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Category Archives: Outdoors

Bow-angler breaks 40-year state record for spotted gar

BIG HILL RESERVOIR, Kan. – A lucky bow-angler from Parsons, Kan., has officially broken a 40-year state record for spotted gar in Kansas. Michael Starr Jr. was fishing at Big Hill Reservoir, Labette County, in late July when he successfully reeled in a 34.5-inch spotted gar weighing 7.98 pounds.

Michael Starr Jr. shows his state record catch, a 34.5-inch, 7.98-pound spotted gar. KDWP photo.

The previous Kansas state record for spotted gar was held by bow-angler Charles Harbert, of Arma, when he caught a 33.5-inch, 7.75-lb spotted gar from the Chetopa Dam in 1983.

Spotted gar derive the name from trademark dark, round spots on the top and sides of its head. Most are less than 30 inches long, but like other gar species, it’s covered with a tough armor of thick, heavy scales. There are three native species of gar in Kansas. The spotted gar is the smallest and can be found in the southeastern part of the state.

How state records are set

Trophy catches such as these end up as a Kansas State Record if:

  • The fish is a species recognized on the current list of Kansas state record fish.
  • The fish is caught by a licensed angler using legal means.
  • The fish is identified by a Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks district fisheries biologist or regional fisheries supervisor.
  • The fish is weighed on a certified scale prior to being frozen.
  • The fish is photographed, in color, and a state record application is filled out.
  • The mandatory 30-day waiting period has passed.

Fall turkey season suspended in Kansas due to population declines

PRATT, Kan. – Beginning this fall, Kansas will have no fall turkey hunting season due to declining populations at state and regional levels. The decision was arrived at by members of the Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission after hearing recommendations from staff over the course of four public meetings.

“We’ve documented consistent declines in turkey populations over the last 15 years largely due to reduced production levels,” said Kent Fricke, Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks small game biologist. “These trends are not unique to Kansas. States across the Midwest and Southeast have experienced similar patterns in turkey populations.”

Though far fewer turkey hunters participate in the fall season than in the spring in Kansas, wildlife biologists said it remained an important component of overall harvest.

“The estimated statewide fall harvest of turkey was less than 500 birds in 2022,” said Fricke. “While this is a small proportion of the statewide population, fall harvest is an additive source of mortality for turkeys, especially when hens are harvested.”

Osage City host citywide garage sales this weekend, Sept. 15-16

Osage City citywide garage sales will be Sept. 15-16, 2023. The garage sales are hosted by the Osage City Chamber of Commerce, which distributes a map of the sales. Garage and yard sales offer a great opportunity to get rid of some of that stuff you never use and free up some space.

The area map provides a chart for the type of items at the garage sales and is available here. A paper copy of the map will be available at BP, Casey’s, City Hall, Osage City Public Library and White’s Foodliner starting Thursday, September 14. For more information, see Tricia Gundy at Peterson’s Assisted Living, 629 Holliday St., Osage City, or call 785-219-9727.

Santa Fe Trail girls golfers on par for successful 2023 season

SFTHS golfers at West Franklin tournament on Sept. 6, included Braegan Buessing, Bailey Anshutz, Ashley Masters, Taylor Long and Shelby Garrison. Courtesy photo.

Santa Fe Trail High School girls golf team has been driving through regional tournaments, beginning their competition Aug. 24, 2023, at the Jeff West 9-Hole Invitational at Village Greens Golf Course, and placing fourth out of seven teams. SFTHS competitors in the tournament were Bailey Anshutz, Braegan Buessing, Addison Alvarez, Ashley Masters, Shelby Garrison, and Katrina Drury.

SFTHS golfers in the top 10 individual medalists were Anshutz, who shot 45 for 6th, and Braegan Buessing, who shot 44 for 3rd.

On Aug. 28, SFTHS competed in the Ottawa Open at Ottawa Great Life; competing were Bailey Anshutz, Braegan Buessing, Ashley Masters, Shelby Garrison, Taylor Long, Claire Greenfield.

Out of 53 competitors, SFTHS had two top 10 individual medalists., Buessing, with a score of 42, took 6th, and, and Anshutz took 3rd, shooting 39.

Aug. 31, SFTHS hosted a 2-person JV Scramble with Gardner and Osage City, which provided competition experience with new friendship opportunities. SFT girls took second place.

The Lady Charger golf team participated Sept. 6, in the West Franklin 9-Hole Golf Tournament, held at LaMont Hill Golf Course. SFTHS placed 2nd as a team out of nine teams. Earning congratulations for the win were Braegan Buessing, Bailey Anshutz, Ashley Masters, Taylor Long and Shelby Garrison.

