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Local schools recognize Veterans Day(Above) After Todd Schoenherr, featured speaker and Army Reserves supply specialist, addressed veterans and students at Sacred Heart Elementary School Monday morning, fifth-grade student Owen Van Otterloo awarded veteran and Northshire-Longhouse resident Ethan Lindsay a student-made Veterans Day packet. (Below) Spencer High School vocal music director Katie Kardell led students in a rendition of the "Star Spangled Banner" Monday afternoon in the SHS auditorium. Students welcomed veterans from the community with song and organizers shared a video from the deceased comedian Red Skelton in which he explains the significance of the Pledge of Allegiance. -
Community gathers to honor veteransLocal veterans came together with community members Monday morning at the Spencer Army National Guard Armory to observe the 2018 Veterans Day program. One hundred years following the armistice signed to end World War I, this year's program focused on the historical sacrifice of those who have served and the continued sacrifice of those who are serving... -
Developing a unique approach, product is essentialSpotlight on Northwest Iowa Entrepreneurship — Part 3 This is the third part of a three-part series discussing the unique climate and innovations originating in northwest Iowa. Local manufacturing entrepreneurs discuss how they have and are establishing and expanding their brands in the manufacturing sector within the area and beyond... -
Local veterans honoredSt. Luke Homes & Services joined Hospice of Spencer Hospital, American Legion Post No. 1, VFW and the Lakes Area Chapter of the American Legion Riders in honoring area veterans during a Veterans Day program conducted Thursday afternoon at The Highlands. Veterans honored include:... -
St. Luke Lutheran Home Residents of the MonthBarney and Shirley Granstra are a humble, hard-working and faith-filled couple. Barney, who was born near Melvin and raised near Harris in Osceola County, enlisted on Oct. 17, 1945, in the U.S. Air Force. He was stationed in Japan following World War II. Barney, who was complimented by a superior ranking officer who noticed his “special way of leading people,” was honorably discharged as a staff sergeant following two years, 10 months and 11 days of active service... -
Students propose gardens on future park site, to feed needySTORM LAKE — Plans to develop Russell Street Park in Storm Lake may turn from teeter-totters to food production — at least temporarily. Students from Storm Lake High School have approached city officials about establishing a community gardens site that would produce fresh food for the school’s food pantry effort, Tornado Alley... -
Milestones in Spencer Middle School music (11/9/18)The year 2018 has already been a banner year for the music department at Spencer Middle School. Twenty students were selected to the Northwest Iowa Honor Band which is the highest number of students ever selected and 10 middle school choir students earned a spot in the Northwest Iowa Junior High Honor Choir program conducted at Buena Vista University earlier this week. ... -
SHS student showcase, 'This Is Me' (11/9/18)More than 40 Spencer High School students came together Thursday and Friday night at Gary's on the River to present a a compilation of contemporary theater and original work. (Above) Makenna Pierce sang "Times are Hard for Dreamers" from “Amelie.” (Below) The Spencer Fine Arts Booster President Tony Ranslow presented SHS artist in residence and show director Anne-Marie Pietersma with a parting gift. A teary-eyed Pietersma accepted the gift thanking the parents for trusting their children with her and the students for trusting her direction. -
'The Richest Man in Town' (11/9/18)Motivational speaker and author V.J. Smith returned to Spencer Middle School Friday morning to share his message of gratitude found in unlikely places with eighth-grade students. Just ahead of the Thanksgiving season, Smith was greeted by a display the students constructed of inspiration quotes from Smith's book. "The Richest Man in Town," details Smith's life-alternating friendship developed after he received exceptional customer service from a Walmart employee named Marty. -
Employment Connections celebrates 25 years in Spencer (11/9/18)As the Spencer location of Employment Connections celebrates its 25th year in business earlier this month, President Tammy Christenson reflected on changes in the business and its services since she joined as staffing coordinator in 2003. "We'd like to believe that, we offer the best possible services we can, not just to the businesses, but to the applicants we serve," Christenson said. ... -
