Lake Erie's walleye fishing is still as hot as a firecracker on the Fourth of July, and showing no signs of slowing down despite steamy weather and mayfly hatches. Yellow perch fishing is finally starting to improve on Lake Erie.

CLEVELAND, Ohio – Lake Erie's walleye fishing is still as hot as a firecracker on the Fourth of July, and showing no signs of slowing down despite the steamy weather and mayfly hatches. Yellow perch fishing is finally starting to improve on Lake Erie.

Channel catfish are making reservoir and inland lake anglers happy, with excellent catches all around the area. The walleye fishing has been good at the big Northeast Ohio reservoirs. That includes Berlin Lake, where high waters had been a problem in recent weeks.

CLEVELAND AREA

Walleye fishermen have focused on the 38- to 50-foot depths off Cleveland Harbor, with the waters off Bratenahl and Cleveland Browns Stadium the hot spots. Some yellow perch are finally showing up, with sporadic catches reported off Bratenahl in 35 to 37 feet of water and in 39 feet off Wildwood.

The white bass fishing has been very good when schools of fish move into the harbor areas to feed on baitfish. Early and late in the day have been the best times for white bass to be caught on agitators trailing small spoons and white-green flies.

CENTRAL LAKE ERIE

A band of walleye from Huron to Cleveland has been keeping anglers busy, with the best fishing in 26 to 36 feet of water and starting again at 41 feet and deeper water. The weather buoy north of Huron has become a hot spot again for both trolling and drift-and-cast anglers.

A wide variety of lures have been catching walleye, with spinner rigs tipped with nightcrawlers a top choice. Walleye are also being caught on small spoons and minnow-style plugs, with pink-purple and fire tiger color patterns the usual choices.

White bass are swarming around the pier heads at dawn and dusk, including the Huron, Lorain and Avon piers.

To the east, walleye have moved closer to shore off the mouth of the Grand River, with good catches while trolling worm harnesses and spoons in 35 feet water. A walleye hot spot has been northwest of Geneva in 55 to 68 feet, and northeast of Ashtabula in 42 to 70 feet.

The big surprise this week has been the excellent yellow perch fishing off Fairport Harbor, with most being caught close to the lake bottom in 28 to 38 feet of water. Some schools of perch have been found even shallower.

White bass can be caught all around the Grand River harbor area, including casting from the pier heads.

WESTERN LAKE ERIE

The walleye fishing continues around the Lake Erie Island region, with good reports from south of Middle Sister Island, northwest of West Sister Island, north of A Can off the Camp Perry Firing Range, east of Rattlesnake Island and east of Kelleys Island. Drift fishermen are casting small spinner rigs with a gold blade and a piece of nightcrawler. Trolling fishermen are finding success with nightcrawler harnesses, using in-line weights to catch suspended walleye.

Some yellow perch are being caught around Green and Rattlesnake islands and Kelleys Island. Smallmouth bass are being caught around reefs and rock piles in 15 to 25 feet of water. Largemouth bass are biting in the bays, as well as East and West harbors.

INLAND LAKES, RESERVOIRS

After a couple of weeks of high water, Berlin Reservoir is finally almost back to summer pool and the walleye have started to chase jig-nightcrawlers rigs, as well as Flicker Shad and Shad Rap lures.

The bass fishing pattern recently has been to cast topwater lures early and late in the day, and even during the day over weed beds. Turkeyfoot, East and West reservoirs in the Portage Lakes chain have been very good, as have Mosquito, Pymatuning, LaDue and Mogadore reservoirs.

The walleye fishing has been good at Mosquito and Pymatuning reservoirs, as well as the crappie, catfish and bluegill fishing. Pymatuning fishermen are catching lots of yellow perch of all sizes in 15 to 18 feet of water. Wingfoot and Mogadore lakes have been good for panfish.

RIVERS AND STREAMS

The Lake Erie tributaries are giving up good numbers of smallmouth bass and channel catfish.

