The Iowa Department of Natural Resources recently discovered that Eurasian watermilfoil has spread in Clear Lake in Cerro Gordo County. A small area was originally found last fall east of the McIntosh Beach and treated this May. A larger area was found last week near Farmer’s Beach.

Over the past 20-plus years, my wife and I have enjoyed traveling our country. In the winter months, we’ve been to different parts of Florida five times, Hawaii four times, Arizona two times and Hilton Head two times.

In the summer, we’ve been to lots of resorts in the Midwest. Plus, we have frequented Door County six times and Branson eight times.

In last week’s column, we looked at the first part of Dan Spengler’s fishing seminar, “The Art and Science of Fishing.” Spengler talked about the importance of understanding the lake or water body by looking at contour maps and analyzing fishing areas before even getting on the water. Once on the water, it’s time to let your electronics take over to filter down the top spots. Secondly, Spengler discussed advanced panfish techniques. Now for part two.

There are still lots of fishing trips ahead for the summer and fall of 2024. In fact, some of the best fishing of the year will be in the next couple of months. Recent conversations with friends who fish indicate that they’re excited about upcoming days on the water.

Highlight of the Okoboji Protective Association’s annual meeting, which was held at Lakeside Lab’s Mahan Hall on Saturday, Aug. 3, was the presentation of the Ace Cory Conservation Award to Mark Gulick, Northwest District supervisor for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources' Wildlife Bureau.

The 160-acre Kalsow Prairie State Preserve in southeast Pocahontas County is one of the rarest habitats in the state — a never-been-plowed remnant prairie in the heart of Iowa farm country.

On this late June morning, a dozen wildlife experts and summer staff were standing in a parking lot near a small pond at the Ringgold Wildlife Area, butterfly nets in hand, awaiting instructions.

The summer of 2024 isn’t over yet, but it’s winding down, and boy oh boy this one went by fast! Maybe it was the weather in many areas that cut into our fishing time, or maybe it’s because the more summers you have behind you, the faster the current one seems to go.

I don’t know why summers go by so fast, but I do know that I’m looking forward to the weeks and months ahead and the fishing they offer. Here’s why and how I’m looking forward to those events.

Wow! What else can I say about Dan Spengler’s Fishing Seminar, “The Art and Science of Fishing,” except … wow! From the great fishing seminar weather to the great crowd of over 350 people to Spengler’s fishing knowledge to nearly $10,000 in Berkley/Pure Fishing’s quality fishing tackle … what a morning!

Spencer Country Club held its Junior Club Championships on Sunday, Aug. 11. (Photos submitted)

Spencer Archery, the school district’s team, was left with overwhelming damage after the June 22 flood. The group, comprised of elementary, middle and high school students, which practiced in the gym of the old middle school on East Fourth Street, lost nearly all of its equipment — including bows and targets — along with the practice space.

ESTHERVILLE — Iowa Lakes Community College was recently honored by the National Junior College Athletic Association for academic achievements during the 2023-24 school year. Each year the NJCAA recognizes both teams and individuals for academic success based on GPA in three award classifications: NJCAA All-Academic First Team (4.00 GPA), NJCAA All-Academic Second Team (3.80-3.99 GPA), and NJCAA All-Academic Third Team.

After three days of oppressive heat and scorching sun in qualifying rounds, Sunday’s milder temperature and overcast skies provided a bit of a respite on the final day of the 102nd Northwest Amateur championship play at Spencer Golf & Country Club.

Smokey Bear turns 80 on Aug. 9. Smokey Bear started helping the U.S. Forest Service in 1944 to inform and remind the public about the importance of fire safety. Smokey's message of only you can help prevent wildfires is as relevant and urgent today as it was in 1944.