Wireless Communication

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. ...

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."...

SMU going to wireless meters (08/29/09)
It only takes a few minutes to make the change, but once the change is made, the time savings will be immense for the local utility provider. Spencer Municipal Utilities is about a third of the way through a meter switching program that when complete will eliminate the need for SMU employees to brave bad weather and territorial animals to get residential and commercial meter readings...

Board commits $1.5 million for capital projects (04/07/09)
Spencer school board members committed $1.5 million in physical plant and equipment levy (PPEL), city and state sales tax revenues for 31 capital projects over fiscal year 2009, which ends June 30, and fiscal year 2010 Monday night. As Superintendent Greg Ebeling noted Spencer is one of a few districts in the state to have city sales tax revenues to draw funding from, he also indicated the district took out an approximately $2.4 million loan against this specific source of funding to pay for the Energy Service Group facility improvements it has undertaken districtwide over the last few years. ...

Spencer board alerted to district's 3.9 percent solvency ratio (03/26/09)
Spencer school board members received a stern warning from a certified public accountant Tuesday regarding the district's current financial situation. After Bruce Frink of Clarion complimented Superintendent Greg Ebeling on his 2009-10 certified budget presentation, he questioned board members about the district's 3.9 percent solvency ratio as of June 30, 2008...

School board acts on contract terminations, adopts 2009-10 budget (03/25/09)
Spencer school board members adopted the $19.3 million certified 2009-10 budget presented to them Tuesday. It is based on a 4 percent allowable growth rate and sets the overarching statutory and taxing rate limits for next school year. With some board discussion about changing the Instructional Support Levy (ISL) state income surtax from the current 4 percent to a 5 percent surtax rate next year, specifically with David Schlichtemeier's concerns about making such a move, the board approved a 5 percent ISL rate.. ...

'Green Power Express' could come to area (02/11/09)
The Spencer, Storm Lake and Iowa Great Lakes areas could be in line to land a segment of a $10- to $12 billion network of wind energy transmission lines, according to officials at Michigan-based ITC Holdings Corp. The company on Monday announced plans to develop what it calls the "Green Power Express." The network of transmission lines would capture power from wind turbines in the Upper Midwest and carry them to load centers in places like Chicago, Minneapolis and southeast Wisconsin...

ILCC to proceed with building projects (01/22/09)
The members of the Board of Trustees of Iowa Lakes Community College moved ahead on two building projects during their meeting Tuesday afternoon. The first project was an addition to the Wind Energy building on the Estherville campus. Bids on the 6,200 square foot facility were opened last Friday. ...

Residents to start tackling school budget cuts Monday (01/17/09)
The 25 "additional" budget packages being offered for consideration by community residents at 7 p.m. Monday night (See "2009-10 Spencer School Additional Budget Packages" on Page 2) total a potential $823,000 worth of staff positions and programs which could be trimmed from Spencer school district's 2009-10 budget...

Area AEA professional finds new technologies exciting (01/13/09)
Appleton honored with Herb Braselman Award The Herb Braselman Award, named for the late first president of the National Association of Media and Technology Centers (NAMTC) organization, is presented in recognition of exemplary service and leadership for regional media centers and for outstanding contributions to the field of educational media and technology...

SMS condo agreement on Tuesday's board agenda (12/13/08)
The Spencer Community Schools Board of Education will convene its regular monthly meeting at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 16 in the board room of the central administrative offices, located at 23 E. Seventh St. Following a public hearing on Community Housing Initiatives (CHI) and a proposed condominium agreement relating to the old Spencer Middle School building, action is anticipated to be taken by the board...

Police urge caution as scams emerge (12/11/08)
Law enforcement agencies are becoming increasingly concerned about the number of older Iowans who may be misled by fraudulent phone calls about a relative in need. At least one area resident has been scammed by the phone call, according to the Spencer Police Department...

Groups resolve senior situation ... temporarily (12/10/08)
Several steps and financial agreements - with area board members approving each - will need to occur in order for area senior citizens who participate in activities hosted at the Spencer Area Activity Center (SAAC) to continue to have a central gathering site after Dec. ...

