Leisure Travel

RIVERS ON THE RISE - Little Sioux projected to reach 14.6 feet by Friday (03/16/10)
The Little Sioux River is exhibiting the effects (above and below) of a combination of rain and snow melt in recent days as it floods the bike trails and West Leach Park near the Grand Avenue bridge in downtown Spencer. A flood warning was issued shortly after noon on Sunday. ...

Library board considers starting gaming collection (03/13/10)
Spencer Public Library representatives have a plan to encourage more people to enter the doorway of the local library. Thursday night during the monthly board meeting, Director Kay Larson recommended they approve discontinuing the library's CD collection, or at least to stop adding to it, and instead implement an assortment of games...

Spencer building listed on National Register of Historic Places (03/09/10)
It's official. Spencer's former high school and middle school building at 104 E. Fourth St. is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Administered by the National Park Service, this program is the U.S. government's official list of districts, sites, buildings, structures and objects deemed worthy of preservation...

Locals participate in 'Many Hands for Haiti' mission trip (03/04/10)
Six local residents are determined to provide hope and encouragement to residents of a country devastated by an earthquake on Jan. 12. While this trip is the fifth for Christi Gabhart, it marks the second to Haiti for Karmen Brown and Dawn Vanden Berg. The March 3 - 12 journey is the first for fellow Spencer residents Paul Rekow, Heather Brown and Sharon Berkenpas as local mission volunteers. ...

Vegas headliner Fator to perform at 2010 Fair (03/02/10)
One of the top grossing acts in Las Vegas will be making a stop in Spencer at the Clay County Fair as part of his very limited late summer tour stops. Terry Fator, season two winner of the popular reality show America's Got Talent, will bring his entire Las Vegas Show to the 2010 Clay County Fair at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept.14, at 7:30 p.m...

Enjoying a day at the 'spa' (02/19/10)
Dozens of area mothers were treated to a morning of special indulgences Thursday at the Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) annual Spa Day, held at Hope Reformed Church in Spencer. Following a breakfast together, each of the women were allowed to leisurely visit stations where they relaxed and enjoyed a variety of services and treatments offered by local businesses and representatives.

Applications sought for 2010 Clay County Fair Queen (02/18/10)
The search is under way for candidates to compete for the title of Clay County Fair Queen. The winner, to be crowned Sunday, April 18, will reign over this year's Clay County Fair and will also compete for the State Fair Queen title. Females between the ages of 16 and 21 by Aug.12, the first day of the 2010 Iowa State Fair, may apply. ...

Feeding the Spirit (02/13/10)
BarlowGirl will be making its second appearance at the Clay County Regional Events Center when they arrive in town Sunday, Feb. 21, on the first stage of the Love & War tour supporting the group's most recent album which hit the airwaves late in 2009...

Ag Outlook turns focus to future (02/13/10)
The 26th Annual Northwest Iowa Ag Outlook Conference and Trade Show will be held Tuesday, Feb. 16, at the Clay County Regional Events Center on the Clay County Fairgrounds in Spencer and will feature an industry trade show and an agricultural forum...

SCT takes audiences "Over the River and Through the Woods" (02/11/10)
SCT's third show of its 50th anniversary season will feature a special Valentine's dinner theater performance on Saturday, Feb. 13. Joe DiPietro's "Over the River and Through the Woods," will be performed in the ballroom of the Clay County Regional Events Center, starting at 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Feb. 11-12, and will conclude with a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday, Feb. 14...

Spencer center to host auction (02/06/10)
Following their center's recent relocation into a newly-renovated historical landmark in Spencer, representatives of the Spencer Area Activity Center are planning to host a public auction in order to sell furnishings from their former location. "We are so excited to finally be settled into our new location. ...

Parker Museum celebrates 50 years (01/09/10)
For Cindy McGranahan and many others associated with the Parker Museum, the recent signing of paperwork securing the purchase of the former Johnston Automotive building on Grand Avenue is a wonderful 50th anniversary gift. The local museum, which houses many significant artifacts, historical information and stories associated with the history of Spencer and Clay County, turns 50 years old on Jan. ...

Heroes came in all shapes and sizes (12/26/09)
He's not faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a locomotive or able to leap tall buildings in a single bound. He can't swing from a web like a spider. He can't turn invisible, burst into flame or stretch his body. But make no doubt about it, Chase Wells is a hero. ...

