Stories from Tuesday, January 26, 2010

What a difference two years can make. On Jan. 3, 2008, about 900 Democrats met across Clay County and more than 600 Republicans convened to participate in the Iowa Caucuses. While Saturday marked the 2010 Iowa Caucuses, participation numbers were anemic with eight Democrats gathering at Iowa Lakes Community College as about 60 Republicans assembled at the Clay County Regional Events Center...

The Spencer Education Association (SEA) presented its initial contract proposal for the 2010-11 school year to officials with the Spencer Community School District Monday afternoon. The SEA, which represents full- and part-time teachers in the district, requested a 4.96 percent total package increase totaling $489,634.

Treasure Hunters Roadshow opened its treasure chest in Spencer at the Clay County Regional Events Center for a week, allowing area residents to bring in a variety of rare and unusual items to determine if they are of any collectible value. Dave Wright with the "Roadshow" (above) looks at a collection of paper money brought in by some perspective sellers. ...

Services for Mr. Frank Huss. 86, of Spencer, formerly of Royal, will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 27, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Spencer. Rev. William Schreiber will officiate the service. Visitation will begin at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 26, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Spencer. A Knights of Columbus service will be held at 5 p.m., and a vigil service will be held at 5:30 p.m. The family will greet friends from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday...

Somewhere in Great Britain there is a PR person who deserves a raise. The hotel chain of Holiday Inn, known here for its solid, if unexciting accomodations, has been in the news in England twice over the past two months for unexpected and provocative promotions...