Technology Issues

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...

Conlin concerned about health care (03/09/10)
The availability of health care is a top priority for U.S. Senate candidate Roxanne Conlin, largely because she can relate to those without insurance. When she was 14, she got an ear infection. With no money for medication, no insurance and no car to take her to a doctor, she was forced to let the infection run its course, resulting in permanent, partial hearing loss in her left ear...

Legislators discuss rising health care costs, texting while driving (03/02/10)
When the third Eggs and Issues legislative forum of the season began Saturday morning in Spencer, attendees were encouraged to not ask the three participating state legislators about same-sex marriage or right-to-work issues, common themes of the first two sessions held this year. Even with the majority party not represented at the gathering, Sen. David Johnson, R-Ocheyedan; Rep. Mike May, R-Spirit Lake; and Rep. Royd Chambers, R-Sheldon; addressed a variety of issues ranging from oversight of the Department of Natural Resources and texting while behind the wheel to health care concerns and statewide budget cuts. ...

City council approves refinancing bond (03/02/10)
A high bond rating has allowed the city of Spencer to entertain eight different refinancing bond offers from 15 different underwriters.

Health care, job bills on Grassley's agenda (02/27/10)
Following his participation in a 7 1/2-hour, televised health care summit involving President Barack Obama and 38 lawmakers Thursday, Sen. Chuck Grassley's concerns about sweeping health care reform have not waned. "What's the point of negotiating, you know?" the frustrated Republican from New Hartford asked. "Maybe sprinkle in a couple Republican ideas and you've got a bipartisan bill? Well, I don't think so."...

Spencer preschool contingent on state funding (02/25/10)
In light of Iowa's budgetary situation this legislative session, Spencer school officials are rallying behind the scenes to make sure another preschool appears locally next year. They've also declared if state funding does not come forward they'll have a for-pay preschool in place for area 4-year-olds this fall. ...

Implications of local charges far reaching (02/20/10)

Tea Party to Iowa legislators: You're not listening (02/19/10)
DES MOINES - Kris Thiessen used to get tired of people who talked politics. Now she's one of them. The Everly business owner was talking politics at the Capitol on Tuesday along with a couple of dozen fellow Tea Party activists. High among their talking points were legislative proposals they say will weaken Iowa's election laws, gun rights and other proposals that expand government and limit freedom...

Poet to expand in Emmetsburg (02/18/10)
While the parking lots outside resembled pickup truck sales lots, the ballroom featuring Northwest Iowa Ag Outlook keynote speakers inside the Clay County Regional Events Center touted the simultaneous messages of using alternative energy, making money, creating jobs and reducing the nation's dependency on foreign oil this week. ...

Will Iowans get "Fair Share"? (02/16/10)
Saturday's Eggs and Issues legislative forum at Spencer City Hall had a common theme threaded through it: unions. Sen. Jack Kibbie, D-Emmetsburg; Sen. David Johnson, R-Ocheyedan; and Rep. Mike May, R-Spirit Lake discussed everything from same-sex marital unions to "Fair Share" Legislation, which would require all employees to pay fees to unions for negotiated benefits. ...

Negotiations commence for Spencer's certified school staff (01/26/10)
The Spencer Education Association (SEA) presented its initial contract proposal for the 2010-11 school year to officials with the Spencer Community School District Monday afternoon. The SEA, which represents full- and part-time teachers in the district, requested a 4.96 percent total package increase totaling $489,634.

'Purple Monkeys' advise council on SMS safety issue (01/21/10)
Taken out of context, the fact that the Spencer City Council are looking to Purple Flying Monkeys to solve a perceived safety issue facing the Spencer Middle School might have residents questioning their decision at the voting booths. But during Monday night's council meeting, the "Monkeys," comprised of the middle school's female Lego League members, presented a study that demonstrated pedestrian dangers for students arriving at the middle school in the morning...

Quail named essay contest winner (01/16/10)
Spencer High School sophomore Chayton Quail, the son of Joe and Anne Quail of Spencer, has been named the first-place winner in a Martin Luther King Jr. essay contest. The contest, which was sponsored by the Iowa Department of Human Rights, the Iowa Department of Civil Rights, the Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service and the Division on the Status of African Americans, challenged Iowa students to get involved and make a difference in their communities...

New York nanny remembers her roots (01/09/10)
After spending many hours thumbing through the wish book filled with quality educational materials, Missy Lair has practically every page in the latest Lakeshore Learning catalog memorized. Since receiving word that she's won the latest Max and Charlie Garner Grant, the local registered child care provider can finally order the items she and the eight children she watches have been dreaming about. ...

