Entertainment Industry

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...

Spencer artists' studios open (10/01/08)
The upcoming Artisans Road Trip provides a unique opportunity for the art-loving public to see working artists' studios that are located in Spencer. During the weekend of Oct. 4 and 5, 10 Spencer artists open their studios or develop expanded exhibitions to offer a wide variety of new work for viewing and for sale at this special yearly event...

Briefs 9-27-08 (09/29/08)
H & N Chevy, Asher Motor Company, Don Pierson Ford, and Motor Inn of Spencer will have new cars at the Southpark Mall in south Spencer through Sunday. Sept. 28. This is a great opportunity for the public to see the newest line of automobiles. --- Shaky Tree Coffee will be hosting a Saturday night concert featuring critically acclaimed singer/songwriter Mat d. ...

Briefs 9-26-08 (09/26/08)
"Artisans Road Trip: Before and After," currently on display at Arts on Grand, showcases over twenty-five of the regional artists involved in Artisans Road Trip 2008, which takes place on the weekend of Oct. 4--5. The artists reception for the exhibit will be at 5-6:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26, with a gallery talk at 5:30 p.m. The public is cordially invited to come and meet some of the artists for conversation and refreshments...

Morrison's works to be featured during ART (09/26/08)
Professional artists will welcome guests into their studios to discover and purchase quality original works during the fifth annual Artisans Road Trip (A.R.T.) on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 4 & 5, Saturday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday from12 p.m.-5 p.m. The free tour will include 42 Northwest Iowa Artists representing 8 counties...

People for Pets receives donation to purchase building (09/26/08)
People for Pets, a non-profit animal shelter and pet adoption center in Spencer, has received a $125,000 donation to purchase the building they had been renting. The donation was made by Steve Pearson and Lori Thomas of Spirit Lake. The donation was given in memory of Steve's sister, Maribeth Pearson, who loved all animals...

'Dewey' story debuts at No. 13 (09/26/08)
Boba Fagena. Sounds like a character from the Star Wars franchise. In actuality, it's the name of the Spencer City Manager in the Polish version of "Dewey: The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World." Other Spencer residents have "owi" attached to their names in the foreign version...

Prairie Fire Children's Theatre, LCT present "The Wizard of Oz" (09/25/08)
Join our Dickinson county children in a wonderful journey through the Magical Land of Oz, as they take the stage this weekend along with two professional actor/directors, Ben Ratkowski and ErinRose Sincevich, in Prairie Fire Children's Theatre's original musical production of "The Wizard of Oz"...

Briefs 9-25-08 (09/25/08)
Spencer Northwest Iowa Singles will meet at 7 p.m. tonight in the Southpark Mall Food Court for dinning and a short meeting. The club is open to singles 30 and above, widowed or divorced. Come and join us. n Call Tim at 260-0616 for more information...

Former Spencer resident publishes children's book (09/24/08)
Angela Tonderum, a former Spencer resident, has released her first book. PublishAmerica is releasing "Kaycee Kangaroo Lost in Alphabet Forest: Adventures of Kaycee Kangaroo" by Tonderum who now lives in Box Elder, S.D. This book was inspired by her middle child, Kaycee, and the childish mischief that she gets into. ...

Briefs 9-24-08 (09/24/08)
Iowa High School Speech Association Judges' Certification Meeting Here at Spencer High School. A judges' certification meeting of the Iowa High School Speech Association will be held at Spencer High School at 7 p.m. tonight in the Spencer High School little theatre and the adjoining room 120. Prospective judges attending this meeting will be certified to judge both Large Group Speech and Individual Speech for the Iowa High School Speech Association...

Displays sought for Festival of Trees (09/20/08)
Festive displays are being sought for the fifth annual Festival of Trees sponsored by the Spencer Regional Healthcare Foundation. The events will be held at the Clay County Regional Events Center Nov. 13-15 with a Festival Tour of Homes on Nov. 15. Businesses, individuals and non-profit organizations are welcome to create a display for the Festival. ...

Multi-faceted musician gives students sneak pear at concert (09/20/08)
Multi-instrumentalist Todd Green, scheduled to open the Spencer Area Concert Association's 2008--09 season with a 2:30 p.m., matinee performance Sunday, Sept. 21 at the Clay County Regional Events Center, arrived in town a bit early as part of a week-long residency that included performances for schoolchildren in the Spencer, Clay Central/Everly, Sioux Central and Ruthven-Ayrshire school districts. ...

Briefs 9-19-08 (09/19/08)
The Starlings duo will be live on stage at Shaky Tree Coffee at 8 p.m. tonight. It's rootsy music with a simple beauty. --- The Grand Slam Sportscard Show will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 20 at the Southpark Mall. Collectors and sports fans will enjoy the variety of sportscards and collectibles on display to buy, sell and trade...

AOG offers ART preview (09/19/08)
"Artisan Road Trip: Before & After" opened at Arts on Grand in Spencer on Sept. 18. The exhibit showcases over 25 of the Road Trip artists, including Karen Cooper's "Tea and a Book at the Unicorn," (above), who produce works in wood, clay, oils, watercolor, photography, pastels, glass, and metal. ...

Briefs 9-18-08 (09/18/08)
Spencer Public Library will host a book signing by Vicki Myron, author of "Dewey: The Small-town Library Cat Who Touched the World" tonight at the library. Vicki will speak at 7 p.m. and will sell and sign copies of her book afterward. Friends of the Library will provide refreshments and give away a copy of the book...

Elliott will showcase talents during ART (09/18/08)
Iowa artist Chad Elliott will be featured as one of the 40 artists opening their studios, workspaces or galleries as part of the 2008 Artisans Road Trip. Elliott will be hosting his art and music at Shaky Tree Coffee in Spencer during the event from 9 a.m.-5 fp.m., Saturday, Oct. 4 and 12-5 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 5...

Abben Cancer Center construction progresses (09/18/08)
Construction on an addition to Spencer Hospital's Abben Cancer Center continues to progress, but current work will require those receiving services at the center to modify their arrival a bit. "The project is right on schedule and we're excited as we move closer to completion; however, many times the progress of construction creates a little inconvenience," said Doug Doorn, Spencer Hospital president and CEO. ...

SHS Drama Department recognized for set design (09/18/08)
Spencer's Drama Department is the recipient of a fourth place honorable mention award in the National Set Builders Contest, sponsored by Sceno-Graphics Set Design Co. of New Wilmington, Pa. From the hundreds of entries in the contest, Spencer's entry was among the top 16 schools in the nation...

Briefs 9-17-08 (09/17/08)
Okoboji Women's Connection, a division of Stonecroft Ministries, will have a luncheon at the Inn at Okoboji at 12:30 p.m., today. Cost for the event is $10. Featured speaker is Dee Fero of Tonka Bay, Minn. An author of four books, who has lived in the British West Indies, published monthly devotionals and went back to work after flunking retirement...

Area student wins DARE poster contest (09/17/08)
Josie McCarty who attends Clay Central Everly School in Royal is shown holding her D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) poster which won the Most Creative Poster award at the Iowa D.A.R.E. conference in Decorah. this summer. Josie and her family live south of Royal. ...

Green to open concert season (09/17/08)
Multi-instrumentalist Todd Green will open the Spencer Area Concert Association's 2008--09 season with a 2:30 p.m., matinee performance on Sunday, Sept. 21, in the Grand Ballroom at the Clay County Regional Events Center. Note that the date, time, and place have been changed from those originally announced last spring due to a scheduling conflict...

CC-E to celebrate homecoming next week (09/17/08)
Teachers, administrators, volunteers and residents expect a fun, memorable and safe experience during Clay Central-Everly's 2008 homecoming celebrations, which will begin Monday, Sept. 22 and last through Friday, Sept. 26. School-sponsored activities during homecoming week include theme days in the school buildings, sports activities and the annual homecoming coronation at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 24 in Everly's old gymnasium...

Clay County Fair Museum celebrates fair's 90th year (09/12/08)
Ninety years ago, the Clay County Fair Association hosted the first Clay County Fair on the new fairgrounds located on Grove Street. While the CCFA was incorporated in 1917, it was too late in the year to construct buildings and present a high-quality exposition. By the following year, a grandstand, woman's building, speed barns and the east entrance gate had sprouted up where corn had once grown...

2008 Clay County Fair - Turner to light up stage with hit 'Firecracker' (09/12/08)
Josh Turner is one of the brightest young stars on the country music scene right now. His lyrics speak to people because they are about everyday occurrences and people relate to that. "The life that I live and the experiences that I have always affect what comes out of me creatively. I think that's what makes music real," said Turner...

Briefs 9-12-08 (09/12/08)
The Dickinson County Friends of CAASA are proud to present their Second Annual Sweet Escape on Saturday, Sept. 13 from 7-10 p.m. at the Pierson Lakes Art Center in Okoboji. Local dessert makers will be preparing succulent desserts that will be judged by attendees. Local artists will be offering special pieces for auction with, and area musicians win providing entertainment...

Carson to tout Obama-Biden ticket during Spencer stop (09/12/08)
A former congressman from Oklahoma is traveling through western Iowa Friday and Saturday to help Barack Obama. Brad Carson's schedule includes a 1:30 p.m. stop at the Clay County Fair on Saturday near the Clay County Democrats booth. He plans to to discuss Obama's plans to strengthen rural communities and support rural economic development...

ILCC students aid in data collection (09/11/08)
Fairgoers will be able to offer their opinions on just how good the Clay County Fair is when they complete a survey at the fair this year. Iowa Lakes Community College, the Clay County Fair and the Clay County Auditor's office will be cooperating for the 11th year in a row to survey fairgoers about their opinions...

