Iowa residents may fish without a license on June 1, 2 and 3 as part of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources free fishing weekend.

Free fishing weekend is the first weekend in June each year. It allows Iowans an opportunity to try fishing without purchasing a license. All other regulations remain in place.

“We hope that someone who gives fishing a try during free fishing weekend will enjoy the experience and want to go fishing more often and become a license holder,” said Joe Larscheid, chief of the Iowa DNR’s Fisheries Bureau.

Free fishing weekend is scheduled during what is traditionally the time when bluegills are close to shore and aggressive.

“This is a great time to take kids fishing because the chance for success is pretty good,” he said.

The best way to catch bluegills, according to Larscheid, is to use small tackle – little hooks, a bobber no larger than a quarter, 4-pound test line and small bait.

Anyone catching their first fish is encouraged to take a photo of it and send it in to receive the DNR’s first fish award. The DNR will commemorate the event with a certificate suitable for framing and the submitted photo.

Information on the first fish program is available in the Iowa Fishing Regulations and online at http://www.iowadnr.gov/Fishing/MasterAnglerFirstFish.aspx

Qualifying fish caught during free fishing weekend are also eligible for master angler recognition. For bluegills, the minimum length for master angler award is 10 inches.

Iowa’s peak boating season begins May 26 and with it comes a reminder about the change to .08 alcohol limit for boat operators that became law on July 1, 2011.

“Going boating with friends is a fun way to spend a day and just like car drivers, boat operators are responsible for their passengers’ safety and for other boaters on the water,” says Jeff Morrison, state conservation officer for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

“A designated boat operator who abstains from alcohol is what we recommend. Consuming even a little alcohol can have its intoxicating effects enhanced due to wind and wave action, the sun and glare off the water,” Morrison says.

“I am expecting it to be a really busy weekend on the water so operators will need to be on the lookout for other boaters in addition to driving their boat. Alcohol can reduce their reaction time and impair their ability to make sound judgments quickly.”

In 2011, 54 boat operators were cited for boating while intoxicated.

“We will have officers patrolling on the water all summer with additional patrols during weekends and holidays when boat traffic is highest,” he says.

Officers will also perform routine safety equipment inspections.

Morrison said boaters should slow their speeds with the expected heavy traffic, watch out for other boaters, go through their boat and trailer looking for problems before leaving the driveway and make sure their safety equipment is on board and in working order.

“We don’t want to send someone off the water to take care of an issue that was easily solvable in their driveway,” Morrison says.  Iowa has nearly 229,000 registered boats.

Safety Tips

• Don’t drink and boat

• Take a boating safety course

• Always wear a lifejacket – it can’t work if it’s not on

• Review boating laws

• Have patience and be courteous on the ramp and water

• Get a weather forecast before heading out

• Keep watch for other boaters, swimmers, skiers or objects in the water

IOWA CITY, IA – The University of Iowa’s Big Ten Conference football schedules have been announced for the 2015 and 2016 seasons. Schedules for all 12 league schools were release today by the Big Ten Conference.

The league slate has Iowa opening conference play with a home game in each of the two seasons.  The Hawkeyes will not play Indiana, Ohio State or Wisconsin either year.  Iowa does not play Ohio State, Illinois and Wisconsin this year and won’t play Illinois, Indiana or Penn State in 2013-14.

Iowa opens the 2015 league schedule Oct. 3 and 10 with successive home games against Northwestern and Michigan State.  Road contests at Purdue and Minnesota follow.  Illinois and Michigan are the other Big Ten home games in 2015.  Other league road contests are Penn State and Nebraska. The open week is Nov. 14.

The Hawkeyes open at home against Minnesota on Oct. 1, 2016.  Other home games that year include Purdue, Penn State and Nebraska.  League road games include Michigan State, Northwestern, Illinois and Michigan. The bye week is Nov. 12.

The Nebraska games are currently set for Saturday dates, following Thanksgiving, in the 2013-16 time frame.  That could change.  The Iowa and Nebraska athletic directors will meet following this year’s game at Kinnick Stadium to determine if a Friday game, following Thanksgiving, is still in the best interests of both schools.

Iowa’s football schedules for the 2013-16 time frame are listed below.

