Summer Fun 2020

$1.00 kpcnews.com June 2020

SUMMER FUN

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Summer Fun

kpcnews.com • ©KPC Media Group Inc.

June 20, 2020

Sue Carpenter

102 N. Main Street, Kendallville, IN 46755 (260) 347-0400

scarpenter@kpcmedia.com

Terry Housholder

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

thousholder@kpcmedia.com

Machele Waid

Special Sections Editor

President/Publisher

Ann Saggars asaggars@kpcmedia.com Print & Design Manager

Kanisha Bevins kbevins@kpcmedia.com Special Sections Graphic Designer

Summer Fun is a special supplement to The Star, The News Sun and The Herald Republican, which are publications of KPC Media Group Inc. ©2020 All rights reserved

©KPC Media Group Inc. • kpcnews.com

June 20, 2020

Summer Fun

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Make campfires safe and enjoyable this summer Who doesn’t look forward to sitting around a crackling campfire in the evening with family or friends? Such an experience attracts people to try camping, ultimately converting many of them into lifelong camping enthusiasts.

Campfires serve various purposes, from heating up simple foods to keeping wildlife at bay. Campfires also light up camps where people dine and sleep while providing much-needed warmth.

Campers must always exercise caution with their campfires. The University of Vermont Medical Center says 80 percent of pediatric campfire burns resulted from day-old campfires. The National Interagency Fire Center advises that, in 2017, 88 percent of wildfires were caused by humans.

When building campfires, the following precautionary measures can ensure a safe time is had by all.

• Learn if it’s safe. Campground and other areas will post if the conditions are safe for a fire. Heed all signs and do not ignite a campfire if posted warnings say it is too dry and unsafe to do so.

• Choose the right location. Look around and up to make sure that the fire will be in a safe location away from low-hanging branches or brush. Keep a radius of at least eight to 10 feet around the fire clear of tents, food, chairs, and other items, states the health and fitness resource Active.

• Prepare your site. Dig a small pit in

which the fire can be housed, offers Smokey Bear. Place a ring of stones around the pit.

• Add fuel only as needed. Keep the fire at a manageable size and height. Do not let it grow just to impress fellow campers, as it can spread and become a problem.

• Beware of the “duff.” The rangers at Modoc National Forest in California say duff is a layer of decomposing wood material that lies between pine needles and dirt on the forest floor. It is highly flammable, and some mistake it for dirt.

Be aware of duff near the campsite and extinguish any embers promptly.

• Maintain a close watch. Make sure at least one person is always tending to the campfire.

• Keep kids and pets away. Set a proper distance for pets and young children who may not understand the dangers of fire.

• Extinguish the fire properly. Keep a shovel and water nearby to drown the fire and embers. Mix the ashes and water again to catch anything that may be smoldering.

Continue adding water, dirt or sand and stirring with a shovel until all material is cool. Never leave a former campfire hot. Check a decent perimeter around the campfire to ensure that no stray embers escaped.

Campfires are an enjoyable part of the overall camping, whether in the backyard or outdoor wilderness experience.

Safety is essential to help prevent forest fires and/or injuries.

METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

Why you need a hammock or hanging chair

BY METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION Sunny days and warm weather beckon us to the great outdoors. A day spent in the pool or lounging around the patio is a great way to embrace the relaxing spirit of summer.

But those who want to go the extra relaxing miles should consider adding a hammock or swinging chair to their backyard oasis.

Hammocks and swinging chairs make great investments. Outdoor enthusiasts can take them on camping trips, and they’re equally at home right in the backyard.

People on the fence about these symbols of relaxation can consider these benefits of hammocks or swinging chairs.

Nap comfortably outdoors

Who needs an excuse to catch up on missing sleep? If the time presents itself, the sun and the fresh air can induce a deep sense of relaxation. Lying on a hammock or floating in a hanging chair provides that additional soothing rocking motion that can make a cat nap even more enticing.

stargaze at night. With a double hammock or chair, bring a romantic partner along to snuggle and watch the cosmos. Or teach children about the constellations in the night sky.

