Hospitality And Leisure 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...

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...

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. ...

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...

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...

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. ...

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...

Former Congressman Bedell named chairman of Hubler's campaign (09/02/08)
COUNCIL BLUFFS -- Berkley Bedell, who served western Iowa in the U. S. House of Representatives for 12 years, will serve as General Chairman of the Hubler for Congress Committee, it was announced today by the Hubler campaign. Bedell, who founded Berkley and Company in Spirit Lake in 1945 after returning from World War II, will join Hubler on Wednesday on a six-city swing the campaign is calling the "Bringing Back Real Representation Tour." Hubler, the Democratic nominee for Congress in Iowa's 5th district, has used "Real Representation" as his campaign slogan.. ...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 8-02-08 (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...

PALS take part in Heritage Workshop (07/26/08)
Clay County PALS recently participated in a Heritage Workshop at Parker Museum designed to be an opportunity for hands-on learning of the art of baking bread and pies and to experience wash day with a wringer washer. Museum volunteers, Marilyn Meyer and Barb Chenhall shared their knowledge of bread baking with the attendees who mixed up bowls of bread dough and shaped it into a variety of rolls and loaves. While those baked it was time to move on to wash day with a wringer washer...

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...

Rare Boeing 40C crashed in Oregon in 1928 (07/26/08)
By Jim Camden Spokesman-Review staff writer When the big Boeing biplane lifts off from Felts Field this afternoon, its open cockpit and wood-paneled passenger cabin will carry the history of American aviation back into the skies. It will fly again after nearly 70 years on a mountainside, a few years in a horse trailer, and nine years in a hangar at Felts, where some 61 volunteers spent about 18,000 hours meticulously restoring it to life...

Spencer nets grant for Freeman Schoolhouse project (07/18/08)
The State Historical Society of Iowa (SHSI) announced Thursday it awarded 32 Historical Resource Development Program (HRDP) grants totaling $626,275 to 30 organizations and individuals across Iowa for historic preservation, museum and documentary collections projects...

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...

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. ...

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

Briefs 06-21 (06/21/08)
Farmer's Market Wednesdays and Saturdays The Spencer Area Farmer's 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. Mercy Me to headline northwest Iowa's RiseFest...

Iowa Lakes soccer coming to Spencer (06/07/08)
By Russ Mitchell Daily Reporter Staff "When" is only half the story for local soccer fans: Starting in the fall of 2009, Iowa Lakes Community College will field mens and womens soccer programs. "Where" is a first for the college. The Lakers will play their games at the Spencer Soccer Plex, which is along 10th Avenue East near the site of the current Spencer Middle School...

Stretching boundaries with Rubberbandance Group (06/06/08)
The acclaimed Rubber-bandance Group's hybrid style of dance -- which combines hip hop, break and ballet -- will grace various Spencer stages, as well as be highlighted during interactive workshops scheduled through Monday. The Montreal-based dance troupe's "Elastic Perspective" show, which will be performed Monday night in the old Spencer Middle School auditorium, will also mark the "final hurrah" of the four-year SPOT project's collaborative effort in Spencer...

Rock the Roof concert season to begin June 12 in Arnolds Park (06/05/08)
A salute to volunteers opens the 2008 Rock the Roof concert season in Arnolds Park on Thursday, June 12. For 10 consecutive Thursday nights, free concerts will be presented in the Roof Garden from 6-8:30 p.m. This family entertainment highlight of the summer is a gift from the Iowa RockNRoll Music Museum and its supporters to the public...

Briefs 6-4-08 (06/04/08)
All area women are invited to the "Let's Have Flowers" prayer connection at 10 a.m. today in the home of Bonnie Neisess, Treasure Village on Highway 86. It is a time of sharing and supporting each other with prayer and fellowship. Okoboji Women's Connection is a part of Stonecroft Ministries...

Living History Day to highlight Father's Day events at Parker (06/03/08)
Bring the family to Parker Museum from 1-4 p.m., on Father's Day, June 15 for an afternoon of family fun at Living History Day. The afternoon will feature displays and hands on activities about the Amazing Grain--Corn. Admission to the museum grounds will be $5 for adults and $3 for children 5-12 years, 4 and under are free or a family admission of $15...

Briefs 6-3-08 (06/03/08)
All area women are invited to the "Let's Have Flowers" prayer connection at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, June 4 in the home of Bonnie Neisess, Treasure Village on Highway 86. It is a time of sharing and supporting each other with prayer and fellowship. Okoboji Women's Connection is a part of Stonecroft Ministries...

Briefs 05-31 (05/31/08)
Final opportunity to register for fall football Two final opportunities to register for the MYFL Spencer Youth Football League will take place from 1-3 p.m. today at League Director Randy Cauthron's home, 207 35th Ave. W. These will be the last two opportunities to get equipment sized and register before jerseys are ordered and the league fee increases by $50. ...

