News

WASHINGTON — A statement from the office of U.S. Rep. Steve King indicates an internal agreement has been reached with the Food and Drug Administration bypassing standard "toxicity studies," in an effort to get 25-year-old Jaci Hermstad potentially life-saving experimental gene-therapy in her battle against Lou Gehrig's disease ahead of schedule.

Central Academy instructor Anne Roberts opened the 2019 Central Academy graduation Thursday evening calling the 14 soon-to-be graduates the most kind, loving group the program has had. "I adore each and every one of you and can sincerely say that, even as your teacher, I really believe all of you would help me or one of your classmates," Roberts said. ...

At approximately 10:30 a.m. emergency responders from Spencer Fire & Rescue, Spencer Police Department, Clay County Sheriff's Office and Spencer Hospital arrived at the scene of a single vehicle accident on 13th Street SW on the southside of Walmart in Spencer...

With Gov. Kim Reynolds’ officially signing and approving HF 692, county governments are adjusting to the bill’s new requirement for election ballots to be marked with a county seal instead of a signature. During Tuesday’s Clay County Board of Supervisors meeting, Clay County Auditor Marge Pitts said the use of seals in the county and across the state might be a complicated matter requiring board action due to the history of seal use by local government in the state...

The annual Grand Avenue Improvement Corporation meeting and dinner was conducted at North Park Thursday, where the group celebrated a number of milestones for some of the houses built in the district. (Pictured) Olivia Jones carefully paints a youngster’s face during the event, which featured plenty of family-friendly activities. “We have this celebration every spring to begin the spring,” GAIC member Mary Jean Montgomery said. “It really just isn’t a neighborhood organization, it’s a community organization. The purpose of the organization is to sustain and enhance the residential integrity and historic character of Grand. That’s the point, we have this wonderful historic residential neighborhood and we want to keep it that way.” GAIC Membership Chair Sheriffa Jones said the neighborhood has over 10 homes aged 100 years old, with two homes in the neighborhood reaching the milestone in 2019, two others turning 80 and one reaching 70 years in the neighborhood. The group had plenty of birthday cake during the event to celebrate the milestones. “Next year, actually there’s going to be a lot that are turning 100 years old, we’re going to be having many more that are around the corner,” Sheriffa Jones said.

Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation CEO Kiley Miller has been a name synonymous with economic development in northwest Iowa since his start with the organization in 2014. Recently he was honored as one of the top 50 economic developers on the continent...

U.S. Rep. Steve King said the first legislative hurdle in giving 25-year-old Jaci Hermstad access to a potentially lifesaving drug in her battle with Lou Gehrigs's disease could be cleared as soon as later today. King introduced the legislation, which would bypass standard Food and Drug Administration procedure, earlier this week...

MILFORD — Presidential candidate John Delaney was greeted by the Dickinson County Democrats Wednesday night in the Nature Trails clubhouse in Milford. The former U.S. representative and businessman was the first Democratic candidate to throw his hat in the 2020 presidential race. Delaney said he hopes to heal some divides in the politically polarized U.S. and believes he can win over voters in the typically red counties of northwest Iowa...

New kid's book aims to inspire dialogue about how families communicate across generations When 4-year-old Little Lucy hears her Grammy and Papa use phrases she doesn't know, sometimes her imagination runs wild. Educator and Okoboji author Mari Miller used the premise of Lucy's struggles to understand the "seemingly nonsensical sayings" she encountered from older family members as a launching point to inspire intergenerational dialogue in the new children's book, "A Lick and a Promise."...

STORM LAKE — Blistering the “sheer incompetence” of the president and repeatedly accusing Fox News of drilling misinformation into the public’s minds, the latest Democratic hopeful for president Michael Bennet spoke to a small gathering of party supporters Saturday evening...

LE MARS — When Jon Meredith came to Le Mars to become pastor at First Baptist Church, 20 years ago, it was his first time as a solo pastor. Now, two decades later, he continues to spread the message of God’s love in the church and the community. On Sunday, the congregation celebrated his time at the church with a special service and luncheon with the theme, “20 Years of Loving God & Loving Others Together!”...

OKOBOJI — The founder of Templeton Rye hopes another mix of Iowa geography and distilled spirits will be the cocktail for success. Foundry Distilling Co. owner Scott Bush on Thursday launched Okoboji Vodka at a Pearson Lakes Art Center event in Okoboji. He describes his brand of vodka as "100% corn, pot-distilled and gluten free."...