TOURNAMENTS AND DERBIES

Walleye Madness Tournament (Lake Erie at Geneva): 1. Chris and Isiah Shipman, 38.30 pounds, $2,500; 2. Sammy Cappelli and Ted Jackson, 37.70 pounds, $1,550; 3. Don Lint and Don Johnson, 37.25 pounds, $900; 4. Jason Kopf and Rodger Riggs, 37 pounds, $1,000; 5. Jerome Dorlack and Randy Eyre, 36.80 pounds, $600. Big Walleye: Kopf and Riggs, 9.70 pounds.

Electric Elite Invitational (Nimisilla Reservoir): 1. Vince Tuttolomondo and Michael Tharp, 5 bass, 7.86 pounds, $800; 2. David Stakolich and David Duchnowski, 5 bass, 7.65 pounds, $300; 3. Jimmy Liepold and Joe Palmer, 5 bass, 7.52 pounds, $210. Big Bass: Nick Muller and Ryan McMonigle, 3.27 pounds.

FishCrazy Walleye Derby Final Leaders (Lake Erie): 1. Kevin Lukehart, 11.125 pounds; 2. Isac Kutsikovich,10.980 pounds; 3. Adam Angelone, 10.640 pounds; 4. Ron Hudak, 10.555 pounds; 5. Jay Grusell, 10.505 pounds.

Great Lakes Largemouth Bass Series (Lake Erie at Catawba Island): 1. Jason and Jeremy Stewart, 17.92 pounds; 2. Ray Sedwick and Craig McNanie, 17.36 pounds; 3. Jon Zolman and Ron Nichols, 16.37 pounds. Big Bass: Sedwick and McNanie, 4.71 pounds.

The First Shot Ceremony on July 7 will kick off the NRA National Rifle & Pistol Matches at Camp Perry, the Ohio National Guard facility and range on the Lake Erie shoreline just west of Port Clinton, Ohio.

CLEVELAND, Ohio – The Outdoors Calendar for July 4.

Today through July 31: Applications accepted by the Ohio Division of Wildlife for controlled deer and waterfowl hunts at select public wildlife areas around Ohio. For information or to apply, visit wildohio.gov or call 1-800-WILDLIFE. Application fee for each lottery hunt is $3.

July 6: Four-man Team Archery Shoot, blind draw, Lone Eagle Bowmen, Seeman St. (off Battlesburg Rd.), Canton. Registration 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Visit LoneEagleBowmen.com.

July 6: Great Lakes Largemouth Series/Mentor Lagoons Division, Mentor Lagoons Nature Preserve and Boat Ramp, Mentor Lagoons, Mentor. Two-angler team event. For information, entries visit greatlakeslargemouthseries.com or contact Joel Prince (jcprince193@gmail.com, 330-936-6434).

July 6: Great Lakes Largemouth Series/Toledo Division, Cullen Park Boat Launch, 4526 Summit St., Toledo. For information, entries visit greatlakeslargemouthseries.com or contact Craig Burwell (birdie2277@yahoo.com, 419-701-8440).

July 6: National Field Archery Association Shoot, 28 targets, Lake Milton Fish & Game, 4374 Bedell Rd., Berlin Center. Registration opens at 8 a.m. For information visit lakemiltonfishandgameclub.com or call Dennis Dabney, 330-414-5795.

July 7: First Shot Ceremony for the NRA National Rifle and Pistol Matches, 10 a.m., Camp Perry, Rt. 2, Oak Harbor. Smallbore rifles matches will be followed by pistol and high-power rifle competitions. For a schedule of the month-long matches, visit: compete.nra.org/championship-tournament/national-matches-at-camp-perry-ohio.aspx

July 9: Fly casting instruction and practice with the Fireland Fly Fishers, 6:30 p.m., Walker Road Park, 31558 Walker Rd., Bay Village.

July 11: Night Fishing Derby No. 1, Sippo Lake Marina, 5300 Tyner St. NW, Canton. Fee $5. Registration at 5 p.m., tournament from 6-11 p.m. Winners must be present at midnight. Call 330-409-8096.

