News | Spencer Daily Reporter

CC-E School Board discusses transition procedures (3/20/19)

By Colin Van Westen, Staff Writer

Issues of transportation, operational sharing at the forefront The Clay Central-Everly School Board met with district administers and teachers to discuss the school's transition to elementary only and the tuitioning out process for district families. ...
Willard faces up to 5 years for bodily injury case (3/20/19)

By Joseph Hopper, Daily Reporter Staff

A Spencer woman was ordered to serve an indeterminate term of incarceration not to exceed five years Monday for her involvement in a vehicular collision which left a cyclist injured last fall. Wendy Willard, of Spencer, was sentenced by District Court Judge David Lester after her guilty pleas to one count of willful injury resulting in bodily injury, a class D felony, and one count of assault with a dangerous weapon, an aggravated misdemeanor, were accepted by the court...
Visitors Bureau awards over $20K in tourism grants (3/20/19)

By Joseph Hopper, Daily Reporter Staff

During Tuesday evening’s Business After Hours event hosted by the Spencer Chamber of Commerce, the committee members from the Clay County Convention and Visitors Bureau awarded $20,200 in tourism grants to local organizations for upcoming events. “Twice a year we do a grant program or have a grant cycle,” CCCVB committee member Stephanie Horsley said. ...
Ag Breakfast — 35 years of saying thanks (3/20/19)

Clay County Pork Ambassador Sarah Elser spent her 16th birthday preparing omelets for a large crowd (Above) attending the 35th Annual Clay County Ag Breakfast Tuesday at the Clay County Fair and Events Center in Spencer. (Below) Local professionals and volunteers associated with agri-business and the farm industry worked to prepare omelets made-to-order for the community as part of Agriculture Week which concludes on Saturday. The Spencer Chamber of Commerce Ag Committee oversees the free breakfast sponsored by local producers, growers and agencies key to the agriculture community as a way to thank the business people — past, present and future — for their continued support of agriculture.
Juvenile male transported after reported bike versus car accident (3/20/19)

A juvenile male was transported to Spencer Hospital after a reported accident involving a bicycle he was riding and a car on West Ninth Street in Spencer near Hy-Vee. The Spencer Police Department, Spencer Fire Department and Spencer Hospital were on the scene at approximately 8 a.m. Wednesday. Officer Justin Kearney said the bicyclist was transported as a precautionary measure. More details will be made available once an official report is released...
Iowa Department of Revenue extends tax filing deadline for flood disaster areas (3/20/19)

DES MOINES — In response to Gov. Kim Reynolds' disaster declarations for many Iowa counties, the Iowa Department of Revenue has granted a 30-day extension and suspension of any penalty or interest for taxpayers whose principal residence or business is located in the disaster areas and whose payment or return is due on or before March 31. This includes all tax types...
Spencer Hospital’s Messerole honored as IEMSA Educator of the Year (3/20/19)

Recently the Iowa Emergency Medical Services Association recognized Spencer Hospital’s Jeffrey Messerole as IEMSA Instructor of the Year. “I really teaching enjoy complex hands-on skills, such as resuscitation of adults and children,” Messerole said. ...
Local Scouts to collect food for UDMO (3/20/19)

The Spencer area Cub Scout Pack 123 will be doing their annual Scouting for Food drive April 6. Scouts will be at Fareway and Hy-Vee between the hours of 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., passing out cards with a list of items the food pantry is in need of. Last year Pack 123 Scouts collected 1880 items and had 50 hours of community service hours for this event. Come out and support the local scouts in Scouting for Food and help the local food pantry at UDMO Spencer.
Koenecke joins Spencer Rotary club (3/20/19)

Mike Koenecke officially joined Spencer Rotary Monday. Longtime Rotarian John Cotton recruited Koenecke who also now works at Cotton Grave Farm Management.
After 5 Kiwanis rose sale continues (3/20/19)