POMEROY ― Iowa singer-songwriter, artist and author, Chad Elliott, will be in concert at Byron’s in Pomeroy, Sunday starting at 5 p.m. Elliot’s latest is an independently released “Rest Heavy: The Sun Studio Sessions.” His writing weaves love, loss and forgiveness into well-worn lyrics with timeless melodies...

Beehler to offer keynote Memorial Day in Spencer In its 55th year, members of the local American Legion and Veterans Foreign Wars chapters will host the Memorial Day program at Spencer’s Riverside Cemetery with a parade leading from the Clay County Administration Building west on West Fourth Street to the site of the service beginning at approximately 10 a.m. Monday...

When Everly resident Neila Rohan decided to share thanks with area veterans, she looked to a skill she has honed over the course of 40-plus years, quilting. The former Spencer quilt store owner is set to share the product of months of work with veterans at Hap Ketelsen Community Center in Everly on Memorial Day...

The American Legion family of Glen Pedersen Post No. 1 will distribute veteran-made poppies to the community at various Spencer locations for National Poppy Day Thursday. Donations will be accepted for the poppies with all funds raised going directly to support veterans, active-duty military and families with medical and financial needs.

The count of bridges with weight postings in Clay County has risen from eight to nine. The Clay County Board of Supervisors received an update on the bridges and their weight postings in the county as they approved an annual bridge posting embargo resolution. Clay County Engineer William Rabenberg said the signage was already in place, and the new posting is a result of required regular inspections...

Since the $3.6 million in improvements to Drainage District No. 37 were approved by supervisors amidst a failed remonstrance by landowners earlier in the year, a legal case has developed and now the potential for an election which would decide new trustees for the district...

SPIRIT LAKE — The Iowa Lakes Board of Trustees approved tuition and fees for the 2019-20 school year during their regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday afternoon in Spirit Lake. The trustees approved to set in-state tuition at $183 per credit hour, with Minnesota residents paying $188 per credit hour. Online course fees will be $189 per credit hour, while non-residents and International students will pay $194 per credit hour...

The Spencer Regional Healthcare Foundation recently received a gift of $2,500 in support of cancer care provided to patients treated at the Abben Cancer Center of Spencer Hospital. The gift represents proceeds raised during the annual Golf for a Cure tournament held May 3 at Emerald Hills Golf Club in Okoboji. Since 2011, the Spencer Regional Healthcare Foundation has received more than $28,000 from the Golf for a Cure event in support of local cancer care. Funds raised are used to purchase new technologies, support educational programming and to provide funds for various patient needs, such as head covers, travel assistance and much more. “Community led efforts make these events personal. Fighting cancer is a cause that most, unfortunately, can relate to,” said Melissa Cunningham, Abben Cancer Center director. “We are grateful to the organizers and supporters for what their generosity helps to provide our patients.”

SIOUX CITY — Jeana Goosmann, CEO and managing partner of the Goosmann Law Firm, announced that northwest Iowa Attorney Barry Shaw Sackett has joined the law firm as corporate counsel. Sackett is the owner of Sackett Law Firm in Spirit Lake, Spencer and Primghar, which is now a Goosmann Law Firm Affiliate. ...

Nancy Naeve, of Spencer, was recognized for her service to the community by local Modern Woodmen of America Chapter 12162. Naeve was honored for her work with Spencer Main Street, Rotary and countless other volunteer hours through Modern Woodmen’s Hometown Heroes Program. As part of this program, members from the Spencer Modern Woodmen Chapter 12162 presented the recipient with a certificate and a $100 award grant, to be presented to the charitable organization of the honoree’s choice. “Volunteers form the foundation of a strong community,” said Candice Getting, local Modern Woodmen financial representative. “Modern Woodmen’s Hometown Hero program gives us the chance to thank those who selflessly give their time to make the world a better place.” Pictured, from left: Lisa Petersen, Dawn Green, Sheryl Lee, Kari Roskens, Naeve, Getting and Jay Norton.

Olivia J. Albright has joined the United States Army under the Delayed Enlistment Program. The program allows new recruits to delay reporting for basic military training for up to 270 days while they finish their educations and prepare for their military careers...

