Home Shows

Old classroom becomes new home (01/12/10)
Lois Beck is excited about her new home in a Spencer historical landmark. Eager to move Friday afternoon into her brand new apartment in the former Spencer Middle School building, she's already splurged on a new television set to accentuate the space's open floor plan. She's also purchased a Christmas tree, which she plans to proudly display in her dwelling's large set of windows next holiday season. Beck will formally claim the space as her own when her Candlewick and Copenhagen Christmas plates, and the cup and saucer collection started years ago by her mother-in-law are placed in her daughter's former classroom. Cheryl Hurst, Beck's daughter, taught English in the same room that has now been remodeled into her mother's apartment. ...

Canine improving lives through service (12/31/09)
More often than not, Katie is a welcome addition whenever she visits. In fact, the 3-year-old Golden Retriever owned by Jim and Judy Taylor, of Spencer, generally elicits welcoming cheers, smiles and extended hands wherever she goes. Over the last couple months, the therapy dog and her certified handlers have become regular visitors to the hospital, a local elementary school, the library and care centers throughout Spencer. ...

Steinkamp, Barnett taking the work out of gardening (12/22/09)
Tyler Steinkamp has enjoyed gardening and producing vegetables since second grade. Michael Barnett, who grew up with not a lot of conducive gardening space available, realized last summer while helping his friend pick produce from his yard that he also truly enjoyed the hobby. The two Spencer High School alumni, now South Dakota State University (SDSU) students, have co-partnered to form Personalized Produce LLC. The aim of their business venture is to allow Spencer residents the fruits (or vegetables) of their labor this upcoming growing season. ...

Hospice: 'There is help available' (11/14/09)
Ron Ricketts' cancer started in his lungs, but has metastasized to his brain and into his bones. He was told following a biopsy earlier this year, "There's nothing we can do to help, so you'd be better off just leaving it alone."

Rep. King wades into Limbaugh, Rams ownership (10/30/09)
U.S. Rep. Steve King used a Capitol Hill appearance by Roger Goodell to press the NFL Commissioner about conservative talk show host Rush Limbaugh, who was removed from a group trying to purchase the St. Louis Rams. Goodell was testifying before a House Judiciary Committee hearing Wednesday to examine the long-term effects of head injury among NFL players...

Halloween Comes Early (10/08/09)
Children ages 12 and under are encouraged to grab their Halloween costumes and candy bags for a special early night of trick or treating at Scharnberg Park from 6-8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10. Participants are encouraged to begin at the park's shelter house and make their way through the decorated campground, collecting treats and perhaps some treats from the guests. ...

Back Porch Vintage offering whimsical occasional sales (09/15/09)
Sisters Renae Rosenberg and Kay Rose purchased the quaint, yellow house with a porch entry last winter. "We knew it had a lot of potential with a great location close to downtown Grand Avenue in Spencer," Rosenberg said of their newly-opened business located at 9 E. Second St...

Terril home project taking shape (07/18/09)
A home repair and rebuilding ministry aimed at assisting lower-income Clay and Dickinson County families has officially taken off. The work currently being accomplished on a Terril home -- the first project house in need of major repairs approved by local Fuller Center for Housing (FCH) partner board members -- began occurring in May...

Pietschs to be featured at Sunday's airshow (06/13/09)
While a good portion of the Flagfest weekend activities fall on Saturday, the 26th annual Northwest Iowa Regional Airport Fly-in Breakfast and Airshow remain among the few events that help fill Sunday. This year, Kent and Warren Pietsch - pilots and operators of the Pietsch Airshow will be featured as they take to the air for their comedy act, dead stick act, aerobatic act and performing dual act...

Westview Memorial Park master plan approved (06/11/09)
A master plan was approved for Spencer's only arboretum-style park by Spencer Park Board members this week. The plan for Westview Memorial Park, which was presented by local landscape architect Matt Matthiesen and Karl Van Cura of Midwest Design Group in Sioux City, carried a detailed phasing of the enhancements it proposes, as well as a rough $899,046 cost estimate tied to their realization...

