Northwest Iowa is likely in for some wild weather swings between Friday and Saturday, according to the National Weather Service.

Free community meals will return, beginning Monday, March 17, as twice a week events, similar to the ones formerly served in the Grand Avenue Community Outreach dining room, resume in the refurbished former Pizza Hut at the South T in Spencer. The meals will be served from 5-6:30 p.m. on Mondays and Thursdays each week.

• Michael Meister, 27, of Plainfield, was arrested at 2:07 a.m., March 12, at 495th Street and 125th Avenue in Peterson. Allegedly, Meister was found to have marijuana and drug paraphernalia located inside of the vehicle, which was found during a probable cause search. Mesiter was charged and transported to the Clay County Jail, where he was charged with possession of a controlled substance, marijuana, third offense; possession of drug paraphernalia; and speeding.

Spencer Hospital announced that Lisa Nielsen, a radiation oncology nurse at Abben Cancer Center, has been recognized as a 2025 Great Iowa Nurse. This honor is awarded to nurses across the state who go above and beyond to provide compassionate, high-quality care while also serving as leaders and mentors in their field.

AMES — The U.S. Highway 18 corridor has been identified as one of the corridors within Iowa which would likely benefit from Super-2 improvements, projects which are an effort from the Department of Transportation to right-size the primary highway system based on budgetary constraints and maximize system efficiency statewide. Based in Ames, Gary K.

The Spencer Parks and Recreation Department is nearly finished with its effort to remove the ash trees from city property, according to an update provided by Parks Director Bob Fullhart at a recent parks board meeting.

The Agriculture Committee of the Spencer Chamber of Commerce announced its Ag Breakfast will return on March 18. Made-to-order omelets are served by members of the Agriculture Committee at the Clay County Regional Events Center, from 7-9 a.m. A freewill donation will be accepted benefiting the Spencer Chamber Foundation. (File photo)

At approximately noon, Thursday, Spencer Police responded to an accident at the intersection of East Milwaukee and Fourth Avenue East. A pickup truck ran into the side of the former Spencer Reporter building. The building is now owned by Doll Distributing. (Photo by TJ Murphy)

Spencer High School will host the cultural event Friday for students on Latin America from 8:40 a.m. to 2:55 p.m.

With nearly 10% of Spencer Community School District’s students representing Latino culture, efforts are being made to provide experiences which expand the district’s first through fourth graders knowledge and create a more inclusive learning environment for all students.

Farmers Bank announces Harper as new commercial services manager

The Spencer Chamber Ambassadors visited the Clay County Fair & Events Center on Tuesday morning to welcome new staff Emma Ahrendsen, administrative assistant, and Alaire Nielsen, finance director. (Photo submitted)

Naig launches Iowa school’s Food Purchasing Pilot

The Clay County Fair, powered by Spencer Municipal Utilities, announced three nights of entertainment as part of the SMG Concert Series. Join the fair for a weekend with Oliver Anthony on Saturday, Sept. 6, comedy and ventriloquist legend Jeff Dunham on Sunday, Sept. 7, and award-winning vocal group Home Free on Monday, Sept. 8.

Despite holding a substantial cash reserve, the City of Spencer is taking a cautious approach to its fiscal year 2026 budget, as the city navigates what will be a yearslong disaster recovery process.

Clay County residents will get their first look at a new study on the county's Emergency Medical Services system on March 11, when the Spencer City Council and Clay County Board of Supervisors hold a joint public meeting.