The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is accepting comments on proposed changes to walleye length limits on Lake Rathbun, through Sept. 29.

The DNR is proposing a 15-inch minimum length limit on all walleye captured from Rathbun Lake. These changes will start Jan. 1. All walleyes measuring less than 15 inches must be immediately released. Anglers can keep five walleyes per day. This regulation will not apply to the Chariton River below Rathbun Dam.

If you’ve been lucky you may have had the surprising pleasure of happening upon a Common Green Darner (Anax junius) swarm in the late summer and early fall. Maybe you’ve been hiking through the prairie or even just sitting in your yard when suddenly, everywhere you look, there are dragonflies, skimming along the tops of the grasses.

Due to an error, the Friday edition of the Spencer Reporter has yet to be delivered to the Sioux Rapids Post Office. The staff of the Spencer Reporter is working to rectify the situation. Your patience is appreciated. We will update this location when we have news to share. We are sorry for the inconvenience.

Jodi Frederick and Lawrence Frederick bring themselves; and a collection of well trained, skilled and talented dogs from their home in St. Augustine, Florida, to the Clay County Fair. The duo have been performing for 34 years all over the world, utilizing rescued dogs in their Disc-Connected K9's act.

The Depot building at the Clay County Fair has been home to a new exhibit this year — a handcrafted farm display consisting of 1/25 scale buildings made from scratch, tractors and machinery, made by Jim and Jerry DeKam. Retired carpenters from Ruthven, the DeKam brothers have been working on their farm model for over four decades.

DES MOINES — Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate is encouraging Iowans to ensure they are registered to vote at their current residence. September is National Voter Registration Month, and with the Nov. 8 general election approaching this is an ideal time for eligible Iowans to register for the first time or update their registration to ensure their information current. Tuesday, Sept. 20, is National Voter Registration Day.

The Spencer Community School District has announced both the theme and schedule for next week’s homecoming week. Using a Disney-inspired theme, “Once Upon a Homecoming,” the week’s activities will include Disney dress up days as well. Coronation will be conducted at 7 p.m. in the high school auditorium Wednesday, selecting the king and queen who will reign over the remainder of homecoming week.

Seasons Center for Behavioral Health is hosting a kids’ carnival on Thursday, Sept. 22, from 4:30-6:30 p.m., in Spencer. This free, family-friendly event is open to the public and families of all ages are welcome. The carnival will take place in front of Autumn’s Center located at 120 E. Fifth St.

The city of Spencer has filled the position of Parks and Recreation director, with Spencer resident Bob Fullhart, who currently works in management at Del’s Garden Center. Fullhart’s anticipated start date is Oct. 10, and Human Resources Director Jessica Wright said city staff look forward to have him join the city team.

Brant Matthews knows how to ignite a performance and light up a crowd.

Regarded as the No. 1 fire eater in the world, the Guinness World Record holder will be entertaining audiences the final three days of the Clay County Fair as he has the first six.

Continuing its mission of agriculture education, one of the Clay County Fair’s new attractions this year is the Dairy Experience, located in Cattle Barn No. 3. Along with showing cattle from their family farm, the Eggink family from Sibley has taught fairgoers about the products that come from a cow’s milk.

The 2022 winner of the Clay County Fair’s annual $1,500 cinnamon roll contest was Rachel Hoffman from Ruthven. This year was Hoffman’s second time entering the fair’s cinnamon roll contest.

David Fricke, with Rolling Stone Magazine, stated: “You cannot talk about rock in the 1970s without talking about Grand Funk Railroad.”

Originating from Flint, Michigan, in 1969, this top selling American rock group of the '70s and internationally acclaimed, Grand Funk Railroad, will join fellow rockers, Blue Oyster Cult, co-headlining for an evening of classic rock at the Clay County Fair, at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 17.

An art piece on display in the Commercial Exhibits building at the Clay County Fair is a metal military tribute statue from Marine Corps veteran and artist Scott Eickman. As someone who lives by the motto “For the blood of the fallen,” Eickman made the statue to continue honoring those who have fallen in the line of service.

Spencer’s Romanzo A Coates Questers Club recognized and honored Derek Johnson, a fifth grade student at Clay Central-Everly Elementary School, with the 4-H Preservation and Restoration Award at the Clay County Fair. The award is similar to an existing Quester’s state-level award presented during the Iowa State Fair each year.