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Students, teachers, administrators and Spencer residents gathered at Oneota Park Thursday night as the Spencer Tailtwisters hosted a bonfire — the newest addition to a very festive celebration. The evening included music, games and a whole lot of pregame spirit. The homecoming court was introduced and each fall sports team addressed those gathered to appreciative roads. (Above) With the flames blazing behind them, the SHS cheerleaders turned up the heat for a receptive crowd. (Right) The Spencer Band joined in with the school fight song and (below) the fans took full advantage of the opportunity to support the Tigers ahead of Friday night's homecoming showdown with Humboldt at Dale Norton Field. A parade and pep rally will take place at 1:30 p.m. to conclude the high school day.

Patrons of the Spencer Public Library may soon be walking through a new entrance. Library Director Mandie Muehlhausen said with the current doorway having outlived its useful life, a new entrance was planned with the approximately $10,000 project being sponsored by the Spencer Public Library Municipal Trust...

For the next week, downtown foodies can earn a chance to score some additional meals at their favorite downtown eatery by dining local during the third annual Spencer Main Street Restaurant Week. Spencer is one only a few Main Street communities that has participated in the statewide Iowa Main Street event since its first event in 2017. ...

In a year where mother nature would rarely cooperate, area agriculture professionals said the recent weather has been almost perfect for crops planted in Clay County to get back on track to normalcy. However, they said area farmers are still prepared for more bad weather news, while hoping for the best...

OKOBOJI — TEDx Okoboji will take place from 10 a.m to 4 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22, at the Pearson Lakes Art Center in Okoboji. The independently organized event, licensed by TED, will feature local and regional voices. Tickets for this event will go on sale Oct. 1...

SPIRIT LAKE — Stepping into Dave's Barbershop in Spirit Lake reminds a visitor of simpler times. A single chair stands in the center of the room. Newspapers and magazines are tucked neatly in a rack, and a portrait of Howard McNear — the actor who played Floyd the barber on the Andy Griffith Show — hangs just inside the doorway...

With students settled safely back into area classrooms this fall, it’s time to break out some of the best classic high school and college movies of all time, from coming-of-age comedies to hear-touching dramas. Relive your glory days. Or if you happen to be a teen perusing the '70s, '80s and '90s classics, keep this disconcerting thought in mind: This is how your parents or grandparents acted at your age...

ARNOLDS PARK — Arnolds Park Amusement Park, located in Arnolds Park, announced the addition of LoCash to its upcoming fall/winter Roof Garden Ballroom concert series. LoCash will be performing At 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at www.arnoldspark.com/tickets starting at noon Friday...

SPIRIT LAKE — Rev. Tom Early was formally installed as the rector of St. Alban's Episcopal Church in Spirit Lake on Sept. 2. The celebration of the renewal of ministry was led by Right Rev. Alan Scarfe, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Iowa. The service was followed by a reception in the Parish Hall. St. Alban's is located at 2011 23rd St. Pictured above, from left: Daren Baxter, junior warden of vestry; Scarfe; Rev. Tom Early, rector of St. Alban’s; and Chris McDonald, senior warden of vestry.

SOUTH SIOUX CITY, Neb. — Amy Illg, second grade teacher at Sacred Heart in Spencer, will receive the “Excellence in Education” award at the Bishop’s Dinner for Catholic Schools scheduled for Sunday at the Delta Hotels Center in South Sioux City, Nebraska...

WASHINGTON — Iowa 4th District U.S. Rep. Steve King announces that the nation of Taiwan has signed letters of intent to purchase $3.6 billion of American corn, soybean, wheat, and beef over the next two years. The letters of intent were signed at a ceremony King participated in Wednesday afternoon, and were a highlight of the 2019 Taiwan Agricultural Trade Goodwill Mission to Washington, D.C...

DES MOINES — The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is proposing administrative rule changes that will elevate the standard of care for companion animals in Iowa. These changes will affect all licensed commercial breeders, animal shelters, animal dealers including rescues, commercial and boarding kennels including doggy daycares, groomers and trainers, and in-house facilities in the state. ...

