oldies beginning at 7 p.m. A $5 donation is requested, with all proceeds going to the musicians...

National Anthem tryouts for Corbin Bleu concert (08/27/08)
Friday, Sept. 12, National Anthem tryouts for area high school students will be held in the 4-H Auditorium during the Clay County Fair. The winner of the competition will perform the National Anthem before the Corbin Bleu and Drew Seeley concert on Saturday, Sept. 13 at 7:30 p.m...

Briefs 8-26-08 (08/26/08)
Music will return to the gallery at Arts on Grand this Thursday after a brief hiatus due to Mainstreet Market. This week's music will be provided by popular local entertainers Jerry Roberts and Dennis Wienke. They will perform a variety of traditional music, country music, and rock-and-roll oldies beginning at 7 p.m. A $5 donation is requested, with all proceeds going to the musicians...

Biden no stranger to Spencer Democrats (08/26/08)
U.S. Sen. Joe Biden of Delaware hoped for the top spot on the ticket less than a year ago when he stopped at the Clay County Fair. Friday he was selected as presumptive nominee Barack Obama's running mate. Democrats hope Biden's expertise in foreign policy and his blue-collar appeal will be a draw for voters in the Nov. 4 general election...

Ambassadors visit Eagles Club (08/21/08)
The Spencer Ambassadors paid a visit to Eagles Club Manager Ted Jafvert who continues to complete the remodeling efforts at the Eagles Club on the corner of First Avenue East and East Fifth Street. When Jafvert started at the Eagles Club, it had just over 80 members; about now, with the remodel underway and the state law reducing the smoking inside the building, the private club has increased its membership to just under 250 members. ...

Hessman honored by the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame (08/21/08)
Dave Hessman, former Clay County Extension Education Director, was inducted into the 2008 Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame during a ceremony at the 4-H Exhibits Building at the Iowa State Fair on Aug. 17. Eighty-two Iowa counties have participated this year and selected inductees for their outstanding service and dedication to 4-H...

Briefs 8-20-08 (08/20/08)
The Iowa Great Lakes Region Antique Automobile Club will be on display through Sunday, Aug. 24 at the Southpark Mall in south Spencer. Car enthusiasts and history buffs will enjoy this display. On Aug. 24 The Hands of Harmony Swinging Seniors will be entertaining us at 2:30 p.m. Come enjoy the display and entertainment...

Creative Culinary welcomes new contests (08/20/08)
Area culinary masters will be put to the challenge when they participate in new canned goods and oven products contests at the 2008 Clay County Fair. The new contests are sure to please fairgoers and competitors alike. Marking the first of seven new contests is the "Busy Women's Casseroles Contest". ...

Area's Pettits are 'Hall of Fame' singers (08/20/08)
The children of Claude and Marie Pettit of Emmetsburg have been referred to as "The Pettit Family," "The Kids Next Door," "The Singing Pettits," and "The Petites" over the past 50 years. While all seven sang at one time or another, the five primary singing siblings will be recognized for their state and national successes next weekend in Arnolds Park as they're inducted into the 2008 class of the Iowa Rock 'n' Roll Music Association's Hall of Fame...

Briefs 8-19-08 (08/19/08)
The Iowa Great Lakes Region Antique Automobile Club will be on display through Sunday, Aug. 24 at the Southpark Mall in south Spencer. Car enthusiasts and history buffs will enjoy this display. On Aug. 24 The Hands of Harmony Swinging Seniors will be entertaining us at 2:30 p.m. Come enjoy the display and entertainment...

Films for the Cinematically Disadvantaged moves outdoors (08/19/08)
Arts on Grand and Carey's Electronics, cosponsors of the popular foreign film series Films for the Cinematically Disadvantaged, will be offering movie lovers a unique film experience as they take their film series "to the park" this Friday, August 22. This series will be offering an outdoor film showing at Westview Memorial Park, also known as the Flower Park, located in the 900 block of West 9th Street, just west of Johnson School in Spencer...

Going to the extreme (08/19/08)
During Saturday's preliminary adult street run competition at Extreme Am V in Spencer East Leach Skate Park, Nick Curry demonstrated not only his skateboarding talent, but his juggling talent as well. Performing a manual across the flatland at the skate park, balancing on a pair of boards, Curry began juggling three pieces of curb candy. ...

New staff to greet CC/E students Aug. 20 (08/16/08)
By Kris Todd Daily Reporter Staff When the bell marking the start of the 2008-09 school year rings on the morning of Wednesday, Aug. 20, Clay Central/Everly students will be greeted in their respective buildings and classrooms by a handful of new staff members...

Local competitors 'fair' well (08/16/08)
Several Clay County residents participated in judged events at the Iowa State Fair. Here are some of the local results: Breeding Beef Dustin Biedenfeld, Peterson, Limousine, Purple- Reserve Champion and Blue; Jenna Biedenfeld, Peterson, Limousin, Purple;...

