News | Spencer Daily Reporter

AARP encourages area seniors to vote

Director of AARP Iowa Kent Sovern stopped to meet area seniors at the Pizza Ranch in Spencer recently to give a presentation of the changes in voter laws and voter issues for seniors. “This year is really about trying to increase turnout of 50-plus voters,” said Jeremy Barewin, Associate State Director of Communication at AARP Iowa. “We’re trying to make sure people understand the big thing is you have to have an ID to vote this year. It is a soft roll out, so even if you don’t have one you can sign an oath attesting who you are. We’re going through all the forms of ID, making sure people have it, and talking about the voter ID mail if you don’t have those. I think one of the keys is often times people who show up are people who have IDs here, but they have like a mother that doesn’t have one anymore. So walking through the exemptions of somebody being in a nursing home, but talking about not only what we have to do to show up to the polls, but the change of dates in early voting and absentee voting. We just want to make sure there are no barriers for older voters. Our theme is ‘be the difference, vote.’ I think everyone knows older voters vote, we have data that shows that, but what’s interesting is 90 percent of voters 50-plus voted in the last presidential election, but only 75 percent voted in the last midterm. That’s still high, but we’re actually trying to increase from that drop off.”
Council amends quality housing initiative qualifications

By Joseph Hopper , Daily Reporter Staff

During Monday night’s Spencer City Council meeting, council members voted unanimously to amend the City of Spencer Quality Housing Initiative Grant Program. The amendment increases the appraised value or actual cost of a home which qualifies for the program to a cost of $250,000. The increase was recommended by the Spencer Area Jobs Trust Trustees early in April, and does not include additional funding. The program will continue until the end of 2018, where its renewal will be up for discussion...
‘Spotlight on Spencer II’ opens today

Arts on Grand’s newest exhibit opens to the public Tuesday. Entitled “Spotlight on Spencer II,” the exhibit showcases privately owned artwork predominately created by area artists. An artist’s reception for the exhibit will be conducted at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, June 2...
CC-E closes school year with interactive experiences

By Colin Van Westen, Staff writer

As the school year comes to a close, students at Clay Central-Everly Middle School and High School are just starting a new activity, May Term. This is the first year for the weeklong program at the schools, and feedback has been positive on courses focused on the real-world problem solving like a Zodiac killer course, a board game course, a photography course, an outdoor activities course, history through film, crime scene investigation, sustainable food systems and even computer coding...
Consensus building still necessary to pass farm bill1

By Colin Van Westen, Staff writer

While local farm experts were optimistic, it looks like interested parties will have to wait for progress toward passing the 2018 Farm Bill. The bill failed to pass out of the House on Friday after all Democrats refused to support it because of stricter work requirements included to receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program support and Republicans from the Freedom Caucus withheld support over an unrelated immigration issue resulting in a 198-213 vote...
Clay County Growers plant for performance trials

Eight volunteers met Friday afternoon, taking advantage of the sunshine, to plant the northern half of the Clay County Growers Plot with 64 varieties of genetically modified corn and 16 varieties of nongenetically modified corn. The intent of the plot is to test performance of different varieties of seeds and report the yield to seed companies in the fall to assist with 2019 planting decisions. Most years planting for the plot is done in the beginning of May. Later this week, weather permitting, the growers intend to plant the other half of the property with soybeans. The organization plans to host a field day in August to assess the potential crop. The plot is open for public viewing. The Clay County growers have been planting their annual crop for more than 30 years. (Above) Plot manager Sam Harper removes the remaining seed from the planter before refilling it with another variety of corn.
Johnson students work to beautify local parks

Johnson Elementary first-grade students gathered with teachers and 18 volunteers Friday morning and afternoon to clean litter from Stolley's Park. The students also picked up trash at Oneota Park and plan to help out at Pederson Memorial Park. The activity is a hands-on experience which is an outgrowth of the school's health and environment curriculum. (Above) Johnson first-grade students Lilly Brausen and Gavin Mowry sift through a wooded area for garbage.
Avenue of Flags team in need of volunteer assistance (5/21/18)