Microsoft settlement nets Iowa schools $60 million (01/08/10)

Area producer receives Iowa Beef Quality Assurance Award (01/07/10)
AMES -- A cattle producer and livestock auction market operator was named the 2010 Iowa Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) Award winner for his focus on animal care practices. Morris Larson, Spencer Livestock Sales, of Spencer, was honored at the Iowa Cattlemen's Association Annual Convention in Ames on Jan. 5...

The unbreakable bond of friends (01/04/10)
Before South Clay, there was Gillett Grove Consolidated School. Four students from the former school's class of 1939 remain steadfast comrades to this day. They've also stayed avid supporters of the northwest Iowa community they grew up in. ...

Governor appoints Clay County native IDED director (12/29/09)
DES MOINES -- Governor Chet Culver continued his efforts to reorganize state government by making two new appointments for key government positions. In addition, the Governor took further steps to streamline state government by moving a key housing program from the Department of Economic Development to the Iowa Finance Authority...

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."...

Providing a safe haven (12/18/09)
People for Pets isn't only a refuge for the dogs and cats found sheltered there, it's also considered a safe, welcoming place by many of the volunteers and supporters who frequent it. ...

DHS program changes to save millions (12/11/09)
In order to slash over $132 million from its budget this fiscal year, Iowa's largest service agency is looking at sizable cuts to jobs, provider rates and service delivery. While an Iowa Department of Human Services (DHS) spokesperson describes the impact of the cuts being made as "drastic" and "quite severe," Roger Munns is also trying to assure state residents and DHS clients that the state will make it through and the situation will turn around eventually...

Milford council selects new city administrator (12/03/09)
The current city manager of Madison, Minn., was approved Wednesday night as the next city administrator of Milford. Matthew Skaret emerged from 49 applicants for the opening and is expected to begin Jan. 18. Madison is about 160 miles away, on Minnesota's western border and near Watertown, S.D...

'Wow' wish list to go to SMU (12/01/09)
Spencer school board members have done as they were assigned by Spencer Municipal Utilities (SMU) board members -- and built consensus amongst themselves while compiling a wish list of potential "wow" projects. During a joint meeting between representatives from both parties on Sept. 28, Bruce Tamisiea, the gathering's facilitator, told those who'd gathered, "SMU is looking for our next what we call 'wow project.' That's something so big, so audacious that nobody thinks a town this size could take it on." ...

Holiday Family Adoption under way (11/10/09)
The Holiday Family Adoption program kicks off today with the first listing of families in The Daily Reporter. The Holiday Family Adoption Program, a Spencer-area holiday staple, allows generous area families, businesses and service groups to share in the holiday spirit and bounty...

Fourteen sentenced in lakes region meth ring (11/06/09)
"Drug dealers out there, we're coming to a town near you." This message provided courtesy of Clay County Sheriff Randy Krukow in the aftermath of sentencing that will result in over 2,000 months of combined jail time for 14 individuals associated with a drug trafficking ring in northwest Iowa...

'Precautionary' lockdown at SHS (10/30/09)
As a precautionary measure, Spencer High School students and staff members were advised to stay in their classrooms for approximately an hour Thursday afternoon. ...

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...

4-1 vote halts development of Spencer's religious liberty policy (10/29/09)
The Spencer school district's proposed religious liberty policy is no longer a priority. In a 4-to-1 vote this week, school board members approved not pursuing its development. ...

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. ...

Public forum will focus on potential mental health service reductions (10/17/09)
Earlier this year, the Iowa Department of Human Services was directed by the Iowa Legislature to assist an appointed task force with an evaluation of the four state mental health institutions (MHI) at Cherokee, Clarinda, Independence and Mt. Pleasant...

New board welcomed, $210,000 foundation gift presented (09/24/09)
Before three new board members were sworn in Tuesday night, retiring Spencer school board members David Schlichtemeier, Ed Ver Steeg and Barb Van Wyk were recognized for their years of service to the district and the community. Superintendent Greg Ebeling presented each with a plaque and then thanked the outgoing board members for their contributions...

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. ...

City, school collaboration on council agenda (09/19/09)
Sidewalks, ramps and street crossings in the area of Lincoln School would be improved as part of an effort to make walking routes safer for Spencer students. Members of the Spencer City Council will be asked to authorize a "Safe Routes to School" grant application as part of its 6:30 p.m. meeting Monday at city hall...

Sirens 9-18-09 (09/18/09)
Jose Ramon De Leon Tavarez, 23, Paullina, was charged with driving while suspended and failure to file SR-22 insurance at 8:05 a.m. Monday, Sept. 14, in the 180th Avenue of B-40 after a Clay County deputy initiated a traffic stop for a traffic violation. Hw was transported to the Clay County Jail and held on a $300 bond...

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." ...

Planning a rally? Better check the fire codes (09/11/09)
The commotion of Barack Obama's presidential campaign and the heat generated by the summer's health care town forums has raised some concerns with Spencer Fire Chief Doug Duncan. He brought up the issue of assembly capacities in public buildings at a recent city staff meeting, saying: "We're going to calculate what the occupancy load factor is, which is the number of people, and that's the way it is going to be."...

