DES MOINES — The Iowa Utilities Board issued an order establishing the procedural schedule and setting the date for a public hearing regarding the proposed five-year energy efficiency plan by Black Hills Energy Company.

The hearing, for the presentation of evidence and cross-examination of witnesses, will be held at 9 a.m., Wednesday, Oct. 25, in the IUB’s Hearing Room at 1375 E Court Ave. in Des Moines. A comprehensive procedural schedule is attached to today’s order.

To celebrate the Fourth of July, a fireworks display was launched out by the Clay County Fairgrounds on Wednesday night by the Spencer Fireworks Committee. Hosted by the Spencer Chamber of Commerce, the event was rescheduled from Tuesday due to rainfall. (Photos by Celia Brocker)

The Clay County Fair Association is currently seeking candidates for the board of directors, as well as interested individuals to become members of the association.

The Spencer baseball team has finished its regular season. The boys defeated Humboldt for their 20th win of the season, but lost to Sergeant Bluff-Luton on Monday. The loss snapped an eight-game winning streak for Spencer. Now the Tigers will officially begin their postseason journey Friday, hosting the Spirit Lake Indians at Andy McGaffin Field at 7 p.m. Tickets for the game must be purchased online at https://www.iahsaa.org/tickets/.

OKOBOJI — This musical comedy, written by Neil Simon and with music by Burt Bacharach and lyrics by Hal David, runs from Tuesday through Sunday, July 16, at the Okoboji Summer Theatre.

Fool House, a '90s pop-rock band, is inviting people of all ages for an “ultimate dance party” at the Roof Garden Ballroom on Friday, July 14. The band will be making its second appearance at the Lakes corridor after a drawing in hundreds at its February concert.

“Arnold’s Park was excellent,” lead singer Gary Hochstette said. “The response was great and (we were) very well received. We wanted to return to the area because the show was such a success.”

Saul Christensen, of the Iowa Homeschool Association, son of Tim and Susan Christensen of Royal, will be attending Iowa Lakes Community College in the fall.

Elizabeth Findling, of Spencer High School, daughter of Jennifer Findling of Royal, was the 2022 Pork Ambassador and will be attending Ellsworth Community College in the fall.

Youth ages 4-12 traveled to Ingham Lake Bible Camp near Wallingford recently, and were tre-ated to swimming, hiking and singing along with crafts, outdoor games and Bible study time.

Jesse Coulson will be the next fire chief of the Spencer Fire Department and is expected to begin his position sometime in early August. He was not present at the meeting for the announcement.

Mayor Steve Bomgaars announced the decision at the July 3 Spencer City Council meeting. Coulson will replace the former fire chief, John Conyn, who retired in June 2023.

After 23 years with Revs. Tom and Wendy Van Tassell at the helm of Spencer’s First Congregational Church, and subsequent temporary clergy leading the way, the congregation’s search for a permanent pastor led them to tap an individual from outside the country.

Woodruff Construction held an open house Thursday to showcase its remodeled space. The building used to be home to Midstates Builders, but has since transitioned after Woodruff Construction purchased its assets in October of 2022. (Photos by Celia Brocker)

After one month in its new location, Upper Des Moines Opportunity’s Spencer office showed off its new facility Thursday. UDMO offered a tour of its new space and expanded services such as its baby room food offerings. (Photos by Celia Brocker)

BOOKED INTO CLAY COUNTY JAIL

State Auditor Rob Sand will continue his fifth “100 Town Hall” tour with public town hall appearances Thursday in Spencer, as well as Spirit Lake, Estherville, Emmetsburg, Storm Lake and Pocahontas.

As part of his promise to meet Iowans and operate with the transparency and accountability they deserve, Sand will deliver remarks and take questions on the work of the State Auditor’s office and the condition of the state’s finances and governance.

An opportunity for writers to show off their skills and win some prizes is being offered this summer. Arts on Grand, together with the Spencer Chamber and city of Spencer, is sponsoring a poetry contest for ages 8 and up.