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The Little Sioux River near Grand Avenue in Spencer was sitting at a minor flood stage of 12 feet according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association on Monday. NOAA also listed the Ocheyedan River near Spencer to be at 9.14 feet, also listed at minor flood stage. Spencer Public Works Director Mark White explained that the city and his department were keeping an eye on the flooding, but said that “We usually have some river flooding in the spring, but this is later than the normal. There are some areas that we have to keep an eye on, but the river level has to get quite a bit higher before it’s an issue for Spencer.” White also shared that the city had already checked floodgates and operations in an annual check that is performed each spring. White also discouraged anyone from going into the river. “We don’t recommend anyone to be in the river with current conditions,” White continued. Both the Little Sioux and Ocheyedan rivers are projected to exit their minor flood categories by the end of the week. (Photo by Joseph Hopper)

Community members are invited to join in creating the annual Garden of Life in Spencer Hospital’s Grand Avenue Park. Each donation given in memory of a loved one or in honor of a special caregiver to the Spencer Regional Healthcare Foundation and Hospice of Spencer Hospital during the Garden of Life campaign will be represented by a blooming plant in the hospital park. The campaign is currently underway and a special planting ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday, May 31, beginning at 5 p.m...

MILFORD — The public is invited to experience the intersection of art and science in two different venues at Iowa Lakeside Laboratory on Thursday, May 25, and Tuesday, May 30. At 7 p.m. Thursday, May 25, three 2017 Lakeside Artists in Residents will host an interactive Open Studio in Bodine Lab. The public will have the opportunity to view works in progress and interact with three artists, each with a different approach to exploring the interface between art and science...

During her journey from high school to college, Leah Gage, never imagined she would find herself living anywhere but northeast Iowa. A 2012 graduate of Valley Community High School, the Wadena native grew up knowing nothing but winding roads, steep, tree covered hillsides and small-town living which included a 45-minute drive to the closest Wal-Mart...

Spencer Middle School teacher Cindy Glover's sixth-grade language arts class presented its Pearl Harbor project to students and community members Monday afternoon. The project was part of the district's experimentation with project-based learning as opposed to traditional testing...

Spencer High School sophomores and juniors flexed their financial muscle Monday afternoon by playing the board game Cashflow. "They have played it a couple of times in this class. Then I decided to bring in some professionals in the field to play with the students. ...

Spencer Community Schools will host a District Retirement Reception from 4-5 p.m. Tuesday, May 23, at the Central Office, Conference Room B, 23 E. Seventh St. The retirees (above) being honored are Barb Garberson, Carolyn Gustin, Vicki Johannsen, Sandi Nielsen, Marjean Siepkes and Vicki Petersen. The public is invited to attend to thank and honor these individuals for their years of service to the Spencer School District.

At the May 2017 Shayla Bee Board meeting, the members voted to welcome Tyler and Amanda Jarvis, from Albert City, into the Shayla Bee Family of Families. The couple’s twin sons, Noah and Jonah, were born at just over a pound each. They have been in the hospital for five months so far, which included heart surgery for Noah. Since they are still in the hospital, on Friday, May 12, Susie Brinkley, Pam Faulkender and Lindsay Nagel took a road trip to Sioux Falls to meet momma and the babies. (Above) Brinkley, Nagel, Amanda Jarvis and Faulkender discussed the 127th and 128th Shayla Bee children. (Photo submitted)

A Milford man who was accused of using a pickaxe during an assault has been sentenced to federal prison. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Iowa accepted a guilty plea from 29-year-old Jeremy Hoffman, of Milford, on Jan. 11. He was sentenced Tuesday, May 16, to a term of 10 years in federal prison...

IGL TeleConnect is now able to provide internet service in Dickens and Terril. The company is also expanding their footprint into Sioux Rapids with additional equipment and will erect another tower in Spencer to better serve the increasing demand in town...

OKOBOJI — The East Okoboji Lakes Improvement Corporation recently partnered with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and two cities to do a little weed-whacking in the Iowa Great Lakes. Propeller-clogging curlyleaf pondweed has found its way to the water’s surface on East Lake Okoboji and Big Spirit Lake. The invasive weed begins growing during cold weather and can potentially cause navigational problems for boaters by the time summer arrives...

"Congratulations. Today is your day. You're off to great places. You're off and away," Clay Central-Everly Senior Class President Kennedy Wilson quoted from Dr. Seuss' "Oh, the places you'll go!" to a crowd of graduating seniors, family and friends...

• 'Good Life’ seniors ready for next stage in life After one final introduction of Spencer High School’s Class of 2017 by Senior Class President Nick Sundblad, the caps went airborne and the students celebrated as they exited the Spencer Field House to One Republic’s “Good Life,” putting behind them their time as Spencer Tigers...

