The loud singing from springtime marshes comes from a tiny package, the chorus frog — an inch-long virtuoso common to Iowa. Chorus frogs along with other frogs, toads and salamanders are being recognized during National Amphibian Week, May 7-13.

National Amphibian Week, sponsored by the Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation, is a way to increase awareness about amphibians and to celebrate all things amphibian.

What a weekend it was for Walleye Opener. For all the forecasts of rain and thunderstorms, they just kept splitting around the Iowa Great Lakes. I know we need rain, but it was certainly a reprieve for anglers. After I get the results from the tournament, I will post them in a column in next week’s paper. Here is a quick update from the weekend.

Spring came, winter returned, then spring reentered the picture. People who like to fish are optimistic that the warmer weather will stay with us this time, and that means it’s time to think about going fishing. For many of us, the first fishing trip of the open water season is in search of crappies.

As an outdoor writer here in Iowa, I feel it’s a good idea to subscribe to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources’ press releases and updates. In that way, stuff that I think is important I can get out to readers. Often, I read reports of people caught breaking hunting and fishing laws. I truly believe these lawbreakers are destroying the natural resources that all of us who have fishing and hunting licenses have the opportunity to enjoy.

STORM LAKE — The Spencer girls track team has been awesome to watch all season, winning another meet on Monday in Storm Lake. The team scored 126 points, edging out the MOC-Floyd Valley Dutchmen by four points for the win.

SPENCER — The Spencer girls soccer team hosted their senior night on Monday. Mary Matthiesen, Mariana Rosales, Isabella Valverde, Aliza Edwards and Jadey Salton were all honored for their hard work and dedication to the Tigers soccer program.

ALGONA — The Spencer girls golf team traveled east to Algona to compete with the Bulldogs on Monday. River Road Golf Course was the site of the battle between both teams. Spencer would emerge victorious, downing Algona by 29 strokes in the 194-223 match win. Mo McDermott led the way, carding a 40 in her round to earn medalist honors in the meet. Sarah Wassom recorded a 50, earning runner-up for her performance.

STORM LAKE — Spencer claimed victory for the third time this season, winning the Tornado Invite in Storm Lake on Monday. The team scored 153 points, defeating second place Spirit Lake by seven points.

SPENCER — The Spencer boys tennis team has been moving along through the season, dominating opponent after opponent up to this point. After winning their third straight Lakes Conference tournament on Saturday, the team won its third straight conference regular season title on Monday. After winning, the team hosted Estherville Lincoln-Central on Tuesday, dominating the Midgets 9-0.

ORANGE CITY — The Tiger boys soccer team is off to a great start this season. The Tigers won another matchup Monday against Unity Christian, 4-0. The win was the ninth straight for the boys, improving their record to 9-1 on the season.

ESTHERVILLE — The Spencer boys golf team made a trip to Estherville with one goal in mind, winning the meet. The Tigers were successful, winning the meet 158-180, officially crowning Spencer as Lakes Conference regular season champions. The score was the lowest nine-hole team score for the Tigers this season.

FORT DODGE — The Sioux Central girls golf team traveled to Fort Dodge on Monday to compete in the Twin Lakes Conference Tournament. The Rebels competed with the 11 other teams, finishing in ninth place with a team score of 449.

SAC CITY — The Sioux Central girls track team claimed their spot at the top of the Twin Lakes Conference on Tuesday. The Rebels took the top spot with 146 team points scored, 40 more than runner-up Alta-Aurelia.

SAC CITY — It was a special night for the Sioux Central boys track team, narrowly defeating Southeast Valley for the Twin Lakes Conference championship. The Rebels scored 130 points to the Jaguars' 126.

STORM LAKE — The Sioux Central boys golf team traveled to Storm Lake on Thursday to compete in a Twin Lakes Conference Tournament. The Rebels competed with the 11 other conference teams, finishing 10th with a team score of 444. The event was an 18-hole tournament.