Celia Brocker News Today

Randy Cauthron, managing editor of the Spencer Daily Reporter, has received the highest honor bestowed by the state's newspapers. During the banquet at its annual convention Thursday, Feb. 8, at the Des Moines Downtown Marriott Hotel, the Iowa Newspaper Association announced Cauthron as one of three recipients of its Master Editor-Publisher Award.

Spencer residents lined up in Hope Church’s parking lot on Tuesday for a chicken sandwich they can’t find in town. A food truck from Chick-fil-A stopped to offer the community some of its classic chicken items. (Photos by Celia Brocker)

Theodore Roosevelt reprisor Joe Wiegand brought his show to the Spencer Public Library on Monday afternoon. While in character, the actor and historian taught patrons about Roosevelt’s life and presidency — while making good natured jabs about the modern day. (Photos by Celia Brocker)

Spencer residents braved Thursday evening’s rain to participate in Spencer Main Street’s annual Wine Stroll. Many groups traveled from store to store, sipping on unique samples as they shopped downtown. (Photos by Celia Brocker)

Members of the local VFW and VFW auxiliary distributed poppies and accepted donations Friday morning for “Buddy Poppy Day.” The handcrafted Buddy Poppy is distributed in every state of the union and dozens of other countries, and any donated proceeds are used to assist area veterans. (Photo by Celia Brocker)

A decent crowd turned out for an annual model train show at the Clay County Regional Events Center on Saturday. Hosted by the Prairie Lakes Division National Model Railroad Association, this marked the second time Spencer was the host. The Smoky Mountain Railroad exhibit stayed open in The Depot building on the Clay County Fairgrounds with volunteers running the show throughout the day. (Below) Volunteer Dan Schoorman pops in to check how the trains are running. (Photos by Celia Brocker)

The annual Halloween Hike at Scharnberg Park enjoyed a large crowd of trick-or-treaters on Saturday evening. The park was filled with a variety of costumes from classic Halloween favorites and homemade ideas. Families delighted in checking out the unique spooky displays, and kids were eager to snag some candy. (Photos by Celia Brocker)

Spencer families had a fun time at a carnival from Autumn’s Center on Wednesday. Kids took turns trying the various activities, from faceprinting to carnival games. (Photos by Celia Brocker)

In the midst of apple picking season, Spencer elementary students were excited to learn about Johnny Appleseed (played by Brad Smith). With Johnny’s help, the kids took turns making fresh apple juice. (Photos by Celia Brocker)

The results are in, and the winner of the Battle of the Businesses Food Drive is Avera Medical Group in Spencer. The campaign was launched by Upper Des Moines Opportunity to rally local businesses to help fight hunger in the community. Avera took the crown by contributing 705.1 pounds of food. (Photo by Celia Brocker)