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Million initiative combats hunger in rural Iowa, Wisconsin

A new initiative will provide $1 million over the next two years to combat hunger across Iowa and Wisconsin.

In partnership with local food banks, the Alliant Energy Foundation announces the

Ambassadors celebrate NW Iowa Counseling move

The Spencer Chamber Ambassadors congratulated Northwest Iowa Counseling on their new location and additional practitioners. Northwest Iowa Counseling provides professional counseling services for all ages, offering support and guidance to individuals navigating life’s challenges with compassion and expertise. (Photo submitted)

The faces say it all

One of the most popular events to watch, if not participate in, at Winter Games in Okoboji is the annual Polar Plunge. The plungees lined up for the opportunity to jump in to bone-numbing West Lake Okoboji water. The cost to participate was $25, with proceeds going to benefit the Arnolds Park Okoboji Fire & Rescue Department, whose volunteers who are always on-hand to assist as needed. (Photos by Matt Heinrichs)

Weather warms in time for Winter Games

Following a week-and-a-half of deep freeze conditions, temperatures began to rise just in time for Winter Games weekend in Okoboji. With a wide variety of activities, including food, music, fun and of course … games available to the high volume of visitors who return each year. Among the activities, the immensely popular Boji Kite Festival on the ice (above) and games such as human foosball (below). (Photos by Seth Boyes)

Special education reform bill highlights first Eggs and Issues event of 2024

The effort to restructure the regional agencies that help Iowa school districts provide special education services dominated the discussion on Jan. 27 during the first Eggs and Issues event of 2024.

Wildflour Bakery shutters Spencer location

Savory aromas filled the Wildflour Bakery on Spencer’s Grand Avenue on the morning of Jan. 26.

Co-owner Melanie Poutre hovered over a tray of small cheesecakes, applying a few finishing touches before sliding the confections into the oven. Four customers were in the store waiting for quiche, and every loaf of bread Poutre and her husband, Phil, had baked that morning was sold before 9:30 a.m.

Marina Property Subcommittee asking for assistance in gauging third-party marina or restaurant operator interest by Feb. 23

STORM LAKE — During a public meeting this past Thursday, the Marina Property — formerly known as Casino Marina — Subcommittee asked the public for assistance in

encouraging third-party vendors interested in operating either a full marina or a restaurant/bar to complete an online form by Feb. 23 to aid the Buena Vista County Conservation Board in making a decision about the use of the property.

Library hosts ‘Civil War soldier’

Civil War re-enactor O.J. Fargo demonstrates the use of a Civil War infantryman’s most intimidating weapon, the bayonet. The bayonet is not attached to Fargo’s Lee Enfield rifled musket for safety reasons. Fargo visited the Spencer Public Library on Friday, Jan.

3 transported to ER following 3-car collision

Three people were treated for possible injuries following a three-vehicle accident west of Spencer near the intersection of 130th Avenue and U.S. Highway 18 at 6:30 p.m., Jan. 18. Following the collision, Douglas and Wendy Vonarb, of Maple Lake, Minnesota, were transported by Everly Rescue to the Spencer Emergency Room for possible injuries, as was Brenda Collier, who was transported by the Spencer Ambulance.

Weber recognized with Rotary’s Marvin Kruse Award

Spencer Rotary member Joe Weber was chosen as the 2022 Marvin Kruse Award winner. Fellow Spencer Rotarian Greg Rasch presented him with the award. Weber is a shining example of what it means to be a Rotarian. He helps enthusiastically at all events and fundraisers and often times bring his children to participate to teach them the value of volunteering in our community.

‘Farmers’ share climate change, land rents, conservation

AMES — Although they wear many hats, perform many jobs and are referred to using many terms, it turns out the people who grow Iowa’s crops and livestock prefer to be called “farmers.”

'Pay attention to the little things'

Angie Ove, of Spirit Lake, says she's still finding scraps of paper around her home, each bearing lyrics written by her son Lucas — an aspiring hip-hop musician and local alumnus who took his own life last month at the age of 23.

Summer maintenance costs increase for Spencer Schools

The Spencer Community School District is looking to spend more than $1.9 million on facility maintenance during the summer of 2024.

Muhlbauers mark 10 years as Livestock Auction owners

The Spencer Livestock Auction was doing brisk business on Jan. 24.

Groups of calves were being sold as fast as handlers could get them to the auction ring. The Auctioneer’s staccato chant rang through the newly re-built space as buyers from around the region competed for the best animals.

City to receive bids on fire station roof repairs

A long-delayed re-roofing project at the Spencer Fire Station may come to fruition in the next few months.

City officials say the costs to repair a leaky roof at the Spencer Fire Station could be almost double the original estimates. But the repairs are badly needed to prevent damage to sensitive equipment and further roof deterioration.

New program to fight homelessness off to a strong start, leaders say

Clay County’s newest initiative to help people experiencing homelessness was busy during its first three months of operation.

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