News

The number of locations where Spencer residents can send their recycling will soon be expanding. The city recently approved an agreement to place co-mingled and glass recycling containers at Hy-Vee, the same as previously done at the Walmart parking lot. Al Phillips, environmental educational coordinator with the city of Spencer, said the new additions will help to grow the city’s increased recycling habits...

With O’Brien and Dickinson counties announcing their intent to depart from the Northwest Iowa Care Connections mental health region, Clay County Supervisors reviewed the potential options facing the mental health region and its three remaining county members during their meeting Tuesday morning. Northwest Iowa Care Connections CEO Kim Wilson met with supervisors, sharing financial information for NWICC as well as the surrounding mental health regions...

On Thursday night, Spencer locals and visitors from out of town will participate in the second annual Clay County Regional Indoor Bags Tourney. The event is hosted by the Spencer Young Professionals group and the Spencer Jaycees. "(It's) an event to bring people in the community together and network through a fun tournament," Spencer Jaycees President Casey Vaughan said...

Tuesday night, the Clay County Fair & Events Center hosted Mannheim Steamroller’s 35th anniversary performance. The orchestra ensemble delivered two acts of classical-rock fused sound which has created more than three decades of Christmas favorites mixed with light, screen and stage show. Chip Davis, founder and creator of Mannheim Steamroller, celebrated the 35th year of his annual Christmas concert tour, making it the longest running consecutive concert tour in the entertainment industry. The tour began Nov. 11 and runs through Dec. 29. “I remember when I came out with my first Christmas album in 1984 followed by our first tour,” Davis said. “Back then, many in the music industry said focusing on Christmas just wouldn’t work. Now, 35 years later, we are still going strong. I want to thank our fans for making us part of their holiday tradition. Today we often see multigenerational families join us during the holidays each year.”

Children buzzed about inside the Dickinson County Nature Center's newest addition this week. While the public had already caught a few early glimpses of the Pollinator Paradise exhibit space during the process, the new wing's grand opening was held Saturday morning, and visitors both young and old were ready to see the finished space...

A Spencer-area holiday staple, the Holiday Family Adoption Program allows generous families, businesses and service groups to share the holiday spirit and bounty. Thanks to the generosity of families and businesses, approximately 80 area families will be gifted with items to help make this Christmas season a little bit brighter. ...

The Spencer Chamber Ambassadors joined Northwest Vision Care Drs. Joni Breuer and Jessica Curran, and staff, for a ribbon cutting at the full-service optometric office serving Spencer and the surrounding area. Located at 714 S. Grand Ave., the business was purchased by Breuer in 2015 and remained Exact Eye Care until the owner of the chain retired last year and sold off the remaining Exact Eye Care sites. Breuer used the opportunity to rebrand the operation and remodel the building, adding a pair of exam rooms, along with computers and optical equipment as well as a new working space. The team continued to work and provide services through construction. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday with additional hours until 7:30 p.m. on Thursdays. For more information call 262-3982.

While Christmas is often viewed as a time to gather with family and exchange gifts, there are many elderly members nearby who aren't able to enjoy those luxuries. However, members of the local community will have a chance to change that throughout the next few weeks...

On Monday evening, the Spencer Rotary Club hosted a fundraiser to help fight polio. Although vaccinations are commonplace in the United States and most developed countries, there are still places across the world where polio poses a serious threat. "For people in my age group, this was a terrifying disease," Spencer Rotary Member John Cotton said to the crowd of attendees. "Two of my friends had it and one of them ended up in an iron lung for seven or eight years."...

Ward 3 City Councilman Tracey Larsen attended his first council meeting as councilman Monday night having won the special election race for the seat on Nov. 5. Larsen, who takes over the seat vacated by former Councilman Steve Bomgaars, will be joined by other new council members who found victory during the November election once they officially take office in January. After being sworn in Monday evening, Larsen said his first council meeting went well. “It went pretty smooth,” Larsen said. “Everyone has given me pointers and ideas.” (Pictured) Larsen is sworn in by Spencer Mayor Kevin Robinson.

While Christmas may seem far away, it won’t be long before carols will be playing and snow will be flying! A Spencer-area holiday staple, the Holiday Family Adoption Program allows generous families, businesses and service groups to share the holiday spirit and bounty. ...

