Stories from Saturday, September 25, 2010

Area students learned that science and physical fitness can be fun this week at Camp Okoboji. Thirteen Iowa Great Lakes Lutheran School fifth- and sixth-grade students joined peers from Zion Lutheran School in Denison, St. Paul's Lutheran School in Sioux City and St. Paul Lutheran School in Fort Dodge at a retreat which occurred between Sunday evening and Tuesday afternoon...

Denny Klatt, a full-time firefighter with the Spencer Fire Department, spent Thursday morning preparing scenarios for the evening's scheduled training session. The schedule involved training with the department's self-contained breathing apparatus which allows firefighters to enter and maneuver in homes or buildings consumed by smoke. Members of the Fostoria Fire Department also took advantage of the limited training opportunity...

A joint effort between Upper Des Moines Opportunity's Parent Partners of NW Iowa Project, Jackson Recovery of Sioux City and Hope Haven, focused on celebrating those who have recovered, those who are on the road to recovery and those who have been touched by the battle against substance abuse will result in a special event Sunday, Sept. 26...

An Oct. 14 trial date has been set for Spencer Police Officer Chad David Julius who is charged with fourth-degree sexual assault following amidst allegations of behavior that occurred on July 17 in St. Croix County, Wis. Judge Eric J. Lundell will hear the case in St. Croix County Courthouse...

Juan Humberto Castillo-Alvarez with his attorney Louis Kuchera made a motion July 9 to dismiss charges of second-degree murder and aiding and abetting kidnapping in connection with the 1997 murder of Estherville teenager Gregory Sky Erickson. Minnesota Fifth Judicial District Judge Linda S. Titus denied that motion Sept. 13 in Jackson County Court...

Two counts of serious assault and two counts of child endangerment have been filed against an Everly man following an investigation by Clay County deputies and the Department of Human Services. Bryan Dean Holmberg, 28, of E. First St. in Everly was arrested at his residence at 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 17, following a claim of abuse...

Time to throw a little bit of love at the many volunteers who came together to help make the 2010 Clay County Fair another great success. The usual thanks goes to Phil Hurst and his staff at the fair administration offices, as well as the board. They might suggest otherwise with their behind the scenes perspective - but each year the fair runs like a well-oiled machine as far as the visitors are concerned. ...

Funeral services for Mr. Herbert Birchard, 81, of Milford will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, Sept. 27, at Warner Chapel in Spencer. Bud Watts will officiate the service. Visitation will begin at 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 26, with the family present from 2-4 p.m. at the Warner Funeral Home...

Funeral services for Miss Esta Ott, 91, of Spencer, formerly of Everly, will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 28, at Warner Funeral Home in Everly. Lorene Glant will officiate the service. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the services at the Warner Funeral Home in Everly...