Be inconspicuous among nature

Hammocks and swinging chairs make great investments.

Use it indoors or outdoors

METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

deck or patio so people can swing with the Create a retreat in any corner of your yard breeze when the weather allows. or home. A hanging chair can be hung in the corner of a bedroom to provide a spot to curl Super stargazing retreat Hammocks and swinging chairs can up with a good book or rock a baby to sleep. make it easier and more comfortable to The same chair can be brought to a covered

Lying on the ground disturbs the lawn and other outdoor components. Being suspended several inches above the ground in a chair or a hammock can help a person blend in with the natural environment. Birds, small animals and insects may not even know you’re there, and that can make them easier to observe.

Everyone can appreciate the opportunity to sit back and relax. Hammocks and swinging chairs can help a person feel lighter than air and recharge in the warm summer air.

Hammocks and swinging chairs make great investments. Outdoor enthusiasts can take them on camping trips, and they’re equally at home right in the backyard.

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Summer Fun

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June 20, 2020

Tips for new pet parents to prevent lost animals

BY METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION Despite the sadness, uncertainty and disruption to millions of people’s lives, the novel coronavirus COVID-19 has provided some silver linings. One such positive side effect of people being asked to spend more time at home is the opportunity for individuals and families to open their abodes to needy animals.

Pet adoptions have increased as people have found more personal time to devote to companion animals.

The Pet Health Network says that people experiencing loneliness from being apart from others often turn to pets to help them feel better. Lucky Dog Animal Rescue in Virginia brought in 149 animals from high-kill shelters in March 2020 and adopted 134 in a single week, matching the agency’s monthly average.

Data on New York City animal shelters indicates that, as of early May 2020, 43.5 percent of shelters were experiencing an increased demand for adoption since the COVID-19 outbreak.

As pet adoptions increase, new pet parents are urged to remember to take every precaution to keep their companions safe and secure. The summer months can be a prime time for pets to become lost. Increased thunderstorms as well as fireworks displays can frighten pets. Also, more time spent outdoors may make it easier for “escape artists” to find their way out of backyards or get free from leashes. Thankfully, there are some steps pet owners can take to keep pets safe.

METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

New pet parents should familiarize themselves with the steps to help prevent lost pets.

• ID and collar: Pets should wear collars with attached identification at all times. This should include an up-to-date contact number. ID tags can be made

at pet supply stores or are available at the Animal Humane Society facilities.

• Microchip: Microchips are small devices that are implanted under the pet’s skin. About the size of a grain of rice, microchips emit a low radio frequency that can be read by a handheld scanner. Virtually all vet offices and animal shelters are equipped with scanners. Microchips are designed to last the pet’s lifetime, according to HomeAgain, a microchip company. Once the pet is registered, the chip will link to a record of owner information that can be updated easily online.

• Sterilization: AHS says studies show that pets that have been spayed or neutered are less likely to roam for mates and potentially get lost.

• Pet-proof: Homeowners may have to make adjustments to their yards and homes to ensure pets cannot escape. Some dogs and cats can climb over tall fences or dig underneath. Speak with your veterinarian about how to pet-proof your property.

• Leash pets: Prey instinct can be high and even the most well-behaved pets may act differently when away from home. A secure collar/harness and leash will help keep pets safe on walks.

The summer months can be a prime time for pets to become lost. Increased thunderstorms as well as fireworks displays can frighten pets.

©KPC Media Group Inc. • kpcnews.com

June 20, 2020

Summer Fun

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Why the water matters to novice kayakers

BY METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION Kayaking is a fun way to spend an afternoon, particularly in summertime.

If smiles on the faces of kayakers aren’t enough to convince you just how fun this sport can be, perhaps statistics can convince you how enjoyable it is to paddle away in a kayak.

According to the Physical Activity Council, which each year conducts the largest single-source research study of sports, recreation and leisure activity participation in the United States, recreational kayaking is the most popular paddlesport in the United States, attracting more than 11 million participants each year.