At approximately 12:42 a.m. Friday, the Clay County Sheriff's Office responded to an accident at the 10 block of Highway Avenue Northwest in Fostoria involving a trailer loaded with turkeys. The accident report states Michael Jobgen, of Schaller, was southbound on Highway Avenue Northwest in Fostoria and attempted to make a right hand turn into the Cenex parking lot, but misjudged the driveway causing the trailer to enter the north ditch. ...

The Fourth Avenue East railroad crossing in Spencer is expected to receive improvements after the Spencer City Council approved an agreement with the Iowa Department of Transportation during its regular meeting Monday evening. City documents state the project is expected to take place next construction season, which will rebuild the crossing and install stop gates...

Tragedy struck Adrianne Babbitt 3 1/2 years ago, as she and her husband experienced a miscarriage. A frequent writer in her youth, Babbitt soon would utilize her talent for writing by starting a blog called “The Child I Never Held,” where she chronicled her thoughts through the grief process after losing her son, Timothy. ...

This is the fifth and final story in a series sharing the experiences of local veterans for the Veterans Day holiday, where we remember and honor those who have served our country. Bri Pullen was a senior at Spirit Lake High School when the United States of America came under attack on Sept. ...

The Clay County Heritage Center can be seen already adorned with holiday lights as of this weekend, with the Main Street Lighting Project getting underway. (Direction) Josh Toft, of Toft Electric, places the lights above the Clay County Heritage Center Friday. Once the Main Street Lighting Project is complete later this year, the lighting will stretch throughout both sides of Spencer’s downtown district.

Last week, Iowa Lakes Regional Water was awarded the 2019 Platinum Medallion by the Honoring Investments in Recruiting and Employing American Military Veterans Act program. "We actually received a congratulations from (Iowa) Sen. (Chuck) Grassley's office," ILRW Deputy CEO Kelly Graplar said. "We were also fortunate to be publicly recognized through local radio stations and Iowa Lakes Corridor."...

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month, a time to understand the widespread disease and to be cognizant of one's health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the national percentage of people with diabetes as of 2015 is 9.4% while in Clay County it is 10%...

Loretta Smith Bendlin likes to learn new things and spend quality time with friends and family. This kind, positive woman admits she has also been blessed over the years with some very dear friends. Raised on a farm near Ruthven, Bendlin had an older and a younger sister. ...

STORM LAKE — A Buena Vista University choir career that has taken senior Corgan Petersen to New York City, Boston, Memphis, New Orleans and more, ends on Sunday, where it began, in venerable Schaller Chapel on campus. The BVU Concert Choir, under the direction of Dr. Harmony Murphy, assistant professor of vocal music and director of choral activities, presented “Celebrating Our Neighbors.”...

Grant applications for the 2020 Clay County Community Foundation’s granting cycle will be accepted Nov. 15 through Jan. 15. Grants may be awarded in the following areas: Arts and culture; community affairs and development; education; environmental education and protection; health; historical preservation; human services; and youth programs...

Clay County Heritage will be celebrating 60 years of the Parker Historical Society of Clay County in 2020. To kick off this historical event, the Heritage Center is hosting Christmas at the Parker Museum from 3-6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7. Come view the timeless 1916 Arts and Crafts-style home decorated in holiday splendor by the Hen House and Del’s Garden Center. Tickets are $10 and available at the Clay County Heritage Center or Hen House until Nov. 30. The Parker Museum is located at 300 E. Third St. in Spencer. For questions regarding Christmas at the Parker Museum, call the Clay County Heritage Center at 262-3304.

Spencer High School inducted 54 new members into its chapter of National Honor Society on Sunday. To be eligible for NHS, students must have an accumulated 3.25 GPA through the end of the first semester of their junior year. This year's inductees include, seniors: Connor Cummings, Taylor Dardar, Adam Freeman, Trent Freeman, Nashae Green, Julian Rojas, Mollie Williams, Logan Wright. ...

Former second lady Dr. Jill Biden said it was great to see the community of Spencer again as she returned to northwest Iowa Friday for the opening of her husband’s campaign office in Spencer, at the former Bear location’s east side. The campaign office was filled to standing room only as Biden spoke on behalf of her husband, the former vice president and Democratic candidate for president Joe Biden, who she said could “beat Donald Trump in states like Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Florida.”...

Christopher Burg, 36, of Spencer, entered a written arraignment and plea of not guilty Tuesday to charges he received in October. Court filings show Burg plead not guilty to ongoing criminal conduct — unlawful activity, a Class B felony; seven counts of fraudulent practices first degree, a Class C felony; 11 counts of sales tax evasion, a Class D felony; two counts of fraudulent practices second degree, a Class D felony; and four counts of failure to obtain sales tax permit after revocation, an aggravated misdemeanor.. ...