Despite five days of measurable precipitation and numerous event cancellations due to weather conditions, “The World’s Greatest County Fair” organizers feel they were able to beat Mother Nature with “smiling fairgoers and stellar family programming,” Sept. 7-15...

He may have been with the Okoboji Police Department for 20 years, but that's only about half of officer Mitch Watters' law enforcement career. His 40 years of experience include titles ranging from park ranger to Osceola County Sheriff. Watters officially ended his time with the Police Department on Wednesday, Sept. 11. Okoboji Mayor Mary Vanderwoude presented Watters with an award, thanking him for his years of service during the Sept. 10 Okoboji City Council meeting...

SPIRIT LAKE ― The hood of a Jeep was crumpled back to reveal a mass of broken metal and tubing. Bits and pieces of dark-colored debris littered the roadway. But three people who were injured in a head-on collision at around 10:38 a.m. Friday in Spirit Lake found help wasn't far away ― the crash happened to take place about halfway between Lakes Regional Healthcare and the Spirit Lake Fire Department...

Tuesday morning, the Spencer Chamber Ambassadors stopped at Posh Salon to join owner Madeline Knapp for a ribbon cutting. Located at 14 W. Fifth St., Posh Salon is an Aveda salon offering hair and facial waxing services. Hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. To schedule an appointment, call 580-7674...

Less than 2% turned out for the Sept. 10 special school election to adopt a revenue purpose statement for the Spencer and Okoboji school districts, but the results of the small election were a landslide of “yes” votes to adopt the new statement in Spencer. The Clay County results, 146 to eight for Spencer’s district, and three to one for Okoboji in favor of adopting the statements were confirmed Tuesday by the Clay County Board of Supervisors...

Wednesday evening, in front of a packed auditorium in Spencer High School, Issac Pingel and Emma Katzer were crowned the 2019 homecoming king and queen. (Below) Following coronation, the court joined the new king and queen, from left: Justin Sundblad, Chrissy Anderson, Tyler Conrad, Elle Storey, Pingel, Katzer, Chloe Kahley, Ethan Schmidt, Abby Borth and Rhyan Busch. ...

Motorcycles rumbled up Sixth Avenue Southwest Wednesday evening as Shayla Bee met their 169th and 170th additions. Twins Ryker and Rylee Morrow spent 94 days in the Newborn Intensive Care Unit after being born at 25 weeks to Kate and Patrick Morrow, of Spencer...

With DeWolf Dog Park’s fencing complete and the park operational, Spencer Parks and Recreation Board members discussed a second phase of improvements to the newly minted dog park Tuesday evening. Members of the board reviewed documentation from engineering firm Bolton and Menk, which listed a number of possible improvements with early cost estimates, and Parks Director Delray Bredehoeft said a key component of the second phase would be expanding the gravel parking lot and establishing a concrete path leading to the dog park.. ...

RUTHVEN — U.S. Rep. Steve King made his second to last stop of his current 39 county town hall tour Monday, meeting with voters inside the senior center in Ruthven over the noon hour. During the town hall, three members of the Podunk Resistance conducted a peaceful protest outside bearing signs while King delved into updates and issues, including a number of topics relating to illegal immigration...

Seasons Center for Behavioral Health is hosting a free kids’ carnival from 4-7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 26, in Spencer. This free, family-friendly event is open to the entire community and families of all ages are welcome. The free kids’ carnival will take place at Autumn’s Center at 120 E. Fifth St. in Spencer...

Ward 2 City Councilman Bill Orrison announced his intent to run for reelection during Monday night’s City Council meeting. “I had announced four years ago after I was elected, ... I said then I was not going to pursue another term,” Orrison said. “But there’s been so many exciting things going on in the last couple years. I just want to stay around and see that happens...

Being described by City Attorney Don Hemphill as “the cart being ahead of the horse,” the second filing of an ordinance allowing the establishment of microbreweries downtown was given the rare recommendation to be voted down in order to later return to the subject with a different ordinance and restart the process...

