After 38 years of directing school bands across Iowa and South Dakota, Gene Gross is playing a different tune — crafting mystery-thrillers set in the scenic Iowa Great Lakes Region.

DES MOINES — Former Iowa state Sen. Jim Carlin announced his candidacy last week for the United States Senate in 2026 against incumbent Sen. Joni Ernst. Ernst has held the seat since 2015.

Participants are encouraged to let their creativity shine at the 2025 Clay County Fair, powered by SMU, Sept. 6-14. The Creative Arts Department is inviting exhibitors of all ages to showcase their talents in needlework, painting, quilting, woodworking and more.

An Emmetsburg man is facing felony perjury and misdemeanor “fraudulent practices” charges in Clay County after police say he lied on a form requesting a public defender.

The Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation will be hosting a Lunch & Learn, Wednesday, June 18, from noon to 1 p.m. at Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative in Estherville. This event will include a presentation by certified Maxwell team member Jordan Menning on “Everyone Communicates, Few Connect.” Menning will lead the conversation.

The Community Health Center is having an open house on Friday, June 13, from 3-6 p.m. at 223 W. Seventh St. in Spencer. The Community Health Center will be launching its full range of health care services.

A Spencer man is facing felony criminal mischief and misdemeanor assault charges after an early morning argument, according to police.

Two 4-H members ran the bake sale for the Clay County Community Day Fundraiser, Saturday. The money raised through the bake sale, silent auction and raffle will go toward renovations in the 4-H Exhibit Building at the fairgrounds. The 4-H Club, along with help from the Clay County Fair, plan to paint the auditorium, replace the stage floor, update technology, install storage space backstage and mitigate mold in the building. (Photos by Mo McDermott)

Clay County VFW Post 3159 and Ladies Auxiliary recently awarded "Patriot Pen" resume winners to local students who received Spencer Merchant bucks for their efforts. Frank Lehman, VFW commander, presented to third place winner Pearl Whittenburg, second place Ruthie Ann Back and first place Brechin Horkey, with President VFW Ladies Auxiliary Bonnie Pullen-Lehman. (Photo submitted)

DES MOINES — It’s back … the 2025 State Park Passport. Ready for this summer's passport to adventure? Download the 2025 State Park Passport for a chance to win prizes as you visit parks and forests across Iowa!

It’s free to sign up – the more parks you visit, the more chances for prizes!

There is little doubt that the 2025 Walleye Weekend was definitely one for the record books. More than 2,200 anglers participated in the contest, and one angler, Dawn Ingvaldson of Albert Lea, Minnesota, connected with one of the 10 tagged walleyes and collected the grand prize of $43,000. She caught the winning walleye around 2 a.m., Saturday on Big Spirit Lake, just two hours after the contest started.

Ten young ladies will compete for the title of Clay County Fair Queen on Sunday, June 8, at the Clay County Regional Events Center.

An excavation crew digging near the intersection of Third Avenue West and West Seventh Street in Spencer pierced a gas line on June 4, forcing dozens of people to evacuate from nearby homes and businesses.

The full Spencer City Council, on Monday, June 2, got its first taste of the challenge it faces as the city prepares to spend an estimated $77.4 million to overhaul the city’s wastewater treatment plant and repair flood-damaged sewer infrastructure.

WEST DES MOINES — Julie Stauch, Democratic candidate for governor, recently announced she is officially in the race.