Stories from Thursday, July 2, 2015

Due to reduced crowds physically attending the Spencer Fourth of July Celebration, the event which has traditionally been conducted at the Clay County Fair Grandstand has been moved to the East Leach Park Bandshell Saturday evening. Bob Rose, chairman of the Spencer Fireworks Committee, said the change this year is an "experiment of convenience."...

In order to address a need for housing in the Spencer community, Community Housing Initiatives plans to build the Southern Pointe Apartments, 30-units of affordable multi-family housing, located east of Holiday Inn Express. In March, the Iowa Finance Authority authorized a Housing Tax Credit award of $534,300, and HOME award of $1 million to the project, which is in the process of finalizing plans in order to begin construction...

South Carolina senator and GOP presidential hopeful, Lindsey Graham, had no trouble articulating his primary issues of focus during a Thursday morning visit at the Terrazzo Coffeehouse inside the Spencer Dream Center. Graham told the group there are three things which will be the focus of his attention immediately should he receive the Republican nomination and then win the office of U.S. president...

Up until this year, school districts in Iowa could fund major facilities projects and equipment purchases, including buses and roofing repairs -- through the Physical Plant and Equipment Levy (PPEL) instead of the general fund. Maintenance on these purchases, however, had to be paid for out of the district's general fund...

In order to obtain a permit to carry weapons in Iowa, an applicant must disclose any charges pending -- in any state -- for a felony, or "any other crime for which the court to sentence you to imprisonment for more than one year," any addictions or unlawful uses of controlled substances, and discharges from the Armed Forces "under dishonorable condition." In addition, the application includes a criminal background check and an authorization for release of all personal records...

Progress on Noteboom Implement's new 53,000-square-foot facility, south of Menards, has been postponed until 2016. According to Dan Noteboom, owner of Noteboom Implement, the delay in construction is an "economic timing issue." "The main reason we are waiting is there is a huge spike in inflation in construction costs in Spencer and across the state," he explained. "The bids came in considerably over our budget. We just thought now wasn't the best time to move forward."...

The Carson & Barnes Circus will present a pair of shows, at 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, on the Clay County Fairgrounds. The 79th edition of the Carson & Barnes Circus features an assortment of human and animal performers, led by the biggest stars of the circus -- the incredible Carson & Barnes elephants. Presented in traditional "big top" style, America's oldest family-owned circus brings animals, acrobats, clowns and daredevils to more than 200 American cities each year...

Opera great and Iowa native Simon Estes will perform a free concert as part of his Roots and Wings Tour at the 2015 Clay County Fair at 2 p.m. Monday, Sept. 14, in the Events Center Ballroom. "All Iowans should be proud of Estes and it is a thrill to bring him to the fair as part of Veteran's Appreciation Day," fair manager Jeremy Parsons said. "This is a once-in-a-lifetime event at the fair and I am excited that it will be free with gate admission."...

After the tragic car accident that killed Katie Anderson, Katie's husband, Mark, saw the "outpouring of support" he and his family were receiving, but understood that the support could be used to honor Katie's memory. "Everybody wanted to do something," Mark said. "We had so much that we didn't necessarily need, and I thought the energy would be better used in a scholarship fund."...

CHEROKEE -- Mark McGuire hit 70 home runs, Furby's were popular, MP3's were invented and current Spencer assistant baseball coach Chad Huckfelt was a senior Tiger. The year was 1998 -- the last time Spencer earned at least a share of the Lakes Conference baseball title, until now...

OKOBOJI ― Fresh off a brief vacation, the Queen II has set sail once again. The rejuvenated excursion ship now boasts two new engines and a new paint job, just in time for the holiday. Several residents donated $120,000 to help purchase the new diesel engines and upgrade the appearance of the ship. Arnolds Park Amusement Park marketing and communications manager Di Lorenzen said it was time for an update as the ship celebrated its 29th birthday this summer...

Janet Boyens leads the next generation of Spencer musicians during a public concert in the East Leach Park Bandshell Thursday morning. The park filled up to hear the young performers play during their first concert. Boyens, the elementary band director, along with middle school band director Paul Jepson and high school director Kurt Schwarck, worked with the students who have been playing only since June. (Photos by Randy M. Cauthron)

STORM LAKE -- A car veered out of control Sunday, shearing off a fire hydrant and crashing into the front porch of a classic home on Lakeshore Avenue. No injuries were reported, but damage is expected to reach $30,000. The scene was taped off by police and the car remained in place until Monday, for fear the porch would collapse if the car was pulled out...

The only reason I knew this band existed is because their song "Unsteady" came across my Pandora stream one afternoon. I loved it the first time I heard it ― a melancholy song asking loved ones to stay nearby. For some reason, the line "Hold onto me / I'm a little unsteady" stuck with me...

Don't be fooled by the appearance of Ted. This friendly, fuzzy teddy bear is not here to entertain your children. Those who saw "Ted," know full well what they're walking into. Those who may be unfamiliar with the story of Ted, consider yourself now warned before viewing this sequel...

Every thriller series author has their character ― or characters. James Patterson has Alex Cross (among others), Kathy Reichs has Temperance Brennan, Clive Cussler has Dirk Pitt (among others). Brad Taylor has Pike Logan. "The Insider Threat" is Taylor's eighth Pike Logan novel. ...

It's not an easy topic to address. But Rev. Kevin Grimes is going to speak on it in detail Sunday and he's hoping those searching for a church home will take time to listen as he takes a look at the anti-abortion, pro-abortion rights debate from a Biblical perspective...

Born in 1776 with the Declaration of Independence, America has had only one form of government. Neither our closest allies nor our fiercest enemies have experienced the stability with which God has blessed America.
When the founders approved the Declaration of Independence in 1776, John Adams suggested the way in which the day should be celebrated. ...

An Iowa hemp activist is bringing his campaign for legalized hemp farming to Storm Lake next month. "I don't want to do it by smoking a joint on the steps of the state Capitol," said Boris Shcharansky, proprietor of Heartland Hemp and spokesperson for the fledgling Iowa Hemp Association based in Urbandale...

OKOBOJI -- Marilyn Maye isn't used to seeing fireworks in the Iowa Great Lakes, but that changes in 2015 when she arrives July 3 for Lakes concerts July 5, July 7 and July 8. The Inn at Okoboji traditionally books Maye for mid-August appearances. The 2015 performances mark the 59th year of Maye concerts at the historic, century-old venue...

STORM LAKE -- It took an extra inning, but Sioux Central's boys got the job done Wednesday night, beating Storm Lake St. Mary's 2-1. The win puts the Rebels back on track after opening the week with back-to-back defeats. Mac Prior pitched all eight for the Rebels, giving up one unearned run in the first. He allowed just two hits, and he was able to scatter six walks around 10 strikeouts...

Grace Goehring, 17, of rural Milford, was crowned the 2015 Dickinson County Fair Queen at festivities Saturday, June 27, at the Arnolds Park Amusement Park. Shown from left are: 2014 Dickinson County Fair Queen Olivia Albright, Goehring, and first runner-up Elizabeth Naviaux, 19, of Spirit Lake. (Photo by Susan Reiser)

The Spencer Chamber of Commerce received its new outdoor sign which was installed Tuesday afternoon. A crew from Pride Neon, a member company out of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, designed and installed the sign at the Chamber's new location on Highway Boulevard. "We are thrilled to finally have signage on Grand Avenue and know the visibility will benefit our residents, visitors and members. Although finances didn't allow a digital display to be added at this time, it is hoped that sometime in the future we'll be able to add that element to highlight our community activities," Bill Campbell, Spencer Chamber of Commerce executive director, said. (Photos submitted)