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Local company’s renovation of historic Grand Avenue building nears end

Developer 1103 Industries is nearing the end of an extensive renovation project to bring five long-vacant apartments above storefronts on Grand Avenue in downtown Spencer back to life.

The apartments at 301 and 303 Grand Ave. had largely been unused for decades, but Spencer residents Aaron Techen, Matt Bathke and John Hass, owners of 1103 Industries, saw an opportunity to modernize the units while preserving their historic character.

Rural pharmacies threatened by rising PBM fees, officials say

Rural and independent pharmacies are becoming increasingly concerned about the high fees and reduced reimbursement rates caused by pharmacy benefit managers, a trio of local legislators learned Saturday, March 23.

Corridor releases most recent business retention, expansion figures

The Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation has released the 2023 Business Retention & Expansion Report summarizing findings from 74 business and industry visits within the four-county Corridor region of Buena Vista, Clay, Dickinson and Emmet.

‘Waiters’ raise funds for Main Street Micro Grants

“Celebrity” waiters and waitresses served food to Spencer Community Theatre patrons Saturday night as part of a fundraiser for Spencer Main Street’s Micro Grant program. A wide variety of foods and deserts were served by the wait staff including (above) Eric Meeter, of Pressed. (Below) Waiter Paul Daniels collected $150 in tips to lead all tip collections. Tables, filling the SCT lobby for the event, were packed with supporters. (Photos submitted)

Kansas to rock opening night of CCF

The Clay County Fair, powered by SMU, announce the opening night act Kansas, with a special guest to be announced at a later date, as part of the SRG Concert Series at the 2024 Clay County Fair on Saturday, Sept. 7, at 7:30 p.m.

Okoboji Blue Water Festival plans released

Plans are coming together for the ninth annual Okoboji Blue Water Festival set for Saturday, Aug. 10, at Preservation Plaza’s green space in Arnolds Park. What better place to hold the foremost clean water event in the state than on the shores of West Lake Okoboji.

Co-chair and organizer Greg Drees shared the excitement that he and his co-chair Julie Peterson have for this all-day clean water celebration.

Legislators discuss AEA bill, school absenteeism at final Eggs and Issues

Education dominated the final Eggs and Issues conversation of 2024, as three area legislators updated the audience on efforts to reform Iowa’s Area Education Agencies and discussed rising school absenteeism rates.

Sirens

BOOKED INTO CLAY COUNTY JAIL

 

Darrious Green, 22, of Spencer, was charged with an arrest warrant, interference with official acts — bodily injury, possession of marijuana — first, and possession of drug paraphernalia at 8:52 a.m., March 8.

Taron Anthony Green, 20, of Spencer, was charged with possession of marijuana — first, possession of drug paraphernalia and interference with official act at 9:10 a.m., March 8.

SWOT awards close to $12K to area organizations

The Spencer Women of Today donated approximately $12,000 to these recipients: Atlas, Birthright, Cherish House, Clay County K-9, Clay County Pals, Clay County Sheriff Department, Feed Our Children, Grand Avenue Outreach, Highlands, Iowa Great Lakes Fishing Club, Oneota Environmental Learning Center, Reins of Hope, Relay for Life, Respite Angels, Special Olympics Bus, Spencer After Prom, Spencer Archery, Spencer EMT’s, Spe

Officers and deputies gather to remember fallen comrade

Undercover work has never been easy for law enforcement officers. Going undercover during prohibition, an unprecedented period of lawlessness in America, was doubly dangerous, and 95 years ago this week, Clay County Special Deputy Sheriff Louis Dayton paid the ultimate price for his dedication to law and order.

T-Mobile grant to fund library’s ‘Music Garden’ project

T-Mobile announced Spencer as one of its latest 25 Hometown Grant recipients, awarding $23,440 to go toward transformation of the Spencer Public Library courtyard into a musical garden, providing an interactive and inclusive outdoor space in the heart of downtown Spencer.

T-Mobile presented the grant funding to the Spencer Public Library staff Thursday afternoon. The project was submitted by the Spencer Public Library.

Martinez trial date set for May

A trial date has been set for May 21 in the Clay County Courthouse for Rachel Faith Martinez, 36, of Peterson, entered a not guilty plea to charges which claim she allegedly overdosed patients and took medications from the pharmacy for a patient which she instead kept for herself while working at a Spencer Hospital in November 2022.

Mock Trial places 2 in state field

Among the upcoming Iowa High School State Mock Trial field, Spencer will be well represented.

Clay County Attorney Travis Johnson, who also serves as Spencer High School’s Mock Trial coach, said he “cannot express enough the pride I feel for every single kid here! All of our teams did amazingly well. Spencer took the top two spots … and were the only undefeated teams at districts. We'll have two teams heading to state competition later this month.”

March 25-29 is Severe Weather Awareness Week

DES MOINES — The Clay County Emergency Management Agency, Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, National Weather Service and Iowa Emergency Management Association have joined together to promote Severe Weather Awareness Week, March 25-29.

Spencer library welcomes author Kotz

Spencer Public Library announced an upcoming event featuring Iowa author Ann Hanigan Kotz, from Adel. The event is scheduled for Monday, March 25, at 1 p.m. and is open to the public, free of charge.

Spencer schools looking for ways to improve attendance

School attendance rates in Spencer still haven’t recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic and may actually be getting worse.

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