A proposal for an emergency housing coordinator position in Clay County has been presented to city officials for consideration. The Spencer City Council heard several funding requests on Monday night as they reviewed the budget for fiscal year 2024, including the proposal for a position to assist with homeless crises in the area.

With recent resignation by Tara Brown as Arts on Grand executive director, Theresa McKee has been hired to fill the position. Beginning her work in February, McKee has been working along side Brown to facilitate a smooth transition.

On Monday night, the Clay County Community Foundation hosted its annual grant awards night at the Clay County Regional Events Center. Twenty-three nonprofit organizations were awarded a total of $128,674, with grants ranging in amount from $535 to $10,000.

The Spencer Chamber Ambassadors cut the ribbon at the new Posh Salon location after a nine-month renovation at 417 Grand Ave. Now with eight salon chairs and updated stations as well as three spa rooms, the Posh Salon team offer a variety hair care, styling, makeup and spa services. Posh Salon opens at 9 a.m. Monday to Saturday. (Photo submitted)

The community of Everly celebrated one year of The Everly Heritage Museum being open with a Mardi Gras themed fundraiser Saturday. Keeping up with the Mardi Gras vibe, guests were entertained with jazz music performed by a group of community members.

Since its opening in November of 2021, the Everly Heritage Museum has attracted 613 visitors from 21 different states, and held 2,306 artifacts from 115 donors.

A program shedding light on a dark period of world history will be available for patrons at the Spencer Public Library this week. On Thursday, the library will host Brad Wilkening, former teacher and current member of the Iowa Holocaust Council, to present on the Holocaust at 6 p.m.

To keep warm amidst the cold weather, Century Farms Distillery hosted a chili cook-off competition Saturday. Community members enjoyed sampling several different chili recipes while they sipped on some drinks. (Photos by Celia Brocker)

Wednesday, members of the Bearded Rebellion Iowa Chapter presented a check to Lutheran Services in Iowa as part of a fundraising effort for its Caring for Kids fundraiser. The group raised $3,000 in the last year for the program.

A recent benefit breakfast was jointly held with KICD radio personnel, Clay County VFW Post 3159 and Glen Pedersen Post 1, American Legion. A gracious thank you to the citizens of Spencer, Clay County and to all individuals who supported Ryan Long and his family for their support. Benefit proceeds will be presented to Kelsie Baccam.

Spencer Middle School will debut its first ever theater production this weekend. Sponsored by the Spencer Fine Arts Boosters, the middle school will put on “Frozen Jr.” at Spencer High School’s newly renamed Larry M. Untiet Theatre on Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.

Women are encouraged to take time for themselves and enjoy a Ladies’ Night Out health and wellness event on Thursday, March 23, between 5-7 p.m. at Spencer Hospital.

“As busy women, too often we don’t make our health needs a priority,” explained Susan Zulk, VP of marketing at Spencer Hospital. “Ladies Night Out will be a fun evening designed to encourage women to focus on themselves and their good health.”

Mayor Steve Bomgaars made a proclamation on Monday honoring a longtime Spencer resident, leader and community volunteer. In conjunction with his 90th birthday, it was declared March 20, 2023, would be Bob Rose Day in the city of Spencer.

Nicknamed “Mr. Spencer” due to his active role in the community and vast knowledge of the town’s history, Bomgaars said Rose has been instrumental in support and dedication to the city of Spencer.

Concerns from landowners about a proposed carbon pipeline from Summit Carbon Solutions crossing through Clay County were addressed by a company representative on Tuesday. Eric Welch, pipeline engineering manager for Summit Carbon, answered some questions county landowners had at a meeting of the Clay County Board of Supervisors.

Several upcoming city projects received approval from the Spencer City Council on Monday, including a sidewalk project, improvements at the North Y and at the 18th Street bridge.

The upcoming sidewalk project will install new walks and ADA ramps on the east side of Fifth Avenue East from East 16th Street up to East 19th Street. The city awarded the contract to Mulder Concrete $144,076, which was 78% of the engineer’s bid.

Approximately two blocks of East 11th Street in Spencer will permanently close to through traffic on May 1 associated with the construction of Spencer Hospital’s new emergency department and campus expansion.