Melanie Bloom, Sioux Central's ag education instructor, was honored at the Sioux Central gymnasium on Monday, Dec. 9, after Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds announced Bloom as the 2025 Iowa Teacher of the Year.

The Teacher of the Year Award recognizes exceptional teachers who demonstrate excellence in the classroom and who have made a significant impact on student outcomes and their fellow educators.

It’s taken a great deal of elbow grease to clean up the mess left by the June 22 flooding to the south end as town, as well as a few blocks on the north side as the Little Sioux poured over the banks, destroying many residence and impacting a large number of businesses.

A Spencer man has pleaded guilty to drug and burglary charges and has been ordered to receive treatment for methamphetamine addiction.

An Albert City man was arrested in Clay County on Christmas Day on a 7-year-old warrant for destruction of property.

Scott Richard Johnson, 63, now of Albert City, once worked at the Spencer Walmart. But back in January 2017, police say, Johnson was disciplined by his supervisors at the retailer. Apparently, he disagreed with the disciplinary action and, in retaliation, lit 11 candles displayed on a shelf and walked away. The candles were valued at more than $112.

DES MOINES — Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird congratulated Clay County Sheriff’s Deputy Ryan Lefever and Milford Police Officer Maverick Warburton on their graduation from the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy in a ceremony held at The Bridge Church in Johnston on Friday, Dec. 13. The graduation ceremony was attended by family, friends, and law enforcement officials from across the state.

HARTLEY — Hartley Family Care Clinic is thrilled to announce several enhancements to its health care services beginning in January 2025. These changes reflect the clinic's ongoing commitment to providing accessible, high-quality health care to Hartley and the surrounding communities.

2024 was a busy and successful year representing our families, farmers, businesses and rural communities in Congress. I made over 320 stops on my biannual 36 County Tour, launched the second iteration of my Feenstra Agriculture Tour, held several town halls with Iowans, and advocated for our shared values on Capitol Hill.

P.E.O. scholarships

Moped class

Morningside University fall dean's list

What happens in Clay County when there’s a three-car pileup with multiple severe injuries on County Highway B14, 4 miles west of Fostoria, and 20 minutes later, someone gets their arm caught in a piece of equipment on a farm outside of Royal?

Spending nearly six months in Tanzania, participating in work on behalf of STEMM, the Kevin and Tara Brown family were forced to adapt to a new environment, break through language barriers, surrender many creature comforts and live within a much smaller residence. And they’re better for it.

The halls of Lincoln Elementary School have been bustling with activity as contractors work to bring the building back better than ever following the catastrophic June 22 flood.

The Spencer Community School District is investing in a comprehensive overhaul of the flood-damaged building and adding new features to make the school a more modern learning environment.

SHELDON — RISE Ministries has announced a new artist for RiseFest 2025, KB.

“I’m excited to have KB for the first time at RiseFest,” Founder and President Rob Roozeboom said.

He continued, “I’ve been in the audience or speaking at events where KB was performing and I’ve always appreciated his heart and his calling. He’s one of the top Christian hip-hop artists and we’re grateful to have him at RiseFest 2025.”

Every Christmas, various groups come together to participate in the Adopt-A-Family project at Spencer High School. The Student Council, the 12th Grade Discipleship Ways class and the SEA for made this service project a "tree"-mendous success. This year, their efforts provided meaningful support to numerous families in a variety of ways. (Photos submitted)