(Left to right) Chloe Mohr, Brittany Holmes, Emily Bryan, Kaitlyn Hassman, Mackenzie Folsom, Ashley Szafraniec, Andee Youngdahl, Cassie Soma, Cameron Cantrall and Brady Seier were among Spencer High School seniors who gave presentations associated with their time in the semester long Extended Career Experience program. The class, for seniors, allows them to gain work experience working with local businesses and experts to gain experience in a field that interests them. ECE's categories currently consist of music/theater, entrepreneur, automotive, manufacturing, hospitality and health sciences. Seniors recalled what they had learned to an audience of SHS juniors and a large group of local business representatives. The ECE program also nets seniors college credit, and the program plans to add agriculture and education categories. (Photo by Joseph Hopper)

Spencer High School graduating seniors walked the halls at area elementary schools Friday, including Fairview Elementary (pictured). High-fives and hugs welcomed the seniors as part of the senior walk, which served as practice for Sunday's big day. (Above) Senior Jacob Brigham is congratulated by a future SHS graduate and Tucker Sherman (right) gets knuckles from a young fan. Additional photos from the Clay Central-Everly and Spencer graduations appear on page 11A and 12A respectively. (Photos by Colin Van Westen)

The Avenue of Flags committee is seeking volunteers to help locate flag pole holes at Riverside Cemetery beginning at 6 p.m. Thursday, May 25. This organization runs 100 percent on volunteer assistance and is seeking public help. Volunteers are also needed to help put up and take down all of the flags on Memorial Day, Monday, May 29. The flags go up at Northlawn and Riverside cemeteries beginning at 7 a.m. and then will be taken down at both cemeteries at 7 p.m. It takes twice as many people to take the flags down, so the committee will welcome and appreciate all the help it receives. (File photo)

EMMETSBURG — High winds which blew through Palo Alto County Wednesday afternoon have caused damage to a portion of the Beef Technology facility at the college farm laboratory west of Emmetsburg. Shortly after 2 p.m., strong winds knocked down the western section of the new building. The roof and beams from the west side of the building flew about 300 feet to the north, denting a grain bin. Heavy rain also fell during the storm period as well...

The Spencer Jaycees conducted their annual Sandbox Fill, despite the damp weather, Saturday morning. The project generates funding which will go toward Spencer youth — with focused projects such as the Tree of Joy. Project coordinators expected approximately 25 orders with each order comprised of three wheelbarrow loads of sand. (Above) Jaycees members Lucas Kline, Cassidy Smith and Luther Lampert empty sand into a children's turtle sandbox. (Photo by Colin Van Westen)

Despite the wet weather, progress on the 2017 Fourth Avenue West Storm Sewer Project is progressing smoothly. Construction in Cobb's Court related to the project is noted by Spencer Public Works Director Mark White as having "one to two good days of work" left. ...

Chris Ingledue and Nick Laubenthal (center), with the city of Spencer Local Bargaining Union, presented the Spencer Community Special Olympics program with a check for $500. The union donates its surplus funds to community organizations throughout the year. (Photo by Joseph Hopper)

The Spencer RAGBRAI Team is inviting the community to attend a town meeting at 5 p.m. Tuesday at The Stables on the Clay County Fairgrounds. This will be the only town meeting conducted for the event. "They're going to find out what exactly will be happening and beyond, ... ...

The Spencer Municipal Band will begin rehearsals for their summer season on Thursday, June 8 at 7:30 P.M. in the band room at the Spencer Middle School. Rehearsals will continue on June 13,20,27 and July 20. Adults who play an instrument  may contact Janet Boyens @ 260-1443 or  jboyens@spencerschools.org. ...

The Spencer Family YMCA preschool program announced Amy Kuehler as the new 3-year-old preschool teacher beginning in fall 2017. Kuehler, a graduate of Buena Vista University has worked with youth for nearly 10 years and serves as the the Kids Club director at the Spencer Family YMCA. ...

Each year the Realtor Foundation of Iowa contributes thousands of dollars to promote programs across the state. Project Jack is a program created in memory of Jack Lindaman, who passed away from spinal muscular atrophy in 2010 at the age of 6. Project Jack encourages fifth-grade students to give back to their community by awarding them grant money toward a project of their choosing. ...

A special ceremony in the fellowship hall at Sacred Heart Catholic Church Friday over the noon hour allowed Sacred Heart’s preschool students the opportunity to experience their first graduation. With family watching, the students performed a series of songs involving counting and movement before receiving the special “diploma” package. (Photo by Randy M. Cauthron)

SIOUX CITY — Morningside College in Sioux City presented degrees to undergraduate students during its 119th spring commencement held on May 13. Among the graduates Valarie A. Hernandez, of Linn Grove, Bachelor of Arts in political science, agricultural and food studies; Emily A. ...

