In 2009, Michelle Cowan, a wife and mother, was living a life she always dreamed of — with her husband Joe and daughter AJ. Michelle worked as a nurse case manager and Joe as an accountant for the state of Nebraska. Life was at a good point. Her life would change in an instant.

A Fort Dodge man is facing theft charges in Spencer after police say witnesses reported seeing him steal three jackets and two knives from a local retailer.

This week we report on yet another wonderful citizen in our community who is dedicated not only to her family, neighbors and the local community ― but to the betterment of all people in our area and the world. This giving of her time has provided motivation, even through tough times, to positively impact our community.

The Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation announced Kyle Norris and Scott Siepker as keynote speakers for the 14th Annual Business Recognition Luncheon to be held Wednesday, Jan. 29, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

The Iowa High School Athletic Directors Association has named Spencer Community School District Superintendent Terry Hemann as its 2025 Administrator of the Year.

A committee of Iowa athletic directors selected Hemann for the award. He was honored at a home wrestling event on Tuesday, Jan. 7.

The Clay County Long Term Recovery Group will host World Renew, Disaster Response Services in Spencer to assess flood affected families and individuals. Assessment centers will be open for Walk-Ins will Feb. 10-14 and Feb. 17-21.

World Renew is bringing a team of volunteers to meet with Clay County’s flood affected population individually to assess unmet needs. There will be walk-in assessment centers located at the Spencer Public Library and another undetermined location.

Nominations for the Spencer Reporter's “Citizen of the Year” are currently being accepted via mail or email for 2024. They are due by Feb. 14.

Spencer Parks Board member Mark Lawson stands with Gary Hogan of Black Hills Energy, Spencer Parks Director Bob Fullhart, Pete Hamell of Black Hills Energy, Spencer City Clerk Mary Beth Breidinger and Heath Richter of Black Hills Energy. Thanks to a $25,000 donation from Black Hill Energy, the Parks Department was able to quickly repair the city recreational trail section in West Leach Park that was severely damaged by the June 22, 2024, flood. Company representatives were in Spencer on Jan.

Arts on Grand is hosting an all school exhibition the month of January. An open house is scheduled from 1-3 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 18. An acoustic set will accompany the event which is come and go.

Abben Cancer Center of Spencer Hospital announced the expansion of its oncology services with the introduction of an outreach clinic at Pocahontas Community Hospital in Pocahontas.

Beginning Feb. 28, Dr. Luis Cuervo, a medical oncologist from Abben Cancer Center in Spencer, will see patients at PCH twice a month, offering consultations, follow-up appointments and select nonchemotherapy treatments.

Caleb Brewer, 38, of Spencer, was stopped on Jan. 10, in the 1900 mile of 360th Street, by a Clay County deputy who initiated a traffic stop with having prior knowledge that Brewer had a suspended drivers license. The deputy observed Brewer drive past him. Upon making contact with Brewer, he was placed under arrest, at 8:18 a.m., and was found to be in possession of a marijuana vape pen.

Spencer Rotary President Joe Weber welcomed Dr. Angie Hanson (above) as the newest member of the Spencer Rotary Club. She is the associate superintendent of school improvement. Also, Steve Pick (below) was named as our 2023 Marvin Kruse Award. He was congratulated by Weber. It goes to a Rotarian who goes above and beyond. Pick has been instrumental in making the annual book sale a success year in and year out. (Photos submitted)

The Clay County Board of Supervisors honored Lee Schoenewe, a longtime champion of environmental conservation in the county, during their Jan. 7 meeting.

After 29 years of dedicated service on the Clay County Conservation Board, Schoenewe, who has decided to step away from the role, was recognized for his unwavering commitment to preserving the natural resources and wildlife habitats that make Clay County a unique place to live.

The Spencer Hospital Birth Center kicked off the new year with a flurry of activity, welcoming six baby boys by Saturday, Jan. 4.

The first arrival made his debut by 5 p.m. on New Year’s Day, followed by two more on Jan. 2, another two on Jan. 3 and another on Jan. 4.

Each of the boys was healthy, with weights ranging from 8 to 9 pounds, including the largest at 9 pounds, 12 ounces. The first baby girl of the year joined the celebration just two days later, on Jan. 6.

The Spencer City Council faces a complex set of financial challenges as the municipal budgeting season ramps.