For the month of April, Many Hands Market, presented its monthly $500 donation to the Ruthven Community Food Pantry. B.J. Hemmingsen, food pantry manager, received the check from Many Hands staff member, Connie Adams. In 2018, the pantry served a total of 2979 individuals. The food pantry also assisted in providing meals to children and food packs to 91 students through the BackPack Program. This year, the food pantry would like to offer several new programs to provide a nutritional education program for their patrons, including planning nutritional meals on a budget, and how to shop on a limited budget.

Local 4-H club teams up with VFW Auxiliary for flag effort As communities across the nation prepare to celebrate loved ones who served their country in the armed forces during Memorial Day, one Spencer 4-H club has ensured the veterans buried at Spencer’s North Lawn Memorial Cemetery are marked with a familiar sight — the stars and stripes...

The Spencer City Council took the first step Monday evening to relax current regulations in the city code regarding the outdoor service of alcoholic beverages. The decision to draft the outdoor service ordinance was made to allow Spencer restaurants unable to participate in the recently passed sidewalk cafe ordinance the opportunity to offer similar accommodations...

GAIC set to commemorate older homes at annual picnic While many smaller towns and cities in rural Iowa have been unable to maintain their main streets, Grand Avenue Improvement Corporation and its partners have been successful in beautifying a historic district which serves as "the entryway."...

The Ruthven-Aryshire School Board is moving forward with plans to make improvements at the district's softball, baseball and football facilities. The board selected Des Moines-based Larson Engineering to oversee the developments of plans, and the bidding process for proposed improvements which are currently slated to include the reorientation of the softball field, the addition of press boxes at the baseball and softball fields and adjustments to lighting and parking at all facilities within the complex.. ...

STORM LAKE — Between Compass Pointe’s abrupt closure and Hope Haven’s anticipated departure of counseling services, there are a lot of potholes forming in the patchwork of mental health services around the area. Plains Area Mental Health is adapting its intake system to ensure patients find contact for mental health care in hours, rather than days or weeks...

LINN GROVE — A Linn Grove couple is being credited with discovering a new species of tiny mollusk Cucurbitula, a clam-like creature that attaches to shells. In November 2016, environmentalists George and Marian McNabb were working at Padre Island National Seashore, where they lived and volunteered during the winters...

WAHPETON — Camp is not just for kids! Twice a year the Elderversity Retreat is held at Okoboji Lutheran Bible Camp for adults 55 and older. On June 3-4, Ingham Okoboji Lutheran Bible Camp is hosting a Spring Elderversity Retreat. Bob Floss will lead worship, and featured speaker Rev. John Holt will offer biblical teaching during the sessions. Holt is the lead pastor of First Lutheran Church in Albert Lea, Minnesota. The sessions will consist of looking at the seven letters to the seven churches in Revelation and seeing what God might have to say to us today. Optional activities include pontoon rides, nature trails walk, crafts, meeting the 2019 summer staff and more. Elderversity is an opportunity to grow in faith with old friends and make new friends. Everyone is invited to register by visiting www.okoboji.org/elderversity or by calling 1-800-OKOBOJI. Registration begins on June 3 at 9 a.m. and the retreat ends on June 4 at 4 p.m. Registration is $99 or $69 without housing. The registration cost includes meals, lodging and programming.

The outreach offers 'nice, quiet location' for domestic violence abuse services The office of Family Crisis Centers has found a new home. The organization, which primarily offers services to those who have been affected by domestic violence, began receiving clients at its new location in Spencer's Grand Avenue Community Outreach earlier this month...

Spencer graduate cautions public against legislating religious, philosophical views Spencer High School graduate and Mercyhurst University religious studies professor Rich McCarty has been advocating for LGBTQ rights at the intersection of religion and civil discourse since he realized the Bible "did not condemn mutual and or loving same sex relationships." McCarty is scheduled to share his perspective at a free event starting at 6:30 p.m. at the Des Moines Art Center Thursday, May 23...

Ohio congressman targeting rural demographic with reformative plan Ohio U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan, one of the newest names to enter the field seeking the Democratic presidential nomination, made a stop in Spencer Sunday afternoon as part of his three-day “America United Tour” in western Iowa. Ryan sat with a table full of interested constituents at Taqueria el Tapatio in downtown Spencer where he discussed issues key to the area, listened to concerns and offered his vision for a Ryan presidency...

Packed field house honors 115 as they begin next chapter Things went as scripted during commencement ceremonies for the 115 Spencer High School seniors who walked across the stage to receive their diplomas Sunday afternoon in the field house. “Pomp and Circumstance” ushered the graduates; family, friends, classmates and well-wishers packed the stands; the choir sang under the direction of two seniors; students delivered heartfelt addresses; tassels were moved; despite the request for silence during the presentation, occasional hooting and cheers rang out; and in the end, caps were launched as “We’re All in This Together” from “High School Musical” boomed from the speakers as the 2019 graduating class exited the gym a final time — no longer students.. ...

