Not everyone appreciates the great outdoors but, for individuals who rarely get that opportunity, a day at the lake becomes an amazing adventure.

That message is at the heart of the ninth annual Wheelin’ Sportsmen Fishing Day that will attract hundreds of one-day anglers and casual enthusiasts to Lake Vesuvius today.

In the near-decade since its inception, this event has had a tremendous impact in the lives of many Lawrence Countians and our neighbors. The true impact is something that is hard to measure although the smiles and laughter filling the air out there today make it clear these results are tremendous.

We applaud the Wayne National Forest and the National Wild Turkey Federation for their hard work making this event happen each year.

It isn’t easy but it is certainly worthwhile.

The Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area and our portion of the Wayne National Forest are truly two of southern Ohio’s crown jewels and valuable natural resources that we must not ever take for granted.

The lake’s boardwalk has opened the door for so many individuals who otherwise wouldn’t have the opportunity to sit back, relax and cast out their line in hopes of the nibble that nabs the big one.

Hopefully the individuals will reel in fish tales and memories that can last until next year and maybe even a lifetime.