News | Spencer Daily Reporter

Council tables cultural facility proposal (7/16/18)

By Joseph Hopper , Daily Reporter Staff

Spencer City Council members and planning and development committee members discussed a proposal from McClure Engineering Monday night to establish a “downtown cultural facility” at a cost of $38,000. The cultural center would be utilized as a local destination for community arts and artists. According to the McClure proposal, the potential facility “spurs organically-formed social connections and enhances more traditional economic development initiatives.”...
Council approves agreement for economic development plan (7/16/18)

By Joseph Hopper , Daily Reporter Staff

Two proposals related to economic development in the city of Spencer were deliberated by the Spencer Progress and Development Committee prior to Monday evening’s Spencer City Council meeting. The first proposal, a presentation from Toyer Strategic Consulting on creating a comprehensive plan for economic development in the city of Spencer...
Questions remain as digital driver's license near in Iowa (7/16/18)1

By Colin Van Westen, Staff Writer

The Iowa Department of Transportation is still hammering out the details of how mobile driver's licenses will be approached by the state when they are released in 2019. To quell questions, the Iowa DOT will conduct information sessions with stakeholders such as law enforcement, retail workers and bartenders beginning next month...
The dog days of summer (7/16/18)

By Colin Van Westen, Staff writer

Beating the heat during the summer months is a concern for all of us in Clay County, even our four-legged friends. If you have not already scheduled your dog for its summer cut, your pooch may just have a wait. Local pet groomers estimated a month to three months wait time before a dog may be seen. The demand is so high, some local groomers are bringing in summer help...
'Heading home in two directions' (7/16/18)

By Colin Van Westen, Staff Writer

After retiring from the Spencer Hospital in 2016, former hospital quality director Bob Campbell began searching for things to do in retirement. A year later, Campbell decided to return to his childhood home of Niagara Falls, New York, and he did it on a bicycle...
Harvest Court headlines 1st Chill (7/16/18)

Acoustic guitar duo Harvest Court kicked off The Chill for 2018 with a genre-crossing setlist inside The Bear Friday. The event's mission of bringing the community together to socialize was a success that evening, seeing much of The Bear packed full of attendees for much of the evening's duration.
Rock 'n' roll at the library (7/16/18)1

By Joseph Hopper , Daily Reporter Staff

The Spencer Public Library will be hosting a presentation from the Iowa Rock 'n' Roll Music Association at 6:30 p.m. Monday. Speakers from the 501(c)(3) organization will include Executive Director Cindy Stanbro, Founder and CEO John Senn, who is also a founding member of Dee Jay and the Runaways; and regional consultant Connie Valens-Anderson, sister of rock icon Ritchie Valens...
Looking onto history (7/16/18)

Clay County Heritage Center Executive Director Stephanie Horsley shows off a 19th century standing mirror to Doug and Barb Ricke, of Spirit Lake, at the Parker Museum on Sunday. Before arriving on display at the Parker Museum, the mirror was used at a tailor shop in Spencer. "We've had ton of tours here in June," Horsley said. Sunday's Parker Museum open house was the second of the season, with the final open house scheduled for 1-4 p.m. Aug. 19.
Countdown to the 101st Clay County Fair (7/16/18)

The Farmers Bank Stage will bring six different acts to the nine-day Clay County Fair, Sept. 8-16. This is just a portion of the $180,000 of free entertainment that will be offered to fairgoers. “From comedy to Dixieland jazz to music from the past 60 years, the Farmers Bank Stage will have something for everyone,” fair manager Jeremy Parsons said. “The tent in the southwest corner of the fairgrounds will again be a popular spot to see great free entertainment.”...
Pate named president-elect of National Association of Secretaries of State (7/16/18)

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate was named president-elect of the National Association of Secretaries of State on Monday. The bipartisan organization unanimously backed Pate for the prestigious position during their annual summer conference, held this year in Philadelphia. Pate’s election puts him in line to become president of the National Association of Secretaries of State in 2019...
Farmland Leasing and Value Meeting scheduled for August in Spencer (7/16/18)