SFTHS’s individual medalists in the tournament included Anshutz in 4th place, shooting 46, and Buessing at 2nd place with a 44.

Melvern Outlet River Pond remains on blue-green algae watch list

Update: Melvern Outlet River Pond remains on the state’s watch list for blue-green algae as of today, Aug. 25, 2023.


MELVERN, Kan. – The blue-green algae advisory for Melvern Outlet River Pond has been downgraded to a watch as of Aug. 4, 2023. The water body had previously been under a warning status.

Under a blue-green algae watch, people are advised to avoid harmful algal blooms which may look like foam, scum or paint floating on the water and be colored blue, bright green, brown or red. Blooms can develop rapidly; if the water appears suspicious or there is decaying algae on the shore, avoid contact and keep dogs away.

The toxins from blue-green algae can be absorbed by ingestion, inhalation of aerosols, and skin contact. Symptoms vary depending upon the type of exposure but can include rash, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, sore throat, and headache.

Kansas Department of Health and Environment investigates publicly accessible bodies of water for blue-green algae when the agency receives reports of potential algae blooms in Kansas lakes. Based on credible field observation and sampling results, KDHE reports on potentially harmful conditions.

Anyone or any dog that comes in contact with algae should rinse the area with clean, fresh water. Suspected HAB-related health incidents, whether human or animal, regardless of season, should be reported at kdhe.ks.gov/1163. For information about blue-green algae and reporting potential harmful algal blooms, see kdhe.ks.gov/HAB.

Kansas ag department confirms West Nile virus cases in horses across state

Recommends horse vaccinations against possible fatal virus

MANHATTAN, Kansas — The Kansas Department of Agriculture Division of Animal Health has received notification of multiple confirmed cases of West Nile virus in horses across the state over the past few weeks. Confirmed cases have been reported in Barber, Butler, Douglas and Pratt counties.

WNV is a preventable disease, with annual vaccinations that have proven highly effective. All of the confirmed cases of WNV in Kansas were in unvaccinated horses or horses with an unknown vaccination history and assumed to be unvaccinated. All horse owners should consult with their local veterinarians and make a vaccination plan for their horses.

WNV is a virus that can infect humans, horses, birds and other species. Horses infected with WNV can have symptoms that range from depression, loss of appetite and fever, to severe neurologic signs such as incoordination, weakness, inability to rise, and hypersensitivity to touch or sound. WNV can be fatal in horses. If you see symptoms of WNV in your horse, contact your veterinarian immediately.

The virus is carried and transmitted by mosquitoes; it is not directly contagious from horse to horse or from horse to human. WNV is a reportable disease in Kansas, which means veterinarians are required by law to report any confirmed cases to the state veterinarian.

Spring 2023, trail cameras prohibited on KDWP-managed lands

PRATT, Kan. – Over the past several years, staff with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks have fielded an ever-increasing amount of public concerns regarding the use of trail or game cameras on public lands. Concerns cited by the public commonly included the ethics of “fair chase,” issues of theft, and privacy concerns. After much deliberation – including seven public meetings held over the course of two years – Kansas Wildlife and Parks commissioners voted this year to prohibit trail cameras on KDWP lands and waters, including walk-in hunting access and IWIHA properties (private lands leased by KDWP for public hunting access).

“As the number of trail cameras on the landscape increased, so did the number of reports made by constituents citing camera theft and misuse,” said Ryan Stucky, KDWP Public Lands assistant director. “There were also concerns about trail camera users disturbing wildlife with frequent visits to check on those cameras.”

As a result, KDWP staff and commissioners agreed the regulation change, which is now in effect as of April 21, 2023, should state that no person shall place, maintain, or use a trail or game camera on department lands, or use any images or video from a trail or game camera including location, time, or date, for any purpose on KDWP lands and waters.

KDWP defines trail or game cameras as any remote motion-activated or infrared camera in which the shutter is activated by sound triggers, proximity sensation, radio transmitters, or a self-timer built into the trail or game camera.

Melvern River Outlet Pond remains under warning for blue-green algae

MELVERN, Kan. – As of July 28, 2023, Melvern Outlet River Pond was the only Osage County water body under a health advisory due to blue-green algae. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks issue the public health advisories when blue-green algae conditions are hazardous to humans and animals.

