Legislative Process

Bailout passes Senate, House foes soften (10/02/08)
WASHINGTON -- After one spectacular failure, the $700 billion financial industry bailout found a second life Wednesday, winning lopsided passage in the Senate and gaining ground in the House, where Republicans opposition softened. Senators loaded the economic rescue bill with tax breaks and other sweeteners before passing it by a wide margin, 74-25, a month before the presidential and congressional elections...

Authorities find meth lab in old schoolhouse (10/01/08)
The toxic residue from a methamphetamine lab required emergency response from Clay County officials Sunday afternoon. A property owner discovered the possible meth lab in an abandoned schoolhouse in the southwest corner of Lake Center, which is just west of Trumbull Lake in far northeast Clay County. Deputies with the Clay County Sheriff's Office are still trying to find who is behind the cooking operation...

Obama, McCain argue over taxes, federal spending (09/27/08)
OXFORD, Miss. -- Barack Obama accused presidential rival John McCain of supporting Bush administration policies that produced the current economic crisis Friday night in their first debate of the campaign for the White House. Both men readily agreed Congress must act soon to prevent millions of Americans from losing their jobs and homes...

Harkin calls for close look at bailout plan (09/27/08)
U.S. Sen. Tom Harkin on Thursday cautioned Congress against being "stampeded" into a massive bailout of the nation's financial system. His concerns came as an Iowa legislative leader said he was worried that a severe economic downturn could hurt a state budget already under pressure...

King to appear before Rotary (09/27/08)
U.S. Repre-sentative Steve King, representing Iowa's Fifth District in the United States Congress, will be in Spencer for a 12 p.m. meeting with the Spencer Rotary Club and other service organizations at the Clay County Regional Events Center. Among the topics that King will be discussing, the $700 billion bailout legislation...

Bailout deal stalls as GOP lawmakers revolt (09/26/08)
WASHINGTON -- A Repub-lican revolt stalled urgent efforts to lash together a national economic rescue plan Thursday, a chaotic turnaround on a day that had seemed headed for a success that President Bush, both political parties and their presidential candidates could celebrate at an extraordinary White House meeting...

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...

Spencer showcased in 'Great Places' presentation (09/23/08)
From strolls downtown to evenings of theatre, more than 200 Spencer residents wanted to show the Iowa Great Places Citizen Advisory Board what they have to offer. City leaders did that Monday afternoon at the SCT Playhouse. If their hour-long presentation was successful, Spencer could receive a state "Great Places" grant of $250,000-$500,000. The city would disperse the money to about six different projects...

Spencer council to discuss use of city's railroad spur (09/13/08)
By Randy M. Cauthron Managing Editor When the Spencer City Council comes together for its first meeting of September, at 6:30 p.m., Monday, Sept. 15 at city hall, a full agenda will greet it. The city staff has been working with an existing company to explore the possibility of utilizing the city's railroad spur that would allow it to expand its services. One of the challenges to accommodate it request allowing them to utilize the spur could potentially reclassify the spur as a short line...

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...

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...

Candidate for Congress makes fair stop (09/10/08)
Congress "doesn't look at the problems, they don't answer the problems," according to Rob Hubler, the Democratic nominee who will challenge U.S. Rep. Steve King for the 5th District seat serving western Iowa in Congress. Hubler made his remarks Tuesday morning during a visit to the Clay County Democrats booth on the Clay County Fairgrounds...

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.. ...

Lawson: No impact on Spencer cameras (09/02/08)
DES MOINES (AP) -- The Iowa Supreme Court, in a split ruling on Friday, upheld the city of Davenport's use of traffic cameras to catch speeders and drivers who run red lights. The ruling involved the case of a man who challenged the city's ordinance, which authorized the use of cameras and sensors to catch motorists who violate traffic laws...

Sept. 9 election marks return of paper (08/30/08)
By Kris Todd Daily Reporter Staff When Clay County voters walk into their respective polling sites on election day, they'll register to vote the same way they have in the past. But the Sept. 9 school board election and the Nov. 4 general election will differ from recent years past in that voters will then be handed a paper ballot to vote on. ...

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...

Dems choose Obama in thunderous acclamation (08/28/08)
DENVER -- Barack Obama swept to the Democratic presidential nomination Wednesday night, a transforming triumph that made him the first black American to lead a major party into the fall campaign for the White House. Thousands of national convention delegates stood and cheered as they made history...

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...

Democrats rally local troops on eve of national convention (08/26/08)
Clay County Democrats gathered at the Oneota Park shelter house Sunday evening for their annual fundraising steak fry. The meeting, coming just a day after Barack Obama named Sen. Joe Biden as his vice presidential running mate via a much hyped text message to supporters, had County chairman Bob Whittenburg's stressing organization to his fellow Democrats...

Official: Obama picks Biden for veep (08/23/08)

Steak Fry Fundraiser (08/23/08)
A candidate for Congress and one of the leaders in the Iowa Senate highlight the annual steak fry fundraiser Sunday for Clay County Democrats. Social hour begins at 5 p.m. at the Oneota Park Shelter in the first block of 10th Avenue East in Spencer. The public is invited to attend, but asked to RSVP Sylvia Schoer at 262-5237...

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...

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...

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. ...

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...

Harkin 'dismayed' by McCain's Paris Hilton ad (08/08/08)
By Russ Mitchell Daily Reporter Staff Large infrastructure projects and energy cost concerns were part of the discussion as U.S. Sen. Tom Harkin held a "Moving Iowa Forward" caf� stop Thursday morning at the Family Table Restaurant in Spencer. Along with local concerns, he also talked about national politics as the national nominating conventions approach for the major parties...

