The Iowa Department of Natural Resources reminds lake property owners to check their boat and trailers, and docks and lifts, for aquatic invasive species before storing them for the winter.

After more than 100 years, they're back. The much anticipated restocking of the American paddlefish into West Lake Okoboji began Tuesday, Oct. 8, with a release at the Emerson Bay boat ramp.

"Our hatchery staff did a great job of dialing in the hauling densities and handling techniques,” Iowa DNR Fisheries Biologist Mike Hawkins said.

SPIRIT LAKE — Spencer captured the first, second and fourth games to end the contest at Spirit Lake, 3-1, on the Indians’ home court Tuesday night. The Tigers recorded a 25-19, 25-23, 19-25, 22-22.

Tara Hauschen, Spencer volleyball coach, said she was “extremely proud of the way the girls played tonight. Beating Spirit Lake for the first time since 2010 is a huge accomplishment.

She added, “The girls executed our game plan perfectly and fought the entire match.”

CHEROKEE — Boys and girls cross country teams from Spencer had a stellar day at Cherokee, as they had 12 lifetime best times Tuesday.

“Our goal for this meet was to see how we stacked up against conference competition,” Tiger head coach Drew Schiltz said.

The girls started off the night with a fourth-place finish.

ROCKWELL CITY — Lucos Wernimont had the top finish for Sioux Central, racing to second, as the Rebels swept their way wins in both the girls and boys races at the Brian Knapp Invitational. Rockwell City Golf & Country Club hosted the event Tuesday.

For the second straight meet, both squads posted all scoring runners in the top 20.

Division II Volleyball

ICCAC sweep at home for Lakers against Red Tails

Many factors affect how “brilliant” the fall colors will be each year. Stress, like lack of rain this August and September, often brightens fall colors. But with our unpredictable weather, warm evenings or an early frost can cause leaves to be duller. The brightest displays of color occur when we have an early fall of bright sunny days and cool nights.

Here is a look by area:

Drivers are advised to stay alert as they travel Iowa’s roadsides over the coming weeks. Autumn deer behavior, crop harvest and peak travel times for motorists combine to hike the risk of vehicle-deer collisions in Iowa.

The best way to prevent the spread of oak wilt is to not prune any oak tree during the growing season.

“It’s best to wait until after Oct. 15 to start pruning oak trees,” said Tivon Feeley, with the Iowa DNR’s forest health program. “Then you can prune your oaks all winter long with the goal to stop pruning by March 1.

A total of 18 lakes across Iowa are gearing up to receive trout this fall. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources will release between 1,000 to 2,000 rainbow trout at each location as part of its cool weather trout program that brings trout to areas that cannot support them during the summer months.

Brightly colored leaves on trees, migrating birds and butterflies, hunting and football seasons. These are all indicators that fall is here or near.

To those of us who go fishing year-round, these are also reminders that what many of us declare to be the best time of year to go fishing has arrived. I have many fall fishing memories. Most were very pleasant, some were learning experiences.

One of the wonderful things about the pheasant season, which opens the last Saturday of October is that of the resident-only youth pheasant opener weekend, Oct. 19-20.

The residents-only youth season gives Iowans age 15 and younger the opportunity to hunt for rooster pheasants without purchasing a license, habitat fee or taking hunter education. Youths must hunt under the direct supervision of an adult age 18 or older that has a valid hunting license and habitat fee.

SPENCER — It was Spencer’s defense that came up big for the game the Tigers 26-0 Homecoming win Friday night at Dale Norton Field over the visiting, defending, district champs Denison-Schleswig. The Tigers didn’t much offense early. They didn’t need it.

Recording three interceptions for the game, two off high-pressure, deflected passes in the end zone, and a fumble was all the Monarchs could manage offensively.

SIOUX CITY — In a three-team race, Spencer chose to test the waters by mixing up the squad as they head toward the post season. At the Mickey Olsen Invitational, Saturday, hosted by Sioux City West, the Tigers finished in the middle of the pack, ahead of Lewis Central, and 46 behind winner, Sioux City Metro The Tigers ended up with 362 points anchored by three first place efforts,

MANSON — On the road Friday night, Sioux Central lost by two scores at Manson-NW Webster, failing to gain 160 yards offensively in a 24-14 game.

“Going into the Manson game we knew it was going to be a battle all night,” said Brandon Goodchild, Sioux Central head coach.