News

Friday, seniors from Spencer High School celebrated their upcoming graduation with a day out in the sunshine enjoying numerous activities. After being treated to breakfast at the Daybreakers Kiwanis K-Cafe, the graduating class of 2022 headed over to East Leach and West Leach parks to have some fun in the sun. From playing sports like dodgeball and volleyball, to getting crafty with paint and tie-dye to trying to hook some fish, there was something for everyone to enjoy...

The roller-coaster ride that is spring will continue to blur the lines between the seasons in the coming weeks, but the light is at the end of the tunnel and widespread, long-lasting warmth is fast approaching.

A pair of Republicans from the region will seek the party’s nod to represent the newly formed Iowa Senate District 3 in upcoming Tuesday, June 7, primary. The winner is scheduled to run unopposed on the ballot in the November election. Both candidates completed a question and answer questionnaire to allow voters an opportunity to learn a little more about each...

DES MOINES — The Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation and Cookies Food Products are currently seeking the next group of outstanding Iowans for the 2022 Iowan of the Day award. Consider nominees that deserve a day of fun at the Iowa State Fair. Nomination forms are available at www.BlueRibbonFoundation.org/IOTD. All Iowan of the Day nominations must be received no later than July 1. All nominees must currently reside in Iowa. All nominees must currently reside in Iowa. Winners will receive:...

Spencer High School's graduating class of 2022 was congratulated at Sacred Heart Catholic Church Sunday, and blessed on their journey going forward. The celebration's theme, “Lean On Me,” honored the support SHS students and faculty have shared during their time together. The students received prayers and poems of encouragement to carry with them after graduation, along with some inspiring songs...

Fairview Elementary students were treated to a special performance at the Spencer Community Theater on Friday. "The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs: A Musical" turned the classic fairy tale of the three little pigs and the wolf on its head. After hearing both sides of the story, the kids were left to judge which version was the truth. In the end, maybe the wolf wasn't as big and bad as he seemed...

Jane Erickson will be the featured speaker at the Monday, May 23, Spencer Hy-Noon Kiwanis meeting beginning at noon in the Clay County Regional Events Center meeting room. The public are invited to attend the organization’s meeting but an RSVP is requested to allow for enough food for those attending...

The city of Spencer had been diligently planning for the arrival of the emerald ash borer, and on March 17, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship confirmed the presence of EAB in the community. In response to recommendations, and in an effort to minimize the potential safety hazards and detriment to citizens and the public tree population, area residents are encouraged to be proactive and prepare for the EAB threat. ...

A special tour of Spencer’s downtown was hosted by Main Street last Saturday. While the year prior had been a tour of the district’s upstairs, this year Spencer residents got to check out the historic basements in buildings such as Grand Bridal, Game State, Hansen’s, Hen House and Pressed. ...

The Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation and Iowa Workforce Development have announced additional “Laborshed” industry reports for Buena Vista, Clay, Dickinson and Emmet counties for 2022. Iowa Workforce Development has released additional industry reports for the Corridor region. ...

As part of a community project, Symrise donated six new trees to the Spencer Municipal Golf Course. On Friday, May 6, a crew of volunteers from the company planted two elm, two ginkgo and two Kentucky coffeetrees along the course. “Originally, I had spoken with the city and said we were looking for community projects and ways to give back to the city and the community,” said Andrew Sturgell, plant manager at Symrise. ...

Iowa climber Jen Loeb spoke to patrons of the Spencer Public Library Saturday about her experience climbing the tallest summits from each of the seven continents, including Mount Everest. Loeb presented a slideshow of images she took during her Everest expedition in 2016, along with footage of her climbing the icefall section of the mountain and some of the gear she used to make the climb. ...

Farmers Trust and Savings Bank is pleased to announce that Lauren Nickolisen recently completed her training and test for senior professional in human resources from the Human Resources Certificate Institute. Nickolisen, formerly Christianson, is wrapping up her first year at Farmers Bank as the director of human resources...

Consumers have a variety of choices when purchasing beef at the grocery store. According to Iowa State University Extension and Outreach beef specialist Beth Doran, the beef industry offers something for everyone in terms of culinary options. “Beef producers, packers and retailers consistently try to provide beef products that meet consumer preferences,” Doran said. ...

Iowa native Jen Loeb has quite literally reached the top of several peaks, having climbed the tallest summit on each of the seven different continents. Loeb will be at the Spencer Public Library to talk about the seven summits she has conquered on Saturday at 3 p.m...

Spencer’s Planning and Zoning Commission continued to discuss allowing single-family dwellings to raise urban chickens during their meeting on Wednesday. The commission went over changes to the draft reviewed at the previous meeting and decided to include chicken enclosures as an accessory structure and permit based on those guidelines...

In a joint meeting between Spencer’s Park Board and Park, Recreation & Culture Committee, the two entities discussed plans to improve the Fairview Tennis Court. The initial plan was to repair the courts with post-tension concrete, and after not receiving any bids on the project, the board and committee discussed whether to rebid as is or offer an alternative...