2013

Aug. 31     Northern Illinois

Sept.   7     Missouri State

Sept. 14     at Iowa State

Sept. 21     Western Michigan

Sept. 28     at Minnesota

Oct.    5     Michigan State (HC)

Oct.  12     Open

Oct.  19     at Ohio State

Oct.  26     Northwestern

Nov.   2     Wisconsin

Nov.   9     at Purdue

Nov. 16     Open

Nov. 23     Michigan

Nov. 30     at Nebraska

2014

Aug. 30     Northern Iowa

Sept.   6     Ball State

Sept. 13     Iowa State

Sept. 20     at Pittsburgh

Sept. 27     Open

Oct.    4     at Wisconsin

Oct.   11    Open

Oct.   18    Ohio State

Oct.   25    Purdue

Nov.    1    at Michigan

Nov.    8    at Northwestern

Nov.  15    Minnesota

Nov.  22    at Michigan State

Nov.  29    Nebraska

2015

Sept.   5     Illinois State

Sept. 12     at Iowa State

Sept. 19     Pittsburgh

Sept. 26     North Texas

Oct.    3     Northwestern

Oct.   10    Michigan State

Oct.   17    at Purdue

Oct.   24    at Minnesota

Oct.   31    Illinois

Nov.    7    at Penn State

Nov.   14   Open

Nov.   21   Michigan

Nov.   28   at Nebraska

2016

Sept.   3     North Dakota State

Sept.  10    Iowa State

Sept.  17    Central Michigan

Sept.  24    TBA

Oct.     1    Minnesota

Oct.     8    at Michigan State

Oct.   15    Purdue

Oct.   22    at Northwestern

Oct.   29    at Illinois

Nov.    5    Penn State

Nov.  12    Open

Nov.  19    at Michigan

Nov.  26    Nebraska

Harris, Iowa — A Sibley man was flown to a Sioux Falls hospital after an accident on Tuesday (5/15).

The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office reports that about 7 AM, 22-year-old Jesse Alan Richardson of Sibley was driving a 1992 Pontiac Bonneville, northbound on Warbler Avenue, a mile and a half northwest of Harris.

Sixty-year-old James Francis Schroder, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, was driving a 2000 Chevrolet pickup, eastbound on 130th Street, and failed to stop at the stop sign for Warbler Avenue.

Schroder’s vehicle broadsided Richardson’s vehicle, causing Richardson’s vehicle to came to rest in the northeast corner of the intersection.

Richardson was freed from the vehicle by mechanical means, and was transported to the Osceola Community Hospital where he was then airlifted to a hospital in Sioux Falls.

Both vehicles were a total loss.

Schroder sustained no injuries. He was ticketed for Failure to Obey Stop Sign and Failure to have a Driver’s License.

The Harris Fire Department, Ocheyedan Fire and Rescue, Ocheyedan Ambulance, and Sibley Ambulance assisted the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office at the scene.

Sibley, Iowa –

May 13, 2012, at 2:55am, Jose Lira, age 48 of Worthington, Minnesota, was driving a 2011 Chevrolet Traverse, northbound on Hwy 60, north of 210th Street and struck a deer on the highway. Lira’s vehicle sustained approximately $3,500 damage. No injuries were reported. Read The Full Story…

Sioux Falls, South Dakota — A Worthington, Minnesota girl has died as the result of an ATV accident on Saturday.

The Nobles County Sheriff’s Office reports that 10-year-old Alyssa Zamarron of Worthington was riding on an ATV with another girl when they hit a tree. Both girls were transported to Sanford Worthington and Zamarron was airlifted to Sanford Sioux Falls, where she died on Sunday night.

The funeral service will be at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, May 17, 2012 at the First Baptist Church, rural George, with Reverend Stephen May officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Visitation will be Wednesday, May 16th from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m., with the family present from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Jurrens Funeral Home of Sibley. They are in charge of arrangements for Alyssa Zamarron.

A memorial fund for Alyssa has been set up at the U.S. Bank in Sibley.

Alyssa Marie Zamarron, age 10 of Worthington, MN passed away on Sunday, May 13, 2012 at the Sanford Children’s Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD, following injuries sustained in an accident.

Funeral service will be at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, May 17, 2012 at the First Baptist Church, rural George, IA, with Reverend Stephen May officiating.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Visitation will be Wednesday, May 16th from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m., with the family present from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Jurrens Funeral Home of Sibley.

Alyssa Marie Zamarron was born on May 22, 2001, the daughter of Annamarie Villanueva and Robert Zamarron in Phoenix, AZ. Alyssa lived with her parents in Arizona for a time then moved to Sibley, IA, and attended school there until 2011. She had most recently been living in Worthington, MN and attending the fourth grade at the Worthington Elementary School. She attended church at the First Baptist Church in George, IA. However, she had accepted God into her heart and was baptized at the First Baptist Church in Sibley, IA. She always loved singing at church, and actively went to TeamKids, Awanas, and Vacation Bible School. Alyssa enjoyed playing the violin in band and was looking forward to playing the clarinet next year. She also was very active in sports and loved art, singing, dancing and fishing. Alyssa loved her brothers Gauge and Robert, and sister Rihanna very much. She was her momma’s little helper, and best friend. Her favorite thing to do while at Grandpa and Grandma’s house was to play catch with the football and softball. She always had good sportsmanship while playing, she never had a frown. She was a very outgoing young girl, and always had a pretty smile to greet you with.

