Good things going on

If you're bored as the new year gets underway, you're just not trying hard enough to find something to do.

There have been plenty of sports events involving high school, middle school and elementary school players since just after the first of the year.

The high school music and speech groups have offered opportunities for entertainment on multiple occasions. Thursday Night Live, showcasing the 15 talented performing groups and ensembles who have qualified for the Northwest Iowa State Large Group Speech, took place just two days ago in the old high school auditorium. Today, these same folks are just a stone's throw away in Le Mars, easily within driving range. Monday night, the Spencer High School Pieces of Jazz and Chromatic Jazz ensembles will take the stage at the Pearson Lakes Art Center in Spirit Lake.

Locally, several fantastic movies have played on the big screen at the Southpark 7.

Winter Games provided plenty of opportunity to cold weather lovers to get out and enjoy themselves at any number of activities and events as either a participant or as a spectator.

Look at the line-up the Clay County Regional Events Center has delivered.

Last week, Larry the Cable Guy tickled our funny bone. This weekend, Bixby's Inflatable Rainforest will offer something for families, and Nathan Staniforth will amaze with his magic show. Next week, they'll load in the dirt and spread a little bull as the cowboys and less-than-friendly bulls square off with big cash implications on the line as Extreme Bull Riders return to the area.

Of course, Arts on Grand and Carey's Electronics are teaming up to kick off February with Films for the Cinematically Disadvantaged on Monday nights through the month.

Tuesday night, Spencer will host the regional wrestling dual at 6 p.m. at the Field House.

The first session of Eggs & Issues launches this legislative season at 9 a.m. next Saturday in council chambers at Spencer City Hall.

Ag Outlook is just a couple of weeks away for those of you chomping at the bit to get back in the fields.

My point being, regardless of your interests, there's lots to do in Spencer - even in the miserable cold - so if you're bored, take a good look around and find a way to get involved. If nothing else, take the opportunity to try something new in the next month or so. You might surprise yourself.

SPEAKING OF SOMETHING NEW, we will be launching our first Coffee with the Editor from 7-8 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 12 at the Clay County Regional Events Center. Come on out, enjoy some coffee on the Daily Reporter and visit with the editor. Frank, open and honest discussion will be the order of the day. You never know who might show up or where the conversation will go.