Station navigates tricky equipment upgrade (08/16/08)
By Russ Mitchell Daily Reporter Staff The forecast Friday morning called for a crane and some heavy lifting at radio station KICD. A construction crew from Midstates Builders of Spencer helped the station install a new Doppler radar dome in north Spencer. The snow globe-shaped cap has the station's call letters on it and should be more durable in the elements...

The Starlings set to play Shaky Tree (08/15/08)
As part of a six month national tour promoting their new album, "Marveling the While," which debuted at No. 8 on the Euro-Americana charts in April, The Starlings will perform at The Shaky Tree on Friday, Sept. 20. The Starlings have captured the ears of fans both in the Northwest and beyond. ...

Briefs 8-15-08 (08/15/08)
The YMCA Summer Dance Party for students entering seventh and eighth grade will be held on the Spencer YMCA Tennis Courts with a live DJ from 8-10 p.m., tonight . Refreshments will be for sale. Admissions is $3 for members and $5 for non-members. A dress code will be enforced. YMCA membership cards are required to receive discount. If there is severe weather, the dance will be held inside the YMCA...

Briefs 8-14-08 (08/14/08)
St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Hartley, is sponsoring a community-wide benefit for the family of Jan Hall to help defray medical bills incurred during Jan's battle with illness. The free-will dinner and auction will be held at the Hartley Community Center today. ...

Living History Farms sells plot to developer (08/14/08)
DES MOINES (AP) -- Living History Farms has sold 40 acres of its land to create an endowment that would help finance the museum's operations. Polk County Recorder records show the sale was finalized at the end of July to S&S Heritage Park LLC, which paid nearly $7.2 million for the property...

Hansel to lead YMCA dance program (08/14/08)
Jennifer (Gabhart) Hansel has signed on as the new dance instructor at the Spencer Family YMCA. Jennifer grew up in Spencer, graduated from SHS in 2002 and took dance at the YMCA since the inception of the program. Jennifer attended Hope College and majored in Psychology, where she also took dance classes in modern, tap and jazz. ...

'People's Choice Salsa Contest' to tempt fairgoers taste buds (08/14/08)
A new and inventive competition, the "People's Choice Salsa Contest", comes to the 2008 Clay County Fair. The contest will be on Saturday, Sept. 13 and is part of the Creative Culinary division which includes competitive categories in canned goods and oven products...

SMS auditorium talks underway (08/14/08)
As Spencer school board members, Friends of the Auditorium representatives and a Sioux City architect met Wednesday morning to broach the topic of what will be done with the auditorium area of the old Spencer Middle School at 104 E. Fourth St., they negotiated costs and responsibilities, and, in the end, reconnected as potential partners in restoring the "gem" to its original historic state and making it a better-functioning facility...

McCain has invite to Clay County Fair (08/14/08)
State Rep. Mike May, a Spirit Lake Republican, said he has been in contact with the John McCain campaign and hopes the likely Republican nominee will include Spencer's biggest event in a post-convention victory tour. The 2008 Republican National Convention will take place Sept. 1-4 in Minneapolis. The 2008 edition of the Clay County Fair is Sept. 6-14. Along with timing, crowd numbers can't hurt the odds of a Spencer visit -- the fair drew more than 319,000 visitors in 2007...

Milford woman wins Iowa Lottery promotion (08/13/08)
DES MOINES -- A northwest Iowa woman drove away from the Iowa State Fair in a new, 2008 four-wheel drive Chevy Tahoe Hybrid�, the grand-prize in the Iowa Lottery's "Set of Wheels" promotion. Nancy Fear of Milford was selected as the grand-prize winner in the promotion drawing Thursday on the Susan Knapp Amphitheater stage at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. Fear said she was excited to share the news with her adult children...

Briefs 8-13-08 (08/13/08)
St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Hartley, is sponsoring a community-wide benefit for the family of Jan Hall to help defray medical bills incurred during Jan's battle with illness. The free-will dinner and auction will be held at the Hartley Community Center on Thursday, Aug. ...

Monsanto Mobile Technology Unit stops in Spencer (08/13/08)
Monsanto's unique Mobile Technology Unit made a stop in Spencer and will remain in town through today as part of its tour through the United States, showcasing innovations in plant breeding and biotechnology to support farmer success. The new 53-foot-long traveling unit, (top right) with 1,000 square feet of exhibit space, will remain in place just west of the Clay County Regional Events Center in the parking lot through today, extending tour offers to groups throughout Clay County. ...

Agency issues call for fair workers (08/13/08)
Iowa Workforce Development is renewing its annual call for workers during the nine days of the Clay County Fair. People who want to work at the Sept. 6-14 event may sign up now at the Iowa Workforce Development office, 217 West Fifth St., Spencer, either in person or by calling 712-262-1971 ext. 123. Hours for the sign up are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday...