Health Care Facility Operation

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...

SHS German: Broadening student, classroom horizons over the ICN (09/27/08)
By Kris Todd Daily Reporter Staff When Spencer school board members slashed approximately $1.1 million from the 2008-09 school year budget, they introduced a new manner of instruction for Spencer students. The long-distance alternative has been received very well, in turn, by Spencer High School (SHS) students and staff alike...

Hospital to offer wellness screenings (09/27/08)
Spencer Hospital Community Health Services will offer comprehensive wellness screenings to the public from 6-8 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 7 in the lower level of the hospital. The fee for the screening is $65. Screening includes a laboratory blood screen for diabetes, anemia, immunity, heart, liver and kidney function tests; body composition analysis, blood pressure; pulse check and for women a heel bone mineral density screening for $65. ...

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...

3rd Annual Buddy Walk Sunday (09/23/08)
The Northwest Iowa Down Syndrome Society will host its Third Annual Buddy Walk Sunday, Sept. 28 at Call State Park, located just south of Algona off of Hwy 169. Registration and silent auction begins at 1:30 p.m. with the Buddy Walk starting at 2:30 p.m...

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. ...

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. ...

Mayor proclaims Family Day (09/17/08)
Spencer Mayor Reynold Peterson was on hand to proclaim Monday, Sept. 22, as Family Day. The occasion was created to encourage families to have dinner with their children on the fourth Monday of each September. Positively Spencer Youth members Wes Simpson, Josie Hough, Amy Simpson and Pat McGee were on hand to emphasize the correlation between frequent family dinners and reduced risk for teen substance abuse...

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...

Swiss educator returns to Spencer (09/12/08)
A former German teacher visited with Spencer High School (SHS) students this week, minimizing the distance between northwest Iowa and Switzerland. Michele (Keller) Rogger, a former flight attendant and teacher, is a stay-at-home mother today to her 4-year-old son and 2-year-old daughter. ...

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...

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. ...

Memory Walk 2008: Step up to the challenge (09/04/08)
While the 2008 Iowa Lakes Memory Walk is fast approaching, there's still time to put your best foot forward and get involved -- whether by yourself or as part of a team. Memory Walk, coming Sunday, Sept. 21 to Spencer's East Leach Park, is the largest nationwide fundraising event that benefits research and support programs for individuals and families fighting Alzheimer's disease -- over 2,000 older adults in Clay, Dickinson, Emmet, Palo Alto and Buena Vista counties. ...

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. ...

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...

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...

Obama sketches promise of America (08/29/08)
DENVER -- Barack Obama cast his presidential nomination as proof that no dreams are too high, savoring a historic moment for himself and the nation Thursday before setting out on a difficult struggle to break another barrier for a black American. Obama's success in obtaining the Democratic nomination was indeed a remarkable achievement, reached despite the misgivings of some Americans uncomfortable with electing the son of an African immigrant -- not "the typical pedigree," as he put it...

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. ...

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...

City leaders break ground on golf course upgrade (08/26/08)
The current clubhouse at the Spencer Municipal Golf Course gets a little damp and a little crowded at times. Monday morning's golden shovels were the first step in doing something about that. City and golf course officials came out for the groundbreaking to launch a $290,800 clubhouse construction in south Spencer. It's the first major expansion at the site since the course was expanded from nine holes to 18 holes for the 2001 season...

'Safe Routes to School' study underway (08/22/08)
Public reaction to recommendations to occur Sept. 17-18

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...

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...

Council approves breed-less animal ordinance (08/19/08)
After lengthy discussions at two previous city council sessions, followed by a meeting with Dr. Tom Beall of Homestead Small Animal Practice, Monday night the Spencer City Council passed the final filing of an amended amendment dealing with unrestrained vicious animals in public...

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...

BAS raises almost $1,000 (08/15/08)
Dave Woodcock, with The Farmers Bank; Michelle Frideres, with Cardio Plus; and Tim Bruzek, with Hy-Vee Food Stores combined with other area sponsors to help raise just under $1,000 with the BAS (Bike Around Spencer) ride recently. Several bike riders joined in on the event, helping to raise money for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation...

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...

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...

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...

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. ...

Briefs 8-12-08 (08/12/08)
Losing a loved one is indescribable to someone who has not felt the loss of death. Hospice of Northwest Iowa's professional team understands the tragedy of losing a loved one and they identify with the difficult decisions and emotions that the person left behind faces. To help people cope with the death of a loved one, Hospice of Northwest Iowa is offering an 8-week Understanding Grief Support Group. The group will meet each Wednesday evening through Sept. 24 from 6:30-8 p.m...

Spencer nurse gives from heart during Haiti mission trip (08/09/08)
Donna Hartmann visited Haiti for one week and returned a changed person. The Spencer woman who'd always dreamed of taking part in a mission trip deemed the May 17 - 25 trek she made along with 10 other Midwesterners a "life-changing" experience. Hartmann's visit to the city of Jeremie and several of its 104 surrounding villages, was through Avera, which has sponsored biannual mission trips to the West Indies country since 2002. ...

Veteran's clinic celebrates successful first year (08/08/08)
By Caroline Rusk Special to the Daily Reporter In its first 12 months of operation, Spirit Lake's Community-Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) treated 2,184 veterans from northwest Iowa and southwest Minnesota -- exceeding the expected 1,500 veterans in the clinic's initial year...

