Stories from Saturday, June 25, 2011

Lakers forward Ron Artest is going to legally change his name to Metta World Peace. This isn't a joke. He filed official change of name documents with Los Angeles County Superior Court on Thursday. Seven years ago, the last person you would associate with peace was Artest. Now you'll have to...

A dropped sparkler changed the skyline and history of Spencer forever. Monday marks the 80th anniversary of that fateful action. It was a hot summer day -- 97 degrees with a wind of 25 to 35 mph -- when three boys walked into Bjornstad Drug Store to purchase fireworks from the largest stock the store had ever carried. One boy used a punk to light a firework inside the store...

For 28 years, one name was synonymous with Spencer baseball. Andy McGaffin. McGaffin lead the Tigers to two class 3A state titles ('90 and '97) and 11 conference championships during his time at the helm of the Spencer baseball program, which ran from 1980-2007. ...

Thursday night, Ruthven-Ayrshire school board members hired staff, authorized an action plan, approved the superintendent's evaluation and 2011-12 contract, and authorized several summer facility projects. Staff members Connie Larson, Amy Sikora and Mary Smith reworked an action plan discussed Tuesday night by Ruthven-Ayrshire board members and teachers. ...

Harlan W. Bigger, 79, of Nora Springs, died Wednesday, June 22, 2011, at the Nora Springs Care Center. Memorial services will be held 3 p.m. Monday, June 27, 2011, at First United Methodist Church, 119 South Georgia Ave., with Rev. Jim Stiles officiating. ...

Years ago, a dear friend helped me realize that when my index finger is pointing at somebody else, more often than not I need to view how my other fingers are positioned. He helped me notice the rest of my fingers point back at myself, especially when my point is coming in a fit of anger or while I'm defending myself...

Former Republican U.S. Senator Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania will bring his GOP Presidential campaign to Spencer where he will meet with constituents from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 28, at Carroll's Bakery and Deli. Santorum was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1990 at the age of 32, and from 1995 to 2007, served in the US Senate. In 2000, he was elected by his peers to the position of Senate Republican Conference Chairman...

Less than 24 hours following an announcement suggesting Spencer's more than 30-year-old tradition on Fourth of July could be in jeopardy due to financial issues, donations arrived to keep the holiday fireworks going. Details and a schedule will be released next week. ...

Funeral services for Mr. Kenneth Spiess, 96, of Spencer, will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 28, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Spencer. Rev. C. Peter Maisenbach will officiate the service. Visitation will begin at 3 p.m. Monday, with family present from 5-7 p.m., at Warner Funeral Home in Spencer...

Memorial services for Mr. Stanley Olson, 78, owner of Lazy O Farm Supply of Ruthven, will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 16, at the United Methodist Church in Ruthven. Rev. Roger Maize will officiate the service. Mr. Olson passed away Monday, June 20, in Tucson, Ariz...

Relay For Life brought a community together Friday night at the Clay County Fairgrounds. As of this past Tuesday, Relay For Life had raised an estimated total of $40,000 according to Dana Couffman, community relations representative for the American Cancer Society, and their goal is $60,000...