News | Spencer Daily Reporter

Preparing for the future’s floods (12/9/18)

By Joseph Hopper , Daily Reporter Staff

The entirety of Clay County is now undergoing a flood hazard mapping project, which is administered by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Part of the project includes the creation of a new flood insurance rate map for the county, an important planning document which effects flood insurance requirements. The Spencer flood insurance rate map used today was last revised in 1997 and was originally created in 1983...
Projected physician assistants shortage may hit rural Iowa (12/9/18)

By Colin Van Westen, Staff Writer

A recent University of Iowa study projects a shortage of physician assistants as 32 percent of the state's PAs were age 50 or older in 2015 and may retire within the next 15 years. This has the potential to compound difficulties for health care institutions across the state which are already facing a shortage of primary care physicians going forward, especially in many rural areas which have become more reliant on PAs to meet the growing needs of an aging population...
Near the epicenter (12/9/18)

By Colin Van Westen, Staff Writer

For Spencer native John Wendlandt, his family and friends, earthquakes are "a cost of doing business in Alaska," but the 7.0 magnitude earthquake which hit the Anchorage, Alaska, area on Nov. 30 and subsequent, ongoing aftershocks are bigger than anything he has experienced in almost 30 years in the northern most state in the union...
County Conservation unveils Oneota update (12/9/18)

By Joseph Hopper , Daily Reporter Staff

Families packed Oneota Park Friday night for Clay County Conservation's Winter Woodland Frolic event which featured activities like snowshoeing in the woods and taking a tractor ride through the park. Inside the Oneota cabin, attendees witnessed the unveiling of the plans for the Oneota Environmental Learning Center. The center will be constructed from the former horse barn the conservation board hauled to the park in April...
Supervisor seat on special ballot Tuesday (12/9/18)1

Registered Clay County voters can cast a ballot in the special Clay County Supervisors race between the hours of 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. Tuesday at the Clay County Fair and Events Center. Kevin Brown, Art Hamrick and Bill Zinn are all on the ballot seeking the seat of Joe Skow who resigned his position when he relocated out-of-state...
Thinking about Christmas (12/9/18)

Area children did their part in getting Christmas presents for their loved ones during the Spencer Women of Today’s annual Christmas program, “Santa’s Workshop.” SWOT members said the annual event has been held for nearly three decades. (Above) With tables full of potential presents, Kamryn Hansen, 3, takes a moment to think about what gift she should select for the people on her Christmas list. Each child had one of Santa’s helpers from the Iowa Lakes women’s soccer team to assist them in their holiday endeavors.
Christmas comes early at Spencer Goodwill (12/9/18)

Photo by Joseph Hopper A child takes a moment to sit on Santa’s lap inside the Spencer Goodwill location Friday night. Spencer’s Goodwill location participated in a regional effort, hosting a “shoe and mitten party” for area children. The Spencer location provided 48 children with gifts like coats, mittens, hats and stuffed animals. The children could also have their faces painted and meet Santa Claus. The Spencer store’s staff also provided a Christmas dinner. “We just love it and the kids get excited,” said La Donna Olsen, store manager for Spencer Goodwill. “It’s for a good cause, you can really tell.”
Christmas bar crawl organizers spurred on by success (12/9/18)

Spurred on by the more than $350 in donations and variety of food, clothing and toy items collected to benefit Upper Des Moines Opportunity, organizers of the Grand Christmas Bar Crawl said they hope to make the event an annual tradition in Spencer. The charity bar crawl took place on Saturday with stops at the Silver Hammer, 5:13, Weasy's, Pour Judgement and Sneakers. The event's Facebook page attracted the attention of more than 500 people and 130 reported attending.
Education Brief (12/9/18)

Sioux Rapids P.E.O. Chapter GJ announces that applications are being accepted from area women post-secondary students for $300 and $500 scholarships to be awarded in February 2019. To be eligible for a scholarship the applicant must be from, or living in, the Buena Vista or Clay County area. ...
Alta-Aurelia leading the way on school district mergers in Iowa (12/9/18)