Old SMS building to host seniors (12/09/08)
In addition to agreeing to offer an early-retirement package to certified staff next year, Spencer school board members authorized moving forward with a "good-will effort" deemed "worth the investment." Before the board directed Superintendent Greg Ebeling to put specifications from Cannon Moss Brygger & Associates for a heating, ventilation and air conditioning system (HVAC) for the old Spencer Middle School (SMS) building's first floor out for bid Tuesday night, the superintendent informed them that City Manager Bob Fagen has been working hard behind the scenes to see that a partnership -- aimed at earmarking money for potential improvements, such as the implementation of a handicap-accessible restroom in the building -- is established between the school district, city, county and Clay County Community Foundation.. ...

Deer season opens Saturday (12/05/08)
Iowa's roadways and designated public areas are sure to become busier this Saturday as the first segment of shotgun deer season begins. The first season, which will continue through Wednesday, Dec. 10, will be followed by a second shotgun deer season scheduled from Dec. 13 through Dec. 21. While many more individuals have requested licenses than have been issued, an estimated 130,000 orange-vested hunters are expected to participate in the two seasons...

SMS career piece focuses on personal pamphlets (11/12/08)
Vocabulary, literacy, creativity and computer skills are intertwining for Spencer Middle School seventh graders who are in the midst of writing and designing their own personal pamphlets for class. Anji Bennett, the art director of Standard Printing and Design of Spencer, spoke to students Tuesday about how layout can help make their pamphlets come to life for readers. ...

Holiday Family Adoption Program begins today (11/12/08)
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...

Spencer senior center representatives scrambling to answer: What's next? (11/07/08)
Representatives from the city of Spencer and the Spencer Area Activity Center (SAAC) brainstormed Thursday morning in an ongoing attempt to answer the looming question: What's next for the town's senior center? Last month, SAAC board members voted to close its doors on Dec. 31 if a feasible answer is not reached by then. Senior center board members have calculated the SAAC will have approximately $50,000 left in the center's money market account at that point...

Corridor working to join students, industry (11/04/08)
The Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation in collaboration with area high school Industrial Technology programs is working to connect students with local business and industry. A special event to expand on these efforts will be held on Monday, Nov. 10. "Where Are the Welders?" Instructional Forum and Career Fair will be held at the Spencer High School Industrial Tech building, from 6-9 p.m., free pizza and pop will be served. Students and parents are encouraged to attend...

Reminder:Property taxes due Sept. 30 (09/24/08)
Clay County Treasurer Sande Geidl would like to remind property owners that the first installment of property taxes is due Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2008. Property tax information may be obtained online at www.iowatreasurers.org or by calling the treasurer's office at (712) 262-2179. To avoid penalty on the first installment, payment must be received in the treasurer's office or postmarked by Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2008...

New school board members welcomed, former SMS first-floor study approved (09/24/08)
The past service of two one-term Spencer school board members was recognized as two new people took their positions around the board table Tuesday night. In the presentation of the Sept. 9 election abstract for the two at-large board director positions up for grabs, it was reported that Dean Mechler and Les Zobrist received 274 and 210 votes respectively. ...

ILCC wind tech students may transfer to UI under agreement (09/19/08)
The University of Iowa College of Engineering and Iowa Lakes Community College of Estherville, Iowa, have signed an agreement that will allow some Iowa Lakes students to transfer to either the UI Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering or the UI Department of Mechanical Engineering, effective fall semester 2009...

Ambassadors cut ribbon at Anytime Fitness (08/28/08)
The Spencer Ambassadors met with local site manager, Greg Spies, at the new location of Anytime Fitness, at 218 11th St. SW in Spencer. The 24-hour fitness gym offers memberships beginning at $39.99. There are 1,200 Anytime Fitness facilities nationwide, including Spencer as a trio of sites owned by Jason Whitey and Bria Yang. ...

Spencer student interns for Grassley in Washington (08/26/08)
WASHINGTON --Cale Kassel, son of Julie and Paul Kassel of Spencer, has just finished spending six weeks in Washington, D.C. working as an intern in Senator Chuck Grassley's office. Kassel is a 2007 Iowa State graduate and is currently a student at the University Of Iowa Carver College Of Medicine...