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will host its annual Farmland Leasing and Value Meeting from 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 8, at the 4-H Auditorium on the Clay County Fairgrounds in Spencer. The meeting is intended for current and prospective tenants and landlords, and will cover: farmland ownership and tenue in Iowa; cover crop research and methods to implement in lease agreements; current cash rental rate and land value survey results; methods for determining fair rent for 2019; legal aspects of farmland leases including strategies for writing and terminating a farm lease; and ISU Extension and Outreach web-based and other resources. ...
Partners for Patriots (7/16/18)

By Elijah Decious, Northwest Iowa Publishing

Every day, about 20 veterans commit suicide, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' most recent Suicide Data Report. Over the course of a year, that's 7,300 people dead. You can help by supporting Partners for Patriots' upcoming fundraiser at Storm Lake Hy-Vee on Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m....
King feels he played key role in killing 'amnesty' bills (7/16/18)5

By Dana Larsen, Northwest Iowa Publishing

U.S. Rep. Steve King, R-Kiron, is suggesting that his efforts are responsible for defeating two immigration bills recently in the U.S House — the Securing America's Future Act, and the Border Reform Act. In a press release posted on the congressman's website, his statement is titled, "King 2, Amnesty 0."...
Wills selected for leadership program (7/16/18)

SPIRIT LAKE — Rep. John Wills, R-Spirit Lake, was selected to participate in the 2018 Emerging Leaders Program, sponsored by the State Legislative Leaders Foundation and the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia. Wills is one of only 50 state legislators chosen from a nationwide pool of over 200 outstanding nominees...
5 mph speed limit eased on Big Spirit Lake, more changes anticipated (7/16/18)

By Russ Mitchell, Northwest Iowa Publishing

SPIRIT LAKE ― Watch the forecasts, but for now it looks like boaters can go a little faster in some areas of the Iowa Great Lakes. The Dickinson County Emergency Management Commission on Tuesday reversed a July 3 decision that created emergency, lakewide, 5 mph speed limits on all lakes in Dickinson County...
A decade at the Drive-In (7/16/18)1

By Seth Boyes, Northwest Iowa Publishing

SUPERIOR — Ten years ago, there was only crop land where Highway 71 merges with Highway 9 west of Superior. But one man from Alpha, Minnesota, had a dream. He'd had it for a long time. "I can remember going to the drive-in theater with my dad, walking across the parking lot with my arm stretched up in the air, walking to the concession stand and looking at all the excitement going on," Gaylord Kemp said. "The drive-in theater at that age looked unbelievably big. It was huge."...
Built on the Rock (7/15/18)

By Joseph Hopper , Daily Reporter Staff

ROYAL — Some things in Clay County have changed since 1968, however like 50 years prior, the congregation of the Bethlehem Lutheran Church packed the sanctuary of the church in Royal to celebrate their faith. Bethlehem Lutheran Church’s current location was dedicated on July 14, 1968, and has been utilized by the congregation for five decades...
‘Saving Children, Healing Families’ — Blue Water Bash around the corner (7/15/18)

OKOBOJI — Every summer, Boys Town youth and families are given the opportunity to enjoy their summer vacations on the sandy shores of the Boys Town Okoboji Camp on the waters of West Okoboji. This summer, Jeff and Misty Sweezy, their two biological sons, Lynux, 14, and Zander, 12 — and their six Boys Town sons, had the opportunity to enjoy the camp. For five of the six boys, in the Boys Town program, it was the first time at the lakeside recreation center...
Death investigation leads to drug charges, Spencer man's arrest (7/15/18)1

By Russ Mitchell, Northwest Iowa Publishing

The Clay County Sheriff's Office on Friday said it is still looking into the circumstances of a South Dakota woman's death at nightfall last night. Deputies was called at 9:53 p.m. Thursday to 3140 100th Ave. for a medical call reported as an unresponsive female. They found 30-year-old Casey Blaine Eleeson of Huron, South Dakota, deceased in a camper on the property.
Clay County Heritage awarded Iowa Arts Council grant (7/15/18)

Clay County Heritage was recently awarded the 2018 Capacity Building Grant by the Iowa Arts Council in the amount of $5,000. They were one of 330 organizations who received funding in the highly competitive grant program. Over $2 million was awarded to over 200 projects statewide through the Iowa Arts Council and State Historical Society of Iowa, institutions embodied through the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs. ...
Late night overdue kayaker found unharmed (7/15/18)