By Elijah Decious, NWIA Publishing

On a horizon of numerous and often contentious school mergers, Alta-Aurelia Community School District is leading the way on how to do it well. The differences after 97 percent of Alta and 77 percent of Aurelia voted to merge districts last fall have been functionally negligible to the users, students and parents, Superintendent Lynn Evans said. But some districts have clashed less gracefully...
Holiday Family Adoption 2018 (12/9/18)

The Holiday Family Adoption Program, a Spencer-area holiday staple, allows generous area families, businesses and service groups to share the holiday spirit and bounty. Thanks to the generosity of area families and businesses, approximately 80 area families will be gifted with items to help make this Christmas season a little bit brighter...
Agriculture Briefs (12/9/18)

DES MOINES — Preapplications are now being accepted for conservation projects located in urban areas that are focused on improving water quality. Proposed projects should be based on local collaborative efforts that focus on implementing conservation measures that reduce a property's contribution to water quality degradation, runoff and flooding. ...
Spencer Community Theatre presents: 'Almost, Maine' (12/7/18)

Spencer Community Theatre welcomes audiences to the second show of its 59th anniversary season, “Almost, Maine.” Almost, Maine, is a place that’s so far north, it’s almost not in the United States. It’s almost in Canada. And it’s not quite a town because its residents never got around to getting organized, so it almost doesn’t exist. ...
Home for the holidays (12/7/18)

By Randy M. Cauthron, Managing Editor

EVERLY — Saturday, multiple homes will open their doors in Everly to share Christmas decorating styles with the community as part of the Everly Tour of Homes during which holiday celebration is the theme in the Clay County town. Among those sharing their home are Brandon Hansen and Ryan Nemmers, organizers of the fundraiser for the community...
‘A bright, strong man’ (12/7/18)

By Joseph Hopper, Staff Writer

The 41st president of the United States of America, George H.W. Bush, passed away on Nov. 30 at the age of 94. The Republican president had a notable political career, ranging from Congress to becoming the 11th Central Intelligence Agency Director and later the 43rd vice president of the United States alongside President Ronald Reagan. ...
Ernst, Grassley assume national leadership roles (12/7/18)

By Colin Van Westen, Staff Writer

Iowa’s two U.S. senators have assumed national leadership positions within their party and the Senate. U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, was elected to be president pro tempore by his Republican colleagues, making him third in the constitutional line of presidential succession. U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, was elected vice chairperson of the Republican Senate Conference. Grassley also intends to resume the position of chairperson of the Senate Finance Committee in January...
1st Holiday Adoption drop-off Saturday (12/7/18)

The first of two drop-off opportunities for those who purchased gifts for the Holiday Family Adoption program is from 8:30 a.m. to noon Saturday at The Depot building on the Clay County Fairgrounds. A second drop is scheduled for the same time frame on Saturday, Dec. 15. All of those who adopted a family must drop off their gifts on one of these two dates. Placing multiple gifts in a larger box helps to facilitate the delivery. On Sunday, Dec. 16, the Spencer volunteer firemen, volunteers and area UPS employees will deliver the gifts to families.
Simulated season (12/7/18)

By Joseph Hopper, Staff Writer

Christmas has come early for area golfers wishing to return to the links for a round of golf. The Spencer Municipal Golf Course has set up its newest purchase, a golf simulator, inside the muni clubhouse, and the virtual sport will be available starting at noon each day with a reservation...
Tyson gains foreign plants in $2.2 billion Keystone deal (12/7/18)

Tyson Foods has successfully completed the $2.2 billion acquisition of Keystone Foods from Marfrig Global Foods. The meat giant filed documents Nov. 30 with the Securities Exchange Commission for a $1.8 billion loan to help float the buyout. This acquisition for the company that is Storm Lake’s largest employer includes eight foreign processing plants and three innovation centers in China, South Korea, Malaysia, Thailand and Australia that Tyson says will help meet growing international demand. ...
I Am They coming to RiseFest (12/7/18)

SHELDON — RiseFest is excited to announce the third artist on the 2019 festival lineup, pop-acoustic worship group, I Am They. This will be the group’s first appearance at RiseFest scheduled for June 21-22. They join a lineup which already features Skillet and Zach Williams...
Witter Gallery’s annual Wassail Party Dec. 11 (12/7/18)

