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Reynolds appoints Busse as associate judge for District 3A

Gov. Kim Reynolds on Monday, Dec. 2, announced her appointment of Kristi Busse as a district associate judge in Judicial District 3A.

Busse, of Spencer, is an assistant county attorney for Clay County. She received her undergraduate degree from Buena Vista University and her law degree from the University of Nebraska College of Law.

Iowa manufacturers took a billion-dollar hit in October

Manufacturers in Iowa have had a tough year, according to the latest mid-America Business Index report from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska.

Since December of 2023, Iowa manufacturers have seen their exports drop by 8.5% or roughly $1.1 billion, according to the November business index report. The state’s overall business conditions index — a measure of economic growth — showed a continued economic decline.

Grand Avenue businesses celebrate successful Shop Small Saturday

Downtown Spencer was buzzing with commerce on Saturday, Nov. 30, as area residents spent quality time and hard-earned cash with local businesses, craftspeople and artists during the annual Shop Small Saturday celebration. Shoppers were able to get three pages worth of coupons from locally-owned businesses in the Grand Avenue Corridor. Meanwhile, at the Shop Small headquarters located in Arts on Grand, shoppers could pick up some free refreshments. (Photos submitted)

Seasons Center to open crisis stabilization center in Spencer

Seasons Center for Behavioral Health is excited to announce a ribbon cutting and open house for our brand-new crisis stabilization center on Thursday, Dec. 5. The ribbon cutting will take place at 10:30 a.m. with the open house to follow until 1 p.m. The facility was created as part of a remodel project at Seasons Center’s Administrative office located at 201 E. 11th St. in Spencer.

Man refuses to return lost wallet, is charged with theft

A Spencer man was set to be arraigned on Monday, Dec. 2, after police say he stole a wallet and up to $1,000 last summer.

Lessons and Carols Dec. 8

The Festival of Lessons and Carols will be presented Sunday, Dec. 8, at 3 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Spencer. The concert is sponsored by area churches as part of the Spencer Messiah Board. The board is sponsored by the Daybreaker Kiwanis and St. Luke Homes and Services. The concert will feature a children's choir this year along with a handbell group from Bethany Lutheran Church and a 45-member community choir all under the direction of Allison Oyler.

State opens signup for Crop Insurance Discount Program

DES MOINES — Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced that the sign-up for the state’s Crop Insurance Discount Program is now open and available. Farmers who planted cover crops this fall can apply for a $5 per acre discount on their spring crop insurance premiums.

The sign-up period opened on Monday, Dec. 2, and will close on Friday, Jan. 24. Farmers and landowners can enroll by visiting Apply.CleanWaterIowa.org or by contacting their crop insurance agent.

Soaring to new heights: ILCC aviation program takes flight in Spencer

For Tyler Mar and Aria Volz, the path to the skies began long before they set foot on the Iowa Lakes Community College campus in Spencer. But it is here in rural northwest Iowa where they will hone their skills and earn the certifications they need to make their dreams of careers in aviation into reality.

Mar, a first-year student, found his calling for flight while serving in the U.S. Air Force.

Spencer students improve math, English proficiency scores in state assessments

The Spencer Community School District fared well on its latest school report card issued by the Iowa Department of Education.

Highway 18 bridge over Stoney Creek reopens

SPENCER — A state-owned bridge that was so heavy damaged in the June 22 flash flood it had to be replaced has reopened.

The bridge over Stoney Creek on U.S. Highway 18 northwest of Spencer suffered catastrophic damage in the flooding, with most of an abutment washed away. It was closed immediately.

'Tis the season for smart money handling

AMES — Despite the financial challenges facing consumers — lingering inflation, growing unemployment and higher interest rates for federal student loans — holiday shoppers appear to be in fairly high spirits leading up to the 2024 holidays. According to TransUnion's 2024 Consumer Holiday Shopping Report, more than half of holiday shoppers (57%) plan on spending the same as last year with 38% planning to spend less this year.

School district seeks $3.3 million loan to finance flood recovery

The Spencer Community School District is looking to secure $3.3 million in bond financing to help cover the costs of ongoing flood recovery efforts.

Plan proposed to realign Lakes, Siouxland conferences, plus WC

In a move that could reshape the high school sports landscape in the region, two northwest Iowa athletic conferences and a private school have announced their intention to combine.

Fridley Theatres, IMPA announce multifaceted partnership

DES MOINES — The Iowa Motion Picture Association and Fridley Theatres — operating the recently reopened The Palms Theatres in Spencer’s Southpark Mall — announced a strategic partnership focused on strengthening Iowa’s position in the future of the film industry and allow local filmmakers to have greater access to theatrical exhibition.

Nachitigal Rotary Student of Month

Spencer High School senior Braxton Nachtigal was honored as the November Rotary Student of the Month. Braxton is involved in band and theater and plans to attend the University of Northern Iowa in the fall to major in instrumental music education. He was also selected to be one of the 276 students to play in the all-state band. (Photo submitted)

Ring in the holidays

ESTHERVILLE — Celebrate the holiday season with the joyous sounds of music at the Ring in the Holidays Concert held in the Janice K. Lund Performing Arts Center on the Estherville campus of Iowa Lakes Community College, on Dec. 8, at 3 p.m.

The free concert features the Iowa Lakes Handbell Choir and other ensembles, all under the direction of Carol Ayres. With an afternoon of festive music, attendees can enjoy a moment of holiday cheer and community.

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