On July 13, at 1:26 a.m. the Spencer Police Department received a report of an overdue kayaker. The reporting party stated the kayaker was dropped off on July 12 at 11 p.m. on the Little Sioux River footbridge located in Oneota Park near the Spencer Aquatic Center. ...
State Supreme Court stays proceedings against 'Concerned Citizens' group (7/15/18)

By Seth Boyes, Northwest Iowa Publishing

The Iowa Supreme Court has decided to halt progress on a court decision that could require members of a local group to be identified individually for the purposes of a possible lawsuit. The group — Concerned Citizens of Dickinson County — is trying to get county board decisions reversed. They oppose a zoning change that was meant to open the door for a major housing development project called East Loch Estates...
Man accused of threatening to kidnap, eat children (7/15/18)

STORM LAKE — A Storm Lake man has been jailed after allegedly chasing several children, telling them he was going to cut them into pieces and eat them, according to police. Shortly before noon Thursday, the Storm Lake Police Department took a report of a harassment incident at an apartment complex at 1405 N. Seneca...
Around Campus (7/15/18)

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Augustana University announced the following students have been named to the dean's list for the spring semester of the 2017-18 academic year. Gloria McKenney, of Spencer, was among those named to the list. --- ST. PAUL, Minn. — Kara Clausen, a junior at Bethel University in St. Paul, Minnesota, has been named to the dean's list for academic excellence for the spring 2018 semester. She is the daughter of Kent and Deb Clausen from Albert City...
BVU host Tech Trek STEM camp (7/15/18)

STORM LAKE — Buena Vista University hosted a week-long Tech Trek STEM camp June 24-30 for more than 30 seventh-grade girls. Tech Trek is a program of the American Association of University Women designed to help encourage girls to investigate careers in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields. The camp featured hands-on science and technology classes, educational field trips, opportunities to meet women role models, and a unique BVU college campus experience...
Sacred Heart accepting school registrations for 2018-19 (7/15/18)

Sacred Heart School is accepting registrations for the 2018-19 school year for all students. Specifically, those families that want to register for the 4-year-old preschool program and/or the Manzer Family Early Childhood Center should register soon. ...
New bid tables proposed OMS sale (7/15/18)

By Seth Boyes, Northwest Iowa Publishing

ARNOLDS PARK — An unexpected bid to purchase the Okoboji Middle School property in Arnolds Park is causing a change of plans for the local school board. The district held a public hearing Monday regarding a $1.1 million bid for the property from a group called Imagine Iowa Great Lakes, which has launched plans for a highway beautification project in the region...
AgriLife study shows BPA risk factor for IBD (7/15/18)

COLLEGE STATION, Texas — A recent study in a preclinical model of inflammatory bowel disease shows dietary exposure to bisphenol-A, or BPA, found in polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins, can increase mortality and worsen its symptoms. Dr. Clint Allred, a Texas A&M AgriLife researcher in the nutrition and food science department at Texas A&M University in College Station, led a study recently published in the Experimental Biology and Medicine journal. ...
Maurer welcomed at AOG artist reception (7/13/18)

Iowan artist Darren Maurer made a Spencer appearance during Arts on Grand’s artist reception event for Maurer’s exhibit, “Collective Perception.” Maurer is a decorated duck stamp artist, having won six Iowa Waterfowl Conservation Stamp competition awards and being the Iowa Ducks Unlimited Artist of the Year in 2007 and 2010. In addition to his waterfowl artwork, Maurer has a number of pieces exhibiting household items and scenarios along with Iowan scenery. Approximately half of the 49 original art pieces on display were available for purchase. The Sioux City resident said he was excited to have his work on display in northwest Iowa. “It’s nice to show the paintings in Iowa,” Maurer said. “I’ve shown them in a lot of other places than Iowa. It feels local to me here in Spencer even though I’m from Sioux City. A lot of my friends are back and forth to the lakes and live up here.”
Royal council moves forward with Alliant Energy franchise discussions (7/12/18)