The Avenue of Flags committee and their families are in need of lots of help searching for flag pole holes at Riverside Cemetery at 6 p.m. Thursday. Volunteers with metal detectors and screw drivers are encouraged to bring those and wear old clothing as it’s possible to get dirt or paint on clothes. This project is in preparation for the placement of the Avenue of Flags for Memorial Day services. Assistance is also needed to place the flags and remove them from both Riverside Cemetery and North Lawn Memorial Park on Memorial Day. Flags will be placed at 7 a.m. and taken down at 7 p.m. unless weather conditions dictate otherwise. Many hands make light work.
On the cusp of the future (5/21/18)

By Colin Van Westen, Staff Writer

Graduating seniors gathered with family, friends and fellow students Sunday afternoon to celebrate the completion of their high school careers at the Clay Central-Everly 2018 commencement. Commencement speakers Senior Class President and valedictorian Ben McClain and Student Council President Rachel Findling shared memories, offered humorous insights and challenged underclassmen to step up in helping lead the school forward...
Norris returns for round 5 in Spencer (5/21/18)

Democratic candidate for governor John Norris made his fifth stop in Spencer when he met with local Democrats and potential supports at the Spencer Community School District Central Office as part of his Iowa's Future Forum ahead of the June 5, Democratic primary. "Actually, the Iowa's Future Forums are more of expression of what I have done the entire campaign," Norris said. "I wanted to be able to tie the campaign up in a series of key data points and policy proposals from what I have learned. This has really been a statewide effort to put it all together for folks and share with Iowans where I think our state is falling short and what we need to do to get back on track in education, mental health care, our environment and rebuilding our rural economy." (Above) Norris listens to potential supporters Don and Sylvia Schoer about local issues affecting farmers.
Looking up to graduating seniors (5/21/18)

Friday morning the soon-to-be graduating class of 2018 visited all three of Spencer Community Schools' elementary buildings to receive hugs and high-fives from the next generation. This annual tradition marks the first time graduates appear in public wearing their graduation gowns. (Above) SHS senior Cooper Fox and the rest of the senior class charted a path down the hallways of Johnson Elementary receiving congratulations from kindergarten and first grade students for the accomplishment of a milestone, high school graduation.
Jaycees get together to play in the sand (5/21/18)

Seven volunteers from the Spencer Jaycees delivered 35 wheelbarrows of sand filling 13 separate orders Saturday morning. The sand was donated to the Jaycees' by Sieh Sand and Grave with the profits from the community service project benefiting Spencer's youth. (Above) Jaycees' board member Lucas Kline takes his turn emptying a wheelbarrow of sand in the backyard sandbox of a customer.
Pizza Hut preparing to open at new location (5/21/18)

By Joseph Hopper , Daily Reporter Staff

Spencer’s Pizza Hut, currently located at 723 Grand Ave., is expected to be opening its new location at The Commons complex at 1019 S. Grand Ave. with a tentative date of June 4 according to owner Joe Comes. Comes said the move to a new location is a way to meet a frequent customer demand...
Running down Main Street (5/21/18)

By Joseph Hopper , Daily Reporter Staff

Spencer Main Street is continuing its run of new events in 2018, the newest currently planned is a Flagfest Fun Run on Saturday, June 9. Walkers, joggers and runners will take one of two routes — either 1.4 miles or 5K — starting at the Spencer Hospital and taking them through a traffic-bare Grand Avenue lined with the Flagfest crowds...
Will Iowa follow free community college trend? (5/21/18)

