News

After several days of soaring temperatures, shoppers got a bit of a break Thursday as they walked the sidewalks of Grand Avenue in downtown Spencer taking advantage of the special deals and sales associated with the annual Crazy Days kickoff on Thursday. Special offerings will line the street for bargain shoppers during business hours through Saturday...

DES MOINES — Welcome home ceremonies are planned for Saturday to honor approximately 250 Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 194th Field Artillery, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division. The 1-194th Field Artillery is comprised of units in Iowa and Minnesota including Iowa National Guard soldiers from Spencer’s armory as well as armories in Estherville, Charles City, Fort Dodge and Johnston...

Wednesday morning, The Clay County Regional Events Center hosted the Iowa Technology Roadshow, featuring technology industry experts who provided mini lectures on relevant technology topics and conducted a Q&A for attendees after the panel. The Technology Association of Iowa brought the IT Roadshow and its four panelists to five cities in Iowa, with Spencer being the third stop. The event also took place in Sioux City, Fort Dodge, Waverly and Decorah...

The Spencer Daybreakers Kiwanis Club and its foundation are announcing its third Touch a Truck event on Aug. 14. The event will be held in the parking lot of the Clay County Regional Events Center from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. with a suggested donation of $10 per family...

The Spencer Community School Board accepted a voluntary one-year administrator realignment between High School Principal Elli Weimers and Director of School Improvement Will Dible at Tuesday's school board meeting. Weimers will transfer to Dible's director of school improvement position while he takes up Weimers' position as high school principal during the 2021-22 school year. The two plan to return to their previously held positions at the 2021-22 school year's conclusion...

4-H participants in Clay County exhibited their projects and talent at the 4-H Achievement and Communications Fair at the Clay County Fairgrounds on Wednesday. Judges evaluated participants’ work in the entry areas of achievement, communications and clothing. County judges were tasked with selecting a limited number of entries to move forward for presentation at the Iowa State Fair in August...

The CDC updated its mask guidelines Tuesday in response to the rapid spread of the delta variant of COVID-19. According to Clay County Public Health nurse Angel Smith, the state hygienic lab has confirmed cases of COVID-19 which tested as positive as the Delta variant. From July 1 through July 20, there were five confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Clay County, and six more cases have been confirmed since then...

LANGDON — On July 26, at 11:54 p.m., the Clay County Sheriff's Office responded to a 911 call from Angela Chapman, 46. Chapman was worried about her safety. It was determined that Chapman was in Langdon near the elevator. When the deputy arrived he was able to determine Chapman was never in any danger. ...

Erica Danielle Caradonna, 43, of Spencer, was charged with domestic abuse/assault — first offense — at approximately 2:26 a.m. Wednesday, July 21, in the 700 block of Lake Street in Spirit Lake. A criminal complaint said Caradonna assaulted her daughter "by kicking and slapping (her) with a bra." Caradonna was booked into the Dickinson County Jail at 3:19 a.m. the same day...

Spencer Theater and corner of East Fifth and Grand Avenue circa 1948.

A display of high quality, creative and colorful quilts and non-quilt items promises to be outstanding once again at this year's Ingham Okoboji Lutheran Bible Camps' Quilt Auction. All events will be held at the Okoboji site or online. Auction weekend begins on Friday Aug. ...

Staff from Y100 radio and the Spencer Chamber Ambassadors gathered outside the new studio location at 404 Grand Ave. downtown for a ribbon cutting. Spencer MainStreet Director Nancy Naeve announced a partnership between her operation, Y100 and Carey’s Electronics to update the downtown outdoor music system which will feature a live broadcast of Y100 for those walking downtown...

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Avera Health announces the acquisition of its telemedicine services, Avera eCare, by Aquiline Capital Partners, a private investment firm based in New York and London with $6.4 billion in assets under management. As part of the acquisition, Aquiline will execute the carve-out of Avera eCare and rename the company Avel eCare. Closing is expected to occur in the fourth quarter of 2021...

