Shayla Bee, going public to raise awareness of its current building capital drive, was contacted by Demco, in Spencer and Boyden. The manufacturer has stepped up and committed to donate $60,000 in matching funds. Shayla Bee will continue to raise funds toward the building fund drive campaign, and once the next $60,000 is raised, Demco will contribute the $60,000 in matching funds.

Members of Clay County Pheasants Forever took part in the chapter’s annual banquet Saturday. Families and friends spent the evening reminiscing on Pheasants Forever’s successful year and trying out some themed games. Later that evening, members took part in an auction to win hunting gear and other items, with the added bonus of fundraising the chapter. (Photos by Celia Brocker)

Each year, the Clay County VFW Auxiliary submits student essays to the Elementary Patriotic Essay Contest. The contest is sponsored by the Iowa VFW Auxiliary, and is open to all youth in third, fourth and fifth grade.

“We’re always excited to (hold the contest),” Georgia Riley of the Clay County VFW said. “We’re very proud to do that for these kids. It brings a little bit of patriotism and Americanism into the schools, and we think it’s so important today.”

On the heels of The Iowa Utilities Board issuance of an order establishing a procedural schedule regarding the application for a hazardous liquid pipeline permit filed by Summit Carbon Solutions LLC, members of the Iowa House introduced legislation, and received preliminary approval from a subcommittee, to limit eminent domain for carbon dioxide pipelines.

Members of Hope Church took part in a chili cook off Sunday. Cooks whipped up their best chili recipes and an assortment of appetizers — with a theme to match their flavors — while eaters were able to try over a dozen different dishes. Attendees then voted for their favorite flavors, the best presentation and most unique meal. Sunday school students were serving ice cream sundaes as a cool down treat.

A report regarding an adult in possession of inappropriate photographs led to the arrest of 28-year-old Daniel Jaimez Ramirez, of Spencer nearly two weeks later by Spencer Police.

On Feb. 1, the Spencer Police Department received the report, and in investigation into the allegation led to the arrest on Feb. 16, at approximately 10:20 p.m., in the 700 block of First Avenue SE in Spencer.

Winners of the Clay County Tourism’s “Speak Clay County" photo contest have been announced.

WINNERS

First Place — Lydia Wallace: Kindlespire.

Second Place — Caleb and Britney Snell: Kindlespire.

Third Place — Lynn Graesing: Kindlespire.

Third Place — Robin Edwards: Her children Azra and Boaz with their friend Karson, jumping on the trampoline.

HONORABLE MENTIONS

A celebration for the man known as “Mr. Spencer,” will be take place on March 18, at the Spencer Golf and Country Club from 1-3 p.m. Longtime community volunteer and dedicated Spencer historian Bob Rose will be celebrating his 90th birthday with the Spencer community.

The party is being put together by Nancy Naeve and Becky Fear Hatting, both of whom have worked with Rose when he served on Spencer Main Street and the Spencer Chamber of Commerce.

Every Monday and Friday, 1 p.m. — Geri-Fit: Senior Chair Fitness

Limited space available. No Geri-Fit March 10 and 20.

Monday, March 6, 6 p.m. — Transcribe-A-Thon

Learn how to become a volunteer archivist! The Library of Congress has lots of archival material that have been scanned into the computer, but they need to be transcribed. Current collection offerings are Clara Barton, Teddy Roosevelt, Walt Whitman and more.

LifeServe Blood Center would like to thank the community of Spencer for hosting a blood drive on Feb. 20. A total of 62 units of blood were collected, saving and potentially sustaining the lives of 186 people in need. LifeServe Blood Center would like to recognize donors that achieved milestone donations at this blood drive. They are:

• 18 Galloneer — Richard C. Mccord.

• 4 Galloneer — Jess D. Radcliffe.

• 4 Galloneer — Ivan J. Crane.

Due to a problem with delivery from the printer, the Friday issue of the Spencer Reporter has been delayed by a day. Please accept our apologies. We will attempt to have copies to newsstands as soon as possible later today. The current issue is available to online subscribers on the website. 

With an arena full of agriculture vendors and implements, and multiple speakers covering a wide variety of topics specific to the agri-business industry, the Spencer Chamber of Commerce’s annual Ag Outlook packed in attendees from around the region. (Above) Century Farms Distillery was among the many local agriculture retailers participating on the arena floor, showcasing its locally sourced whiskey products.

One of the opening speakers at Tuesday’s 2023 Northwest Iowa Ag Outlook was Matt Campbell, a risk management consultant from StoneX. Campbell was a returning speaker from last year’s Ag Outlook and was eager to be speaking again in Clay County.

“I was very pleased to be back here this year,” Campbell said. “Last year was my first year, and getting the repeat offer to come speak again is always a sign that I had something interesting to say.”

One of the vibrant speakers at the 2023 Northwest Iowa Ag Outlook was Jolene Brown, professional speaker and family business consultant. With years of experience in helping settle agriculture family business disputes, Brown put together a lively presentation to teach farm owners how to keep their family business operational after they’ve passed on.

Local farmers were given updates on new agriculture legislation in Iowa during the 2023 Northwest Iowa Ag Outlook on Tuesday. Kristine Tidgren, director of Center for Agricultural Law & Taxation, informed the attending farmers of a new legislation introduced in the Iowa House on Monday.