Aaron Reutzel may have shifted his focus to weekly racing at Knoxville Raceway in 2024, but that doesn’t mean he forgot how to get the job done with the American Sprint Car Series National Tour.

He proved that Tuesday night at Clay County Fair Speedway by topping the field in the Battle of the Blue Ribbon for his first National Tour win since a prelim victory at the 2023 360 Knoxville Nationals.

WEBSTER CITY ― Unlike last week, the Tigers didn’t allow a second half score while adding 10 of its own to break a 14-14 tie and even its mark at 3-3 in the past six meetings. Spencer would escape the No. 9 Lynx home field with a 24-14 win.

A 27-yard field goal by Brady Vreeman with 2:39, followed by a Vreeman interception with under a1:30 minute to play, stopped any threat of a come back. Spencer would just run out the clock following a lengthy blackout on the field.

Junior Madison Steven sets the ball for Spencer. Steven has set successfully on 120 assist attempts this year. The Tigers, competing in Rockwell City this weekend won one and lost one in the only recoded games of the weekend at the South Central Calhoun Tournament. They defeated Pocahontas, lost to Audubon, and would finish the tourney 3-3. No individual stats or comments were reported.

Teams 1 2 3 ― T

Tigers 12 21 15 ― 2

Indians 21 16 10 ― 1

SIOUX CITY — Freshman Halle Sears took two firsts, two seconds and a third in just five individual events Thursday as the Spencer girls swim team traveled to Sioux City. Though dominated by host Sioux City Metro, the Tigers had a good showing while Council Bluffs Lewis Central also took the pool.

“Every swimmer had a personal or season best time tonight at the meet,” said Amie Lawrence, Spencer Tiger head coach. We are excited about our team's quick improvements. …”

MASON CITY — The Riverhawk Invitational saw the Spencer girls earn a third place among eight teams. The Tigers finished 258, well behind Waukee Northwest and Waukee, the champion and runner-up, but well in front of the four to eight places.

‘We had a great meet today and are again so proud at the effort all of the swimmers put into their races and supporting each other,” Spencer coach Amie Lawrence said.

SPIRIT LAKE — Sioux Central topped the field in both varsity girls and boys B Bracket field; while the Spencer ladies placed fourth among the loaded Class A field.

In the team race, all four Sioux Central scoring runners placed in top five, led by Linnea Boom who placed second overall, followed by Nora Christian, Marley Madsen and Karina Bloom.

A total of 23 points put the Rebels in first place.

SIOUX RAPIDS ― Sioux Central fell to 0-4 in three straight sets to Alta-Aurelia at home Thursday. The Rebels would suffer defeat at the hands of the Warriors, 25-16, 25-18 and 25-16.

Sara Grossnickle, Sioux Central coach, said, “In last night's match up against A-A, we faced a tough challenge but found a solid foundation to build on despite not coming away with the win.

CHEROKEE — All of the scoring by Sioux Central occurred in the second quarter, unfortunately it wasn’t enough. Cherokee added 10 at home in the final half to blow open a one score halftime lead, turning into a 31-12 win.

Jaxon Paulsrud scored three times on runs of 5, 83 and 17 to out-dueled Rebel quarterback Owen Mills who finished with a 39-yard touchdown and a 98-yard kickoff return.

Division II Volleyball

The Iowa Lakes girls opened ICCAC play with a match against No. 19 Des Moines Area Community College. The Lakers took the second match, but that was all they could muster as they fell 25-16, 24-26, 25-16, 25-17. MaKenzie Uribe earned her 500 assist as a sophomore.

Division II Men’s Soccer

Now that teams have returned home from Montana, the focus shifts to the final run to the championship which begins this week. Action gets underway on Tuesday at Clay County Fair Speedway in Spencer, with the Battle of the Blue Ribbon.

DES MOINES — The Iowa Department of Natural Resources, through a partnership with the USDA Forest Service, is offering large shade trees, low-growing ornamental and fruit trees, and evergreen tree species at discounted prices. All Iowa residents can purchase up to two trees to be picked up at the following locations:

DES MOINES — Anna Buckardt Thomas was crouched behind a tree about 20 paces off trail at Brown’s Woods county park, watching a mist net while playing a recording of a male wood thrush on a loop hoping to elicit a response. Thomas is the state avian ecologist with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

What a difference two months can make. From the incredible high waters and the mandatory 5 mph speed declaration throughout all lakes in Dickinson County to just below full level at the Big Spirit Lake spillway this past weekend. Wow!

It feels like the autumn season has arrived. Fall fishing offers variety, solitude, spectacular landscapes, and a chance for two types of fishing action. You can chase lots of fish of average size, or you can focus on catching a truly big fish. If you decide that you want to go the big fish route, you’ll want to go about it differently than if you just want to get bit.

If you love active dogs that love water, love to compete and retrieve, then you might want to check out the DockDogs competition at the third annual Oak Hill Outdoor Expo in Milford on Saturday, Sept. 21, and Sunday, Sept. 22.