While Christmas may seem far away, it won’t be long before carols will be playing and snow will be flying! A Spencer-area holiday staple, the Holiday Family Adoption Program allows generous families, businesses and service groups to share the holiday spirit and bounty. ...

A two-vehicle collision Tuesday afternoon at the intersection of First Avenue East and East Ninth Street resulted in one of the driver’s involved being transported to Spencer Hospital by ambulance. At approximately 4:45 p.m., Spencer Police responded to an accident involving a 2017 Buick Enclave, driven by Charlotte Carlson, 83, of Spencer, and a 2004 Dodge Dakota pickup, driven by Jamie Lauck, 17 of Spencer...

Approximately 190 high school musicians from 38 area high schools will combine their talents for the 65th Annual Northwest Iowa Honor Bandmasters High School Honor Band Festival at 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 4, in Eppley Auditorium at the Morningside College Campus in Sioux City. Membership was chosen through auditions held Nov. 9 in Storm Lake from among approximately 330 entries...

Two Spencer High School band members received high honors recently as one was selected for membership and another was selected as an alternate to the 2019 Iowa All-State Music Festival. Selected to perform in the All-State Band is Sarah Dean, daughter of Scott and Beth Dean. Receiving recognition as an alternate is Kaylah Robinson, daughter of Dave and Stacy Robinson. Dean plays the flute and Robinson plays the trumpet. The 2019 festival celebrates the 73rd year of this prestigious event. Auditions for the approximately 280-piece All-State Band, 200-piece All-State Orchestra and 600-voice All-State Chorus were held Saturday, Oct. 26, at Atlantic, Hampton, Independence, Indianola, Le Mars and Washington. Of the 5,000-plus students who audition, approximately 17% were selected for membership in the All-State ensembles. Participants rehearse in Ames on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 22-23. The festival concert will be presented to the public at 7:30 p.m. in Hilton Coliseum on the campus of Iowa State University in Ames on Saturday, Nov. 23. Iowa Public Television will record the concert for rebroadcast. This program is under the auspices of the Iowa High School Music Association and the Iowa Music Educators Association. The SHS instrumental music program is under the direction of Kurt Schwarck.

Bare recognized as ‘commended student’ Spencer High School Principal Elli Wiemers recognized student Lauren Bare who was named a commended student in the 2020 National Merit Scholarship Program. A letter of commendation from the school and National Merit Scholarship Corporation, which conducts the program, will be presented by the principal to this scholastically talented senior. About 34,000 Commended Students throughout the nation are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise...

ORANGE CITY — Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will host a Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday at the ISU Extension and Outreach Sioux County office in Orange City. The training sessions are for fruit and vegetable growers and others interested in learning about produce safety, the Food Safety Modernization Act Produce Safety Rule and good agricultural practices. ...

The Clay County Fair & Events Center announced the 2020 Winter Event Series, which will be held in the Clay County Regional Events Center: “PJ Masks Live!” on Saturday, Jan. 11, Arch Allies on Saturday, Feb. 8, Family Fest on Saturday, March 7, and Rock’n Bac’n Brew’n featuring The Dweebs on Saturday, March 28...

At one time the leading threat to children in America, polio has been almost eradicated worldwide and members of the Spencer Rotary Club want to ensure the world goes from 99.9% polio free to 100%. The club will be hosting their “End Polio Now Fundraiser” at 5 p.m. Monday inside the Spencer Golf and Country Club, encouraging community members to hear from a local polio survivor as well as a night of fellowship...

This is the fourth story in a series sharing the experiences of local veterans for the Veterans Day holiday, where we remember and honor those who have served our country. --- In 1953, as the Korean War unfolded, a Spencer veteran was facing a draft board who couldn’t make up their mind on whether to call him into service. Ultimately, Eldon Kopel, then a single 26-year-old living north of Marshalltown, made the decision to serve his country for them...

RUTHVEN — Representatives from Elizabeth Warren's presidential campaign visited the Ruthven Social Center as part of their Palo Alto Listening Tour to speak with local citizens about rural issues and inform them about Warren's plans for office. "(Northwest Iowans) think rural areas are a great place to grow up and that they're worth fighting for," said John Russell, Warren's rural political coordinator for Iowa. ...

