News | Spencer Daily Reporter

Burg drops zoning request

By Joseph Hopper, Staff Writer

The Spencer Planning and Zoning Commission met Thursday morning to change the hearing date for a zoning request from a local business operator to convert his restaurant into a gentlemen’s club. Shortly after the meeting ended and a date was set, Chris Burg, owner of Southside Grill, said his pursuit of a zoning amendment was no longer necessary for him to convert his business into a “gentlemen’s steakhouse.” Burg said he had withdrawn his request for a zoning amendment with the city of Spencer, as of Thursday morning.. ...
Heavy storms shut down roadways

By Randy M. Cauthron, Managing Editor

A flood warning stretched from southeast South Dakota through the northern tier of Iowa, including almost all of Clay County water sources Thursday afternoon, as another band of storms entered the western border of the Hawkeye state. The flood conditions were brought on by heavy rains throughout the day Wednesday which continued into the overnight and early morning hours Thursday...
National Family Day comes to Spencer

By Colin Van Westen, Staff writer

A national program designed to prompt family togetherness through everyday activities will make its debut in Spencer at the Southpark Mall from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 24. Family Day will feature a balloon artist, pumpkin painting, face painting, cookie decorating, the Spencer Family YMCA's Gaga Pit and puppet and magic shows free of charge...
Northwest Bank breaks ground on new Spencer administrative office

With the symbolic first cut of the spade, Northwest Bank marked the official start of construction of its new Administration Center in Spencer. The construction of this new 35,000-square-foot facility, designed by Matt Barstad and his team at CMBA Architects, will begin at a site next to the new Warner Dialysis Center on West 18th Street...
City finance director honored as JA ‘Volunteer of the Year’

By Joseph Hopper , Daily Reporter Staff

Spencer Finance Director Brian Weuve works each day to keep the city’s finances in good condition, but he also uses his free time to share some of his knowledge with area schoolchildren each year. Weuve volunteers as a part of Junior Achievement of Central Iowa, which teaches students across the state about entrepreneurial and life concepts such as how money works in a community. ...
Eleeson death ruled accidental by medical examiner’s office

CLAY COUNTY — The Iowa State Medical Examiners Office has determined the death of 30-year-old Casey Eleeson in July was accidental in nature. John Kraemer, director of forensic operations of the examiner’s office said her passing was the result of diabetic ketoacidosis following meth use...
Knights, Catholic Daughters raise funds for parishioner

Photo submitted The Sacred Heart Catholic Church Knights of Columbus — Our Lady of the Lakes Council 3965 — the local Catholic Daughters presented Pat Juza with funds raised from a combined omelet breakfast and bake sale in August. A total of $3,817.62 for Juza to assist with medical bills.
'Fraueranbeit — Womens Work' to be exhibited at PLAC

OKOBOJI — “Fraueranbeit — Womens Work: 25 Black & White Photos of European Women in Traditional Male Professions and Trades,” an exhibit of works by photojournalist Barbara La Valleur, opens Thursday, Oct. 11, in the Goodenow Gallery of the Pearson Lakes Art Center and will be on view through Jan. 12...
ART celebrates 15th year

Everyone is invited to travel Iowa’s scenic byways and back roads looking for one-of-a-kind creations. The 15th annual Artisans Road Trip will be conducted from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 13, and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 14. This year, a total of 28 artists will be participating from Estherville to Ida Grove. The Artisans Road Trip is a self-guided art studio and gallery tour, free for visitors, exploring the work of local artists...
State Historical Society’s ‘Mobile Museum’ comes to area (9/19/18)

By Joseph Hopper , Daily Reporter Staff

PETERSON — Northwest Iowa history buffs will have a new “museum” to visit from Thursday to Saturday this week as the State Historical Society of Iowa’s “History on the Move” mobile museum will be available to tour at the Prairie Heritage Center, located at 4931 Yellow Ave. ...
Fareway original bidding farewell (9/19/18)1

By Randy M. Cauthron, Managing Editor

For more than 40 years, Rick Petersen has prepared for work each day by buttoning up his white-collared shirt and putting on his black tie. Although Fareway transitioned to red polo shirts a couple of weeks ago, Peterson will arrive for work one last time in his white shirt and black tie — it's the only way he would want to finish out his four-plus-decade career...
Sold-out YP Iowa conference begins Friday in Spencer (9/19/18)

