As snow slowly transitions to rain, and temperatures begin to warm, Gentry Sorenson, field agronomist| CCA with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, suggested coming into the planting season this spring, subsoil moisture could have impacts of crop success throughout northwest Iowa.

Legislation which could impact Iowa’s mental health services is making its way through the Iowa Legislature. Known currently as House File 671, the bill would facilitate interstate practice of licensed professional counselors by creating a compact for counselors to have reciprocity in other states.

The city of Everly will not be allowing chickens within the city limits after the Everly City Council voted “no” to an urban chicken ordinance Monday night. Similar to the city of Spencer’s decision not to pass an urban chickens ordinance in September of 2022, the majority of community responses were against such an ordinance.

An anticipated expansion project on the north side of town is now one step closer to reality. The contract for the “North Y Gateway Improvements Project” was awarded to DeLoss Construction by the Spencer City Council on Monday night for approximately $4.3 million.

Repairs at the Clay County Courthouse are closer to getting started after the Clay County Supervisors met with representatives from Samuels Group on Tuesday. The supervisors reached a consensus to have the managing firm start working on getting the repairs out for bid.

Samuels Group would like to start with repairs to the roof and ensuring no water leaks through, tuckpointing of exterior elevations and finish with interior repairs where water damage has occurred.

Everyone has a story to share, but who will tell it?

For people interested in telling their own stories, Iowa Lakes Community College is offering a free Memoir Writing 101 Lunch and Learn. Steve and Mary McSwain Steele, the co-authors of "Times They Are A-Changin' …," will lead the class on the Spencer campus on Thursday, April 20, from noon to 1:30 p.m.

The Future Ready Iowa Last-Dollar Scholarship has paid off big for Iowa Lakes students. During the 2022-23 academic year, students enrolled in qualifying programs received over $1 million in scholarship aid.

SIOUX CITY — Sixty-one Morningside University students graduated with bachelor’s degrees and 48 students earned graduate degrees in December 2022. Morningside awards general honors based on undergraduate work completed at the university and according to the grade point averages. Locals on the list included: Morgan Hohbach, of Albert City, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, RN-BSN nurse degree completion; and Carter Hassel, of Spirit Lake, Master of Arts in Teaching.

Tuesday, the Spencer Chamber Ambassadors toured the new Agriland location, at 905 S. Grand Ave. Purchased in August of 2022, this facility is centrally located for father and son duo Chuck and Patrick White to offer farm real estate and management services across northwest and central Iowa, into Minnesota and Illinois. (Photo submitted)

The man known as “Mr. Spencer” had his 90th birthday on Monday, and the Spencer community celebrated with him at the Spencer Golf & Country Club Saturday. Longtime community volunteer and dedicated Spencer historian Bob Rose was joined by former co-workers, fellow volunteers and lifelong friends to celebrate his birthday.

In a special meeting on Friday, the Spencer School Board approved some personnel changes for the upcoming academic year, including the principal and band teacher's positions at Spencer High School.

Cornwell, Frideres, Maher & Associates PLC, CPAs recently released an audit report on the Spencer Community School District in Spencer.

After seven years of serving the city of Spencer, Fire Chief John Conyn will soon be hanging up his Spencer Fire Department uniform. It was announced on Monday the fire chief will be retiring on May 15.

“For the past seven years, Chief Conyn has been an invaluable asset to the city of Spencer,” Mayor Steve Bomgaars said. “He has provided valuable leadership to the Spencer Fire Department and to the city as a whole.”

Spencer Hospital is hosting a special health and wellness event for women this week. The Ladies Night Out will take place on Thursday from 5-7 p.m.

The event provides a chance for women to take time for themselves and their health, VP of Marketing at Spencer Hospital Susan Zulk said.

In conjunction with Youth Art Month, Arts on Grand’s current exhibit displays youth art created at Camp Autumn. Campers from the past year visited the gallery last Saturday to see their artwork on display, and potential new campers were eager to tour the exhibit as well. The camp provided by Seasons Center for nine weeks during the summer — and some Saturdays throughout the year until April — provides a blend of therapy, skill development and fun for kids.