Snow emergency issued, holiday travel discouraged (12/24/09)
The second winter storm to hit Spencer this month is looking like a grinch for those who had Christmas travel plans. "We're asking you to be aware of this as holiday plans begin to unfold," said meteorologist Todd Heitkamp who issued a storm update through streaming video on the National Weather Service Web site in Sioux Falls, S.D. "Travel will be impossible and not recommended across much of the Upper Midwest this holiday season."...

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. ...

Big turnout for Oak Ridge Boys (12/22/09)
Richard Sterban - who sings bass for The Oak Ridge Boys - performs in front of a audience of over 1900 Sunday, December 19 at the Clay County Regional Event Center. The group, which has performed at the Clay County Fair, performed many of their classics as well as new material...

Major storm could threaten Christmas travel (12/22/09)
"The storm probably couldn't come at a worse time," said Greg Harmon, the meteorologist-in-charge at the National Weather Service in Sioux Falls, S.D. His agency already has a winter storm watch in place or all of the northwest Iowa counties it serves, including the Spencer, Spirit Lake and Storm Lake areas...

A gift of Christmas cheer (12/18/09)
Something classic, something new, something borrowed, and lots for you. That's what the Oak Ridge Boys will deliver when they roll into town on Sunday for the next to last date on their 2009 Christmas concert tour. The show will get under way at 7:30 p.m...

Busy construction site (12/17/09)
Like the distinguished Hollywood starlet who wants to prolong her career, the Spencer Community Theatre building has gone in for a nip here and a tuck there. The region's theater fans can expect to see better performances from the ol' girl as a result...

Poet laureate to headline 'Written Word' event (11/17/09)
In February 2009, Governor Chet Culver announced Mary Swander's appointment as Poet Laureate of the State of Iowa. For Swander, a graduate of the University of Iowa Writers Workshop and a Distinguished Professor of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Iowa State University, this was just the latest of a long string of awards, including an Iowa Author's Award in 2006 and the Carl Sandburg Literary Award in 1981...

Flagfest Youth Ambassador search under way (11/14/09)
The 26th annual summer festival Flagfest will include a variety of activities, including the selection of the Flagfest Youth Ambassador. Applications are being accepted from area youths interested in participating in the competition. If selected the 2010 Flagfest Youth Ambassador, the youth will represent Spencer and the surrounding area during various events, including Flagfest, Ag Outlook Ag Breakfast, Clay County Fair Booth, St. Pat's Parade and other area events and parades...

Paying tribute to a SHS 'stairwell hero' (11/12/09)
The new picture of a Spencer High School "stairwell hero" was dedicated during a Veterans Day program held Wednesday on Dale Norton Field. The students and staff members who filled the bleachers overlooking the SHS football field learned of Leonard Borchard Jr. during the ceremony. An older, faded picture of the 1966 SHS graduate had graced the stairwell leading from their building's student center to its first floor classrooms.

Local dentists take part in statewide effort (10/30/09)
A pair of local dentists and members of their support teams joined other dental professionals recently to take part in the second-annual "Iowa Mission of Mercy." Drs. Gary Van Hofwegen and Josh Munter, along with portions of their dental teams, traveled to Iowa Speedway in late September to take part in a two-day program serving 1,500 patients free of charge. The volunteer efforts of the 1,200 dental professionals involved was valued at over $800,000...

Cruise vessel safety legislation passes House (10/24/09)
Advocates for cruise ship safety are applauding House passage Friday of language authored by U.S. Rep. Doris Matsui (D-Calif.) to improve safety of cruise ship passengers on the high seas. Matsui's Cruise Vessel Safety and Security Act of 2009 was included in H.R. ...

Haunted hike benefit set for Baby Javin (10/24/09)
Ghosts, goblins and other things that go bump in the night are sure to be out and about during a haunted hike benefit slated for an area infant. Organizers guarantee the hike -- which is scheduled from 7-9 p.m. Halloween night -- will be scary. Set to begin in the rural Dickens garage of Marvin and Rhonda Smith, the baby's maternal grandparents, hikers will proceed through a lit series of twists and turns certain to strike fear in them. ...

The Hotel: Iowa's first Dream Center (10/17/09)
If a local church has its way, The Hotel will become a "dream center" for the area. Rev. Kevin Grimes of DaySpring Assembly announced Friday, "KES Properties LLC, the owner of The Hotel on Grand Avenue, has offered to give us all of the stock in the corporation. ...