By Joseph Hopper , Daily Reporter Staff

The hard work of Spencer USA Young Professionals to bring the Young Professionals of Iowa annual conference to Spencer seems to have already paid off. The leadership and networking group’s event has reached the maximum amount of attendees, selling out. Previously conducted in the Des Moines area, Paul Daniels, president of Spencer USA Young Professionals, said the attendance accomplishment backs up what many northwest Iowans already know...
City amends snow event ordinance, reviews storm sewer project status (9/19/18)

By Joseph Hopper , Daily Reporter Staff

During Monday night’s Spencer City Council meeting, the council members approved the third, and final, reading to amend an ordinance regarding parking during snow events. Previously, from Nov. 1 to April 1, a forecast of or official snowfall accumulation of 2 inches or more would activate the ordinance requiring all vehicles to be removed from city streets between the hours of midnight and 7 a.m...
Shayla Bee extends support to new families (9/19/18)

By Colin Van Westen, Staff Writer

Shalya Bee Chairman Jerry Faulkner, and supporters of the organization, gathered Tuesday night to formally welcome two new Shayla Bee families. The Ruiz and Leewright families received gifts along with the financial and emotional support which goes along with joining the Shayla Bee family...
Ver Steeg, Klemme named '18 SHS royalty (9/19/18)

While the sky rumbled, lightening lit up the clouds and rain poured outside Spencer High School Thursday evening, the spotlight shined brightly on Emma Ver Steeg and Marcus Klemme as they were pronounced 2018 homecoming king and queen. Coronation emcees Levi Rees and Jace Wiemers announced the two winners who were recognized by last year’s royal couple Olivia Hamilton and Austin Crew.
Business Brief (9/19/18)

DES MOINES — The Iowa Finance Authority has announced that a total of 30 lenders and Realtors have earned IFA's 2019 Preferred Partner designation. IFA Preferred Partners are experts for Iowa home buyers seeking assistance with the homeownership process and are expertly trained in IFA mortgage and down payment assistance programs. Among the IFA 2019 Preferred Partners are Ryan Davelaar and Rita Hoffman — both of Farmers Trust and Savings Bank in Spencer...
Ambassadors welcome Farmers Bank staffers (9/19/18)

The Spencer Chamber Ambassadors visited Farmers Bank in Spencer on Tuesday, welcoming Kristi Franker and Cindy Tigges to the staff there. Fracker joined the bank during the first quarter of 2018, and is the director of retail operations. Bank President Dave Woodcock said Franker has brought new platforms and tools which are valuable in its continued growth. Tigges joined Farmers Bank team in early August as the marketing and branding officer, working to share the institution's messaging through a wide array of channels.
Hawk Valley Garden opens for fall season (9/17/18)

By Colin Van Westen, Staff writer

As Hawk Valley Garden's first week of sales for the 2018 season concluded, owner Sue Loring estimated the family-run pumpkin stand had already sold 2,000 pumpkins and 180 painted pumpkins. "Our place exemplifies a true farm and we consider it more of a pumpkin market," Loring said. ...
Homecoming court plans ‘Tigers Tackle Hunger’ (9/17/18)

By Randy M. Cauthron, Managing Editor

Amidst the celebration and festivities associated with Spencer’s annual homecoming this week, members of the royal court have committed to take on one additional responsibility by helping combat hunger in the area. Tigers Tackle Hunger is designed to encourage all schools in the district, as well as the community, to donate items to stock the local food pantry...
City manager addresses gentlemen’s club hearing (9/17/18)

By Joseph Hopper , Daily Reporter Staff

During Monday night’s Spencer City Council meeting, City Manager Amanda Mack issued a verbal and written statement addressing a future Spencer Planning and Zoning Commission hearing regarding a business operator’s efforts to transform his restaurant into a gentlemen’s club. The commission previously met Sept. 12 to review and discuss the request, deciding to hold a public hearing over the matter...
Mopeds continue as popular option for SMS, SHS students (9/17/18)