A pair of Republicans from the region will seek the party’s nod to represent the newly formed Iowa Senate District 5 in upcoming Tuesday, June 7, primary. The winner is scheduled to run unopposed on the ballot in the November election. Both candidates completed a questionnaire to allow voters an opportunity to learn a little more about each...

Tuesday afternoon, Spencer Public Library patrons got the chance to receive a history lesson in musical form on one of the most beloved royals of all time. The musical "Princess Di, Gone but still kicking!" narrates the life of the late Princess Diana of Wales through comedic sketches and musical numbers. Written, directed and performed by Jillann Gabrielle, the musical had attendees giggling over the jokes aimed at the royal family and current state of affairs...

In a special meeting, the Spencer Area Activity Center board met with a group of individuals concerned about plans to close the center. The group presented their plan to the board, but it did not receive two motions from the board for discussion, and was not considered. Following the rejection of the proposal, the board voted to proceed with the plan to auction the items in the building...

Baccalaureate 2022 for Spencer High School seniors is an optional nondenominational prayer service filled with praise and worship for all SHS 2022 graduates and guests who would like to attend. Conducted at Sacred Heart Church, Sunday, May 15, at 7 p.m. for graduates, parents, family, friends and community members. It is led by graduates staff with scripture and theme...

In a special meeting between Spencer’s City Council and the Clay County Board of Supervisors on Monday, city and county officials discussed the Iowa DOT’s plans to modify the intersection of U.S. 18 and U.S. 71, known as the Spencer North Y. The location has been the site of several major collisions including fatalities...

On Thursday, April 28, at the Regional ESGR Awards Banquet conducted in Spencer, ESGR representatives presented the prestigious Department of Defense Pro Patria Award to Valero Renewables of Lakota. The Pro Patria Award is the highest honor a state ESGR Committee can bestow to those employers who have truly separated themselves with peerless efforts of support, strict adherence to the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act which is the federal law that protects the employment rights of National Guard and Reserve Component service members against discrimination for serving their country, and demonstrate exceptional leadership through practices and policies for employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve. ...

“She’s With Us” will provide the entertainment and group of area food trucks will provide the food and drink Friday night to launch the 2022 What the Truck Friday night season in the local parks. The concert and food will run from 6-8 p.m. at Deerfield Park in Spencer. Food trucks on site will include Big Acai; Paps Smoking Meats and event sponsor Girl'd Cheese...

Congratulations to this year's Spencer Schools retirees. The Spencer district is happy and honored to recognize these individuals for their years of service to the students of the Spencer community. Retirees include Luana Nair, 22 years of service as school counselor; Deb Jepson, 19 years of service as elementary music teacher; and Nancy Johnson, 20 years of service as a second grade teacher...

On Friday, April 22, four Sioux Central FFA members participated in the virtual Iowa Youth Institute, where they presented papers, met new students, listened to some great speakers, and learned some new things. The Iowa Youth Institute is a program by the World Food Prize Foundation. ...

ESTHERVILLE — Led by the biology and environmental studies programs, Iowa Lakes Community College will be developing a pesticide-free pollinator paradise covering approximately two acres on the Estherville campus with a diverse mix of plant species, grasses, shrubs and trees. The pollinator project will start this spring and summer with seed harvesting, site preparation, walkway development and plant installation around the site...

ANKENY — Des Moines Area Community College Ankeny campus graduating nursing student Sophia Fassbender (left), of Spencer, received her nursing pin from her mom, Angie Fassbender. Twenty-nine graduating nursing students attended the pinning ceremony.

MANKATO, Minn. — Minnesota State University, Mankato awarded 2,797 degrees to 2,467 students at the end of the spring 2022 semester. Local graduates include: Emily Alger, B.S., accounting, summa cum laude; Mason McCaffery, B.S., management, cum laude; and Ally Morreim, B.S., marketing, magna cum laude — all of Spirit Lake...

SHELDON — RISE Ministries has announced the latest addition to the RiseFest 2022 lineup, Austin French. “I’m absolutely thrilled to add Austin French to the RiseFest lineup,” founder and President Rob Roozeboom said. “It's said that Austin makes music for the broken. We can all feel broken at some point in our journey. In those moments a song can really impact you. His song, Why God, hits me deeply and I’m grateful that our festivalgoers get to worship with Austin this summer.”...

On Tuesday, the Spencer Chamber Ambassadors gathered at General Traffic Controls to welcome Amanda Brown, president of the company which is owned by Alan Glover. Glover took over from his father who started the company initially. General Traffic Controls is in the five state area in multiple cities and employs eight people...

As a result of a lengthy investigation, the Okoboji Police Department submitted charges and requested arrest warrants be issued for Carlos Bernard Hicks, 26, of Spencer. The charges include ongoing criminal conduct, a Class B felony; possession with intent to deliver — cocaine, a Class C felony; and possession with intent to deliver — marijuana, a Class D felony...

