Spencer’s downtown businesses may now apply for a brand-new funding opportunity, courtesy of Spencer Main Street. Last week, Main Street announced the launch of the Main Street Micros program, a competitive grant program offered twice a year, and applications are now open.

Friday evening, 42-year-old Jolynn Pullen, of Spirit Lake, was taken into custody after allegedly wrecking her 2012 Chevrolet Malibu in the 3100 mile of U.S. Highway 71, and reportedly fleeing the scene.

Spencer Public Library had a special guest visit its patrons Friday. Portraying Ulysses S. Grant, war general during the Civil War and eventual U.S. president, actor Pete Grady taught patrons the story behind the iconic figure. Throughout his performance, Grady never broke character as he shared the stories that made the iconic figure the world recognizes today. (Photos by Celia Brocker)

The Clay County Fair announces eight nights of grandstand events — including five shows that are part of the SRG Concert Series — for the 2023 Clay County Fair powered by SMU, Sept. 9-17.

As part of her plan to visit all 99 Iowa counties, Attorney General Brenna Bird came to Clay County on Friday afternoon. During her visit, the attorney general held a roundtable discussion with victim advocates, local prosecutors and law enforcement officials to talk about victims' services.

After 41 years in hospital leadership, 14 of which were spent serving as president of Spencer Hospital, Bill Bumgarner announced his plans for retirement Thursday. Bumgarner plans to retire on Dec. 29 of this year, following his 65th birthday in October.

Bumgarner revealed he has been contemplating his retirement for the past year, taking into consideration the needs of his family as well as the needs of the hospital.

Spencer Rotary presented the Clay County Fair & Events Center a check for $200 for Family Fest on March 4. (Above) Clay County Fair & Events Center staff Alicia Kopriva and Jason Brockshus, and Rotarian Bob Rose. (Photo submitted)

Spencer Hospital president Bill Bumgarner announced on Thursday that he will be retiring on Dec. 29 of this year.

"I'll be celebrating my 65th birthday in October and will have served 41 years in hospital leadership and over 14 years as Spencer Hospital's president," Bumgarner shared. "My wife Karen and I have agreed the time has come to enjoy the next phase of our life together."

Spencer’s resident nonprofit animal shelter has its hands full as the four-legged feline population has currently stretched the agency and its staff to its limits.

Due to an outbreak of COVID-19, the St. Luke Lutheran Nursing Home facility is currently discouraging visitors. This has been in effect since Sunday, Feb. 11.

Though visits are being discouraged at this time, Chief Executive Officer and Administrator Ken Nelson reported the nursing home is not under lockdown and visitors may still enter the facility.

Spencer Main Street recently announced a new funding source for building and business owners specifically in the Main Street District. This will be the first of its kind solely for downtown Spencer. The Main Street Micros program is a new competitive grant program that will be offered twice a year — spring and fall — and in each round we will award a maximum of $20,000.

Spencer Community Theatre will continue its 63rd Mainstage Season with an adaptation of the play “Proof.” Performances will be staged at the SCT Playhouse on Feb. 17, 18, 24 and 25 at 7:30 p.m. and Feb. 19 and 26 at 2 p.m.

The Spencer Park Board received some updates on upcoming, ongoing and potential projects from the Spencer Parks Department on Tuesday. Parks and Recreation Director Bob Fullhart gave updates to the Fairview Tennis Court project, ongoing ash tree removal and the possibility of installing a disc golf course in the future.

On Monday, the Clay County Pheasants Forever Chapter No. 42 presented the Clay County Conservation Board and the Oneota Conservation Foundation with a $100,000 donation in support of the Oneota Environmental Learning Center Project. The conservation's goal is to ultimately turn a barn at Oneota Park in Spencer into an educational facility.

A full day of agriculture speakers, vendors and information will take over the Clay County Regional Events Center Tuesday when the 2023 edition of Ag Outlook, sponsored by the Spencer Chamber of Commerce and organized by the Chamber Ag Committee, returns. The day, which opens at 8 a.m. and concludes at 4 p.m., includes five speaker sessions and a grand prize drawing.

AG OUTLOOK PROGRAM SCHEDULE