People who have never before been in a kayak may be intrigued by those statistics and tempted to follow the example set by millions of kayakers who take to the water every day when the weather permits. Safety should be a top priority for all kayakers, and especially for novices. A kayaking course can be a great way for novices to familiarize themselves with the basics of kayaking, including the best practices in regard to staying safe on the water. Local watersports retailers and recreational organizations that take watersports enthusiasts out on the water may offer safety courses, and these courses can be great resources while also helping people get their feet wet before paddling away.

When kayaking for the firs time, it’s important that novices choose the right type of water for their experience level. Rough, choppy waters can prove challenging to even the most skilled kayakers, and these same waters can be deadly for novices. The following are some characteristics novice kayakers should look for in a body of water before pushing themselves and their kayakers into the current.

• Size: Novices should avoid vast bodies of water, such as oceans, rivers or large lakes, until they gain more experience. Large ponds and small lakes can be great places to gain some experience and familiarize oneself with the nuances of paddling.

• Demeanor: Demeanor might not be a trait one normally associates with water, but looking at a body of water in this way can be a great way to determine if it’s the right place for a novice. If a body of water is raging, with choppy waters and rapid waves, then steer clear. If the water is calm, then it’s likely a safe spot for novices.

• Traffic: Novices may be intimidated by crowds, but other kayakers can serve as something of a safety net for novices.

Kayaking is a fun group activity, and novice paddlers should never go it alone.

• Variety: Novices should steer clear of waters that allow power boats. Such vessels can alter paddling conditions quickly, and

SUE CARPENTER

Kayaks and canoes can be rented at various locations in Mongo for enthusiasts to paddle in a variety of trips ranging from 90 minutes to several hours, depending on experience of the paddler.

that can put novices in potentially precarious positions. Stick to waters that allow only canoes or other boats that won’t affect water conditions.

• Access: Until they get more comfortable in their kayaks, novice kayakers should stay close to shorelines so they

have quick and simple access to land should they struggle to get acclimate to the water and being in a kayak.

Kayaking is a popular activity that even novices can enjoy, especially when they take certain measures to ensure their safety.

Expand your grilling horizons with homemade pizza

BY METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION Though hot dogs and hamburgers might garner most of the grilling glory, just about any food can be cooked over an open flame. Even homemade pizza, such as the following recipe for “Kale, Potato and Chorizo Pizza” from Karen Adler and Judith Fertig’s “The Gardener & The Grill” (Running Press), can make for a unique entree at your next backyard barbecue.

Kale, Potato and Chorizo Pizza Serves 4 • 1 recipe Stir-Together Flatbread and Pizza Dough (see below) or 1 pound frozen pizza or bread dough, thawed • All-purpose flour, for sprinkling • 8 kale leaves • Olive oil, for brushing and drizzling

• 8 ounces cooked and crumbled chorizo, Portuguese or other spicy sausage • 4 new potatoes, cooked and sliced thinly • 1⁄2 cup chopped green onion (about 6 green onions, white and light green parts) • Coarse black pepper Divide the dough into four equal parts and press or roll each piece into an 8-inch circle. Sprinkle flour on two large baking sheets and place two rounds of dough on each sheet.

Prepare a hot fire on one side of your grill for indirect cooking. Oil a perforated grill rack and place over direct heat.

Brush the kale with olive oil. Grill leaves for 1 minute on each side, or until slightly charred and softened. Quickly trim off the

bottom of the stalk and strip the leaves from the stems. Finely chop the leaves and set aside.

To grill directly on the grill grate, brush one side of each pizza with olive oil and place, oiled side down, on the direct heat side.

Grill for 1 to 2 minutes, or until you see the dough starting to bubble. Brush the top side with olive oil and flip each pizza, using tongs, onto a baking sheet. Quickly brush with more olive oil, then spoon on a fourth of the sliced potato and grilled kale. Sprinkle with sausage and green onion. Drizzle with olive oil and season with pepper. Using a grill spatula, place each pizza on the indirect side of the fire. Cover and grill for 4 or 5 minutes until the kale has slightly wilted and the topping is hot.

Serve hot.