In many Spencer High School students' educational careers, there can be many valid reasons to miss a day of school. Rarely though does a student manage to align their schedule with their educational pursuits, resulting in perfect attendance. Brandi Botcher, a senior at SHS, has managed to maintain her perfect attendance from kindergarten through her soon to conclude high school career...

Central Academy 2012 graduate and front office manager at Holiday Inn Express NIkki Spaw told graduates to "go out and be somebody that nobody thought you could be." Spaw started her speech by recounting her early troubles in school. "Before I came to Central Academy, I struggled to find a way to finish school. ...

The Spencer YMCA hosted water safety classes for area kindergarten and first-grade students this week. "A week before they came to our pool they learned about five different water safety lessons called Whale's Tales. When they came to our pool today we focused on the concept 'think so you don't sink,' which is if they fall in the water they know how to back float and ask for help," Spencer YMCA Aquatics Director Cailee Conlon said...

Susan Harmon, Spencer Community Schools Foundation board member; Tory Proctor, of TechKnow; and Doug Benjamin, president of Northwest Bank joined Mrs. Phelp's fourth-grade class at Lincoln Elementary School for a big surprise on Wednesday morning. Dozens of virtual reality devices were donated by the Spencer Community School Foundation, Northwest Bank, TechKnow, Tiger Pas and community donations through the SCS Foundation's annual giving program. Students will now be able to take virtual field trips, visit places like outer space or the ocean. A total of 80 devices were purchased for Lincoln Elementary, which will be integrated into the school's curriculum and create a new avenue for learning. (Photo by Joseph Hopper)

For the first time since its inception, Spencer High School was this year able to become a part of the Iowa High School Musical Theatre Awards program. This program is sponsored by Des Moines Performing Arts headquartered in the Des Moines Civic Center...

What would you do if your loved one’s heart stopped or was choking? Would you be prepared to respond or would you have to wait desperately for help to arrive? Anyone can be a lifesaver when informed and educated in lifesaving skills by a well-prepared instructor. Clay County Emergency Medical Services Association and Spencer Hospital are teaming up to offer four free “Friends & Family CPR” courses on Saturday, May 20...

The Spencer Jaycees will conduct their annual Sandbox Fill beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday. The fundraiser has helped raise money for youth in Spencer for several years while also serving the community. The cost is $10 for the first wheelbarrow and $5 for each additional load. One wheelbarrow will will fill a plastic turtle sandbox. Sand must be preordered by 5 p.m. Friday by calling Ross at 240-3469. A rain date of May 27 has been scheduled. (File photo)

DNR officials were surprised the night of Wednesday, May 10, when they found a small pile of material on the south side of the Marble Beach State Park campground. They became more alarmed Thursday when they saw a very large pile of personal items at campsite 215, which is at an overflow campground north of the state park’s main entrance...

WEBB — At the May Shayla Bee Board meeting, the members voted to make a donation to its 126th Shayla Bee Family. Jessica Van Schepen, of Sioux Rapids, nominated the Nick and Angie Smith family, of Webb. On Wednesday several motorcycles and cars caravanned down to the Smith family home where a large number of their family and friends were waiting to greet Shayla Bee and support Bryson Smith, the couple’s 12-year-old son who was involved in a golf cart accident in September 2016 at his grandparents farm. He nearly lost his leg and has had a total of six surgeries and more than 20 trips to Iowa City as he has continued to recover. He got an infection at his pin sights in February so that has set him back. He is currently in a cast for another four weeks and will need a tremendous amount of physical therapy. (Above) Randy Swanson, Nick Smith joined Rikki Hamrick as she presented a prayer shawl from the Christian Motorcycle Association to Angie Smith as Bryson looked on. (Photo submitted)

The Spencer Community Theatre will unveil its 58th Mainstage season from 7-8:30 p.m. May 25 at the playhouse. There will be a complimentary social hour from 7-8 p.m. where beverages and light refreshments will be served. The four shows for next season will be revealed at 8 p.m. along with information on how to become a season member and volunteer for the theater. Admission is free and those interested in attending should RSVP by calling SCT at 262-7336 or by sending an email to info@sctplayhouse.org.

The Spencer Performing Arts Coalition Shawn Mayer concert tickets will go on sale Monday, May 22. The final performance of the 2016-17 SPARC Concert Series will feature the singer-songwriter and May City native at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 8. SPARC will partner with The Bear on its first ever outdoor concert. ...

This is part of a series of weekly updates from the 2017 Spencer RAGBRAI Committee leading up the July 23 overnight stay in Spencer. Look for the weekly updates and information exclusively on the Entertainment page in future Daily Reporter editions...

