Editor’s note: Even though chronic wasting disease has not been identified in our area, it is important that the public keep up on where infected deer have been found. This DNR release discusses three upcoming meetings and at the end provides a link to learn more about chronic wasting disease.

As Spencer students, alumni and the community gather Friday night for a football game against Denison-Schleswig to culminate homecoming week festivities, the evening will serve a much less celebratory tone for some Spencer grads.

Necessary repairs at the Fairview tennis courts were a topic of discussion at Spencer’s Park Board meeting on Tuesday. A project to repair the courts was let out for bids this spring but did not attract any contractors.

Mayor Steve Bomgaars proclaimed October to be chiropractic month in Spencer, in conjunction with the nationwide recognition, on Thursday. Standing alongside the mayor as he signed the proclamation was (front row) Erin Rabel, Courtney Carmichael Schwartz, Elizabeth Kressin, Leah Malmstrom, Jacie Carlson, Nancy Bumann and (back row) Rex Jones, Brent Stanley and Amanda Climer. (Photo by Celia Brocker)

Work is underway for Spencer Hospital’s emergency department expansion project, as reported by hospital officials during a board of trustees meeting on Thursday. With the focus currently on the east side of the hospital campus, Hospital President Bill Bumgarner said demolition of the old ambulance garage has already taken place.

The king and queen of Spencer High School’s homecoming court were crowned Wednesday night, with Sam Feldmann and Ivy Hamilton taking home the crown and scepter this year. The other members of the homecoming court include (from left to right) Campbell Wessells, Jayna Graettinger, Gavin Timmer, Mallory Klemme, Izak Peterson, Reese Hough, Riley DeWitt and Mary Matthiesen. (Photos by Celia Brocker)

The Spencer City Council committed to contributing $75,000 over a three-year period to help fund a behavioral health outreach navigator position for the Spencer community during Monday’s City Council meeting. The city will contribute $25,000 each year, with the first payment being made in the current fiscal year.

ARNOLDS PARK — The Iowa Rock ‘n Roll Music Association is pleased to partner with the award-winning group The Black Donnellys, and Broken Strings, another nonprofit organization, in a goal to give an acoustic guitar to deserving students from area school districts.

ESTHERVILLE — The Future Ready Iowa Last-Dollar Scholarship program has paid off big for Iowa Lakes Community College students by awarding $536,627 to more than 270 students attending the fall 2022 semester.

OKOBOJI — Can it be fall already? Autumn is quickly approaching and Spirit of Harmony Chorus of Spirit Lake is preparing for their fall show, “Let’s Sing Again,” at 1 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 1, in the Lauridsen Theatre at the Pearson Lakes Art Center in Okoboji. Their last show was in the fall of 2019. The chorus is excited to share their music with their fans after such a long hiatus.

The Spencer Chamber Ambassadors welcomed a new member business, Spencer Collaborative, to the community. The co-working office space offers flexible work options and amenities to small businesses, start ups, entrepreneurs and remote workers with community networking in mind. (Photo submitted)

On day nine of the Clay County Fair, the Deckers — Millie, 6, Jacob, 8, and Clara, 4 — had covered enough ground for the week and assumed the position on the most convenient rest spot they could find, and dove into a long winter’s nap. The rest will prepare them to return to the World’s Greatest County Fair in 2023. (Photo submitted)

Increased youth involvement, record fairgoer spending, added exhibitor participation, large crowds and great weather propelled the 2022 Clay County Fair powered by SMU to new heights.

Unlike other years when Jeremy Parsons is able to focus exclusively on the Clay County Fair, this year the local fair manager also assumed additional responsibilities. In early December 2021, Parsons was named 2022 chairman of the International Association of Fairs and Expositions during the business meeting at the 2021 IAFE Convention & Trade Show in San Antonio, Texas.

A state transportation award was received by Spencer Schools Transportation Director Julie Nemmers this summer at the annual Iowa Pupil Transportation Association conference. The Holly Hoglund Klein "Iowa Woman in Transportation Award" recognizes an Iowa woman who demonstrates outstanding performance in the school transportation industry.