Nothing like a little Hawkeye State pride. While our state may be far removed from the glitz of Hollywood, plenty of Iowans have made their mark on the silver screen. There are hundreds of flicks with Iowa actors to choose from (including three former Storm Lakers earning mention.) Here’s our best of the best:...

STORM LAKE ― The goodbyes gets harder. “We’ve talked about how we’re going to miss this place. There is something about it that is really peaceful and warm,” said filmmaker Hyunsoo Moon, who has become better know as simply “Moon” as he chronicles Storm Lake’s immigrant experience with an ever-present film camera. He and his wife and collaborator, Haejung Kim, and their son, Max, depart today after a month in the city. “I’m not leaving forever, I’ll be back.”...

ESTHERVILLE — The Iowa Governor’s STEM Advisory Council matched 66 Iowa teachers from across the state with local STEM workplaces through the Iowa STEM Teacher Externship program. This is the 13th year for the program. The program continues its success this year with Ayn Thoreson, a Spanish and business teacher at Spencer High School, working in the human resources department at GKN Wheels Armstrong in Estherville this summer. ...

STORM LAKE — Buena Vista University has named Dr. Heather Black its new vice president for student success. Black, who currently serves as vice president for student affairs and dean of students at Chatham University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, assumes her role at BVU in mid-August...

AMES — The Iowa State University College of Human Sciences dean's list honors students who have earned a GPA of 3.5 or higher during the spring semester of 2021. The following local students have been named to the dean's list: Jadyn Allen, Skye Cauthron, Joseph Ellsworth, Brooke Freeman, Emma Garnatz, Gage Garnatz, Griffin Garnatz, Allie Halverson, Dylan Holst, Kailee Hopkins, Chase Hough, Brenna Nelson, Morgan Petersen, Kylee Versluis, Abigail Weeks and Emily Weeks — all of Spencer; and Madison Sylvester, of Webb.. ...

Not many people can say they started their own business before they graduated high school. However, JD Bumgarner is not like most people. With the mind and ability to create a poodle out of springs or a tree out of horseshoes, his welding business, JD's Creations, is able to provide junk metal a new life...

The Clay County Fairgrounds were transformed into a trapper’s paradise when a collection of vendors and trappers from around the nation gathered in Spencer for the summer National Trappers Association Convention. For three days, the grounds hosted guests offering seminars and merchandise for those in the trapping industry while also serving as a site for campers. ...

Boys Town celebrated its centennial in 2017, and the nonprofit's Okoboji camp has generated funds through the annual Blue Water Bash for the last 10 years. But the camp's 2021 fundraiser began on a somber note. Organizers and attendees gathered near the shore of nearby West Lake Okoboji for a short prayer ceremony in honor of the Spencer native, Peg Reit, the event's founder. Reit passed away due to cancer in mid-June of last year...

Clay County Conservation Ranger Beau Hoppe loved nature and outdoor activities from an early age. With good memories of growing up in Spencer, Hoppe moved back to his hometown last year and started working for the conservation office in April. “Growing up here was fun," Hoppe said. "We lived by the river, so we tried to fish a lot and do outside activities. It was the '80s and the '90s, so we didn’t have all those fancy luxury things."...

As July comes to an end, Spencer Main Street will celebrate three Crazy Days in downtown Spencer beginning Thursday. During business hours for three days, Grand Avenue businesses in the downtown district will offer a variety of bargains — many on sidewalks — for those passing by to take advantage of. Crazy Days marks one of the many opportunities to save money ahead of a return to school this fall...

Darin and Eve Freeman opened their southwest Spencer property to guests of Arts on Grand’s annual fundraiser Backyard Brats & Blues on Saturday. An evening of food, fellowship, art and music filled the grounds at 2360 U.S. Highway 18 amidst the green space. The Josh Quirin Band provided the evening’s entertainment for a large gathering who enjoyed a variety of comfort foods — some fresh off the grill — accompanied by on-site art...

