A new exhibit at the Clay County Heritage Center proudly displays some of the oldest family farms in the county. The Heritage and Century Farms of Clay County will be available at the museum until Jan. 23.

The exhibit features information and artifacts from 12 Century Farms and one Heritage Farm recognized in the county. Executive Director Braden Falline said the exhibit was chosen because of the large role farming plays in the county.

Get ready to relive the golden era of music as the Upson Downs take the stage for a special one-night-only performance on Friday, Aug. 25, at the Roof Garden in Arnolds Park. Featuring Rusty Davis and Terry Klein, this band promises an unforgettable night of groovy tunes, timeless classics, and comedic flair that will have you smiling and singing all night long. The Upson Downs show is part of the Iowa Rock ‘n Roll Music Association’s “Okoboji Rocks!” summer concert series.

DES MOINES — August means it's time for the Iowa State Fair, and for fair coverage on Iowa PBS. This year's programming begins Aug. 9 with a live broadcast of the 2023 Iowa State Fair Parade, continues Aug. 14-19 with fair 2023 and wraps up on Aug. 20 with State Fair Talent Championship 2023. The network will also offer online coverage of the 2023 State Fair Queen Coronation on Aug. 12.

Farmers Trust & Savings Bank has pledged their support to the “Grow Clay County” fundraising campaign as an emerald donor. The “Grow Clay County” campaign is a fundraising effort to help fund the construction of a new extension office for Clay County, to be located at 1515 W. 18th St. in Spencer. The new office will include a community meeting room for up to 100 people, a gathering area for up to 15 people and workspace for 10 county and state staff.

The words, “Our children are not for sale,” spoken by Jim Caveziel on the big screen, while bringing the heroic exploits of former Homeland Security agent turned child trafficking rescue coordinator Tim Ballard to life have opened the eyes of many to the dark truth surrounding the abduction of children and subsequent slavery endeavors on a global scale.

A week after what Nancy Naeve, executive director of Spencer Main Street, suggested was a successful Crazy Days run, local retailers will turn around and gear up for the upcoming tax-free weekend, Friday and Saturday, Aug. 4-5.

“Our three days of Crazy Days were fantastic,” Naeve said. “The heat and humidity was brutal on Thursday and Friday and people still came out to shop which we greatly appreciate.

Lt. Gen. James Mingus, a graduate of Spencer High School, has been nominated by President Joe Biden to be the next Army vice chief of staff.

If confirmed by the Senate, Mingus, who has been director for the Joint Staff since June 2022, would receive his fourth star and succeed Gen. Randy George, who has been nominated to be the 41st Army chief of staff. George appeared before the Senate Armed Services Committee July 12 and also must be confirmed by the Senate.

The 10th anniversary of the Many Hands Market in Spencer is just around the corner, and the thrift store has plans to celebrate. Saturday, Aug. 12, the store will host a big celebration with surprise sales, hourly gift card drawings, treats and gifts for shoppers during store hours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Last year Kindermusik at the Lakes brought monthly music playdates to Spencer for young children and their families. Thanks to the success of the playdates, Kindermusik will be offering weekly programs starting on Aug. 31.

“We had a really great time doing our monthly musical playdates last year down in Spencer,” said Allison Antoine, business owner and one of the Kindermusik educators. “We thought it would be awesome to provide the weekly class experience in Spencer now.”

WASHINGTON — Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, met with the Ebel family this week in his Washington office. Grassley spoke with the Ebels about several issues, including mental health, college tuition, the farm bill and the educational value of visiting the nation’s capitol. “I enjoyed meeting with the Ebel family from Paullina and learning about their visit to our nation’s capitol,” Grassley said.

The Northwest Bank Stage will feature six different quality acts at the 2023 Clay County Fair, powered by SMU, Sept. 9-17. This is just a portion of the $180,000 in free entertainment offered to fairgoers.

SEPT. 9-11

The fun starts Sept. 9-11 with stand-up comedian and magician, Jared Sherlock. Sherlock is an award-winning illusionist and comic magician. His electric act of modern magic will have audience members engaged and wanting more.

GRIMES — Black Hills Energy recently announced the release of its 2022 Sustainability Report highlighting the company’s progress on climate goals and its economic and charitable impact in Iowa.

A teen from Spencer, seriously injured in a head-on collision, was transported, first by ambulance to Spencer Hospital, then by air to Avera Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, for further care with serious/incapacitating injuries. The other driver reportedly sustained minor injuries.

On Tuesday, July 18, approximately 70 Kiwanians from Clay, Dickinson, Emmet and Palo Alto counties gathered at the Milford Community Center to meet, enjoy a light evening meal and assemble personal care backpacks. An estimated 400 individual backpacks were filled with personal hygiene items such as soap, toothbrushes and toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, wash cloths and towels.

The Spencer Chamber of Commerce Board is seeking nominations for one upcoming seat opening on the board. The initial term would be Oct. 1 through Sept. 30, 2026. Board members can serve up to two, three-year terms. The chamber is a 501(c)(6) organization.