Stir-Together Flatbread and Pizza Dough Makes 1-pound dough for four individual pizzas or flatbreads • 2 cups all-purpose flour • 1-1⁄4 teaspoons salt • 2 teaspoons instant or bread-machine yeast • 1 cup lukewarm water • 1 teaspoon honey • 1 tablespoon olive oil In a medium bowl, stir the flour, salt and yeast together. Combine the water, honey and olive oil and stir into the flour mixture.

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let sit at room temperature (72 F) until doubled in bulk, about 1 hour. Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Bring to room temperature before rolling out.

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Summer Fun

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Beachgoers can enjoy the sand and sun at Pokagon State Park.

June 20, 2020

SUE CARPENTER

SUE CARPENTER

The saddle barns at Pokagon State Park are open for rides along the trails.

DNR lists sites, activities open to the public KPC NEWS SERVICE All DNR properties including state parks, state forests, fish and wildlife areas, nature preserves and state recreation areas are now open. However, some services and facilities are temporarily closed.

Outdoor activities and travel to and from those activities at state parks are permitted, including camping, hiking, fishing, boating, birding, hunting, horse and bicycle riding and geocaching.

Hoosiers should follow posted restrictions and practice social distancing.

Several DNR properties are currently experiencing high use during summer 2020. Some have reached parking capacity for day use on busy weekends, and gates have been closed, or vehicles admitted only when others leave. For real-time information, follow Indiana State Parks on Twitter (@INDNRstateparks) or (@ INdnrstateparksandreservoirs). People can also follow their favorite property on Facebook. All DNR properties are charging entrance fees per normal practice. A full breakdown of entrance and other fees can be found at stateparks.

IN.gov/ 5062.htm.

Hunting and fishing licenses

All 2019-2020 basic hunting, basic fishing, hunt/fish combo, youth licenses

and stamps set to expire March 31, 2020, are valid until end of June. Keep a printed or electronic copy with you while hunting/fishing. If you do not have a valid 2019-2020 annual license or stamp, a new 2020-2021 annual license is required.

Licenses can be purchased by visiting the Indiana Fish & Wildlife Online License System, open authorized license vendors, or calling the Indiana DNR Customer Service Center at 877-463-6367, Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Open sites and activities include:

• Family and equestrian campgrounds.

• Inn restaurants are open at 50 percent

capacity with social distancing requirements. All meals are menu-based; • Property-operated cabins, camper cabins and inn-operated cabins are open; • State park beaches; • Campstores, saddle barns, boat rentals, vending and other concessions • Indiana DNR-managed lakes, trails, boat ramps and wildlife areas at Brookville, J.E. Roush, Salamonie, Mississinewa, Cecil M. Harden (Raccoon SRA), Cagles Mill (Lieber SRA), Patoka and Monroe lakes • Unstaffed archery ranges • Day-use restrooms, campground comfort stations and vault toilets

• The Fort Golf Course and Pro Shop at Fort Harrison State Park, with tee times available from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Self-service cart rental is available with a limit of one person per cart. Payment and reservations can only be made by phone at 317-5439597. Please practice social distancing during play.

• Marinas are open with limited shuttle service available.

• Disc Golf Courses and Fish Cleaning Stations • Welcome Centers, Nature Centers, Historic Buildings, Visitor Centers and Forest Education Centers open, however, hours may be reduced, and social distancing may limit the number of guests allowed in the respective facility at one time.

• State Park property offices. (Office restroom facilities are still temporarily closed to the public).

• All shooting ranges, except the one at Willow Slough FWA. Shooting range hours differ between ranges. Check open days and hours before visiting. Willow Slough FWA’s range will remain closed until further notice.

• Rentable picnic shelters, recreation buildings and rally camps are open for groups of 100 or fewer people, with social distancing.

Closed

Playgrounds, fire towers, and other similar facilities, the artesian well at Pokagon State Park and shelter at the end of Spring Trail, and drinking fountains are closed at this time.

How to buy a permit, pass or license

The DNR urges the public to do business with us online and by phone.

