The Spencer Signal is tracking the spread of COVID-19 in Clay County and neighboring counties. Below are updated graphs for Clay, Buena Vista, Dickinson, O’Brien and Palo Alto Counties showing new confirmed COVID-19 cases per day and the seven-day average number of new cases. New cases of confirmed COVID-19 for each day are represented on...
The draft of the Return to Learn Plan for the Spencer Community School District that was released earlier this week describes three ways the district could return to school next month. Spencer Schools are scheduled to begin classes on August 24 for grades 9-12 and August 25 for grades K-8. How classes look when students...
The Spencer Public Library reopened to patrons this week. However, there are now new restrictions in place that library visitors must follow: · The public must make an appointment to enter. · Only 10 visitors will be allowed in the building at any one time. · A temperature check and masks are required to enter. Please practice social...
Anyone watching Monday’s Spencer City Council meeting online or in person would have noticed a couple of social distancing-inspired seating changes. Council members and city staff were more spread out, with each of the council members sitting at individual tables. Mayor Kevin Robinson, city staff and Ward 1 City Councilman Tom Nelson also wore masks...
Spencer’s getting a new piece of equipment for its annual mosquito battle. On Monday, the Spencer City Council approved the purchase of a London Foggers Model 18-20/GPS Mosquito Sprayer for $15,940. The purchase was identified in this year’s capital improvement plan, but only for $14,500. The rest of the money will be covered through the...
Two people were transported to Spencer Hospital Thursday night after the vehicle the pickup truck they were in entered a ditch and rolled on U.S. 71. The Clay County Sheriff’s Office reported deputies were dispatched to the 4600 mile of U.S. 71 at 7:17 p.m. Thursday. Deputies determined Rosa Guadiana Escalmilla, 27, of Storm Lake,...
U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst visited Spencer on Tuesday, making stops at Grand Avenue Community Outreach and The Iowa Project Brewing Company. During her visit, Ernst praised the outreach (GACO) for its approach to helping people in the community. “You do want to make sure you are finding solutions and an avenue for someone if they...
The Spencer City Council discussed the following items at its regular meeting on Monday. Planned Unit Residential Development, development ordinances clear final filings The Spencer City Council approved, 7-0, the third and final filings of two separate ordinances, one amending parts of the city code pertaining to Planned Unit Residential Developments (PURDs) and the other...
Spencer’s new city hall needs new rooftop air conditioning units and ductwork for the building’s second floor. On Monday, the Spencer City Council approved, with a 7-0 vote, the purchase of four units and the ductwork from Hanson’s Plumbing and Heating for $28,200. It’s not clear what happened to the current units, City Manager Amanda...
One person from Clay County has died due to COVID-19, according to data updated Wednesday by the Iowa Department of Public Health. This is the county’s first reported death during the pandemic. No other information about the individual is available. As of Wednesday afternoon, Clay County has 141 confirmed cases of COVID-19, according to the...