News

Hope Haven announced it has received a donation from Sunshine Services, of Spencer, in the form of a commercial real estate property. The building, located at East Ninth Street, across from the Pederson Park baseball and softball complex, consists of a large office and program space that will be utilized by Hope Haven for services and activities that empower individuals with disabilities...

A medical assistance relief fund has been established for longtime Spencer High School Band Director and local musician Jack Ryan. Ryan has been diagnosed with cancer, melanoma in the chest area, a very aggressive and advanced stage cancer, and is in the Des Moines area receiving treatment and living in a care center facility near his niece, Jaci...

With Clay County’s 14-day rolling COVID-19 positivity rate approximately 13.6% Tuesday, the Clay County Board of Supervisors heard from Colette Rossiter, coordinator for Clay County Public Health, to discuss the state of the county during their regular board meeting. Rossiter said the positivity rate has fluctuated but is currently trending better than in November...

Can and bottle redemption centers, previously only permitted within the Central Business District and areas zoned C-2 Highway Commercial, may soon have additional areas to be located in the city of Spencer. The Spencer Planning and Zoning Committee convened Wednesday morning to discuss a possible ordinance amendment which would permit can and bottle redemption centers by right in zoned C-2 and D Light Industrial areas while allowing them in the central business district by special exception...

Always a popular outlet for lifelong learners — especially those ages 55 and up — Iowa Lakes Community College’s Third Age College is returning in 2021 with “The American Mind” course, which is open for registration and begins on Jan. 19. Unique this year, while pandemic safety protocols continue to be in place for the class, students of the Third Age College can also enjoy the fun virtually as well...

As of Monday, Jan. 18, Spencer Public Library is admitting patrons, with restrictions as it returns to regular hours from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The public must make an appointment to enter. Appointments begin at the top of the hour and last 45 minutes and can be made by calling 580-7290...

With COVID-19 forcing the cancellation of the 2020 Clay County Fair, the Spencer Hy-Noon Kiwanis had to find another source to replace its No. 1 fundraising source, the SK Cafe and Cookie Bucket. This month, the Hy-Noon Kiwanis are conducting the Valentine Take and Bake Cookie Sale...

Spencer Municipal Utilities has been working on TV retransmission negotiations for various broadcast and cable signals up for renewal over the last few months and they have recently been completed. Since then SMU has been working through the launch process for channel changes associated with the contracts...

The Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation announced Thursday the appointment of Brian Dalziel to the position of Interim CEO effective February 2021. Dalziel has been the senior vice president and entrepreneur-in-residence for the corridor for more than 10 years. His appointment comes following the announcement of current President and CEO Kiley Miller’s departure from the corridor...

DES MOINES — Rep. Megan Jones, R-Sioux Rapids, was sworn in to the Iowa House of Representatives on the first day of the 89th General Assembly. The swearing in ceremony was shortly followed by opening remarks by Speaker of the House Pat Grassley, outlining some of the priorities of the Legislature for the 2021 session. During session Jones can be reached by email at megan.jones@legis.iowa.gov.

WASHINGTON — Iowa 4th District U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra has joined the Biofuels Caucus, a bipartisan group of lawmakers focused on supporting biofuels producers by defending the Renewable Fuel Standard and fighting for expanded access to higher biofuel blends...

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has set up a memorial at the Dickinson County Courthouse Plaza for a Spirit Lake man who patrolled the area's state parks and waters for almost two decades. Memorial services will take place at 10 a.m. Friday at Good News Community Church in Okoboji for Iowa DNR Conservation Officer Steven Reighard Sr. Visitation took place Thursday at Henry-Olson Funeral Chapel in Estherville...

In the article “Assault on the U.S. Capitol,” published in Friday, Jan. 8, Spencer Daily Reporter, locals who attended the protests in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, Jan. 6, made claims which have been refuted by D.C. law enforcement, the U.S. Justice Department and the FBI...

WASHINGTON — The U.S. House voted Wednesday to impeach President Donald Trump for a second time, charging him with inciting violent rioters last week who rampaged through the U.S. Capitol, temporarily derailing the tally of presidential votes and leading to at least five deaths...