A new face in conservation (11/9/18)Serving a four-county area, Amy Andrews is the new private lands wildlife specialist for Clay, Dickinson, Emmet and Palo Alto counties. The position is a collaboration between the Iowa Department of Natural Resources private lands program, Iowa Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Conservation Districts of Iowa. Based out of the Dickinson County USDA office, Andrews said she hopes to assist landowners who are looking for conservation opportunities... -
It starts with an idea (11/9/18)This is the second part of a three-part series discussing the unique climate and innovations originating in northwest Iowa. Local entrepreneurs discuss challenges and successes they have faced as they work to turn their ideas into a successful business model... -
Full gallery (11/9/18)Those perusing the new exhibit at Arts on Grand may recognize a painting or two, because the Spencer artist who is the subject of this month’s exhibition has been a familiar face to the staff and art lovers at Arts on Grand. The exhibition, “Eclectic Expressions,” is a collection of works by Patricia Johnson, of Spencer. A number of paintings illustrate vistas familiar to the artist created with Johnson’s watercolor and alcohol ink styles... -
Holiday Family Adoption 2018 (11/9/18)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... -
County and Judge election results (11/9/18)--- Vote for no more than 3 --- --- --- --- Vote for no more than 2 --- Vote for no more than 5 --- --- --- --- --- No candidate filed --- --- --- --- --- --- --- No candidate filed --- --- --- --- --- No candidate filed --- No candidate filed --- ---...
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Agriculture Briefs (11/9/18)ROCK RAPIDS — Northwest Iowa master gardeners, aided by horticulture educator and regional food coordinator Margaret Murphy, donated 1,385 pounds of food to 10 different organizations throughout Lyon, O’Brien, Sioux and Osceola Counties during the summer and fall of 2018. ...
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Daybreakers Kiwanis share a few words (11/9/18)Members of Spencer Daybreakers Kiwanis and the Spencer High School Key Club visited Fairview School to give dictionaries to the school’s third-grade classes. (DIRECTION) Key Club member Emily English hands a dictionary to third-grader Camdyn Wiggins. After passing out the dictionaries, Daybreakers representatives taught the class about the various parts of a dictionary and how to look up different words. (DIRECTION) Members of Mrs. Horst’s third-grade class hold their new dictionaries. -
Around Campus (11/9/18)STORM LAKE — The following students have been named to the dean's list at Buena Vista University for terms five and six: Cammy Trierweiler, of Greenville, who attends BVU's Spencer site; and Ashley Ellenwood, of Spencer, who attends BVU's Spencer site...
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Zeroing in on land stewardship (11/8/18)Clay County Conservation Director Will Horsley and his staff have been working to expand access to outdoor recreational grounds and ensure quality habitat sources for wildlife in the county and their efforts are being noticed. Polaris and Pheasants Forever recently awarded Horsley a Habitat Stewardship Award for what he and his staff have accomplished after just one year under his leadership... -
Saying thank you to a veteran (11/8/18)Spencer's annual Veterans Day program will begin at 11 a.m. at the Spencer Army National Guard Armory on Monday, Nov. 12. Retired Iowa Air National Guard master sergeant, Clay County Sheriff Chris Raveling, will be the keynote speaker addressing the importance of veterans appreciation. Raveling served in the military for 27 years, first enlisting in the Iowa Army National Guard in 1987 with the 1-194th Field Artillery Unit in Spencer. In 1989, he joined the USAF, spending eight years on active duty, before joining the Iowa Air National Guard in 1997, with the 185th Air Refueling Wing in Sioux City. The program also will feature many patriotic traditions and songs. Veterans will also be honored at Sacred Heart School at 9:30 a.m. and Spencer High School auditorium at 1 p.m. on Monday providing a musical tribute. These events are open to the public as well. Veterans Day, Nov. 11, will mark the 100th anniversary of the World War I armistice and falls on Sunday this year. -
Entrepreneurial risk fundamental to farming (11/8/18)This is the first part in a three-part series discussing the unique climate and innovations originating in northwest Iowa. Local agricultural entrepreneurs share the role in research and development as a driving focus in innovation --- Research and development is an essential component when breaking into the competitive agricultural entrepreneurial marketplace, just ask local agricultural entrepreneurs Jim Christensen and Brian Dalziel... -
Holiday Family Adoption 2018 (11/8/18)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... -