Clay County 4-Hers will participate in the annual 4-H Achievement Fair from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday in the 4-H Auditorium/Exhibit Building on the Clay County Fairgrounds. The Clay County 4-H Youth Development Program supports youth grades three to 12 through project exploration in a wide variety of interest areas including woodworking; clothing and sewing; visual art; food and nutrition; photography; animal and veterinary science; personal development; science, engineering and technology; and more.. ...

--- July 15 — Russell Warren Kohman, 45, Spencer • Judgment entry --- July 16 — Anthony Scott Lucas, 26, Milford • Judgment entry --- July 17 — Jeremy Phillip Starkson, 41, Spencer • Hold — court order --- July 17 — Tayler Dawn Gray, 22, Spencer • Judgment entry...

EMMETSBURG ― A Clay County deputy conducted a domestic assault investigation reported by Shelby Smith, of Rossie, that occurred just before 4 a.m. on July 18. Upon investigation, Eric Marquardt, of Emmetsburg, had allegedly assaulted Smith during a disagreement, causing a minor injury...

PEO Chapter AT’s 125th Birthday Celebration was held on June 23 at the Dettmer home on West Lake Okoboji. The celebration was set for last summer, but COVID-19 pushed the gathering into 2021. PEO is an international organization that focuses on women and helping them pursue higher education. ...

The Spencer Women of Today received a group Governor’s Volunteer Award from Gov. Kim Reynolds and Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg during a special recognition ceremony held virtually on July 14. The Iowa Women of Today, including the Spencer Women of Today Chapter, were honored with an award for their 36-plus years of service. ...

Clay County Banker’s Association representatives presented a check in the amount of $13,865 to the Clay County 4-H program. Michele Hogrefe, Clay County Iowa State University Extension and Outreach office manager, accepted the contribution. The Clay County Banker’s Association is comprised of Farmer’s Trust and Savings Bank, Northwest Bank, Community State Bank, State Bank, Farmer’s Savings Bank, U.S. Bank and Home State Bank...

Calling all adults! We have some new and exciting things happening at your ISU Clay County Extension and Outreach office. SIP & SEE CARDS Iowa State University Extension and Outreach in Clay, Dickinson, Emmet and Palo Alto Counties are partnering to offer a new program. ...

During his monthly press conference Thursday afternoon, Spencer Mayor Kevin Robinson announced over Facebook and live on SMU Channel 3 that he will not be seeking reelection this November. “I’m not seeking a third term,” he said near the conclusion of what have become monthly public messages. “It’s an honor to serve and I would highly recommend anybody consider running or throwing their hat in the ring.” ...

FOSTORIA — Fostoria will be the site for one of the most anticipated auctions in recent history when the Jack Slaymaker Collection goes up for bid Saturday, beginning at 9:30 a.m. The local car enthusiast, who owned Rigor Mortus Racing with his friends and set the land speed record for a blown V8 Ford at 152.494 mph at the Bonneville Salt Flats, passed away last year, and his wife, Lorri, will sell a majority of his collection...

When Rev. Lee Laaveg joined a newly established Faith Lutheran Church approximately 10 years ago, he knew this would most likely be where his pastoral “career” would come to an end. Sunday, at 9 a.m., when he preaches his final sermon before the church he leads, it will bring an end to 40 years of shepherding God’s people directly...

OKOBOJI — Prior to the typical dinner, music and auction celebration at Saturday’s Blue Water Bash near the shoreline at the Boy’s Town Camp on Lake Okoboji, family, friends and colleagues will gather briefly to honor Peg Reit along the waterfront. Reit lost a battle to cancer at age 51 in June 2020...

The president and CEO of Seasons Center for Behavioral Health, Kim Scorza, has submitted her resignation, indicating her last day will be Aug. 31. She has agreed to stay on as a consultant until Dec. 31 to ensure a smooth transition. “This decision has been a very difficult choice for me to make,” Scorza said. “I will miss serving in this capacity but look forward to partnering with Seasons in my future role.”...

During Monday's Spencer City Council meeting, the council approved an application from Spencer's Historic Preservation Commission to apply for a Certified Local Government grant to study second floor space in Spencer's downtown district and offer ideas for its use...