The Iowa 4-H Foundation announces its 2021 scholarship program for current or former 4-H members planning to attend college in the fall of 2021. Information and applications for the 4-H scholarships are now available through the Iowa 4-H Foundation at iowa4h.awardspring.com. ...

Ethan Heiter was named our December Spencer Rotary Student of the Month. He wants to study agronomy and is undecided between Iowa State University and South Dakota State University.

CEDAR RAPIDS — Kirkwood Community College has released its dean's list for the fall 2020 semester. These students have achieved a 3.3 GPA or higher after completing 12 or more credit hours at the college. Kirkwood students from the area earning this distinction include: Jaime Murray, of Graettinger, and Blake Tillotson, of Spirit Lake...

EMMETSBURG — Future stylists hoping for a promising career can now attend Iowa Lakes Community College’s new cosmetology program. With renovations completed on the Laker Salon Cosmetology Lab and the Iowa Department of Public Health’s Board of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences approving licensure, the Cosmetology program is now open and instructing the first group of students...

ARNOLDS PARK — The Iowa Rock 'n' Roll Music Association announces that “Rockin’” Vance Jorgensen of Mason City has been named as the latest addition to the Board of Directors of the Iowa Rock ‘n' Roll Music Association. According to Clay Norris, executive director of the Iowa Rock ‘n' Roll Music Association, “We are so thrilled to have Lifetime Member Rockin’ Vance become our newest board member. ...

A new exhibit opened at Clay County Heritage on Tuesday. The exhibition, “Tipi,” is from Siouxland Heritage Museums in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and showcases the life of the Plains Native Americans who lived in this area for hundreds of years. With a nomadic lifestyle and survival dependent on buffalo, many Native American tribes relied on the tipi. Tipis provided shelter that were sturdy enough to endure the elements of nature but also easy to transport. The conical structures had a simple design, a frame of slender wood poles, and a protective layer of animal hides. They were carefully engineered to create practical and livable year-round homes that could be altered to accommodate the elements of their habitat. Tipis also became a place for the community to come together for ceremonies and to conduct business. Items in the exhibit include seven pop-up informational banners, replicas of items used by Plains Native Americans, as well as genuine arrowheads and an authentic life-size tipi. “Tipi” will remain open at the Clay County Heritage Center until May 1. Admission to the Heritage Center is free thanks to Hy-Vee sponsorship. COVID-19 restrictions include social distancing, mask requirements and limited attendance. Hours are Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

A collaboration between Arts on Grand and two Spencer High School seniors from the No Boundaries program, “Grand Artsby” is the first Arts on Grand exhibit of 2021 and is now on display, scheduled to run from Jan. 14 to Feb. 18 in the gallery. “This is Arts on Grand’s first collaboration with No Boundaries,” AOG Executive Director Tara Brown said. ...

Former U.S. Ambassador to China Terry Branstad warned Tuesday that China may stall the Biden administration’s efforts to advance trade negotiations. But Branstad said he hopes his fellow former Iowa governor, incoming U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, will be able to build on agreements that have helped boost commodity prices in recent months...

In a release issued Jan. 13, the Spencer Chamber of Commerce have announced the cancellation of the upcoming 2021 Ag Outlook event. "The Chamber of Commerce Board, with the partnership of the Ag Outlook Committee has decided to cancel the 2021 Ag Outlook scheduled for Feb. ...

The year 2020 will go down in the history books as a mostly somber, disappointing time and there was no better symbol of the hope for 2021 than the second annual Blazing Pines event created by the Love Where You Live group and the city of Spencer. Gathering as many live Christmas trees and 2020 calendars as possible, dozens socially distanced around the great bonfire or in their vehicles to light up a new year. (DIRECTION) In the winter cold, three youngsters enjoy their time in the warmth of the fire. (DIRECTION) Flames leaped to the sky Saturday night for the event, leading vehicles traveling across the Grand Avenue Bridge to join the celebration with some encouraging honks.