By Joseph Hopper , Daily Reporter Staff

ROYAL — The Royal City Council met with three representatives of Alliant Energy to continue discussions over a renewal of a 25-year franchise agreement with the utility. The utility franchise agreement establishes city right of way procedures, provides some utilities related indemnities, and by adding the city of Royal to its franchisee portfolio, affects Alliant Energy’s bond rating and borrowing costs for the utility’s capital projects...
‘Fore’ a good cause (7/12/18)

Michelle Ver Steeg watches her driving shot during the Pink Ribbon Classic golf tournament. The Pink Ribbon Classic was hosted at the Spencer Golf and Country Club Tuesday morning. Over 120 women competed as teams in the tournament, raising money for the American Cancer Society. Tournament officials said this year has been their best in terms of funds raised and donations by area individuals and businesses. Approximately $15,000 was raised during the event, which also featured a raffle and putting contest.
‘The Secret Garden’ opens at SCT (7/12/18)

By Joseph Hopper , Daily Reporter Staff

A beloved children’s tale will kick off the 28th Deegan Children’s Season at Spencer Community Theatre. SCT’s teen musical production of “The Secret Garden,” based on the classic children’s novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett, opens at 7:30 p.m. Thursday...
Parker Museum open house Sunday (7/12/18)

Clay County Heritage is hosting a Parker Museum open house tour from 1-4 p.m. Sunday, July 15. Come visit this beautiful 1916 arts and crafts-style home at 300 E. Third St. in Spencer. It is the birthplace of the Parker Historical Society of Clay County, which began in 1960. A museum since 1969, it houses hundreds of Parker family and Clay County history artifacts. Admission is free thanks to Spencer Hy-Vee sponsorship, but freewill donations are accepted. A final Parker Museum open house will hosted from 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 19.
Destination Iowa: Grotto of the Redemption (7/12/18)

By Meaghan Lemmenes, Daily Report Staff

WEST BEND ― In the city of West Bend, there is a block of architecture and geology used to explain the message of Christ Jesus from a Catholic perspective. “We hope people gain a greater appreciation of the life of Jesus and to come to understand the Catholic faith a little better,” said Andy Milam, marketing and PR coordinator for the Grotto of the Redemption...
Snipping scissors and turning blades (7/12/18)

By Colin Van Westen, Staff writer

For local barbers Ira Garvis, Don Hartzell and Art Johnson, operating as a barber continues to provide them a connection to the community after more than 50 years working in Spencer for Garvis and a more than 30-year partnership for Hartzell and Johnson...
New position, same community (7/12/18)

By Colin Van Westen, Staff writer

For many, returning to the site of a life-altering injury would conjure up mixed feelings, but the new Spencer Schools Activities Director Taylor Chapman views his return to the community he grew up in with optimism. The 2009 SHS graduate severely injured his neck during a prep basketball game. ...
Mainstreet Market season begins (7/12/18)

A summer staple, Mainstreet Market began its season Thursday evening. Spencer Main Street Executive Director Nancy Naeve said she was excited for the seasonal event’s kickoff. “So we have new vendors this year which is always exciting,” Naeve said. “You could see something different every week. The bands I think are phenomenal this year, we’re kicking it off with Itty Bitty Boji Band. Next week is new to Main Street Market, it’s the South 71 Trio.” Naeve said if an event gets rained out, a date at the end of August will be used which would tentatively be headlined by Jack Ryan and Friends. Gary Holck assists a customer at the Ruthven United Methodist Church’s produce table. The Itty Bitty Boji band stood tall while performing in the summer heat, dishing out some equally hot riffs and hooks in the process.
Spencer Community Theatre production: 'The Secret Garden' (7/12/18)

SCT playhouse welcomes audiences to the heartwarming musical, "The Secret Garden." When young Mary Lennox loses her parents to a cholera outbreak in India, she is sent to live with her uncle, hermit Archibald Craven, who lives in an imposing, secluded manor on the British highlands. ...
A family tradition (7/12/18)

By Joseph Hopper , Daily Reporter Staff

Spencer Community Theatre’s theatrical productions are extensive collaborations, requiring a large amount of skilled volunteers and artists putting in long hours to bring a show to fruition. For over three decades, the Steele family’s names have adorned the cast lists of a variety of plays throughout SCT’s production history. ...
'Cinderella' opens at Treasure Village (7/12/18)

