Stories from Wednesday, October 31, 2018

Party Affiliation: Democrat Age: 42 City of Residence: Des Moines Spouse/Children: My wife, Liz, and I have been married for three years. We have a 10-month-old daughter, Lucy Current Position: Farmer and crop insurance agent Educational Background: University of Iowa, bachelor’s in global studies...

Halloween in Spencer was conducted last night and everyone from newborns to centenarians took part in the fun. (DIRECTION) The many vendors of Southpark Mall made for a popular stop on Halloween night, with many trick-or-treaters taking a lap around the mall to fill their candy buckets. (Pictured) The Johnson family made their way through the mall dressed as characters from “Peter Pan,” which included the eponymous Peter Pan, his shadow, Tinker Bell, Captain James Hook, Wendy Darling and the crocodile. (DIRECTION) Becky Winterboer shared many laughs with trick-or-treaters at Bethany Lutheran Church, offering the trick of having guests guess what was in a mystery box. Those that put their hand in thought they were touching eyeballs or a brain, but found out it was really grapes and cauliflower. Visitors to Bethany Lutheran Church also enjoyed “trunk-or-treat,” haunting music played live on piano and a number of church volunteers dressed as characters ranging from Gene Simmons to Martin Luther. (DIRECTION) Centenarian and St. Luke resident Hazel Christenson spent her 101st Halloween sharing candy with the many trick-or-treaters who visited the St. Luke complex Wednesday night.

The city of Spencer’s planning document — the “Spencer Riverfront Plan” — is the recipient of a 2018 Iowa Planning Award. Entries were nominated by Iowa Chapter of the American Planning Association members and divided into 11 categories before winners were judged and selected by an out-of-state third-party. The Spencer Riverfront Plan won the “Economic Development Planning” category...

When Spencer High School drama and speech director Larry Untiet and musical director Katie Kardell began considering options for the 2018 fall musical, they made a conscious effort to fit the talent at the high school. They selected "Oklahoma!" the classic Rodgers and Hammerstein production. ...

After arriving at The Bear Wednesday morning, Democratic candidate for Iowa governor, Fred Hubbell, said the large number of citizens who came out to hear him, and similar responses he has received throughout the state, continue to encourage his campaign. As the Nov. 6 midterm elections inch closer, Hubbell plans to continue reaching out to voters across the state and in northwest Iowa...

Party Affiliation: Democrat Age: 67 City of Residence: Des Moines Spouse/Children: Wife Charlotte, three children and three grandchildren Current Position: Retired businessman Educational Background: Law degree from University of Iowa Professional Background: Former chairman of Younkers in 1980s and Equitable of Iowa...

Photo submitted Clay County Heritage Center hosted its annual meeting recently in the facility's Bob Keir meeting room. Approximately 30 members and board members attended and enjoyed a soup supper and fellowship. Steve Waller, Clay County Heritage Board of Directors president, began the meeting with introductions and Stephanie Horsley, director, gave a short yearly review on programming and events. As a new tradition, Clay County Heritage recognized a 2018 Volunteer of the Year, which was awarded to Marilyn Meyer for her assistance with donating money for the Parker Museum front porch steps, one-room schoolhouse tours and her dedicated service for many years. (Above) Horsley presented the award to Meyer. Waller was recognized as 2018 Board Member of the Year for his willingness to continue on the board and assist the new director as well as taking charge of maintenance for the organization.

DES MOINES — Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig commented on the Iowa Crop Progress and Condition report released by the USDA National Agricultural Statistical Service. The report is released weekly from April through November. “We are now 49 percent of corn and 71 percent of beans harvested, which puts corn 3 days behind and soybeans 7 days behind the five-year average. ...

The Spencer Chamber Ambassadors met with Andrew Hasley and Matt Hinkeldey, both of whom recently took over ownership and operation of P & H Cabinet Inc., from Hinkeldey’s brother Craig. For more than 41 years, the business has been providing cabinetry for a largely commercial clientele. Hasley said he hopes they can keep a “great tradition going.” The six-person staff boasts more than a combined 100 years of experience. They plan to start taking on residential business in addition to a large banking industry customer list. Ninety percent of the company’s work is done for businesses out of the area. P & H Cabinets receives calls for business from across the U.S.

ORANGE CITY — Beef producers are reminded that by Jan. 1 they must have a current Beef Quality Assurance certificate in order to sell cattle to certain packers. To help producers comply with this requirement, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Iowa Beef Center and Iowa Beef Industry Council are offering a series of “year-end” trainings in Northwest Iowa. ...

Charlotte M. Jones, 92, of Hastings, died peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Tuesday morning, Oct. 30, 2018, at Park Ridge Assisted Living in Hastings. Charlotte Marion, the daughter of Ralph and Eva (Jordan) Ginger, was born on Oct. 12, 1926, in Langdon, Iowa. ...

Funeral services for Dorothy M. Smith, 86, were conducted at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Oct. 29, 2018, at Zion Lutheran Church in Ruthven. Rev. Tom Summerfield officiated the service. Interment was conducted at Crown Hill Cemetery in Ruthven. Dorothy Jean (Miller) Smith, daughter of Anthony “Slim” and Anna (Kinnetz) Miller, was born Oct. ...

Spencer elementary students took part in the Kids Heart Challenge, formerly known as Jump Rope for Heart, Tuesday night at the Spencer High School field house, raising money for the American Heart Association. (Above)Adara Peterson participates in some double dutch during the challenge Tuesday night. (DRAKE SPAANS DIRECTION), Drake Spaans puts in some extra focus while getting in some jumps near the center of the floor. In total the students raised $13,714 with Kaitlin Sirovy from Lincoln leading the way with $1,126 raised. Taylor Kastning led Fairview with $322 raised, and Keely Stephenson was tops at Sacred Heart with $300 raised.

ESTHERVILLE — The 2018-19 Iowa Lakes men’s basketball team is led by head coach Troy Larson with returning assistant coach Jason McKinney and graduate assistant coach David Kong. Larson begins his 12th season as the head coach of the Lakers with an overall record of 231-117 losses for a 66 percent winning percentage, averaging 21 wins per season...

Spencer High School golf standout Ezra Meyer (center) with parents Dr. Nate and Susan Meyer at his side as well as Northwestern golf coach Aaron Aberson and Spencer golf coach Steve Bomgaars behind him signed his letter of intent to continue swinging the sticks as a Red Raider next year Wednesday at SHS. Meyer was named an all state and all state tournament performer as a junior, placing sixth individually in 3A while leading the Tigers to a fourth-place finish as a team at this past spring’s state tournament in Fort Dodge.

Before your head hits the pillow Saturday night, don't forget to adjust your clocks for the biannual time switch we call daylight saving time. The tradition started in the United States as a wartime measure implemented in March 1918. Although the modern idea can be traced back to July 1908 in Canada, comparable ideas have been in practice by ancient civilizations for thousands of years. ...