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, area families will be gifted with items to help make this Christmas season a little bit brighter.

A special Christmas concert will be held by Grace United Methodist Church this weekend, starring accomplished pianist and organist from Spirit Lake Glenn Henriksen. Joined by vocalist Sara Taylor, Henriksen will be playing at the church Saturday at 2 p.m.

“It is an organ and piano concert being given by the Grace United Methodist Church, and it is our gift to the community for Christmas,” associate lay leader John Rahn said.

In the spirit of the holiday season, a generous donation was dropped off at Grand Avenue Community Outreach Tuesday. Lakeview resident Ken Barney delivered several boxes of wooden toys he’d made to give children some holiday cheer.

“I just want to put a smile on a kid’s face,” Barney said. “I couldn’t believe some kids don’t get toys; it’s hard to believe that. But some kids don’t get toys, and it’s not right.”

The Grand Avenue Community Kitchen volunteers will host a Christmas dinner on Thursday, Dec. 22, from 5-6:30 p.m. Attendees are asked to use the dining room east entrance at 605 Grand Ave. to enjoy the food, fellowship, live music and festivities during this special holiday observance. (File photo)

WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, has been named Legislator of the Year by the Wounded Warrior Project. Ernst, a veteran of the global war on terrorism and a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, was awarded the distinguished honor for her successful efforts to spearhead bipartisan legislation to bring a Global War on Terrorism Memorial to the National Mall.

Repair to the Clay County Courthouse building was discussed by the Clay County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday. The board was joined by two representatives of Samuels Group, who requested the board permit a facilities assessment to allow the company to come up with a proper cost estimate for the necessary repairs.

Students, and their teachers, were treated to a holiday dinner by their parents at Spencer Sacred Heart School Wednesday. Dressed up in their nice clothes, the students of Sacred Heart were happy to get a taste of a Christmas meal with their family ahead of the holiday. The event was delayed on two occasions by inclement weather. (Photos by Celia Brocker)

The Spencer Rotary December Spencer High School Student of the month is Jayna Graettinger. The senior plans to attend the University of Northern Iowa to pursues a career in physical therapy. Rotary member Mike Koenecke presented her with the award. (Photo submitted)

ANKENY — Des Moines Area Community College's Ankeny campus graduate Michael Schany (above, on right), of Spencer, received congratulations from President Rob Denson at the Ankeny campus fall graduation reception. Schany graduated from DMACC’s criminal justice program. A total of 60 students walked across the stage to receive their diploma. (Photo submitted)

Spencer Messiah on SMU

Spencer Municipal Utilities will be showing this year's presentation of "Selections from Handel's Messiah" on the following dates on SMU Channel 3: Thursday, Dec. 22, at 8 p.m.; Friday, Dec. 23, at 6 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 24, at noon; Sunday, Dec. 25, at 5 p.m.; and Monday, Dec. 26, at 3 p.m.

Sacred Heart Catholic Church 24th Annual Christmas Day Dinner

Farmers Bank announces Rita Hoffman, vice president mortgage lender will retire on Dec. 30, after 24-plus years with Farmers Bank. Hoffman pursued a banking career in 1975, after studying accounting at an area community college. She worked in several departments before becoming a mortgage loan officer. In 1998, Hoffman joined the Farmers Bank team.

For their last visit of 2022, the Spencer Chamber Ambassadors welcomed new Spencer City Department Heads at City Hall Council Chambers. Planning Director Adam Severson and Parks & Recreation Director Bob Fullhart each spoke about their positions and the dedicated team members working to make Spencer the best it can be. (Photo submitted)

Last Thursday into Friday’s first major snow event dropped eight inches on parts of Spencer, creating difficult travel conditions until city and county removal teams could hit the streets and clear the path. Friday morning, digging out began for area residents. After a brief respite, Tuesday the area is projected to face an ice and snow event with less of the white stuff but possibly icy conditions. (Photos by Celia Brocker)

There was a full house at the American Legion Post 1 of Spencer Saturday as veterans and their families turned out for a meal of appreciation. Honorable discharged veterans, their spouses and active duty service men and women enjoyed the annual meal from the legion and the Clay County VFW Post 3159. (Photos by Celia Brocker)

After an investigation stemming from a traffic stop in the 3700 mile of 340th Avenue, the Clay County Sheriff's Office arrested Tyson Kruse, 22, of Emmetsburg, charging him with OWI, first offense, a serious misdemeanor.

The stop occurred at 2:14 a.m., Sunday on Clay County Road N-18.

Kruse was also found with a loaded firearm within his immediate possession and charged with carrying a dangerous weapon while under the influence, a serious misdemeanor.