By Kris Leonhardt

SPENCER – Fundraising for a K-9 unit in Spencer continues with “Kick Loose for a K9,” organized by a small group of community members assisting the Spencer Police Department in bringing the program to fruition.

“We began fundraising in February of this year and to date have raised $36,000,” said Officer Mindy Stellmach, of the Spencer Police Department. “ Our fundraising efforts have included asking businesses for donations, as well as putting on our 1st Annual Par 4 a Pup golf scramble in early August.  We had a great turnout for the golf event and look forward to doing it again next year.

“We are hoping to raise $60,000 by the end of 2018.”

The $60,000 price tag will cover the cost of the K-9, a squad car outfitted for the K-9, and will send Officer Stellmach to training as the K-9 handler.

The community and the department have raised $36,000 and hope to add to that with the Kick Loose event.

Kick Loose for a K9 is a street dance featuring Boogie and the Yo-yo’z. The event will take place Sept. 28 on the 100 block of North LaSalle Street in Spencer and starts at 5 p.m. Food and drinks will be available on the grounds, with a K-9 demonstration at 7 p.m. and Boogie and the Yo-yo’z hitting the stage at 7:30 p.m.

“Wayne & Pauline Frome and Jim & Diane Maurer donated a TORO Zero Turn Mower that we are selling raffle tickets for,” added Stellmach. “The drawing will be held at 10 p.m. the night of the event.

“This will be our last event for 2018, but we will continue to put on our Par 4 a Pup golf scramble each year and if the street dance goes well, it could become an annual event.”

For more information or to donate to the program, contact the Spencer Police Department at 715-659-5457.