Campers will trade in “hot and humid” for “ho, ho, ho” during this holiday decorating contest
Do the hot and humid days of summer have you wishing for a winter wonderland? Well look no farther than LovewellState Park because your wish is about to be granted. LovewellState Park, located in JewellCounty in northcentral Kansas, will host the 11th Annual Campground Christmas event Saturday, Aug. 17. Campers will compete in a two-day decorating contest by adorning their campsites and cabins with yuletide themes.
The decorations will then be available for public viewing, followed by a formal judging at 8 p.m. Saturday evening. Prizes will be awarded at 11 a.m. the following morning.
Campers interested in entering the contest must register at the Lovewell State Park Office no later than 5 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 17. Those interested in viewing the campsites must have a vehicle permit to enter the park. Daily permits can be purchased for $5.00, annual permits for $25.00. For more information, contact LovewellState Park manager Thane Loring at (785) 753-4971.
For a list of park events near you, visit www.ksoutdoors.com and click “State Parks/Event Calendar.”
Phone conference scheduled to approve last-minute changes to possession limits for migratory birds
The Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Commission will conduct a public hearing through a telephone conference on Thursday, August 29, 2013. The call will begin at 10 a.m., and members of the public can listen online at www.ksoutdoors.com, or attend a satellite location listed below, where public comments may be heard.
The last-minute hearing is necessary to incorporate changes to possession limits in migratory bird hunting regulations for the 2013 seasons. Other than the late migratory bird seasons, which were set Aug. 1, seasons and regulations for doves, sandhill cranes, snipe, rail and woodcock were approved earlier this year. However, when the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) released frameworks for migratory bird hunting regulations in July, the possession limit for all migratory birds was increased from twice the daily bag limit to three times the daily bag limit. Because potential regulation changes must be given published notice 30 days prior to a public hearing, the impromptu commission meeting was scheduled for Aug. 29. Commissioners will vote on a recommendation to adopt the maximum possession limit of three times the daily bag limit for doves, sandhill cranes, snipe, rail and woodcock as allowed under the USFWS frameworks.
The public is encouraged to listen to or comment during the hearing at any of the following KDWPT locations:
Office of the Secretary,
1020 S. Kansas Ave., Suite 200, Topeka
;
Pratt Operations Office,
512 SE 25th Ave.
, Pratt;
KDWPT Region 1 Office, 1426 Hwy 183 Alt., Hays;
KDWPT Region 2 Office,
300 SW Wanamaker Rd., Topeka
;
KDWPT Region 3 Office, 1001 W. McArtor, Dodge City;
KDWPT Region 4 Office,
6232 E. 29th St. N, Wichita
;
NeoshoCountyCommunity College, 800 W. 14th St., Oak Room, No. 209, Chanute; KDWPT Kansas City Office, 8304 Hedge Lane Terrace, Shawnee;
KDWPT Research and Survey Office, 1830 Merchant, Emporia.
If necessary, the Commission will recess on August 29, 2013, to reconvene August 30, 2013, at 9:00 a.m.
If notified in advance, the department will have an interpreter available for the hearing impaired. To request an interpreter call the Kansas Commission of Deaf and Hard of Hearing at 1-800-432-0698. Any individual with a disability may request other accommodations by contacting the Commission Secretary at (620) 672-5911.
The next commission meeting is scheduled for Thursday, October 17, 2013, Kansas Cosmosphere, 1100 N. Plum,Hutchinson.
A mentored dove hunt is a perfect way to introduce a youngster to hunting
The Jayhawk Chapter of the Quail and Upland Wildlife Federation (QUWF) and the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) are making preparations for their 6th Annual Youth Dove Hunt to be held opening day, Sept. 1, 2013 at Clinton Wildlife Area near Lecompton.
The hunt is open to hunters age 16 and younger. Shotguns, shells, and eye and ear protection will be provided to participants at no cost. Hunters are encouraged to wear camouflage clothing.
“This is just a great event for kids to get out in the field and get hands-on experience hunting doves without worrying about the cost. We supply them with everything they need, and we are happy to do it,” said QUWF Jayhawk Chapter member Dr. John Hill. “Last year, our young hunters shot a little over 780 shells. This year, we hope to shoot even more.”
Mentors will accompany all participants, but non-hunting family members are encouraged to attend, as well. The hunt will begin just before sunrise and conclude mid-day. To register for this event, contact Hill at (785) 550-5657 or by e-mail at[email protected].
Walking to and from school is a wonderful way to fit outdoor time and exercise into your child’s busy day.
By Alyson Weinberg
Be Out There
National Wildlife Federation
With childhood obesity on the rise, walking to school is a time-efficient and easy way to help get kids’ hearts pumping and legs moving. Multiple studies also show that even a little time outside can improve children’s academic performance and focus—meaning kids who walk to school arrive feeling more ready to dive in to their studies.