By Colin Van Westen, Staff writer

Once a young person turns 14 years old, they legally have the option to complete the six-hour course required to receive a moped driver's permit. Approximately 10 students at Spencer Middle School and more than 30 students at the high school currently commute via moped with increased numbers expected in the spring after more eighth-grade students turn 14...
Interim Iowa 4-H director makes Clay County stop (9/17/18)

By Joseph Hopper , Daily Reporter Staff

Fair season is the busiest time of year for the many young 4-Hers in Iowa. During the Clay County Fair, the interim program leader for 4-H Youth Development in Iowa, Andrea Nelson, made a Spencer visit to witness one of the biggest 4-H events in northwest Iowa. ...
Fairgoers enjoy rain-free event (9/17/18)

By Colin Van Westen, Staff writer

Clay County Fair and Events Center Manager Jeremy Parsons said the 101st event was a solid follow-up to the centennial celebration the preceding year. “I think the weather was perfect the first weekend, but a little warm the second weekend,” Parsons said. “Any time you can go through the nine-day fair without a rain event, that’s good for me.”...
St. Luke Lutheran Home Resident of the Month (9/17/18)

Lela Anderson is a hard working woman who knows how to have fun. Born in November 1928 to Hans and Emily Struve, Lela was the youngest of four children. Their picturesque farm, northeast of Sioux Rapids, hosts many trees with a creek flowing through it...
Business Briefs (9/17/18)

BUSINESS BRIEFS  Aventure Staffing has been awarded a 2018 Top Workplaces honor by The Des Moines Register. The list is based solely on employee feedback gathered through a third-party survey administered by research partner Energage LLC, a leading provider of technology-based employee engagement tools. ...
Working together to resolve the child care crisis (9/17/18)

By Elijah Decious, Northwest Iowa Publishing

STORM LAKE — Storm Lake is on a list most towns don't want to be on: a crisis list. The Iowa Women's Foundation's crisis list for child care is banding together local organizations like Iowa Child Care Resource & Referral, Early Childhood Iowa and Storm Lake United with the city of Storm Lake to tackle the problem head-on...
Naig joins Clay County Fair to highlight water quality initiative (9/16/18)

By Colin Van Westen, Staff writer

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig visited the Clay County Fair Friday morning to recognize local efforts to improve water quality. "We like to promote and invest in these urban conservation practices, especially here at the Clay County Fair," Naig said. ...
ALL FAIR-ED OUT! (9/16/18)

After nine days of food, entertainment, seeing sites and livestock shows, it’s time to bid “fair-well” to the 101st Clay County Fair. (Above) Annaliese Bloom, of Marathon, demonstrated the proper post-fair crash pose Friday after showing her hog. Bloom was out like a light, as was her show animal, following their in-ring performance.
Looking to the Clay County Fair’s next era (9/16/18)

By Joseph Hopper , Daily Reporter Staff

Starting in 2013, the Centennial Vision Clay County Fair capital campaign’s contributions were hard to miss at the 2018 Clay County Fair. Half a decade later from the previous campaign’s start, Clay County Fair CEO Jeremy Parsons unveiled the newest push to improve the “World’s Greatest County Fair” this summer. Dubbed the Building the Future capital campaign, Parsons explained the main improvements the campaign is aimed at accomplishing...
SHS Homecoming Yard Olympics (9/16/18)

Spencer Schools students and parents gathered at the Dale Norton Field Sunday afternoon for the first annual Yard Olympics. Forty volunteers worked together to conduct 10 games. Teams of two competed in competitions such as spike ball, sack races, super-size Jenga and many more to kick off the SHS homecoming week and to raise money for the Spencer Tail Twisters. (Above) The SHS homecoming court and competing teams came together for a warm-up lap before the games began. (Below) SHS homecoming court members Abby Weeks and Jacob Doran competed in the egg walk. The challenge required participants to move as fast as they could toward the finish line while balancing an egg on a spoon without dropping it.
Grandin shares animal, autism expertise (9/16/18)

