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“Children of Eden,” a 1991 two-act musical based on the Book of Genesis, with Act I telling the story of Adam and Eve, Cain, and Abel, while Act II deals with Noah and the Flood featuring a talented cast of student actors and singers. Stephen Schwartz and John Caird’s musical, “Children of Eden” casts the biblical stories of Genesis through the personal lens of family. ...

WATERTOWN, S.D. — On Tuesday, a report by KXLG radio in Watertown, South Dakota, announced current Spencer City Manager Amanda Mack as a finalist for the Watertown city manager position. Monday, the Watertown City Council announced the five individuals who were chosen to participate in an interview process which will take place on April 29-30...

During his 99-county tour U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, visited Vander Haag’s in Spencer touring their facilities before holding a question and answer session attended by various members of the surrounding community as well as Vander Haag’s employees. The longtime senator said he was glad to get the chance to explore and learn more about the growing business and outlined some of his current priorities and current issues in Washington, D.C., he expected would “dominate through August.”...

Appointment opportunities remain for Saturday’s mass vaccination clinic scheduled from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Spencer High School field house. As of 4 p.m. Wednesday, 665 Spencer area residents had registered to receive their first of two scheduled shots, leaving 505 vaccination appointments available. Vaccinations are by appointment only to prevent lines and promote social distancing...

Twenty-four hours after the end of a snowfall, residential sidewalks in the city are supposed to be cleared of snow according to city code. The required timeline for sidewalk cleaning as well as how the city notifies property owners in violation of the sidewalk snow ordinance was discussed during a Public Safety Committee meeting Wednesday night. While the winter season has ended, Spencer City Manager Amanda Mack said the discussion surrounding the ordinance returns each year...

The ongoing Northwest Iowa Regional Airport Master Planning process hit a major milestone on Tuesday night as the airport board and Coffman Associates hosted the public for a third and final public information meeting. The FAA requires airports to update their master plan — a long-range document forecasted from the immediate future to the next 20 years — every 10 years to ensure funding. ...

The application deadline of Monday, April 12, is fast approaching for candidates to compete for the title of Clay County Fair queen. The winner, to be crowned Sunday, May 2, will reign over this year’s Clay County Fair and will also compete for the state fair queen title. The crowning will take place at the Clay County Regional Events Center...

Pickerel Lake, near Laurens on the Clay and Buena Vista county line, will undergo a water level management project to improve its water quality and provide quality habitat for fish and wildlife. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources will lower the water level in the 170-acre shallow natural lake this spring. The goal is to lower the lake 3.5 feet during the 2021 growing season and keep water levels down through early summer 2022...

Spencer Hospital has again been recognized as one of the Top 100 Rural & Community Hospitals in the United States, earning the designation for the sixth consecutive year. As such, Spencer Hospital is the only midsized Iowa hospital to have earned this distinction every year it has been awarded...

With an upcoming vaccination clinic scheduled for this weekend, the Clay County Board of Supervisors questioned Clay County Public Health Coordinator Colette Rossiter about the current COVID-19 landscape in the county. Rossiter said she expects local pharmacies to begin receiving a steady allocation of COVID-19 vaccines in the near future, which will increase vaccine availability...

On Saturday, April 3, the members of the Clay County Countrymen 4-H club put together a Easter Egg Hunt in Everly. The members of the club filled eggs and set them out in the City Park area. The weather was perfect and a total of 80 kids came and participated in the hunt. (Written by Amrie Pearson, Madison Sonius, Brooklynn Scharnberg and Emma Scharnberg.)...

Thanks to a donation from CF Industries Classroom mini-grant program, students in Spencer classrooms will be afforded the opportunity to participate in a variety of projects such as Courtyard Garden, School Garden, Earth Changes, Integrating Literacy with Social Studies/Sciences and a study of organisms/plants. ...