A watch advisory for Strowbridge Reservoir or Carbondale East Lake was lifted July 28, while Melvern Outlet River Pond remains under a warning.

A harmful algal bloom may look like foam, scum or paint floating on the water and be colored blue, bright green, brown or red. Blooms can develop rapidly; if the water appears suspicious or there is decaying algae on the shore, avoid contact and keep dogs away. These toxins can be absorbed by ingestion, inhalation of aerosols and even skin contact. Symptoms vary depending upon the type of exposure but can include rash, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, sore throat, and headache.

The state of Kansas recognizes three advisory levels: hazard, warning and watch. KDHE investigates publicly accessible bodies of water for blue-green algae when the agency receives reports of potential algae blooms in Kansas lakes. Based on credible field observation and sampling results, KDHE reports on potentially harmful conditions. Advisories are lifted when cell densities and toxin concentrations dissipate to levels below the watch thresholds.

Brown named as 2023 Osage County Fair Parade Marshal

2023 Osage County Fair Parade Marshal Naomi Brown gets set to conduct her duties to marshal the parade. Osage City Chamber of Commerce photo.

Osage City businesswoman Naomi Brown has been named as the parade marshal for the 2023 Osage County Fair parade, which will start at 6:30 p.m. Friday, July 21, at the west end of Market Street in Osage City.

Twenty-nine years ago, Naomi and her late husband John Brown purchased Marilynn’s Place Restaurant and made Osage City their home. They were accompanied by two of Naomi’s son’s, Shawn and Shane Valentine, who continue to help manage the successful family business to this day. Her other two children, Dean Valentine and Dawn Hope, both live in Colorado. She is adored by seven grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Naomi has always been a successful businesswoman. She is no stranger to hard work and continues to show her love of the community through thoughtful support and delicious food. She has baked her way into the hearts of several generations of people in Osage County, with her cookies, cakes, and sweets to celebrate any occasion. Naomi is famous for her perfect homemade cream pies, which people travel from towns away to enjoy.

Naomi’s dedication and devotion to bringing smiles to our community has blessed us for nearly thirty years so far. She’s the community’s very own grandma, her hard work offers us a place to gather as friends and family in the comfortable atmosphere at Marilynn’s.

Naomi will marshal this year’s Osage County Fair Parade, and will ride in the parade as an honoree. The parade route runs east down Market Street to downtown Osage City. Parade spectators can watch the parade from just about anywhere along the route.

See the fair schedule here: It’s fair time at Osage City: 2023 Osage County Fair gets underway

Melvern Sunflower Fair Days features weekend of summer fun

Spectators line up for Melvern’s annual Sunflower Fair parade. File photo by Jeff Burkdoll.

Ready for some summer fun? Melvern Sunflower Fair Days’ two-day schedule, July 21-22, 2023, has something for everyone, including the traditional baby show, farm animals, bingo, parade, food stand hamburgers, and homemade ice cream.

The fun gets underway Friday evening, July 21, 2023, as the Army National Guard sets up its climbing wall and inflatables are inflated in the park around 5 p.m. The cutest babies in Osage County will vie for the title at 6 p.m. at the Melvern Community Center, where homemade ice cream will be sold. Marais des Cygnes Valley High School seniors will have their food stand open 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, in the park.

Saturday’s activities will feature the Sunflower Days Car Show on Main Street, kids races at the baseball fields, and a splash and play station set up by Osage County Fire District No. 3 to beat the late afternoon heat. Melvern’s Sunflower Days Parade winds into the evening, beginning at 7 p.m. – this year’s theme is “Saturday Night at the Drive-in” with prizes for the top three floats; line up begins at 6:15 p.m. Bingo and karaoke begin at 8 p.m. in the park.

Sunday morning, the annual celebration comes to an end with a community worship service at 10:30 at the community center.

See the complete schedule below or more information, search for Melvern Sunflower Fair Days on Facebook.

Melvern Sunflower Fair Days Schedule
July 21-22, 2023

Lyndon Swim Team’s 2023 season ends with celebration of successes

Saturday, July 8, 2023, the Lyndon Swim Team and its 33 swimmers wrapped up their season at the league swim meet at Osage City Aquatic Center.

Lyndon’s team season began May 30 with a parents meeting, and then May 31 swimmers began practicing. Through the competition season, athletes had practices offered twice a day Monday to Friday.

Swimmers competed at five meets this season, June 10 at Overbrook, June 17 at Lyndon, June 24 at Lebo, July 1 at Burlington, and July 8 at the league meet at Osage City, in which all Lyndon swimmers were able to participate.

