ROYAL — Royal, founded in 1900 will be celebrating the 125th birthday as a community July 18-20. The town’s history goes back into the 1870s, when people began arriving post Civil War to homestead the area. Many churches sprang up and began ministering to the people even before the town was established. Several of those churches were moved in to town once the community was incorporated.

Whether he was chasing pheasants with friends, coaching girls sports at Clay Central High School, or teaching others new ways to enjoy his favorite pastime, fishing, Jim McDonnell always left a mark.

A Spencer woman is facing felony theft charges after police say she stole more than $2,000 from her employer.

Historical performer Laura Keyes will present “Lucy Pettengill, Station Operator on the Underground Railroad” at the Spencer Public Library on July 24 at 7 p.m.

Nine days of free entertainment at the Northwest Bank Stage during the 2025 Clay County Fair, powered by SMU, from Sept. 6-14, features seven unique acts.

Okoboji Summer Theatre, its guest actors and students from Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri, support the next generation of performers each summer through Boji Bantam Children's Theatre.

On the afternoon of July 9, at approximately 2:59 p.m., the Clay County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call reporting a single-vehicle rollover in the 3300 mile of 310th Avenue — Clay County Road N14.

Spencer Mayor Steve Bomgaars was a guest at the recent monthly meeting of the Spencer ADA Council on July 8. He was there to lend his support to the upcoming 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act on July 26. The mayor signed a proclamation that shared with the public how the ADA affirms the principles of equality and inclusion for persons with disabilities as embodied in the ADA.

With the goal of “Celebrate the Past; Educate Our Future,” the Fur Takers of America will be holding their 57th National Convention Rendezvous) at the Clay County Fairgrounds on July 25-27.

Iowa’s 2024 estimated pheasant harvest was the second highest in nearly two decades, coming in at more than 460,000 roosters last fall, surpassed only by the 2023 harvest of 590,000.

This is the best back-to-back pheasant harvest years since 2007. Only South Dakota had more pheasants harvested last year.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is seeking informal comments on administrative rules related to game harvest reporting and landowner tenant registration. Executive Order 10 (EO10), signed by Gov. Kim Reynolds on Jan. 10, 2023, requires all state agencies to identify which administrative rule chapters will be retained or rescinded.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is seeking informal comments on administrative rules related to Iowa's wildlife. Executive Order 10 (EO10), signed by Governor Reynolds on January 10, 2023, requires all state agencies to identify which administrative rule chapters will be retained or rescinded. The EO10 process includes public engagement with the opportunity for input.

Iowa Department of Transportation officials expect to begin and complete construction of the planned roundabout at the intersection of U.S. Highways 71 and 18 north of Spencer in 2027.

For members — existing and prospective — of the Spencer Family YMCA, located on the corner of 11th Avenue West and West 11th Street, access to the vast majority of the facility will now be available around the clock. Registration for the new offering will begin Monday, July 7. Those interested in this member add-on must come to the YMCA and sign up at the member service desk between the hours of 8 a.m.

ROYAL — Artist Kipp Davis is collaborating with the Royal Hometown Pride Committee on a new mural highlighting the community at 308 Main St. The mural — designed to commemorate and capture important pieces of Royal’s past and present — is a visual celebration of the things which make Royal. It is considered a timely addition as Royal prepares to celebrate its Quasquicentennial, July 18–20.