The words of a teacher helped inspire a young Brian Downing to place himself at what he feels is one of the most meaningful crossroads in life. Downing has now served as principal of Okoboji High School for 11 years, and the School Administrators of Iowa announced Friday he had been named Iowa's Secondary Principal of the Year. ...

Sarah Elser, of Spencer High School, daughter of Tim and Colette Elser of Webb, was the 2019 Pork Ambassador and will be attending the University of Northern Iowa next year.

STORM LAKE — Witter Gallery is holding a two-week online auction showcasing 12 original art pieces created by area artists. The online auction will begin on Friday, April 16, and will end on Friday, April 30. Local artists have submitted pieces ranging from woodwork to paintings, drawings to ceramics. ...

Author Dave Hoye will participate in a book signing from 1-3 p.m. Saturday at Arts on Grand in downtown Spencer. Hoye lives in Everly with his wife Cheri. They have two daughters and six grandchildren who have played a major role in his writing. His Midwest values and outlook come from his years of living small town Iowa. ...

ARNOLDS PARK — In a newly-announced concert for the Roof Garden Ballroom this season, the classic Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra will be presented by Arnolds Park Amusement Park. The show is Sunday, June 13, 7:30-10:30 p.m. The show was scheduled earlier, but had to be canceled...

The Spencer Chamber Ambassadors visited Grand Bridal, located at the corner of Grand Avenue and East Fourth Street in Spencer on Tuesday. Owner Denice Schoelerman cut the ribbon on the store, which features brands unavailable anywhere else in the region. Bridal gowns, mother-of-the-bride dresses, bridesmaid and flower girl dresses are also available, along with bridal shoes and jewelry. Schoelerman also does alterations on the gowns, to ensure a perfect, custom fit...

The Spencer High School drama and musical departments will combine for a return to the stage, moving its traditional fall musical to the spring for a Friday first curtain on “Children of Eden.” It debuts for its weekend run beginning at 7:30 p.m. Friday in the high school auditorium. Additional shows are planned for 7:30 p.m. Saturday and a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday...

Gov. Kim Reynolds officially signed House File 756 into law on Friday, changing how Iowans can purchase and concealed carry firearms beginning on July 1. The previous system of formally obtaining a permit to concealed carry through the local county sheriff’s office — a process where a background check is performed — is still an option, but now carries some distinctions from those who would choose against pursuing a permit. ...

Each year Spencer Police Department Lt. Patrick Westfall and K-9 officer Mennox obtain their annual certification through the United States Police K9 Association dog trials. The points scored for certification also are tallied in competition, and in 2021 for region 21 — which encompasses the majority of Iowa — Westfall and Mennox ended their two-day event this March with a perfect score of 200 out of 200, earning Mennox the region’s Top Dog honor...

Prior to Monday night’s regularly scheduled Spencer City Council meeting, a special meet and greet was conducted to welcome three new city staff, Dan Chism, new superintendent for the Northern Plains Regional Landfill; Alek Schulz, planning director for the city; and Jessica Wright, the city’s human resource manager...

Emergency personnel arrived at the intersection of 11th Avenue Southwest and 13th Street Southwest in south Spencer at approximately 3:30 p.m. Friday responding to the scene of a multi-car collision. Few details are available at this time, however more information will be revealed when an official report is released. The Clay County Sheriff's Office, Spencer Police Department, Spencer Fire Department and Spencer Hospital assisted at the scene.

The topic of poor behavior within Spencer's parks was a topic of discussion during Monday night's Spencer City Council meeting. Ward 1 City Councilman Tom Nelson told Spencer Police Chief Mark Warburton and Spencer Recreation Director Jared Elbert of the concerns brought to him by the community...

As growing numbers led the Clay County positivity rate upwards for multiple weeks, approaching the 10% benchmark to reinstate the countywide masking requirement last week at 9.8 — the figure dropped for the first time in a month. The 14-day positivity rate fell to 7.9% while the positive cases in the county increased by 47 to 2,146. ...