STORM LAKE — The Witter Gallery in Storm Lake will host a night of music and art Tuesday, Dec. 11. Enjoy listening to medley’s sung by a Touch of Broadway while drinking warm wassail. Light refreshments will be available while guests peruse the artist showcase and sale exhibit. During this time take the opportunity to silent bid on the Storm Lake Public Library’s holiday literary baskets. They will be on display in our gallery throughout the night. Doors will open at 6:15 p.m. and performance will start at 7 p.m. This is exhibit consists of work by artists: Nicole Nee, Randi Mackey, Mary Mello-Nee, Ron Netten, Hailey McAndrews, Judy Hemphill, D&S, Glenda Drennen and Rachael Sitzman.
Rising star CJ Solar will shine at Guitars & Gifts (12/7/18)

STORM LAKE — The second annual Guitars and Gifts country music concert will help Upper Des Moines Opportunity to put a smile on every child’s face this holiday season. Nashville hit maker, Jordan Davis, will be headlining with CJ Solar and Manson’s Scott Kirkhart kicking things off. The show is Saturday, Dec. 15, starting at 7 p.m. at Lake Creek Country Club...
Lake Park man safe after frigid fall in Silver Lake (12/7/18)

By Seth Boyes, NWIA Publishing

LAKE PARK — A 78-year-old Lake Park man said he likely would have died Thursday morning if a neighbor hadn’t reacted so quickly. Dennis Gildemeister fell through the ice on Silver Lake and spent around 22 minutes in the frigid water, according to the Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office. His body temperature plunged as first responders turned on their flashing blue lights and used the center turn lane to circumvent traffic up Highway 71...
SCT audiences to visit ‘Almost, Maine’ (12/5/18)

By Joseph Hopper , Daily Reporter Staff

Love is in the air for the second show of the Spencer Community Theater’s 59th annual season, “Almost, Maine.” The SCT production, which explores the interesting and eccentric residents of rural Maine, opens at 7:30 p.m. Friday. Additional shows include Dec. 8 and Dec. 14-15, at 7:30 p.m.; and 2 p.m. matinees on Sundays, Dec. 9 and Dec. 16...
Visualizing faith (12/5/18)

By Colin Van Westen, Staff Writer

The holiday season can be a time of joy and thanksgiving for many, but the additional stress of winter weather, holiday shopping and plans can also bog people down. First Congregational Church of Spencer is encouraging local residents to participate in an advent photo challenge meant to motivate those involved to be mindful of words, feelings or emotions related to advent...
3 seek Skow’s supervisor seat (12/5/18)4

Three candidates seek a seat vacated by Joe Skow after he announced plans to relocate from the area. The special election for the board position will be conducted from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 11, at the Clay County Fair and Events Center for all registered county voters. Early voting can be performed at the Clay County Auditor’s Office through Monday, Dec. 10...
Kicking off winter (12/5/18)

By Colin Van Westen, Staff Writer

The Clay County Conservation Board is encouraging nature enthusiasts to get out of the house and enjoy what the season has to offer during the first Winter Woodland Frolic from 5-7 p.m. Friday at Oneota Cabin. "Anyone who is interested is invited — families, couples, kids," Clay County Naturalist Bree Blom said. ...
Parking ordinances pass final filings (12/5/18)2

By Joseph Hopper , Daily Reporter Staff

The Spencer City Council passed the final filings of two ordinances amending city code relating to the parking of accessory vehicles and vehicle parking on single-family, two-family and multifamily residential dwelling lots, respectively. Due to the ordinance adoption regarding parking on family dwelling lots, residential lots with “street frontage of less than 60 feet,” cannot exceed 50 percent of the front yard area which can be surfaced and used for drives and parking. ...
Thornton among Special Olympics Iowa first HOF class (12/5/18)1

DES MOINES — Special Olympics inducted its inaugural class, six individuals, into the Special Olympics Iowa Hall of Fame. Among those honored was Spencer’s Rhonda Thornton. In addition to Thornton, the Hall of Fame class included Sara Cummings, of Maxwell; Angela Oberlander, of Des Moines; Jesse Pease, of Sioux City; Nancy Shannon, of Long Grove; and Ray Strekal, of Perry...
Nominations open for 2018 Spencer Tour of Lights (12/5/18)