Cinderella dreams of a better future as she works hard for her silly stepmother and stepsisters. When her fairy godmother offers a chance to have her dreams come true, Cinderella decides to take a chance. This delightful musical features catchy, fun songs that you will find yourself humming as you leave...
Iowa Lakes instructor, former student earn cinematography award (7/12/18)

ESTHERVILLE — The sparkling blue-green water of the Iowa Great Lakes may be the star of a Blue Water Festival video that recently earned a cinematography award, but an Iowa Lakes Community College instructor and student were two of the men behind the camera for the project...
Smith exhibit celebrates small farm heritage (7/12/18)

OKOBOJI — Paintings by Gary Ernest Smith are currently on display in the Monte Pearson Gallery of the Pearson Lakes Art Center and will be on view through Aug. 25. This exhibition is provided by the Overland Gallery of Fine Art in Minneapolis, Minnesota...
Cost share available for Clay County conservation (7/12/18)

Clay Soil and Water Conservation District chair, Jerry Crew, announced local farmers and landowners can sign up for funding made available by the Clay Soil and Water Conservation District. Interested farmers and landowners should contact Joleen Runkle at the district office at 262-3432 ext. 302. A variety of programs are available, some offering incentive payments for cover crops or no-till and others that provide cost share for permanent conservation practices...
Preston to be ordained on July 15 (7/12/18)

Sunday, July 15, St. Alban’s Episcopal Church of Spirit Lake, the Right Rev. Alan Scarfe, bishop of Iowa, will ordain The Rev. Elizabeth Cone Preston to the Sacred Order of Priests. Following the 6 p.m. service there will be a reception in Preston’s honor...
Mainstreet Market begins tonight (7/11/18)

Spencer’s Mainstreet Market returns to the Clay County Courthouse square Thursday for a five-week run with live music, fresh local produce and fine art from 5-8 p.m. The Itty Bitty Boji Band will perform at the courthouse steps beginning at 6 p.m. and food will be offered by Grace United Methodist Church and other vendors. Next Thursday South 71 will be the featured entertainment.
Dialysis Center opens doors for first look (7/11/18)

By Randy M. Cauthron, Managing Editor

Tuesday evening the new Warner Dialysis Center on West 18th Street opened its doors for the first time, offering a look inside the new Spencer Hospital operation. The new facility is designed to provide patient care to a growing number of those needing the specialized care...
No one injured as boat goes over spillway (7/11/18)

By Russ Mitchell, Northwest Iowa Publishing

SPIRIT LAKE — No one was injured after a Lund fishing boat went over the spillway between Big Spirit and East Okoboji before 8 a.m. Wednesday, July 4. Underwater Solutions co-owner Mark Petersen was in the area as the boat operator received assistance...
Ambassadors visit new Warner Dialysis Center (7/11/18)

The Spencer Chamber Ambassadors visited the new location of the Spencer Hospital's Warner Dialysis Center in Spencer. The new facility will nearly double the capacity of the current location, located at the hospital, which has eight dialysis stations. Increased demand on the services was the impetus for the new facility, which will replace the hospital location when final surveys and testing are complete. According to Danette Forbes, Director of Dialysis Services, there is currently a waiting list of eight who now travel to receive the treatments. The hospital also has a satellite location in Spirit Lake, which services residents from north of Spencer, summer visitors and some on the wait list for the Spencer facility. Patients generally receive dialysis treatments three days per week, with length of treatments ranging from three and a half to five hours.
Mill Creek Machining expands to Spencer (7/10/18)

By Joseph Hopper, Staff Writer

The Paullina-based manufacturing company, Mill Creek Machining, is expanding its operations to include a Spencer location. Located at 2915 A Ave. E. in Spencer, the new facility has only now installed a wall clock, but is already in operation with two employees hard at work. Justin Stamer, founder and president of the company, said the expansion is a way to tap into a new labor pool and keep up with high demand.
Scooter’s Coffee drive-thru planned for Fareway parking lot (7/10/18)1

By Joseph Hopper, Staff Writer

Area coffee connoisseurs will have a new option for their coffee needs in Spencer. Scooter’s Coffee drive-thru kiosks are expected to open at two northwest Iowa locations, one of which is Spencer. The coffee business is being brought to the area by franchisees Robb Steffes, a Spencer native; and Joshua Morris.