Slamming car doors, shifting cargo, stumbling feet. Each has been unkind to my fishing rods more times than I care to admit. After a fly rod somehow broke while riding freely in my truck bed this spring, it was time to take action to keep it from happening again. Of course, many excellent rod cases are available from retailers. After some research, though, I found a simple design created from a favorite inexpensive building material – PVC pipe. Not only …

LEWELLEN, Neb. – Ash Hollow State Historical Park invites the public to celebrate with the “ghosts of the Oregon Trail” during Halloween in the Hollow on Saturday, Oct. 27. The annual event, a cooperative effort between the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and the Friends of Ash Hollow, will be noon to 7 p.m. at the park. Halloween at the Hollow features children’s games, concessions, archery, crafts, costume contests and more from noon to 4 p.m. At 4 o’clock attention …

HEMINGFORD, Neb. — Construction is wrapping up for the upgraded boat launch facility at Box Butte State Recreation Area and its new ramp is expected to be open for this weekend’s visitors. Husker Engineering of Burwell is completing final touches on the new handicapped-accessible launch, considered a big improvement over the old one. The ramp includes two 16-foot-wide lanes and a dock in the middle that adjusts to changing water levels. While the ramp is operational under current conditions, installation …

GERING, Neb. – The Gering Fire Department is gearing up for its Wildland Engine Academy, which consists of training exercises at Buffalo Creek Wildlife Management Area in the Wildcat Hills on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 8-9. Chris Becker, a Nebraska Game and Parks Commission wildlife biologist, said hunters should be aware that burning will be occurring at various locations on the property and should take the event into consideration if they plan to pursue game there this weekend. Becker said …

LINCOLN, Neb. – With a couple of the elk seasons underway and more approaching, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is asking for elk hunters’ cooperation in testing for chronic wasting disease. Todd Nordeen, Commission big game disease and research program manager, said staff at check stations will be asking elk hunters to allow removal of lymph nodes from elk to test for the disease, frequently referred to by its initials — CWD.  The tests at the Nebraska Veterinary Diagnostic …

CHADRON, Neb. – The public is invited to examine the natural diversity of the Pine Ridge during the third annual Chadron State Park Bioblitz on Friday and Saturday, Sept. 14-15. A bioblitz engages attendees to identify as many plants and animal species as possible within a designated area and timeframe. During this bioblitz, members of the public will team up with local natural resources experts to explore and learn about the biodiversity and habitat at Chadron State Park.  The event, …

MORRILL, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is lowering the water level at Kiowa Wildlife Management Area south of Morrill in efforts to improve the property’s wetland. The Commission is employing multiple management methods to control cattails encroaching the wetlands. A lower water level will allow a firebreak to be created by disking. The break will be used for a prescribed burn of the cattails this winter.   In spring 2019 the water level will likely return to normal, …

MINATARE, Neb. — The public is invited to celebrate National Dog Day by bringing their four-legged friends for a community hike at Lake Minatare State Recreation Area. Hike with Hounds will be Saturday, Aug. 25, at 9 a.m. beginning at the lighthouse. Along with a stroll along the lake, the event will cover a variety of tips and topics for people to safely hike with their four-legged friends in various parks and wildlands. All socialized dogs are welcome as long …

GERING, Neb. — The Wildcat Hills Shooting Sports Complex at Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area will be the site of a benefit shooting competition for a veterans service organization Saturday, Aug. 25. Registration for the Western Nebraska Veterans Shoot-out will begin at 8 a.m. with shooting at 9:30 a.m. The double-elimination event is open to the first 60 people and entrants may compete in up to two of the event’s four divisions – two for pistols and two for rifles.  …

Sometimes nature sends obvious signs about what a person should not touch. Cacti, yucca plants, porcupines and rattlesnakes have signals akin to a flashing billboard. Then there are more devious dangers such rash-inducing urushiol on unassuming poison ivy plants. I am not sure where the subject of the following story fits into that spectrum, but I now know I should have been paying a little closer attention to some signs. “Ohhh, look at the fuzzy caterpillar,” my 10-year-old daughter Kiera …