Beautiful weather arrived just in time for Easter weekend on Saturday and Sunday, and area families took full advantage. Holy Saturday held a number of Easter-themed events attended by young Easter egg hunters and rabbit fans. The Spencer Jaycees Easter Egg Hunt was back for 2021 at the Clay County Fairgrounds Saturday morning. ...

The Clay County Foundation Grant provided the Everly Fire and Rescue $7,000 for breathing apparatus bottle replacement. Everly Fire Chief Brian Kahl said the project, estimated at $19,253, was to replace the department's 24 bottles for self containing breathing apparatuses.

The 54th annual Pony Express Ride was conducted Friday and cowboys and cowgirls of all ages had the opportunity to ride and interact with horses and ponies over at the Bomgaars parking lot in Spencer. Rides were offered for freewill donations as local Pony Express volunteers fundraised for the Easter Seals of Camp Sunnyside, which provides summer activities for adults and children with disabilities.

Members of the Spencer Streets Department were downtown Monday morning working on a one-day project replacing the downtown’s green street signs. Spencer Public Works Director Mark White said in Spencer's modern era, the downtown's street signs have been green or at least greenish. ...

Spencer Manor Apartments will be holding a public open house from 1:30-3 p.m. Friday at 503 E. 19th St. in Spencer. Masks are required and guests will be limited while touring the open unit. This renovation of critical HUD subsidized housing for seniors includes energy efficient HVAC and appliance upgrades, enhanced accessibility features, environmentally friendly flooring, paint, and finishes, and the modernization of the community spaces. ...

April is National Volunteer Month and the perfect opportunity to recognize and thank volunteers who bestow their time, talent, and support for the betterment of their communities. Northwest Iowa RSVP honors the volunteers, all 55-plus, who bring their lifetime of experience and wisdom to support others throughout the year...

After the cancellation of last year’s Easter Egg Hunt as a result of COVID-19 safety concerns, the Spencer Jaycees will bring back the annual event on Saturday and return it to the outdoors. The local service club, after conducting the last several events at the indoor soccer complex, will return outside beginning at 9 a.m. ...

How can musicians — whose instruments likely emit aerosols — still make music together during a pandemic which travels through the air? It’s the question area band directors had to find an answer to after the COVID-19 pandemic put an early end to the school year in the spring of 2020 and as a new school year neared. ...

U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, was in Spencer Wednesday evening as part of her 99-county tour. Ernst met with staff and officials from Seasons Center as well as local leaders inside the Autumn’s Center. Dr. Rebecca McCrackin, vice president of CCBHC, gave Ernst a tour of Autumn’s Center and led discussion with Seasons CEO Kim Scorza about Seasons’ Certified Community Behavioral Health Care Clinic, Camp Autumn and Autumn’s Center as well as the challenges in the health care landscape today...

After what organizer Kayla Konrady called a “successful” first year event in 2019, raising approximately $3,000 with 50 participants, the March for Babies: A Mother of a Movement will return to East Leach Park in Spencer at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, May 15...

As all Iowans ages 16 and older become eligible to be vaccinated against COVID-19 beginning next week, a large-scale vaccination clinic is planned in Spencer on Saturday, April 10, at Spencer High School. This vaccination clinic is open to anyone regardless of county or state residence to schedule an appointment to be immunized...

SIOUX RAPIDS — On Tuesday, March 30, at approximately 8:20 a.m., the Clay County Sheriff's Office received a report of an assault which occurred at M&C Anderon Pullets near Sioux Rapids. Upon investigation at the scene, it was determined that an assault had occurred between two employees at the site and the victim. Marcial Salmeron-Martinez, 47, of Sioux Rapids, placed the call regarding the incident. Salmeron-Martinez denied medical assistance for his injuries...

An Estherville man charged with multiple felonies, allegedly involving Clay County youths, plead not guilty to all charges and requested a speedy trial, according to court documents filed Monday. Hunter Gentry, 21, of Estherville, had been arrested on Sunday, Feb. ...