By Dana Larsen, Northwest Iowa Publishing

STORM LAKE — On May 8, Maryland became the 17th U.S. state to approve free community college in some form. That state will offer tuition-free education to students within two years of earning their high school diploma or GED. Iowa Central Community College President Dan Kinney isn’t sure when Iowa may join the growing list, and isn’t sure it should...
Black Hills Energy, Bolton & Menk support upcoming Flagfest celebration (5/21/18)

Chamber of Commerce representative Becky Fear-Hattig is joined by Black Hills Energy’s Heath Richter (above) and Bolton & Menk’s Josh Pope (below) as she accepts donations for the upcoming Flagfest celebration, June 8-10. Black Hills Energy is an Americana sponsor at $1,250 to help with the parade. Bolton & Menk is a Patriot sponsor at $250 with the donation helping with general expenses.
Groundwater, backup, sump pump failure preparedness event announced (5/21/18)

Servpro of Spencer and Iowa Great Lakes, a local cleanup and restoration company, along with Community Insurance, will be providing a free lunch and learn for realtors, property managers as well as the general public. This educational program will take place at the Holiday Inn & Suites in Spencer noon to 1 p.m. Thursday, June 14, and a light lunch will be provided...
Building and trades class may die without a teacher (5/21/18)

By Dana Larsen and Elijah Decious, Northwest Iowa Publishing

STORM LAKE ― Without a teacher, the Storm Lake High School building and trades program may be history. The irony was obvious Wednesday night, as the board of education went to tour this year’s newly completed student-built house, only to face the possibility of ending the program during the board meeting an hour later...
Spencer bids farewell to the class of ‘18 (5/20/18)

By Randy M. Cauthron, Managing Editor

A packed Spencer field house celebrated the graduation of 126 members of the class of 2018 Sunday afternoon. The commencement speakers — four seniors — offered thank-you's to those who helped them reach this day and challenged one another to boldly make the leap into this new stage of life...
Class of 2018 Graduation Moments (5/20/18)

Sam Aalberts, a member of graduate of excellence among the class of 2018, and Senior Class President Austin Crew, addressed a packed Spencer field house as two of the school's four featured speakers. Spencer High School Principal Elli Wiemers walks down the aisle of seniors waiting to enter the field house offering high-fives in advance of commencement. Spencer senior Tim Steele conducted the choir performance of "Northern Lights."
Around Campus (5/20/18)

MINNESOTA — RiverWood Bank welcomes Brady Swanson as a financial assistant intern for the summer. Swanson is a senior at Iowa State University in Ames, where he is studying finance. Hailing from Spencer, he is excited to build on his previous work experience in realty and sales as well as volunteering in the community with organizations that include a local fire department, Rotary Club and Soup Kitchen. RiverWood Bank has 10 locations in northern and central Minnesota...
SHS concert band receives I rating at state contest (5/20/18)

STORM LAKE — Students of the music department at Spencer High School were recently rewarded for their hard work and efforts this spring as they received a Division I rating for their performance in Class 3A at the State Large Group Contest on May 4 at Storm Lake High School. This is an annual event sponsored by the Iowa High School Music Association. The band’s program consisted of “Alleluia” by Samuel Hazo and “Cajun Folk Songs” by Frank Tichelli...
Iowa Lakes offers mile-high education (5/20/18)

By Seth Boyes, Northwest Iowa Publishing

ESTHERVILLE — Many a high school student is told the sky's the limit when choosing their career path. Few take it literally, but about 75 students set foot on the Estherville Airport runway last week to do an academic surface check before taking off on their career trajectory...
Iowa Lakes Corridor, GrapeTree receive awards (5/20/18)

DES MOINES — The Professional Developers of Iowa honored the Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation and GrapeTree Medical Staffing for business retention and expansion efforts during the SMART Economic Development Conference held in Des Moines on May 2...
Ag Briefs (5/20/18)

DES MOINES — Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig reminded eligible farm owners that the deadline to apply for the 2018 Century and Heritage Farm Program is June 1. The program recognizes families that have owned their farm for 100 years in the case of Century Farms and 150 years for Heritage Farms. ...
'The genius thing we did was to never give up' (5/18/18)

