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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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

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.

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.

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

Arts on Grand's current gallery exhibit, “20x24 Exhibition,” in celebration of the 2024 new year will run through Feb. 22. A free come-and-go open house will take place at Arts on Grand from 1-3 p.m., Saturday. Featured artists of this exhibit are Tim Anderson, Estelle Buhr, Meghan Flynn, Gary Hoard, Marie-Louise Kierscht, Jan (Turner) Manley, Hope McCormick, Theresa McKee, Diane O’Hern, Rosalise Olson, Brooke Peterson, Megan Wassom and Ferman Woodberry. (Photo submitted)

BOOKED INTO CLAY COUNTY JAIL

The Spencer Community School Foundation is hosting the Tiger Pa’s — high school junior and senior dads — showing their dance moves on Friday, Feb. 2, at the halftimes of the girls and boys basketball games with Storm Lake. Funds raised will go to provide student enrichment experiences. Come support the dads as they raise funds to benefit the education of Spencer students. (File photos)