The DNR Customer Service Center staff can answer questions and sell annual state park passes, DNR lake permits and hunting/fishing licenses at 317-232-4200 or 877-463-6367. Hours are 8:30 a.m. — 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Online and phone options include: Buy hunting and fishing licenses at Indiana Fish & Wildlife Online License System Make or change State Park Inns reservations online or by phone at 877-LODGES1 (1-877-563-4371). Call center is open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.

Make or change campground reservations online or by phone at 866-622-6746.

Buy annual state park passes, lake permits, horse tags and off-road riding permits at ShopINstateparks.com and at DNR property entrance gates.

©KPC Media Group Inc. • kpcnews.com

June 20, 2020

Summer Fun

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Recreational vehicle buying mistakes to avoid

BY GREENSHOOT MEDIA There are many factors to consider before buying a recreational vehicle.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or familiar with the RV lifestyle, you should protect yourself from making a buying mistake that you will regret later.

Significant research before visiting the lot can streamline the process of bringing an RV home. If you’re interested in a pull-behind camper, make sure your current towing vehicle is compatible in terms of connection and capacity. Some larger recreational vehicles require a fifth-wheel hitch as a towing system, which can be an expensive upgrade for a pickup with a traditional receiver setup.

Once you have chosen the manufacturer, style of RV, floor layout and necessary features, visiting the dealership becomes much less stressful.

people can fit comfortably inside.

Keep in mind that each person will require enough storage space for numerous articles of clothing and their favorite camping activities.

Ask your salesperson to show you the basics like starting the refrigerator to more technical jobs like lowering the stabilizing bars or connecting to a towing vehicle.

Always inspect a used model

Don’t buy too small

Always get a walkthrough

If you’re considering buying an RV and taking cross-country trips with your loved ones, you should know that the investment may require more diligence than you expected.

From expensive maintenance to making traveling more complex, the camping lifestyle involves strict responsibilities to ensure the experience is positive.

A beneficial way to begin your camping tenure is to rent a recreational vehicle to find out what you should expect. Investing in a new or used RV before understanding the lifestyle may leave you with expensive payments or difficulty selling a model that you’ve realized isn’t for you.

Before heading to the dealership and spending big bucks on a camper, check out a few reasons why renting can be beneficial as you become accustomed to a home on wheels.

There is a fine line between owning an RV that’s too small for your belongings and family members and buying one that is far too spacious. When browsing the interiors of campers, try to visualize how you will use the space. Think of the items you plan to bring along and how many

If you find a deal on a used vehicle that seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Be diligent when inspecting the RV from top to bottom. If you’re unfamiliar with typical signs of degradation, it’s critical to hire a professional mechanic to give it a thorough examination. They will look for mechanical issues, signs of water damage and malfunctioning electrical components.

If a recreational vehicle doesn’t meet their standards, it’s a safe bet to move on to another vehicle. The inspection may cost you up front, but it can mean huge savings down the road in both money and convenience.

Make sure to receive a clear walkthrough of an RV before formally purchasing the model. While the bells and whistles may be the driving force behind your buying decision, if you are untrained on using them, the experience can be inhibited.

Should you first rent an RV?

Find out what you need

Modern recreational vehicles are packed with innovative features and

cutting-edge technology. Unfortunately, these state-of-the-art options also impact the asking price of specific models.

Renting before buying allows you to find out what your family needs while out on the road rather than purchasing high-end additions that you can do without.

Consider renting an RV loaded with luxury items to find out how important they are to your camping experience. By doing so, you will have a clearer view of the type of camper you need when it’s time to buy.

Learn how recreational vehicles operate

An RV requires tremendous maintenance and service that often arises while traveling. Renting a recreational vehicle provides a chance to learn how the unit operates before you’re making significant payments in addition to repair bills.

You should brush up on your knowledge about the electrical capacities of the unit, how to discharge the water properly and how to make small repairs yourself. Hopefully, your rental facility will offer an orientation to show you the basics of safely living on the road.

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Summer Fun

kpcnews.com • ©KPC Media Group Inc.

June 20, 2020