CEDAR FALLS — The 2022 statewide Future Ready Iowa Summit: All Options on the Table will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 21, at the Iowa Events in Des Moines. The event, which runs from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., is free and open to the public.

The Spencer Chamber Ambassadors visited Gary's on the River to receive updates from property owner Dave Jacobsen on the new businesses at the location and to learn about the revitalized energy of the space. (Photo submitted)

There will be 66 new vendors joining the hundreds of returning favorite commercial exhibits and concessions at the 2022 Clay County Fair powered by SMU, Sept. 10-18.

“The fair is renowned for the tremendous variety and quality of our commercial exhibits and concessions,” fair manager Jeremy Parsons said. “We know shopping at the fair, whether it’s for your home or farm, is high on the priority list for many of our fairgoers.”

First Responders Foundation mission is “to serve and honor all our first responders, veterans and their families, build appreciation and respect for their work and enhance public safety.”

Spencer enjoyed a fun learning activity about agriculture with popcorn at Oneota Park Thursday morning. Hosted by the Clay County Farm Bureau, kids spent the morning learning the science behind one of their favorite snacks, and were able to apply their knowledge to corn, one of Iowa’s favorite crops. Once they finished making different types of popcorn, the kids got the chance to sample the homemade treat.

After months of trying to bring Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to Clay County this year, local community partner Lindy Hornby reported the program is officially up and running. With support from its partnership with the Spencer Daybreaker Kiwanis, The Dollywood Foundation will provide one book per month to Clay County children from birth to age 5.

Hope Haven was recently award $98,418 in community impact grant funds from Care Connections of Northern Iowa, which serves the counties of Clay, Kossuth, Osceola, Palo Alto, Worth and Winnebago. The purpose of the impact grant is to improve access to services and programs for people in need of mental health or developmental disability services and to positively impact its sustainability.

DES MOINES — Registration for the Healthiest State 12th Annual Walk, presented by Delta Dental of Iowa, is now open. On Wednesday, Oct. 5, thousands of Iowans across the state will participate in organized walks at schools, workplaces and in their cities.

Registration is free and easy: Visit IowaHealthiestState.com/Walk to sign-up as an individual, school, workplace, or organization to walk for 30 minutes any time on Oct. 5.

Fairgoers will be able to enjoy a farmer’s market experience and learn more about locally produced foods at the 2022 Clay County Fair.

“Ag education is what the Clay County Fair is all about,” fair manager Jeremy Parsons said. “We are excited this year to expand our ag education efforts across the fairgrounds, and this unique market will be one of the centerpieces of that effort.”

Walking Forward has received $200,000 in grant funding over the next two years from the Irving A. Hansen Memorial Foundation to help improve health outcomes and quality of life in American Indian communities in South Dakota.

STORM LAKE — The Iowa Department of Natural Resources confirmed the Koi Herpes Virus (KHV) killed thousands of young common carp at Storm Lake. It’s the first time the virus has been detected in Iowa. Outbreaks have previously been identified in Minnesota and Wisconsin. There have been no instances of the virus infecting humans or other fish species.

The Spencer Class of 1956 gathered Saturday, Aug. 13, at the Spencer Golf and Country Club to celebrate their 66th class reunion. Pictured from left, front row: Sharon (Lawson) Swerning, Mitzi (Anderson) Wagner, Julia (Brouer) Lyon and Sybil (Norton) Wiegman. Back row: Jon Bang, Jim Feldhacker, Chris Christofferson, Gene Huston, Mary Huston, Ted Yellman, Karen (White) Yellman, Frank Edington, Sharon Bracker, Don Hofsommer, Alene Feldhacker and Roger Bracker. (Photo submitted)

Hispanic and Native American cultures will be celebrated with their own special festivals in Central Park during the 2022 Clay County Fair, powered by SMU.

“One of the goals of the fair is to recognize and celebrate all of the diverse cultures that can be found in Clay County and northwest Iowa,” fair manager Jeremy Parsons said. “These two events help us to accomplish that goal and provide unique entertainment and educational opportunities.”

To celebrate the end of its 62nd season, Spencer Community Theatre held its annual meeting and volunteer appreciation night on Wednesday. Eventgoers snacked on some tasty treats and enjoyed musical entertainment from The Elle-Shante & Kerry Duo. Awards were given out to SCT’s dedicated volunteers — the Hen House won the Shakespeare Award and Shyan Harrod took home the Volunteer Award — and several performers received people’s choice awards for their work last season.

It was a lesson in compassion that spilled over and touched the greater Lakes Area community.

More than 500 volunteers gathered at the Dickinson County Fairgrounds on Aug. 10 to pack meals for Ukrainian refugees in Poland as part of what was dubbed The Lakes Project.