Roses are now on sale through the Kiwanis Club of Spencer After Five. The roses are full-size red roses and cost just $15 per dozen. After Five Kiwanis members will take orders through Monday, March 25, with delivery scheduled for Tuesday, April 9. “This is one of the most fun projects we have,” said Kristi Franker, president of the Kiwanis After Five club. “We get to see a lot of happy — and surprised — people when we hand deliver them to the recipient.”...
Acquisitions, new construction highlights of Iowa Business Leader Survey (3/20/19)

DES MOINES — Business leaders continue to be confident about Iowa’s economy according to survey results released today by the Iowa Association of Business and Industry. “Business is booming for Iowa’s companies,” ABI President Mike Ralston said. “Sales continue to be strong for ABI members.”...
Business Brief (3/20/19)

EXIT Realty Midwest announced that real estate professional, Dana Lowder, has joined the company. "Dana’s market knowledge, reputation and dedication to her clients complement our team and we’re delighted to welcome her," said Brad Sanderson, Broker and owner of EXIT Realty Midwest. The company is actively expanding its sales team and plans to add several more professionals in the coming months...
Access denied (3/19/19)

Spencer Public Works Director Mark White announced the Spencer Tree and Leaf Site will be closed until further notice due to flooding conditions.
Willard faces up to 5 years for bodily injury case (3/19/19)

By Joseph Hopper, Staff Writer

A Spencer woman was ordered to serve an indeterminate term of incarceration not to exceed five years Monday for her involvement in a vehicular collision which left a cyclist injured last fall. Wendy Willard, of Spencer, was sentenced by District Court Judge David Lester after her guilty pleas to one count of willful injury resulting in bodily injury, a class D felony, and one count of assault with a dangerous weapon, an aggravated misdemeanor, were accepted by the court.
Gov. Reynolds issues disaster declaration for Clay County (3/18/19)

By Joseph Hopper , Daily Reporter Staff

A familiar scene reminiscent of last year, residents across Clay County are again attempting to recover from a bout of extreme flooding. In response to widespread flooding through the region, on Sunday Gov. Kim Reynolds toured some of the northwest Iowa areas most affected by flooding, having issued disaster declarations last week for Clay County and 35 others. ...
Internship program funding available through Future Ready Iowa (3/18/19)

By Colin Van Westen, Staff Writer

The Future Ready Iowa initiative is offering organizations who want to provide internships to high school students exploring high-demand careers an additional fund opportunity. The initiative's internship pilot program is designed to serve youth who are at risk of not graduating high school, from low-income households and are from underrepresented populations in Iowa's workforce...
City officially adopts new logo (3/18/19)

By Joseph Hopper, Daily Reporter Staff

Unveiled for the first time back in February, the Spencer City Council officially adopted the city’s new logo created by F8 Creative at a vote of 6-1 Monday evening. Joe Weber, F8 Creative co-founder, stood before the council to explain his company’s process and the design choices behind the new mark, having conducted more than one hundred interviews to inform the design. ...
Petition for temporary injunction in drainage case stricken (3/18/19)

By Joseph Hopper , Daily Reporter Staff

The legal case of three Clay County landowners — Allen McGranahan, David Wyatt and Robert Swan — seeking to reverse action taken by the Clay County Board of Supervisors approving an estimated $3.6 million in improvements for Drainage District No. 37, located north of Dickens, has received a court ruling striking the landowner’s petition for a temporary injunction...
Iowa DNR to begin annual spring burning (3/18/19)

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources.will be conducting prescribed burns this spring on wildlife management areas managed by the DNR’s Prairie Lakes Wildlife Unit in Buena Vista, Clay, Emmet, Palo Alto and Kossuth counties. Areas scheduled for prescribed burns are Pickerel Lake in Buena Vista County; Barringer Slough, Dan Green Slough, Deweys Pasture, DU Marsh, Elk Lake, Fen Valley, Highbridge, Little Sioux and Tom Tuttle Marsh in Clay County; Anderson Prairie, Birge Lake, Burr Oak Lake, Eagle Lake, East Swan Lake, Four Mile Lake, Ingham-High Lake, Iowa Lake and Iowa Lake Marsh in Emmet County; Blue Wing Marsh, Deweys Pasture, Fallow Marsh, Perkins Marsh, Virgin Lake, West Fork in Palo Alto County; Goose Lake, Seneca Access, Stateline Marsh and Iowa Lake Marsh in Kossuth County.. ...
County road closure update (3/18/19)