Supervisors hear ‘Discovery House’ update (11/8/18)During their Wednesday meeting, the Clay County Board of Supervisors met with officials from the Discovery House — a transitional housing facility located in Spirit Lake — who thanked the board for their continued support each year and offered an update regarding their efforts to help those in need. ... -
County GOP nominates Brown (11/8/18)3The Clay County Republicans gathered in the Clay County Courthouse chambers Thursday night for a convention to decide their party nominee for the Dec. 11 Clay County special election. The Dec. 11 special election will determine who will succeed Joe Skow on the Clay County Board of Supervisors as the former supervisor vacated his seat due to an out of state relocation... -
Messiah moments: Meet the director (11/8/18)The Spencer Messiah Board will be presenting the Messiah at 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2, at Sacred Heart Catholic church in Spencer. The public is invited to this special holiday event. The program will feature excerpts from Handel’s Messiah featuring soloists, choir and orchestra. A freewill offering will be taken to support the presentation... -
Business Brief (11/8/18)SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Avera earned national recognition as a technology leader as it was recently named one of the nation’s Top 10 Most Wired organizations in health care. In addition to the ranking, this is the 19th time Avera has received the Most Wired honor...
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Pearson Lakes Art Center Collection exhibit opens (11/8/18)OKOBOJI — An exhibit of works from the Pearson Lakes Art Center’s Collection opened Thursday in the Monte Pearson Gallery of the Pearson Lakes Art Center and will be on view through March 2. The Pearson Lakes Art Center’s Collection features a variety of media and artists, acquired by gift or through purchase by the Pearson Lakes Art Center Collections Fund. ... -
IPTV presents ‘Iowa Land and Sky’ (11/8/18)JOHNSTON — Join Iowa Public Television for an entertaining and educational exploration of our communities, natural resources and environmental challenges with the new Iowa Land and Sky project. Leveraging the latest advancements in aerial drone cinematography, the project features breathtaking bird's-eye perspectives, as well as beautiful close-ups of the state's landforms, rivers and towns...
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Carey’s hosts ‘Films for the Cinematically Disadvantaged’ (11/8/18)Join Arts On Grand and Carey’s Electronics for Films for the Cinematically Disadvantaged. These films will be shown upstairs at Carey’s Electronics at 7 p.m. on Mondays. Coffee, tea, and popcorn will be served. Free will offering goes to Arts On Grand to continue to pay for the rights to show these films...
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Celebrity educator tells gathering: Caring, not punishment, will build better schools (11/8/18)STORM LAKE — He spoke of observing a case in an elementary school where a second-grader had “gone off” in the lunchroom. The kid told the lunch supervisor what she could do in graphic terms no second-grader should know. Tried to overturn tables, but wasn’t strong enough. Out of control... -
Corn high, ground dry, harvest closing out (11/8/18)After constant rains held harvest at bay for a matter of weeks, area producers were glad to get back out in the field and make up for lost time as the month transitioned. The latest Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report shows farmers harvested nearly a quarter of the state's expected corn crop in the past week... -
King wins 9th term in close race (11/7/18)In his closest race since taking office, U.S. Rep. Steve King, R-Kiron, was re-elected to his ninth term as congressman for Iowa’s 4th Congressional District as part of Tuesday’s midterm election. Unofficial totals show King capturing approximately 50 percent of the vote against his Democratic challenger J.D. ... -
Midterm voter surge changes political landscape (11/7/18)As the 2018 midterm elections concluded after midnight Wednesday, both Republicans and Democrats experienced moments of excitement and disappointment. On the national level, Republicans increased their majority in the U.S. Senate, but lost control of the U.S. House of Representatives to the Democratic Party... -
Holiday Family Adoption 2018 (11/7/18)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... -
County GOP plan convention to decide supervisor nomination (11/7/18)The 88 delegates comprising the 2018 Clay County Republican delegation will soon deliberate over nomination of a Republican nominee for the Dec. 11 special election to fill a vacant Clay County Board of Supervisors seat. The local GOP convention is scheduled for 6 p.m. Thursday in the Clay County Courthouse chambers. Party officials encouraged those seeking the Republican nomination for the special election to appear at the convention...
