News

Longest serving current Spencer Hospital staff member prepares to retire after 40-plus years Whether it a bandaid for a pinky finger cut or a lifesaving surgical implant, chances are Luanne Saboe has helped make sure that necessary item was available at Spencer Hospital during a patient's time of need. After almost 45 years working with patients and behind the scenes, the longest, serving current member of the hospital staff has announced her plans to retire in July...

Rides receives funding to update transport units Maintaining and updating a fleet of 70 vehicles, which accumulated approximately 1.2 million miles over the course of 200,000 trips last year, requires ongoing planning and coordination. That constant gaze to the future has paid off for Rides, the Spencer-based Regional Transit Authority. The organization has been awarded funds to replace six existing minivans in its fleet...

Being a national leader in agriculture may also mean being a national leader in waste, according to research from the University of Iowa. In the second of two blog posts, entitled “50 Shades of Brown,” UI research engineer Chris Jones calculates the amount of waste generated per square mile in the state, with Iowa taking the top spot for waste creation in the nation...

Okoboji venue to host Women Forward Team OKOBOJI — Following a successful May event in Fairmont, Minnesota, Sweet Financial Services’ Women Forward Team has decided to hold a second event in the Okoboji area. Make the Most of Your Life: Preparing for Life’s Transitions will be conducted at 6 p.m. Thursday, June 27, at Okoboji Commons Hotel, The London House, located at 1302 U.S. Highway 71 in Okoboji...

Two years after the sale of fireworks became legal in the state of Iowa, the number of applications for a license to sell fireworks has declined in 2019. Currently there are 518 vendors who have applied for a license, down from last year’s total of 791, according to the State Fire Marshal’s Office...

Northwest Bank representatives Nicole Joynt and Stacy Knapp presented Clay County Relay For Life Corporate Sponsor co-chair Sharon Krile with the business’ platinum sponsorship. The public is invited to join local volunteers and those touched by cancer at the Clay County Relay For Life on Saturday, June 29, at the Clay County Fair & Events Center...

STORM LAKE — When Angieleen Olpet arrived in Storm Lake in 2007, there were four Micronesian households in the area. Today, she says, there are more than 200. “We are so blessed that you are trying to reach out and embrace us,” she said of the acceptance the immigrants have found in Storm Lake...

STORM LAKE — Lake Animal Hospital is working overtime to address the backlog of care needed for 33 dogs and 21 cats that came to their care in May following rescue from a hoarder’s home. So far, only five have been adopted. “All they want is love,” said Lori Nehring, manager of the animal hospital. “Some of them act like they’ve never been held.”...

OKOBOJI — Many a sports star’s persona is forever tied to their athletic feats, but Olympic gymnast Shannon Miller hopes the lessons she learned during her battle with cancer will be equally inspiring. She shared her story at this year’s annual Lakes Health Conference hosted by Iowa Lakes Community College at Arrowwood Resort and Conference Center in Okoboji. The now women’s health advocate encouraged the Okoboji audience to prioritize personal health...

St. Luke among local facilities recognized WEST DES MOINES — This week Iowa ranked first in the nation for receiving the most awards for long-term care quality in a nationwide awards competition. Forty-five Iowa long-term care facilities were recognized by the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living with the 2019 Bronze — Commitment to Quality Award, which encompassed 590 long-term and post-acute care providers in 48 states...

Mary Eischeid enjoys visiting with others. She usually has a smile, a twinkle in her eye, and a good word to share. Born in April 1924 on her parents’ farm near Terril, Mary fondly remembers her five brothers “picking on” her constantly. Always a hard worker, she helped with all of the chores on the farm except for milking the cows...

SUTHERLAND — Producers can learn about the latest in agronomics and weed management during the annual Iowa State University Northwest Research and Demonstration Farm Field Day on July 10. Located in O’Brien County, the 272-acre research farm will feature at least four different presentations led by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach professionals, and a talk by John Lawrence, Iowa State University's vice president for extension and outreach. ...

Approximately 100 participants gathered to practice their putting and hone their aim Saturday morning as a part of the Spencer Jaycee's 10th annual No Running Shoes Triathlon. The event raised funds for the organization and Grand Avenue Community Outreach through a three-phase competition of nine holes of best ball golf, six games of bags and six games of darts. (Above) Members of team, "Do It for Dale," gathered around Colin Burns as he completed his round. (Below) Matt Groenewold was an early participant aiming to get his golf ball closest to the pin as part of the air cannon competition.

