[Spencer Daily Reporter nameplate] Light Rain ~ 56°F  
High: 62°F ~ Low: 49°F
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
News
Celebrating graduation (05/21/13)
Seniors from Spencer High School, Clay Central-Everly and Ruthven-Ayrshire schools graduated Sunday, recounting moments from their past 13 years in school and looking ahead to futures in college and in the workplace. "We'd like to start off by thanking Wikipedia and Google for helping us get through high school," Reed Smith, of Spencer High School, began his speech by saying. ...
Council votes yes on ATV trail program (05/21/13)
In March, the Spencer Police Department and Clay County Sheriff's office proposed the use of all-terrain vehicles on the trails around Spencer for public safety and to facilitate emergency response. On Monday night, City Council voted 4-3 to amend the city code allowing the use of ATVs for such purposes on the trail system...
Rose honored for Main Street service (05/21/13)
On Friday, the 27th annual Main Street Iowa Awards were held in Des Moines. While there, Bob Rose was honored for his 21 years of service as the director for the Spencer Main Street program. The revolving loan named after Rose won the Business Development Success Story award as well...
Nine retire from Spencer (05/21/13)
Every one of the nine staff members retiring from the Spencer schools this year has over 20 years experience in this district. In their years at Spencer schools, many of them considered the increase in technology to be the biggest change they've seen...
2013 EMS Poster Contest Winners (05/21/13)
To celebrate EMS Week, Spencer Hospital's Ambulance Team coordinated a safety poster contest among Spencer fifth graders. This year's grand prize winner (pictured front, left) is Olivia Carey. The traveling trophy will be displayed at Sacred Heart, Olivia's school, for the coming year. Also receiving first place awards are (kneeling) Natalie Kroll and Mollie Williams. First place winners not pictured include: Emaly Canzevoort and Molly Crew. Second and third place winners (standing, left to right): Jacob Schlichtemeier, Autumn Noah, Alivia Bauer, Chelsea Sheley, Isaac Pingel, Piper Hart, Justin Sundblad, Brooke Freeman, Rowan Whitaker and Christian Muniz. Also pictured is Spencer Hospital paramedic Mary Carris, who coordinated the contest with Spencer Schools, Sacred Heart and Iowa Great Lakes Lutheran School. (Photo submitted)
Volunteers needed for Avenue of Flags (05/21/13)
With Memorial Day approaching, organizers with the Avenue of Flags in Spencer are seeking assistance in placing more than 1,400 flags to honor the region's fallen veterans. The group will start looking for pipes at Riverside Cemetery at 6 p.m. Thursday for approximately two to three hours. A metal detector is helpful, as are screwdrivers or something to clean pipes out with. Questions contact Barb at 262-9462 or 262-1710.
Business As Usual (05/21/13)
Thirty of the 32 workers, displaced when Simonsen Iron Works closed its doors May 9, returned to work Monday morning when Thurston Manufacturing Company, based in Thurston, Neb., re-opened doors at the Spencer business as its new owner. "I'm really happy for all the employees and everyone here. We're back at it," Simonsen Iron Works President Aaron Schulz said Monday afternoon...
Abben staying abreast with new technology (05/21/13)
Abben Cancer Center of Spencer Hospital is committed to staying abreast with state-of-the-art technology to provide cancer treatment as precisely and effectively as possible. To meet this commitment, the center has recently installed a new CT simulator used in treatment planning for radiation therapy...
Legion Auxiliary ready for Poppy Day (05/21/13)
Spencer Mayor Reynold Peterson signed a proclamation declaring Thursday, May 23 American Legion Auxiliary Poppy Day in Spencer. Helen Foote (above with Peterson), and her fellow Auxiliary members will be manning stations at various stores and businesses around town seeking donations to assist local veterans programs. The ladies will be out until around noon according to Foote, and the project raises approximately $600 annually for the local group. The poppies are crafted by veterans. (Photo by Randy M. Cauthron)
Sirens (05/21/13)
Marcus Ketcham, 21, Spencer: Probation Violation Kevin Thomas, 24, Spencer: Public Intoxication, Assault on Peace Officer, Criminal Mischief 5th Degree Scott Freitag, 56, Spencer: Dependent Adult Abuse Cameron Shuck, 23, Spencer: Disorderly Conduct...
VFW supports Boy Scouts (05/21/13)
VFW Post No. 3159 hosted a benefit breakfast with proceeds going to Boy Scout Troop No. 123 of Spencer, helping defray costs to attend Scout activities. Terry Heinrichs, VFW Commander, presents a financial donation to various scouts and leaders of Troop No. 123. (Photo submitted)
Patchwork Quilt: Celebrating older Americans (05/21/13)
Every year since 1963, May has been a month to appreciate and celebrate the vitality and aspirations of older adults and their contributions to our communities. The theme for Older Americans Month 2013 is "Unleash the Power of Age." Older Americans are productive, active, and influential members of society, sharing essential talents, wisdom, and life experience with their families, friends, and neighbors...