Six thundering dirt events, including a sprint car-only show will fill the U.S. Cellular Grandstand during the nine days of the 2017 Clay County Fair, Sept. 9-17. “Dirt racing has been a great part of the Fair’s 100-year history, and this year will be no exception,” Fair Manager Jeremy Parsons said. “Sprint car fans will be especially pleased with the addition of 360 and non-wing classes this year.”...

Rev. Tonna Parsons of Grace Congregational of Greenville and First Lutheran of Sioux Rapids advised students to dream small, too, because "real joy is found right here in the details of your everyday life." "In fact, dreaming large, big dreams come naturally for us. I mean, you've grown up in a culture in which you've been exposed to at least an average of 4,000 advertisements a day — a day!" Parsons said...

During the Post Everlasting event held by Spencer American Legion Glen Pederson Post No. 1 and Legion Auxiliary, Spencer Mayor Reynold Peterson made an appearance to proclaim May 25 Poppy Day. During Poppy Day, Legion Auxiliary members will be selling the veteran-made poppies at various businesses and stores in Spencer for a freewill donation. All proceeds from the event go to veteran's programs. (Photo by Joseph Hopper)

The Spencer American Legion Glen Pederson Post No. 1 and Legion Auxiliary held its annual Post Everlasting service (above) on Wednesday at the Oneota Cabin in Spencer. During the ceremony, names of Legion members who had fallen from the past year were read and then burned. In partnership with the local Boy Scouts of America troop, a flag was also retired during the ceremony, and a rifle salute also occurred. (Below) Winners were named for the fifth-grade flag essay contest, with some winners reading their essay before the ceremony started. Winners for this year included Faith Klatt, Abby Schmidt, Caden Johnson, Brett Hoffman, Liliana Ussery and Cadence Hoffman. (Photos by Joseph Hopper)

FOSTORIA — Fire departments from Fostoria and Spencer were called at about 10 p.m. Monday night to a large fire that engulfed a building owned by Town & Country Disposal. The garbage collection company located on the north end of Fostoria has frontage road access near U.S. Highway 71. Fostoria Fire Department Chief Kim Kroger thinks the fire started in the north to northwest portion of the building. The building served as a shop, office and garage area for the company’s trucks...

WEBB — Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey made Brown Fertilizer, in Webb, his Clay County tour stop Tuesday, discussing water quality and fertilizer issues with area agriculture representatives. Brown Fertilizer is a a liquid fertilizer company and Pioneer Seed dealer. It has been in business since 2006 and serves an area west of Webb to Nebraska with some business in Minnesota and South Dakota...

A 6 1/2-hour standoff came to its conclusion during the early hours of Wednesday morning when 56-year-old Todd Norgaard, of Spencer, voluntarily turned himself over to authorities outside his residence. Calling the situation a “neighborhood dispute,” Spencer Police Chief Mark Warburton said, “We had to evacuate some neighbors, the ones that could. The others were confined to their basements.”...

Spencer City Council members deliberated the impact of the state's recent fireworks legislation and its local impact as it addressed the second filing of a city ordinance regarding the use and sale of fireworks within the city of Spencer. City Attorney Don Hemphill explained current changes and how the state fire marshal could impact any ordinance change in the future regarding fireworks...

Spencer Public Library, partnering with Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, will offer a free screening of “Norm Lewis: WhoAm I?” — recorded on Jan. 29, 2015 — at 2 p.m. Friday. The event is part of a series of free screenings of some of Lincoln Center’s best performances. ...

The Trustees of Iowa Lakes Community College met in Spirit Lake Tuesday afternoon and covered a wide-ranging list of agenda items. The first item of business was the 260E New Jobs Training Project for 2017. Jolene Rogers, executive director of community and business relations, introduced Maggie Burger from Speer Financial for an update on the sale of the funds and to answer any questions from the trustees. ...

The Spencer Chamber Ambassadors paid a visit to Cut Loose Salon Studio, a new salon located at 10 E. Fourth St. in Spencer, in the old Marvin Burke photography studio. Owner Tiffany Thiesen, with her husband Jeremy, purchased the building from Rick Krebsbach and, with the help of family and local contractors, uncovered original features of the building, including tin ceiling tiles and unique transom windows. The salon will feature seven stylists by mid-June with full salon services available. (Photo by Paula Buenger)

Sliced, sauced, or cooked in your favorite recipe; tomatoes are a favorite and versatile vegetable. What’s more, they taste best when grown and harvested from your own garden or container. Ensure the best flavor and greatest results by selecting the most disease-resistant varieties and growing your tomatoes in full sun and moist, well-drained soil...