Clay County continues to experience many flooded roads according to the Clay County Secondary Roads Department. Efforts are ongoing to get them all signed and closed to protect the traveling public, however they may not all be reached as soon as water goes over the road so drivers are urged to use extreme caution while traveling throughout Clay County. With the increasing number of closures, barricades are in short supply so not all closures will have barricades in place. There are currently no hard surface roads closed.
Wild Mouse returning to Arnolds Park (3/18/19)

ARNOLDS PARK — Arnolds Park Amusement Park representatives announced the addition of The Wild Mouse Roller Coaster for the 2019 season. However, this ride isn’t all that new to the park. In 1958, The Wild Mouse debuted in the park and was one of the most thrilling rides in the 1960s and 70s...
Branching out through technology (3/18/19)

By Colin Van Westen, Staff Writer

As technology continues to infiltrate into new parts of modern life, Spencer Schools invited more than 100 teachers from across northwest Iowa and technology experts from around the nation to discuss how to best use technology in the classroom. The event offered more than 50 sessions ranging from topics such as technology integration within specific subject areas such as music to effective use of communication technologies...
Riverview Terrace Tenant of the Month (3/18/19)

Maxine Davis Maxine “Max” Davis loves to have a good time. She is sharp-witted and fun, has a great sense of humor, and is willing to try and experience new things. She enjoys seeing others succeed and is her family’s greatest cheerleader. Max is strong, and can be feisty. She is her family’s anchor during life storms, patiently leading by example...
Coming home (3/17/19)

By Colin Van Westen, Staff Writer

The Greatest Generation remembers WWII — Part 3 The United States Department of Veterans Affairs reported as of Sept. 30, 2015, 11,919 World War II veterans live in Iowa with the number projected to be 3,870 by Sept. 30, 2020. This is the final part in a three-part series in which three area WWII veterans tell the stories of their lives and service to their country during the Second World War...
Spencer endures another high-water mark for flooding (3/17/19)

While unofficial, the National Weather Service’s estimated crest of 17.45 feet for the Little Sioux River near Spencer Friday could end up being the third highest level on record for the stretch of river, displacing last year’s confirmed record of 17.40 feet. As of Sunday evening, the Little Sioux River near Spencer is projected to continue to decrease from a flood stage of 15 feet and exit the NWS’ moderate flood stage category to minor flood stage. (Above) Flooding led to the closure of a number of county roads, including this gravel road west of Spencer. (Below) The flowing waters carried all manner of debris and pieces of ice dam downstream Friday.
Northwest Iowa ACE program concludes inaugural year (3/17/19)

By Joseph Hopper, Daily Reporter Staff

Area mentorship program plans to continue and grow Led by ACE mentor Mackenzie Barton, intern architect at CMBA Architects, and comprised of high school students from Spirit Lake and Spencer, northwest Iowa’s chapter of the national Architecture Construction and Engineering Mentor Program has completed its inaugural year. ...
Artist potluck, watercolor workshop available at Arts on Grand (3/17/19)

Arts On Grand will host an Artist Potluck and meetup during the venue’s regular Open Studio night from 7-9 p.m. Wednesday, March 27. For those who haven’t been in for a while, this is a great chance to come enjoy the company of creative people in the community, as well as get a chance to see how the basement studio is sprucing up. It is also the last week of Deb Madsen Burow’s Watercolor and Mixed Media Show, “Soul Happy Art.” Wednesday, March 20, Burow will host a Whimsical Watercolor Workshop for members and the public in the studio from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Contact AOG to sign up.
Lift up your mugs a 2nd time (3/17/19)

By Joseph Hopper, Daily Reporter Staff

Main Street’s ‘Chili Quest and Beer Fest’ returns One of the two Main Street “walk” events created last year, Spencer Main Street’s Chili Quest and Beer Fest event is also returning for 2019. The second annual event will begin at 4:30 p.m. March 28, headquartered at 318 Grand Ave. ...
'Walking alongside' those grieving (3/17/19)