She is survived by her Mother, Annamarie Villanueva of Worthington, MN and her Father, Robert Zamarron of Glendale, AZ. Her two brothers Gauge Villanueva, and Robert Zamarron, Jr. and sister Rihanna Ramirez, who currently reside with Annamarie in Worthington, MN. Nanny Kim and Poppy Brad Scoplitte, Grandpa Ernie and Grandma Ramona Villanueva, Nana Bertha Zamarron, Antie Amanda and Uncle Remick Martinez, Aunt Summer Scoplitte and Uncle Jeremy Gonzales, Uncle Brad and Aunt Michelle Scoplitte, Antie Gloria and Uncles Eddie, Ernie and Isaac Villanueva, Uncle Randy Kruse, Uncle Rodney and Aunt Laura Kruse, Uncle Ryan and Aunt Lori Kruse, Uncle Jon and Aunt Rhonda Wade, Aunt Jan and Uncle Gary Geisler, Aunt Cindy Sincher, Aunt Barb Knaggs, Aunt Debbie and Uncle Bob Buehring, Uncles Gordo and Flaco Zamarron, Tia Angela. Cousins: Trent, Bella, Elexia, Anthony, Brooklyn, Riley, Cody, Monie, Buddy. Opa and Oma Kruse, Great Grandpa Al Buerhing, and Nana Chapa. Special Extended Family: Uncle Kelly and Aunt Sandy, Trista, Tanner, Thomas, and Trevor Doeden.

A memorial fund for Alyssa has been set up at the U.S. Bank in Sibley.

Online Expressions of Sympathy can be sent to: www.jurrensfuneralhome.com

Marjorie Brockshus, age 87, of Ocheyedan, Iowa passed away on Thursday, May 10, 2012, at the Osceola Community Hospital in Sibley.

Funeral Services will be Thursday, May 17, 2012 at 10:30 A.M. at Zion Lutheran Church Horton Township, Ocheyedan, Iowa. Rev. Russell Andersen officiating. Burial in Zion Lutheran Cemetery Horton Township, Ocheyedan, Iowa.

Visitation will be Wednesday, May 16, from Noon to 8:00 P.M. with the family present from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. at the Andringa Funeral Chapel in Ocheyedan.

Marjorie Muriel Brockshus was born on December 3, 1924 in Rushmore, Minnesota. She was the daughter of Herman Henry and Lena (Rosenberg) Hembd. She lived her youth in Rushmore and was baptized and confirmed in her faith at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Rushmore. Marjorie attended school in Sibley, Iowa and graduated from Ocheyedan High School in Ocheyedan, Iowa in 1942. She attended Teacher College in Cedar Falls, Iowa.

She was united in marriage to John Brockshus of May City, Iowa on November 3, 1946 at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Ocheyedan. They lived on a farm north of Ocheyedan. John passed away on December 1, 2003.

Marjorie was a member of Zion Lutheran Church Horton Township, Ocheyedan, Iowa where she was active in LWML. She was a faithful supporter of Camp Okoboji and other mission projects. She was a member of American Legion Auxiliary.

Marjorie enjoyed quilting, fixing puzzles, solving crossword puzzles and Sudoku.

She passed away on Thursday, May 10, 2012 at the Osceola Community Hospital in Sibley.

Those left to cherish her memories are her children: Darlene and Marvin Sopko of Sioux Falls, SD, Roger and Rita Brockshus of Spirit Lake, IA, Glen and Mary Brockshus of Red Oak, IA, Carol and Ross Brownson of St. Louis, MO, Bruce and Susan Brockshus of Ocheyedan, IA; daughter-in-law: Peg and Curt Van Kley of Sibley, IA; 16 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren; one sister: Betty and Orville Taylor of Hartley, IA; 3 sisters-in-law: Marcella Hembd of Ocheyedan, IA, Alice Brockshus of Hartley, IA, Erna Kooistra of Sheldon, IA; 2 brothers-in-law: Herbert and Marlene Brockshus of Ocheyedan, IA, Albert Groff of Hartley, IA.

She was preceded in death by her husband John Brockshus, her parents, one son Keith Brockshus, 3 brothers, two sisters, 2 infant great-grandsons.

Online Expressions of Sympathy can be sent to www.andringafuneralhome.com

Notice to residents of Sibley: 2^nd Avenue will be closed from 5^th Street to 8^th Street tomorrow and Friday to begin the water and street project.  A detour along 1^st Avenue will be set up. Thank you in advance for your understanding and cooperation during construction.