FWC Officers Stop Vessel with Multiple Illegal Haitian Immigrants, Guns, Drugs and Night Vision Equipment

On Feb. 29, at approximately 7:30 p.m., two Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officers conducting nighttime water-based patrol near Sebastian Inlet stopped a 42-foot vessel returning from offshore. Immediately upon stopping the vessel, the officers knew they had intercepted a human smuggling operation. The operator of the vessel was armed and onboard; lying prone on the deck of the boat, they discovered 25 individuals, including five unaccompanied children, illegally entering the country.

In addition to the individuals onboard, officers discovered firearms, night vision gear and drugs. The vessel operator and a passenger, both U.S. citizens, were turned over to the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office and the case was referred to U.S. Customs and Border Patrol and the BCSO for further investigation.

As Michigan’s State Park Improvements Ramp Up, Visitors Reminded About Planning for Closures

GW:  More money we have to borrow for ARPA funds.  So, sad we have to burden people yet to be born.  Of course, our hands are extended to accept debt.

Thanks to a massive $250 million investment made possible through the American Rescue Plan Act, many critical improvements at Michigan state parks are underway or getting ready to break ground in the coming months.

Although the work will cause slight disruptions to overnight and day-trip plans at some locations, state park officials say it’s a worthwhile tradeoff – governed by a strict timeline – that will yield substantial long-term visitor benefits. The federal relief funds will help the Michigan Department of Natural Resources address a decades-long backlog of repair and maintenance needs and help build a new state park in Flint.

“In the construction world, this is much like a race against time to design, bid and plan these projects in such a short time frame,” said Ron Olson, DNR Parks and Recreation chief. “The ARPA funds must be committed by Dec. 31, 2024, and spent on those projects by Dec. 31, 2026. It’s an exciting opportunity, but one that requires careful planning, broad action and thorough execution.” Read more

Actor and Author Capt. Dale A. Dye Returns to the Black Sands of Iwo Jima for The Armory Life

The Armory Life™ is proud to announce that respected military consultant, actor, director and writer Capt. Dale Dye, USMC (Ret) has authored an article on World War II’s Battle of Iwo Jima, commemorating the 79th anniversary of this pivotal battle that began on February 19th, 1945. In this piece, he recounts one of the U.S. Marine Corps’ most revered, yet costly victories.

Beginning with his first trip as a young Marine in the mid-1960s, Capt. Dye has visited that hallowed ground three times. Over these visits, he was able to climb to the location of the famed flag raising on Mount Suribachi, viewing from that vantage point infamous battle sites such as the Quarry, the Amphitheater, Turkey Knob, Hills 362A, B and C, and the Motoyama airstrips.

During his time there, he explored many of these sites as well as crawled through caves packed with rusty weapons, ammo and little housekeeping items left by the men who fought and died there. On one visit, he was able to find rare porcelain mess tins marked with the anchor and rising sun symbol of the Rikusentai, or Japanese Special Naval Landing Force. Read more

Hillsdale College Hosts Law Enforcement Outreach Conference

Hillsdale College hosted a Law Enforcement Outreach Conference on Feb. 15 at The Blake Center for Faith and Freedom in Somers, Connecticut. Law enforcement officers from across the country received training to become certified in teaching the Hillsdale College Law Enforcement Constitution Course.

“Hillsdale College is proud to offer a Constitution course designed for law enforcement,” said Jeremiah Regan, director of law enforcement outreach at Hillsdale College. “Law enforcement officers take an oath to defend the Constitution. Hillsdale is teaching officers and agencies what that oath entails and why it is essential.” Read more

ALPS OutdoorZ Announces the Nomad Vehicle Organizer

NEW HAVEN, Mo. – ALPS OutdoorZ, premiere manufacturer of extreme-duty hunting packs and outdoor gear, understands that the “common denominator” for most hunters is the vehicle that supplies the means to adventure. And as every hunter knows, a hunting truck can devolve into a disorganized mess in short order.

To help keep your truck functional and your gear safely and conveniently stowed, ALPS OutdoorZ has developed the Nomad vehicle organizer.

The Nomad is a panel system that hangs from the back of your vehicle’s front seats. Offered in Mossy Oak® Original Bottomland® or stylish two-tone charcoal and black, the Nomad features a universal mounting design that easily secures to the headrest and seat bottom. Both panels (Nomad comes in a set of two) feature two large, zippered pockets across the top — one with an outer mesh pocket and the other featuring a hook-and-loop patch. An expansive open pocket on the bottom third of the panel is suitable for storing large items. Additionally, two magnetic closure pockets integrated onto the outside of the bottom pocket are perfect for stowing small items you need quickly. Three MOLLE webs allow you to further customize storage options. Read more

Hundreds of Summer Park Jobs Available

Become one of 1,300 smiling faces welcoming and helping visitors to Michigan state parks, boating facilities and other outdoor spaces. We’re hiring summer park workers to join our crew between April and October.

You’ll answer visitor questions, register campers, clean park buildings, mow and more. The hourly rate starts at $15.

Take the first step! Express your interest by completing the online interest form – it should take less than five minutes.

Express Interest

We’re also hiring seasonal park rangers. These positions pay $19.78 – $27.81 an hour and include state employment benefits.

Michigan Free Snowmobile Weekend is Feb. 9-11

We recognize that snow conditions may determine your ability to pull out the sleds, but when winter weather truly returns, a full weekend of free snowmobiling Feb. 9-11 is a great way to ignite (or reignite) your love of winter trail riding!

Grab your friends and ride 6,000-plus miles of DNR-designated snowmobile trails, public roads and public lands (where authorized). You legally can ride all weekend long without the regular requirement of a snowmobile registration or trail permit.

Also upcoming: Free Fishing Weekend, Feb. 17-18, when all fishing license fees will be waived for these two days. Residents and out-of-state visitors may enjoy fishing on both inland and Great Lakes waters for all species of fish. All fishing regulations will still apply. Read more

Mammoth Coolers Debuts Wheel Kit for Coolers

Minden, LA – Mammoth Coolers is making it simple to take your cooler wherever your adventures take you with its new Wheel Kits.

Each Wheel Kit comes with 12-inch wheels that allow for easy pulling at the tailgate or around the campground. The wheels feature ball bearings for smooth rolling and great tread for better traction on a variety of surfaces.

Easy to assemble and install, universal Wheel Kits will fit 45-, 65-, and 125-quart coolers. They come equipped with a bottle opener and retail for just $79.99. Read more

NRA Board Member Blasts “Leadership” In Letter to Fellow Board Members

“When restitution was mandated, a bonus was awarded the miscreants including enough money to pay the restitution.”

Here is the text of the letter sent by Owen “Buz” Mills to fellow NRA Board Members:

TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE

NATIONAL RIFLE ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA

So, now we are all looking towards New York and Justice Cohen’s courtroom. Our attention is diverted here while chicanery continues in Fairfax.

The National Rifle Association of America (NRA) is at a watershed moment in its 153rd year. Our leadership has admitted in courts and depositions to misappropriation of donor’s funds and unauthorized use of assets. They have admitted condoning the misuse of donor funds by others employed by the NRA. The leadership has for years abused their position and trust placed in them by our members and benefactors. The Board of Directors (BOD) is solely responsible for this victimization of the members. Read more

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