Final CC-E class graduates For the final time, the Clay Central-Everly High School gym filled with parents, friends and family to witness a group of graduating CC-E seniors walk across a stage and receive their high school diplomas. The gravity of the class of 2019’s status was not lost on the students, who reminisced about their history as CC-E Mavericks and were hopeful for the future of themselves and fellow CC-E classmates and teachers, who will adjust to the high school’s closing at the end of the school year.. ...

Spencer High School Principal Elli Wiemers walks the line in the hallway prior to the start of Sunday’s commencement exercises in the field house, serving up smiles and high fives to the graduates. --- Senior Levi Rees conducted the Spencer High School Band’s performance of “Goodnight Moon.”...

The Iowa Democratic Party is focusing in on the effects to rural Iowa and the agriculture industry, hosting a press call in what was described as only the beginning of what will be an ongoing conversation. Thursday, Iowa Democratic Party Chair Troy Price, former Lt. ...

Brandon Nolin, a graduated senior at Spencer High School, was named Spencer Rotary’s Student of the Month for April and received a certificate and $25 in Main Street dollars from Rotary member and SHS Principal Elli Wiemers.

Ryan Ver Mulm, a graduated senior at Spencer High School, was named Spencer Rotary’s Student of the Month for May and received a certificate and $25 in Main Street dollars from Rotary member and SHS Principal Elli Wiemers.

DES MOINES — Ben Hargens, a senior at Sioux Central High School, and son of John and Karen Hargens, was awarded the BBB Student of Integrity Award and honored at the Better Business Bureaus' annual Torch Awards luncheon in Des Moines April 23. Hagens was one of five students recognized. ...

Founders Scholarship announced to honor retiring board members Longtime Spencer Community School Foundation members Dave Woodcock and Dick Montgomery have both stepped aside to allow others the opportunity to serve with an organization which has supported Spencer Schools since 1987. The foundation has announced the Dick Montgomery and Dave Woodcock Founders Scholarship which will be awarded annually to a Spencer High School senior beginning March 2020...

With DeWolf Dog Park officially open and being used by dog owners and their canine companions, Spencer Parks Director Delray Bredehoeft said the park would continue to receive attention to accommodate those who enjoy Spencer’s park system. Bredehoeft said establishing fencing and opening of the park was phase one, with plans for up to two additional phases of work at the dog park in the future...

High school leaves an indelible imprint on most graduates, but for the 2019 Clay Central-Everly graduating class carrying on the traditions of the school is a legacy they do not plan to allow to pass to the wayside as the high school closes its doors...

Spencer School Resource Officer Mike Wilson to retire For more than 30 years Mike Wilson has worn his badge and gun in service to the city of Spencer. Following his first retirement, which lasted 3 months from the force in 2012, Wilson says he’s now finally ready to call it a career at the end of the school year...

STORM LAKE ― Darwin Josue Mejia Montoya could have been shot during protests in Nicaragua last year. He also could still be languishing in a detention center in Arizona, after escaping the violence. But Montoya credits prayers ― particularly to Mary ― for enabling him to be one of the few individuals granted asylum in the United States from the Central American country...

STORM LAKE — A Storm Lake man has been arrested for domestic abuse and false imprisonment after injuring his wife and allegedly threatening to kill her if she called police. Storm Lake Police were called to a residence in the 700 block of Bradford Street Sunday night for a reported domestic assault...

STORM LAKE — Three residents were arrested and a juvenile removed from a home in Storm Lake after authorities found 51 dogs and cats inside the house, in "deplorable" conditions. Storm Lake Police were alerted to unsafe conditions at 1014 Michigan St...

Booked into Clay County Jail May 4 — Jaydn Domingo Roberts, 22, Spencer OWI, first offense Open container — driver 21-plus years of age No valid driver’s license Speeding Interference with official acts — bodily injury Assault with injury — law officer or other, four counts...

"Well, if you want to buy things in China, it's going to cost more in a month," U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley said, during a press update Monday afternoon. Trade negotiations surrounding U.S. and Chinese tariffs continue to escalate, and Grassley noted the United States plans to impose more tariffs on products coming from China. ...