July 12: Kids Fishing, 10 a.m., Little Turtle Pond in Firestone Metro Park, 2400 Harringotn Rd., Akron. Kids 15 and younger can learn the basics of fishing and then drop a line at Little Turtle Pond. Bait is provided. Adults must supervise young anglers. Call 330-865-8065.

July 12-13: Cookout and Archery Shoot, Geauga Bowmen, 12575 Sperry Rd., Chesterland. Shoot registration opens at 8 a.m. Fee $10, kids $5. Call Mike Ballash, 440-227-6756 or visit geaugabowmen.com.

July 13: Great Lakes Largemouth Series/Central Lake Erie Division, Ottawa County Launch Ramp, West Harbor, Catawba Island. Two-angler team event. For information, entries visit greatlakeslargemouthseries.com or contact David Hoheisel (david@h2hsales.com. 614-361-5548.

July 13: 6^th annual Catch A Dream 3-D Archery Shoot, Lost Arrow Archery Club, 3370 17th St. S.W., Massillon. Open to the public, crossbows allowed. Registration 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Fee $10, $5 for members. Visit lostarrowarcheryclub.com or contact Kandi Schane, 330-933-0980 or Janine Harman, 330-828-2372.

July 13: Team Bass Xtreme/Central Ohio Division, O'Shaughnessy Reservoir. For information visit TeamBassExtreme.com.

July 16: Ohio Wildlife Council monthly meeting, 6:30 p.m., Ohio Division of Wildlife District One Office, 1500 Dublin Rd., Columbus. For information call 1-800-WILDLIFE or visit wildohio.com.

July 16: Kids Fishing, 10:30 a.m., Brushwood Area of the Furnace Run Metro Park, 4955 Townsend Rd., Richfield. Join a naturalist for a morning of fishing. Only children 15 and under are permitted to fish. Call 330-865-8065.

July 19: The Fin Triathlon competition with airgun, archery and knife throwing, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Fin Feather Fur Outfitters, 652 Rt. 250 at I-71, Ashland. For information call 419- 281-2557.

July 19: Walmart Bass Fishing League/Buckeye Division, Ohio River at Maysville. For entries, information visit flwoutdoors.com.

July 20: South Cuyahoga Sportsmen's Association Archery Shoot, 19300 Ridge Rd., North Royalton. Registration opens at 8 a.m. Open to the public. Adults $10, kids $5.

July 20: Great Lakes Largemouth Series/Toledo Division, Cullen Park Boat Launch, 4526 Summit St., Toledo. For information, entries visit greatlakeslargemouthseries.com or contact Craig Burwell (birdie2277@yahoo.com, 419-701-8440).

July 20: Great Lakes Largemouth Series/Presque Isle Division, Marina Ramp, Presque Isle State Park, Erie, Pa. Two-angler team event. For information, entries visit greatlakeslargemouthseries.com or call Aaron Gast, 814-314-9847.

July 23: Sesational Seniors: Fishing, 9-11 a.m., Sippo Lake Marina, 5300 Tyner St. NW, Canton. Fishing instruction for older anglers, free. Call 330-409-8096.

July 25: Youth Fishing Day, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., South Cuyahoga Sportsmen's Association, 19300 Ridge Rd., North Royalton. Fishing instruction, open fishing and lunch. Free. Hosted by the Woods and Waters Club, Lake and Trails, Cuyahoga Limbhangers Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, Ohio Division of Wildlife. Kids 6 to 15years old and adult sponsors need to apply before July 18. Send $5 per youngster to: Woods and Waters Club, Kevin Stedman, Hobe & Lucas, 4807 Rockside Rd., Suite 510, Cleveland, Ohio 44131. The $5 fee is refunded at Youth Fishing Day.

July 26: Ohio Mega Bass Tournament Trail, Indian Lake. For information visit ombtt.com.

July 26-27: 3-D Archery Shoot, Lake Milton Fish & Game, 4374 Bedell Rd., Berlin Center. Registration opens at 8 a.m. Adults $10, cubs $5. Open to the public. For information visit lakemiltonfishandgameclub.com or call Dennis Dabney, 330-414-5795.

