Outdoors

Big winnings from big catch

By Press release on October 25, 2017 Outdoors

By Brain Carter Boater Richard Owen of Chester, Virginia, caught a three-day cumulative total of 15 bass weighing 40 pounds, 11 ounces, to win the T-H Marine Fishing League Worldwide Bass Fishing League Regional event on the James River presented by Costa Sunglasses. Owen earned $65,000 for his win, a new Ranger Z518C boat with a 200-horsepower Evinrude outboard, and an automatic berth into the 2018 BFL All-American Championship. “The win is still sinking in – I can’t believe it,” said Owen, who earned his second career win in bass competition. “The James River is my home waters. I’ve waited…

Keeping our riverways clean

By Melissa Wilfong on September 13, 2017 Outdoors

The day was clear and warm as volunteers canvassed the James River for trash and debris in several locations all along the waterways. As part of the James River cleanup, a stretch of the river was cleaned at the Falling Creek area. More than 50 volunteers, adults and children, came out to support the effort to keep the riverways clean. Two of the many volunteers along the Falling Creek area were from FortLee. Clarissa Noyola is doing a Basic Officer Leadership Course, and it was her birthday. She said she was enjoying the experience. “It’s my good deed for my…

Recreational paddling and competitive race on the river to support FOLAR

By Press release on September 13, 2017 Outdoors

Friends of the Lower Appomattox River will host the 10th Annual Paddle-or-Battle Saturday, September 30, 2017. Come out and paddle to preserve the Appomattox River. Registration is open for the Saturday, Sept. 30 event for the 10th Annual Paddle – or – Battle, an opportunity for a recreational paddle or a competitive race in a canoe, kayak, or stand-up paddle board on the Appomattox River. The scenic route begins at the Hopewell City Marina near the convergence with the James River and ends at Petersburg’s historic Pocahontas Island Park. Added new this year is a shorter, Youth Beginner two-mile course…

Kalob Powell with his catch.

A BIG FISH STORY

By Linda Fausz on September 6, 2017 Community, Outdoors

A young fisherman from the Chester area used his bare hands to catch a fighting 32-inch northern pike at Lake Vermilion in northeastern Minnesota. Kalob Powell, 18, was checking his fish on a stringer hanging from a dock and spotted the predatory pike with its jaws clamped on one of them. He reached down, grabbed the big sharp-toothed fish, and pulled it free. “I was confused because I didn’t expect it,” he said. “I put my right hand in his gills to lift him onto the dock.” Powell didn’t have a fish scale, but various length-to-weight conversion charts indicate that…

Chesterfield produces PSA to draw attention to heroin addiction

By Press release on June 28, 2017 Health

230 percent increase in overdoses since 2014 With statistics indicating one in five heroin overdoses in Chesterfield County results in death, county agencies have partnered to produce a public service announcement bringing attention to the dangers of heroin addiction and the resources available to those affected by it. “This is a widespread epidemic confronting local governments and law enforcement across the nation,” said Dr. Joseph P. Casey, county administrator. “This PSA enhances Chesterfield’s efforts to reach out to our community and warn people about heroin use and link them to the addiction and recovery services that are available.” In 2016,…

Summer camps at Henricus

By VN Staff on June 8, 2017 Announcements, Outdoors

Henricus Historical Park offers a variety of camps throughout the summer for children who enjoy the outdoors and history. Camp Pocahontas, held on June 26 to 30 and again on July 10 to 14 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for campers ages six through ten years old, explore the environment and life of Pocahontas and the culture of the Powhatan people through demonstrations, activities, and arts and crafts. In our recreated Powhatan settlement of Arrohateck, hands-on activities will include cooking; farming; hunting; house and canoe building; fish net weaving; and making of pottery, arrows, and tools. Make-and-take crafts are…

THE LASHLEY'S STRAW BALE GARDEN

Mixing Bowl- Straw bale garden

By Press release on May 11, 2017 Commentary, Features, Mixing Bowl, Outdoors

Spring is in full swing, and along with allergies it brings us longer days, warmer temperatures, and the perfect time to plant for summer. The Lashley family has always been ambitious when it comes to gardening (notice I did not say successful). We plant at least 12 tomato plants every year, along with cucumbers, peppers, potatoes, herbs, cantaloupes, watermelons, and strawberries. We love the thought of growing our own food, and we are big on canning. Unfortunately, last year was a huge disappointment. Our tomatoes were scraggly at best, producing just enough for our family to eat. The cucumbers were…

Take advantage of Cooperative Extension

By Press release on May 4, 2017 Life's a Garden, Outdoors

How often do gardeners ask other gardeners “what did you plant over the weekend?” This past one certainly was warm, and I suspect many of you planted both ornamentals and vegetables. I spent part of this past warm weekend writing nutrient management plans for Chesterfield County Cooperative Extension’s Grass Roots program clients. Grass Roots is one of several programs and services offered by the Cooperative Extension Service. Many of you may not be familiar with the CES and its purpose for the citizens of Virginia. It is often said that knowledge is power. The purpose of the CES is to…

Kiwanis Club announces winner of contest for 5K & 1-mile Fun Run logo

By Danielle Ozbat on May 4, 2017 Clubs, Community, Events, Outdoors

The Kiwanis Club of Chester is having its annual Chester 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk May 6. The run is presented in conjunction with Thomas Dale High School and the Chester YMCA and Kiwanis Club member, Duane Wittman, discussed the partnership. “We were sitting there one day and one of the guys came up and said, ‘Thomas Dale wants to talk to us about what they’re doing in a wellness program,’” Wittman said. “I think most of the schools now have a wellness program [where they work] with the kids in terms of nutrition and obesity [so] that’s how…

Appomattox River Trail master plan completed

By Mark Fausz on April 19, 2017 Outdoors

After an intensive 12-month process that launched with a $100,000 proactive grant from The Cameron Foundation last spring, Friends of the Lower Appomattox River (FOLAR) is releasing its Appomattox River Trail (ART) Master Plan. The document represents the combined efforts of FOLAR and two consulting design companies – Land Planning & Design Associates and AB Design – along with significant input from regional stakeholders and the public. The ART Master Plan is a guide to locating and prioritizing shared-use trails with a coordinated signage system through the six municipalities that border the lower Appomattox River. The area encompasses the counties…

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