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

“We are writing to share an exciting update regarding the future of our school districts’ athletic programs,” shared Terry Hemann, superintendent of the Spencer School District.
The information was sent out to families and staff.
Starting in the 2026-27 school year, the school districts of Spencer, Cherokee, Estherville Lincoln Central, and Storm Lake will join the Siouxland Conference.

Clay County Sheriff’s Deputy Joe Schueller will fill the shoes as chief deputy after Zach Larsen retired from the position effective Jan. 2. Larsen took the end of 2024 off with remaining vacation time.

“Zach will truly be missed as he cared about the citizens in our communities and gave 110% every day,” said Chris Raveling, Clay County sheriff.

He added, “We wish him the best as he opens a new chapter in his life.”

The Spencer Family YMCA will host a Movie Night with a showing of “Wild Robot” at 6 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 11, at the facility location on the corner of 11th Street West and West 11th Avenue. Charge is $5 and includes popcorn, water and candy.

A Spencer resident arrested last summer for threatening a pair of local police officers by swinging a sword has been ordered to seek mental health treatment and complete probation.

A Spencer man has been arraigned on three felony sex abuse charges in Clay County court.

Nathen Michael Kuster, 42, was arrested early in December 2024 after investigators filed three criminal complaints accusing him of separate incidents of sexually abusing a child under the age of 14. A trial Information document filed Dec. 9, 2024, describes the three charges against Kuster as sexual abuse in the second degree, a Class B felony carrying a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison.

ARNOLDS PARK ― The Iowa Rock 'n Roll Music Association recently added new members to represent specific regions in the state to their board of directors including Ric Jenson, SW Region; Becky Brockmann, NW Region; Kirk Webb, SW Region; and Ted Poulsen, Central Region, all became directors in December of 2024.

The Spencer Chamber of Commerce announced dates for the 2025 Eggs & Issues Legislative Forums. These forums, in the Spencer City Hall Council Chambers, run from 9-10:30 a.m. on Saturdays, Jan. 25, Feb. 15 and March 29, offer residents of northwest Iowa the opportunity to connect with local legislators in a Q&A format.

WASHINGTON — Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, was sworn in as president pro tempore of the Senate, Friday. The president pro tempore is a constitutional office customarily bestowed on the longest serving member of the Senate majority party. As president pro tempore, Grassley is now the second highest-ranking official in the Senate — behind the vice president, who serves as president of the Senate — and follows the vice president and speaker of the House in the line of presidential succession.