While 35% of crop development worldwide relies to some degree on pollinators, their populations have taken a hit on the local, state, national and global level. The Clay County Soil and Water Conservation District hopes to bring awareness about what is happening, and what can be done by offering tours of local pollinator habitat from 2-4 p.m. on Wednesday, June 26...

Representation from the eight counties which makeup the Northwest Iowa Regional Housing Trust Fund’s board of directors met last week in Spencer for the trust fund’s annual meeting and a regular session. The NWIRHTF is a 501(c)(3) in its 11th year of operation, with a self-described goal to assist with low-income housing needs in the region...

Spencer Police are attributing a Thursday afternoon accident on the Clay County Fairgrounds to an unknown medical condition. At approximately 2:25 p.m., Drew Horst, 18, of Spencer, was northbound on a gravel road along the western portion of the fairgrounds, adjacent to 11th Avenue West, when the 1987 Chevrolet S-10 he was operating left the gravel roadway colliding with a white fence on the property. ...

Spencer Mayor Kevin Robinson stands with members of Clay County Relay for Life to proclaim June 24-30 Relay for Life Week locally. The 22nd annual Clay County Relay for Life event will be conducted on June 29 at the Clay County Fair and Events Center.

Spencer Daily Reporter representatives Colin Van Westen and Paula Buenger presented Clay County Relay For Life Corporate Sponsor co-chair Brenda Sassman with the business’ in-kind sponsorship. The public is invited to join local volunteers and those touched by cancer at the Clay County Relay For Life on Saturday, June 29, at the Clay County Fair & Events Center...

30 years of 'Ordinary people doing art' — Part 3 Arts on Grand prepares to celebrate 30 years in Spencer with a retrospective look at the work of longtime contributors opening on June 25. AOG began in Spencer in 1989 when community members came together to volunteer toward establishing a gallery and educational space for local arts. ...

SHELDON — Exciting changes are beginning on the campus of Northwest Iowa Community College. With the 74% passage of our General Obligation Bond in April 2018, NCC officials are now in the process of implementing plans to enhance and expand programs in order to serve students well into the future...

Iowa Lakes Community College Trustees met Tuesday afternoon at the Spencer campus of Iowa Lakes Community College and received an update on the five-year, $1.7 million Title III Grant that was awarded to Iowa Lakes in 2016. Through the grant, Iowa Lakes has continued to infuse active learning technologies into classrooms, while exploring advanced teaching methods with faculty, and piloting active learning simulation in the agriculture and nursing programs...

AMES — Approximately 9,000 Iowa State University students have been recognized for outstanding academic achievement by being named to the spring semester 2019 dean's list. Students named to the dean's list must have earned a grade point average of at least 3.50 on a 4.0 scale while carrying a minimum of 12 credit hours of graded course work. ...

Parks Marina in Okoboji announced a donation of $1,425 to the Alzheimer’s Association in recognition of Alzheimer’s Awareness Month in June. Proceeds were a result of the “Couture for a Cause” Fashion Show held in Parks Boat Club above Snappers Turtle Bay Cafe located at Parks Marina on Thursday, June 6. The event featured fashions from Lilly Pulitzer at Palm in the Park, West Boutique, Okoboji Boat Works and The Barefoot Bar. Participating in the donation, Michelle Schwartz Webb of Keelson Harbour Senior Living, Jeff Thee of Parks Marina and Amanda Brophy with the Alzheimer’s Association.

Library to host program focused on growing, global role of drones Whether a drone is flying a Dolce and Gabbana handbag down a runway at a fashion show in Italy or a farmer is utilizing the technology to monitor his or her fields in northwest Iowa, drone educator Wendy Erikson wants to generate awareness regarding how "the flying robots" could change future...

At approximately 3:30 p.m. Thursday the Spencer Police Department, Clay County Sheriff’s Office, Spencer Fire Department and Spencer Hospital responded to the call of possible injury caused after a truck crashed through the Clay County Fairgrounds’ fencing on the northwest side of the fairgrounds. More information will be available once an official report has been released.

Fair season starts now The Clay County Fair season is officially underway. As Clay County Fair CEO Jeremy Parsons took the stage to address the crowd inside the Clay County Fair and Events Center ballroom Thursday night for the annual CCF Kickoff Party and charitable trust auction, he told the audience there would be plenty of new things to look forward to in 2019...

ARNOLDS PARK — Patrons, past inductees and the general public milled about the Iowa Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame Museum on June 13 during the new facility's grand opening. Tours took a brief pause as a red ribbon was stretched across the entry of the display area, and officials with the Iowa Rock 'n' Roll Music Association said — and sang — a few words. ...

