For members — existing and prospective — of the Spencer Family YMCA, located on the corner of 11th Avenue West and West 11th Street, access to the vast majority of the facility will now be available around the clock. Registration for the new offering will begin Monday, July 7. Those interested in this member add-on must come to the YMCA and sign up at the member service desk between the hours of 8 a.m.

ROYAL — Artist Kipp Davis is collaborating with the Royal Hometown Pride Committee on a new mural highlighting the community at 308 Main St. The mural — designed to commemorate and capture important pieces of Royal’s past and present — is a visual celebration of the things which make Royal. It is considered a timely addition as Royal prepares to celebrate its Quasquicentennial, July 18–20.

OKOBOJI — The Boji Bantam Children’s Theatre production of “Stuart Little” enters its final day, featuring the adventures of the small but mighty Stuart as he sets off on a big journey in a very big world. Doors open at 10 a.m. for the 10:30 a.m.

The show features Spencer High School junior Owen McNea as Stuart.

A newly announced U.S. Department of Agriculture plan aims to curb foreign ownership of American farmland. Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds signed a letter of support for the plan on July 8, but it’s unclear how much effect it will have on the state.

The Spencer Public Library announced a $2,500 grant from the Clay County Community Foundation for a series of Stay Sharp Kits designed for all seniors, but in particular, those with cognitive decline. These kits are at the library and are ready to check out.

The Spencer City Council has unanimously approved a new, comprehensive flood response plan aimed at improving the city’s preparedness and resilience during future flooding events.

The Clay County Sheriff's Office responded to a report Wednesday night of a motorcycle accident in the 4800 mile of 330th Avenue.

At 7:25 p.m., a call regarding a motorcycle driven by 34-year-old Lucas Olsen, of Emmetsburg, had wrecked. It was reported he had lost control of the 2024 Honda CRF1000, possibly breaking his leg.

The story follows the baker and his wife who wish to have a child, Cinderella who wishes to go to the King’s Festival and Jack who wishes his cow would give some milk. When the baker and his wife are visited by the witch from next door, who reveals to them that she placed a curse on their family, the two set off on a journey “into the woods’’ to reverse the curse.

AMES — More than 11,300 Iowa State University students have been recognized for outstanding academic achievement by being named to the 2025 spring semester dean's list.

On June 25, the Northwest Iowa Agriculture Stewardship Alliance hosted their first field day at Derek Young’s farm and home in Wallingford. The event drew an attendance of 97 people including farmers, landowners, agribusiness professionals, conservation professionals and other community members.

The Spencer Chamber Ambassadors visited the Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation on Tuesday to welcome new office coordinator Jenny Dykema. Dykema is from Spirit Lake and graduated in May from Iowa State with degrees in marketing and event management. She is excited to be back in the area, and is looking forward to connecting with local businesses. (Photo submitted)

Iowa Corn fosters trade relationships in Africa

“We knew it would eventually become a reality, but things like COVID and the flood of 24 paused the progress for a bit,” Living Word Ministries Lead Pastor Barb Dean said.

She added, “We all say it was worth the wait.”

“Into The Woods,” a classic musical filled with storytelling, excitement and emotion from beginning to end, will debut on the Spencer Community Theatre Playhouse stage Thursday at 7:30 p.m. with additional showings Friday and Saturday nights, and a special afternoon show, Sunday at 2 p.m. The production is part of the summer Deegan Children’s Theatre this summer.

A Spirit Lake man is facing a felony in Clay County after police say he sped away from an attempted traffic stop in Spencer.