IGL TeleConnect is collaborating once again with Rides to bring the Spencer Tour of Lights to the public again this year. Submission for homes to be featured on the tour will be taken through Monday, Dec. 10. Nominate yourself, your neighbor or a local business who you feel has gone above and beyond getting in the holiday spirit. ...
SPD responds to car accident near Burger King (12/5/18)

The Spencer Police Department responded to a car-truck collision Tuesday morning at the intersection of Second Avenue SW and 11th Street SW in Spencer. The accident occurred when a 2019 Ram 1500 and 2014 Chevrolet Impala collided near Burger King. The official police report notes the accident occurred when the Ram driver, 71-year-old Timothy Edmondson, of Spencer, failed to yield the right-of-way to the Impala driver, 52-year-old Joan Nehman, of Spencer. Combined damages are estimated at approximately $8,000.
Holiday Family Adoption 2018 (12/5/18)

The Holiday Family Adoption Program, a Spencer-area holiday staple, allows generous area families, businesses and service groups to share the holiday spirit and bounty. Thanks to the generosity of area families and businesses, approximately 80 area families will be gifted with items to help make this Christmas season a little bit brighter...
Ag Briefs (12/5/18)

DES MOINES — Preapplications are now being accepted for conservation projects located in urban areas that are focused on improving water quality. Proposed projects should be based on local collaborative efforts that focus on implementing conservation measures that reduce a property's contribution to water quality degradation, runoff and flooding. ...
Ambassadors visit Pivot Point facility (12/5/18)

The Spencer Chamber Ambassadors on Tuesday visited the Pivot Point facility, located in the former Eaton Corp plant in west Spencer. A seed distribution and repackaging facility, Pivot Point currently has 15 employees and is seeking to grow its workforce, according to manager Gary Barlow. In partnership with agribusiness giant Syngenta, the facility will offer cold storage of the valuable hybrid seeds stored there for a variety of seed companies following additional renovation of the 330,000-square-foot building.
Everly man claims $50K top prize in scratch game (12/5/18)

CLIVE — A Clay County man has won a $50,000 lottery prize. Dennis Steinbeck, of Everly, claimed the fourth of eight top prizes available in the Iowa Lottery’s “Extreme Cash Blast” scratch game. He purchased his winning ticket at Quik Spot in Everly, and claimed his prize Nov. 29 at the lottery’s regional office in Storm Lake. Extreme Cash Blast is a $5 scratch game.
Meandering Merriment (12/3/18)

A festive hustle and bustle could be felt along Grand Avenue Monday as families and community members enjoyed an assortment of treats, carolers' voices warmed the chilly evening air and Santa arrived just after 6 p.m. to light the Jaycee's Tree of Joy as part of the 2018 Grand Meander. The annual event started the countdown for the Spencer community leading up to Christmas Day.
Mural ordinance vote planned for 2019 (12/3/18)

By Joseph Hopper , Daily Reporter Staff

The Spencer Committee of the Whole met prior to Monday night’s City Council meeting to discuss an ordinance allowing murals in the city of Spencer. The committee reviewed the ordinance’s third draft with representatives from the Spencer Historic Preservation Committee and Spencer Alliance for a Creative Economy present for discussion...
Automation done on the local front (12/3/18)

By Colin Van Westen, Staff Writer

After initially opening in 2015 and beginning production in 2016, Milford-based 966 Industries established itself locally providing robotics technology and support to manufacturing companies such as Rosenboom Machine and Tool, Tecton Industries and Northern Iowa Die Casting...
City approves new branding, website updates (12/3/18)

By Joseph Hopper , Daily Reporter Staff

The Spencer City Council unanimously approved two proposals Monday night which aim to update how the city looks both in its marketing and on the internet. The first proposal, a brand development package created by F8 Creative, was approved at a cost not to exceed $9,000. The second proposal came from Emagine, which will update the city of Spencer website at a cost not to exceed $6,500...
A tale of two communities (12/3/18)2

By Colin Van Westen, Staff Writer

Members of the Clay Central-Everly community and school officials agreed, the district has reached a crossroads and changes are necessary going forward. While the district has been actively exploring cost saving measures as supplemental state aid has declined over the last several years, school officials said the process has received greater scrutiny in the last two months after the district confirmed the loss of 17 students who moved from the district or open enrolled into a neighboring district.. ...
Holiday Family Adoption 2018 (12/3/18)

