Waste Collection Services

'Where's the flood?' (03/19/10)
On Wednesday, Governor Chet Culver signed a disaster declaration for the Army Corps of Engineers to provide assistance in Dickinson County. Thursday morning, representatives from the Corps' Omaha office were on site at Lower Gar, just northeast of Milford, meeting with potential contractors and local utility providers as a group of very unhappy Lower Gar area residents and Milford Mayor Don Lamb looked on...

Spencer project included in D.C. delegations (03/18/10)
Fifteen delegates. Eight projects. Four counties. Two days. Those numbers paint the picture of recent delegations between representatives of the Iowa Lakes Corridor Region and their representatives in Washington, D.C., last Thursday and Friday. The delegates representing Buena Vista, Clay, Dickinson and Emmet counties advocated for overall support as well as an estimated $10.4 million in assistance for eight projects. ...

Corridor delegates meet with Washington representation (03/13/10)
Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) meets with delegates from the Iowa Great Lakes Corridor of Opportunity including Spencer City Manager Bob Fagen (seated to Harkin's left). The senator discussed upgrading Highway 86 during the Corridor's annual visit. The group also met with Sen. ...

Tree-trimming revisions to be reviewed by council (03/13/10)
Community feedback caused the Spencer City Council to rethink a tree-trimming ordinance last fall. On Monday, the council will meet during a 5:45 p.m. Committee of the Whole meeting to receive updates on the situation. When the council began enforcing the ordinance, many residents disagreed with the process...

Area entities receive foundation grants (03/12/10)
The Clay County Community Foundation strives "to connect donors who care with causes that matter and to serve as a trusted resource for addressing issues that impact the quality of life in Clay County."...

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.

Committee looks to promote census (02/18/10)
Stand and be counted. Or at least take 10 minutes to answer 10 questions for the 2010 U.S. Census. That is the message a committee of city and county officials will be trying to promote through public service announcements on radio and television as well as information posted on the Spencer and Clay County Web sites...

Real heroes share red (02/09/10)
When it comes to heroes, the American Red Cross recognizes them by the pint. The Iowa Great Lakes Chapter of the American Red Cross enters the second day of its local blood drive, and many have stepped up to answer the call. Doors at Hope Reformed Church of Spencer's Harbor Room will remain open today from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Little Lola wouldn't wait (02/05/10)
Most American babies have a hospital or clinic listed as their birthplace. Not Lola Snow Johnson. She was simply too impatient to wait for her dad Ira to navigate through rush-hour traffic and a construction zone from their home in Conifer, Colo., to a midwife clinic in Denver, where her mom, Robyn, was planning to have her delivered...

Gude: The recycling educator (01/16/10)
Chris Gude knows he's the exception to recycling. ...

'I want my, I want my, I want my MTV' (01/14/10)
As the Spencer Municipal Utilities (SMU) cable customers may be chanting the opening line to Dire Straits' popular tune "Money For Nothing," -- "I want my, I want my, I want my MTV." SMU customers could see several channels go dark over the next few days...

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. ...

Cycle Country chairman resigns amidst allegations of misappropriated funds (01/12/10)
Cycle Country Accessories Corp. announced Friday that it uncovered a misappropriation of funds by its Chairman of the Board of Directors L. G. (Bob) Hancher, Jr. The discovery occurred in connection with the audit of the company's financial statements for the period ending Sept. ...

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...

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. ...

'Mag' Johnson passes away (12/29/09)
For generations of Spencer students, the choice for a noon meal was simple. They could take the school's hot lunch. Or, they went to "Mag's," the nickname for Johnson Grocery, a tiny store near the railroad tracks on the corner of East 4th Street and 5th Avenue East in Spencer...

Service with a smile (12/26/09)
The dedicated worker mold was broken with Kathryn Johnston and Chuck Elliott. Together, the two have accumulated 88 years serving customers at the Johnston Automotive store in downtown Spencer. ...

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."...

Save the dates! (12/19/09)
A public open house commemorating a newly-renovated Spencer landmark is set for the afternoon of Thursday, Jan. 14, 2010. Beginning next month, the former Spencer Middle School building located at 104 E. Fourth St. will host apartments owned by Community Housing Initiatives on the second and third floors. ...

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. ...

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...

Transportation projects roll on despite cuts (12/15/09)

Shine Bros. receives DOT rail grant (12/12/09)
The Iowa Department of Transportation on Tuesday included funding for a Spencer scrap recycling company in its latest round of Railroad Revolving Loan and Grant program awards. A total of $311,071 was awarded to the Shine Bros. Corporation at an Iowa Department of Transportation Commission meeting Tuesday. The funding package includes a $206,071 loan and a $105,000 grant...

36 ag jobs saved by union vote, department to look at program cuts (12/08/09)
As he trudges through the mud at his farm east of Spirit Lake, one has to wonder if Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey is drawing comparisons to the muddy condition of Iowa's finances. "We'll do what we have to do," he says with a glint of optimism. "Our businesses and citizens in the state are hurting because of the current economy, so obviously the state has less money as well."...

