Goldstar Amusements returns for a 12th year at the Clay County Fair, powered by SMU, Sept. 9-17, with an addition of several newly remodeled rides.

“Working with GoldStar Amusements is a great partnership for the fair,” fair manager Jerome Hertel said. “We are glad to have a company with safe and fun rides for all ages to enjoy at the fair.”

Representatives from Community State Bank in Spencer presented a $25,000 donation to representatives of the Clay County Extension to go toward their Grow Clay County Building Project. (Photo submitted)

Aug. 30, the Spencer Police Department executed a search warrant at 502 Eighth St. SW, Apt. 5 in Spencer. During the search, cocaine, marijuana, mushrooms, THC concentrates, prescription pills and a firearm were located. As a result, 42-year-old Leon Banks, of Spencer, was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Clay County Jail.

The Spencer Ambassadors visited Goodwill on Thursday afternoon to celebrate the business’ 100-year anniversary. Mayor Steve Bomgaars was also present and proclaimed Aug. 31 as Goodwill of the Great Plains Day. Customers were welcomed for lunch and offered a 25% off coupon and a chance to win a $25 gift card to the store all in honor of the Goodwill 100-year anniversary. (Photo submitted)

A small crowd gathered at Goodwill of the Great Plains’ location in Spencer on Thursday. As part of its 100th anniversary, the organization has been hosting customer appreciation celebrations at all of its locations this summer.

The annual fundraising campaign for United Way of Spencer officially kicked off this week. Fundraising efforts for the 2023 Campaign Drive will last until Sept. 15.

Members of the United Way Board and leaders of several community organizations gathered at Grand Avenue Community Outreach on Wednesday. Board Treasurer Julie Weaver explained the Campaign Drive’s kick off takes place every year at the end of August.

Power is still not fully restored at a trailer park on the west side of town over a year after it was first shut off. Due to safety concerns for the electrical system at the park on West 18th Street, power was turned off last July, though power has been restored to some of the park’s mobile homes since then.

CLAY COUNTY COMMUNICATION CENTER CALLS

TUESDAY, AUG. 29

Spencer residents fought the heat with ice cream treats at Spencer Main Street's Ice Cream Social this week. After being rescheduled from last week due to excessive heat, families gathered at the Clay County Courthouse lawn on Wednesday for a scoop. Once they finished their treat, several outdoor activities and were also available for families to enjoy. (Photos by Celia Brocker)

FFA chapters from Iowa, South Dakota, Minnesota and Nebraska will have the opportunity to participate in a day of leadership opportunities and a college fair on FFA Day, Tuesday, Sept. 12, at the 2023 Clay County Fair powered by SMU.

FFA Day will feature three specific activities — all free, including gate admission — for the FFA chapter members and their advisors:

Two nonprofit organizations will be moving into Spencer locations in the coming weeks. Discovery House and Centers Against Abuse and Sexual Assault signed an official agreement for Discovery House to use CAASA’s previous Spencer location.

Discovery House, a transitional housing service in Spirit Lake, will be opening its secondary location at 309 W. Sixth St. CAASA’s new location will be at 521 S. Grand Ave.

The upcoming exhibit “Highways, Byways and Pathways” at Arts on Grand, initially scheduled to open Friday, has been temporarily postponed due to some emergency building problems and repairs. No rescheduled date is available yet.

OKOBOJI — Kindermusik at the Lakes has been named a Top Program for the third year in a row by Kindermusik International, the world’s leading provider of music-based education for infants, toddlers, and young children.

EMMETSBURG — In a remarkable display of achievement, every graduate from Iowa Lakes Community College's nursing program from the December 2022 and May 2023 classes passed the National Council Licensure Examination, a standardized assessment required for nurses across the United States to obtain their nursing licenses.