It was a long time coming but 2021 was the year that the hog industry was sorely in need of. It had been a while since those owning hogs had something to celebrate at the end of a year. There were some phenomenal profits at points during the year for hog producers that they sorely needed in order to heal up from previous losses. The period of extended losses for hog producers produced some severe financial stress which strained the ability of producers to remain viable in the industry.

The traditional idea of a young adult going off to residential college to explore academics and choose a career isn't always appropriate for current circumstances.
Instead, high school students should explore potential careers to make an informed choice about the post-high school education or training that is most fitting for their goals.
Focusing on potential careers before specific college choices provides several benefits.

Joan Klingsheim, 89, of Kalispell, Montana, passed away Jan. 8, 2022. Born Sept. 19, 1932, in Spencer to Donald Mincer and Mary Barbara Barnett, Joan enjoyed a long life of adventure living in many spectacular locations across the United States, including Iowa, Minnesota, California, Colorado, Idaho and Montana, and in France.

Firefighters from three area departments hurried to a grass fire around 2 p.m. Tuesday at a rural address east of Fostoria.
Fostoria Fire Chief Kim Kroger said a controlled burn in the 2700 block of 270th Street got out of control that afternoon. He said the day's wind was likely the largest factor in helping spread the fire.
"With dry and windy conditions, take extra care if you're going to do a controlled burn," Kroger said.

**Tigges sets 2 marks at Waterloo
WATERLOO ― A first place finish to start the day by Reid Tigges, Griffin Kasperbauer, Sawyer Sand and Parker Van Otterloo in the 200-yard medley relay helped propel Spencer to a third place finish at the Waterloo Invitational behind Decorah and Vinton-Shellsburg-Center Point-Urbana. Tigges would also end the day with a pair of meet records.

In the months of November and December, the staff at Don Pierson Ford collected nonperishable food items and donated $50 for every vehicle sold during the two months to Upper Des Moines Opportunity in Clay County. Last week, Don Pierson Sales Manager Jordan Rasmussen presented Dawn Dahm, from UDMO, with a check in the amount of $3,060, along with all of the items.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has turned on the winter aeration systems at Center Lake and Silver Lake in Dickinson County, and Ingham Lake in Emmet County.

Spencer High School seniors Drew Hough, Evan Johnson and Michael Jordan (above) were recognized by the Iowa Football Coaches Association 2021 Academic All-State squad.

The Spencer Chamber Ambassadors started the new year off with a visit to Winther, Stave & Co. LLP on Tuesday to welcome three new partners to the firm. Jennifer Maki, CPA, Rodney Meendering, CPA, and David Schmidt, CPA, were all named partners, effective Jan. 1. All three have been a part of the team at the firm for years, with Maki joining the firm in 2007, Schmidt in 1996, and Meendering in 1993.

Graveside funeral services for Sheryl Smock, 74, of Spencer, will be conducted 10:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 7, 2022, at Riverside Cemetery in Spencer. Smock passed away Monday, Jan. 3, 2022, at Spencer Hospital. A time of lunch and fellowship will be conducted at the Royal Community Center in Royal at 11 a.m. Friday.

A celebration of life for Anita Kay Plucker, 1950-2022, will be conducted at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 8, 2022, at First Lutheran Church in Milford. Rev. Brian Jack will officiate the service. Visitation will be from 4-6 p.m., Friday, at the church.
Anita Baedke-Plucker, nicknamed Katie, was born and raised in Terril.

**29th annual Legislative Forums open to public
The Legislative Committee of the Spencer Chamber of Commerce announced the 2022 Eggs & Issues Legislative Forums will be hosted on Saturdays, Jan. 22, Feb. 19 and March 19. Eggs & Issues are held in council chambers at Spencer City Hall. Doors will open to the public at 8:30 a.m. with the live session running from 9-10:30 a.m.

Eligible Clay County nonprofit organizations are reminded that the deadline for grant applications for the 2022 Clay County Community Foundation's granting cycle is fast approaching. The last date for submitting applications is Jan. 15. Grants may be awarded in the following areas: economic development/job creation; cultural, recreational, social and educational activities; parks and outdoor recreational facilities; and health and human services.

DES MOINES ― State conservation officers have charged three men with multiple hunting violations in Des Moines County from two separate investigations for illegal activity that allegedly occurred this fall.

Important news for walleye anglers fishing the Iowa Great Lakes. Starting Jan. 1, the protective walleye slot limit will change to 19 to 25 inches at Big Spirit Lake, East and West Okoboji Lakes, Upper Gar Lake, Minnewashta Lake, Lower Gar Lake and Storm Lake; no more than one walleye longer than 25 inches can be taken per day.