The Spencer Community School District School Board has appointed Dr. Kirsten Doebel to serve as the next principal of Spencer High School. Doebel joins the school after serving as director of secondary education for the Fort Dodge Community School District.

“It is clear that the people in Spencer are doing great things for students,” Doebel said. “The idea of leading a building full of great people doing great things is very enticing.

A beloved former teacher and drama director will be honored in a special ceremony this weekend. Larry Untiet, the face of Spencer School’s theater department for many years, will be recognized as the Spencer High School theater is officially renamed the Larry M. Untiet Theatre Saturday at 6 p.m.

The Clay County Upper Des Moines Opportunity Outreach had a successful turnout for its Pulled Pork and Burger Fundraiser Friday. The organization made a lot of orders as they worked in the Daybreakers K Cafe at the Clay County Fairgrounds throughout the day. Businesses placed orders for staff lunch, and families came to grab a bite in the evening. (Photos by Celia Brocker)

Spencer High School students participated in a special evening under the lights with friends Saturday. The teens danced, ate and enjoyed each others’ company in the field house before making their way to the After Prom festivities at the Spencer Family YMCA. Parents had the chance to snap some photos of their kids and their friends as they strolled down the decorated school halls. Afterward, the students danced their hearts out. (Photos by Celia Brocker)

A digital fellow position may be in Clay County’s future. Curtis Dean and Jon Willow, co-founders of the Community Broadband Action Network, explained the position as a community navigator addressing digital inclusion in the community.

The city’s solid waste rates will have a 6.5% increase in the upcoming fiscal year. beginning July 1, the residential rate will increase from $19 to $20.50 and the commercial rate will increase from $36.50 to $38.75.

The change was implemented by the Spencer City Council on Monday. Finance Director Brian Weuve reported the 6.5% increase was recommended by PFM, the city’s financial advisor.

Occasions will be conducting an election for three board of directors vacancies. The election will be held on Monday, May 1, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. All members of the community are encouraged to come to Occasions that day to vote. Anyone unable to attend on May 1, may vote at Occasions, in person, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., April 24-26.

Spencer Rotary Club has donated $200 to support the Cherish Center Dance, June 4, at the Roof Garden Ballroom. Rotary Treasurer Bob Rose made the donation to Lori Swanson and Rev. Jay Van Gelder, members of the dance committee. (Photo submitted)

Steve Freeman is a professor and safety research expert at Iowa State University, where he teaches classes related to occupational safety, including farm and rural safety. He grew up on a diversified farm/ranch in eastern Colorado. He holds a doctorate in agricultural engineering from Purdue University and has written numerous research articles about occupational safety.

Adams honored at Telco Triad meeting

SIOUX CITY — Telco Triad Community Credit Union held its 78th Annual Meeting on Saturday, April 15, at the Sioux City Country Club. Brad Bergstrom, Terry Blom, Fitzgerald Grant and John Gunia were reelected to serve three-year terms on the credit union’s volunteer board of directors. During this meeting several employees were given years of service awards including Sandy Adams, Spencer branch manager, 25 years (above).

The lights are on and the doors are open once again at Gary’s on the River. Last weekend, Carlos and Charity Salazar, of Spirit Lake, welcomed guests in the new King’s Steakhouse & Bar.

Spencer Community Theatre will be wrapping up its 63rd Mainstage Season with its production of “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” for the next two weekends. Performances will take place at the SCT Playhouse on April 21, 22, 28 and 29 at 7:30 p.m. and April 23 and 30 at 2 p.m.

“Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” is a musical comedy based on a 1988 film of the same name. The story follows conmen, Lawrence Jameson and Freddy Benson, who compete to prove who is the best player of the game.

The Clay County PALS recently dedicated a bench purchased in memory of the late Spencer High School counselor and PALS President Eileen Gengler, who passed away suddenly in January 2022. Gengler retired from SHS in 2018 after serving close to 20 years counseling and advising local high schoolers. The Gengler family participated in the dedication of the bench, with “Mrs.

On April 18, a Spencer man was arrested on drug trafficking charges following an investigation by the Iowa Department of Public Safety — Division of Narcotics Enforcement. This investigation resulted in evidence sufficient to obtain a search warrant for an apartment in downtown Spencer and one male subject.

Some speed zone changes in Spencer may soon be on their way. On Monday, the Spencer City Council passed the first of three filings to alter three speed zone areas.

Spencer Police Chief Mark Warburton revealed the process to change the zones started after First English Lutheran School approached the Police Department to inquire about the speed zones by its school.