By Colin Van Westen, Staff Writer

New group offers lessons, support for individuals mourning the loss of a loved one For many who are grieving following the loss of a loved one, finding support from others who have experienced a similar situation can be difficult. After the loss of her mother Marquerite Hoh, Dorothy DeGroot decided to seek out options to help process her mourning...
Ag Briefs (3/17/19)

OKOBOJI – Swine producers are invited to attend a one-day swine production seminar on March 20 in Okoboji. The program will focus on herd health, industry insights, employee management and production practices. Following the speakers, there will be time for an open discussion and question-and-answer session. ...
Education Briefs (3/17/19)

Cornwell, Frideres, Maher & Associates, P.L.C., CPA’s released an audit report on the Spencer Community School District in Spencer. The district’s revenues totaled $28,962,086 for the year ended June 30, 2018, a 0.7 percent decrease from the prior year. Revenues included $12,116,119 in local tax, charges for service at $2,362,877, opening grants, capital grants, contributions and restricted interest of $4,867,932, unrestricted interest of $174,766 and other general revenues of $9,440,392...
Sacred Heart Knights raise D.A.R.E. funds (3/17/19)

The Knights of Columbus Our Lady of the Lakes Council of Spencer was able to raise $1,483 for the local D.A.R.E. program at an omelet breakfast on March 3. This will allow D.A.R.E. participants to attend an end of the year event at Arnolds Park.
BVU approved to teach-out students from Argosy University at lower cost (3/17/19)

STORM LAKE — Buena Vista University is opening its doors to Argosy University students looking to complete bachelor’s and master’s degrees after the school announced its permanent closing of several locations — including Agrosy University Twin Cities...
Around Campus (3/17/19)

Jacob Doran, son of Lisa Doran of Spencer, has been accepted into the arts and sciences program for the fall of 2019 semester at Iowa Lakes Community College.
Dreaming big, living big (3/14/19)

By Joseph Hopper, Daily Reporter Staff

Muessigmann’s 2019 a year of high notes For Spencer native Casey Muessigmann, the recording artist whose motto is “dream big, live big,” 2019 is shaping up to be a giant year. In addition to a calendar full of gigs to play, a new album in the works and a wedding to plan, he has taken on philanthropy too. Last week he headlined a benefit concert to aid citizens of Marshalltown as the city recovers from the devastation caused by an EF3 tornado in 2018...
The good, the bad and the ugly: Recollections from abroad (3/14/19)

By Colin Van Westen, Staff Writer

World War II veteran Norman Halverson said the realities of serving during a time of war in the U.S. Navy often escape a young member of the military. After becoming accustom to daily life while serving on the USS Heermann for more than a year, Halverson was confronted with a life-or-death situation following the official end of the war...
P&Z Commission takes 1st look at recommended changes (3/14/19)

By Joseph Hopper, Daily Reporter Staff

Suggested zoning changes from the city of Spencer’s five-year economic development work plan, created by Toyer Strategic Consulting owner David Toyer, were discussed and reviewed by commission members for the first time Wednesday morning. “It looks like somebody kind of went through our zoning code with a fine-toothed comb and picked out things, is that what happened?” Planning and Zoning Commission Chairman Craig Wampler said...
Visitor’s Bureau to present tourism grants Tuesday (3/14/19)

The Clay County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau Committee will be presenting their 2019 Spring Tourism Grant awards presentation during Spencer Chamber of Commerce’s Business After Hours from 5-7 p.m. March 19 at the Spencer Municipal Golf Course. The CCCVB will be co-hosting this event with the Municipal Golf Course along with SPACE, who will have local art work on display...
A dangerous combination (3/14/19)1

By Randy M. Cauthron, Managing Editor

Rain, ground conditions mix to provide ‘chaotic’ 48-hour window Normally warming temperatures and the first sign of spring rains wouldn’t be met with unhappy faces, but this year, the past two days of weather have led to conditions best described as ... “Chaotic.”...
A new option for Medicaid members (3/14/19)