Lyndon Swim Team season wrapped up Sunday, July 9, with a pool party of swimming, snacks, and presentation of league meet ribbons and medals.

Lyndon Swim Team members at the league swim meet, front from left, sitting, Devin Anderson, Declan Smith, Emerson Monthey, Charley Manning, Ella Kline, Kaylee Morgan, Brooklyn Knapp, Ryker Smith, Jeremiah Coughlin, Malachi Shepherd, Oliver Kline, Rian Derley, and Joseph Coughlin; middle, kneeling, Hunter Bichel, Dean Anderson, Lane Manning, Sophia Hufford, Josie Driver, Jax Mlynar, Brantley Meyers, Kahle Gebhardt, Ike Bichel, Calliope Monthey, Joshua Coughlins, and Lilly Kline; back, Lana Smittick, Paige Gebhardt, Noah Hamlet, Avery Delaney, Brooke Manning, Clare Hockett, Lexi Hockett, and Eden Hockett; not pictured, swim team coaches Lisa Reeser and Allie Reeser.

KDHE lifts blue green algae health advisory for Pomona Lake

POMONA LAKE, Kan. – A blue green algae public health advisory for Pomona Lake has been lifted after the Osage County lake had been under a warning status since June 8, 2023. Blue green algae advisories are lifted when cell densities and toxin concentrations dissipate to levels below watch thresholds.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment and Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks usually update public health advisories weekly. Pomona Lake’s warning advisory was lifted June 22.

Harmful algal blooms can look like foam, scum or paint floating on the water and be colored blue, bright green, brown or red. Blooms can develop rapidly. If the water appears suspicious or there is decaying algae on the shore, avoid contact and keep dogs away. These toxins can be absorbed by ingestion, inhalation of aerosols and even skin contact. Symptoms vary depending upon the type of exposure (such as direct contact, ingestion, inhalation) but can include rash, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, sore throat, and headache. Anyone or dogs that come into contact with algae should rinse the area with clean, fresh water. Suspected HAB-related health incidents, whether human or animal, regardless of season, should be reported at kdhe.ks.gov/1163.

Kansas lakes listed on the warning list this week are Cedar Lake, Johnson County, Harvey County East Lake, Harvey County, Lake Afton, Sedgwick County, Marion Lake (Reservoir), Marion County, Lovewell Lake (Reservoir), Jewell County, Webster Lake (Reservoir), Rooks County, and Wellington Lake, Sumner County. Under watch status are Augusta Santa Fe Lake, Butler County, Dorner Park Lake, Sedgwick County, and Lake Parsons, Neosho County.

A hazard status indicates that a harmful algal bloom is present, and extreme conditions exist. A warning status indicates that conditions are unsafe for human and pet exposure; contact with the water should be avoided. A watch status means that blue-green algae have been detected and a harmful algal bloom is present or likely to develop.

Pomona Lake back on warning status for blue-green algae

KDHE issues blue-green algae public health advisories for Kansas lakes

TOPEKA, Kan. – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks have issued public health advisory updates due to blue-green algae. Pomona Lake in Osage County was added to the warning list June 8, 2023, along with four other Kansas lakes. Four lakes were listed as under watch status, including Marion Lake which had been downgraded from a warning the previous week.

In addition to Pomona Lake, other lakes on the warning list include Big Eleven Lake, Wyandotte County, Webster Lake, Rooks County, Wellington Lake, Sumner County, and Mount Hope-Woodland Park Pond, Sedgwick County. On the watch list are Augusta Santa Fe Lake, Butler County, Harvey County East Lake, Harvey County, Marion Lake, Marion County (lowered June 8), and Milford Lake Zone A, Dickinson and Geary counties.

A harmful algal bloom may look like foam, scum or paint floating on the water, and be colored blue, bright green, brown or red. Blooms can develop rapidly; if the water appears suspicious or there is decaying algae on the shore, avoid contact and keep dogs away. These toxins can be absorbed by ingestion, inhalation of aerosols and even skin contact. Symptoms vary depending upon the type of exposure, such as direct contact, ingestion, inhalation, but can include rash, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, sore throat, and headache. Any person or dogs that come into contact with algae is advised to rinse the area with clean, fresh water. Suspected harmful algal bloom-related health incidents, whether human or animal, regardless of season, should be reported at kdhe.ks.gov/1163.

