Iowa’s manufacturing exports were down again, and prices were up as 2024 came to an end.

According to the latest Mid-America Business Conditions Index, the state’s manufacturers saw a $1.4 billion or 9.9% decline in exports compared to 2023.

Effective Jan. 1, a number of changes went into effect affecting motor vehicle transactions. Citizens will be able to do most of their motor vehicle transactions in any county in Iowa. This includes titling cars and trucks, getting replacement titles, salvage titles, dealer titles, junking certificates, adding security interest notations on titles among other transactions. Originally transactions were restricted to the county of residence.

The response to the City of Spencer’s four locally funded flood recovery micro-grant programs was strong, but according to data from the Planning Department, not all of the available money has been spent.

Health care scholarship and loan programs

Warner Funeral Home donated to Megan Hanges, volunteer and logistics coordinator for the Clay County Long Term Recovery Group. (Photo submitted)

The flood of 1953 left an impression on Spencer which remains legend. That was until Saturday, June 22.

After setting the Little Sioux high water mark of 20.2 feet 71 years ago, the flood of 2024 will be remembered for establishing the new standard at 22.2. Before noon, Sunday, June 23, water had begun receding — dropping to 20.18.

It was a record nobody in Spencer or Clay County had any desire to see broken.

Thursday evening, May 16, with the Little Sioux River under a flood warning, a Spencer High School tennis coach was forced into action, selflessly entering the elevated, rushing waters to rescue two 12-year-old boys, one clinging to a utility pole in the middle of the river.

After watching the work for the past few months on the new Kwik Star, near the North Y intersection, doors opened Friday on the convenience store, the newest of 800-plus stores.

According to Ben Leibl, public relations specialist for Kwik Star, Friday was the soft opening.

“With opening two days after Christmas we weren’t sure … we’re very excited with turnout in Spencer,” Leibl said.

GRIMES — Black Hills Energy announced Monday the Iowa Utilities Commission has approved its request to update natural gas rates for customers. The new rates will take effect on Jan. 1, and will replace a temporary natural gas rate increase which has been in place since May 2024, as allowed by Iowa law when Black Hills Energy submitted its rate review proposal to the IUC.

• James Dawson Manwarren, 25, of Spencer, and was charged with possession of a controlled substance — first to third, and possession of drug paraphernalia at 11:49 a.m., Dec. 17.
• Gena Lyn King, 65, residence not provided, was charged with possession of a controlled substance — first to third, and possession of drug paraphernalia at 12:59 p.m., Dec.

A new study on behalf of Trace One has identified the locations where natural hazards have the greatest impact on the United States' food supply.

The fading smell of baking bread mingled with the scent of fresh coffee, and the Carroll’s Bakery doorbell jingled steadily though the winter sun had yet to rise on a chilly morning on Thursday, Jan. 4.

Melanie Bloom, Sioux Central's ag education instructor, was honored at the Sioux Central gymnasium on Monday, Dec. 9, after Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds announced Bloom as the 2025 Iowa Teacher of the Year.

The Teacher of the Year Award recognizes exceptional teachers who demonstrate excellence in the classroom and who have made a significant impact on student outcomes and their fellow educators.

It’s taken a great deal of elbow grease to clean up the mess left by the June 22 flooding to the south end as town, as well as a few blocks on the north side as the Little Sioux poured over the banks, destroying many residence and impacting a large number of businesses.

A Spencer man has pleaded guilty to drug and burglary charges and has been ordered to receive treatment for methamphetamine addiction.