Briefs 9-11-08 (09/11/08)
The Clay County Farm Service Agency will host USDA informational meeting at 1 p.m. on Thurs., Sept. 11, at Frederick's of Royal, located at 303 Main St. in Royal. The meeting will provide information on SURE (Supplemental Revenue Assistance Program), which was enacted as part of the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008 (2008 Farm Bill), to provide supplemental disaster assistance...

Iowa Lakes Corridor announces success attracting new residents (09/11/08)
One late night back in May, Aaron Schulz, former resident of Lakeville, Minn., sent an e-mail to Shaun Arneson, vice president with Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation inquiring about jobs here in the region. The next morning, his resume was sent to more than 70 employers. By the end of the day, Aaron had two job interviews scheduled...

Outlaws invade the Fair - Schatz wins second straight at 'The Fair' (09/11/08)
It seems Donny Schatz has taken a liking to the Clay County Fair Speedway. Although, at this point, racing fans would be hard pressed to find a 3/8-mile track Schatz doesn't like. The winner of last year's inaugural World of Outlaws race at the Clay County Fair Speedway made his second straight trip to victory lane Wednesay, overtaking pole sitter Kraig Kinser to win for the fifth time in 16 season races on 3/8-mile tracks...

2008 Clay County Fair - Overcast skies keep it cool most of the day (09/11/08)
Overcast skies kept temperatures on the fairgrounds unseasonably cool Wednesday. The wind blew all day, but the day went on as planned, with no moisture during daylight hours to spoil things. The forecast for Thursday isn't as promising, but the shows, events and activities will go on as planned. Contact the fairgrounds for information about the stock car races should the weather become an issue today...

80-year-old marks 50th consecutive year at fair (09/11/08)
The Clay County Fair has been "the destination of a lifetime" every year the last five decades for a New Richland, Minn., man and his wife. Paul Stennes, who marked his 80th birthday Wednesday, and Blossom Stennes, who will celebrate her 73rd birthday next Wednesday, are what you can call "diehard" Clay County Fair enthusiasts...

Sun continues to shine on crowds as fair reaches mid-point (09/10/08)
It was another amazing day at the Clay County Fair Tuesday as temperatures reached about 70 degrees, providing just the right amount of warmth for those traveling the busy walkways. Tuesdays attendance topped 19,000, bringing the four-day total to nearly 150,000 as the fair reaches its midway point today...

Riders raise funds for Shayla Bee Fund (09/10/08)
Riders will hit the road Saturday for a good cause as the Third Annual Clay County Fair Motorcycle Ride, Bike Show and Rodeo will be held to support the Shayla Bee Fund. Motorcycle riders and admirers will have an opportunity to see bikes of all styles, participate in a motorcycle rodeo and see a motorcycle parade through the Clay County Fairgrounds...

World of Outlaws returns to fair (09/10/08)
Spencer, IA -- After the largest crowd in the history of the Clay County Fair Speedway took in all of the action of the inaugural Advance Auto Parts World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series event at the track last season, the series will return to the 3/8-mile on Wednesday for a full night of racing...

Briefs 9-10-08 (09/10/08)
The Clay County Farm Service Agency will host USDA informational meeting at 1 p.m. on Thurs., Sept. 11 at Frederick's of Royal, located at 303 Main St. in Royal. The meeting will provide information on SURE (Supplemental Revenue Assistance Program), which was enacted as part of the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008 (2008 Farm Bill), to provide supplemental disaster assistance...

Third Day coming to Spencer (09/10/08)
Christian rock band Third Day will be making a stop at the Clay County Regional Events Center in Spencer on their Music Builds Tour on Saturday, Nov. 1. Special guests NeedToBreathe and Revive will open for Third Day. The three-hour show will start at 7 p.m., with doors opening at 6 p.m...

2008 Clay County Fair (09/09/08)

Briefs 9-09-08 (09/09/08)
The regular meeting of the Prairie Lakes Audubon Society will be at 7 p.m. tonight at the Spirit Lake Library. The program for the evening will be video/discussion of Jan Goodall's visit to Iowa Lakeside Lab in the fall of 2007. All are welcome to join us...

Mayer talks about life on tour during Spencer stop (09/09/08)
Remember all the free time "Nashville Star" finalist Shawn Mayer was going to have now that the show is over? Well, it isn't going to happen anytime soon for the 21-year-old from May City in Osceola County. Songwriting and the "Nashville Star" tour have been her focus since the NBC country music competition came to a conclusion a month ago. ...

Yearwood dedicates new grandstand stage (09/09/08)
She may not have been the first to perform on the new grandstand stage at the Clay County Fair, but she will be remembered as the first headlining act to break it in. Saturday night, Rockapella opened for country star Trisha Yearwood, so they actually got the first opportunity to take advantage of Spencer's newest state-of-art piece of equipment. ...

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...