75 years and still in love (12/03/09)
Hjelmer and Dorothy Huberg are rapidly approaching the celebration of another milestone in their lives. The couple, from Royal, plans to quietly mark their 75th wedding anniversary with family and friends later this month. Both clearly remember the day they wed as if it were yesterday. ...

Kapco takes over Postal Pack & Ship (12/03/09)
One perk of moving a shipping business from one location to another? Rounding up the packing peanuts and bubble wrap shouldn't be a problem. In August, Kapco Pack & Ship owners Tom and Angela Chavez purchased Postal Pack & Ship, which operated out of a small store at the corner of Seventh Street and Grand Avenue in Spencer...

A home for the holidays (11/28/09)
Amber Quail has two families to be thankful for this holiday season. One includes her daughter, Aubrey, who playfully scooted along the floor of her new home on a Sunday afternoon. It also includes Amber's father, Steve. He brings tears of gratitude to his daughter's eyes whenever she thinks of all the work that went into the house at 12 Hillside Boulevard...

Juvenile law a passion for county's new attorney (11/27/09)
Clay County's newest assistant county attorney is no stranger to the city of Spencer, but she's seeing a different part of the law these days. Kristi Busse is a month into her newest role as an assistant Clay County Attorney and associate at the Zenor and Houchins law firm in north Spencer...

THRIVENT BUILDS (11/24/09)

Growers Association finishes soggy harvest (11/21/09)
Dave Hessman knows. He doesn't have to be out on the golden, combine-scraped ground six miles south of Spencer. Alan Patten of Webb was busy in his John Deere combine and Glen Chenhall of Spencer was carving another row in his Case International. In fact, about eight volunteers were helping to get the corn harvest out of the 75-acre test plot on the kind of sun-splashed November day that's cool enough for a sweatshirt, but warm enough the leave the coat at home...

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."

Local company increases footprint in Spencer (11/12/09)
Maurer Manufacturing officials on Wednesday confirmed the purchase of a neighboring lot and expansion along 38th Avenue West in Spencer's industrial park. The company is acquiring the former Shopper's Supply warehouse, which is north of the current three-lot, 18-acre Maurer site. About 90 employees work at the Spencer plant...

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...

Work on old SMS building progressing (11/03/09)
While lots of progress has been made at the old Spencer Middle School building, the general contractor acknowledges that all involved in the renovation project are entering a crunch time now. Demolition began in October 2008, reconstruction commenced in late January and tenants are expected to be able to move into apartments on the building's second and third floors by mid-January 2010. ...

Habitat house dedicated (10/31/09)
The cheerful yellow house across the road from Dairy Queen in Milford is now home to Kassi Cherry and her three daughters Amanda, Haley and Brandie Bushee. The Northwest Iowa Corridor of Habitat for Humanity dedicated the home on Sunday, Oct. 25. Ground was broken March 29...

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. ...

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...

OF NOTE: Tailgate meal moving inside (10/16/09)
Fans going to tonight's game against Sergeant Bluff-Luton are invited to a tailgate meal and should note a change in location. The cool and soggy weather is moving meal service inside to the student center at Spencer High School. From 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Northwest Bank in Spencer will serve pork loin sandwiches, cheesy potatoes, coleslaw and drink for $5...

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...

Insurance agent's activities draw theft charge (10/15/09)
Spencer Police filed criminal charges against a Spencer insurance agent and securities broker Wednesday after investigators suspect he unlawfully took more than $100,000 from clients and used the money for personal expenses. Spencer Police charged 54-year-old James Harold Opheim with first-degree theft, a Class C felony and ongoing criminal conduct, a Class B felony for allegedly diverting money from his clients to pay for personal expenses between 2003 and 2009...

Spencer denied REAP grant for Deerfield Park (10/15/09)
The fourth time wasn't a charm for Spencer Park Board members, who were notified this week that Spencer was not awarded a $125,000 Resource Enhancement And Protection (REAP) grant for proposed developments in Deerfield Park. The information stung a bit because the town's grant application placed just below the Iowa projects which were approved...

Freudenberg-NOK to close Spencer plant (10/14/09)

Local comrades share service (10/13/09)
The mood was jovial among the local veterans who departed Spencer Monday afternoon in a van provided by H&N Chevrolet Buick of Spencer. After submitting applications and patiently awaiting responses from the trip's organizer, each of the seven World War II veterans knew their time had come...

'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...

Whittemore man's last act may have saved others (09/29/09)
The driver of a semi transporting fuel may have spared others from harm by pulling his rig off well-traveled U.S. Highway 18 near Spencer during a medical emergency. Dana Aaron Lee, of Whittemore, was pronounced dead upon arrival at Spencer Hospital. His truck was found, with the motor running, in a ditch less than three miles east of the city at about 3:35 a.m. Saturday. Traffic investigators ruled out a crash impact as the cause of Lee's death...

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. ...

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