July 27: South Cuyahoga Bowmen 3-D Archery Shoots, South Cuyahoga Sportsmen's Association, 5370 Erhart Rd., Chatham Township. Registration 8-11 a.m. Rinehart targets featured. Crossbows welcome. Visit scsasportsmen.com.

July 27: Great Lakes Largemouth Series/Central Lake Erie Division, Ottawa County Launch Ramp, West Harbor, Catawba Island. Two-angler team event. For information, entries visit greatlakeslargemouthseries.com or contact David Hoheisel (david@h2hsales.com. 614-361-5548.

July 30: Fly casting instruction and practice with the Fireland Fly Fishers, 6:30 p.m., Walker Road Park, 31558 Walker Rd., Bay Village.

July 31: Monthly meeting of the Chagrin River Salmon Association, 7 p.m., 201 Erie Rd., Eastlake. For information call Bruce Fraley, 440-946-1605.

Aug. 2-3: Archery Clinic, Lake Milton Fish & Game, 4374 Bedell Rd., Berlin Center. Registration required before July 26. Open to the public. For information visit lakemiltonfishandgameclub.com or call Dennis Dabney, 330-414-5795.

Aug. 3: 30 Target 3-D Archery Shoot, Lone Eagle Bowmen, Seeman St. (off Battlesburg Rd.), Canton. Registration 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Visit LoneEagleBowmen.com.

Aug. 3: Great Lakes Largemouth Series/ Mentor Lagoons Division, Mentor Lagoons Nature Preserve and Boat Ramp, Mentor Lagoons, Mentor. Two-angler team event. For information, entries visit greatlakeslargemouthseries.com or contact Joel Prince (jcprince193@gmail.com, 330-936-6434).

Aug. 3: National Field Archery Association Shoot, 28 targets, Lake Milton Fish & Game, 4374 Bedell Rd., Berlin Center. Registration opens at 8 a.m. For information visit lakemiltonfishandgameclub.com or call Dennis Dabney, 330-414-5795.

Aug. 5: Monthly meeting of the Northeast Ohio Walleye Association, 6:30 p.m., Trader Jacks, 35901 Lake Shore Blvd., Eastlake. For information call 440-479-2488.

Aug. 7: Annual banquet for the Medina County Strutters Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, Buffalo Creek Retreat, 8708 Hubbard Valley Rd., Seville. Contact Bill Suliks, 330-635-0878, bsuliks@aol.com.

Aug. 9: Walmart Bass Fishing League/Buckeye Division, Tanner's Creek on the Ohio River. For entries, information visit flwoutdoors.com.

Aug. 9-10: African Safari Archery Shoot, Geauga Bowmen, 12575 Sperry Rd., Chesterland. Shoot registration opens at 8 a.m. Fee $10, kids $5. Call Mike Ballash, 440-227-6756 or visit geaugabowmen.com.

Aug. 10: Great Lakes Largemouth Series/Central Lake Erie Division, Ottawa County Launch Ramp, West Harbor, Catawba Island. Two-angler team event. For information, entries visit greatlakeslargemouthseries.com or contact David Hoheisel (david@h2hsales.com. 614-361-5548.

Aug. 10: South Cuyahoga Bowmen 3-D Archery Shoots, South Cuyahoga Sportsmen's Association, 5370 Erhart Rd., Chatham Township. Registration 8-11 a.m. Rinehart targets featured. Crossbows welcome. Visit scsasportsmen.com.

Aug. 10: Great Lakes Largemouth Series/Presque Isle Division, Marina Ramp, Presque Isle State Park, Erie, Pa. Two-angler team event. For information, entries visit greatlakeslargemouthseries.com or call Aaron Gast, 814-314-9847.

Aug. 10: 3-D Hunter Course Archery Shoot, Lost Arrow Archery Club, 3370 17th St. S.W., Massillon. Open to the public, crossbows allowed. Registration 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Fee $10, $5 for members. Visit lostarrowarcheryclub.com or contact Kandi Schane, 330-933-0980 or Janine Harman, 330-828-2372.