Rachel Weinishke of Bethesda, Maryland, a mom of two teenagers, says her kids’ daily walk to high school gives them a great start. “School starts so early. As they walk together, without the noise of a car radio or loud kids on the bus, they can wake up to the sounds of nature. They chill out and get some exercise at the same time,” she says.
With young children, parents get the added bonus of enjoying quality time with their kids while they savor the surroundings along the way, whether it’s a sky full of cloud “animals,” brightly-colored fall leaves or a squirrel scampering by.
Walking to school benefits kids physically and mentally, but some parents may have safety concerns that prevent them from allowing it. The tips below, provided courtesy of National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), can help ensure a safer journey, leading the way for more mornings and afternoons spent in the fresh air rather than the car.
Walk the route to and from school with your children pointing out landmarks and safe places to go if they’re being followed or need help. Make the walk to and from school a “teachable moment” and chance to put their skills to the test. Make a map with your children showing acceptable routes to and from school. If your children wait for a bus, wait with them or make arrangements for supervision at the bus stop.
Instruct your children to always TAKE A FRIEND, always stay in well-lit areas, never take shortcuts, and never go into isolated areas. Teach them to stay aware of their surroundings and observe all traffic rules in place to more safely share the roads and sidewalks with others.
If anyone bothers your children or makes them feel scared, uncomfortable, or confused, while going to or from school, teach your children to trust their feelings, immediately get away from that person, and TELL you or another trusted adult. If an adult approaches your children for help or directions, remember grownups needing help should not ask children; they should ask other adults. Instruct your children to never accept money or gifts from anyone unless you have told them it is OK to accept in each instance.
Even though there may be more safety in numbers it is still not safe for young children to walk to and from school, especially if they must take isolated routes anytime during the day or in darkness. Always provide supervision for your young children to help ensure their safe arrival to and from school.
Instruct your children to leave items and clothing with their name on them at home. If anyone calls out their name, teach them to not be fooled or confused. Teach your children about the tricks someone may try to use to confuse them or engage them in conversation. Children should also be taught that they do not need to be polite if approached and to get out of the situation as quickly and safely as possible.
Ensure current and accurate emergency contact information is on file for your children at their school. If you, or another trusted family member or friend, need to pick up your children, make sure to follow the school’s departure procedures. These procedures need to include the school’s confirmation of your children’s departure with only those you authorize to pick them up.
Teach your children if anyone tries to take them somewhere they should quickly get away and yell, “This person is trying to take me away” or “This person is not my father/mother/ guardian.” Teach your children to make a scene and every effort to get away by kicking, screaming, and resisting if anyone tries to grab them.
Teach your children if anyone follows them on foot to get away from that person as quickly as possible. If anyone follows them in a vehicle they should turn around, go in the other direction, and try to quickly get to a spot where a trusted adult may help them. Advise them to be sure to TELL you or another trusted adult what happened.
Instruct your children to never leave school with anyone until they’ve checked with a trusted adult. If anyone tells them there is an emergency and they want your children to go with them, teach your children to always CHECK FIRSTwith you before doing anything. Also teach your children to always CHECK FIRST with you if they want to change their plans before or after school. Make sure your children always play with other children, have your permission to play in specific areas, and let you know where they are going to be. Instruct your children to TELL a trusted adult if they notice anyone they don’t know or feel comfortable with hanging around them.
In the event your children may be lost or injured, make sure they carry a contact card with your name and telephone numbers such as work and cellular. This card should be hidden from plain view.
Whether it’s walking to and from school or on the weekends, anytime is a good time to Be Out There! Remember, a big part of keeping children healthy and well is making sure they get plenty of outdoor time—it enhances their mental, physical and emotional well-being. So, teach your children the safety rules and head outside for some fresh air. Click herefor some great outdoor activities to do with your child!
This project was supported by Grant No. 2009-MC-CX-K002 awarded by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice. Points of view or opinions in this document are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice. NationalCenter for Missing & Exploited Children® and 1-800-THE-LOST® are registered service marks of the NationalCenter for Missing & Exploited Children. NCMEC Order #91.
The Great PlainsNatureCenter in Wichita will host a Honey Bee Festival Saturday, September 14. The event, which is designed for kids and adults alike, will run from 10 AM to 3 PM.
Attendees can watch the award winning film “Vanishing of the Bees” in the Coleman Auditorium. Learn the difference between native bees and honey bees. Also learn about other pollinators as well.
Participants can get up close and personal with honey bees in the Center’s outdoor hive and learn how you can have bees in your backyard. Kids can engage in crafts and games designed especially for them. Taste a variety of honey. The Center’s Owl’s Nest Gift Shop will have honey bee products available for purchase.
Mark your calendar for September 14th as it should “bee” a fun day for everyone involved.
