The Iowa DNR is bringing back the Iowa State Park Passport in 2022 with new prizes and opportunities to enjoy state parks.

Park visitors are encouraged to sign up for the 2022 Iowa State Park Passport and make it a family-friendly challenge to visit and track visits to more than 60 parks and forests featured on the pass.

From July 1 – October 31 2022, visitors can check in for a chance at prizes:

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is looking for help with its annual wild turkey production survey.  During the months of July and August wild turkey sightings are recorded to estimate this year’s nesting rates and nest success.

BY MATT HEINRICHS - SPORTS EDITOR

Okoboji and Harris-Lake Park found themselves on opposing sides of the softball diamond for the first time since 2013 this past week, as the Pioneers and Wolves battled for Dickinson County bragging rights in Milford.

BY MATT HEINRICHS - SPORTS EDITOR

Thanks to an out-of-this-world pitching performance by junior Jake Cornwall, Spirit Lake’s baseball team advanced in the Class 2A district tournament with a first-round victory over Sheldon on Saturday, July 2. Cornwall struck out 15 Sheldon batters as the Indians topped the Orabs 6-1 in Spirit Lake.

BY MATT HEINRICHS - SPORTS EDITOR

Harris-Lake Park’s softball season came to a close Friday, July 1 with a Class 1A regional tournament loss to MMCRU. The Royals topped the Wolves 8-5 in Cleghorn.

The two teams went into the fourth frame knotted at 2-2, but a five-run inning put MMCRU on top 7-2 and an additional run in the bottom of the sixth gave the hosts an 8-2 lead heading into the seventh.

BY MATT HEINRICHS - SPORTS EDITOR

Just days after suffering a 14-2 loss to MMCRU in the regular season finale, the Harris-Lake Park baseball team faced a rematch with the Royals in the opening round of the Class 1A district tournament held Saturday, July 2 in Alta.

BY MATT HEINRICHS - SPORTS EDITOR

Okoboji’s softball team wrapped its regular season as well as its Siouxland Conference schedule with a home loss to MOC-Floyd Valley on Friday, July 1. The Dutchmen defeated the Pioneers 11-3 in Milford.

BY MATT HEINRICHS - SPORTS EDITOR

Okoboji’s baseball team wrapped its regular season and Siouxland Conference slate with a loss to Sioux Center in extra innings Thursday, June 30. The Warriors defeated the Pioneers 5-4 in Sioux Center.

BY MATT HEINRICHS - SPORTS EDITOR

With a stiff breeze blowing out to left field, Lakes Conference rivals Spirit Lake and Spencer combined for 37 runs — including seven home runs — in a baseball barnburner played Wednesday, June 29. The Tigers won the game 25-12 in Spirit Lake.

BY MATT HEINRICHS - SPORTS EDITOR

Spirit Lake’s softball team fell behind early in a home loss to Lakes Conference rival Spencer on Wednesday, June 29. The Tigers scored four runs in the first two innings of a 4-1 win over the Indians in Spirit Lake.

BY MATT HEINRICHS - SPORTS EDITOR

Harris-Lake Park’s baseball team fell behind early in a War Eagle Conference home contest with MMCRU on Wednesday, June 29. The Wolves fell 14-2 to the Royals in Lake Park.

“It was a tough night for us,” Harris-Lake Park coach Jared Rahe said. “They came out swinging the bats early and often and we didn’t really have an answer. In baseball, you have those nights, and I’m hoping we got ours out of the way before Saturday night.”

BY MATT HEINRICHS - SPORTS EDITOR

Harris-Lake Park’s softball team suffered a lopsided home loss to MMCRU on Wednesday, June 29. The Royals defeated the Wolves 12-4 in Lake Park.

BY MATT HEINRICHS - SPORTS EDITOR

Spirit Lake’s baseball team suffered a one-run loss to Sioux Center on Tuesday, June 28. The Warriors defeated the Indians 4-3 in Spirit Lake.

“Close game and the boys played hard but couldn’t quite generate as many runs as we would’ve liked to,” Spirit Lake coach Ross Ackerman said. “We need to be able to hit guys in when they get on base. Solid outing from Jake Cornwall on the mound.”

BY MATT HEINRICHS - SPORTS EDITOR

Spirit Lake’s softball team was absolutely dominant in a 10-run victory over 12th-ranked (3A) Sioux Center on Tuesday, June 28. The Indians topped the Warriors 17-7 in Spirit Lake.

BY MATT HEINRICHS - SPORTS EDITOR

Harris-Lake Park’s baseball team fell behind early, but the Wolves clawed their way to a nonconference road win over Sibley-Ocheydan on Tuesday, June 28. Harris-Lake Park defeated the Generals 14-7 in Sibley.