Next fall, Spencer Hospital administrators and staff are planning to have a transformed emergency department to increase safety, security and flow for workers and patients. On Wednesday, they officially broke ground on the project that has been in the works for over five years.

DES MOINES — The Iowa Utilities Board issued an order establishing the complete procedural schedule and public evidentiary hearing date for Summit Carbon Solutions proposed hazardous liquid pipeline in Docket No. HLP-2021-0001. The procedural schedule includes deadlines for intervention, filed testimony and reports. It schedules the hearing to begin on Aug. 22, at the Cardiff Event Center, 3232 First Ave. S., in Fort Dodge.

EMMETSBURG — Care Connections of Northern Iowa has awarded Seasons Center $2,805 in funding to update the waiting room area of the Seasons office in Emmetsburg.

I have never seen the acrimony worse than today between the United States and China since Mao and his immediate successors, short of the Korean Conflict decades ago. There is an arms race going on behind the scenes as well as real war planning between the world's two largest economies. Public sentiment has never been great in the U.S. over China and it has grown into a contest between political factions in the U.S. as to who can be the hardest badass.

On Tuesday, June 13, three teams from the Sioux Central FFA chapter had the opportunity to compete at Kirkwood for "state" events. These teams included the following: horse evaluation, floriculture, and nursery and landscape.

The nursery and landscape team ended the day in 10th place, receiving a silver; floriculture was 25th place, also receiving a silver; and horse evaluation team came in third place earning a gold. Lacey Johnson received 5th in individual placing.

The NEW Cooperative Foundation recently contributed $2,500 to the Okoboji FFA chapter. Each year Okoboji FFA hosts the Tractor Ride Around West Lake — TRAWL — which serves as the chapter’s main fundraiser.

STORM LAKE — Buena Vista University congratulates more than 300 students who graduated in spring 2023. Those on the list include:

• Sydney Salton, of Dickens, graduated with a Master of Science in Education in counseling (professional school counseling track).

• Margaret Doyle, of Spencer, graduated with a Master of Science in Education in counseling (professional school counseling track).

McCreary’s Creative Catering, a local company in Spencer, owned and operated by Mark and Cassie McCreary, announced its rebranding as McCreary’s Hospitality, marking a significant milestone in the company’s evolution. This comprehensive rebranding effort brings together McCreary’s Catering; The Dock, a cafe located in north Spencer, serving Iowa Lakes Community College students and the public; a food truck; and their building at the Clay County Fair under one cohesive brand umbrella.

Goede recognized

John Goede, of Spencer, with Century21 ProLink out of Le Mars, was awarded the Emeritus Award by the National Association of Realtors by Associate Executive Krista Stafford. This award is given to agents who have been a Realtor for 40 years. Goede has been very involved on committees with the national, state and local Realtor associations, as well as teaching education classes to new and renewing agents.

Spencer Chamber Ambassadors cut the ribbon at the new home of Upper Des Moines Opportunity, at 19 10th St. SW, in Spencer recently. The new facility offers room to spread items out and get organized with designated spaces for food pantry shelving, baby room, birthday room, special project prep area and waiting area. (Photo submitted)

The Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation announced Thursday the hire of Curt Strouth as the new president and chief executive officer for the regional economic development organization serving Buena Vista, Clay, Dickinson and Emmet counties. Strouth will assume his responsibilities with the Corridor in August.

The Spencer-based Shayla Bee family keeps on growing.

The regional nonprofit, which supports families across the region whose children experience a medical crisis, and organizers brought their second set of triplets into the fold Saturday.

A free day focused on appreciation, with a dose of information, and support for veterans, active military and their families, was conducted Saturday for the public at Oneota Park and Cabin in Spencer. An idea spurred by Heather Warren, veteran career planner for Iowa Workforce Development, and a planning committee of regional veteran’s services agencies, kicked off the day at 11 a.m., with informational booths and displays available.

The Spencer Municipal Band, under the baton of Tom Rutt, will be presenting their weekly concert of music in the park this Thursday at 7 p.m. The band is made up of area musicians and is supported by the city of Spencer and the Spencer Community Schools.

The Clay County Fair, powered by SMU, announce Herman’s Hermits, starring Peter Noone, with special guest The Association, will be part of the SRG Concert Series on the Bud Light Stage at the 2023 Clay County Fair on Monday, Sept. 11, at 7:30 p.m.