As winter approaches, the City of Spencer has taken steps to ensure residents' sidewalks are cleared of snow and ice. During the Monday, Nov. 18, City Council meeting, Planning Director Adam Severson announced that the city had selected a contractor to handle snow removal when property owners fail to shovel their sidewalks.

ESTHERVILLE — Iowa Lakes Community College is hosting an open house for its Center of Excellence for Veteran Student Success on Friday, Nov. 22, from 9-11 a.m.

Community members, veterans and their families are warmly invited to attend, tour the Center, meet the Veterans Center staff, and explore the resources available to support veterans transitioning to civilian life.

ESTHERVLLE — The Iowa Lakes Community College board of trustees convened for their regular meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 19, spotlighting the impactful changes and continued growth within the culinary and hospitality management program.

A traffic stop conducted by a Clay County Sheriff's deputy landed two adult males in the county jail on drug charges, and another adult male was booked and released on alcohol and tobacco violations, according to a news release from the Clay County Sheriff’s Office.

The Spencer City Council, on Monday, Nov. 18, approved a contract with retired Clive Fire Chief Rick Roe to review the city's disaster response plan and make recommendations for improvement.

The Spencer Chamber Ambassadors kicked off a three-stop week at Avera Home Medical Equipment on Monday, Nov. 18; and visited Grace United Methodist Church Weighted Works With Love quilters on Wednesday. (Photos submitted)

Police say a Spirit Lake man took his own life on Tuesday, Nov. 19, after leading Clay County Sheriff’s deputies on a car chase through Spencer.

According to a news release from Clay County Sheriff Chris Raveling, the incident began at approximately 4:10 p.m., near the intersection of 11th Street SW and 11th Avenue SW in Spencer. A Clay County deputy initiated a traffic stop on a 1998 Chevrolet pickup that had been reported stolen.

“The event was a great success,” said Megan Hanges, organizer of the event from Foundation Church, in Spencer. “… We were thrilled to serve over 1,200 families. …”

Through a partnership between Foundation Church and Convoy of Hope outreach, those directly impacted by the mid-June flood were invited to the drive-thru food distribution effort. The event was conducted in the Clay County Fair parking lot near the Clay County Regional Events Center from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday.

Cara Rutter, author of “My Side of the Mat,” detailing her year’s as a wrestling parent to her son, Cole, will be at Arts on Grand, from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, for a book signing. From early days of club wrestling to the intensity of high school competition, a wrestling fan or not, readers will be moved by this inspiring tale of a parent's unwavering support for their child's dreams. Cole is now one of three wrestlers at Northwestern College, in Orange City. (Cover submitted)

The Spencer City Council took a look at what it could take to elevate interim city manager Kevin Robinson to the full-time job during a Tuesday, Nov. 12, Committee of the Whole meeting.

DES MOINES – The Iowa Department of Education on Monday announced nine teachers, representing all education regions of the state, as the first-ever Iowa Regional Teachers of the Year. Among the nine, Melanie Bloom, a Sioux Central educator.

Many The Many Voices Choir, the premier community chorale in northwest Iowa, is announcing their series of Christmas concerts entitled “The Work of Christmas.” Under the direction of Timothy Schumacher, this year’s concerts will voice a wide range of styles from traditional to vocal jazz.

The concert series will include performances on the following dates at these venues:

• Sunday, Dec. 1, at 3:30 p.m., St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Bancroft.

Multiple Spencer Fire and Rescue vehicles arrived at 118 21st St. in Spencer just before 4 p.m. on Sunday, along with a pair of Spencer Police units.

Although the fire was not visible from the outside, a call complaining of flames showing from an oven fire.

Smoke filled common area, hallway and apartment, but there was no fire upon arrival. Burnt food was found in the oven and ventilation was performed by Spencer firefighters and the scene was cleared.

The shotguns were singing in the field just north of Bill Muller’s farmhouse on Nov. 16 as a motley crew of veterans and first responders warmed up for a day in the field chasing pheasants.

The Spencer Messiah Board will host this year's Festival of Lessons and Carols on Sunday, Dec. 8, at 3 p.m at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Spencer. The Festival of Lessons and Carols is presented by the board for the benefit of the community by area singers.