City postpones action on Casey's store proposal (10/16/09)
Members of the Spencer Planning and Zoning Commission held off on plans to re-plat an area near the Clay County Fairgrounds to accommodate a Casey's General Store relocation and expansion. The Clay County Fair is selling the company a 200-by-200 foot lot on the northwest corner of Fourth Avenue West and West 18th Street to facilitate a newer and larger convenience store. Planning and Zoning Commission members have unresolved questions for Casey's project developers...

'Creating Grand Opportunities' -- a communitywide strategic plan (10/09/09)
Tarrel Storey and Dan Heissel, co-chairs of the Spencer Vision Coordinating Committee, unveiled a 36-project plan designed to make Spencer a better place to "Live Work and Play." Building on a theme originating with the Iowa Great Lakes Corridor of Opportunity, a team of approximately 40 Spencer area residents worked together under the label, "Spencer Area Strategic Planning Team," dedicating four-plus hours a month for the past 12 months to come up the project bases designed to build on the assets that Spencer already offers.. ...

The toughest sport on dirt (10/06/09)
The rules are simple. Place a wiry 150-pound cowboy on the back of a hulking, snorting temperamental 2,000 pound bull and see if he can ride the beast for an eternal eight seconds... with one hand strapped to the bull's massive backside. S & G Bucking Productions brings the PBR Enterprise Tour to Spencer on Nov. 20-21...

Parker Historical Society to gain downtown presence (10/02/09)
It seems very appropriate that a business with long ties to the Spencer community has helped to pave the way to a new home for a local organization dedicated to preserving the county's history. A purchase agreement was signed this week between the Parker Historical Society and the owners of Johnston Automotive, which will allow the society to move its offices and exhibition area to the company's Grand Avenue location...

Ag reps encouraged, warned about future of industry (09/19/09)
While times may be tough, nearly 100 agricultural representatives were encouraged to keep their chins up and focus on the prize during a luncheon held Thursday at the Clay County Fair. ...

Labor of love results in win (09/19/09)
A garment sewn with love earned its creator the top prize, Best Overall, in the Textile Division of the Creative Living Center of the Clay County Fair. Cindy McGranahan, who's daytime job is director of the Parker Historical Society of Clay County, took the honor with a wedding dress, designed and sewn for her son's fianc�...

Hogs, heart and help (09/18/09)
Three years ago, when Jerry Faulkner, grandfather of Shayla Kaye Rohrbaugh, was working to establish a special fund to assist working class families with medical needs in his late grandchild's honor, he said, "...I hope it to be a legacy instead of just a one- or two-year thing."...

Krause stumps for Grassley's seat at fair (09/15/09)
U.S. Senate aspirant Bob Krause (D-Fairfield) campaigned Saturday at the Clay County Fair. The 59-year-old, who acknowledges he faces stiff odds in his bid to defeat Iowa's senior senator, readily recited the handful of colorful statements his foe has made over the last few months, recited the incumbent's voting record and then forecast "that the winds they are a changing." ...

Lost at sea -- Kendall Carver's crusade (09/12/09)
The days of business cards and power-point presentations were supposed to be in the past for 72-year-old Kendall Carver, a member of the Spencer High School class of 1954. He retired to Phoenix 15 years ago after a successful career as an insurance executive in New York City. It's the stage of life when hobbies, grandchildren and travel should replace the appointment book...

Vicki Myron's children's book to appear at Clay County Fair (09/10/09)
Vicki Myron will have her children's book available at the Clay County Fair. For a story on the children's book and her new projects associated with Dewey Readmore Books, see Thursday's Daily Reporter.

Preview food, fun before fair begins (09/10/09)
Enjoy the 2009 Clay County Fair before it officially opens with the Fantastic Friday Preview from 6 p.m. to midnight, Friday, Sept. 11. The Clay County Fair Midway will be the feature of the Fantastic Friday Preview with rides operating all evening. Additionally, there will be an opportunity to experience a taste of the fair in the Events Center Grand Ballroom with various food vendors on hand...

'Big Star -- Little Star Entertainment' gives youth a time to shine (09/01/09)
On Friday, Sept. 18, third through eighth grade students are welcome to showcase their talent on stage in the 4-H Auditorium at the Clay County Fair. "Big Star -- Little Star Entertainment" is a talent presentation set to go on Friday afternoon in the 4-H Auditorium. ...