Kardell sisters donate to Locks of Love (08/06/08)
Sisters Liz and Gabby Kardell both donated to Locks of Love, a non-profit organization that provides hairpieces to financially-disadvantaged children suffering from long-term medical hair loss, Tuesday afternoon. The pair, who mark Bruce and Gwen Kardell of Spencer's eldest and youngest of five children, trusted Sam Madison of Design Masters to shear them as their mother, grandmother Shirley Wheeler and friend Jake Kluver watched...

Briefs 8-06-08 (08/06/08)
Losing a loved one is indescribable to someone who has not felt the loss of death. Hospice of Northwest Iowa's professional team understands the tragedy of losing a loved one and they identify with the difficult decisions and emotions that the person left behind faces. To help people cope with the death of a loved one, Hospice of Northwest Iowa is offering an 8-week Understanding Grief Support Group. The group will meet each Wednesday evening through Sept. 24 from 6:30-8 p.m...

Briefs 8-05-08 (08/05/08)
The Spencer Area Farmers Market will be held every Wednesday and Saturday, from 7:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., in the Southpark Mall parking lot. Come see the homegrown, fresh produce for sale. --- Sacred Heart School Registration Registration for all Sacred Heart Elementary School pre-kindergarten through sixth grade students will be held from 12-6 p.m. today, in the school library...

Briefs 8-02-08 (08/04/08)
The American Legion Hall in north Spencer will be hosting an omelet breakfast from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 3. Enjoy omelets, homemade cinnamon rolls, coffee, juice and milk. Open to the public. Free will offering. --- The Spencer Area Farmers Market will be held every Wednesday and Saturday, from 7:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., in the Southpark Mall parking lot. Come see the homegrown, fresh produce for sale...

Briefs 7-29-08 (07/29/08)
The American Red Cross Blood Drive will be held at Hope Reformed Church, 919 N. Grand Ave. on Tuesday, July 29 from 11-5 p.m. Ice cream sundaes will be served and all who come to donate can register to win one of two $25 gas cards to be given away each day...

PSY among 24 community programs to receive federal drug free funds (07/26/08)
By Randy M. Cauthron Managing Editor Senator Chuck Grassley announced Thursday that the Office of National Drug Control Policy has awarded $2,208,689 in Drug Free Communities Support Program continuation grants to 24 Iowa communities. Among those communities, Spencer's Positively Spencer Youth group was awarded the top funding amount of $100,000...

Briefs 7-25-08 (07/25/08)
The Spencer Family YMCA will be hosting its annual carnival today at the YMCA. It is open to all Spencer kids in kindergarten through sixth grades only. All playground parks will be closed that day and will meet at the YMCA. Also, any child in Kids Kamp or childcare at the YMCA will be able to attend. Kids can purchase tickets at the YMCA or through any park counselor...

Advocates push for revamped drug penalties in Iowa (07/16/08)
DES MOINES (AP) -- Some Iowa lawmakers and legal advocates say state drug laws that include methamphetamine and crack cocaine penalties need to be revamped. A legislative study committee agreed Wednesday to take steps that could lead to a major revision to the state's drug laws. Some say the laws are unfair or racially biased...

Trustees learn about fire facility (07/16/08)
The Board of Trustees of Iowa Lakes Community College held their monthly meeting Tuesday in Emmetsburg and learned about the recently completed Regional Emergency Response Training Center. Steve Dobbins, Fire, EMS and Health programmer, thanked the advisory committee on this project by offering their insight into the needs of area emergency services personnel...

No-smoking policy to affect Spencer parks (07/11/08)
Spencer Park Board members discussed the statewide no-smoking policy which went into effect July 1, and how they perceive it affecting the town's park and recreation system during their Thursday night meeting. While they agreed to sign department vehicles and park buildings first, Spencer Park and Recreation Director Delray Bredehoeft recommended they "ease into it and see what happens."...

Celebrate and remember cancer survivors at the 5th annual Relay for Life (07/10/08)
When a doctor mentions "cancer" the world seems to come to an abrupt halt. Cancer, the second leading cause of death in this country, affects individuals at all ages and has no remorse. On July 12-13, the fifth annual Dickinson County Relay for Life will join cancer survivors with supporters and community members at the Okoboji High School Track. ...

Spencer Hospital now offering 'Freedom from Smoking' sessions (07/10/08)
If you've ever considered breaking the tobacco habit, new Iowa laws may provide that incentive and Spencer Hospital's Freedom From Smoking course may provide the mechanism to accomplish your goals. Spencer Hospital is offering the Freedom from Smoking course, a seven-week long tobacco cessation program which has been proven effective by the American Lung Association. ...

Representative daycare (07/10/08)
State Rep. Mike May (R-Spirit Lake) accepted the invitation of local childcare provider Judy Elliott to attend her special deep sea daycare event at her home which also doubles as Elliott's Home Family Child Care. May, with the assistance of Elliott (above), had the opportunity to sit down and be involved in a sing-a-long with the children present, sharing a story accompanied by music about the creatures in the water. ...

Council moves ahead with sewer surcharge (07/09/08)
Calling it, "the fairest way to do this," City Manager Bob Fagen, watched as Spencer's seven city councilman approved the second filing of an amendment which will create a proposed $5 Combined Sewer Initiative Surcharge to the city of Spencer wastewater customers...

Spencer Hospital offers wellness screenings (07/08/08)
Summer is filled with celebrations and class reunions! If your last health check-up was your high school athletic physical, then now is the time to know your health numbers. Spencer Hospital Community Health Services will offer comprehensive wellness screenings to the public from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, July 15 in the lower level of the hospital. The fee for the screening is $65...

Longtime Clay County Attorney passes away (07/01/08)