Spencer's City Council approved a plan to repair the Spencer Police Department's parking lot and awarded the project contract to Diamond Concrete Inc. during Monday's council meeting. The project consists of replacing approximately half of the police department’s parking lot and connecting the old drive thru to the Spencer Municipal Utilities building to the north side of the parking lot...

Arts on Grand Backyard, Brats and Blues fundraiser will be conducted from 6-10 p.m. Saturday, July 24, at the residence of Darin and Eve Freeman, located by the river at 2360 U.S. Highway 18, at 2360 Highway 18 in Spencer. The featured musical guest for the evening is the Josh Quirin Band. Tickets are available now. To purchase tickets call 264-4307...

For years, Bethany Lutheran Church has decorated the church with homemade quilts before they are donated to people in need. This year 100 quilts have been crafted, covering the church’s benches and pews with colorful fabric. The quilts are crafted by the church’s women’s group each year. ...

AMES — The two newest field agronomists with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach both come from a farming background that includes years of experience helping other farmers. Gentry Sorenson, field agronomist for region two in northwest Iowa, began July 6; and Clarabell Knapp, field agronomist for region 11 in south central and south eastern Iowa, began June 7...

The Spencer Chamber Ambassadors stopped at Midstates Builders Inc. in Spencer on Tuesday morning to congratulate John Curran on his promotion to vice president and general manager of the company dating back to June 1. Curran originally joined Midstates Builders in June 2018 as operations manager. ...

OKOBOJI — Treasure Village is excited to reveal a new hole that was designed by No Boundaries students from Okoboji, Spencer and Graettinger-Terril/Ruthven-Ayrshire schools. The SS NoBo floats on the new hole to represent the nursery rhyme “Row, Row, Row Your Boat.”...

OKOBOJI — The Okoboji Summer Theatre proudly presents the mystery comedy “Clue: On Stage,” based on the screenplay by Jonathan Lynn and written by Sandy Rustin. Directed by OST Artistic Director Stephen Brotebeck, the production will be playing on the mainstage from Tuesday, July 20, to Sunday, July 25. The show is sponsored by Timothy and Randolph Arand-McIlrath, Phyllis and Jim Currell, Kemna Cadillac, Okoboji Summer Theatre Association and the Sackett Family...

Horses will be the featured attraction every day at the Outdoor Arena during the 2021 Clay County Fair Sept. 11-19. The Outdoor Arena will host daily open class horse shows, as well as 4-H and FFA horse shows. Open class (paint, appaloosa, quarter, pony halter and performance) shows will be Sept. ...

ROYAL — Clay County’s crown community, after a two-year absence, brought Royal Fun Days back for a weekend of activities for the whole family. From live comedy Friday night to a day's worth of events for kids and adults alike on Saturday, culminating in a street dance featuring local country singer Casey Muessigmann, followed by a fireman’s breakfast Sunday. ...

Those passing by the Clay County Fairgrounds this week might be under impression the “World’s Greatest County Fair” has arrived about a month and a half early based on the foot traffic. But that would be wrong. It is the arrival of the National Trappers Association’s annual convention and the 10,000 expected to attend the three-day event which officially begins Thursday and continues through Saturday. ...

The Clay County Board of Supervisors discussed a new way of handling funding requests from area nonprofits following a recent Iowa State Association of Counties sponsored webinar with Iowa State Auditor Rob Sand. “In that webinar, Sand spent quite a bit of time discussing the counties' ability to fund nonprofit agencies, like we do in Clay County,” Supervisor Burlin Matthews explained to his peers last Tuesday. ...

The new child tax credit law has increased the amount of tax credit for eligible children in 2021 and makes it possible for people to receive up to half of their payments during the second half of the year, the first of which was delivered to many last week...

Test Iowa, the state’s free COVID-19 testing program, has transitioned from offering COVID-19 testing at drive-through locations regionally to providing Iowans access to free, self-administered test kits, which are sent into Iowa’s State Hygienic Lab for results. Locally, take-home testing kits will be available to pick up in Spencer Hospital’s emergency department...