Ohio Mixed Bag: Lake Hope could see change for boaters

Lake Hope, Ohio — The quiet waters of Lake Hope may be opened to boats powered by outboard and stern drive engines as well as the traditional paddles, oars, sails, and electric motors that for years has made the lake popular with those seeking a quieter, smoother water experience.

A recent public forum was held to entertain the idea of the Vinton County lake, within the like-named state park, allowing watercraft powered by combustion engines, unlike some 90 waters statewide that allow only electric and manually powered boats to take to their waters. As of press time, there is no specific timeline on making a decision about the proposed change.

– Dan Armitage

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Dog Park Named For Late Officer Lagore

Waynesville, Ohio — The Ohio DNR (ODNR) and Friends of Ohio K9 Inc. officially opened the Jason Lagore Memorial Dog Park at Caesar Creek State Park on Oct. 9, honoring the life, service, and legacy of natural resources officer Jason Lagore. Officer Lagore died in the line of duty on Feb. 23, 2021, while responding to a rescue call at Rocky Fork State Park, exemplifying the commitment to service that defined his career, according to ODNR.

The ribbon cutting ceremony brought together Jason’s family, friends, fellow natural resources officers, ODNR staff, Friends of Ohio K9 supporters, project partners, and community members who helped make this memorial possible.

“Jason dedicated his career to protecting Ohio’s people and places with humility, courage, and an unwavering sense of duty,” said ODNR Director Mary Mertz. “This memorial park is a powerful reminder of the impact he had on our agency and the communities he served. We hope everyone who visits feels inspired by Jason’s example and finds joy in this space created in his honor.”

Officer Lagore was a driving force behind the growth and excellence of ODNR’s K9 program. He established the first Ohio State Parks Canine Academy and helped train and certify ODNR K9 teams in both the Division of Parks and Watercraft and the Division of Wildlife, as well as partner agencies statewide. Together with his K9 partners, Sarge and Ranger, he contributed to more than 400 calls for service throughout his career.

ODNR’s Fallon Earns Top Honor

Wilmington, Ohio — The Ohio Travel Association has honored Jason Fallon, marketing, social media, and special events manager for the Ohio DNR (ODNR), with the 2026 Paul Sherlock Legend in Ohio Travel Award. Fallon received the award during a ceremony at the Ohio Travel Association’s annual conference in Wilmington.

Widely regarded as the highest honor in Ohio’s travel industry, the Paul Sherlock Award recognizes one individual each year whose professional excellence, leadership, creativity, and long-term commitment have significantly advanced Ohio’s travel economy. The award is reserved for those whose efforts have transformed tourism across the state and strengthened public appreciation for the value of Ohio’s destinations.

Fallon’s 18 years at ODNR reflect the full spirit of this distinction, demonstrating innovation, statewide impact, and an unwavering passion for connecting people with Ohio’s natural resources.

“Jason’s creativity, energy, and passion for telling Ohio’s outdoor story have helped shape how residents and visitors experience our state,” said ODNR Director Mary Mertz. “He has a remarkable ability to inspire people through experiences, images, and events that showcase the best of Ohio’s natural beauty. We are grateful for all the work Jason does to promote ODNR’s vital role in Ohio tourism.”

Fallon’s 18 years at ODNR reflect the full spirit of this distinction, demonstrating innovation, statewide impact, and an unwavering passion for connecting people with Ohio’s natural resources.

Fall Color Running Tick Behind In Ohio

Columbus — The calendar has flipped to the month of October, which means the colors of the season will show themselves. Even though fall color in the Buckeye State seems to be off to a slow start, the Ohio DNR (ODNR) believes we are still on tap for a great fall color season.

“For the first time in numerous years, we are entering autumn with a potentially typical fall season,” said ODNR Fall Color Forester David Parrott. “Some colors are starting to dot the tree canopies, and we seem to be on track for a great fall color season.”

To watch the first fall color update video, head to ODNR’s YouTube channel.

Current early changers include buckeyes and dogwoods, as well as poison ivy and sumacs showing their vibrant reds. Fall color reporters are seeing “mostly green” and “changing” conditions statewide.

Bass Hall Elects 5, Honors Bill Dance

Springfield, Mo. — The Bass Fishing Hall of Fame welcomed five new members recently during its annual induction ceremony at the White River Conference Center, celebrating the achievements and lasting contributions of some of the sport’s most influential figures.

The Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026 includes legendary finesse fishing pioneer Don Iovino, tournament trailblazer Pam Martin-Wells, international bass fishing icon Takahiro Omori, boat manufacturing innovator Rick Pierce, and tournament organization visionary Mike Whitaker.

In addition to recognizing the 2026 induction class, the Hall of Fame presented the Ray Murski Lifetime Achievement Award to Hall of Famer Bill Dance for his extraordinary impact on the sport as a competitor, educator, promoter and ambassador.