Iowa second in nation for highest average ACT composite score (09/11/09)
Iowa students earned the second highest average ACT score in the nation in 2009, according to results released by ACT. The average ACT composite score for Iowa students this year was 22.4, which is the same as last year. Iowa has the second highest average composite score for states testing the majority of their graduating seniors. Minnesota is again first with 22.7 out of a possible 36...

Spencer's second religious liberty draft policy (09/10/09)
Any discussion of the place of religion in public education must be grounded in the principle of religious liberty, or freedom of conscience, particularly as embodied in this nation's First Amendment to the Constitution, which states that: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or...

Spencer's second 'religious liberty' draft policy released (09/04/09)
Spencer Superintendent Greg Ebeling admits that portions of the district's second "religious liberty" draft policy have been taken from other sources and sample policies. The second draft's author also acknowledges it still needs some wordsmithing, which is currently occurring as feedback is being received from various groups throughout the community. ...

Teacher, student feedback received on draft 'religious liberty' policy (09/04/09)
***Community input to be sought on evening of Sept. 10

Egg industry responds to 'Hatchery Horrors' video (09/03/09)
"The footage you are about to see was recorded with a hidden camera at Hy-Line hatchery in Iowa, the world's largest hatchery for egg-laying breed chicks," the narrator begins. Footage follows of chicks being "roughly" sorted by sexers who separate the male chicks from the females. The females have their heads clamped and a portion of their beaks removed by a laser...

As Senate debates, local dealers wait for 'clunkers' payments (08/06/09)
Local car dealership managers acknowledge a bit of confusion and a lot of red tape through the "cash-for-clunkers" stimulus program. They also see a little more traffic on their lots, suggesting at least some aspects of the federal incentive program are gaining traction...

New 3-D printer spurs school, industry partnering (07/28/09)
The addition of a 3-D prototype printer in the Spencer High School (SHS) Tech Ed building is benefiting area industries, while at the same time teaching SHS students marketable skills. Students will be allowed to use it for the first time this upcoming school year. Representatives of Cycle Country, Tecton Industries, Eaton Corp. and Maurer Manufacturing were notified of the Dimension BST1200es printer's arrival in late May. They've been utilizing it ever since.

Spencer's religious liberty policy timeline presented (07/23/09)
Having already heard they're in "uncharted territory" with the task at hand, Spencer school board members still appear up for the challenge of developing a religious liberty policy for staff and students. A timeline delivered to them this week -- which includes addressing any local concerns with feedback sessions scheduled in -- has put the dream of two board members who crafted the district's initial draft policy in motion...

Fourth time a charm? (07/16/09)
Spencer Park Board members are hoping the fourth time's the charm. This week they approved submitting a fourth $125,000 Resource Enhancement And Protection (REAP) grant application for the potential development of a shelter house, trails and "green" elements -- such as a rain garden, upland and hydric prairie areas -- in Deerfield Park.

Sex offender classification under way (07/16/09)
Technology specialists are reviewing the profiles of about 5,000 Iowans on the state's sex offender registry as part of a new law that attempts to more closely monitor the most dangerous offenders. James Saunders, assistant director for the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation said work is well under way and could be completed in about a month. Beginning July 1, people with a sexual offense in their history were to be classified into three tiers...

Spencer to tackle religion in the public schools (07/03/09)
Is there a place for religious expression in public schools? Should history be taught to students via the Bible and texts dealing with Darwinism in a public school district's classrooms? Spencer school board members, with hoped-for input from members of the public, are planning to address issues such as these with a draft religious liberty policy currently under consideration...

Plan to address school leadership structure change (06/12/09)
Classes may have dismissed for the summer, but some Iowa school officials still find themselves working to develop and approve new leadership structures for their districts. As requested by the Department of Education, the move marks one of the first requirements for the eventual statewide implementation of the Iowa Core Curriculum. ...

Besch to be hired as Spencer Director of School Improvement (06/04/09)
Barb Besch has been issued an employment offer from the Spencer school district to serve as its new director of school improvement. If Spencer school board members authorize her hiring this month, Besch will take over some of the duties currently held by Kathy Elliott, Spencer's assistant superintendent, and Julie Finnern, Spencer's PK-12 literacy specialist, on July 20...

Technology, transportation requests on Tuesday board agenda (05/23/09)
The Spencer Community Schools Board of Education will convene its regular monthly meeting at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 26 in the board room of the central administrative offices, located at 23 E. Seventh St. Under consent items listed on the agenda, the board is scheduled to consider approval of its April 30 and May 20 meeting minutes, bills and financial reports, open enrollment requests, and personnel recommendations. ...

Related subjects