The Spencer Public Library’s Summer Reading Program officially kicked off Thursday. Families stopped by the library throughout the afternoon to sign up for the program, eat some popcorn snacks and join the library’s art project. (Photos by Celia Brocker)

John Thomas Rydell, of Clay County, was sentenced to two years of probation on June 5 on a charge of burglary in the third degree.

The annual Soiree fundraiser for the Clay County Heritage Center took place Thursday evening. For the first time, the fundraiser tried out a theme of red, white and blue, with attendees, decorations and meals dressed to match the new theme. (Photos by Celia Brocker)

Clay County’s annual Relay for Life event returned to Spencer on Saturday. Cancer survivors, their caretakers and supporters turned up to the Clay County Fairgrounds to help raise funds and awareness for cancer. Attendees living with cancer were celebrated with the traditional Survivor’s Lap around the premises, and their caretakers received recognition as they joined in. Those who had passed away from the disease were honored with the Garden of Life and Luminary Ceremony.

The Spencer Municipal Band, under the baton of Tom Rutt, will be opening the summer music series as part of Spencer’s festivities for Flagfest on Sunday at 2 p.m., at the bandshell in East Leach Park. The band is made up of area musicians and is supported by the city of Spencer and the Spencer Community Schools.

“We are so glad to be a part of Spencer’s Flagfest this year,” co-director Katie Bush said.

On June 2, shortly before midnight, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office arrested 44-year-old Jacob Longman, of Estherville, and Judy Laue, 65, of Graettinger, on multiple charges following a traffic stop in the 3300 mile of 240th Avenue.

The first event of Spencer Main Street’s First Fridays series took place Friday. Spencer residents filled the outside patio of King’s Steakhouse and Bar to eat snacks and hear musical entertainment from Dave Rowley and Ryan Sather. (Photos by Celia Brocker)

The second annual Farm to Fork Fundraiser was held by the Clay County Fair Saturday. Attendees enjoyed a meal with all locally sourced ingredients and were able to hear from the producers themselves. Musical entertainment from Ryan Father was provided, along with live and silent auctions and a 50/50 raffle to fundraise. (Photos by Celia Brocker)

A going away celebration was held for the Brown family last Saturday. Kevin and Tara Brown — along with their sons Oscar and Phillip. The family celebrated their plans to temporarily relocate to Tanzania to continue their work with the Siouxland Tanzania Educational Medical Ministries. They were scheduled to depart on Monday and will be gone for several months. (Photos by Celia Brocker)

An aerobatic competition will be held at Leading Edge Aviation in Spencer this week. Courtesy of the International Aerobatic Club, pilots will be participating in the Midwest Attitude Adjustment Contest at noon on June 9-10, with a rain day on June 11.

Though the contest usually takes place closer to the fall, Contest Director Nate Ruedy reported the IAC bumped it up for a few weeks this year.

Things seem to always be moving at Jones Dairy.

BOOKED INTO CLAY COUNTY JAIL

PETERSON — While running stationary radar operation, the Clay County Sheriff's Office attempted to stop a 2008 Chevrolet Impala, driven by Wesley Euchner, 28, of Holstein, in the 4800 mile of 125th Avenue near Peterson, who was allegedly driving 69 mph in a 55 mph zone on May 28. The vehicle continued to speed up, reportedly hitting speeds of more than 110 mph. Clay County deputies lost sight of the vehicle when it entered Peterson at an unsafe speed and ended the pursuit.

The local nonprofit organization Old Iron Company makes an annual donation to different local organizations and nonprofits. This year, the nonprofit has awarded $3,300 to a variety of places.

The 2022-23 school year officially wrapped up Wednesday as students and faculty enjoyed the last day of school. Yearbooks were signed, lockers were cleaned out and the beginning of summer was celebrated. Staff of Spencer Community Schools received special recognition for their service in an afternoon ceremony. Employees who had been working in the district for several years were awarded, along with the 14 staff members retiring this year. (Photos by Celia Brocker)