Autumn is in the air. The geese are honking, and the leaves are changing to brighter colors.  And trophy anglers are getting excited. They know that the fall months offer several good reasons to go fishing.  

As I spent three hours last Thursday evening at the Howard K. Vincent Waterfowl Production Area Dedication, I felt a sense of immense satisfaction that this huge project included so many groups and individuals that had all come together for this one special evening celebration.

I observed folks from all walks of life come together for something that will positively impact the entire area.

Tucked in to the southern end of the Loess Hills, within eyeshot of I-29 and nearly adjacent to Forney Lake, is the Green Hollow and Blackburn wildlife areas and state park complex in northwest Fremont County.

While not far off the interstate, actually finding the complex has a little “am I going the right way?” feel to it.

After scoring on its opening drive, Spirit Lake never rescinded the lead in a 48-21 home victory over heated rival Spencer on Friday, Sept. 8.

Harris-Lake Park’s football team got out to a slow start in its Week 3 road contest with Northwood-Kensett on Friday, Sept. 8. However, the Wolves – led by senior quarterback Lucas Ahrenstorff — made enough plays down the stretch to earn a 34-27 victory over the Vikings.

Okoboji’s football team suffered its most lopsided defeat of the season Friday, Sept. 8, as the Pioneers fell 41-6 on the road to MOC-Floyd Valley to end its non-district schedule with an 0-3 record.

In the first quarter, Tyler Netsch returned a kick 94 yards for the Pioneers’ only score.

Spirit Lake’s volleyball team split four matches at its home tournament held Saturday, Sept. 9. The Indians earned a 2-0 win over Sibley-Ocheyedan and a 2-1 win over Sheldon, but fell 2-1 to Newell-Fonda and 2-0 to Charles City.

Despite a slow start last week, Harris-Lake Park secured its second straight victory of the 2023 season. This week, the Wolves will face a tough test in non-district opponent Newell-Fonda.

The Mustangs are also on a two-game winning streak after dropping their Week 1 game to West Bend-Mallard. Newell-Fonda earned a 64-28 win over West Harrison in Week 2 and a 54-46 win over Woodbine last Friday.

Okoboji will look to bounce back this week after suffering its most lopsided loss of the season Friday against MOC-Floyd Valley. The Pioneers will need to do just that as they prepare to face Estherville Lincoln Central and star quarterback Owen Larson.

The Midgets are coming off of a narrow loss to Algona last week after dominating rival Emmetsburg 35-16 at home in Week 2.

After suffering its first loss of the season in Week 2, Spirit Lake capped a difficult non-district slate with a dominant rivalry win over Spencer last week. The Indians will look to keep that momentum rolling heading into district play, as they prepare for a road trip to Forest City.

Harris-Lake Park senior Landon Greve earned the first top-10 finish of his career at a cross country meet hosted by West Lyon on Monday, Sept. 11. Greve placed sixth with a time of 19 minutes, 12.47 seconds at Meadow Acres Golf Course in Larchwood.

Okoboji’s volleyball team went 0-4 at a tournament hosted by Dickinson County rival Spirit Lake on Saturday, Sept. 9. The Pioneers fell 2-0 to Cherokee, Central Lyon, Estherville Lincoln Central and OABCIG.

The Pioneers fell 21-2 and 21-0 to No. 4 Cherokee before falling 21-9 and 21-7 to Siouxland Conference rival Central Lyon.

Okoboji’s girls and boys cross country teams competed at the Tim Thomas Classic held Saturday, Sept. 7 in Holstein. The boys — led by third-place finisher Evan Osler — placed fifth overall. The girls — led by Maryn Frein — placed seventh overall.