Aug. 17: South Cuyahoga Sportsmen's Association Archery Shoot, 19300 Ridge Rd., North Royalton. Registration opens at 8 a.m. Open to the public. Adults $10, kids $5.

Aug. 17: Great Lakes Largemouth Series/ Mentor Lagoons Division, Mentor Lagoons Nature Preserve and Boat Ramp, Mentor Lagoons, Mentor. Two-angler team event. For information, entries visit greatlakeslargemouthseries.com or contact Joel Prince (jcprince193@gmail.com, 330-936-6434).

Aug. 17: Great Lakes Largemouth Series/Toledo Division, Cullen Park Boat Launch, 4526 Summit St., Toledo. For information, entries visit greatlakeslargemouthseries.com or contact Craig Burwell (birdie2277@yahoo.com, 419-701-8440).

Aug. 20: Ohio Wildlife Council monthly meeting, 6:30 p.m., Ohio Division of Wildlife District One Office, 1500 Dublin Rd., Columbus. For information call 1-800-WILDLIFE or visit wildohio.com.

Aug. 21-24: Progressive Insurance North American Demo Boat show, Cedar Point Marina, Sandusky. Admission $9, $7 for seniors, children 12 and under free. More than 400 boats on display in the water, on land, and marine exhibits. Test rides and fishing seminars. Show hours: Thursday and Friday, noon-7 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. For information visit CedarPointBoatShow.com.

Aug. 23: Kids Fishing, 10 a.m., Silver Creek Metro Park Boathouse, 5171 S. Medina Line Rd., Norton. Kids 15 and under learn the basics of fishing. A few rods and reels will be available. Bait is provided. For information, call 330-865-8065.

Aug. 23-24: 3-D Archery Shoot, Lake Milton Fish & Game, 4374 Bedell Rd., Berlin Center. Registration opens at 8 a.m. Adults $10, cubs $5. Open to the public. For information visit lakemiltonfishandgameclub.com or call Dennis Dabney, 330-414-5795.

Aug. 24: Northeast Ohio Ducks Unlimited 25+ Gun Super Raffle, Lake County Fairgrounds, Painesville. Fee $20, includes food and drink from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. For tickets visit lakecountyducks.com or call Tim Cline, 440-749-5182, or April Blaylock, 216-749-7758.

Aug. 24: Great Lakes Largemouth Series/Central Lake Erie Division, Ottawa County Launch Ramp, West Harbor, Catawba Island. Two-angler team event. For information, entries visit greatlakeslargemouthseries.com or contact David Hoheisel (david@h2hsales.com. 614-361-5548.

Aug. 28: Monthly meeting of the Chagrin River Salmon Association, 7 p.m., 201 Erie Rd., Eastlake. For information call Bruce Fraley, 440-946-1605.

Aug. 30-31: Dog Days Archery Shoot, Geauga Bowmen, 12575 Sperry Rd., Chesterland. Shoot registration opens at 8 a.m. Fee $10, kids $5. Call Mike Ballash, 440-227-6756 or visit geaugabowmen.com.

Aug. 31: Great Lakes Largemouth Series/Toledo Division, Cullen Park Boat Launch, 4526 Summit St., Toledo. For information, entries visit greatlakeslargemouthseries.com or contact Craig Burwell (birdie2277@yahoo.com, 419-701-8440).

Sept. 6-7: Fall Rendezvous Archery Shoot, Lost Arrow Archery Club, 3370 17th St. S.W., Massillon. Open to the public, crossbows allowed. Registration 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Fee $10, $5 for members. Visit lostarrowarcheryclub.com or contact Kandi Schane, 330-933-0980 or Janine Harman, 330-828-2372.

Sept. 6-7: Walmart Bass Fishing League/Buckeye Division, Indian Lake. For entries, information visit flwoutdoors.com.

