DNR Fisheries and Wildlife Divisions collaborate on Augusta Creek Project
      To outside observers of the Department of Natural Resources, managing our state's fisheries and wildlife resources are two entirely different functions. There are, after all, separate Fisheries and Wildlife Divisions within the agency to handle these tasks.
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State's first Chronic Wasting Disease case found in Kent Co.
      The Michigan departments of Agriculture (MDA) and Natural Resources (DNR) has confirmed the state's first case of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in a three-year old white-tailed deer from a privately owned cervid (POC) facility in Kent County.
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NORTHERN JAWS
     Bob Pollard, 52, of Houghton Lake caught this 38-inch northern pike on the morning of Aug. 21. The 13.1-pounder struck a Rapala Pollard was trolling near the South Shore weedbed. Pollard said it is the largest pike he's ever caught. (TRP)
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Concealed pistol course rescheduled at Kirtland
      Kirtland Community College officials have rescheduled a handgun safety class that fulfills the training requirements of Michigan's concealed pistol law (CPL). A two-day Home Safety Firearms/CPL course was originally set for Aug. 22- 23.
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DALMAC bike riders to stop over at Houghton Lake
      More than 300 bicycle riders will make their way toward Houghton Lake Friday in the 38th DALMAC bike tour. Riding the "four-day east" route, 336 bicyclists are expected sometime between 1 and 3 p.m. at Houghton Lake High School.
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DALMAC Facts 2008
      • The Dick Allen Lansing to Mackinaw Bicycle Tour was originated in 1971 by former State Senator Dick Allen. • DALMAC aims to further an appreciation of bicycling as transportation among Michigan residents.
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AROUND THE LAKE IN EIGHT HOURS
     Tracey Haggart (right), for the second year in a row, led a group of kids around the 32 miles of Houghton Lake on their bikes. Riding clockwise, the groups started at Ontario Street and headed for the West Shore, Long Point, North Shore and back around. "We took lots and lots of breaks," Molly McGinnis, 8, said. Pictured are (back row, left to right): Jared Roll, 9, Molly McGinnis, Molly Blanchard, 11, Sydney Blanchard, 9, Tyler Haggart, 6, Lauren Haggart, 8, Lucas Haggart, 2, and Tracey Haggart; and (front row): Lucy Haggart, 5, and Madison Roll, 5. Riders who didn't finish the loop were Marina Masters, 9, Kevin Roll, 11, and Max McGinnis, 11. (CHP)
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KCC to offer free hunter safety course
      Kirtland Community College will again offer a free hunter safety education class this fall at its main campus near Roscommon. The hunter safety education course teaches new hunters responsibility, ethics, firearm safety, wildlife conservation and identification, game care, survival and first aid. The noncredit course is open to participants 10 years of age and older.
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Kilkare to welcome Ruffed Grouse Society Sept. 8
      The Ruffed Grouse Society North Central Michigan Chapter will host a "meet & greet" at LJ's Kilkare Inn, Houghton Lake, the evening of Sept. 8. This informal gathering, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
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THIRD TAGGED FISH CAUGHT
     Dan Browder, Higgins Lake, caught this trout, the third Wally the Walleye III fish to be caught in the current contest, while trolling on Higgins Lake Aug. 20. He said he has been catching a lot of fish this month, and this one 26- inch, 6-pound, 2-ounce, fish was a lucky catch of the day because it was a tagged fish, placed by the Houghton Lake Tourism Bureau. Browder received a $50 gas card and qualifies for the $50,000 drawing, to be held in April, 2009. Two other anglers previously caught Wally-tagged fish: Wally Heinrich, Sanford, July 5, and Dennis Prentis, Sterling Heights, July 17. The contest, sponsored by the tourism bureau, ends March 15, 2009. More than 30 fish were tagged and placed in Houghton Lake, Higgins Lake and Lake St. Helen. One winner is guaranteed to win at least $1,000. (Courtesy photo)
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CCW course planned Sept. 6, 7
      A Michigan Concealed Pistol License class is planned for Sept. 6 and 7 at the Lake Township Hall. The course, conducted by National Rifle Association instructors, will run from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m on Sunday. Sunday is range time and can be done on another date if needed.
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Volunteers needed to brush trails
      The Houghton Lake Snow Groomers and the Houghton Lake Trail Blazers are looking for volunteers to help brush snowmobile trails. The two groups will meet every Saturday beginning Sept. 6th through Nov. 8th. They will meet at 10 a.m. at the Houghton Lake Historical Playhouse.
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