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...

Board to commit financially to SMS auditorium design study (08/23/08)
The Spencer Community Schools Board of Education will convene its monthly meeting at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 26 in the board room of the central administrative offices, located at 23 E. Seventh St. Approval of consent items, including minutes from the July 24 and Aug. 13 board meetings, bills, student open enrollment applications, and personnel recommendations will be sought...

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...

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. ...

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...

Ideas offered to trim district's transportation budget (07/25/08)
The Spencer school district's new transportation director presented several recommendations Thursday night aimed at trimming the district's transportation budget and combating high fuel prices. As Julie Nemmers reported to board members that Spencer's in-town bus system is often referred to locally as "a glorified taxi service," she then encouraged eliminating 16 of the over 140 bus stops within city limits...

Board to ready for 2008-09 school year Thursday (07/23/08)
Following a two-hour work session designed to review the new superintendent evaluation form, the Spencer Community Schools Board of Education will convene its monthly meeting at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, July 24 in the board room of the central administrative offices, located at 23 E. Seventh St...

Scam e-mails seek donations to help Chinese earthquake victims (07/15/08)
Scam E-Mails Seek Donations to Help Chinese Earthquake Victims The FBI is asking people to beware of e-mails claiming to be raising money to help victims of the recent earthquake in China. Tragic incidents such as 9/11, Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the Minnesota Bridge collapse, the Virginia Tech shootings and the victims of the horrific tornados have all prompted individuals with criminal intent to solicit contributions for a charitable organization and/or a good cause. ...

Near miss with train leads to multiple charges (06/24/08)
Monte Milford Thompson, 44, was taken into custody at his Spencer residence for driving while barred, disobeying an official traffic control device, operation without registration and no proof of insurance. On Friday, the Clay County Law Enforcement Communications Center received a call from workers of the IC&E Railroad who were working at a railroad crossing just north of 350th St. on 240th Ave...

Gabrielle Louise Trio to appear in Spencer (06/04/08)
The Gabrielle Louise Trio, a Colorado-based Americana band featuring award-winning songstress Gabrielle Louise, will close the season's Spencer House Concert Series beginning at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, June 15. The concert will take place at the home of Martin Arthur, 323 E. Fourth St., Spencer...

Clay County teens tantalize taste buds with BatschStein Salsa (05/29/08)
Don't even try to get Tyler Steinkamp and Ethan Batschelet to tell you what the secret ingredient in their salsa is. The two 18-year-old Clay County residents won't disclose the special ingredient that gives their Batschstein Salsa (a combination of their Swiss and German names) its special taste...

Ambassadors meet with PSY reps (05/07/08)
The Spencer Ambassadors met with Amy Simpson and other representatives of Positively Spencer Youth to learn about how the volunteer operated program is serving the needs of the young people in Spencer. The organization has partnered with the schools and other area organizations in the community to put on a series of informative and relevent seminars for teens and parents regarding the dangers on the internet and various types of substance abuse in today's teen culture, the group has also offered several fun activities for families and children to take part in, brought in a variety of positive speakers and worked with other groups such as After Prom and the Extreme Am to add more benefit to those served by each project. ...

Cruising for Kyuss: Raising awareness for autism (04/26/08)
By Kris Todd Daily Reporter Staff April, which has been designated National Autism Awareness Month, seems the perfect time for Damon and Leah Hintz of Spencer to announce that they're the proud parents of two children: Kyuss will mark his sixth birthday in July and Miles Hintz will turn 18 months old on May 3. The eldest of their two sons was diagnosed with autism as a 3-year-old...

SMS spring vocal concert tonight (04/22/08)
Spencer's seventh and eighth grade choirs will present a spring vocal concert tonight at 7:30 p.m. in the old Spencer Middle School auditorium. Seventh grade soloists will include: Heaven French, Taylor Glover, Courtney Heikens, Deb Hoffman, Laura Thiesse, Natalie Thiesse, Daly Tighe and Hanna Zinn. ...

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