Iowa joined other Midwestern states, and researchers in Canada and Central and South America to create a network of radio receiver stations to learn more about the long-distance migration patterns of birds, bats and insects.

The Motus Wildlife Tracking System, motus being the Latin word for movement, began in 2013 by Birds Canada near Toronto. Motus is a system of coordinated automated radio telemetry station used to track long-distance movements of small animals.

Over the past several years, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources has gone about restoring shallow lakes across the state. These are lakes that at one time were healthy and vibrant ecosystems have, unfortunately, become degraded to the point of little use. Often devoid of plant life with very poor water quality and overrun by rough fish such as carp and bullheads, these former gems are often ignored and forgotten.

The Clay County Fair Textiles, Crafts and Arts Department has changed its name to the Creative Arts Department for the 2022 Fair, Sept. 10-18.

A group of local women have spent the past few years researching locations and opportunities to establish a WonderLab site near Spencer. After failing to secure a location in its previous search, Megan Jones opted to create a prototype to give others a taste of what she and her partners have been working on.

The Iowa Supreme Court found there is no state constitutional right to an abortion, reversing a previous decision in a ruling Friday. The decision leaves Iowa open to an abortion ban or heightened restrictions if the U.S. Supreme Court overturns federal protections in a ruling expected in the coming weeks.

The Spencer Municipal Band, under the baton of Tom Rutt, will be presenting its weekly concert of music in the park, Thursday, June 23, at 7:30 p.m. The band is made up of area musicians and is supported by the city of Spencer and the Spencer Community Schools.

The band will be playing an audience favorite this week. The band will showcase Henry Mancini's, “Pink Panther,” at their concert.

Spencer's Rocket Slide has gotten one step closer to being restored, with the slide arriving at East Leach Park on Monday. Midstates Builders lowered the slide to the site in East Leach where it will eventually stand.

Plans for a second-floor accessibility study for Spencer’s downtown may be on hold. During its meeting last Thursday, Spencer’s Historic Preservation Commission decided to recommend to the Spencer City Council to return the project’s grant funding from the state in the amount of $15,062.

Fireworks will return to the skies above the Clay County Fair on July 4.

Last year, the fireworks were launched in conjunction with Spencer’s sesquicentennial celebration, leaving a bit of a gap in the annual holiday spectacular. Jeremy Parsons and Bob Rose are both busy trying to raise funds to cover the cost of the light show. To date, $5,000 has been raised through city and nonprofit contributions, as well as fundraising.

The Spencer Women of Today hosted its donation presentation night, distributing funding gifts to Clay County Sheriff K-9, Spencer EMTs, Hope Haven, Atlas, Spencer Fire Department, Spencer Police Department, Spencer Police K-9, Reins of Hope, Birthright, Cherish House, Feed Our Children, Grand Ave Outreach, People for Pets, NW IA Humane Society, Upper Des Moines, Respite Angels, Relay for Life, Clay County Pals, Iowa Lakes Fishing Club, Classroom Collection, Spencer Archery, Spencer After Prom

Spencer Rotary Treasurer Bob Rose presented a $500 donation to Greg Rasch, with the Northwest Iowa Autism Network, to provide financial help to families who have unforeseen expenses. (Photo submitted)

Fisher Hydraulics, of Laurens, general manager Gregg Eiles, presented a $150 donation to AMVETS Riders, Chapter 41, for the Bug Splat Target prizes, for the July 16 second annual Poker Run which begins and ends in Havelock this year. Proceeds will benefit Ronald McDonald House of Des Moines. (Photo submitted)

Evening Shade Lodge 312 donated $250 to Spencer Main Street in conjunction with a joint effort on April 18. Mac Slawson, committee chair, and Steve Heaton, master, with the Evening Shade Lodge, presented Nancy Naeve, executive director of Spencer Main Street, with the donation. The lodge team organized a drive through or sit down meal of loose meat sandwiches at the Masonic Temple.

Sunday, May 1, the crown changed heads, as the 2021 Clay County Fair Queen Gabbi Carpenter bestowed the 2022 tiara to Spencer High School junior Autumn Erdman who was chosen from among seven candidates.

“As my name was called I became very excited,” Erdman recalled.

For the past several months, it appeared the Spencer Area Activity Center was on a path to close its doors for good. Due to low funds and attendance, the board at the time voted at the beginning of the year to cease operations by the end of June, much to the surprise of several community members.