This week is National Correctional Officers and Employees Week, as declared by the Clay County Board of Supervisors last week. Clay County citizens were encouraged to thank the correctional workers in their county this week for the public service they provide. (Photo by Celia Brocker)

The Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation marks the week of May 8-12, as the next Economic Development Week. During this week, communities across North America will celebrate and recognize the contributions made by professional economic developers to create more economically vibrant and livable communities.

For years Connie Goeken volunteered — and was eventually hired as director of the Clay County Community Foundation.

The foundation, under Goeken’s leadership, has awarded many grants to nonprofits throughout the county. Goeken officially hung up her director at her final board meeting on Thursday, April 27, in the former "Curves" store in the Southpark Mall, leaving the organization in search of new leadership.

Arts on Grand took community members back in time with its Arts on Grape fundraiser at Occasions Saturday. With an old Hollywood theme, attendees dressed in fine vintage attire for the evening as they sampled wine and listened to classic movie songs. (Photos by Celia Brocker)

After a 45-year career in the long-term care profession, Spencer resident Dawn Feucht had her final day of work before retiring last Thursday. Feucht’s 45 years as a certified nursing assistant began and ended at Longhouse-Northshire, as a dedicated LPN staff nurse never worked anywhere else.

From a young age, Feucht saw herself with a career caring for others, particularly the older generation.

ESGR volunteers Steve Waller and David Kimbell, presented Transportation Manager David Dau, of the Spirit Lake Community School District, with the coveted ESGR Patriot Award on May 4 at the school’s administration office.

Hunter launches Okoboji brokerage

Local technicians at Spencer Avionics spent Tuesday, April 26, readying an aircraft for a worldwide mission.

A couple of states away, on May 5, two men plan to take a single aircraft and embark on a rare journey across the globe to help eradicate the last vestiges of polo in our world. Peter Teahen and John Ockenfels will go airborne in their Cessna T210M for a scheduled 80-day trip around the globe. The two Rotarians will take off Friday.

The next event from the Spencer Reads initiative involves an afternoon at the park for the whole family. The initiative’s Pack The Park reading event will be taking place Sunday at East Leach Park from 1-3 p.m.

A project to replace culverts on Woodland Avenue may have a higher cost than anticipated. It was reported to the Spencer City Council on Monday the lowest bid received was $113,000 over the city’s budget allocation.

Taking place on the south side of U.S. Highway 18 at Woodland Avenue, the project would replace three 66-inch corrugated metal pipe culverts with twin 10-by-5-foot concrete box culverts, which would help the water flow better.

The city of Spencer may consider investing money to apply for a grant to construct several electric vehicle charging stations in the city. The opportunity comes from the Department of Transportation to prepare communities for electric vehicle adoption.

Clay County Heritage is excited to announce that they will be hosting a Lunch and Learn from noon to 1 p.m., May 31, at the Clay County Heritage Center. Speaker will be David Kruse talking about his trip visiting a number of Civil War battlefields last year. Those interested should call 262-3304 to RSVP as space will be limited.

A long-awaited continuous trail project from Spencer through the Lakes Area continues to face a potential delay as well as increased project cost. Since the Iowa Department of Transportation has now decided the bushes along the trail’s route must be removed, the project may not make its planned Aug. 15 letting date.

Spencer Municipal Utilities has earned a Reliable Public Power Provider designation from the American Public Power Association for providing reliable and safe electric service.

OKOBOJI — Okoboji Music Masters is currently looking for local, talented vocalists and instrumentalists for their upcoming summer season. The 10-minute auditions are scheduled for May 17 and 18, from 4-6 p.m., each day, with rehearsals starting on May 22.