Supervisors race features six candidates (05/31/08)
By Russ Mitchell Daily Reporter Staff Republicans have a choice on the ballot as the party tries to find two nominees for a pair of available seats on the Clay County Board of Supervisors. Incumbent Del Brockshus of Spencer is near the end of his fourth term. He has filed to run again...

Briefs 5-30-08 (05/30/08)
register for fall football Two final opportunities to register for the MYFL Spencer Youth Football League will take place tonight from 7-9 p.m. and Saturday from 1-3 p.m. at League Director Randy Cauthron's home, 207 35th Ave. W. These will be the last two opportunities to get equipment sized and register before jerseys are ordered and the league fee increases by $50. ...

Briefs 5-28-08 (05/28/08)
Iowa Great Lakes Lutheran School students will present their annual end-of--the-year musical titled "Livin' Inside Out in an Upside Down World," based on Psalm 51:6, at 7 p.m. tonight at Christ the King Lutheran Church, 500 Fourth Ave. S.W., Spencer...

Briefs 5-27-08 (05/27/08)
The Clay County Relay for Life "Out of the Blue" team is sponsoring a dog show. "Paws for the Cause" will be held at Oneota Park in Spencer from 2 - 4 p.m. on Sunday, June 8. Activities will include a costume pet parade, an agility competition, and a retrieving and obedience contest. Trophies and prizes will be awarded...

Briefs 5-23-08 (05/23/08)
The Avenue of Flags committee is in need of help. It takes a lot of work each year to prepare for Memorial Day. Before the display of flags can get put up, the over 1,200 pipes in the ground that the flags go into need to be found. The more helpers, the easier it is and the faster it goes for all...

Briefs 5-22-08 (05/22/08)
After 26 years of service to the Spencer Family YMCA Preschool, Marlis Kuiper is retiring from teaching. There will be a come and go coffee to honor her from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Friday in the commons area at the YMCA. The public is invited to come celebrate her retirement...

Chamber tops in beef eating (05/22/08)
The Spencer Chamber of Commerce team, made up of Chamber president Craig Wampler and Dan Heissel took top honors in the Clay County Cattlemen's Beef Eating Contest, held Tuesday at the Clay County Regional Events Center, in conjunction with the Business After Hours event hosted by the Cattlemen and Cabernet Catering. ...

Briefs 5-21-08 (05/21/08)
Okoboji Women's Connection will have a luncheon entitled "Purse Instance" at the Inn at Okoboji at 12:30 p.m., today. Cost for the event is $10. Gwen Clemon, of Soldier, will be speaking on miracles she has experienced within her family entitled "A Miracle and Nothing Less". Marcy Weiner will accompany the speaker and have a special feature with her handmade purses. Music will be provided by Jan Mills of Arnolds Park. All reservations are to be honored...

Council holds off on hospital-area project (05/20/08)
Members of the Spencer City Council voted to table action on a storm sewer and paving project near Spencer Hospital as part of its meeting Monday night. The recommendation to table the agenda item came from city officials, who wanted to give hospital leaders a chance to review the bids before they were accepted. The hospital has upgrades that cover about a third of the cost of the project...

Briefs 5-20-08 (05/20/08)
Okoboji Women's Connection will have a luncheon entitled "Purse Instance" at the Inn at Okoboji at 12:30 p.m., Wednesday, May 21. Cost for the event is $10. Gwen Clemon, of Soldier, will be speaking on miracles she has experienced within her family entitled "A Miracle and Nothing Less". Marcy Weiner will accompany the speaker and have a special feature with her handmade purses. Music will be provided by Jan Mills of Arnolds Park...

Annual Health Fair set for Thursday (05/17/08)
The Annual Health Fair, sponsored by the Spencer Area Activity Center and the RSVP Volunteer Program, will be Thursday, May 22, starting at 9 a.m. at Gateway North Center. People of all ages are invited to participate. A new addition to this year's Health Fair is the opportunity for participants to attend several workshops, including the following:...

Council to review budget at city meeting (05/17/08)
By Russ Mitchell Daily Reporter Staff Land transactions, a $1 million loan and a budget amendment are on the agenda when the Spencer City Council meets at 6:30 p.m. Monday in council chambers. State law requires that cities hold a public hearing to take action on amending the budget and City Manager Bob Fagen has asked for a change Monday night...

Gates at Arnolds Park open this weekend (05/15/08)
The gates of Arnolds Park Amusement Park will open at 11 a.m. this weekend, Saturday and Sunday, May 17-18 for the season. Enjoy the ups and downs of the famous Northwest Bank Legend roller coaster and the spectacular view from the Bank Midwest Ferris Wheel. New bumper cars are one of the many new features of the park, while the new addition of double go-karts complete the go-cart renovations at Arnolds Park Raceway...