By Colin Van Westen, Staff Writer

Following the entrance of the Spencer Central Academy class of 2018, Central Academy instructor Anne Roberts offered the first remarks noting the ups and downs these 13 graduates have faced on their way to graduation. "The class that is here today picked the quote, 'The genius thing we did was to never give up,' by Jay Z," Roberts said. "I think this is a perfect quote for them because this group has had quite a few ups and downs, but they have proven that they never give up...
40 years of caring (5/18/18)

By Joseph Hopper , Daily Reporter Staff

Caregiving at a long-term care facility is nonstop. Many staff members who work at such a facility often live their lives alongside those of the residents, as needs must be met 24 hours a day, seven days a week. One area nurse, Dawn Feucht, has been sharing her life with residents for 40 years. She was recently recognized at Longhouse-Northshire’s annual awards ceremony, which honors staff members who have reached milestones for years served at the Spencer care facility which opened in 1963...
SFD provides essay winners a memorable ride to school (5/18/18)

Tillman Schon, third-grader at Fairview Elementary, and Angelo Rasmussen, second-grader at Fairview Elementary, both received a unique ride to school, each traveling in their own Spencer Fire Department firetruck with local firefighters. The two students won the memorable trip by being this year’s fire prevention essay winners, a contest hosted by the Fire Department. Both boys traveled down the school’s street in the large trucks, complete with flashing lights, sirens and horns, before exiting to an entourage of classmates and teachers, who cheered and offered high-fives.
1 transported following Grand Avenue accident (5/18/18)

Last Friday, Jeannette Lappegard, of Spencer, was northbound in a 2000 Oldsmobile and was approaching a red light at the intersection of East First Street and Grand Avenue. The Oldsmobile collided with the rear end of a 2014 Chevrolet Camaro operated by Mary Wonder, of Milford, which was stopped at the intersection. The Oldsmobile’s airbags deployed, and Lappegard was transported by Spencer Hospital for evaluation. Damages to the Oldsmobile and Chevrolet were both estimated at a cost of $1,500 each. The accident report indicated the Oldsmobile “followed too close.” No citations were issued, and no injuries were reported.
‘Keep it in the family’ (5/18/18)

By Joseph Hopper , Daily Reporter Staff

Spencer Mattress, Spencer’s newest business opened Monday in the Pine Tree Plaza complex. Owner Jim Cullen, of M & J Sales, enlisted his son, Terrance McCauley, to oversee management and day-to-day operations of the store. “I currently have M & J Sales,” Cullen said. “If you’re familiar with that store, it’s been there for 40 years. Spencer Mattress is not the same kind of store, but another type of store — a sister store that our son, Terrance, is going to manage and run.”...
‘Shroom season (5/17/18)

By Joseph Hopper , Daily Reporter Staff

While many farmers are just starting to plant their crops, area outdoorsmen are working to do some harvesting this spring with the start of mushroom season. Mushroom hunters typically wait until the ground has reached a certain temperature before starting to hunt for edible mushrooms which are a delicacy for many. ...
Borth, Meis named finalists for 3A judicial post (5/17/18)

By Russ Mitchell, Northwest Iowa Publishing

The Judicial Nominating Commission for the 3A Judicial District has nominated District Associate Judge Charles Kenneth Borth, of Spencer, and Algona attorney Conrad Francis Meis to succeed retired Judge Patrick Carr on the bench. A total of six applicants were considered for the position...
'Sesame Street' to take the stage at 2018 fair (5/17/18)

The Clay County Fair announces that “Sesame Street Live! C is for Celebration” will be a part of the SRG Concert Series in the Sleep Number Grandstand at the 2018 Clay County Fair at 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 15. An interactive stage production inspired by the iconic, Emmy award-winning television program “Sesame Street,” the show is considered a celebration for the whole neighborhood where everyone is invited. ...
Taylor encourages CC-E seniors to avoid living a 'double life' (5/17/18)

