A regional venue which has hosted many wedding ceremonies for decades as both a church, and more recently an event hall, will host a bridal expo on Saturday from noon to 3 p.m. The event, free for attendees, will feature 14 vendors representing dress styles as well as DJ, photography, floral, travel, rental and jewelry services. A bakery and a wine slushy vendor will also be part of the day.

DES MOINES — Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig encourages eligible Iowa farm owners to apply for the 2023 Century and Heritage Farm Program now through June 1.

The program was created by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation to recognize families who have owned their farms for 100 years and 150 years, respectively.

Celebrating the holiday of love and friendship a little early, Occasions held a Valentine's dance Wednesday. Clients of Hope Haven and students from Spencer High School Special Ed took to the dance floor, eagerly showing off their moves and singing along to their favorite songs. (Photos by Celia Brocker)

BOOKED INTO CLAY COUNTY JAIL

The Iowa Lakes Community College Music Department offers a local favorite, Singing Valentines, again this year. The Iowa Lakes men's and women's quartets will perform the Singing Valentines on Valentine's Day, Feb. 14. One specific site for appointments from 2-4 p.m., will be the dining room at Grand Avenue Community Outreach.

A group of Clay County residents enjoyed the warmer winter weather on Wednesday evening by taking hike at Oneota Park. The winter hike was co-hosted by the Clay County Conservation and the Iowa State University Extension. Hikers tried out their snowshoeing skills as they walked through the winter scene, and even found evidence of wildlife with prints and fur. (Photos by Celia Brocker)

“On behalf of Clay County Tourism and the Spencer Chamber, I am excited to announce our new logo for Clay County,” said Olivia Baxter, tourism coordinator for Clay County Tourism. "We have been working with F8 Creative to develop an updated logo that represents our county. Offering diverse recreational opportunities, retail, entertainment and many other attractions, Clay County is truly a gem in northwest Iowa.”

The city of Spencer may be altering its method for developing a capital improvement plan. During a committee meeting on Monday, the Spencer City Council heard a proposal for a new CIP process.

Finance Director Brian Weuve reported the local option sales tax, which is the city’s main funding source for projects in the CIP, has remained relatively stable over the last few years.

The city of Spencer has decided to use the services of a retail recruitment partner to assist with the development of recently purchased city land. City officials had been debating whether or not to enter an agreement with the firm Retail Coach since the beginning of January, and on Monday night the Spencer City Council approved a contract with the retail firm.

The beginning stages of work to establish a new building for the agriculture division of the Clay County Extension on West 18th Street by Northwest Bank has begun. On Tuesday, representatives from the Clay County Extension met with the Clay County Board of Supervisors to layout the building plans and make a funding request.

SIOUX CENTER — The Northwest Iowa Symphony Orchestra guest concert set for Friday at 7:30 p.m. will feature “Old Time Mountain Music with Josh Goforth.” The concert will be held in the B.J. Haan auditorium on the campus of Dordt University, Sioux Center.

(Students must earn a 3.0 or higher GPA to qualify.)

9TH GRADE

Spencer High School senior Autumn Erdman was selected as the Spencer Rotary February Student of the Month. Erdman, with Spencer Rotarian Nancy Naeve, is currently the Clay County Fair Queen and plans to go to Iowa State University to double major in animal science and agriculture business. (Photo submitted)

AMES — Join Reiman Gardens for the annual Orchid Fest on Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Celebrate Valentine's Day with the annual Orchid Fest. Orchids are symbols of love, beauty and luxury. Their blooms convey feelings of elegance and tranquility.

WATERLOO — Abigail Brown, of Spencer, received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, cum laude, from Allen College. The College awarded 92 degrees during its commencement ceremony on Friday, Dec. 16.