(Right) Tyler Storey, a Spencer senior, released a jump shot attempt over Storm Lake’s Justin Guynn Friday night in the Field House, scoring a 63-61 victory over the Tornadoes, despite giving up 41 points in the second half. It marked the Tigers lone win in a 10-game span. Saturday night, they would suffer loss No. 9 on the road to the South Central Calhoun Titans, 59-53. Spencer fell to 5-11 following the nonconference loss, while SSC improved to 15-4.

MASON CITY — Spencer’s boys swim team found itself shut out of any state tournament qualifying times Saturday at the District Meet in Mason City, but the tough competition and speedy pool allowed the Tigers some positive outcomes nonetheless.

“All of our swimmers cut time in one or more events and had a great showing at the District Meet finishing in firth place overall,” coach Amie Lawrence said.

For the fifth time in seven games, the Sioux Central girls held their opponent under 30 points in basketball action, while scoring an average of 66 points a game during the same span. They continue to climb the ranks, with a 18-1 mark, jumping from five to four in the Class 2A field, ahead of Regional play beginning Feb. 13.

Sioux Central’s boys finished back-to-back basketball games 6-11 overall and 5-6 in Twin Lakes play after dropping a pair of games to close out the week, falling to fifth-ranked South O’Brien at home, and suffering a close loss to Graettinger-Terril/Ruthven-Ayrshire on the road. The Rebels will host Spencer Tuesday night, in a three-game week, following the conclusion of the girl’s game. They are scheduled to face winless Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn Monday night.

ESTHERVILLE — Ranked 17th, the Iowa Lakes men's basketball pulled off the upset Saturday after in the team’s home gym, downing third-ranked DMACC, 85-74, to improve to 18-5 overall and 9-3 in Iowa Community College Athletic Conference play.

"I am really proud of our effort tonight,” said Iowa Lakes coach Jason McKinney. “We had great life and energy and we played together both on both ends of the floor.”

The Department of Natural Resources Parks, Forests and Preserves Bureau has openings for recreational aides and seasonal patrol officers across the state park system for the summer 2024 season.

Well, the word is out … Punxsutawney Phil did not see his shadow last Friday morning (Feb. 2), and it’s going to be an early spring! Well, at least that’s what Phil says.

The groundhog predictions have been going since 1887, and every year, we anticipate Phil’s verdict! Although the accuracy of the forecast is not the greatest, people can still hardly wait to see if we have six more weeks of winter or not.

The Spirit Lake Protective Association received a major award at the Minnesota State Chapter Leadership Convention held Jan. 19-20 in Willmar, Minnesota.

STORM LAKE — A tough stretch of road games continued for the Spencer Tiger boys basketball continued to start the week as the season’s first matchup against Storm Lake resulted in a 71-62 loss Monday night.

Tuesday night, Spencer’s girls earned their first basketball win of the season, after an 0-16 start, defeating Denison-Schleswig, 54-46, on the road. A large percentage of the losses have come against ranked teams in a loaded, brutal schedule.

“Obviously it's a big weight off of our shoulders to get our first win,” said Matt Stevenson, Spencer head coach. “Our kids have grinded all season, playing against many of the top teams in the state, so they deserve this more than anyone.”

Sioux Central’s girls maintained the team’s No. 5 ranking by sweeping Southeast Valley and Storm Lake St. Mary’s on back-to-back nights to launch their four games in five days schedule. The Rebels are now 16-1 overall, and 9-1 in Twin Lakes Conference play — their lone loss on the season coming at the hands of TLC leader Newell-Fonda.

Sioux Central boys basketball program improved to 6-9 overall and evened their Twin Lakes record at 5-5, narrowly defeating Southeast Valley, Monday, and dominating winless Storm Lake St. Mary’s.

GOWRIE — Despite a slow start, the Sioux Central squad held on for a narrow road win at Southeast Valley, 62-59, Monday, behind Jack Christian’s 15 points — all on 3-point shots.

ELLSWORTH — The Iowa Lakes men's basketball team improved to 17-5 overall and 8-3 in Iowa Community College Athletic Conference play with a 93-88 road win over seventh-ranked Ellsworth.

There were no stats available after their game.

SIOUX CITY — Six Spencer Tiger girls and two Sioux Central Rebels were among the wrestlers to qualify for the girls state tournament after competing Friday at the Regional 2 qualifying event in Sioux City. The tournament will get underway Thursday with opening round action beginning at 10 a.m. and continuing through Friday at the Xtream Arena in Coralville.

SPENCER — Twelve Spencer Tigers competed among the 14 bracket finals, producing six champions and six runner-up finishes Thursday night, allowing the host team to claim another Lakes Conference Tournament championship. Spencer defeated second place Estherville Lincoln Central by 51 points, 285-234.

"I'm proud of the team, the effort they gave tonight was on another level,” Tiger assistant coach Dave Doebel said.