Stories from Wednesday, July 8, 2015

The Carson & Barnes Circus presented two shows "under the big top" Tuesday on the Clay County Fairgrounds. Prior to the show, members of the Spencer Fire Department assisted trainers in offering a power bath for the circus' trio of pachyderms. The public washing drew the young and young in spirit to the site to watch the spectacle. During the washing, the elephants took the opportunity to wet their whistle with a high pressure drink. (Photos by Randy M. Cauthron)

Emergency responders were called to a rear-end collision involving three vehicles at the intersection of Seventh Street and Grand Avenue shortly before 4 p.m. Tuesday. Spencer EMS checked those involved for possible injuries but none were found. All three vehicles were traveling in the left southbound lane on Grand Avenue when the accident occurred. ...

The Clay County Convention and Visitors Bureau is once again accepting grant applications for the Spencer Tourism Grant. With the support of the city of Spencer, the Spencer Tourism Grant provides funding to those planning an event for the community. The first round of funding awarded $3,250, leaving $1,750 in the second round...

The Deegan Children's Theatre kicks off its first season this weekend, on the 25th anniversary season of children's theater at SCT. "Children of Eden," opens tonight and will run through Sunday afternoon. Performances will begin at 7:30 p.m. July 9, 10 and 11 and 2 p.m. July 12. Tickets are $12 for adults and $6 for students 18 and younger and are available by calling the SCT Box Office at 262-7336 or beginning one hour prior to each performance...

In response to Gov. Terry Branstad vetoing the added $55.7 million one-time money from the education funding bill, the democrats in the Iowa Senate are seeking a special session of the Legislature to "do-over" the discussion regarding supplemental state aid (SSA)...

Fluctuations in soybean prices in June and the first part of July are being caused by weather conditions and supply and demand. Wet weather in June caused the popular legume's commodity price to rally to approximately $10.40 per bushel at the end of the month...

As we grow older, we lose the wonder we once had for the world when we were younger. I hadn't realized I had lost it until this last weekend during the Fourth of July. I think back to the summers of my past and remember how excited I was for it, because time seemed nonexistent during those long summer days. ...

Memorial services for Charles Richard "Chuck" Christenson, 82, of Aurelia, formerly of Marathon, will be 10:30 a.m. today, at the First United Methodist Church in Aurelia, with Rev. Thomas Petersen and Nelva Petersen CLS officiating. Burial will be in the Poland Township Cemetery in Marathon. ...

EMMETSBURG -- The Farm Laboratory of Iowa Lakes Community College will host its annual Farm Field Day and Expo today in conjunction with a tractor ride sponsored by the Iowa Lakes Foundation. And, the expo features a special speaker this year. Bill Northey, Iowa secretary of agriculture, will be the keynote speaker today at 6 p.m. He will discuss the outlook for Iowa agriculture as well as take questions. Northey is a graduate of Iowa State and a fourth generation farmer from Spirit Lake...

Chris and Ruth Hagedorn, of Everly, are announcing the engagement of their son John Hagedorn, of Ames, to Sarah Linahon, also of Ames. The couple plan to marry on Oct. 10, 2015. Sarah is the daughter of Gary and Joan Linahon, of Ames. She has a degree in early childhood education from Iowa State University and is a teacher at Northwood Preschool in Ames...

Bob Menke Jr., of Ellsworth, Wisconsin, and Sheila Menke, of Spirit Lake, are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Mackenzie Menke and Phillip Scott, son of Jeff and Sally Scott, of Des Moines, and Brenda Bostic, of Moline, Illinois...

Spencer Tiger cross country will be holding a camp for boys and girls entering grades 6-12, August 3-6. The camp will provide all campers with a great learning experience. This camp is designed to help all participants discover and reach his/her running potential. ...

Iowa Lakes wrestling standout Freddie Rodriguez has been awarded the David Rowlands Male Athlete of the Year Award. This award is presented annually to the most distinguished male athlete in the National Junior College Athletic Association. Rodriguez is the first Iowa Lakes athlete ever to win the prestigious award. It is also the first time in the history of the award that it has been presented to a wrestler...

ALGONA -- Clay Central-Everly battled hard until the last out Monday night before falling 6-5 to West Bend-Mallard in eight innings at Bishop Garrigan High School for the first round of Class 1A Region 1 softball. The Wolverines previously beat the Mavs 7-6 Thursday before regional play as well...

PETERSON -- A combined seven errors, eight walks and four hit batters made for an, at times, ugly meeting between Spencer and Sioux Central Tuesday. The Rebels took advantage early with a 3-0 lead in the first, but Spencer's bats went to work in the later innings to pull off a 9-4 victory...

Dan Borchard, formerly of Milliken, Colorado, died July 3, 2015 in Colorado. He is the husband of Linda Roberts Borchard; father of Brandon L. Borchard, of Greeley, Colorado, and Joshua D. Borchard (wife Stacy Elder), of Johnstown, Colorado; grandfather of Jasmine Borchard and Hunter Borchard; step-grandfather to Everette Elder and Wilson Elder; brother of Randy Borchard (wife Susie), of Berthoud, Colorado, Raechel Trimble (husband Richard), of Loveland, Colorado, Barb Schenkelberg, of Urbandale, Iowa, and Janis Barton, of Belleville, Illinois. ...

Looking for a quick weekend getaway? Each Thursday throughout the summer, Daily Reporter staff intern Will Musgrove will offer a special event within driving distance for a Saturday and Sunday of fun. SCHALLER ― For the past 65 years, the town of Schaller has been hosting a two-day festival centered around one thing: popcorn...

Services for Donald Knephoff, 80, of Spencer, will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 11, at Warner Funeral Home in Spencer. Rev. Kay Hooper will officiate the service. Visitation will be conducted beginning one hour prior to the service at Warner Funeral Home in spencer...