A formal retirement celebration for Spencer firefighter Randy Swanson, 38 years with the department; and Spencer assistant chief Ed Lawver, 12 years with the department, was conducted Thursday evening at the Spencer fire house. Swanson gave a short speech to his friends, family and firefighting family during the ceremony. "I started under Stew Mackie was the fire chief at the time, Doug Duncan came on and now John (Conyn)," Swanson said. "John's done a wonderful job with recruiting a lot of new guys and gals. Most of them, I've been on the department than they are old. It was time to step aside and let you guys do your job." Lawver gets a big hug from Spencer Fire Chief John Conyn after being presented with a retirement plaque. "I am a third generation firefighter, I took after my dad," Lawver told the crowd Thursday. "All you guys can do is keep plowing forward."

Residents and those traveling through south Spencer on Thursday likely noticed plumes of smoke rising above the area near the river. The Clay County Conservation Board said the burn at Oneota is part of their annual burn season, which helps prairie in promoting nutrient rotation as well as suppressing invasive species. ...

The Spencer Chamber Ambassadors made a visit to Beth Frankenstein, new regional director for Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, on Tuesday morning. She oversees Clay, Dickinson, Emmet and Palo Alto counties. ISU Extension offers a wide and diverse number of programs designed to serve everyone...

The Revenue Estimating Conference projected additional revenue growth in the current fiscal year and the next at its meeting last Friday. The three-person panel raised their forecast for General Fund revenue in fiscal year 2021 to $8.0789 billion, which is a growth rate of 1.9%. For the next budget year — fiscal year 2022 — the REC raised state revenue to $8.3856 billion or 3.8% growth...

With less than 140 days until the 2021 Iowa State Fair, country artists Cole Swindell and Dustin Lynch complete the star studded 11-day grandstand line up announcements. Co-headlining on Monday, Aug. 16, they join other country, Christian, pop, rock and classic rock acts already announced...

STORM LAKE — Country music artist and songwriter Brad Morgan is set to perform at the Star Spangled Spectacular at 7 p.m. on Saturday, July 3, at the Sunset Park Band Shell in Storm Lake. The Manning native currently resides in Nashville while continuing to build on his success in Iowa and throughout the Midwest. ...

ARNOLDS PARK — After a one-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Okoboji Blue Water Festival is back for 2021, and from all indications, it will be bigger and better than ever. Mark your calendar for Saturday, Aug. 7, for what promises to be an unbelievable day partaking in all of the activities that make the festival the premier clean water event in the state of Iowa...

The return to countywide mandatory masking is on hold for at least another week as the Clay County positivity rate fell a hair short of the 10% benchmark, finishing at 9.8% for the week Sunday, up from 8% the previous seven-day period. The numbers continue to advance the past three weeks after reaching a low of 1.7% on March 1...

DES MOINES — A series of honors for programs and individuals associated with the Spencer Jaycees program earned the local club the title of Outstanding Local Chapter of the Year at JCI Iowa All-State Conference March 5-7 in downtown Des Moines. This is the first time in several years the club received the honor...

--- Part 2 of 2 Each year March is designated as National Women's History Month. This is the final story in a two-part series celebrating the societal contributions area women have made to our community by sharing their stories. In this series we will specifically examine area women who are historical firsts...

It’s almost time for farmers to be busy in the fields but for now they’re patiently preparing for spring planting. As rains and fair weather have marked the end of March, ISU Extension and Outreach field agronomist Paul Kassel said the outlook locally is pretty positive ahead of planting...

A 22-year-old Everly man was taken into custody Sunday afternoon by the Spencer Police Department in connection with a Clay County Sheriff’s investigation into an alleged strangulation which occurred a short time earlier. Octavius Davis was located and stopped in the 300 block of 35th Avenue West, in Spencer, by the police department according to Clay County Sheriff Chief Deputy Zach Larsen. The arrest took place at 1 p.m...