Stories from Friday, September 19, 2008

Former Spencer librarian Vicki Myron returned to her old stomping grounds Thursday night at the Spencer Library where she signed copies of her book about her longtime library companion Dewey Readmore Books. Vicki also spoke to those in attendance about the book itself, "Dewey: The Small-town Library Cat Who Touched the World." The book, which officially launches next week along with the audio book, started the day out at 252 on the best sellers list, but following a feature story in USA Today, the book jumped to 149 on the chart. ...

In order to better reflect upon what the organization's new mission is, Positively Spencer has changed the organization name to Spencer U.S.A. (Uncovering Spencer's Assets). Uniting, inspiring and strengthening those individuals, groups, businesses and entities who desire a first class community for them and their families is the primary focus...

With the arrival of a German, Brazilian and a Tanzanian student, boundaries are being broken in the hallways of Spencer High School (SHS) this year. Carl Hieronymi, who hadn't visited the United States before arriving on July 31, said his stay in Dickens as a foreign exchange student will not only allow him to expand his English, it will also give him the opportunity to play football. The outgoing 17-year-old German currently plays tight end and tackle for the SHS Tigers...

The University of Iowa College of Engineering and Iowa Lakes Community College of Estherville, Iowa, have signed an agreement that will allow some Iowa Lakes students to transfer to either the UI Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering or the UI Department of Mechanical Engineering, effective fall semester 2009...

The Iowa Department of Education (DE) released the state report card for No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Thursday. The report shows a change in the state's proficiency targets, which is the percent of students across the state that must be proficient in reading and math...

"Artisan Road Trip: Before & After" opened at Arts on Grand in Spencer on Sept. 18. The exhibit showcases over 25 of the Road Trip artists, including Karen Cooper's "Tea and a Book at the Unicorn," (above), who produce works in wood, clay, oils, watercolor, photography, pastels, glass, and metal. ...

Green Plains Renewable Energy, Inc. will host a grand opening celebration at its ethanol plant in Superior on Saturday, Sept. 20. The festivities will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and include food and refreshments, courtesy of local livestock producers...

The Starlings duo will be live on stage at Shaky Tree Coffee at 8 p.m. tonight. It's rootsy music with a simple beauty. --- The Grand Slam Sportscard Show will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 20 at the Southpark Mall. Collectors and sports fans will enjoy the variety of sportscards and collectibles on display to buy, sell and trade...

Services are pending for Janice Gustin, 72, of Spencer, who passed away Thursday, Sept. 18, 2008, at Spencer Hospital. Warner Funeral Home of Spencer is in charge of arrangements.

Funeral services for Mrs. Annette Pearson, 69, of Spencer, will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 20, 2008, at Bethany Lutheran Church in Spencer. Rev. Scott Meier will officiate the service. Visitation will begin after 12 p.m. today with the family present from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home...

A little momentum can go a long way. Maybe a little motivation can, too. With Le Mars expected to vie for the runner-up spot in the Lakes Conference, not many people were giving Spencer much of a chance to take a game from the No. 9 Bulldogs in the conference opener, let alone a match...

The race for one of four Class 3A District 1 playoff spots continues tonight in Spencer where the Tigers look to keep a pair of win streaks alive in week two of the district season. The Tigers (2-1, 1-0) enter tonight's contest at Dale Norton Field with back-to-back wins under their belt. ...

EVERLY -- Clay Central-Everly handed Ruthven-Ayrshire a 3-game sweep in Cornbelt Conference volleyball Thursday, slamming down 27 kills and scoring 17 to win 25-11, 25-11, 25-18. The Raiders turned in one of their best serving efforts, recording eight aces in an 88-percent serving performance, but couldn't match the Mavericks' firepower at the net, tallying just five kills in the game...

SIOUX RAPIDS -- Sioux Central put together one of its strongest matches of the season Tuesday, but it wasn't enough as Laurens-Marathon picked up a 25-23, 25-20, 25-16 win over the Rebels. "We came out the strongest we have so far this season," said Rebels head coach Sue Mattson. "The first two games were back and forth -- we just didn't come out on top. We got a little down in the third game and didn't play as hard."...