The city of Spencer may be looking to bring a splash pad into town. City Manger Dan Gifford reported city officials had a meeting with Bolton and Menk on Monday about the cost of splash pad, along with improvements to the Spencer Aquatic Center and relocating the East Leach Park campground to River View Park.

Fairgoers to the 2023 Clay County Fair powered by SMU will have 21 new foods to enjoy during their visit Sept. 9-17, including five that have been named as finalists for the seventh edition of the “The World’s Greatest County Fair Food” Contest sponsored by Farmers Savings Bank.

Early in the week, Spencer had tied one record high Tuesday when the high temperature hit 96 degrees, equaling a record set in 1968, with heat advisory warnings in place through Thursday. Wednesday temps topped out at 97 with a heat index reaching a steamy 113, following Monday’s index of 111 and Tuesday’s mark of 116.

The Sacred Heart Catholic school will have updated playgrounds for the upcoming school year thanks to staff and volunteers in the Spencer community.

Gracie Dammann, early childhood director at Sacred Heart, said the project has been in the works for over a year.

“In June of 2022 I applied for a stabilization grant,” she said. “We were lucky enough to get that grant, which provided us the funds to be able to renovate these playgrounds.”

CLAY COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS CALL CENTER

MONDAY, AUG. 21

Spencer Community School District welcomed several new teachers for the 2023-24 school year during a back-to-school training earlier this month. Educators joining the system include: (Front row) Theresa McKee, Jordan Hallgren, Justine Kelley, Hallie Lovstad, Abby Long, Janel McFarland, Alia Horst, (back row) Linda Ankeny, Maggie Doyle, Michael Shaeffer, Jackson Smith, Caleb Langner, Brice Montgomery and Kristin Hass. (Photo submitted)

Lincoln Elementary School teacher Jane Gude, is a 2023 Excellence in Education Award runner-up sponsored by the Iowa State Education Association. Gude was chosen from a field of top educators nominated by colleagues, students, parents and community members because of the difference she makes in the lives of her students.

Michael Shaeffer, new Spencer teacher

Position: English 1 and 2.

When were you hired? June.

Family: I am happily married to my wife, Laura.

Personal history: I'm the oldest of four kids, and my folks still live up in Flandreau, South Dakota.

Education: SDSU class of 1992, majored in communications studies and theater.

Kent Tritle is one of America’s leading choral conductors. Called “the brightest star in New York's choral music world” by The New York Times, he is director of Cathedral Music and organist at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York City; music director of the Oratorio Society of New York, the Grammy-nominated volunteer chorus; and music director of Musica Sacra, New York’s elite professional chorus.

Nancy Naeve, Executive director Spencer Main Street

When where you hired? Feb. 29, 2016

The Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation will be hosting a quarterly investor meeting and Lunch & Learn on Thursday, Sept. 7, from noon to 1 p.m. at the Iowa Lakes Community College Estherville Campus. The Corridor is partnering with Northwest Iowa STEM for this event.

The Spencer Chamber Ambassadors visited Spencer Reporter to discuss the new Clay County visitors guide, Experience Clay County. This was a collaborative effort by Clay County Tourism and the Spencer Reporter, and is available, free of charge, at local businesses; and on both the Reporter and Clay County Tourism's websites. (Photo submitted)

Following an interview process, the Spencer Hospital board of trustees unanimously voted on Tuesday to offer current Senior Vice President of Patient Care and Operations Brenda Tiefenthaler the position of hospital president. If she accepts, Tiefenthaler would officially assume the position later this year, following current President Bill Bumgarner's retirement.

“Watching the goodness of God in action is our passion,” Karen Liko said.

She and her husband, Emil, have spent the last two decades, offering prayer and ministry through their outreach, Roadside Ministries.

In early May, the Liko’s Roadside Ministries, a long existing missions outreach began making appearances in Spencer on the south side of The Commons parking lot, near the South T occasionally on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Upper Des Moines Opportunity announced the launch of the UDMO Battle of the Businesses Food Drive, aimed at rallying local businesses to join forces in fighting hunger within our community. The kickoff event is scheduled for Aug. 28, with the delivery date set for Tuesday, Sept. 5. This initiative aims to foster a spirit of friendly competition while making a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals and families in need.