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The COVID-19 extended spring break for Spencer Community Schools students comes to an end Monday, April 13, when the district will begin providing online classes in an effort to reengage students “in the classroom” in a manner of speaking. “While teachers have been in contact with students since schools have closed and provided them with learning opportunities, we will formally begin on April 13,” Spencer Schools Superintendent Terry Hemann said. “This will be through online systems that students, parents, and staff are already familiar with. We will also be offering a more traditional approach with packets for younger grades and for those who might not have internet access at this time.”

With life during the spread of COVID-19 equating to self quarantines at home, a lack of socialization and more meals eaten at home, citizens in Spencer and now across the globe have turned to a Facebook group started by a Spencer family to talk about meals, share recipes and connect over a universally shared need, food. Started by Brad Smith, of Spencer, in late March, the Facebook group “What’s everyone cooking?” has continued to exponentially grow and today stands at more than 2,300 members...

Saturday evening’s COVID Cruise packed the downtown with motorists albeit with many sporting their windows mostly up and (Pictured) bikers wearing balaclavas as groups of vehicles from across the spectrum of make, model and era made their way up and down Grand Avenue. T...

The Spencer City Council continued to tackle discussion and action related to COVID-19 during its regular session Monday night and as department heads shared their efforts underway at this time it was noted in discussion a change at the Transfer Station would likely be popular in the community...

The Spencer Board of Adjustments met via teleconference Monday morning and deliberated over granting a special exception to The Way Station, who plan to relocate to 120 W. Fourth St. in Spencer, remaining in the central business district. “The only reason we’re here today is for the zoning board, religious assembly is identified as a specific special exception use within the CBD, this request today, … (The Way Station) was approved for a special exception use approximately three years ago when they started up in their current Grand Avenue location,” Spencer Planning Director Steve Hallgren said. ...

At 1:45 p.m. Saturday, the Spencer Police Department responded to a report of a two-vehicle, hit-and-run accident at Seventh Street and Grand Avenue in Spencer. Moments later, responding law enforcement located the suspect vehicle on the south side of town. When Spencer Police attempted to stop the vehicle, the driver allegedly attempted to elude police, committing various traffic offenses and eventually leaving city limits westbound on 360th Street at speeds reaching more than 85 mph...

On Monday, April 6, the Facebook Journalism Project, the Lenfest Institute for Journalism, and the Local Media Association announced that Rust Publishing, NIWA was awarded a $5,000 grant to support its COVID-19 coverage in the communities they serve...

Gov. Kim Reynolds offered an update on the ongoing spread of COVID-19 in the state during a Monday morning press conference and said the coming week is expected to be just as difficult, if not more so, than its predecessor. Monday’s update of the numbers amounted to 78 new positive cases, four new counties and three additional deaths originating from Linn and Tama counties...

As the workforce landscape changes on a daily basis in this COVID-19 world, child care needs for those deemed essential service providers, as well as those who find themselves relegated to “stay-at-home” requirements also transition daily, creating unique challenges for child care providers both large and small...

ESTHERVILLE — Summer and Fall class registration is now open at Iowa Lakes Community College. New students or inactive students will need to apply for admission before registering for courses. Iowa Lakes offers courses online, face-to-face, hybrid and hybrid fast track as well as via the Iowa Lakes video conferencing/television system available on all five campuses...

ESTHERVILLE — Almost two weeks ago, Iowa Lakes Community College moved all courses, including career and technical programs, to an online format. Additionally, Iowa Lakes established virtual campuses and continues to serve students remotely amid the fast-changing situation with the coronavirus pandemic...

DES MOINES — Rep. Megan Jones, R-Sioux Rapids, welcomed students from Stowe Elementary to the Iowa House of Representatives. The group was visiting the Capitol to learn about the history and functions of state government.

MILFORD ― A group of five machines has been steadily working away in Milford, placing one thin layer of plastic on top of another to create protective masks for local emergency personnel as they continue to work amid the spreading novel coronavirus. ...

Polaris Industries announced March 31 it is taking additional steps in response to the coronavirus' impact on the manufacturing market. The company had previously decided to temporarily shutdown operations at a number of production facilities ― including Spirit Lake ― for a week as it weighed changes to supply and demand brought on by the viral outbreak. ...

