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.

On Jan. 2, the Western Iowa State coordinator of the Quilts of Valor Foundation, Ann Crawford, was in Spencer to award a Quilt of Valor to Kirk Andersen, of Spencer.

Anderson served in the Army in the late 1960s and early 1970s. He was nominated by someone in Spencer. A quilt was especially for this award was made and presented by Neila Rohan, of Everly.

Snapchat threats directed at Okoboji High School drew the attention of the FBI and local authorities Monday night, but school officials in Milford were able to proceed with an otherwise typical school day on Tuesday.

The FBI initially contacted the Clay County Sheriff’s Office on Monday regarding “some concerning messages sent via Snapchat” from the teenager.

Many Voices Choir, the community chorale of northwest Iowa, is now welcoming local vocalists for their upcoming spring season. This season’s repertoire will feature a variety of show tunes, jazz and traditional pieces.

The Clay County Long Term Recovery Group announced the creation of their organization’s new logo. Jason Vulk, art director at F8 Creative in Spencer, designed the logo with style in mind. He “wanted to incorporate the large C with the a represented in a simple form for ease of use while still symbolizing our county's structure.” The Clay County Long Term Recovery Group is committed to “empower Clay County residents to rebuild, restore and strengthen resiliency for a brighter future.”

Applications open for health care scholarship and loan programs

• SUPERIOR, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin-Superior has named Tim Soper, of Spirit Lake, to the dean’s list for academic achievement during the fall 2024 semester. To be named to the dean’s list, students must have completed 12 degree-seeking semester credits and achieved at least a 3.50 GPA (on a 4.0 scale).
• STORM LAKE — Buena Vista University congratulates more than 560 students who were named to the fall 2024 dean's list.

Loan repayment for rural veterinarians