Iowa Lakes Community College proudly announces the renaming of the SAVE Scholarship to the Elise Hinders Memorial SAVE Scholarship, honoring the remarkable life and legacy of Elise Hinders, who inspired many people despite her young age.

During the week of Dec. 9, NEW Cooperative Inc. held its annual Hams for Hunger event, benefiting food pantries across Iowa. The Clay County Upper Des Moines Opportunity Outreach received hams from NEW Cooperative this year.

Spencer Chamber Ambassadors visited JCL Solutions/Spencer Office Supplies Tuesday for the grand reopening of the business’ new location. Originally, the Ambassadors were supposed to visit on June 25, but there was a bit of flooding. Spencer Office Supply and ServPro purchased each others’ buildings back in March and have renovated the space to house their warehouse and all new offices. Spencer Office Supply employs about 50 people between its Spencer and Sioux Falls locations.

Okoboji Summer Theatre patrons will have to wait for the University of Okoboji Winter Games to learn the official 2025 schedule, but they can save money at the ticket booth right now.

The Okoboji Summer Theatre Association on Friday opened the purchase window for discount ticket vouchers for the 2025 OST season. The upcoming season’s lineup includes four musicals and three plays.

Gov. Kim Reynolds named Sen. Chris Cournoyer as her new lieutenant governor Monday, filling the role that was left open since former Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg resigned from the position in September.

The governor said Cournoyer, a LeClaire Republican who has served as a state senator since 2019, was her choice after months of consideration because of her work on issues like education and technology.

The Senders may very well be Iowa's longest-running rock 'n' roll band, but after New Year's Eve, another group will have to take up the mantle. The send-off for the Senders will take place from 7:30-11 p.m. on New Year's Eve at the Dickinson County Expo Center in Spirit Lake. The Expo Center is part of the Dickinson County Fairgrounds complex.

A Spencer man is facing a potential criminal charge for contempt of court for ignoring more than $3,500 worth of fines for a series of traffic tickets issued over more than seven years, according to court documents.

About two hours before sunrise, Spencer Fire & Responders were called the scene for mutual aid with the Fostoria Fire Department for a single-car rollover in the 2400 block of 300th Street East.

Spencer was called to the scene at 4:48 a.m., arriving at 5 a.m., alongside the Spencer Hospital ambulance and a Clay County Sheriff’s deputy.

Spencer Fire & Rescue responded to a two-vehicle collision with injuries at 1:26 p.m., Thursday, in the 1300 block of 11th Avenue SW in Spencer. Three responding vehicles and four Spencer police officers arrived at the scene, at the intersection of the Menards intersection with minor injuries. One patient in each vehicle sustained minor injuries. They received care until EMTs arrived in the ambulance. One patient was transported with injuries.

Santa was on-hand at Walmart (above) Saturday morning, posing for pics with kids after their families finished shopping with the Hy-Noon Kiwanis. The shopping project is hosted annually by the Hy-Noon club as part of a collaborative effort. (Below) Help from Spencer Key Club, from Spencer High School, wrapping gifts last week assisted the Hy-Nooners get ready for our big shopping event on Saturday morning. (Photos submitted)

The Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation is partnering with Iowa Workforce Development and Iowa Economic Development Authority to complete a Laborshed employment study for the Corridor Region.

This study will geographically define which communities contribute to Spencer, Estherville, Spencer and Storm Lake’s workforce, regardless of political boundaries. This defined area is called a Laborshed area and is based upon commuting patterns.

Sunday early morning, the Spencer Fire & Rescue sent three vehicles and nine firefighters who worked alongside three Spencer police officers to subdue a vehicle fire.

A call received in station shortly after 1:16 a.m. prompted a response in just over six minutes to car blaze if north Spencer where the engine compartment of the vehicle was fully engulfed with fire on arrival.

One attack line was deployed and firefighters who extinguished the fire.

Every Monday and Friday — 1 p.m.

Geri-Fit: Senior Chair Fitness — Limited space available.

Dec. 1-31 — December Reading Round-up

Adult Reading Wrap-up: Beanstack Reading Challenge.

The Spencer Daybreakers Kiwanis collected for its annual toy drive and last week delivered the toys to Upper Des Moines for children in need this holiday season. This was originally started by Duaine Holck and Keith Bress and has become an annual tradition for the club. (Photo submitted)

Crop Insurance Discount Program open