ROYAL — Garnering 79 votes unopposed in the combined city-school election, Royal City Councilman Josh Toft was chosen by his community to be Royal’s new mayor starting in 2020. Toft, who has served as a councilman for four years, said he was grateful for the privilege and is excited for what is in store for Royal’s future...

Two drivers from Clay County were taken to two separate hospitals in the region with varying degrees of injury after a collision and rollover Wednesday morning. Authorities from multiple departments and firehouses responded to reports of a collision near the intersection of 170th Street and 310th Avenue south of Superior. ...

JOHNSTON — Iowa Public Television announced today the launch of its newest online series, “The Life Autistic.” The series will premiere Monday, Nov. 18, on Iptv.org, Facebook and YouTube. “The Life Autistic” will explore the challenges and successes of individuals with autism spectrum disorder at different stages in life and ranges on the spectrum. ...

ARNOLDS PARK — The Iowa Rock 'n' Roll Music Association announced its Fall Rock the Roof concert series, held on Thursday, Nov. 21, will be a Rock 4 Vets concert at the Majestic Pavilion in Arnolds Park. Galaxy with Glenn Hendrikson will entertain. All veterans and current military personnel are admitted free. ...

Arts on Grand and Carey’s Electronics present the fall edition of “Films for the Cinematically Disadvantaged.” For more than 20 years interested folks have been able to enjoy a wide variety of foreign language films thanks to this collaboration. The viewing takes place upstairs at Carey’s on Mondays beginning at 7 p.m. A freewill offering is requested, and there is always plenty of popcorn and coffee or tea...

The Sons of the Pioneers started the SPARC season on Nov. 8 with a performance that was top quality filled with nostalgia. The musicians started right off yodeling and we knew we were in for a true dose of original country music. This group was founded 85 years ago by Leonard Sly who later became famous as Roy Rogers. Several talented musicians/singers have come and gone but the Pioneers have continually performed since their inception...

Grace United Methodist Church of Spencer received seven youth as they confirmed their faith in Jesus Christ. Pictured are, back row: Abbigail O'Clair, Tyler Storey, Malachi Carlson and Trinity Meaney. Front row: Veronica Studer, Riley Herman and Nicholas Ensley.

The Spencer Messiah Board welcomes everyone to join them for this year's Festival of Lessons and Carols on Sunday, Dec. 8, at 3 p.m at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Spencer. The board is made up of area churches and presents the Messiah in Spencer every three years. The next concert will be held in 2021. The Festival of Lessons and Carols is presented in the non-Messiah years for the benefit of the community by area singers...

JAPAN — Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds and Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig wrapped up a 24-member trade mission delegation to Japan Wednesday. The mission, which was focused on food and agriculture, is aimed at expanding trade and investment opportunities and is being coordinated by the Iowa Economic Development Authority...

Drop off days set for Dec. 7, 14 While Christmas may seem far away, it won’t be long before carols will be playing and snow will be flying! A Spencer-area holiday staple, the Holiday Family Adoption Program allows generous families, businesses and service groups to share the holiday spirit and bounty. ...

The Clay County Board of Supervisors conducted the official combined city-school election canvass Wednesday morning, and the winners of races decided by write-ins in the Nov. 5 election were revealed. The Clay County Auditor’s Office estimated the election had 14.2% voter participation...

For the first time since August 2007, Dr. Jill Biden, wife of Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Joe Biden, will return to Spencer on Friday to conclude a day of travel throughout northwest Iowa. She will be on hand for the official opening of her husband’s office in Spencer at 5:30 p.m. The office will be located at 24 W. Park St...

On Tuesday evening, Spencer Park Board members met and discussed their plans going into the winter. One of the primary topics of discussion was whether or not to participate in the Pioneer Baseball League, a short-season, minor league staffed with mostly first- and second-year NCAA players...

Wednesday, Iowa Lakes Corridor hosted its 10th annual Business Recognition Luncheon recognizing achievement in the Corridor's four-county area. Members and businesses were congratulated and awarded for their overall service and success. "Every year, more than 115 business, government and nonprofit organizations contribute financial resources to provide professional and economic development services in our four counties," said Kiley Miller, president and CEO of Iowa Lakes Corridor, at the beginning of the event. ...

With the preliminary plat approved by the City Council at its last meeting, the Spencer Planning and Zoning Commission reviewed the final plat for the Windcrest Village apartments and townhomes second addition. The 1001 Ninth St. SW residential development has been described by city officials as a mirror image of the initial addition completed in 2017, with 72 apartment units on three stories and 21 town houses constructed east of the first addition...