For the first time ever in northwest Iowa, two state and three county law enforcement agencies are coming together for a traffic safety saturation project. Administration from the Iowa State Patrol, Iowa Motor Vehicle Enforcement, Lyon County Sheriff’s Office, Osceola County Sheriff’s Office and the Sioux County Sheriff’s Office have put together a saturation project for Friday in order to combat injury and fatality crashes...

Nathan Clark will use his extensive tea knowledge for a tea tasting at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 28, at Spencer Public Library. Clark is no stranger to libraries or to tea. He is the director of the Emmetsburg Public Library and has been a tea enthusiast for many years. As part of his program, he demonstrates tea preparation with many different types of teas and gives samples out for participants to try. A light lunch will be provided...

LINN GROVE — Plans for a Linn Grove campground development on the north side of the Little Sioux River remain on hold after an archeological find in the area. During a preliminary check of the area, evidence was found of a foundation for a possible Great Oasis culture dwelling. ...

ARNOLDS PARK ― It's been a whirlwind transition, but former Homeology Decor and Boutique owner Laura McMahon said she's excited the business is now in the hands of Megan Helgeson. The two began talks in late August, and Helgeson officially took the reigns of the Arnolds Park business on Sept. 9. The pair said customers can expect many aspects of Homeology to remain the same, but some new brands and products will likely make their debut in the near future...

Muriel Lorraine Roberts Boyles was born Jan. 13, 1927, on a farm in Reinbeck to Ralph Elmer and Muriel Nesta Shoemaker Roberts. This was the same place her mother was born. Muriel has two siblings: Gwendolyn Faye and Jerold Allen Roberts. She attended and graduated from Everly High School...

Both operations continue streaks on list Northwest Bank and Aventure Staffing have both been awarded a 2019 Top Workplaces honor by the Des Moines Register. The Top Workplaces are based solely on the results of an employee feedback survey administered by Energage LLC, a leading research firm that specializes in organizational health and workplace improvement. Several aspects of workplace culture were measured, including alignment, execution and connection, just to name a few...

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Avera President and CEO Bob Sutton announced a new chief medical officer has been selected to lead Avera Medical Group. Kevin Post has accepted the role of Avera Medical Group’s CMO when Tad Jacobs retires at the end of 2019. Post will start in October in order to spend some time learning the role with Jacobs. ...

ANKENY — Iowa soybean farmers have been elected to state and national leadership posts. during a recent meeting of the Iowa Soybean Association board of directors. Joining ISA President Tim Bardole, of Rippey, on the state association’s executive committee are: Jeff Jorgenson, of Sidney, president-elect; Dave Walton, of Wilton, treasurer; Robb Ewoldt, of Davenport, secretary; and Randy Miller, of Lacona, at large. ...

It has long been said the “World’s Greatest County Fair” is a massive undertaking by the community. Joe Lau, of Spencer, is one of the many community members who adds a fair job to his schedule come fair week and decided for the 2019 Clay County Fair, he would again return as a security guard and end his fair career on the 20-year mark...

The final soapbox voice heard for the 2019 Clay County Fair was Republican candidate for Iowa’s 4th Congressional District, Jeremy Taylor. Taylor introduced himself to fairgoers, highlighting his past service as a state representative and his current service in the Iowa Army National Guard...

A young calf takes advantage of some personal attention from Tyce Heuton, a kindergarten student from Albert City. The two came face-to-face at Grandpa's Barn. --- During his performance of "Blue Hawaii," in the Forever Elvis: The Spirit Lives tribute show, Elvis made his way from the Farmers Bank stage and into the audience to deliver some special gifts...

Medal of Honor recipient shares story During CommStock Investments’ annual customer appreciation event held inside the Eurocast Events Center Ballroom Saturday at the Clay County Fair, the crowded room heard from keynote speaker Clint Romesha, recipient of the Medal of Honor...

RUTHVEN — U.S. Rep. Steve King, from Iowa’s 4th Congressional District, will be hosting a town hall meeting in Palo Alto County Monday. The town hall, which is open to the public, will be conducted from noon to 1 p.m. at the Ruthven Senior Center, located at 1301 Gowrie St. King has pledged to hold a town hall in each of the 39 counties in his district this year, and as scheduled this town hall will be the 38th King will have hosted in the district since January...