The Holiday Family Adoption Program, a Spencer-area holiday staple, allows generous area families, businesses and service groups to share the holiday spirit and bounty. Thanks to the generosity of area families and businesses, approximately 80 area families will be gifted with items to help make this Christmas season a little bit brighter...
Agriculture Briefs (12/3/18)

ORANGE CITY — Beef producers are reminded that by Tuesday, Jan. 1, they must have a current Beef Quality Assurance certificate in order to sell cattle to certain packers. To help producers comply with this requirement, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Iowa Beef Center and Iowa Beef Industry Council are offering a series of “year-end” trainings in northwest Iowa. ...
Storm Lake loses another gem in retail (12/3/18)

By Elijah Decious, Northwest Iowa Publishing

STORM LAKE — Another gem in business is going out soon — this time it’s the one that sells jewelry. With a heavy heart, Berg Jewelry announced its closing earlier this month after owner Steve Berg’s leukemia diagnosis. “You just can’t believe it,” he said of the diagnosis. “It just rocks your world.”...
A time-out for health (12/3/18)

By Alyssa Stanek, Special to the SDR

STORM LAKE — At 56, Terry Paulson had been working for the Fort Dodge school district all his teaching career. As part of that career, Paulson was active officiating football. With all that running up and down a 100-yard field every Friday night, one would assume Paulson was pretty healthy. Paulson thought so, too. Yet a small voice made him think he should go get a physical...
Discovering science in literature, history (12/3/18)1

By Colin Van Westen, Staff Writer

Science can be an intimidating and confusing topic for those unfamiliar with its principles, but a program at Spencer Public Library is working to make the ever-present topic more understandable for community readers. "Pushing the Limits," a discussion group centered on the role of science in popular books, is led by Spencer High School teacher Dave Munson...
Corridor CEO shares annual update (12/2/18)

By Joseph Hopper, Staff Writer

Iowa Lakes Corridor and Development Corporation CEO Kiley Miller appeared at Spencer Hospital to deliver an annual update regarding the corporation’s accomplishments in 2018. Miller said 2018 was a good year for the corridor. “Obviously we’re blessed when the economy is in good shape,” Miller said. ...
Spencer Hospital pharmacy project moves forward (12/2/18)

By Joseph Hopper, Staff Writer

The Spencer Hospital Board of Trustees met Thursday to review bids received for the hospital’s Abben Cancer Center Satellite Pharmacy project. Due to new regulations adopted by the Iowa Board of Pharmacy, the satellite pharmacy’s sterile compounding room — where hazardous chemicals are mixed — need to be remodeled to become compliant with the new requirements, which go into effect Dec. 1. The Spencer Hospital pharmacy underwent a similar remodel in 2017...
CC-E presents 'Trap' (12/2/18)

By Colin Van Westen, Staff Writer

Clay Central-Everly High School presented Stephen Gregg's “Trap” Friday night and will have a second performance this Wednesday. The play is based on interviews by the members of a theater company soon after the incidents at Menachap, California, in February 2016. ...
Fillin' plates for a cause (12/2/18)

Back for its eighth year, the Spencer High School Fillin' Station has become a tradition for community members searching for fresh-served food and a good cause. SHS special education teacher Molly Vander Linden's class served a holiday-themed lunch with turkey, drinks and dessert to 120 community members Friday afternoon. The program is a collaborative food service and preparation effort between Vander Linden's students and SHS National Honor Society members. All proceeds gathered from the meal benefit Spencer Special Olympic student athletes. (Above) Dressed for the season, Josh Wittrock and Ethan Schmidt worked together to serve pumpkin bars to guests following their meal.
Clay County 4-H membership dues decreased with help from MaxYield (12/2/18)

MaxYield Cooperative recently presented Clay County Extension and Outreach with a contribution aimed at decreasing the cost of enrollment in 4-H youth programs. “4-H has long been a key resource for youth development in our local communities, and clubs continue to offer high-quality educational programs,” said Chad Meyer, client relations and communications leader at MaxYield. ...