Clay County Heritage’s Lunch & Learn program will be starting up again next week, with programs on July 27, Aug. 31 and Sept. 28 at noon. Up to 25 people may attend each session by calling the Heritage Center at 712-262-3304 to reserve a spot.

Working with the First Responders Foundation, area emergency service agencies will host a free Resiliency Training for regional first responders from 8-10 a.m. on Aug. 23 and 25 at Grace United Methodist Church in Spencer. This two-hour Resiliency Training enables participants to learn how to expend, recover, heal and replenish resiliency to maintain healthier lives and careers.

A talking plant, a one handed juggler and frisbee dogs are just a few examples of the more than $180,000 in entertainment that will be offered free to fairgoers during the 2022 Clay County Fair powered by SMU, Sept. 10-18.

“One of the fair’s best traditions is giving you free entertainment around every corner,” fair manager Jeremy Parsons said. “We’re excited this year to present a great combination of fair favorites and brand-new acts.”

Iowa has ranked third in the country for the most caring states, according to a study from free online resource outlet for older Americans, Aging in Place. Combined with its overall care ranking, seven out of 10, Iowa performed above average compared to the other 50 states.

Fishing for catfish is a fun summer tradition for many Iowa families. Invite someone new to come along this year to share the fun and memories.

“Catfish will bite most of the time, no matter what the water temperature,” explained Daniel Vogeler, Iowa Department of Natural Resources fisheries technician. “They are biting in most lakes, ponds, rivers and streams across Iowa.”

DES MOINES — If you’ve ever been out hiking and noticed a tiny volcano made of mud, you’ve seen the home of a mudbug! Actually, mudbug is just another name for crayfish ... just like crawdad or crawfish! We have eight species of crayfish in Iowa, but in this article we’re going to talk about three species that commonly dig burrows.

ESTHERVILLE — After eight years of volunteering as the Northwest Iowa RSVP Red Cross Blood Drive coordinator in Estherville, Joan Nims is ready to hand over the reins to another volunteer this year, preferably to be trained before the next blood drive on Aug. 16. RSVP is partnering with the American Red Cross to find the right volunteer to fill her shoes.

UPCOMING SHAYLA BEE FUNDRAISING EVENTS

These organizations have all been supporting Shayla Bee families for years now. These events and their customers and supporters are what make the Shayla Bee Fund possible. Shayla Bee has been able to serve 15 new kids/families so far in 2022, bring the total number of families to 227.

SATURDAY, AUG. 13

Spencer Hy-Noon Kiwanis President Andrew Hasley and sponsors Karen Buchholz and John Rahn recently welcomed newly inducted members Christie Cuttell and Michael Schauer to the club. (Photo submitted)

Lukan joins Black Hills Energy as government affairs manager

The Spencer Chamber Ambassadors made a trip to West Okoboji on July 19 to participate in the official ribbon cutting at West O Beer. The site also hosted Business After Five feature where the ribbon was cut for the establishment’s new Brick Oven Pizza, which is made in house fresh each day. (Photo submitted)

WASHINGTON — Unlike many young men his age, Spencer native Jagaar Halverson has not spent his summer boating at Lakes, hitting the local night club scene or picking up a temporary job. Instead, the Spencer High School alumnus is spending his summer months in Washington, D.C., serving as an intern to U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra, Iowa 4th Congressional District representative from Hull.

Recreation Director Jared Elbert shared he will soon be leaving his position in the near future after three years of service. Though there is no departure date yet, Elbert will be leaving for Kansas City due to his wife’s new job and their joint desire to be closer to family.

Spencer Community School District is participating in the Summer Food Service Program. Meals are provided to all children on a first-come, first-serve basis, July 25 through Aug. 12. Hot Grab N Go or dine-in will occur at Johnson School, 724 W. Ninth St., Door 2, from 8-9 a.m. for breakfast, and 11 a.m. 12:30 p.m. for lunch. Pick-up Cook at Home Grab N Go breakfast and lunch meals are also available from 8-9 a.m. at Lincoln School, 615 Fourth Ave.

Monday night was City Clerk Theresa Reardon’s last Spencer City Council meeting as a member of city staff, as she will be retiring at the end of July after 40 years of working for the city. Prior to the meeting, a reception was held in Reardon’s honor to congratulate her on her retirement.