Will rural public safety be pinched by FCC action? (08/07/08)
By Kris Todd Daily Reporter Staff Law enforcement officials, like many individuals today, depend on cell phones to keep in contact with others. But if this form of communication is not supported adequately by cell phone towers and other related-infrastructure, which occurs in some rural areas yet today, individuals may find themselves placed at a disadvantage...

Harkin in Spencer Thursday (08/06/08)
U.S. Sen. Tom Harkin of Iowa has included Spencer in a series of stops in northwest Iowa during the August recess. The Cumm-ing Democrat will host a "Moving Iowa Forward-Cafe Stop" at 8:15 a.m., Thursday at Family Table restaurant in Spencer. The public is invited to attend...

King among lawmakers refusing to accept vacation (08/06/08)
Congressman Steve King didn't get to visit the wheelhouse of the Storm Lake dredging boat on Monday as planned. Instead, the western Iowa U.S. Representative raced back to Washington to join about 24 other Republican House members in an unprecedented efffort to guide a vote on a comprehensive energy bill through treacherous waters...

Anglers Bay dedication celebrates conservation success (07/31/08)
The Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources invite the public to join in the dedication of the state's new Anglers Bay Wildlife Management Area on Saturday morning, Aug. 2. The dedication will be held at the project site on the northeast side of Big Spirit Lake, nestled between Hales Slough to the south and Sandbar Slough to the north...

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...

Thrivent representatives meet with legislators (07/25/08)
Recently, 10 Thrivent Financial for Lutherans members from Iowa traveled to Washington, D.C., to meet Iowa's congressional delegation, including U.S. Senator Charles Grassley, U.S. Senator Tom Harkin and the state's five U.S. Representatives. The group shared with congressional leaders how they and other members work with and through Thrivent Financial to strengthen communities and improve Iowans' lives. ...

King touts domestic energy solutions (07/22/08)
On a Friday afternoon when travelers were planning their weekend getaways, U.S. Rep. Steve King also was on the road. The congressman included Spencer in a series of stops around the region. "I need to put my ear to the ground constantly to pick up the voice of the people," he said...

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...

Lawmakers look to free up grazing land (07/09/08)
Policy-makers in Des Moines and Washington, D.C., are looking for some alternatives to flooded pastureland throughout the state. The U.S. Department of Agriculture released Conservation Reserve Program acres for grazing in Iowa's Presidential Declared Disaster counties because of flooding. U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley wrote to Secretary Ed Schafer last month asking for the early release...

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...

School board filing period begins (07/08/08)
Candidates can begin filing for open seats on their local school board, but changes in Iowa law may affect how long they stay in office. The state moved away from holding school board elections annually following legislation passed in the 2008 session. Under the new law, school board elections will be held only in Septembers of odd-numbered years...

AARP chapter meets in Spencer (06/24/08)
The local chapter of AARP met June 9 at the Spencer Area Activity Center with 16 members attending. The featured speaker was Rep. Mike May the 5th District Congressman from Spirit Lake. He has been a representative for two terms and expects to run for a third term. ...

English continuing his 'battle for good public policy' (06/14/08)
By Kris Todd Daily Reporter Staff Bryan English found himself "just showing up and volunteering" on the political front about five years ago. As he found the opportunities to be endless if he simply raised his hand and said, "I'd be happy to do that," he also realized a new career...

2008 iowa primary elections (06/04/08)
By Russ Mitchell Daily Reporter Staff The Nov. 4 general election ballot began to take shape Tuesday night, when Joe Skow and incumbent Del Brockshus, both of Spencer, received Republican Party nominations for spots on the Clay County Board of Supervisors...

Obama proclaims himself the Democratic nominee (06/04/08)
ST. PAUL, Minn. -- Barack Obama claimed the Democratic presidential nomination in a long-time-coming victory speech Tuesday that taunted Republicans on their own turf and reached out to heal Democratic wounds with lofty praise for his rival. "Let us begin the work together," Obama exhorted thousands of cheering supporters in a packed sports arena. "Let us unite in common effort to chart a new course for America."...

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...

2008 Iowa Primary Elections (06/03/08)
DES MOINES -- Three Republicans are competing to be the most conservative alternative to U.S. Sen. Tom Harkin, arguing that energizing the party's base is the only way to oust a Democrat who is seeking his fifth term in the Senate. The candidates in the June 3 primary are:...

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...

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 5-29-08 (05/29/08)
Single Spirits will hold its next meeting tonight at the Spirit Lake Public Library. A potluck is set for 6:30 p.m., with a meeting to follow. Activities for the next five weeks will be planned. Single Spirits is an organization open to singles of all ages in the area...

2008 Citizen's Police Academy draws to close (05/28/08)
Eleven people completed the 2008 version of the Spencer Citizen's Police Academy. The academy courses took place on Tuesday nights from March 18 until May 20. The topics included criminal law, search and seizure, 911, crime scenes, gathering of evidence, processing crime scenes, drug investigations and traffic enforcement...

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...

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...

Trustees set tuition at Iowa Lakes for upcoming year (05/15/08)
Tuition and fees for the 2008-2009 college year were approved by the Board of Trustees of Iowa Lakes Community College at their meeting Tuesday afternoon in Spirit Lake. Student tuition for Iowa Residents (and Minnesota Residents) will be $120 per credit hour -- up $7 per credit hour from last year. ...