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.

Fishing for catfish is a fun summer tradition for many Iowa families. Invite someone new to fishing to come along to share the fun and memories.

“Catfish will bite most of the time, no matter what the water temperature,” explained Daniel Vogeler, Iowa DNR fisheries technician. “They are biting in most lakes, ponds, rivers and streams across Iowa.”

Pheasant hunters across the northern half of Iowa had an excellent season last year, and many are looking forward to what 2024 has in store. The fall forecast will be based on the Iowa Department of Natural Resources’ annual roadside pheasant counts, that begins Aug. 1.

Experience tells us that fish do certain things at certain times of the year, and that there are certain ways to catch those fish. Often those proven techniques for catching fish work well, but there are times when we need to do things a little or a lot differently if we want consistent fishing success. I remember one of those times.

So, does anyone else feel like I do when there is a chance of thunderstorms? Right away I worry about getting one of those gully washers again. It makes me even more nervous when I see other parts of the state getting hit with 4-5 inches of rain in one rainfall! After all, in June we had a rise of 2 feet in less than three days.

SPENCER SOFTBALL

Olivia Huckfelt

First Team Unanimous All-Lakes Conference Infielder

All District

H 37, BA .487, R 18, RBIs 25, 2B 7, HR 8, SB 2.

Madison Steven

2nd Team All-Lakes Conference Infielder

H 15, BA .234, R 15, RBIs 6, 2B 3, SB 2.

Lucy Simington

Second Team All-Lakes Conference Outfielder

H 15, BA .306, R 9, RBIs 10, 2B 3.