Kansas recognizes three advisory levels for blue-green algae blooms: hazard, warning, and watch. Hazard status indicates that a harmful algal bloom is present, and extreme conditions exist. Warning status indicates that conditions are unsafe for human and pet exposure, and contact with the waterbody should be avoided. Watch status means that blue-green algae have been detected and a harmful algal bloom is present or likely to develop; people are encouraged to avoid areas of algae accumulation and keep pets and livestock away from the water.

For information on blue-green algae and reporting potential harmful algal blooms, see kdhe.ks.gov/HAB.

Division I team selects 3 BHS graduates for Kansas 8-Man All Star Games

Three Burlingame High School 2023 graduates have been selected to play in the 38th annual Kansas 8-Man All Star Games, to be played Saturday, June 10, 2023, in Beloit, Kan.

Matthew Heckman, Colby Middleton, and Tyler Lockwood, all of Burlingame, were selected to play for the Division I East team. Kick-off for the Division I game will be 1:30 p.m. Saturday, at Trojan Field on North Hersey Avenue, Beloit. Pre-game will begin at 1 p.m. with introduction of the players.

The Beloit Area Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a Pep Rally and refreshments for the players, coaches and fans starting at 4 p.m. Friday, June 9, at Chautauqua Park, Beloit.

Heckman’s parents are Cody and Amy Heckman. His high school coach was Jeff Slater. Football accomplishments and honors include SIK Defensive Player of the Year Nomination, SIK First Team All State Defense, KSHSAA Covered First Team All State Defense, First Team All League WR and DB, First Team All District WR and DB.

Heckman’s team accomplishments include sub-state runnerup, section champions, regional champions, district champions, and Lyon County league champions. Honors and accomplishments in other sports include two-time state qualifier for high jump, track state runner-up high jump, state qualifier in 400m. Activities and honors in school include four years football, basketball and track, honor roll, one year of Stuco. Heckman plans to attend college on a sports scholarship. Activities and honors outside of school include being actively involved in Bible study and youth group. He enjoys traveling to new places, trying new foods, and relaxing with video games.

Middleton’s parents are Travis and Bridget Middleton. He plans to attend Washburn University. Coach Slater was also his high school football coach.

Middleton’s football statistics, accomplishments and honors include 1,300 rushing yards and 34 touchdowns; 1,318 passing yards and 21 touchdowns, 80 tackles, 1st Team all-state and all-league. Burlingame was 2022 district champions, league champions and sub-state runnerup. Colby qualified for the state track meet in the shot put. Middleton’s hobbies and interests include hanging out with friends, fishing and other sports. has been on the honor roll in high school and was a member of Stuco.

Lockwood’s mother is Jessica Lockwood, and Coach Slater was his football coach.

Lockwood’s football statistics, accomplishments and honors include first team all league offensive guard, all state honorable mention. Team achievements include sub state runnerup, league champion, district champion. He has been an honor roll student and Stuco representative. He plans to attend college. He enjoys video games.

Team members were scheduled to report to team camp June 6. The Division I All-Star Game will be 1:30 p.m. Saturday; the Division II All-Star Game will be played at 10 a.m. Saturday. Division I East head coach is Brody Vandegrift, of Chase County High School.

Memorial Day: Melvern Jr. Highline 4-H Club honors those who have served

Photo: MJH 4-H club members hang flags on servicemembers’ graves at the Melvern Cemetery.

By Bella Reeser

On Thursday, May 25, 2023, at the Quenemo Cemetery, and on Friday, May 26, 2023, at the Melvern Cemetery, members of the Melvern Jr. Highline 4-H Club helped organizers hang flags on the graves of fallen servicemen and servicewoman. Members felt privileged to honor those who have served.


Blue-green algae advisories lifted for Pomona and Melvern lakes for Memorial Weekend

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has lifted blue-green algae public health advisories at Melvern Lake and Pomona Lake as of May 25, 2023. Pomona was placed under a blue-green algae warning advisory last week, while Melvern was under a watch status. With the advisories lifted for Pomona and Melvern lakes, only two other lakes in Kansas are under a warning or watch status for the Memorial Day weekend. Marion Lake and Norton Lake were both placed on the warning list Thursday.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks are responsible for issuing public health advisory updates due to harmful blooms of blue-green algae.

Lake users are advised to watch for harmful algal blooms, even on lakes that are not under advisories. Harmful algal blooms can look like foam, scum or paint floating on the water, and be colored blue, bright green, brown or red. Blooms can develop rapidly; if the water appears suspicious or there is decaying algae on the shore, avoid contact and keep dogs away.

