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.

Winther, Stave & Co., LLP has released an audit report on Clay County for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2022.

The county had local tax revenue of $36,165,909 for the year ended June 30, 2022, which included $2,929,766 in tax credits from the state. The county forwarded $26,762,631 of the local tax revenue to the townships, school districts, cities and other taxing bodies in the county.

The Iowa Artists Regional Show for Areas 1 & 4 will be held on Saturday, April 15, at Arts on Grand in Spencer from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Any artist residing in the following counties can enter up to three new, original works: Buena Vista, Cherokee, Clay, Crawford, Dickinson, Emmett, Ida, Lyon, Monona, O’Brien, Osceola, Palo Alto, Plymouth, Sac, Sioux and Woodbury.

On Feb. 10, high school students competed in CDEs and LDEs at the subdistrict level at Sioux Central. There was a lot of preparation needed as the Sioux Central FFA hosted subdistricts this year.

Teams advancing to districts were: public speaking, creed speaking, ag broadcasting, ag issues and perceptions, parliamentary procedure, conduct of meetings and chapter program. Also performing was: ag sales, chapter test and greenhand quiz.

Spencer VFW Post 3159 and Auxiliary announced their Patriot’s Pen Winners. The theme for the essays was “My Pledge to Our Veterans.” From the left are Bonnie Pullen-Lehman, president of the Auxiliary; winners Emily Pan, Ava Michels and Candace Lindsay; and Frank Lehman, VFW commander. Michels, daughter of Melissa Michels, won first place and received a notebook and $45. Lindsay, daughter of Kayla Kramer, won second place and received a notebook and $35.

To encourage more families to take advantage of the healthy choices available with school breakfast, Spencer Community School District schools celebrated National School Breakfast Week March 6-10.

According to a press release from the Spencer school district, the NSBW campaign theme, “Dig In to School Breakfast,” reminds the entire school community that healthy breakfast options available at school provide an energizing start to the day for students.