Gov. Kim Reynolds made her first stop to the Clay County Fair since ascending to the office of governor Friday. Reynolds, joined by state legislators and party members, toured the fair making stops and talked to fairgoers at a number of eateries, an agriculture implement dealer, Grandpa’s Barn and also stopped to meet Clay County Fair staff in their office before departing...

There are two documents of paramount importance to American history: the Declaration of Independence, which forged our national identity, and the Constitution, which set forth the framework for the federal government that is still in use today. While Independence Day is a major national holiday, fewer people know about Constitution Week, an annual commemoration of the living document central to our American way of life. ...

STORM LAKE — The physical beauty of Buena Vista University attracted Josh Dunsbergen to the Storm Lake campus more than one year ago. The sound of the place has him even more excited about his college choice. Dunsbergen plays trombone for the BVU Marching Blue, the university’s marching band, which made its first appearance in 21 years on campus while entertaining players and fans as the Beavers hosted Concordia University in the third annual Community Night football game on Peterson Field at J. ...

With a week left of summer officially, you’d think farmers might want to finally see an end to this frustratingly difficult season. Actually, they’re wishing for an endless summer. Corn and soybeans are still roughly seven to 10 days behind schedule thanks to the delayed start to planting because of rains and flooding. So, the longer the warmth can linger, the better hopes for getting their crops to maturity...

Northwest Iowa Bone, Joint and Sports Surgeons’ team of doctors has a new addition, Dr. Jesse Wolfe. Wolfe is an Emmetsburg native and completed his Bachelor of Science degree at Bethel University in Arden Hills, Minnesota. He received his Doctorate of Podiatric Medicine from Des Moines University in 2016. ...

The Iowa Soybean Association hosted the Ag Outlook Panel Thursday morning inside the Clay County Fair and Events Center ballroom, where Iowa State University leadership: ISU President Wendy Wintersteen, Dean of the College of Agriculture Daniel Robison and Vice President for Extension and Outreach John Lawrence, took questions including how the university positions Iowa agriculture for the future...

Tiny Town designed to let kids play, parents rest As Centennial Plaza at the Clay County Fair continues to evolve with new arches designed to serve as monuments to the entrances of the former Ag Building; another new addition to open space includes Tiny Town...

The Clay County Fair Political Soapbox, a partnership between the fair, Spencer Daily Reporter and SDR Radio Group, is located near the northeast corner of The Depot building on the Clay County Fairgrounds. The soapbox talks offer candidates a small, more informal setting where they can address potential voters...

Broadcaster Orion Samuelson gets up close and personal with fairgoers In a crowded Eurocast Events Center Ballroom, an iconic voice often heard on the radio was instead heard in person as famous broadcaster Orion Samuelson hosted a panel and question and answer session Thursday afternoon at the Clay County Fair. Moving between jokes, personal stories, Samuelson Sez and pieces of personal wisdom, the crowd listened intently as the broadcaster spoke for approximately an hour...

Leann Jacobsen, Spencer Ward 4 City Councilwoman announced Thursday afternoon she will not be seeking reelection. “The time has come for me to step aside to follow other pursuits,” Jacobsen explained in her statement. “To support much of the city's exciting momentum, it is important to have an inclusive council. I encourage other progressive-minded women to step forward and campaign for a seat, so that a balanced perspective can continue benefitting the council's direction.”...

Demonstrating what they mean by “Big Air,” members of the ATV Big Air Tour team boarded BMX bikes, motocross and four-wheel sports vehicles to entertain a large crowd in the Sleep Number Grandstand. The tricks and stunts kept the crowds cheering throughout...

A family affair. It’s been a long time since the Christians family all got together at the Clay County Fair, but one brother and four sisters spent a day together at the “World’s Greatest County Fair” and found the perfect place for a quick family photo just outside the Ag Learning Center. ...

Jake Rose With Jon Pardi —7:30 p.m. — Sleep Number Grandstand With his latest single, “Econoline” setting the pace, Jake Rose will kick off a night of hot country when he takes the Sleep Number Grandstand stage to open for Jon Pardi at 7:30 p.m, Friday...