By Colin Van Westen, Staff Writer

A third option will be available to Medicaid members starting July 1, and an open enrollment period has begun to allow recipients to remain with, or select new, from one of three privatively-run Managed Care Organizations providing coverage in Iowa...
Music association announces Rock the Roof lineup (3/14/19)

ARNOLDS PARK — The Iowa Rock ‘n’ Roll Music Association has announced its lineup for the 2019 summer season in Arnolds Park. The season opens June 13 with a special museum fundraiser headlined by The Brits. Tickets are $10 and a bake sale and silent auction will take place during the event...
Marilyn Maye tickets go on sale Friday (3/14/19)

OKOBOJI — Tickets for the remarkable and legendary Marilyn Maye will go on sale, to members only, Friday, March 15. Maye will perform at the Pearson Lakes Art Center on two days — June 25 and June 26. Maye is a highly-praised singer, actress, director, arranger, educator, a Grammy-nominated recording artist and a musical treasure...
Dead Horse Canyon Road to remain open (3/13/19)

By Joseph Hopper, Daily Reporter Staff

The Clay County Board of Supervisors opted Tuesday not to close the the stretch of 270th Avenue northwest of Gillett Grove, known as Dead Horse Canyon Road. In February, supervisors received an informal petition to downgrade the road from a “Level B” low maintenance road to a “Level C” gated road. ...
Civilians to service (3/13/19)1

By Colin Van Westen, Staff Writer

The Greatest Generation remembers WWII — Part 1 The United States Department of Veterans Affairs reported as of Sept. 30, 2015, 11,919 World War II veterans live in Iowa with the number projected to be 3,870 by Sept. 30, 2020. This is the first part in a three-part series in which three area WWII veterans tell the stories of their lives and service to the their country during the second world war...
County adopts budget (3/13/19)

By Joseph Hopper, Daily Reporter Staff

Taxable values at 10-year high, countywide levy rates increase The Clay County Board of Supervisors discussed and approved Clay County’s budget for fiscal year 2020 Tuesday. The start of the fiscal year is July 1 and will end on June 30, 2020. Budgeted revenues for fiscal year 2020 total $15,613,599, with taxes on property representing approximately 51.7 percent of all revenue collected, at $8,074,565. Fiscal year 2020’s budget revenues are an increase of $155,014 over the previous year...
Spring flooding threat (3/13/19)

By Joseph Hopper, Daily Reporter Staff

Precipitation and melting snowpack creates damp headache Lingering rainfall Wednesday had nowhere to go as it coincided with melting snowpack and ice, resulting in flood watch and flood warning designations around the area. National Weather Service projections Wednesday show the Little Sioux River at Spencer to cresting at 14.5 feet Friday, considered moderate flood stage. Amidst all of the water, the city of Spencer was doing its best to prepare for, and combat, the additional water...
Spencer considering elementary extension, expansion options (3/13/19)1

By Colin Van Westen, Staff Writer

Representatives from CMBA Architects presented two options designed to accommodate the immediate and projected facility needs at Spencer Community School District's elementary schools during a special board meeting Tuesday. "We look at the challenges you have right now, and it is pretty easy to see," CMBA principal architect Matthew Erion said. ...
County road closures announced (3/13/19)

With frozen ground, piles of snow and warming temperatures, few avenues for rain runoff have begun to create flooding issues in parts of the county according to information provided by the Clay County Secondary Roads Department. A map released late Wednesday following a day of rain has resulted in multiple roads being closed due to flooding as designated by the red marks on the map. Forecasted rain possibly transitioning to snow and high winds may result in additional road closures moving forward toward the weekend.
First-time donors welcome (3/13/19)

The Spencer High School student council hosted its annual blood drive Monday. LifeServe Blood Center collected donations at the all day event. (Above) SHS sophomore Kaitlyn Wolthais sat comfortably waiting for her blood donation to finish. The first-time donor said she was curious to find out her blood type.
PEOPLE NEWS (3/13/19)

For more than 15 years, Spencer and surrounding communities have been supporting the local blood bank, LifeServe Blood Center, at the community blood drives coordinated by Jennifer Struve and Kathy Anderson. The blood drive was held this last Monday, March 4, to help the blood center in a very high need time during colder months. ...