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Spencer families enjoy 12th annual Family Fest

Families enjoyed quality time together at the Clay County Regional Events Center for the 2023 Family Fest Saturday. The 12th annual family festival was filled with educational hands-on activities, local nonprofit displays and exhibitors for families to check out. Whether from live science experiments, meeting first responders or interacting with animals, there was no shortage of learning opportunities for kids this year.

Spencer grad wins national journalism award

Elisha Anderson, a graduate of Spencer High School, was recognized with a national journalism award in February. The investigative journalist, who previously reported for the Detroit Free Press until January, received the 2022 Jim Dwyer Award for Journalism from the Innocence Network for her coverage of the cases of two men wrongfully imprisoned for a combined 40 years.

Clarification: Citizen group seeks private investigation into SMS staff member conduct

In Friday’s Spencer Reporter, the article addressing the citizens group seeking a private investigation into alleged incidents which were to have occurred at Spencer Middle School called the person of interest in the claims an “administrator.” District Superintendent Terry Hemann clarified the only official administrator at the middle school is the principal who is not the individual associated with the group’s proposed

Saying 'Fair-well' to the fair manager

The Clay County Regional Events Center was filled with community members on Wednesday, all of whom expressing their appreciation for CEO/Manager Jeremy Parsons. After nearly 12 years of managing the fair in Clay County, Parsons will be moving on to the same position with the Iowa State Fair.

School board recognizes Parsons, new member appointed

Along with the Spencer community, the Spencer School Board will be bidding goodbye to outgoing member Jeremy Parsons. The CEO/manager of the Clay County Fair since 2011 has been hired to the same role with the Iowa State Fair.

During the board’s meeting on Tuesday, Parsons was received official recognition for his four years of service on the board.

Citizen group seeks private investigation into SMS staff member conduct

A group of approximately 10 community members delivered a list of grievances against a middle school staff member to the Spencer School Board on Tuesday. The concerned citizen group requested the board perform a private, third-party investigation on the administrator’s conduct.

Final 2023 helping of Eggs & Issues Saturday

The Legislative Committee of the Spencer Chamber of Commerce would like to announce the final 2023 Eggs & Issues on Saturday. This legislative forum is a great opportunity for you to meet area legislators and discuss the issues that affect Spencer, Clay County and northwest Iowa.

5 Tigerettes join All-Iowa Honor Dance Team at girls state basketball tournament Saturday

Forty teams qualified for the state basketball tournament after days, weeks and months of practice. Another championship caliber team that will show its talent Friday and Saturday has practiced just a few hours. That team is the All-Iowa Honor Dance Team, which has become a tradition at the girls state basketball tournament. The students annually put on a show that is nationally recognized as one of the finest of its kind.

LSI plans foster care virtual trainings

SIOUX CITY — Lutheran Services in Iowa is hosting virtual and in-person orientations in March for families in western Iowa wanting to learn more about foster care and adoption.

Hundreds of Iowa children are currently in need of a foster family, but there are not enough foster homes in western Iowa available for them, an announcement stated.

New Clay County RSVP coordinator skilled at working with students, seniors

SPENCER — Elva Walker has begun her responsibilities as the Clay County RSVP coordinator for the Northwest Iowa RSVP program.

Walker is stationed on the Spencer campus of Iowa Lakes Community College and joins the RSVP team with beneficial past experiences, including working with senior citizens and elementary students, a press release from ILCC stated.

Spencer police identify male found deceased

SPENCER — The Spencer Police Department on Tuesday identified the deceased male located in downtown on Monday, Feb. 20, as 29-year-old Joshua Martin, of Marathon.

The cause of death has yet to be determined as the autopsy results have yet to be completed by the Iowa State Medical Examiner's Office.

Ambassadors cut ribbon at Spencer Imaging Center

The Spencer Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors cut the ribbon at Spencer Imaging Center located at 710 S. Grand Ave. Tuesday morning. Opening just a few weeks ago, the facility offers open MRI, X-ray and CT services to patients across Northwest Iowa. (Photo submitted)

Local Catholic group selects winners of Education Contest

The winners of the annual Education Contest from the Spencer Catholic Daughters of the Americas have been selected. The annual contest sponsored statewide by the Catholic Daughters of the Americas challenges youth on a local, state and national level to write or create a piece of art about their faith.

Hertel named CEO/manager of the Clay County Fair

SPENCER ― Fair industry veteran Jerome Hertel has been named the next CEO/manager of the Clay County Fair Association. Hertel will succeed Jeremy Parsons, who is leaving the Fair & Events Center after nearly 12 years to service to become CEO/manager of the Iowa State Fair.

Spencer police identify male found deceased

SPENCER—The Spencer Police Department on Tuesday identified the deceased male located in downtown on Monday, February 20, as 29-year-old Joshua Martin of Marathon, Iowa. 

Lawmakers discuss carbon pipelines, education legislation

Spencer’s City Council Chambers were filled with locals eager to speak with their state representatives and senators Saturday. Reps. Megan Jones and John H. Wills, along with Sens. Dave Rowley and Lynn Evans participated in the second Eggs & Issues forum hosted by the Spencer Chamber of Commerce this year.

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