Stories from Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Some community leaders take very visible roles, becoming the "face" of organizations. Others work quietly, focused on the goal of making their community a more positive place to live. We admire those with this ethic of giving with no motivation for payback or attention...

One of my favorite parts of my job is honoring each year's Citizen of the Year recipients. Not only is it a chance to shine a light on a deserving person or couple, it's also a wonderful reminder of the good that goes on every day, often unheralded...

As we celebrate National Volunteer Week, Clay County Extension and Outreach would like to thank the over 400 volunteers who use their time and talents to help our youth become productive citizens, outstanding communicators and effective leaders. We are proud that our volunteers help us to reach more than one in every four Clay County youth currently in grades K-12. ...

Memorial services for Mrs. Dorothy Taylor, 91 of Spencer, will be conducted at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 25, 2013 at First Congressional Church in Spencer. Revs. Tom and Wendy Van Tassell will officiate the service. Visitation with the family will be from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday at the Warner Funeral Home in Spencer...

Joshua Coenen agreed to a guilty plea on a reduced charge as he was scheduled for his pretrial hearing Monday on a felony charge of third degree sexual abuse. Clay County Assistant Attorney Kristi Busse said the reduced charge, assault with intent to commit sexual abuse, is an aggravated misdemeanor. Plea-taking and sentencing are scheduled for May 21 at the Clay County Courthouse...

It started with the "Start Somewhere Walk" (above) in 2011 and now Walking Moais will carry the tradition of social walking events forward. Part of the Blue Zones effort to create a healthier and well community, Spencer residents are being encouraged to join a public Walking Moai or form one of their own. An organization meeting is scheduled for tonight at 5 p.m. at The Bear. (File photo)

The students at Spencer and Clay Central-Everly high schools celebrated "prom style" Saturday night as both hosted their respective spring parties. Spencer students enjoyed the night, with the theme "Color the Night Away," (above) at the Clay County Regional Events Center. Likewise, CC-E crowned its prom royalty -- King Cody Vogel and Queen Emily Jobst -- following the grand march and before sitting down to dinner. Vogel and Jobst were joined by their Royal Court (back row) Chad Williamson, Colton Doran, Roman Fahnlander, Ty Hoffman, (middle row) Talor Stein, Heather Busch, Stevie Scott and Caitlyn Fletcher. The court and classmates were "Welcomed to the Jungle." A photo page with images from both proms will appear in Thursday's Daily Reporter (Photos by Michael Fischer and Kate Padilla)

Richard John Krebsbach We may be biased, but we don't know any person more worthy of the title of "Citizen of the Year 2013" than Richard Krebsbach. Our dad has given all of his heart and soul into his business of capturing the key moments of other people's lives...

While construction on the POET cellulosic ethanol plant in Emmetsburg is still underway, where the company will take its solid waste is still up in the air. "We're in negotiations with POET to bring their waste to the Northern Plains Regional landfill," Director of Public Works Mark White said...

Daniel Preston, 19, Spencer: Violation of Probation Juan Alvarez-Mata, 28, Royal: Warrant for Failure to Serve Jail Sentence Nicholas Jurgens, 20, Emmetsburg: Warrant for Failure to Serve Jail Sentence Brady Jo Hare, 62 of Spencer, was arrested at 9:18 p.m. April 17 at 409 First Ave. W. in Spencer and charged on a Clay County arrest warrant for failure to appear...

MONDAY'S EVENTS - TBD Monday's activities, including the Spencer boys golf invitational and Spencer tennis versus Le Mars, were cancelled with no make-up date, if any, announced. Registration and equipment fitting for the Spencer Youth Football Program - part of the Midwest Youth Football League - will be conducted from 6:30-8:30 p.m. ...

Spencer will be well-represented at this year's Drake Relays as the Lady Tigers send six events to Des Moines to face the state's best starting Thursday, April 25. Seniors Ali Meister and Taylor Glover enter the field with some the fastest times in the state clocked so far this season, and each will have multiple opportunities to compete throughout the weekend...

Join in honoring Spencer's newest Citizens of the Year, John and Mary Rahn, at a reception today at the Clay County Regional Event Center. The reception will be held from 4:30-6:30 p.m. with a program slated for 5:30 p.m.