Skip to main content

Seeking answers and resilience: Spencer holds public debrief on historic flood

In an effort to heal some of the unseen wounds left in the wake of the June 22 flood that ravaged the city of Spencer, local officials and experts from the Iowa Flood Center gathered on Tuesday, Oct. 29, to provide the community with a transparent account of the events and to outline plans to better prepare for future disasters.

2024 Election
  • Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Register to vote at the polls by proof of identity (which everyone needs) and proof of residence.
  • Deadline to get absentee ballot back in by 8 p.m. election day.

 

CANDIDATE LIST

U.S. President/Vice President

‘Consider Yourself’ invited

“Oliver!” will open a six-show run Spencer Community Theatre Friday night, Nov. 1-3 and 7-9. A large cast of 48 actors will be bringing to life the story of Oliver Twist (portrayed by Mason Buren), the London orphan who escapes from the workhouse and finds refuge with a gang of young pickpockets and thieves.

Local youth wins regional conservation-themed poster contest

Officials with Clay Soil & Water Conservation District congratulate Meghan Van Drunen for being selected as fourth to sixth grade regional winner of the “2024 Conservation Districts of Iowa Poster Contest” in Region 2, which includes 13 northwest Iowa counties. The theme for the 2024 contest was “May the Forest Be With You Always.”

Supervisors faced with conundrum following McKeever resignation

The Clay County Board of Supervisors is in a bit of a pickle following the Tuesday, Oct. 29, resignation of long-time county employee Tammy McKeever.

Library offers Healthy Holiday Eating Program

As the holiday season approaches, Spencer Public Library announced a special event designed to help patrons enjoy holiday meals while maintaining healthy eating habits. This engaging program will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 12, at 3 p.m., and is free to the public.

Community college highlights aviation program to legislators

SPENCER — Iowa Lakes Community College recently welcomed state legislators to the Spencer Municipal Airport to showcase the expansion of the college’s Aviation Program and highlight other key areas of growth for Iowa Lakes.

Family Crisis Centers seeks $10K to support work in Clay County

The Family Crisis Centers organization is seeking $10,000 from Clay County taxpayers to help support its efforts to help crime victims and those in need of behavioral healthcare.

Corridor seeking nominations for business awards

The Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation is excited to announce the nomination period for the 14th annual Business Recognition Luncheon to be held in January. This ceremony thanks the businesses and individuals for stimulating the region through job creation, investment and fostering quality of life throughout Corridor communities.

Rotary passes Rockwell City donation to SMS food pantry

Spencer Rotary recently donated $525 to the Spencer Middle School Food Pantry. The Spencer Rotary received a donation from the Rockwell City Rotary club to use as flood relief and it chose the food pantry. The need has increased since the flood. Currently 60 kids are utilizing the food weekly. Nonperishable food can be dropped off at the office during school hours. (Pictured) Middle School Counselor Angie Ward, Rotary Treasurer Bob Rose and Principal Tammy Delaney. (Photo submitted)

ILCC criminal justice connects students with industry leaders

ESTHERVILLE — Iowa Lakes Community College's criminal justice program, under the leadership of Dr. Michael Elbert, is hosting a dynamic speaker series this fall, designed to immerse students in the criminal justice career path through real-world experiences and industry connections.

Ambassadors attend Shoe Sensation grand reopening

The Spencer Ambassadors visited Shoe Sensation, on Tuesday, for an official grand reopening ribbon cutting. Manager Kim Stevens shared that the store has been completely renovated, remodeled and rearranged since the June flood. While it took a lot of effort to reopen, they’re now back and ready to serve the area’s footwear needs. (Photo submitted)

Palms Theaters — Southpark aiming for Nov. 1 re-reopen

The Palms Theaters at Southpark Mall are nearing the end of their flood repairs after the June 22 flood spoiled the opening of the movie theater’s multimillion-dollar remodel last summer.

Police: 2 teens broke into apartment, assaulted residents

A pair of Clay County teens have been arraigned on felony burglary charges after police say they broke into an apartment in Spencer and attacked two people.

Shayla Bee welcomes Family 285

As October nears Halloween, Spencer-based Shayla Bee welcomed Jeff and Kelly Metzler, as well as their 16-year-old son Justin, of Palmer, as the organization’s 285th family. Justin was involved in a dirt bike accident in May, sustaining multiple major fractures of his spine and is a complete paraplegic. He and his buddies are big haunted house fans so, Saturday night, The Bango Haunted Crib in Schaller hosted the presentation prior to the opening for the evening.

‘The Greatest Showman’

EVERLY — Maggie Schoelerman, of Everly, took top honors in the Babydoll Sheep show judged at the 2024 Iowa State Fair, Aug. 8-18. She was awarded the Champion Ram and Ewe banners and first place in the Premier Exhibitor contest; and placed first in 15 showings, including four where she also earned second.

Subscribe to News