By Colin Van Westen, Staff Writer

Colorado State University animal science professor Temple Grandin spoke at the Eurocast Events Center Ballroom Saturday afternoon sharing with audience members stories from her work in the field of animal science, scientific research on specialized thinking and her firsthand experience and work with autism...
2018 Clay County Fair: Snapshots (9/16/18)

--- Clay County Fair Queen Emma Schwark and Hazel C. Christenson, 101, celebrate the fair’s 101st anniversary — every year of which Christenson has been alive for. --- Several horse drawn carriages were on display at the horse barn Saturday afternoon. Audience members braved the heat to watch as riders lead their animals and displayed their decorated wagons...
SFD finalists for LUCAS device (9/16/18)

By Joseph Hopper , Daily Reporter Staff

The Spencer Fire Department is currently in competition through a state of Iowa grant program to receive a Lund University Cardiopulmonary Assist System device. The compact device configures into an arch-shape which slides around a patient and features a piston-like attachment with a suction cup on the end extending vertically to a patient’s chest to provide automatic chest compressions...
Tiny Tators takes 2018 People’s Choice Award (9/16/18)

After heated competition as a finalist for the crown of 2018 World’s Greatest County Fair Food, Eat It’s fair food, “Tiny Tators,” still found victory as the 2018 World’s Greatest County Fair People’s Choice. The award was decided by foodie fairgoers who cast their votes at Clay County Fair information booths, ultimately choosing the food found at Eat It’s Chicken City booth. “We’re super excited,” owner Melissa Loof said. “We almost kind of thought it was more awesome to have the people’s choice. The tators went great. Everybody loved them. They were a big hit and you could add cheese and that was an even bigger hit.”
R-A elects new board president, vice president (9/16/18)

Ruthven-Ayrshire School Board Secretary Kelli Harmon swore in new board President Bruce Long at Tuesday's night board meeting. New board Vice President Susan Sikora also received the oath of office at the meeting.
Goekens recognized as farm environmental leaders (9/16/18)

DES MOINES — Gov. Kim Reynolds, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig and acting Iowa Department of Natural Resources Director Bruce Trautman presented 66 Iowa farm families with the Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award during a ceremony at the Iowa State Fair Wednesday, Aug. 15...
ISA panel looks to future of soybeans (9/14/18)

By Colin Van Westen, Staff writer

The Iowa Soybean Association hosted a panel of six industry leaders and experts who discussed the immediate and long-term health of the industry and how it may impact Iowa farmers. Issues such as the need to find and open new export markets, to resolve the trade war with China, to adjust to increase crop yields and to maintain and improve Iowa's water quality and soil health were among the concerns the panelists addressed with an audience Thursday morning in the Eurocast Events Center Ballroom on the Clay County Fairgrounds.. ...
Scholten joins Dems booth, talks with soybean leaders (9/14/18)

By Colin Van Westen, Staff writer

Iowa 4th Congressional District Democratic candidate J.D. Scholten returned to the Clay County Fair Thursday to share his platform with potential constituents and hear their concerns. Scholten started his tour of the fair listening to the Iowa Soybean Association panel and spent his afternoon working at the Clay County Democrats fair booth...
2018 Clay County Fair: Snapshots (9/13/18)

Photo by Colin Van Westen Clay County Fair Queen Emma Schwarck joined the annual Parade of Antique Tractors Tuesday morning. Thirty-five tractors from across northwest Iowa and southern Minnesota took a loop around the Clay County Fairgrounds. The traditional parade began more than 15 years ago and this year featured tractors from the '40s through the '70s...
90 years of life, 60 consecutive Clay County Fairs (9/13/18)

By Joseph Hopper , Daily Reporter Staff

In 2008, a then 80-year-old Paul Stennes, of New Richland, Minnesota, celebrated his birthday and 50 consecutive years of attending the Clay County Fair, saying “If God is willing, I’ll be here at least another 10 years.” True to his word, Stennes, who turned 90 this week, remains one of the Clay County Fair’s most dedicated fairgoers and somewhat of a fair celebrity at the Clay County Fair campgrounds due to his now 60 consecutive years of attendance...
Iowa lieutenant governor makes fair appearance (9/13/18)

