Local

Local Businesses in Spencer can apply for the Commercial Business Assistance Grant Program through the Spencer Economic Development Corporation. Starting today, applications will be accepted, and the money is to be used to cover up to 25 percent of certain recovery costs, like replacing equipment, furniture and inventory.

Iowa Lakes Corridor 14th Annual Business Recognition Luncheon was held Wednesday January 29 at Clay County Events Center, with over 260 community representatives and leaders attending.

The Wright County Attorney reports a former police officer in Eagle Grove, Iowa has been arrested and terminated from his position as a police officer, after an investigation that began December 23

In Spencer, brothers Aaron and Drew Howing left their homes, drove 30 miles, and launched their boat into the submerged flooded streets that day rescuing over a dozen people, many of whom had been stranded in their cars or on the roofs of their homes. Drew tells us more about that day.

The Iowa DOT is out with its report on aviation accident in 2024. There were seven aviation accidents with one fatality in the state of Iowa from January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2024. The state has averaged 13 accidents over the last five years. 2024 tied 2001 with 7 accidents, with each of those two years having the lowest number of aviation accidents during the previous 60 years.

A pasture fire broke out Tuesday morning on the north side of a residence located at 2610 330th Street. The fire, which began near a burn pile, spread quickly but was contained after a coordinated effort between Spencer Fire and Fostoria Fire-Rescue.

Did you know there are currently 114 Catholic private schools in Iowa, serving over 32,000 students. And Sacred Heart Catholic School in Spencer is one of 16 school systems in the Sioux City Diocese, covering 14,000 square miles in Northwest Iowa.

Iowa Lakes Community College’s Culinary & Hospitality Management program received a $12,777 donation of professional kitchen equipment from Wild Rose Casino and Hotel. The donation will enhance hands-on learning for future chefs and hospitality professionals.

Brittle conditions create dangerous burning conditions, even in the winter. The Spencer Fire Department handled a grass fire Sunday afternoon, and Spirit Lake Chief Pat Daly says his crew was at the scene of a grassfire in Orleans for about two hours Wednesday afternoon.

The Iowa Great Lakes Board of Realtors has released sales figures for 2024. Board President Gretchen Lolis from Hinn Real Estate says it’s no surprise a lot of property moved in Clay County in the fourth quarter.