It's biz camp time for area youth (07/28/09)
Reading assignments replace the fireside stories at this camp. The Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation's Second Annual Entrepreneurship Academy is under way at Iowa Lakes Community College in Spencer. Eight students, from the Spencer, Webb and Spirit Lake areas, are attending the academy, which has a middle school focus...

Peterson artist paints her lifelong passion (07/25/09)
Barb McGee has been drawing them from the time she could hold a pencil. But it wasn't until she turned 13, opened the pages of "Quarter Horse Journal" and saw the beautiful painted equines by Darol Dickinson and the late Orren Mixer that her fate was sealed. ..

Extreme Am VI events announced (07/25/09)
Celebrating six years this year, Spencer's Extreme Am skateboard competition and festival will take place over the course of two days at East Leach Park Skatepark on Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 15-16. This free event offers amateur skateboarders from around the region to come together and compete in three competitions: Freestyle, vert and big air. ...

SCT joins with Events Center for 50th year anniversary (07/24/09)
Spencer Community Theatre's productions will look a little different in the upcoming season. That's because they'll be performed on stage at the Clay County Regional Events Center. Both organizations are excited about the prospect of cooperating to produce SCT's 50th season of theater...

Peters, Stewart wed at Clay County Fair site (07/23/09)
Monica Harig Peters and Jimmy Stewart were united in marriage June 6, 2009, at the Sundholm Environmental Center Log Cabin on the Clay County Fairgrounds, Spencer. Pastor Scott Meier officiated the ceremony. The bride is the daughter of Randy and Joni Harig of Spencer and Ellie Johnson of Spencer. The groom is the son of Charlie and Sandy Stewart of Langdon and Arlene Stewart of Spencer...

Briefs 7/21/09 (07/21/09)
The annual Clay County 4-H Achievement Day will be held on Tuesday, July 21 in the 4-H Auditorium on the Clay County Fairgrounds. The event will begin at 8 a.m. and end about 5 p.m. Achievement Day is a mini-fair for Clay County 4-Hers. Due to the fact that our county youth are in school during the Clay County Fair, this event provides an opportunity for 4-H members to bring their project exhibit work to be judged. ...

Chow down before the checkered flag (07/21/09)
Race fans will have something to sample before the Summer Shootout races Thursday night at the Clay County Fairgrounds. Food vendors will be serving up a tailgate-style barbecue meal from 5-7 p.m. in the U.S. Cellular Plaza (hoop building) located south of the Grandstands...

Board to ready for 2009-10 school year Tuesday (07/18/09)
The Spencer Community Schools Board of Education will convene its monthly meeting at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 21, in the board room of the central administrative offices, located at 23 E. Seventh St. Approval of consent items, including minutes from the June 30 and July 8 board meetings, bills, a teacher employment and sharing agreement for a 2009-10 swimming program with the Spencer Family YMCA for $3,740 if the district provides school year busing for the YMCA or for $5,280 if it doesn't, and personnel recommendations will then be sought.. ...

Whispers from the spirits of Everly's past (07/17/09)
Looking for an opportunity to gain a bit of a historic perspective about the people who helped make Everly what it is -- take part in the Cemetery Walk at Lone Tree Cemetery from 12:30-2:30 p.m. Saturday, July 18. Walking tours will leave every half hour...

'Help' arrives in Spencer Tuesday (07/11/09)
The "Help is Here Express" bus tour will be in Spencer on Tuesday, July 14, stopping at Spencer Hospital to help uninsured and financially-struggling Iowans access information on programs that provide prescription medicines for free or nearly free. The bus tour is part of the partnership for Prescription Assistance (PPA) -- a nationwide effort sponsored by America's pharmaceutical research companies -- raising awareness of patient assistance programs among residents who have been facing layoff or a loss of health care benefits in a struggling economy. ...

Patty Judge kicks off Travel Iowa tour (07/09/09)
Vowing to take a ride on one of the attractions at the Arnolds Park Amusement Park and grab some candy from the Queen's Court, Iowa's Lt. Governor Patty Judge made a stop in the Lakes area this week to tout Iowa's tourism opportunities. The stop was part of Travel Iowa '09, a 67-stop statewide tour designed to highlight some of Iowa's many unique, fun, and affordable attractions...

Store, museum celebrate Everly's 125 years (07/09/09)
With its big Quasquicentennial celebration right around the corner, volunteers in Everly are gearing up for the event. Committees have been meeting for months to prepare the dozens of events and activities which will draw thousands to the small town located just west of Spencer. Everly school alumni will return, and families will open their homes to relatives back to celebrate the big event...

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