Fairgoers have the opportunity to save big through several pre-fair deals as they make plans to attend the Clay County Fair, powered by SMU, Sept. 9-17.

“Taking advantage of these pre-fair sales is a great way to save some money on the tons of fun that the fair has to offer,” fair manager Jerome Hertel said.

Arts on Grand, the Clay County Fair & Events Center and the Spencer Radio Group will host the first Art of the Que BBQ Contest and Art Festival at the Clay County Fairground on Friday, July 7, and Saturday, July 8.

Art of the Que is free to attend and is open to the public.

The first of two scheduled performances for the Spencer Municipal Band was hosted on the lawn outside of Riverview residence Wednesday. In addition to the musical selections from the large volunteer band, those attending were also able to enjoy floats. (Photos submitted)

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources issued an Air Quality Advisory for Iowa earlier this week, as an orangish haze moved into Clay County and the majority of northwest Iowa. The worst air quality is expected in about the eastern third of the state, where fine particulates associated with Canadian fires will be at concentrations the EPA considers unhealthy.

Spencer residents learned about a famous event in the town’s history while walking its path Wednesday. Courtesy of the Clay County Heritage Center, a walking tour of the 1931 Spencer Fire was held downtown. Led by Executive Director Braden Falline, participants learned key details about the tragedy and its aftermath as they walked the path the fire took almost 100 years ago. (Photos by Celia Brocker)

The Spencer Firework Committee announced its highly anticipated Fourth of July fireworks display on July 4, at 10 p.m. The display will be launched just north of the Clay County Fairgrounds.

Committee member and Spencer Chamber representative Blake Goss said, “You may park and view the show from the parking lot at the fairgrounds. The grandstand will not be open.”

An alternative viewing location will be available at North School.

Seventh grade students from Iowa Great Lakes Lutheran School will be allowed to participate in Spencer Middle School interscholastic activities in the upcoming school year. A one-year agreement with IGLLS was approved by the Spencer School Board on Thursday.

The Iowa General Assembly passed legislation in 2017 legislative session allowing the sale and use of fireworks in the state of Iowa which was subsequently followed by a limited lifting of the ban within Spencer city limits — the community largely responsible for the state ban in the first place.

Clay County is several weeks into a wage study encompassing all county jobs. The study was approved by the Clay County Board of Supervisors to ensure all county employees are paid a fair wage with proper benefits.

MILFORD — The Treasure Village Flea Market & Antique Show runs Saturday to Monday, July 1-3. Vendors are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. This July flea market features antiques, furniture, flags, lawn decor, metal art, beautiful quilts, tools, hats, chain saws, candles, soaps and more. Home-based businesses include vendors like Thirty-One, Scentsy, Tastefully Simple, Paparazzi Jewelry, Pampered Chef, Lilla Rose and more.

ARNOLDS PARK — Fool House, the ultimate '90s dance party, will be performing at 8 p.m. Friday, July 14, at the Roof Garden Ballroom in Arnolds Park. Doors open at 7 p.m. The ultimate '80s dance party a live musical event paying homage to the golden era of boy bands, pop stars, hip-hop and pop punk. With a larger than life production, this show recreates the sights, sounds and energy of the biggest stars of the '90s.

LINCOLN, Neb. — Derek Huss of Spencer has been named to the deans' list at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln for the spring semester of the 2022-23 academic year. Huss, a junior majoring in accounting, was named to the dean's list for the College of Business.

WICHITA, Kan. — Wichita State University has announced the names of 3,273 students who were on the WSU dean's honor roll for spring 2023. Locals on the list include Olivia Nelsen, of Sioux Rapids.

The Spencer Chamber Ambassadors cut the ribbon at the Spencer location of Woodruff Construction Tuesday. Woodruff operates five general contracting locations and approximately 180 employees across the state of Iowa focused on the core values of family, service, purpose, dependability and enjoyment. (Photo submitted)

The building formerly home to Midstates Builders has opened its doors as Woodruff Construction. Located at 520 S. Grand Ave., the business is celebrating its remodeled office this week.

Upper De Moines Opportunity will be celebrating its new office location with an open house this Thursday Located at 19 10th St. SW, the open house will last from 3:30-5:30 p.m.

Until a month ago, UDMO’s Clay County location was on 10th Avenue East beside Elderbridge’s office. Thanks to an infrastructure grant, UDMO was able to purchase its new building.