By Colin Van Westen, Staff writer

The 2018 Clay Central-Everly graduating class came together with family, friends, community members and representatives from churches in Royal and Everly to celebrate the students journey through school as they prepare to take their next step in life...
Honoring our fallen heroes (5/17/18)

The Spencer American Legion Glen Pedersen Post No. 1 and Legion Auxiliary held its annual Post Everlasting service Wednesday evening at the Oneota Cabin in Spencer. The Legion Auxiliary honored their fallen members by reading their names in a candlelight ceremony. Members also read out the names of their fallen, saluting while the names were burnt inside of a military helmet during their ceremony. A rifle salute was also performed, followed by a rendition of taps, performed by Jack Ryan. (DIRECTION) With assistance from local Boy Scout Troop 123, an American flag was retired during the ceremony. (DIRECTION) American Legion members also announced the winners of the Fifth Grade Essay Contest during the event, where area fifth-graders were tasked with writing an essay answering the question of, “What the flag means to me.” Sarah Wilkerson, of Sacred Heart School, received first place, followed by Weston Newton, of Iowa Great Lakes Lutheran School, in second place. Honorable mentions were also awarded to Matilda Mescher, Madelyn Johnson, Stella Gerlock, and Emmalee Manwarren, all of Lincoln. Pictured above, from left: Jack St. Peters, Weston Newton, Sarah Wilkerson, Stella Gerlock, Madelyn Johnson and Darrel Tonderum.
Mayor proclaims 'National Poppy Day' (5/17/18)

Spencer Mayor Kevin Robinson stands with the American Legion Auxiliary members of Glen Pedersen Post No. 1 Wednesday evening. Robinson signed a proclamation designating May 24 as National Poppy Day. The proclamation “encourages all citizens, residents, and visitors in Spencer to join in observing this day to honor every service member who has died in the name of liberty, freedom and democracy while also showing their support for living veterans, service members and their families.” The proclamation occurred during Post Everlasting, which is conducted each year by Glen Pedersen Post No. 1 and American Legion Auxiliary. During Poppy Day, Legion Auxiliary members will be distributing the veteran-made poppies for a freewill donation. All proceeds from the event go to veteran's programs.
Helping a friend in need (5/17/18)

By Colin Van Westen, Staff Writer

Spencer Middle School eighth-grade students Isabel Perez and HayLee Cox have been friends since attending Head Start together. Even the two friends' families are close and when Perez began unexpectedly passing out on Sept. 10, 2017, Cox was right there to lend a helping hand...
'Loving Spencer' looks to replace 'Love Spencer' (5/17/18)

By Colin Van Westen, Staff writer

This year would have marked the 10th anniversary of the Love Spencer program, a communitywide, nondenominational event where members of various churches gathered and performed charitable acts around the community. Due to the lack of leadership necessary to organize an event the scope of Love Spencer, the program will not be conducted this year. Organizers hope the monthly Loving Spencer events can help to fill the void left by the absence of Love Spencer this year...
Watoto Children’s Choir at Living Word (5/17/18)

The Watoto Children’s Choir will return to Living Word Outreach Ministries in Spencer at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 22. The performance is open to the public.
Coyote Wild hits Lakes beach bar (5/17/18)

OKOBOJI ― The Barefoot Bar at Okoboji is planning a big concert for Saturday, July 14, with Coyote Wild. Showtime is 7 p.m. Country music has had a massive influence in the history of rock music, and rock music has changed the direction of country. ...
Boji Brew Fest returns for second year (5/17/18)

ARNOLDS PARK — The Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Club is excited to announce the date of its second annual Boji Brew Craft Beer Festival to be held on Aug. 4. Twenty craft breweries from around the region, including two local breweries — Okoboji Brewing Company and West O Beer, will participate in the beer festival...
Grassley talks heartland crops and heartbeat bill (5/17/18)1

