The Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation announced Thursday the hire of Curt Strouth as the new president and chief executive officer for the regional economic development organization serving Buena Vista, Clay, Dickinson and Emmet counties. Strouth will assume his responsibilities with the Corridor in August.

The Spencer-based Shayla Bee family keeps on growing.

The regional nonprofit, which supports families across the region whose children experience a medical crisis, and organizers brought their second set of triplets into the fold Saturday.

A free day focused on appreciation, with a dose of information, and support for veterans, active military and their families, was conducted Saturday for the public at Oneota Park and Cabin in Spencer. An idea spurred by Heather Warren, veteran career planner for Iowa Workforce Development, and a planning committee of regional veteran’s services agencies, kicked off the day at 11 a.m., with informational booths and displays available.

The Spencer Municipal Band, under the baton of Tom Rutt, will be presenting their weekly concert of music in the park this Thursday at 7 p.m. The band is made up of area musicians and is supported by the city of Spencer and the Spencer Community Schools.

The Clay County Fair, powered by SMU, announce Herman’s Hermits, starring Peter Noone, with special guest The Association, will be part of the SRG Concert Series on the Bud Light Stage at the 2023 Clay County Fair on Monday, Sept. 11, at 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, the Clay County Community Foundation welcomed Terri Batschelet as the new executive director for the organization. Batschelet, born and raised in Royal, earned her degree at Iowa State University and has deep experience in organizational leadership, planning, developing and executing programs and in coordinating volunteer efforts.

Representatives of Boys Town gathered Saturday with area supporters as they looked ahead to next month's Blue Water Bash. The annual fundraiser support the Nebraska nonprofit's Camp Okoboji, which will mark its 70th anniversary this year.

Elder Abuse Awareness Month in June. In observance and awareness of elder abuse the lights on Grand Avenue purple the week, June 12-17. Anyone who knows someone age 60-plus that may be at a risk or is experiencing some type of neglect or abuse, contact Elderbridge Agency on Aging at 1-800-243-0678. They can help them sort through challenges and identify possible solutions. Mayor Steve Bomgaars signed a proclamation of Elder Abuse Awareness. (Photo submitted)

Gardening is good for the mind, body and spirit. It is also good for the youngsters in our lives. Research shows gardening helps relieve stress, improve focus, positively impacts mood and psychological well-being, builds a sense of confidence and more.

Look for creative ways to get children involved in gardening. Tap into other interests or skills like art, reading, writing, insects, math and computers if you need to persuade reluctant participants into growing plants.

Past President Andrew Hasley and Fairstand Committee member Tim Steffen accepted a Certificate of Achievement from the Nebrask-Iowa District for their annual fundraising project, the Cookie Bucket & Hot Beef Sundae stand on the Clay County Fairgrounds. District Lt. Gov. Julie Weaver, also a member of Hy-Noon, presented multiple certificates to the club at a recent Monday noon meeting. Karen Buchholz was also honored for her work as a club secretary.

A $5,000 donation from Midstates Builders Inc. was made in May 2023 to People for Pets to kick-off their annual fundraiser Petoberfest. This $5,000 donation was made by Midstates Builders Inc. in memory of Craig Wampler, the company’s former president who passed away last November. Craig and his wife, Kirsten, owned and operated the business from 2007 until 2022 when Craig’s health declined. and they sold the business assets.

Are you the parent of a preschooler? Did you know that parents can prepare their children to read by reading to them? Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Clay County is offering “Our Bookshelf,” a four-week virtual program for parents of preschoolers, on Tuesdays, July 11, 18, 25 and Aug. 1, starting at 7 p.m. “Our Bookshelf” focuses on a research-based reading technique called dialogic reading, which is designed to increase prereading skills in children aged 3-6.

ARNOLDS PARK — Fifty years ago on June 8, 1973, Dickinson County Chief Deputy George O. Williamson was killed in an automobile accident while responding to Superior after receiving reports of a 4-year-old boy who had been struck by a car. Williamson, a former Spencer police officer, and the driver of the other vehicle both passed as a result of the collision.

MILFORD — West O Beer, in Milford, announced a free weekly Summer Beer Run which will be hosted on Monday evenings at the brewery. There will be 11 group runs starting with the inaugural on Monday and ending Aug. 28.

Looking for a new fundraiser to support unmet costs of the Spencer High School sports programs, the Spencer Tailtwisters support organization is introducing a “Megaraffle” opportunity beginning Friday through the end of June with a $500 Fareway gift card awarded daily for a winner July 1-30.

Brent Stanley, treasurer on the Spencer Tailtwisters Athletic Booster Board, said, this is the first year of the event.