• Dible to be Alburnett superintendent, new band teacher at SHS

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. 

A small group of Spencer constituents attended a Wednesday presentation at Spencer Public Library by independent online media voice, Jacob Hall, owner and operator of The Iowa Standard. Hall was there to speak to share his thoughts on what he referred to as the "indoctrination" in schools and gender ideology.

A group of German students are bringing their innovative mobile exhibit about climate change to Spencer, as part of their efforts to raise awareness and spark meaningful discourse on this pressing issue.

A Spirit Lake man was sentenced on Thursday to 10 years in prison for three sexual abuse charges filed in three separate, local counties.

Fifty-four-year-old Stacy Lee Lind was charged with multiple offenses in Dickinson, Clay and Osceola counties. He pled guilty to one charge in each county on Jan. 9 as part of a plea bargain with prosecutors.

An increase to solid waste rates for the city of Spencer was recommended by the Spencer Finance Committee on Thursday. The committee will recommend to the city a rate increase of 6.5% for the 2023-24 fiscal year, effective on July 1.

The city of Everly is considering allowing its residents to raise chickens within city limits. Members of the Everly City Council discussed the possibility with several community members during a special council meeting on Tuesday.

“We talked about chickens at our last council meeting and decided to table it to come up with a yea or nay strategy, or a plan to put in place if we decided to move forward,” Everly Mayor Ron Thompson said.

A proposal for an emergency housing coordinator position in Clay County has been presented to city officials for consideration. The Spencer City Council heard several funding requests on Monday night as they reviewed the budget for fiscal year 2024, including the proposal for a position to assist with homeless crises in the area.

With recent resignation by Tara Brown as Arts on Grand executive director, Theresa McKee has been hired to fill the position. Beginning her work in February, McKee has been working along side Brown to facilitate a smooth transition.

On Monday night, the Clay County Community Foundation hosted its annual grant awards night at the Clay County Regional Events Center. Twenty-three nonprofit organizations were awarded a total of $128,674, with grants ranging in amount from $535 to $10,000.

The Spencer Chamber Ambassadors cut the ribbon at the new Posh Salon location after a nine-month renovation at 417 Grand Ave. Now with eight salon chairs and updated stations as well as three spa rooms, the Posh Salon team offer a variety hair care, styling, makeup and spa services. Posh Salon opens at 9 a.m. Monday to Saturday. (Photo submitted)

The community of Everly celebrated one year of The Everly Heritage Museum being open with a Mardi Gras themed fundraiser Saturday. Keeping up with the Mardi Gras vibe, guests were entertained with jazz music performed by a group of community members.

Since its opening in November of 2021, the Everly Heritage Museum has attracted 613 visitors from 21 different states, and held 2,306 artifacts from 115 donors.

A program shedding light on a dark period of world history will be available for patrons at the Spencer Public Library this week. On Thursday, the library will host Brad Wilkening, former teacher and current member of the Iowa Holocaust Council, to present on the Holocaust at 6 p.m.

To keep warm amidst the cold weather, Century Farms Distillery hosted a chili cook-off competition Saturday. Community members enjoyed sampling several different chili recipes while they sipped on some drinks. (Photos by Celia Brocker)

Wednesday, members of the Bearded Rebellion Iowa Chapter presented a check to Lutheran Services in Iowa as part of a fundraising effort for its Caring for Kids fundraiser. The group raised $3,000 in the last year for the program.

A recent benefit breakfast was jointly held with KICD radio personnel, Clay County VFW Post 3159 and Glen Pedersen Post 1, American Legion. A gracious thank you to the citizens of Spencer, Clay County and to all individuals who supported Ryan Long and his family for their support. Benefit proceeds will be presented to Kelsie Baccam.