Drs. Geyer and Benzer representative DeeAnn Greenough presented Clay County Relay For Life Corporate Sponsor co-chair Brenda Sassman with the business’ silver sponsorship. The public is invited to join local volunteers and those touched by cancer at the Clay County Relay For Life on Saturday, June 29, at the Clay County Fair & Events Center...

Less than a month after being removed from the “deplorable conditions” of a West First Street apartment during the execution of a Spencer Police Department search warrant, 62 cats rescued from the residence have found new homes. Since being removed from the apartment, the felines had been sheltered inside a trailer at the Spencer Police Department and cared for each day by the department’s highest ranking officer, Spencer Police Chief Mark Warburton...

RUTHVEN — The Lost Island Nature Center held its annual volunteer appreciation picnic on June 11 to celebrate their volunteers. Director Mary Barrick and office manager Jennifer Meyer acknowledged the importance of volunteers to the educational operations at the nature center. Kaitlin Anderson, naturalist, noted the accomplishments and milestones of the volunteers during the past year...

30 years of 'ordinary people doing art' — Part 2 Arts on Grand prepares to celebrate 30 years in Spencer with a retrospective look at the work of longtime contributors opening on June 25. AOG began in Spencer in 1989 when community members came together to volunteer toward establishing a gallery and educational space for local arts. ...

ARNOLDS PARK — At the Iowa Questers International State Day in Mason City, the local Okoboji Queen Chapter No. 1489 received a grant to finance the framing of Roof Garden posters and signed celebrity contracts that had been purchased last year with a Questers International Grant. Karmon Amsler, Okoboji Queen treasurer, was in Mason City to accept the $2,820 grant which combined with $800 from the local chapter was given to Historic Arnolds Park Incorporated CEO Jeff Vierkant...

SUTHERLAND — Producers can learn about the latest in agronomics and weed management during the annual Iowa State University Northwest Research and Demonstration Farm Field Day on July 10. Located in O’Brien County, the 272-acre research farm will feature at least four different presentations led by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach professionals, and a talk by John Lawrence, Iowa State University's vice president for extension and outreach. ...

DES MOINES — The price of retail gasoline in Iowa dropped $0.06 this week, closing at $2.54 per gallon. Nationally, retail gasoline prices fell $0.04, closing at $2.68 per gallon. Crude Oil Summary The price of global crude oil rose this week on the West Texas Intermediate by $2.18 per barrel over last week, currently priced at $54.10...

Where could $2,500 take you? "Explore where God's power can take you!" themed the recent Rembrandt-Linn Grove area Vacation Bible School, which chose Grand Avenue Community Outreach as its mission project. Participating children and families donated $2,549.23 for the ministries of GACO, which is "an ecumenical, volunteer-driven nonprofit organization that provides social services and outreach programs designed to meet physical, spiritual and long-term needs to people in northwest Iowa and beyond." VBS children presented a check to GACO executive director Kevin Brown, at its Community VBS Celebration service on June 9 at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Rembrandt. Approximately 95 students, workers and helpers buzzed "to Mars and beyond" each morning the previous week. Our Savior's, Trinity Lutheran, Immanuel Lutheran and Riverside Evangelical Free churches sponsor the weeklong vacation Bible school each spring.

Backing. Batting. Binding. Several area women, from various churches, have gathered for over four days at Sacred Heart to make quilts for kids in the flood affected communities of Hornick and Hamburg, Iowa. The whole project began during the Catholic Daughter’s garage sale in early May, as over five tubs of fabric were donated. The Catholic Daughter’s also put forth a monetary donation to help purchase additional materials. Women from Emmetsburg, Estherville, Primghar, Ruthven, Milford’s and Spencer gathered at Sacred Heart with bolts of fabric, batting and sewing machines. Additionally, women from Pocahontas sent 10 completed quilts to Spencer along with boxes of fabric, bolts of backing and batting. In the end, over 70 quilts were made and were delivered to Hornick and Hamburg after they were blessed by Rev. Tim Hogan. More than 50 women were involved in the entire process.

Spencer Performing Arts Coalition brought its 2018-19 season to a close with seven great musicians who sang and played their way into our hearts. The annual alumni concert featured Spencer High School graduate Devon van Holsteijn and the Dandelion Stompers. This talented band from Iowa City is famous for its New Orleans-style jazz music...

After suspending the canvass for a petition of Drainage District No. 37 landowners for a trustee drainage district nearly one month ago, the Clay County Board of Supervisors resumed their canvass Tuesday afternoon. If the petition were successful, an election would take place to establish representatives for the district replacing the board as trustees...