The Iowa Association of Chambers of Commerce announced its 2021 Board of Directors last week, which will include membership from the city of Spencer. Spencer Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Sheriffa Jones will serve on the seven-member IACC board alongside the four-member IACC executive board...

A long awaited day, COVID-19 vaccines are headed to Spencer long-term care facilities so residents and staff can have immunity from the novel coronavirus that has so far killed more than 300,000 Americans and caused many more deaths across the world. ...

With Gov. Kim Reynolds lifting the attendance restrictions on high school sporting events, Spencer and other high schools are charged with revisiting protocols ahead of scheduled basketball, wrestling and boys swimming events in the coming weeks. Ahead of Reynold’s restriction release, Spencer athletes were limited to two tickets per athletic family, an even stricter allowance than the governor’s initially suggested two tickets per athlete. ...

Area anglers and visiting fishermen are out on the ice as the 2021 ice fishing season is now underway. Iowa Department of Natural Resources conservation officer Joe Yarkosky stressed that as fishermen hit the ice, they keep safety top of mind. “I think ice fishing in general over the last couple years keeps getting more popular,” Yarkosky said. ...

The biggest question of 2021 so far, at least the one addressed to those in the health care world, has been: “When can I get vaccinated against COVID-19?” The answer varies from state to state. In Iowa, as of today, those who work in health care or are a resident of a long-term care facility, are eligible to schedule and receive a vaccine. Those in the next priority groups are identified; however, a time frame has not been announced by the state for the next round of vaccination opportunities...

Despite 2020 being one of the most unusual years to date, one thing remains certain, new life and new beginnings continue to provide hope for the future. In 2020, 229 babies were born at Spencer Hospital, with 118 of those girls and 111 boys. "This has been quite a unique year in our birth center trying to navigate our way through the COVID-19 pandemic, yet our team continues to enjoy the opportunity to help families welcome little ones into the world as well as educating and pampering new moms," said Jeannette Hasley, birth center director at Spencer Hospital.. ...

Anyone who has dreamed of becoming a published poet, may make his or her dream come true through the Iowa Poetry Association's 2021 Lyrical Iowa Poetry Contest. Lyrical Iowa is IPA's annual anthology of poetry published since 1946 featuring more than 300 poems. The contest is open to anyone with an Iowa address...

LifeServe Blood Center would like to thank all those who donated at the Spencer Community Blood Drive on Jan. 4. LifeServe is happy to say that Spencer community saved over 165 local lives. As we are fighting our way through this global pandemic, LifeServe has been fortunate enough to take a step into helping out COVID-19 patients that are in the hospital with a product called convalescent plasma or CCP for short. ...

Spencer Area Activity Center will have fresh produce, when it’s available in the front entry. Feel free to come check it out. Bring your own bag. Open from 1-3:30 p.m. for produce Monday through Friday. --- Elderbridge Agency on Aging offices remain closed to public access but services continue to be provided by phone at 800-243-0678. ...

Storm Lake native Lawrence Dorr, a surgeon who innovated early developments in joint replacement surgery and founded the international nonprofit Operation Walk, has passed away in California at age 79. Dorr created Operation Walk to provide free joint replacement surgery for people in underserved countries such as Cuba, Nepal and Guatemala, the Los Angeles Times reported...

Neal Conover and Dwight Conover of Northwest Financial Corp. have announced that Greg Post has been named president and CEO of the holding company, Northwest Financial Corp. in Arnolds Park. In 1989 Post began his career at Northwest Bank building the mortgage lending department. ...

McDonald’s and Shake Shake have both kicked off 2021 by announcing new fried chicken sandwiches as they join the hotly debated fried chicken wars. Both chains are looking to capitalize on fried chicken’s impressive robustness during the pandemic. While visits to fast-food restaurants are down by 23%, fried chicken chains have only seen a 6% reduction, outperforming burger chains which have experienced a downturn of 15%...