By Seth Boyes, Northwest Iowa Publishing

Farmland in northwest Iowa still has a few wet spots to work around, and farmers hope their seasonal routine will return to normal soon. But last week, Iowa Sen. Chuck Grassley said several wheels have begun to turn and may affect the markets for Midwestern producers. ...
Storm Lake opens downtown conversation fields numerous concerns (5/17/18)

By Dana Larsen, Northwest Iowa Publishing

STORM LAKE — If Storm Lake Mayor Mike Porsch wanted input about the future of the downtown area, he received plenty. About 20 people attended the first of two informal meetings focusing on downtown, held at City Hall Monday night. Those attending, including many of the downtown business owners and landlords, aired concerns, stressing practical matters like lights, parking and snow removal...
Registration open for master gardener training (5/17/18)

The Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Master Gardener program will hold its core training sessions this fall for individuals interested in becoming master gardener volunteers. The ISU Extension and Outreach offices in Clay, Dickinson and Emmet counties are partnering to offer this program in our area...
'Touched by Science' brings hands-on lessons to Lakes Area (5/17/18)

By Seth Boyes, Northwest Iowa Publishing

OKOBOJI ― Iowa Lakeside Laboratory was founded by Dr. Thomas MacBride with the idea of promoting "the study of nature in nature." That was in 1909, but the mission remains the same today. Eighth-grade students with the Lakeland talented and gifted group flocked to Lakeside Labs Wednesday to learn about the natural sciences and related careers from local and state experts during the lab's annual event, Touched by Science. ...
Ambassadors visit Dr. Anthony Vita at Season’s Center (5/16/18)

The Spencer Chamber Ambassadors visited Dr. Anthony Vita, a psychiatrist at Season’s Center in Spencer, on Tuesday. Vita, who practices general adult psychiatry, came to Seasons from Green Bay, Wisconsin. A Chicago native, he said a challenge to serving people with mental health issues is a lack of resources, not just in Iowa, but around the nation.
Fish fry raises more than $3,700 (5/16/18)

The Spencer Daybreakers Kiwanis recently presented Spencer School District Activities Director Ryan Sweeney with a $3,712.99 check for school activities. The funds were raised by the Daybreakers’ fish fry in March. Funds were also raised for the Spencer High School Key Club and Spencer Archery. (Left to right) Chris Hogge, Sweeney, Kelly McCarty, Terry Peterson, Rick Dean and Duaine Holck.
Democrat from Maryland makes presidential campaign stop in Spencer (5/15/18)7

By Colin Van Westen, Staff Writer

U.S. Rep. John Delaney, D-Md., became the first 2020 presidential candidate to visit Spencer. Delaney laid out his vision for the country and why he decided to run to a full room at The Bear Monday morning. "We have every advantage you could possibly want as a country," Delaney said. ...
CC-E school board approves hire of new Spanish teacher (5/15/18)

By Colin Van Westen, Staff writer

EVERLY — The Clay Central-Everly School Board approved the hiring of a new Spanish teacher, Elizabeth Naviaux, Monday night in Everly. The hire addresses an issue brought up by several community members at the community meeting conducted in April. Naviaux was hired at a salary of $38,539 per year. ...
‘Grow Spencer Commission’ holds 1st meeting (5/15/18)

By Joseph Hopper , Daily Reporter Staff

The Grow Spencer Commission met for the first time over the noon hour Monday. The group is comprised of eight members from the community: Kimberly Cloyd, Clark Cunningham, Braden Falline, Steve Hallgren, Tyler Heck, Angela McCaulley, Jan Myers and Brea Schmidt; as well as members of the local government, with City Manager and Commission Administrator Amanda Mack, Commission Clerk Mary Beth Breidinger and Mayor Kevin Robinson also present...