By Joseph Hopper , Daily Reporter Staff

Iowa Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg visited the Clay County Fair Thursday evening, where he toured the grounds, visited vendors, booths and spoke with fairgoers and fair staff. Some of the areas toured by Gregg included the Smokey Mountain Central Railroad, the Clay County Republicans booth and the Iowa Emergency Management Association booth, among others...
SHS homecoming week begins Sunday (9/13/18)

With this week’s announcement of the Spencer High School homecoming king and queen candidates, the school celebration is scheduled to get underway Sunday with a new event for the whole family, the Tailtwisters Yard Game Olympics at Dale Norton Field. ...
Main Street Restaurant Week returns (9/13/18)

By Joseph Hopper , Daily Reporter Staff

A weeklong event first adopted by Spencer Main Street in 2017, Main Street Restaurant Week has returned and starts today, running through Sept. 23. Patrons who stop at Spencer’s 11 downtown eateries (Hy-Vee Kitchen, Terrazzo, Pizza Ranch, Weasy’s, Grand Lunchbox, The Bear, Godfather’s Pizza, Chen’s Garden, Taqueria el Tapatio, Jimmy John’s and Sisters Main Street Cafe) are entered into a drawing held the week’s end, being eligible to win both each restaurant's individual drawing for a $20 gift card, and the grand prize of gift cards for all of the 11 downtown businesses each time they eat downtown.. ...
Teams return from serving in Uganda through GoServ Global (9/13/18)1

EAGLE GROVE — GoServ Global’s first mission team to Uganda just returned last week after building five Safe T Homes that will be used for a home for refugee children who have fled from war-torn South Sudan. So far, 22 children have arrived and now have a safe place to live, enough food to eat, an opportunity to attend school, house mothers who care for them, and are learning about the love of Jesus...
Oktoberfest expands schedule of events (9/13/18)

OKOBOJI — University of Okoboji Oktoberfest originated 27 years ago with the now-annual bike ride. Cyclists have been able to experience the Iowa Great Lakes area in all of its fun and beauty even after what most people recognize as the "summer season" for Okoboji. With the leaves changing to their breath-taking shades of colors to the glistening waters of the lakes, locals know that Okoboji is the place to be this fall...
Brad Morgan returns for Buoy's concert (9/13/18)

STORM LAKE — Area favorite Brad Morgan Band will wrap up the season at Buoy's Bar & Grill at Storm Lake Marina on Friday. Showtime is 8 p.m. Morgan was born and raised in a small northwest Iowa town. He was brought up surrounded by music and began performing at an early age. ...
Northwest Iowa author sets mystery novel in Okoboji (9/13/18)

When a fictional real estate developer is found dead at the top of Arnolds Park's iconic Tipsy House, a northwest Iowa native's fourth book is off and running around Okoboji, Lake Park and Harris. Inspired by the effort in the late 1990s to save Arnolds Park Amusement Park, author Bill Zahren imagines how things would have played out if a fictional real estate developer who contemplated flattening the park was himself flattened by a stab wound during a dark night in Arnolds Park...
Maintaining tradition (9/12/18)

By Joseph Hopper , Daily Reporter Staff

Working behind the scenes, much of what goes on at the Clay County Fair without a hitch can be credited to the fair’s staff, such as the fair’s maintenance staff. Eldon Rouse, 87, of Spencer, has worked as a maintenance crew member at the fair for over a decade and a half and although he said he’s forgotten the exact number, he expects it should be pretty close to 20 years...
SFD stands in tribute to 9/11 (9/12/18)

Members of the Spencer Fire Department stood outside the firehouse in silence on Tuesday, facing the flag, in a tribute to those affected by the terrorist attacks which occurred on Sept. 11, 2001. “The fire service changed, as well as the United State of America changed on 9/11,” Fire Chief John Conyn said. “And there is no greater gift than standing in silence and in honor of those who paid the supreme price.”
All is not what it would seem (9/12/18)1

By Randy M. Cauthron, Managing Editor

People traditionally pour through the gates of the Clay County Fair to enjoy livestock shows, entertainment, vendor deals, unique experiences and most importantly, food on a stick. This year, area law enforcement are encouraging area parents and grandparents to take a few minutes out of their busy fair schedule to walk through an educational exhibit...