Dave Petrick, photography instructor at Iowa Lakes Community College, won the Top 10 Award from the Professional Photographers of Iowa convention held in Des Moines in February 2023.

The top 10 scores in two categories, master photographer and non-master photographer, earn the Top 10 Award. Petrick competed in the non-master category with four submissions for the competition.

“I enter professional competitions to challenge myself to be a better photographer,” Petrick said.

STORM LAKE — Buena Vista University congratulates more than 140 students who graduated in the fall of 2022.

Jason Jacobs, of Spencer, has joined Thrivent as a financial advisor working with Brad Bernardy, a financial associate with the organization. Thrivent is a Fortune 500 diversified financial services organization that offers advice, investments, insurance, banking and generosity programs and solutions to clients nationwide. Jacobs comes to Thrivent ready and eager to support clients in every stage of their financial journey.

Tuesday, the Spencer Chamber Ambassadors checked in with sisters Abby Rutledge and Lisa Raper at Drivensole Boutique. Since opening the store in June, Drivensole has become one of the first boutiques to join the Chamber Gift Card Program offering a unique options for youth and women's apparel, accessories and gifts. This month if you share a photo shopping at the store to the Chamber Facebook page and tag Drivensole, you will be entered to win a free Chamber Gift Card. (Photo submitted)

An adult prom for disabled individuals was held Friday at St. Luke Lutheran Home. The prom was organized by the Faith Outreach Prom Committee and was hosted by Trinity Lutheran Church. Over 60 participants arrived at St. Luke Friday night, delighted to find the nursing home decorated to resemble a winter wonderland. Prom attendees enjoyed meeting up with friends and showing off their moves on the dance floor. (Photos by Celia Brocker)

USDA State Executive Director Matt Russell and Karen Rawson, the administrative officer in the Iowa FSA state office, are providing training to county committee members around the state. There are eight districts in Iowa — 12-13 counties per district — and a training is being hosted in each district. District 1 training was held in Spencer on Feb. 6, with Gary Yoch, the District 1 director.

Members of Girl Scout Troop No. 1175 held a special fundraiser out at East Leach Park Saturday, with all proceeds going toward businesses affected by the Grand Avenue fire in January. The girls, along with some volunteer parents, assembled a meal of spaghetti, side dishes and a few desert options. The Girl Scouts were all smiles as they served up meals and accepted donations. (Photos by Celia Brocker)

The Spencer Library Board is considering implementing a new planning process to determine future services the library could provide. Joined by Bonnie McKewon, library services consultant of the State Library of Iowa, the board discussed using a planning process during its meeting on Thursday.

Spencer’s Finance Committee dedicated two meetings Thursday and Friday to review the city’s proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year. However, the city is still waiting to hear from the state about changes which will affect the budget.

The Spencer Rotary Club and the Hy-Noon Kiwanis were joined by a special guest during a joint meeting on Monday. U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra of Iowa’s 4th Congressional District stopped by to chat with club members about hot topics he is handling in Washington, D.C.

As he kicked off the meetings discussion, Feenstra wanted to remind those present of America’s status compared to other countries. The congressman insisted Americans should appreciate and never forget their privileges.

Thursday, four employees of the Clay County Sheriff’s Office were awarded for their service during a hazardous blizzard this winter. Deputy Zach Larsen, Sgt. Joe Schueller, Deputy Brian Mehan and Civil Deputy Ryan Lefuer received accommodation awards for assisting county residents during the snowstorm on Dec. 23.

In conjunction with the Valentine’s Day holiday, Main Street held its annual Chocolate Walk in downtown Spencer Saturday. Shoppers strolled up and down Grand Avenue, sampling a variety of sweet treats as they browsed. (Photos by Celia Brocker)

A regional venue which has hosted many wedding ceremonies for decades as both a church, and more recently an event hall, will host a bridal expo on Saturday from noon to 3 p.m. The event, free for attendees, will feature 14 vendors representing dress styles as well as DJ, photography, floral, travel, rental and jewelry services. A bakery and a wine slushy vendor will also be part of the day.

DES MOINES — Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig encourages eligible Iowa farm owners to apply for the 2023 Century and Heritage Farm Program now through June 1.

The program was created by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation to recognize families who have owned their farms for 100 years and 150 years, respectively.

Celebrating the holiday of love and friendship a little early, Occasions held a Valentine's dance Wednesday. Clients of Hope Haven and students from Spencer High School Special Ed took to the dance floor, eagerly showing off their moves and singing along to their favorite songs. (Photos by Celia Brocker)