Hoberg celebrates 60 years with American Legion Auxiliary (05/21/13)
Alice Hoberg was recently presented with a pin and certificate celebrating her 60 years of service as an active member of American Legion Auxiliary Post No. 1. Upon moving to Spencer in 1949, Hoberg was encouraged to get involved in the community. She joined the local American Legion Auxiliary with a lifetime membership, First Congregational Church and Spencer Golf and Country Club. During her 60-year tenure as an American Legion Auxiliary member, Hoberg has served as an officeholder and participated in many projects. The Riverview Terrace tenant received her certificate from American Legion Auxiliary Parliamentarian Alyce Shatto. (Photo submitted)
Join up for ... (05/20/13)
COFFEE WITH THE EDITOR Spencer Daily Reporter Managing Editor Randy M. Cauthron invites readers to join him for "Coffee with the Editor" from 7-8 a.m. Tuesdays in the Spencer Dream Center dining room. Coffee and conversation. News and views. An idea exchange...
STATE TRACK: Meister wins 3A 100 hurdles title (05/18/13)
After a runner-up at last year's state meet, and at this spring's Drake Relays, Spencer senior Ali Meister won the 3A Girls 100-meter hurdles Saturday afternoon at Drake Stadium in Des Moines.
Iowans hoping to win record high Powerball jackpot (05/18/13)
"They're selling like hotcakes," Cindy Reilly, assistant manager at Dyno's on Grand Avenue, said. The Powerball lottery has reached a record setting $600 plus million, and the local convenience stores are seeing a noticeable increase in ticket purchases...
Choosing the right direction (05/18/13)
When the senior class of 2013 walks across the stage in the Field House at Spencer High School on Sunday, Christine Lowe will not be a part of commencement festivities. Instead, her graduation will be a little more low-key but certainly of no less significant when she collects her diploma with the Central Academy class of 2013...
Muessigmann readies for busy summer (05/18/13)
Casey Muessigmann is wrapping up his year at Morningside College, but things aren't going to slow down for the Spencer native who is continuing to make a name for himself in country music circles. Muessigmann is headed back to Nashville next week to begin recording his first single, "Maybe," at Willisoundz - operated by Bob Willis. ...
R-A board shares superintendent (05/18/13)
At a special board meeting Friday evening, the Ruthven-Ayrshire school board voted to share superintendent Andrew Woiwood with Graettinger-Terril. A recent house file in the state legislature gives incentives to schools who share certain positions, including a superintendent...
City close to implementing new health care plan (05/18/13)
Some city of Spencer employees have already been affected by the new Affordable Care Act. Part-time hours have been cut, leading to the closure of the transfer station on Sundays. "We haven't formally adopted anything yet, but we are getting close to implementing our plan," Spencer City Manager Bob Fagen said...
Spencer athletics awarded $2,500 (05/18/13)
Included in the $8,500 Walmart donated Friday morning, the Spencer High School athletic program was awarded a $2,500 grant for its weight room program. Walmart store manager Brian Sydney received a list of qualified applicants for grant money, and chose organizations that "have a direct impact on the customer base." The school, he noted, has a particular importance in the community. (Photo by Kate Padilla)
Area students prepare for summer splashing (05/18/13)
As an added program into the kindergarten and first grade curriculums, the Spencer Y is partnering with Spencer, Sacred Heart and Iowa Great Lakes Lutheran schools to teach water safety to kindergarteners and first graders. For years, Mary VerMulm has been taking her kindergarten class to the Y to practice reach-and-assist technique for helping a struggling friend...
Fuel price spike driven by federal air laws (05/18/13)
Consumers in Iowa and throughout the Midwest saw a drastic increase in gasoline prices Thursday because of low product inventories throughout the region, according to local industry leaders. In Spencer, gas prices rose 20 cents a gallon, from $3.69 for super unleaded on Wednesday to $3.89 midday Thursday at all local stations. ...
Anderson, Helmink recognized by Gov. Branstad for academic excellence (05/18/13)
Taylor Anderson and Austin Helmink (above), students at Spencer high School, were recognized by Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kimberly Reynolds for outstanding academic achievement at the 11th Annal Governor's Scholar Recognition Ceremony April 28 at Hy-Vee Hall in Des Moines...
Wintry spring makes for busy hoist and dock season (05/18/13)
Mother Nature plays a big role in Tom Clary's day-to-day operations. And this year, she's been making the dock and hoist installation company owner cool his heels. Clary has been forced to wait through snowstorms, high winds and a late ice thaw. Dock and hoist installations are 26 days behind last year's pace as a result - the first barge wasn't on the water until April 5, compared to March 17 in 2012...
Markets