A new department store will be coming to the city of Spencer this fall. T.J. Maxx, the newest addition to the Pine Tree Plaza, has plans to open the store in the fall of 2022. The store will be located at 700 11th St. Southwest in the plaza’s shopping center. ...

For 36 years, Ira’s Barber Shop has been a special spot for men to enjoy good conversation while getting their hair cut. Shop owner Ira Garvis has been barbering for 60 years, and at 80 years old he shows no sign of stopping anytime soon. It is rewarding, because I see potential in this person’s hair and what I can do to make him look better. There’s nothing better than turning a person around to a mirror and seeing their smile, hearing them say I like what you’ve done...

Six candidates seek a trio of Clay County supervisor seats in upcoming Tuesday, June 7 primary. A seventh candidate on the ballot, Timothy Hamrick, has announced his intention to resign from the race. “I am emailing to formally withdraw from the Clay County Supervisor position,” Hamrick stated. “Since the time of application my business has grown considerably and I don't feel I could do right by the position with the amount of time I would have to give.”...

Spencer residents celebrated Cinco De Mayo by indulging in a stroll up and down Grand Avenue for Main Street's Roc n' Guac event. Coinciding with the annual celebration, several Main Street businesses offered Mexican snacks and drinks for strollers to try. This year marks the second time Main Street has held the celebratory event, with approximately 215 people taking part by sampling unique Mexican-themed offerings from downtown stores...

Andrew Sturgell, plant manager at Symrise, and the Spencer Municipal Golf Course scheduled a volunteer project on Earth Day. The weather postponed this event until May 6. Symrise donated and planted six new trees at the golf course and removed trash and debris from city ditches. This year, IsoNova and all of its locations, including the plant in Spencer became a part of Nutrios, the Nutrition brand of Symrise Pet Food...

The Spencer Chamber Ambassadors gathered at Spencer Municipal Utilities to help celebrate 25 years in the communications business since the ACT NOW Vote was held in Spencer. Spencer Municipal Utilities continues to provide up-to-date on internet services, local and long distance phone service and the new Ultimate TV...

Spencer’s railroad crossing on Grand Avenue will be closed for crossing replacement work for eight days, beginning on May 16. “They’re replacing the crossing and the safety equipment at the rail intersection,” Public Works Director Mark White said. “They plan to start Monday the 16, and it’s planned to be opened Tuesday the 24.”

Married? Not easy is it? Even good marriages have challenges. How can couples learn how to be married and have fun doing it? That’s the mission of Marriage Matters.

Discussions on how to help the homeless in Clay County took place during Clay County’s Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday. Local organizations dedicated to helping homeless individuals find housing attended the board meeting to offer insight into supporting Clay County’s homeless population.

DES MOINES — The Spencer Daily Reporter was recently recognized with multiple awards at the Iowa Newspaper Association Better Newspaper Contest banquet on Thursday, April 28, at the Des Moines Marriott. The Daily Reporter received first place honors in large weeklies for best special section — editorial, and Managing Editor Randy Cauthron was recognized for excellence in editorial writing.

The deadline to preregister to vote in the primary election is May 23. If an eligible elector is not already registered to vote, he or she may do so in one of the following ways:

Seasons Center for Behavioral Health will be hosting a free virtual training on how to approach the conversation about war with children. The training will be held on Tuesday, May 10, from 5:30-6:30 p.m., via Zoom.

Several proclamations celebrating local law enforcement, officers and medical services were issued by the Clay County Board of Supervisors during their meeting Tuesday morning.

Several motorcyclists could be seen driving down Grand Avenue Tuesday night as the Christian Motorcycle Association held their first ride of the year. The group will continue to hold rides every first and third Tuesday of every month until September, meeting at the Casey’s at 805 S. Grand Ave. and leaving at 6 p.m.

Clay County voters interested in voting absentee for the June 7, primary election may file requests for absentee ballots with the Clay County auditor’s office.

Wednesday evening, family and friends gathered in the Spencer High School Auditorium to recognize senior accomplishments. Multiple presenters representing a wide variety of local and statewide organizations and institutions presented a series of scholarships, awards and recognitions for the students entering their final weeks of high school.

May is School Board Recognition Month, sponsored by the Iowa Association of School Boards to celebrate the contributions of board members to Iowa public education.

During spring break in March, Iowa Lakes Community College students from the Laker Life campus ministry volunteered their time serving others on a weeklong mission trip to Chicago. Instead of spending the week somewhere warmer or just taking the week off, the students decided to work with underprivileged children and prepare and serve food at shelters for people experiencing homelessness. “I will never forget this trip. It was a life-changing experience for me,” said Melody Kuhn, a sophomore from Pocahontas. “The purpose of the trip was not to change for a week but for the rest of our lives.”