Top spellers in grades 5 - 8 from schools in Staples and Motley participated in the District 2170 Spelling Bee Jan. 21, at Centennial Auditorium in Staples. The first and second place winners (Emma Miller and Emily Ladd, respectively) will go on to compete at the Brainerd Lakes Spelling Bee Feb. 19, at Tornstrom Auditorium in Brainerd. Pictured above, are: Front row sitting, from left, Ladd and Miller. Back rows, from left, Sarah Koopmann, MSMS; Noah Han, SES; Elijah Sams, MES; Spencer Svendsen, MSMS; Samantha Weyer, MSMS; Zach Fietek, MSMS; Austin Bridge, MSMS; Jenessa Iverson, MSMS; Katie Benson, Sacred Heart Area School; Sarah Marte, MSMS; Emily Lindberg, SES, Rebekka Paskewitz, MSMS, Cade Bestland, SES, Hailey Koenig, SHAS. Pictured at right, District Spelling Bee winners Emily Ladd and Emma Miller. (Staples World photos by Dawn Schimpp Timbs)