SPENCER — On Saturday, March 23, Col. Robert F. Howe II will be inducted into the Dustoff Hall of Fame — a legacy honor recognizing the retired soldier’s 30-year U.S. Army career.

Howe is the son of Tom and Katie Howe, of Spencer.

According to the announcement of his coming induction, it was noted he “made significant and long-lasting contributions to Dustoff and our Army. …”

Spencer Boy Scouts of America Scout Troops will be collecting food for Scouting for Food as part of an annual food drive that scouts all over the area will be collecting at the beginning of April. The Spencer troops will be taking food donations at the Spencer Hy-Vee location. These items can be dropped off or purchased and given to scouting in the entrance of Hy-Vee on April 6 between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.

March 1-15

Spencer Public Library poetry contest. Open to all ages. Entries will be accepted until March 15. Open to northwest Iowa residents and no entry fee. For more details and a full listing of rules call 712-580-7290.

Every Monday and Friday — 1 p.m.

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

Every Tuesday — 5:30 p.m.

SPIRIT LAKE — ESGR volunteers Steve Waller and Duane Bates, recently presented to Mandy Swart, supervisor and owners Tom and Vickie Matuska, of Matuska Taxidermy Supply, the coveted ESGR Patriot Award at their store in Spirit Lake.

I-29 Moo University Dairy Beef Short Course

Providing next level technology in Open MRI, CT and X-ray, Spencer Imaging Center, on Grand Avenue in south Spencer, offers its clients quick service, a competitive pricing model and 24-hour turnaround.

The business provides optimized subsystem components and fast computing, coupled with advanced software algorithms, the service center is a rarity in a town the size of Spencer. The operation’s model of independence is primarily available in larger cities such as Des Moines.

Big changes are in the works for the Spencer Family YMCA.

The YMCA’s 60-year-old building is nearing the end of its life span, and the organization likely needs to move. That was the news YMCA board member Paul Daniels and CEO Nathan Prenzlow delivered to a joint meeting of the city Parks and Recreation Board and the City Council’s Parks, Recreation and Culture Committee on March 12.

Planning for a new splash pad and a new city-owned campground will continue following a series of votes taken on March 12 during a joint meeting of the Spencer Park Board and the City Council’s Parks, Recreation and Culture Committee.

Spencer Hospital recently announced national recognition as a Top 100 Rural & Community Hospital.

This week the news became even sweeter when the National Rural Health Association shared Spencer Hospital is one of the 20 highest-ranking rural and community hospitals in the country among approximately 800 midsized facilities.

The cast and crew of Spencer Community Theatre Playhouse’s production of the classic musical “The Music Man” are preparing for the final two shows of the already well-attended performance. (Above) Harold Hill (Jared Gerlock) descends upon the fictitious Iowa town of River City, looking to con its citizens, but after meeting the community and falling for the local librarian, he begins to change his tune.

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach in Clay County announced a partnership with the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship to host an Iowa Farmers Market Nutrition Program vendor training on Tuesday, April 9, and Thursday, May 30 — from 9-11 a.m. This training is for fruit and vegetable growers, as well as honey producers, who sell their product at farmers markets, and aims to enhance their participation in the FMNP.

The Agriculture Committee of the Spencer Chamber announced the return of the Ag Breakfast on Tuesday, March 19, from 7-9 a.m., at the Clay County Regional Events Center. Amanda Bare, with Century Farms Distillery, will be giving a presentation about its corn-to-whiskey program. This is a first-come, first-served event while supplies last. A freewill donation will be accepted benefiting the Spencer Chamber Foundation. (File photo)

The International Aerobatic Club Chapter 78 is set to host its 15th annual aerobatic competition at the Spencer Municipal Airport from June 26-29.

An early morning traffic stop last Saturday, March 9, in the 2800 mile of U.S. Highway 18, resulted in charges filed against four area teens, ranging in age from 14-16.

At approximately 2:45 a.m., a deputy, with the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation, and while investigating, detected the smell of what he believed was an alcoholic beverage coming from the vehicle.

BOOKED INTO THE CLAY COUNTY JAIL