SPENCER, Iowa (Iowa Media Wire) — UPDATE (6/25/2024 @ 6:00 a.m.): The Clay County Fair has canceled its upcoming Art of the Que event due to the recent flooding in Spencer.
According to a release from the Clay County Fair, the event that was planned for this weekend has been canceled.
The Clay County Fair stated that they are disappointed in the need to cancel the event but said that the safety and well-being of the community is their top priority.
The release states that BBQ teams should contact the Event Services Director, Stacey Meyer, at events@claycountyfair.com if they have any questions. Any vendors with questions should contact the SPencer Radio Group at 712-262-1240.
They Clay County Fair plans to hold the event again in 2025.
UPDATE (6/23/2024 @ 7:45 a.m.): The City of Spencer has stated that scams claiming to be raising funds for the flood relief have begun to pop up.
On Facebook, the City of Spencer issued a warning to residents to watch for scams.
The City said that they have been alerted of numerous scam websites using City assets in attempt to get donations to scam go-fund-me accounts.
The City states that unless they post a link themselves, or another reputable business in the area posts one, not to follow any links claiming to be set up for aid funding.
PREVIOUS (6/22/2024 @ 9:50 p.m.): Spencer’s mayor has issued a curfew for the city beginning 10:30 p.m. Saturday night.
According to the city’s Facebook page, the curfew will go until 6 a.m. Sunday morning.
The city also says that rescue by emergency personnel “has been halted to allow them to focus on urgent resident needs such as medical emergencies.” Law enforcement and fire personnel will be on standby through the night on the north and south sides of Spencer.
An update from the city is expected to be released sometime Sunday morning.
PREVIOUS (6/22/2024 @ 7:01 p.m.): The city of Spencer said that Black Hills Energy needed to turn off all natural gas to spencer homes and facilities. The city said the shut off would take place around 7 p.m.
Black Hills Energy said they shut off the natural gas service as a safety precaution during continued flooding. The company adds that it will “continue to monitor the situation and work closely with emergency response officials.”
They also said there are two shelters accepting residents. On the south side is Faith Pentecostal Church at 1700 11th Ave. SW. The shelter on the northside is Iowa Lakes Community College and people are asked to use the Crosswinds entrance.
PREVIOUS (6/22/2024 @ 4:04 p.m.): The City of Spencer has announced that there are now three additional shelter locations available at Faith Pentecostal, SS Collision, and John Deere.
The shelter location at Faith Pentecostal is still available.
The City also issued a reminder that their Waste Water Treatment Facility is still without power and they said that you should refrain from using your toilet, using your shower or bathtub, or washing machine and dishwasher.
If you need any assistance, the City says to call the Call Center at 712-264-8407 or dial 911 for any emergencies.
PREVIOUS (6/22/2024 @1:11 p.m.): Spencer residents are asked to shelter in place.
The city also said they are working to open more shelters. For those who don’t need to evacuate, residents are asked to shelter in place if able. Shelters are currently available at Faith Pentecostal at 1700 11th Ave. SW on the south of the river and the city YMCA on the north side.
Residents are asked to tune into 104.9 and 107.7 FM radio stations for up-to-the-minute updates.
Officials remind the community that all roads into Spencer have been closed. The city sewer plant is also inoperable an there will be no service for the next day or two.
Meanwhile, the southwest part of the city is without power. There are also sporadic power outages throughout the city.
For non-medical emergency information, citizens are asked to call the Spencer Emergency call center at 712-264-8407.
Officials are providing an update at 3 p.m. as officials move the city command staff.
PREVIOUS (6/22/2024 @11:08 a.m.): Any Spencer residents who need to evacuate has two locations where they can take shelter.
The Clay County Emergency Management announced Saturday morning that residents on the south of of the city can shelter at Faith Pentacostal church. Residents on the northside can go to the Spencer YMCA.
The news comes as the City of Spencer announced that there is “Absolutely no travel in our out of Spencer, or within the community.”
The city utilities department SMU s also working on power outages in the city.
Residents are asked to 911 for any emergencies. the city is also working to set up a phone bank for information.
The National Water Prediction Service said that the Little Sioux River at Spencer is currently at major flood stage with a height of 19.4 feet as of 7 a.m. Saturday. It is forecast to peak at 20.7 feet Saturday afternoon.