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Council wrap-up (11/7/18)During this week’s Spencer City Council meeting, council members moved forward with the next phase of the planned modular training facility also referred to as the “fire training tower.” Council members accepted bids for the “grading and site work” of the project, which is located on a section of the Green Industrial Park. ...
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Humble hero's cross stands a century later (11/7/18)1ARNOLDS PARK — The nation will pause Sunday to recognize the 100th anniversary of the Great War's end at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. Unfortunately, the peace which followed wasn't quite soon enough for one Arnolds Park family. Walter "Wave" Miguel was killed while serving in the U.S. Army just a day before the armistice was signed... -
Ambassadors welcome new Edward Jones financial rep (11/7/18)The Spencer Chamber Ambassadors welcomed Kevin Hanson to Spencer as an Edward Jones Financial representative. Hanson, an Algona native, attended the University of South Dakota in Vermillion, and comes to Spencer from Des Moines. Hanson will be housed in the offices of Edward Jones representative Jeremy Eilers at the corner of Fourth and Grand, for 12-18 months, while he is mentored by Eilers and Mark Wilkinson, Spencer’s other Edward Jones financial advisor. Wilkinson’s office is at 734 S. Grand Avenue in Spencer. Hanson will then open his own location in Spencer. -
AGRICUTURE BRIEFS (11/7/18)ORANGE CITY — Beef producers are reminded that by 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. ...
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The Countdown to Thanksgiving: Plan ahead to keep foods safe (11/7/18)Now is the time to start planning for a tasty Thanksgiving meal. Planning reduces stress and helps keep food safe. —Decide what type of turkey you will purchase. Purchase a frozen turkey anytime, as long as you have adequate freezer space to store it. Keep it frozen until it is time to thaw. Order a fresh turkey now, but do not pick it up until one to two days before cooking day. Keep it in the refrigerator until you are ready to put it in the oven... -
Jones earns return to Des Moines (11/6/18)Incumbent Iowa House District 2 Rep. Megan Jones, R-Sioux Rapids, defeated challenger Ryan Odor, D-Spencer, by just over 4,000 votes in Tuesday’s midterm to earn a return to Des Moines. She will begin her fourth term when the new session gavels in... -
Local holiday staple returns (11/5/18)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... -
Time to hit the books (11/5/18)The Spencer Rotary Club’s 27th annual book sale will be conducted at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Clay County Fair and Events Center in Spencer. Named the “first choice party,” the first day of the sale lasts from 5:30-7:30 p.m. with $5 admission and refreshments provided. ... -
Community gives input during Grow Spencer forum (11/5/18)1Members of the community filled the Spencer City Hall chambers Monday evening for the Grow Spencer Economic Development Forum hosted by the Grow Spencer Commission and David Toyer, of Toyer Strategic Consulting. Toyer shared the results of the commission’s economic development survey with the audience, including how far away the commission is from presenting their recommendations to the Spencer City Council, which Toyer expected to occur prior to the end of the year...