Fair's Floriculture Department taking reservations (05/29/09)
The Clay County Fair's Floriculture Department is in full bloom and preparing for the 2009 fair, Sept.12 -- 20. Reservations are now being taken for the Saturday Design and Exhibition Table classes and Wednesday Design classes during the fair. As in past years, the Floriculture Department will be continually changing throughout the length of the fair. Exhibits can be found on the north end of the Creative Living Center. The first weekend of the fair will showcase the Gladiolus, with entries being accepted that Saturday until 10:30 a.m. Roses, Arboreal, Annuals and Perennials will be entered beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday night and will be displayed through Wednesday. The Container-grown Plants, Open Class Artistic Arrangements and Collages will be accepted after 6 p.m. on Wednesday and will be displayed throughout Thursday and Friday. Dahlias will round-out the fair with entries being accepted at 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 19 and will be display until the end of the fair on Sunday. Entries for the design classes do not have to be grown by the exhibitor, but horticulture classes must be grown and entered by the same exhibitor. Although there are currently no specified youth classes, the department welcomes young people to enroll their projects into the open class categories. Beginner entrants or those not interested in making a floral design are encouraged to enter in the Artistic Crafts class. Lots in the class include decorated packages, a corsage or contrived flower ornaments. Exhibitors are welcome to enter their Artistic Crafts at the fair after 6 p.m. on Wednesday and no reservation is needed. The exhibits for this class must include a plant material. Judging will be continual throughout the fair, as the different classes are on display. Judges for the Clay County Fair are accredited by the National Federation of Garden Club, Inc. Exhibits will be on display in the Creative Living Center throughout the entire fair. Any questions regarding the Floriculture Department may be directed to Twila Henning at 262-1447 or Lola Campney at 262-7437. Premium books may be picked up at the Clay County Fair office or accessed online at www.claycountyfair.com. * For additional information visit www.claycountyfair.com or call 712-262-4740.

Ver Steeg turns over construction reins (04/25/09)
Ed Ver Steeg recently placed ownership of his construction company's assets in the apt hands of Mark and Cindi Hinton. Circumstances are what prompted the 36-year-old Spencer man, who'd spent the last nine years running his namesake, to let his friends assume responsibility of the charge he loved. Circumstances such as family, job loss, legal issues and perceived growth. Another determining factor was trust. All parties involved in the business transaction are confident their friends, as well as the area at large, will benefit from Ver Steeg Construction becoming Crown Inc.

Blue Collar Comedy Tour's Engvall headed to Fair's grandstand (04/25/09)
Comedic sensation, Bill Engvall, will appear in front of the Grandstands the first Saturday of the Clay County Fair, at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 12. Engvall, a Texas native, didn't originally aspire to be a comedy star. In fact, he worked as a disc jockey with plans of becoming a teacher. ...

Board commits $1.5 million for capital projects (04/07/09)
Spencer school board members committed $1.5 million in physical plant and equipment levy (PPEL), city and state sales tax revenues for 31 capital projects over fiscal year 2009, which ends June 30, and fiscal year 2010 Monday night. As Superintendent Greg Ebeling noted Spencer is one of a few districts in the state to have city sales tax revenues to draw funding from, he also indicated the district took out an approximately $2.4 million loan against this specific source of funding to pay for the Energy Service Group facility improvements it has undertaken districtwide over the last few years. ...

Property valuations can lead to questions (03/13/09)
While national statistics show otherwise, properties in Clay County and indeed throughout the state of Iowa have seen increases in value over the past two years. That contradiction could cause some extra headaches over this year for county officials charged with valuing your home or businesses for tax purposes. The public perception and the market realities can be very different...

There's room at the tables for comedy fans (03/12/09)
Keep your map. Chicago comedian Paul Kelly knows his way around Spencer, Iowa. He's also hoping audience members find their way back to the Clay County Regional Events Center on Friday night, when the Chicago Style StandUps make their return. Tickets are still available for the 8 p.m. ...

Cherish Center volunteers making a difference (02/24/09)
Volunteers are key to the success of any community program, and that includes the building of Cherish Center in north Milford. Pictured above are just some of the people from Dickinson, Clay, Emmet, and Osceola counties who have been volunteering to do the sheetrocking of the 7,500 square feet building which will house the offices of Cherish Center and Thee Garage Sale. ...

Chicago Style StandUps return to Spencer (02/19/09)
The boys are back in town. Four Chicago Style StandUp Comedians are returning to the Clay County Regional Events Center in Spencer on Friday, March 13, for an 8 p.m. show. "Chicago-style" comedy is a term created by the group and offers a unique, fresh approach to humor. ...

Aerobatics competition coming to Spencer (02/18/09)
An air show is fun. An aerobatics competition is seriousfun. The half-loops, rolls and spins are still in, but a panel of judges replaces the trails of smoke when the International Aerobatic Club (IAC) brings a sanctioned, major-regional event -- the Doug Yost Challenge -- to Spencer for the first time...

Board discusses park plan, grant application (02/12/09)
Spencer Park Board members contemplated the creation of a new master plan for Westview Memorial Park, agreed to apply for a SAFTEA-LU grant for trail enhancement work on the Spencer West Beltway project and were told about Grand Avenue enhancement project updates during a meeting held Tuesday night in city hall...