Algal toxins can be absorbed by ingestion, inhalation of aerosols, and even skin contact. Symptoms vary depending upon the type of exposure (such as direct contact, ingestion, inhalation) but can include rash, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, sore throat, and headache.

Any people or dogs that come into contact with algae should rinse the area with clean, fresh water. Suspected harmful agal bloom related health incidents, whether human or animal, regardless of season, should be reported at kdhe.ks.gov/1163.

People who observe scum or paint-like surface on the water, small floating blue-green clumps or filaments in the water, or if the water is an opaque green, should avoid contact with the water and keep pets away. These are indications that a harmful bloom may be present.

Pet owners should be aware that animals that swim in or drink water affected by a harmful algal bloom or eat dried algae along the shore may become seriously ill or die.

For information about blue-green algae and reporting potential harmful algal blooms, see kdhe.ks.gov/HAB.

KDHE places Pomona Lake under blue-green algae warning

OSAGE COUNTY, Kan. – Two Osage County lakes are now under public health advisories due to the presence of blue-green algae. Kansas Department of Health and Environment issued a warning advisory for Pomona Lake, May 18, 2023, and Melvern Lake remains under a watch advisory for a second week. The only other Kansas lake currently under an advisory, Big Eleven Lake, in Wyandotte County, was placed on watch status Thursday.

A harmful algal bloom may look like foam, scum or paint floating on the water and be colored blue, bright green, brown or red. Blooms can develop rapidly; if the water appears suspicious or there is decaying algae on the shore, avoid contact and keep dogs away. These toxins can be absorbed by ingestion, inhalation of aerosols and even skin contact. Symptoms vary depending upon the type of exposure, such as direct contact, ingestion, and inhalation, but can include rash, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, sore throat, and headache. Anyone or their dogs that come into contact with algae is advised rinse the area with clean, fresh water. Suspected HAB-related health incidents, whether human or animal, regardless of season, should be reported at kdhe.ks.gov/1163.

A warning status indicates that conditions are unsafe for human and pet exposure.  Contact with the waterbody should be avoided. A watch status means that blue-green algae have been detected and a harmful algal bloom is present or likely to develop. People are encouraged to avoid areas of algae accumulation and keep pets and livestock away from the water.

When a warning is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

  • Signage should be posted at all public access locations.
  • Inhalation of spray or aerosols may be harmful.
  • Lake water is not safe to drink for pets or livestock.
  • Lake water, regardless of blue-green algae status, should never be consumed by humans.
  • Water contact should be avoided.
  • Fish may be eaten if they are rinsed with clean water and only the fillet portion is consumed, while all other parts are discarded.
  • Do not allow pets to eat dried algae.
  • If lake water contacts skin, wash with clean water as soon as possible.
  • Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation.

Scum or paint-like surface on the water, small floating blue-green clumps or filaments in the water, or water that is an opaque green should be avoided by humans and dogs should be kept away. These are indications that a harmful bloom may be present. Pet owners should be aware that animals that swim in or drink water affected by a harmful algal bloom or eat dried algae along the shore may become seriously ill or die.

For information on blue-green algae and reporting potential harmful algal blooms, see kdhe.ks.gov/HAB.

Melvern Lake blue-green algae health warning downgraded to watch status

Melvern Lake remains the only lake in the state this week under a Kansas Department of Health and Environment blue-green algae watch. The Osage County lake was put under a public health advisory last week, with that warning downgraded to a watch on March 11.

A watch status means that blue-green algae have been detected, and a harmful algal bloom is present or likely to develop. People are encouraged to avoid areas of algae accumulation, and keep pets and livestock away from the water.

During a watch status, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

  • Signage should be posted at all public access locations.
  • Water may be unsafe for humans or animals.
  • Avoid areas of algae accumulation and do not let people or pets eat dried algae or drink contaminated water.
  • Swimming, wading, skiing and jet skiing are discouraged near visible blooms.
  • Boating and fishing are safe. However, inhalation of the spray may affect some individuals. Avoid direct contact with water, and wash with clean water after any contact.
  • Clean fish well with potable water and eat fillet portion only.

A warning status indicates that conditions are unsafe for human and pet exposure. Contact with the waterbody should be avoided.

Anyone who observes a scum or paint-like surface on the water, small floating blue-green clumps or filaments in the water, or if the water is an opaque green, is advised to avoid contact and keep pets away. These are indications that a harmful bloom may be present. Pet owners should be aware that animals that swim in or drink water affected by a harmful algal bloom or eat dried algae along the shore may become seriously ill or die.

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