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City decides on a special election in January (11/5/18)1During the Spencer City Council meeting Monday night, council members unanimously approved a resolution to call a special election on Jan. 22 to fill the Ward 1 City Council seat vacated after the passing of the late city councilman, Frank Petska, in October. The individual elected through the special election will fulfill the rest of Petska’s term, which ends in 2021...
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SHS alum joins UI homecoming court (11/5/18)Through her campus involvement at the University of Iowa, Spencer High School alumna Jordan Hansen has encountered many young leaders. Those experiences left a lasting impression with the UI senior which prompted her to pursue a position as a resident assistant and to apply and be accepted as one of 12 members of the 2018 UI homecoming court... -
Agriculture Briefs (11/5/18)ORANGE CITY — Beef producers are reminded that by 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. ...
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Storm Lake murderer wins chance at parole (11/5/18)STORM LAKE — After 16 years in prison for a murder he committed as a troubled 15-year-old immigrant, Rene Zarate has a chance for freedom. After a hearing in a nearly-empty Buena Vista County courtroom Wednesday, Oct. 31, Judge David Lester found that the Storm Lake man had turned his life around while behind bars, and ruled that his sentence be changed to allow for an immediate possibility of parole... -
King blames ‘fake news’ for controversy (11/5/18)2Republican U.S. Rep. Steve King is rejecting accusations that he’s associated with an Austrian white supremacist group. Those claims have prompted condemnation from within his own party just days before Tuesday’s election. During a forum with Iowa business leaders Thursday, the eight-term Iowa congressman said a Washington Post story this month wrongly characterized his August meeting in Austria as being with the far-right Freedom Party, a group with Nazi ties... -
Lakes area health initiative takes three-pronged approach (11/5/18)The successor to Wellmark Insurance's Blue Zones project is still finding its feet in the Lakes area. A group of approximately 20 people met Oct. 18 at Lakes Regional Healthcare to discuss the insurance company's new initiative — Healthy Hometown. The group included community figures involved in local government, health services and educational organizations...
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changespencer2 posted in: County GOP nominates Brown
I agree with you Cookster. This Republican party in Clay County always feels to be a setup. Just another " yes man".
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Cookster posted in: County GOP nominates Brown
Listen to him. Tell me. What's more important, the Republican party or Clay County. They are not the same. We don't really need super ambitious young professional Republicans running every thing in Clay county. And this election thing sounds like a set up.This guy and his picture have been in the paper many times. Lotta hat..no cattle.
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Worthalook posted in: County GOP nominates Brown
Congratulations to you Mr.Brown. as the story I was told,was it right or wrong? Please inform us the correct story. I have heard from three public officials this time line of events, this is how I remember it being told to me, so please know this is only hearsay and may only be a false story. Can you please put my mind at ease with the truth? I really dislike people trying to blast opponents. The story goes... Burlin Mathews told Sande Geidal to hire you, in hopes you would run against Sheila Weeks, that lasted a couple weeks. Then Mr.Mathews told Mr.Skow not to resign his County seat until it was too late for other candidates to run on this past election. Joe wanted to resign earlier. Now the Republican Delegates can vote you in since you are the co-chair to the Republican party, that was a sure bet. Just like it was supposed to be. Seems a bit rigged, the other candidates didn't have a chance. I read in a previous thread that this special election supposedly is going to cost the tax payers over $20,000, just so you can be elected? Worth an investigation? I couldn't believe the story I was told. Please tell us none of it is true. I was looking foward to support you.
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Dick Butkus posted in: Humble hero's cross stands a century later
R.I.P Young Man. Thank You for your Service and your sacrifice.
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changespencer2 posted in: City decides on a special election in January
Even though Joe Skow knew he was moving and was going to withdraw. There could have been someone in this election. He could have saved the taxpayers $20,000 by telling everyone upfront instead of him and others on the board to wait to try to set up the new person that they would have a better shot at winning . All very unprofessional.