You've heard of the “freshman 15.” During a strange time of quarantine, what you don’t want is to gain weight while you wait. You’re stuck at home, for nobody knows how long. The gym and the pool are closed, yoga class canceled, but the fast food drive-up is sure open. And while binge watching TV, that big old stress-eating bag of chips is calling your name...

When Lynn “Hec” Ramsey passed away, his family held a quiet graveside service Monday morning in Lake View. A note on the Faber & Otteman Funeral Homes website said: “Due to current CDC guidelines and Governor Reynolds’ public health disaster declaration limiting all services, the family will be planning a celebration of life for Hec to be held at a later date.”...

The Spencer School Board met over the noon hour Thursday with the sole agenda item being to approve construction bids on the Fairview and Lincoln Construction Projects. The projects estimated costs were estimated at $13.5 million, with the projects’ notable improvements including a new lunch room for Fairview with Lincoln adding a new gymnasium, administrative area and band room. Both schools will gain new classrooms...

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds has officially extended school closures across the state to help slow the potential spread of the coronavirus. Thursday's announcement extends her March 15 order, which closed schools for a period of four weeks. They will now be closed through April 30...

The Iowa Department of Public Health confirmed Tuesday a first Clay County resident tested positive for COVID-19. The individual, an adult female in the age range of 18 to 40, is recovering in isolation at her Clay County home. A second case was confirmed Thursday involving an individual between the ages of 41 and 60...

With gas prices tumbling and roads clear of traffic during the era of COVID-19, a Main Street tradition from the golden age of automobiles is returning to Spencer Saturday night. Remembering good times scooping the loop on Spencer’s Grand Avenue, John Smock created the “COVID Cruise” as a way for friends, neighbors and community members to get out and be social while still practicing social distancing from inside their vehicles. The cruise starts Saturday at 7 p.m...

Spring days normally spent with teachers and students in classrooms have been replaced with closed schools and social distancing during the COVID-19 global pandemic. However, wanting to see their students again and send a positive message of support, teachers from Iowa Great Lakes Lutheran School in Spencer and the teachers of Clay Central-Everly both held their own parades this week sharing positivity from educators to pupils. As students were driven through the IGLLS parking lot Tuesday evening, their teachers held signs and messages of support. “I know that some parents have expressed that their kids are sad to not be going to school, seeing the teachers and seeing their friends, it’s just so important that we keep in touch with them so that we can keep their spirits up as well as the teachers, the teachers feel the same way,” IGLLS Principal Sarah Popp said. (Pictured) IGLLS kindergarten teacher Noreen Bohl has a smile and message for a youngster riding on an ATV. (Pictured) The Meyer family holds signs during the IGLLS parade Tuesday. (Pictured) Taking a different route, CC-E teachers and community members led a long and winding parade through their communities and neighborhoods with messages of support on Thursday afternoon, being led by an Everly Fire Department fire truck and bookended by the Royal Fire Department’s fire engine.

The city of Spencer has been following guidelines set forth by Center for Disease Control, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds and the Iowa Department of Public Health. In response to those recommendations and in an effort to reduce social gatherings and decrease the spread of COVID-19 the Parks and Recreation Department has closed the multiple city-owned facilities and areas within the parks until further notice...

(Above) Brittany Spieker, with CHI, worked with volunteers to coordinate delivery at Sunset Apartments later in the afternoon. Grand Avenue Community Kitchen also began warm meal delivery on Monday and Thursday evenings while maintaining its existing drive-thru options. Any Spencer senior in need of food or meal delivery while remaining at home, along with anyone wishing to volunteer or provide financial support toward the ongoing outreach effort, should contact info@gacoutreach.com. A handful of volunteers — including (Below) Arvin Druvenga and David Lyons — masked up, pulled on gloves and prepared food bags at the Grand Avenue Community Outreach Thursday afternoon for delivery to area seniors who are unable to leave home during the stay-at-home restrictions put in place by Gov. Kim Reynolds in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Volunteers unloaded the double order from the Food Bank of Iowa semitrailer, then went to work. This was the first of what will be regular monthly deliveries to Spencer seniors as part of a collaboration between GACO's His Hands Extended food program, ATLAS of Spencer and Community Housing Initiatives. The program is available to all seniors in the community who are unable to get to the grocery store because they are at risk or can't drive to the regularly scheduled drive-thru pickup dates each month.

The Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation is open and helping businesses in the region during the COVID-19 crisis. The corridor exists to support economic growth in the four-county region of Buena Vista, Clay, Dickinson and Emmet counties. This includes serving as a resource for businesses during these times of emergency. Since the outbreak of coronavirus, the corridor has been monitoring news sources and communicating with partners about support and resources available to business...

DES MOINES — Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced that the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service has approved the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s hemp production program. The public hearing to solicit comments on the state plan that was scheduled to be held on April 3 from 9-10 a.m. ...

“Social distancing” and “flattening the curve” remained the key phrases during Wednesday morning’s Facebook Live event. The online discussion involved Spencer Mayor Kevin Robinson, City Manager Amanda Mack and medical staff from Spencer Hospital the day after the first confirmed case in Clay County was reported...

The Iowa Department of Public Health confirmed Tuesday a first Clay County resident tested positive for COVID-19. The individual, an adult female in the age range of 18 to 40, is recovering in isolation at her Clay County home. “With community spread of COVID-19 first confirmed in Iowa mid-March, we anticipated it was a matter of time before one or more cases would be confirmed in northwest Iowa,” commented Dr. ...

The Clay County Fair announced Josh Turner, and special guest Dillon Carmichael, as part of the SRG Concert Series in the Sleep Number Grandstand at the 2020 Clay County Fair at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17. With his rich, deep voice and distinctive style, Turner is one of country music’s most recognizable hit-makers. ...

The Pacific Crest Trail stretches 2,653 miles from the United States’ border with Mexico to its border with Canada, through California, Oregon and Washington. To successfully thru-hike the trail, traveling its entirety in a single trip, is an incredible accomplishment in the world of hiking as successfully completing the PCT, Continental Divide Trail and Appalachian Trail is known as the “triple crown of hiking.” Planning the effort takes months, as does completing the feat...

City officials hosted a coronavirus update through a live Facebook video Friday and continued on the topic through a joint release later that afternoon and again during Monday night’s Spencer City Council meeting. The city’s live update Friday lasted approximately 20 minutes and included commentary from Spencer Recreation Director Jared Elbert and Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation CEO Kiley Miller...

Taxes remain one of life’s two certainties — but apparently even a certainty can come with a cushion under the right circumstances. With all of the attention being given COVID-19, it’s important to remember tax season is still underway for local tax preparers who are busy crunching numbers and working through stacks of documents — many of them from home, without direct contact with clients, and with a few more months to get the work done...

Being cared for by a health professional can be challenging during the current need for social distancing due to the COVID-19 health emergency. Locally, Avera Medical Group Spencer, Spencer Hospital and Milford Family Care have options for telehealth visits with its providers, when appropriate...

With confirmed cases of COVID-19 continuing to increase across the state, Spencer Hospital is preparing to address the possibility of the pandemic leading to a surge of patients, which also brings a need for additional personal protective equipment to help protect hospital staff and patients. ...

A line of approximately 50 cars rolled from the Walmart parking lot Monday evening, horns blaring, traveling south on Fourth Avenue SW, past the home where 26-year-old Jaci Hermstad continues to convalesce following her most recent experimental treatment in her battle with ALS. ...

Trapped at home waiting for word it’s safe to return to public interaction, access to food is a concern for many seniors. A collaborative effort between a pair of programs at Grand Avenue Community Outreach, ATLAS of Spencer and Community Housing Initiatives is tackling the challenge to ensure seniors in the community have access to food and meals while maintaining their safety during the COVID-19 crisis...

A lengthy search for a missing Storm Lake native is over. The family announced that the body of Justine Miller, 36, was found last Sunday in Wilderness Park, Lincoln, Nebraska. A preliminary autopsy indicated that the cause of death was hypothermia...

STORM LAKE — Twelve high school students and 16 middle school students represented the Spencer Community Schools Instrumental Music Program in the 39th Annual Buena Vista University Honor Band Festival which was held on Saturday, March 7. Representing Spencer High School in this year’s festival were: Sarah Dean (flute), Olivia Ruden (flute), Emma Katzer (Bb clarinet), Shayler Van Gelder (Bb clarinet), Hanna Gee (bass clarinet), Makenna Richter (bassoon), Grace Katzer (tenor saxophone), Sadie Nelson (French horn), Edyn Blau (French horn), Devon Rees (trumpet), Owen Kierscht (trumpet) and Maegan Olsen (trombone).. ...