Northwest Iowa Home Show begins today (01/16/09)
The 6th Annual Northwest Iowa Home Show returns to the Clay County Regional Events Center tonight and will continue through the weekend. The free event offers a variety of exhibits and seminars showcasing the latest in home landscaping, building and remodeling products and services...

SCT reprises hit show 'Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story' (01/10/09)
Spencer Community Theatre has been invited to reprise the hit musical "Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story," as part of the Winter Dance Party festivities celebrating the life and music of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and the Big Bopper. "Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story" premiered at SCT in February 2008 to sold-out houses and an extended run. ...

Northwest Iowa Home Show set for Jan. 16-18 (12/23/08)
The 6th Annual Northwest Iowa Home Show returns to the Clay County Regional Events Center Jan. 16-18, 2009. Enjoy free admission and a variety of exhibits and seminars showcasing the latest in home landscaping, building and remodeling products and services...

Holiday dangers for your pets (12/06/08)
As fun as the holiday season is for people, it can be highly dangerous for pets if proper precautions are not taken. Each year during the holidays, thousands of pets are seriously injured or become very ill. With the hustle and bustle of activity with the planning, shopping, cooking, baking, rushing to parties and hosting get-togethers that four-legged friends often take a back seat to holiday fun...

Four days of holiday activities begin tonight (12/04/08)
Begin the holiday season by attending an Evening Gala Premier at Parker Museum, 300 E. Third St., from 4:30 - 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 4, where you're invited for a first look at 11 holiday-decorated rooms; and wrap up the weekend with the Festival of Choirs on Sunday afternoon at Sacred Heart Catholic Church...

Festival offers early dose of the Christmas spirit (11/18/08)
The fourth annual Festival of Trees sponsored by the Spencer Regional Healthcare Foundation provided the necessary holiday kick-off atmosphere for the large numbers of families who stopped by to enjoy the collection of decorated Christmas trees, bid on some auction items, and allow the children an opportunity to spend the morning with the Clauses and some local elves. ...

Festival of Trees continues through Saturday (11/13/08)
The fourth annual Festival of Trees sponsored by the Spencer Regional Healthcare Foundation will be held at the Clay County Regional Events Center through Saturday with the Festival's Tour of Homes on Nov. 15. his event provides enjoyable activities for people of all ages, including a "Festival Luncheon," Morning with Santa," "Holiday Tour of Homes" and, of course, opportunities to view many splendidly decorated trees as well as festive tables and holiday displays...

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...

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 8-13-08 (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. ...

Car enthusiasts showcase beauties (08/12/08)
The Old Iron Company's 30th Annual Micro-Mini Nationals celebration brought hundreds of drivers and passengers of classic, custom, street rods and muscle cars to Spencer and Arnolds Park this past weekend. Over 200 registrants from Iowa, Minnesota, Illinois, Wisconsin, Missouri, Kansas and Arizona arrived in Spencer Friday night for a kickoff party and car show, where this gray 1937 Chevrolet owned by John Vetter of Ames and this red 1957 Chevrolet owned by Jim and Paulette Tuton of Spencer were displayed. ...

The exit interviews: 'Star' finalists talk reality after the reality show (08/07/08)
By Russ Mitchell Daily Reporter Staff The course of their careers will go in different directions, but "Nashville Star" finalists Melissa Lawson, Gabe Garcia and Shawn Mayer faced the same question after confetti was swept from the floor of the Acuff Theater on Monday night:...

Briefs 7-30-08 (07/30/08)
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. --- It's a "Salad Luncheon Prayer Connection" at 12:30 p.m. today at the Arnold's Park City Hall in Arnold's Park. ...

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...

Comedy veteran Moulton returning to Spirit Lake (07/18/08)
Collin Moulton's loose conversational style and natural likeability makes his one of the funniest shows available, and Friday and Saturday, July 18-19, Moulton will headline four shows at the Funny Barn starting tonight. The Monterey, Calif. native brings new observations and ideas to every topic at a relentless pace. And just when you think it's "Adios," he whips out his guitar and hammers out some originals, like "Gay Gunfighter" and "Scared of the...

Airshow features high-flying talent (05/14/08)
Spencer Airshow Coord-inator for 2008, Gayle Brandt, announced the airshow entertainment line-up for the June 15 annual Flight Show and Flight Breakfast. This year's event, which helps conclude the community's Flagfest activities and also falls on Father's Day, will feature high flying performers Chandy Clanton in her Edge 540, Doug Rozendaal with the "Gunfighter" P51 Mustang, and Kyle Franklin in his "Mystery Ship" Waco...

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