Stories from Tuesday, November 1, 2011

When Judge Rosemary Shaw Sackett was appointed to the Iowa Court of Appeals by Gov. Terry Branstad in 1983, she became the highest ranking female judge in the state. As she retires from her position of chief judge Jan. 16, 2012, a day before her 72nd birthday, she will be going out with the same title...

The 12th annual Halloween pet show at Southpark Mall caught the attention of many dogs, one cat, their owners and scores of other interested parties Saturday afternoon. Evan Hansen and his dogs Roxy and Roscoe, of Spirit Lake, (above) claimed first-place honors in the children's costume contest. Mia Stukey and her dog Emy, of Ruthven, won second place and Makayla Gee and her dog Addie, of Spencer, collected third-place rewards. During the afternoon's 14-and-above costume contest, Kathy Jessen and her dog Chili, of Spirit Lake, (right) won first place. Megan Hess and her dog George, of Spencer, captured second place and Darcee Russell and her dogs Lilly, Rosebud, Bluebell and Daisy, of Royal, took third-place honors. Best trick honors went to Makayla Gee of Spencer, Payton Woodall of Spencer, and Darcee Russell of Royal. (Photos by Kris Todd)

A bounty of prescription medications deemed either unused, expired or unwanted were collected Saturday by representatives of Positively Spencer Youth, the Spencer Police Department, Clay County Sheriff's office and Hy-Noon Kiwanis. As part of a continuing effort to protect people from the dangers of misused or abused prescription drugs, the Drug Enforcement Agency sponsored the third National Prescription Drug Take Back event Saturday. Temporary drop-off sites were established throughout Clay County at the Peterson Community Center, Royal Community Center, Everly Fire station, Clay County Sheriff's office and Walgreens in Spencer. The medications collected will be transferred this week to the DEA for proper disposal at a later date. (Photo by Kris Todd)

DES MOINES -- Gov. Branstad Monday announced the appointment of 18 Iowa business leaders to the newly-created Iowa Partnership for Economic Progress (IPEP) and Iowa Innovation Corporation boards. Toby Shine, president of Shine Brothers Corp. in Spencer is among those who will serve in the state's new leadership effort...

Federal dollar figures are currently being assessed for public infrastructure damage in Clay County resulting from a stretch of heavy rains, combined rain totals and subsequent flooding from July 10 through July 14. Clay County Emergency Management Director Eric Tigges said the county applied for state and federal disaster funding following the damaging storms. ...

Several Clay County employers recently accepted reimbursement checks from Spencer Area Jobs Trust for participating in the Student Internship Program. The program's purpose is to give students a significant learning experience while helping employers recruit skilled workers...

Ronnie Fitzloff, 68, died peacefully at his home Saturday, Oct. 29, 2011, surrounded by his family. Ronnie was born June 11, 1943, in Spencer Hospital, the son of John & Alma (Hallcock) Fitzloff. He was raised and educated in Spencer, graduating in the class of 1961. After graduation he entered the US Navy, serving on the USS Los Angeles, and was honorably discharged in 1964. Shortly thereafter, upon his father's death, he took over the family farm...

Funeral services for Mrs. Eleanor Thill, 75, of Spencer, will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 3, 2011, at Sacred Heart Catholic School in Spencer. Rev. William Schreiber will officiate the service. Visitation will begin from 3-8 p.m. Wednesday, with the family present at Warner Funeral Home in Spencer...

Services are pending for Miss Marilyn Stone, 66, of Spencer, who passed away Friday, Oct. 28, 2011, at home. Warner Funeral Home of Spencer is in charge of arrangements.

Too often, it seems, we focus on what's wrong. What's wrong in our community. What's wrong in our state. What's wrong in our nation. Heck, even what's wrong with the whole, wide world. Every now and then, it's nice to shine a light on all the good things going on...in our community, our state, our nation and our world...