The Bennie B. and Ernestine F. Shine Scholarship fund, administered by Spencer Hospital, annually awards funds to persons who have completed at least one semester of a nursing or allied health program, such as radiology, therapy programs (respiratory care, speech, physical or occupational), medical technology, laboratory tech, paramedic training, pharmacy, etc. ...

ESTHERVILLE — Eight Iowa Lakes Community College students have achieved All Iowa Academic Team status for the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, which recognizes outstanding academic achievement, intellectual rigor, leadership, and civic growth. Southeastern Community College hosted the 2020 All-Iowa Academic Team Celebration at the Embassy Suites in Des Moines on March 2. ...

DES MOINES — Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced that the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service has approved the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s hemp production program. The public hearing to solicit comments on the state plan that was scheduled to be held on April 3 from 9-10 a.m. ...

Margaret was born Feb. 14, 1934, (Valentine's Day baby) to Marshall and Frances (Olmstead) Elkin in Estherville. She has three siblings: Vivian (Wendell) Anderson, Doris (Wayne) Salton and Marshall (Lillian) Elkin. Margaret attended rural schools through 8th grade and graduated from Spencer High School. She worked at W.F. Woolworth in high school. Before and after being married she was a bookkeeper for Spurgeons in Spencer...

Avera Medical Group Spencer has developed a respiratory clinic which features a separate entrance and is physically separated by a temporary wall from the rest of the clinic space, a plan implemented to isolate patients with potentially infectious illnesses from other patients seeking care...

Members of the Spencer Ministerial Association have been using Zoom to meet on a twice weekly basis to address needs and assess the role clergy and congregations should play in the ongoing coronavirus crisis. In addition to caring and looking out for those who are confined to their homes and unable to get to the store for food, supplies and medical care — the pastors are calling on the faith community to take time this weekend to pray and fast...

The Spencer Hospital Board of Trustees met Thursday morning, with one of the earliest topics of discussion being COVID-19 preparation and the overall situation in the state. “As of this morning we have not had a positive test in Clay County,” Clay County Public Health nurse Colette Rossiter said...

With foot traffic severely limited in long-term care facilities in order to protect residents from the spread of COVID-19, a group of community members answered a call through social media and traveled to Longhouse-Northshire Thursday to offer a supportive gesture. ...

As COVID-19 cases rise in the state, so too do the number of businesses forced to close during the global pandemic. Thursday Gov. Kim Reynolds ordered bookstores, clothing stores, shoe stores, jewelry stores, luggage stores, florists, furniture and furnishing stores; and cosmetic, beauty or perfume stores closed across the state until 11:59 p.m. ...

Due to the economic impact of the coronavirus, the Spencer Daily Reporter will be temporarily suspending two print days while continuing to bulk up online content for subscribers. The SDR, in a bulked-up format, will be printed and distributed on Tuesdays and Fridays beginning next week. The Sioux Rapids Bulletin Press will be published in the Friday edition...

A case of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has been confirmed in Dickinson County, Lakes Regional Healthcare officials confirmed Thursday afternoon. An announcement from Spirit Lake said the individual is receiving treatment in isolation. "While this is Dickinson County's first case, it may not be the last, and that's why we encourage all residents to continue to make prevention a priority," Lakes Regional Healthcare director of population and public health Brandon Rohrig said...

Granted, the last thing you might want to see just now is a horror story about infectious sickness, since you are living one. In these times, Hollywood’s take on pandemics is a lot less frightening and surreal than the nightly news, however. There are a surprising number of films that have explored the topic. We suppose people are drawn to them by the vulnerability they recognize: even war is more containable than a virus, it seems...

JOHNSTON — For 100 years, Iowans have enjoyed and explored their state's natural beauty through the state parks system. To commemorate this milestone, “Iowa Outdoors,” Iowa PBS's series centered on outdoor recreation and Iowa's natural resources, will feature three new episodes honoring the history and beauty of Iowa's state parks. The 30-minute episodes will air weekly on Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. in April, premiering on statewide Iowa PBS beginning April 1...