MADISON, Wis. — Alliant Energy has been named to Newsweek’s 2021 list of America’s Most Responsible Companies. This prestigious list is presented by Newsweek and Statista Inc., the world-leading statistics portal and industry ranking provider. The list, which spans 14 industries, recognizes the top 400 most responsible companies in the United States...

WASHINGTON — A violent mob temporarily derailed the typically routine process of Congress certifying the presidential election results on Wednesday, with the House of Representatives and Senate abruptly recessing after President Donald Trump’s supporters clashed with police and forced their way into the U.S. Capitol...

After a busy December in Spencer Hospital’s Birth Center, January started very quietly — so quiet that the first baby of the New Year didn’t arrive until Jan. 6. As long as the wait seemed for the birth center staff, it really felt long for new mom Patty Schulz and her husband Dave. Patty Schulz’s labor started Tuesday morning yet baby Reba Jayne didn’t make her appearance until early Wednesday evening, after 36 long hours of labor for her mom...

• In place of honoring a specific Citizen of the Year as we traditionally do at the Daily Reporter, for 2020 it was decided to recognize a collection of groups who have provided key service or made a difference despite the COVID threat. The fifth story in the series honors those charged with continuing to provide emergency response care for the community...

Spencer’s Blazing Pines returns to West Leach Park at 6 p.m. Saturday. Beginning at 3 p.m. the ice rink at East Leach Park will be open and residents are encouraged to walk the trails. The public is invited to bring live greenery including wreaths, trees and garland to the designated area before the event. ...

CEDAR FALLS — The Iowa Governor’s STEM Advisory Council will accept applications for the STEM Scale-Up Program beginning Jan. 11. The program provides STEM educational opportunities to approximately one-fifth of Iowa students each year, bringing some of the nation’s best STEM lessons, labs, kits, software and professional development to PreK-12 students and educators in-school, afterschool and other educational settings, especially targeting those most in need. ...

Spencer High School senior Jack DeWitt was the recipient of the January Student of the Month honor from Spencer Rotary. Rotarians Elli Wiemers and Seth McCaulley presented him with the recognition. DeWitt plans to attend Simpson College and pursue a career in education.

Faced with a spectrum of uncertainties, student enrollment declined across the board at Iowa’s colleges and universities in 2020, according to Iowa College Aid, a state agency that promotes higher education. From on-campus living arrangements to questionable financial security, COVID-19 shook the traditional college experience potential students came to expect this last year...

The Iowa 4-H Foundation announces its 2021 scholarship program for current or former 4-H members planning to attend college in the fall of 2021. Information and applications for the 4-H scholarships are now available through the Iowa 4-H Foundation at https://iowa4h.awardspring.com. ...

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Augustana University recently announced that Cassandra Soma of Spencer has been named to the dean's list for the fall semester of the 2020-21 academic year. The dean's list recognizes full-time students who have a minimum of 12 credit hours with a GPA at 3.5 or above...

WEST DES MOINES — The Iowa Farm Bureau Federation opened registration for the Iowa Farm Bureau Economic Summit Webinar Series and unveiled participation by nationally-renowned experts, such as USDA Chief Economist Dr. Rob Johansson and the incoming USDA Chief Economist Dr. ...

BOSTON — GasBuddy, the travel and navigation app used by more North American drivers to save money on gas, predicts today that 2021 may feature a sharp rally in gas prices by year end, warning that the national average could rise to as high as $3 per gallon should the nation broadly recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. While the risk exists for some pain at the pumps during the year, GasBuddy expects the yearly average will jump a more modest 27 cents per gallon in 2021...

For more than two decades, Marge Pitts has served as Clay County’s Auditor, the third woman to do so in Clay County history. This week, the county has entered a new era with Pitts’ successor, Ann Baschke, taking up the mantle. Pitts, who started her career in county government in 1973, built a legacy that’s left her with numerous friends, colleagues, awards and accolades; county officials across the state know her by name. ...

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — The body of a former Spencer resident was left in the middle of a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, street for close to a half-hour after reportedly suffering a gunshot wound as vehicle and foot traffic passed by according to an investigating law enforcement official. The incident allegedly occurred at 11:20 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 30...