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BEST ‘CASE’ SCENARIO

Spencer High School’s mock trial team recently placed 11th in the entire state among more than 150 teams who began the season. At the recent state competition, with 32 groups participating, Spencer’s squad placed just outside the top 10.

Most teams were taken out through district competitions.

Main Street holds its own 'Masters'

Downtowngoers took part in their own Masters Tournament last weekend with Spencer Main Street’s “Masters on Main” strolling event on Saturday. Residents tested their own skills with each local bar’s unique mini-golf setup. (Photos by Celia Brocker)

Seasons Center to bring keynote mental health speaker

To raise awareness for mental health care, Seasons Center for Behavioral Health will be hosting two free events featuring keynote speaker and Golden Gate Bridge suicide survivor Kevin Hines at King’s Pointe Resort in Storm Lake on May 12. Health care providers, faith leaders and human services providers are encouraged to attend the daytime session from 10 a.m.

JC Penney goes back to department store roots to shake retail ‘road kill’ rap

Sometimes the relevance of a retailer is decided by people who don’t shop there. It’s a Wall Street versus Main Street, high-income versus mid- to low-income kind of thing. J.C. Penney may be one of those. It’s a department store and is owned by mall operators, two categories in retailing with dismal rap sheets.

Corridor to host quarterly investor meeting

The Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation will be hosting a quarterly investor meeting on Tuesday, April 25, from 4-5 p.m. at the Lake Park Community Center. The Corridor is partnering with Dakota Business Finance for this event.

Avenue of Flags accepting new dedications

The Avenue of Flags is currently accepting flags for dedication. Anyone with a family member or friend who served in the armed forces and passed away may have a flag dedicated in their honor during Memorial Day services in 2023. Contact Melissa Girard at 363-9924 after 5 p.m., or 262-3340 during regular business hours. Flags will be accepted until Monday, May 15. (File photo)

Wagner shares pair of 5 generation photos

Mitzi Anderson Wagner, who celebrated her 85th birthday shared a pair of five generation photos. (Pictured above, from left) The first taken in 1958, showed Wagner, with her grandfather, Metz Anderson Sr.; her father, Metz Anderson Jr.; and seated, great-grandfather, Andrew Anderson; Wagner; and her son, Freddy Wagner. (Pictured below) Wagner, great-grandmother; her mother, great-great-grandmother, Helen Sheely; great-granddaughter, Kahlie Genson — born Sept.

Pate’s IBAT initiative named finalist for national award

DES MOINES — Secretary of State Paul Pate’s Iowa Businesses Against Trafficking initiative is one of three finalists for the National Association of Secretaries of State’s 2023 IDEAS Award. IBAT is a member organization which raises awareness for human trafficking and promotes Safe at Home, Iowa’s address confidentiality program for victims of violent crime.

TOP OF THEIR CLASS

Clay County Sheriff’s Deputy Tyler Heck, and K-9 Kash, and Spencer Police Lieutenant Pat Westfall, along with his partner, Mennox, recently competed and attended the USPCA Region 21 Detector Dog Trials in Waterloo, March 26-28.

There were 56 dogs at the trials. Heck and Kash were awarded the “Top Dog” award. To receive this award, they must have a perfect score of 200 points, in which they did.

Plug pulled on Renaissance funding

Tom Nelson, longtime chairman of the Spencer Renaissance Initiative Committee, informed members of the funding organization, it would no longer be serving as a funding entity for organizations in the city of Spencer.

March Bracket contest winner

Tim Sikora was the winner of the March Bracket contest sponsored by Veteran Roofing and the Spencer Reporter. From left to right: Chad Wuebker, Tim Sikora, Jesse Yeager and Jason Roberts. (Photo by Celia Brocker)

Guest Commentary: Are 4/20 celebrations influencing marijuana use among young people?

Recreational marijuana is illegal in Iowa and only available for medical purposes under certain circumstances. However, even in states where recreational cannabis is illegal, 4/20 Day is still celebrated by many.

Cannabis companies are directly involved in 4/20 events like The Cannabis Cup or Hippie Hill. It's another opportunity to promote the industry and its products, much like alcohol companies use the Super Bowl or St. Patrick's Day.

‘Young Artist Showcase’ hosted by Cherokee Orchestra

CHEROKEE — The Cherokee Symphony will be presenting its “Young Artist Showcase” concert on Sunday, April 30, at 4 p.m., in the upper level of the Cherokee Community Center. This will be the 67th season of the Cherokee symphony. Ted Hallberg, an educator and cellist from Le Mars, will be entering his 10th season as the conductor of the symphony.

The student soloists featured in the final concert of the season will be as follows:

Cauthron honored as Rotary Student of the Month

Spencer High School student Gabe Cauthron was recognized as the Rotary Student of the Month for March. Spencer staffer and Spencer Rotarian Elli Wiemers introduced Gabe to her fellow Rotarians, and he shared information about his activities at the high school. (Photo submitted)

Preschool concert ushers in spring

Trinity Preschool youngsters ushered in spring with song before parents, grandparents, friends and church members on the night of March 28. The Trinity Preschool Spring Concert featured children in the one, two, three and all day Pre-K classrooms performing music about sharing, the beautiful seasons and God’s love for the whole world. Children and their families celebrated the performance afterwards with a reception of cookies and cupcakes. (Photos submitted)

Spirit of Harmony Chorus presents Friends & Family Night

SPIRIT LAKE — The award winning Spirit of Harmony Chorus will present to their audience a Friends and Family program on Monday, April 10, at 7:30 p.m., at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 2300 27th St., in Spirit Lake, just south of Lakes Regional Healthcare.

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