Briefs 7-25-08

The Spencer Family YMCA will be hosting its annual carnival today at the YMCA. It is open to all Spencer kids in kindergarten through sixth grades only. All playground parks will be closed that day and will meet at the YMCA. Also, any child in Kids Kamp or childcare at the YMCA will be able to attend. Kids can purchase tickets at the YMCA or through any park counselor.

* Questions may be directed to Sara Morrow at 262-3782 or smorrow@spencerymca.org.

YMCA schedules summer dance party

Students entering or exiting seventh or eighth grade in Spencer are invited to a YMCA Summer Dance Party, 8-10 p.m. tonight, at the Spencer Family YMCA tennis courts. Cost is $3 for members and $5 for non-members. Dress code will be enforced, meaning no clothing considered obscene, drug or alcohol related, or criminal or vulgar in nature will be allowed. Visible undergarments and midriff tops also will not be allowed. A live DJ will be on hand and refreshments will be for sale. The admission is a one-time entry. Once the middle school student leaves, they will not be allowed back in. In the case of severe weather, the event will be moved indoors at the YMCA.

Pubilc viewing for rare biplane

Addison Pemberton of Spokane, Wash., is flying a rare Model 40C Boeing biplane to Northwest Iowa Regional Airport in Spencer this weekend. The plane is believed to be the oldest Boeing plane that can still fly. Weather permitting, Pemberton will arrive in Spencer between 3-5 p.m. Saturday. The public is invited to a viewing of the plane from 1-3 p.m. Sunday afternoon at the airport. The biplane has been restored from a 1928 crash site in southern Oregon. The pilot that day, 70 years ago, was Grant Donaldson, originally of Milford.

VFW Pancake Breakfast

The Clay County VFW Post 3159 will host a pancake breakfast with eggs, sausage, ham and a drink from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Sunday, July 27. A free will donation will be accepted. The public is welcome.

Alzheimer's Support Group

The Alzheimer's Support Group will meet at 7 p.m. on Monday, July 28 at Bethany Lutheran Church in Spencer.

Ride with American pride

Support all of America's military, past and present, by joining in a Saturday, July 26 road trip. From a 10: 30 a.m. start at the American Legion in Le Mars, the ride will trek to the VFW in Cherokee and the American Legion in Storm Lake before finishing around 5 p.m. at East Leach Park in Spencer. Participants can ride motorcycles or drive cars. Presentations, as well as a chance to thank those who have served or are serving our country, will be held at each stop. This salute-to-our-troops ride will occur rain or shine.

* For more information, call Art or Janet Otto at (712) 490-5564 or Stephanie O'Brien at 260-0809.

Are you the next American Idol?

Then come to the KTPH Siouxland Idol at the Plymouth County Fair's Pioneer Stage on July 26. Registration starts at 11 a.m. and singing starts at noon. In 2007, Katie Admire won the KTPH Siouxland Idol contest and made it all the way to Hollywood. This year we'll be giving one more lucky singer the chance to live the dream with a guaranteed audition for American Idol and KTPH 2007 Siouxland Idol winner Katie Admire will sing between rounds. Singers are asked to register at the Plymouth County Fair's Pioneer Stage and be prepared to sing two one-minute songs a capella. For more information and complete rules go to KTPH.com.

Red Cross blood drive

The American Red Cross Blood Drive will be held at Hope Reformed Church, 919 N. Grand Ave. on Monday, July 28 from 1-7 p.m. and Tuesday, July 29 from 11-5 p.m. Ice cream sundaes will be served and all who come to donate can register to win one of two $25 gas cards to be given away each day.

Call DyAnn Getting at 262-5657 for more information or to make an appointment.

The American Red Cross is the single largest supplier of blood products to hospitals throughout the United States. The Red Cross supplies nearly half of the nation's blood supply and provides relief to victims of disaster, trains millions in lifesaving skills, serves as a communication link between U.S. military members and their families, and assists victims of international disasters or conflicts.

Youth Football deadline

Registrations for the Spencer 3-6 grade teams, part of the Midwest Youth Football League, will only be accepted until Thursday, July 31. After that time only people who have newly moved to this area will be allowed to register. Fee is currently $150 per player, which includes all of his football gear as well as jerseys with names on the back the players get to keep. All players will have the opportunity to participate in six games. Go to www.myfootball.org to get a registration form. Forms can be sent, along with the $150 entry fee to: Spencer Youth Football, c/o Randy Cauthron, 207 35th Ave. W., Spencer, IA 51301. Entries along with checks may also be dropped off at the front desk of the Spencer Daily Reporter between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. All entries must be received by 5 pm., July 31.

Third Okoboji Entrepreneurial Institute set for Aug. 3-8

The first week of August will be filled with young people - middle-school and college students - learning about entrepreneurship in the Iowa Lakes Corridor region. The third Okoboji Entrepreneurial Institute will take place Aug. 3-8 at the Iowa Lakeside Laboratory on West Lake Okoboji. Thirty-two students from the Regents universities, Buena Vista University and Iowa Lakes Community College will participate in advanced study of entrepreneurship that will include an entrepreneurial simulation, seminars with successful entrepreneurs and business and community leaders, and networking, and mentoring to enhance their understanding of entrepreneurship opportunities in Iowa.

The college credit institute is a joint effort of the Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Centers at the University of Iowa, Iowa State University and University of Northern Iowa, Buena Vista University, Iowa Lakes Community College, and the Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation.

Iowa Great Lakes Money Show

The 29th Annual Iowa Great Lakes Coin, Postcard, Stamp, and Paper Money Show will be on Saturday, Aug. 16 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, Aug.17 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Located in the Community Building, one block north of the Hwy 9 Hy-Vee in Spirit Lake.