After securing the necessary votes in the House and Senate, the Iowa Legislature’s effort to expand the state’s medical cannabidiol program is headed back to the drawing board. House File 732 fell short of becoming law, vetoed by Gov. Kim Reynolds at the end of May. Reynolds issued a statement saying one of the key reasons for her decision was language in the bill removing a 3% limit on THC in medical CBD products...

Arts on Grand prepares to celebrate 30 years in Spencer with a retrospective look at the work of longtime contributors opening on June 25. AOG began in Spencer in 1989 when community members came together to volunteer toward establishing a gallery and educational space for local arts. As the nonprofit organization has evolved and expanded with the times, many longtime contributors reflect on their involvement and how the organization has impacted local artists...

The Spencer School Board approved an agreement with the city of Spencer to provide a full-time school resource officer within the district at Tuesday night's monthly meeting. The ongoing agreement, which was approved unanimously by the City Council earlier this week, will place a yet-to-be-determined officer within Spencer Schools 180 days during the school year...

The Spencer Family Aquatic Center picked the right day to open for the season as the 80-degree temperatures made the cold water of the pool a bit more enjoyable. Young people and families anxious to take advantage of the amenities turned out Wednesday to splash around. The pool will remain open for the season daily weather permitting.

Clay County Heritage Center’s newest exhibit, “Conflict, Tension and Prosperity: The Cold War Experience” opened on Tuesday and will be featured in the downtown Spencer museum until Dec. 21. Providing a number of local stories and perspectives from the early part of the Cold War, it is the first of a two-part exhibit. Featured in the collection, an M-38 Jeep crafted in 1951 that was used during the Korean War; photos from the front lines of Korea; photos of the USS Iowa — which served from World War II until Desert Storm; items from Lt. George Thompson, who was the captain of the USS Heron; and other items. The heritage center will be accepting submissions for the second part of the exhibit in the fall. Hours to view the exhibit are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays. For more information call 262-3304.

The Spencer Municipal Band will perform its third concert of the summer at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at East Leach Park. Under the baton of Kurt Schwarck, the band will present Sousa's “Washington Post March,” “Amparito Roca” and “Instant Concert.” The band will also play “Some Enchanted Evening” from the popular musical, “South Pacific.” The band reminds everyone to bring their lawn chairs or a blanket for the show at the bandshell.

OKOBOJI — The paint is dry and highly visible as planners continue efforts to make trail crossings safer for cyclists in the Iowa Great Lakes. The city of Okoboji decided to convert its single trail crossing on Stake Out Road in mid-May. The result is the area’s first continental-style trail crossing, characterized by large rectangles parallel to traffic...

Rembrandt Enterprises representative Ann Sassman presented Clay County Relay For Life Corporate Sponsor co-chair Sharon Krile with the company’s silver sponsorship. The public is invited to join local volunteers and those touched by cancer at the Clay County Relay For Life on Saturday, June 29, at the Clay County Fair & Events Center...

Sinus and ENT specialist Dr. Greg DeSautel has joined Northwest Iowa Ear, Nose & Throat. DeSautel will join Drs. Josh Espelund and Daniel Jorgensen in providing pediatric and adult care to patients through the Spencer-based practice and six satellite clinic locations...

The Spencer Chamber Ambassadors joined Alliant Energy Senior Manager Josh Murray and staff to cut the ribbon at the utility provider’s new Spencer facility at 2810 11th Ave. SW south of town. Murray offered the ambassadors a tour of the new operations location. He indicated there had been a place in place several years ago to build a new facility in south Spencer, suggesting it was important to be located in Spencer as a means to attract people to a community where they will want to live. With the opening of the Spencer site, long existing operations service sites in Peterson and Rolfe were closed. The new center houses space for a four person electric crew, six person wind turbine crew, 20 contractors and other staff, as well as space for supplies, vehicles and equipment. The 300-megawatt facility can power approximately 180,000 homes.

SUTHERLAND — Producers can learn about the latest in agronomics and weed management during the annual Iowa State University Northwest Research and Demonstration Farm Field Day on July 10. Located in O’Brien County, the 272-acre research farm will feature at least four different presentations led by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach professionals, and a talk by John Lawrence, Iowa State University's vice president for extension and outreach. ...

Spencer Rotary is sponsoring the Clay County Heritage’s fundraiser, Living History 5K Walk/Run on Sept. 2. Rotary members (left) Nancy Naeve and Bob Rose (right) presented the donation to Deb Feldman and Stephanie Horsley with Clay County Heritage.