The nearly complete Spencer to Fostoria extension of the Clay County recreational trail system will be a vital piece of a long-planned 210-mile, five-county trail project, a longtime advocate said last week.

The Iowa Tourism Office released new data showing tourism-related expenditures in the state reached $7.3 billion in 2023, a 5.1% increase over 2022. Travel-generated expenditures in Clay County totaled $40.5 million, an increase of 1.2% over 2022.

Miguel Castillo Jr., 32, of Peterson, was arrested on Wednesday, Oct. 30, at approximately 3:24 p.m., for being a two-time sex offender violation, second or subsequent, a Class D felony.

Castillo was taken into custody by the Clay County Sheriff’s Office on an active Clay County warrant. Bond was set at no bond.

• Justin Allen Wunder, 24, of Storm Lake, was held on a judgment entry at 11:52 a.m., Oct. 9.
• Alexander Robert Cody, 31, of Spencer, was charged on an arrest warrant at 11:53 p.m., Oct. 11.
• Beverly Ann Quail, 57, of Spencer, was charged with fourth-degree theft — $350 to $750 at 3:39 p.m., Oct.

Representatives from the Spencer Community School District greeted Smithfield Foods employees as they delivered nearly $5,000 worth of school supplies and donations to the Spencer Administration office.

The Spencer Ambassadors helped cut the ribbon at JCPenney for its post-flood grand reopening on Friday, Nov. 1. The store underwent four months of cleanup and construction, and three weeks of restocking. Manager Megan Roth and her 36-member team opened the store Friday after the work. (Photo submitted)

In an effort to heal some of the unseen wounds left in the wake of the June 22 flood that ravaged the city of Spencer, local officials and experts from the Iowa Flood Center gathered on Tuesday, Oct. 29, to provide the community with a transparent account of the events and to outline plans to better prepare for future disasters.

• Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Register to vote at the polls by proof of identity (which everyone needs) and proof of residence.
• Deadline to get absentee ballot back in by 8 p.m. election day.

CANDIDATE LIST

U.S. President/Vice President

“Oliver!” will open a six-show run Spencer Community Theatre Friday night, Nov. 1-3 and 7-9. A large cast of 48 actors will be bringing to life the story of Oliver Twist (portrayed by Mason Buren), the London orphan who escapes from the workhouse and finds refuge with a gang of young pickpockets and thieves.

Officials with Clay Soil & Water Conservation District congratulate Meghan Van Drunen for being selected as fourth to sixth grade regional winner of the “2024 Conservation Districts of Iowa Poster Contest” in Region 2, which includes 13 northwest Iowa counties. The theme for the 2024 contest was “May the Forest Be With You Always.”

The Clay County Board of Supervisors is in a bit of a pickle following the Tuesday, Oct. 29, resignation of long-time county employee Tammy McKeever.

As the holiday season approaches, Spencer Public Library announced a special event designed to help patrons enjoy holiday meals while maintaining healthy eating habits. This engaging program will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 12, at 3 p.m., and is free to the public.

SPENCER — Iowa Lakes Community College recently welcomed state legislators to the Spencer Municipal Airport to showcase the expansion of the college’s Aviation Program and highlight other key areas of growth for Iowa Lakes.

The Family Crisis Centers organization is seeking $10,000 from Clay County taxpayers to help support its efforts to help crime victims and those in need of behavioral healthcare.

The Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation is excited to announce the nomination period for the 14th annual Business Recognition Luncheon to be held in January. This ceremony thanks the businesses and individuals for stimulating the region through job creation, investment and fostering quality of life throughout Corridor communities.