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Iowa Plains area to provide greater access

Iowa Workforce Development is now playing a greater role in delivering job training services across western Iowa. Earlier this month, Iowa’s State Workforce Development Board approved the final steps in reorganizing the state’s Local Workforce Development Areas, consolidating four regions covering the western half of Iowa into one local area that now will be overseen by IWD.

Gary’s Garden summer sales return this week

Spencer residents will have the chance to buy their produce garden fresh this week thanks to Gary Holck. The gardener will be continuing his summer tradition of selling produce straight from his garden every Tuesday from 4-6 p.m., the first sale taking place this Tuesday evening.

Bird workshops at Oneota this week

Several workshops for bird lovers or aspiring bird watchers will be available this week courtesy of the Clay County Conservation. The “Building Better Birder” workshops will have activities throughout the day Wednesday at Oneota Park, with no registration needed.

Avera announces interim president and CEO

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Avera announced Julie Lautt as the interim president and CEO of Avera Health, while the search for the new president and CEO continues. Lautt will take this role effective Aug. 5. She is currently the chief financial officer for Avera and will continue in her current role while serving as Interim. She has been with Avera for 24 years.

Rotary adds to Literacy Partners funding

Spencer Rotary Club Treasurer Bob Rose presented additional $1,000 contribution from the organization to Literacy Partners. The original contribution of $1,500 wasn't enough to cover the increasing cost of books. Elva Walker, with Literacy Partners, accepted the contribution. (Photo submitted)

Adult programs at Spencer Public Library

JULY

Book Haiku — July

Come to the Spencer library and see if you can match which haiku describes which book on display and try your hand at writing a book haiku of your own. Turn in your answers for a chance to win a prize.

 

Every Monday and Friday — 1 p.m.

Geri-Fit: Senior Chair Fitness — Limited space available.

 

Monday, July 31 — 6 p.m.

LifeServe donors recognized

LifeServe Blood Center welcomed donors from the community of Spencer to three blood drives in July, two community and one at the hospital. A total of 93 units of blood were collected, saving and potentially sustaining the lives of 279 people in need. LifeServe Blood Center recognized donors that achieved milestone donations at this blood drive. They are:

 

• 25 Galloneer — Deborah Travis

Local restaurant to be nationally featured

A small film crew walked into McCreary’s at The Dock on Wednesday afternoon, but they had a larger objective than grabbing a bite to eat. As part of the national media and marketing company America’s Best Restaurants, the roadshow team was capturing footage to feature on their website and social media.

Sirens

BOOKED INTO CLAY COUNTY JAIL

Fair announces grandstand change

The Clay County Fair announces that Thompson Square — rather than Jimmie Allen — will be joining Parmalee as part of the SRG Concert Series on the Bud Light Stage at the 2023 Clay County Fair, powered by SMU, on Saturday, Sept. 9, at 7:30 p.m.

City approved studies target North Y development

Two studies for Spencer’s economic development have received approval from city officials. A traffic study for the area known as the Spencer North Y, and a hotel study for a potential hotel were both given the green light by the Spencer City Council on Monday.

Former city manager to serve interim role

The role of Spencer finance director will be temporarily filled by a familiar face. As the city searches for a new director upon Brian Weuve’s departure in August, former city manager Bob Fagen will be the interim director. Fagen’s appointment was approved Monday by the Spencer City Council.

Mayor Steve Bomgaars and City Manager Dan Gifford both came up with the idea to reach out to the former city manager separately, which encouraged the two leaders their idea had merit.

Councilman Orrison to vacate seat after 17 years

Spencer community members and city staff came to the Spencer City Council Chambers on Monday to recognize Ward 2 City Councilman Bill Orrison for his 17 years of service. Orrison will be vacating his council seat on Aug. 11, and he was thankful for the positive collaboration he’s experienced over the years.

“I want to thank the many council members, the many city employees, the citizens of Spencer that I’ve had the privilege to work with over the many years,” Orrison said.

Creating a Spark: Spencer 4-H club surpasses backpack goal

The Spencer Sparks are determined to make a difference for their peers in the Spencer community. After eight months of collaborating and fundraising, the local 4-H group raised $3,400 to pack 63 backpacks for students in need this upcoming school year.

The group will pack and donate the bags as a part of the backpack program through Spencer Community Schools. Each year, the program provides school supplies to families in need from preschool through eighth grade.

OST to debut ‘Cole: A Musical Revue’

OKOBOJI — This delightful musical about the King of Musicals, “Cole,” runs from Tuesday, July 25, through Sunday, July 30, at the Okoboji Summer Theatre.

NWIA band concert at Arnolds Park Amusement Park

The Northwest Iowa Concert Band, directed by Rich Nicklay, will present its annual summer concert at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Arnolds Park Amusement Park Majestic Pavilion. This will be the 31st year of the band performing a summer concert at the park. The band is made up of volunteers from area communities, including Armstrong, Emmetsburg, Estherville, Ringsted, Spirit Lake and Jackson, Minnesota. Music selections will include marches, overtures, patriotic and singalongs.

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