Sept. 7: 30 Target 3-D Archery Shoot, Lone Eagle Bowmen, Seeman St. (off Battlesburg Rd.), Canton. Registration 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Visit www.LoneEagleBowmen.com.

Sept. 7: Great Lakes Largemouth Series/Central Lake Erie Division, Ottawa County Launch Ramp, West Harbor, Catawba Island. Two-angler team event. For information, entries visit greatlakeslargemouthseries.com or contact David Hoheisel (david@h2hsales.com. 614-361-5548.

Sept. 7: Great Lakes Largemouth Series/Presque Isle Division, Marina Ramp, Presque Isle State Park, Erie, Pa. Two-angler team event. For information, entries visit greatlakeslargemouthseries.com or call Aaron Gast, 814-314-9847.

Sept. 9: Youth Fishing Program Workshop to teach volunteers to become certified Passport to Fishing instructors with the Ohio Division of Wildlife, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., ODOW District 3 Headquarters, 912 Portage Lakes Dr., Akron. Free, with pre-registration required. All participants required to have a background check. Volunteers will learn to teach the basics of fishing and how to run a four-station fishing program. To pre-register contact Ken Fry, 330-245-3030.

Sept. 11-14: North American In-Water Boat Show, Cedar Point Marina, Cedar Point Amusement Park, Sandusky. For information visit lemta.com.

Sept. 13-14: Deer Archery Shoot and Corn Roast, Geauga Bowmen, 12575 Sperry Rd., Chesterland. Shoot registration opens at 8 a.m. Fee $10, kids $5. Call Mike Ballash, 440-227-6756 or visit geaugabowmen.com.

Sept. 13-14: 3^rd annual Ladies 3-D Archery Shoot on Saturday and Early Bird 3-D Shoot on Sunday, Lost Arrow Archery Club, 3370 17th St. S.W., Massillon. Open to the public, crossbows allowed. Registration 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Fee $10, $5 for members. Visit lostarrowarcheryclub.com or contact Kandi Schane, 330-933-0980 or Janine Harman, 330-828-2372.

Sept. 13-14: Walleye Madness Tournament, 7 a.m.-3 p.m., Berlin Lake at Bonner Rd. Ramp. Two-angler teams, $150 entry. For information visit www.walleyemadness.net. Entry deadline Sept. 8.

Sept. 14: Great Lakes Largemouth Series/ Mentor Lagoons Division, Mentor Lagoons Nature Preserve and Boat Ramp, Mentor Lagoons, Mentor. Two-angler team event. For information, entries visit greatlakeslargemouthseries.com or contact Joel Prince (jcprince193@gmail.com, 330-936-6434).

Sept. 14: Great Lakes Largemouth Series/Toledo Division, Cullen Park Boat Launch, 4526 Summit St., Toledo. For information, entries visit greatlakeslargemouthseries.com or contact Craig Burwell (birdie2277@yahoo.com, 419-701-8440).

Sept. 12: Monthly meeting of the Northeast Ohio Walleye Association, 6:30 p.m., Trader Jacks, 35901 Lake Shore Blvd., Eastlake. For information call 440-479-2488.

Sept. 17: Ohio Wildlife Council monthly meeting, 6:30 p.m., Ohio Division of Wildlife District One Office, 1500 Dublin Rd., Columbus. For information call 1-800-WILDLIFE or visit wildohio.com.

Sept. 18: State Fish and Wildlife Hearing, 9 a.m., Ohio Division of Wildlife District One Office, 1500 Dublin Rd., Columbus. For information call 1-800-WILDLIFE or visit wildohio.com. Public comments on season dates, regulations.

Sept. 20-21: 3-D Archery Shoot, Lake Milton Fish & Game, 4374 Bedell Rd., Berlin Center. Registration opens at 8 a.m. Adults $10, cubs $5. Open to the public. For information visit lakemiltonfishandgameclub.com or call Dennis Dabney, 330-414-5795.

Sept. 21: Dan Whitney Memorial Archery Shoot, South Cuyahoga Sportsmen's Association, 19300 Ridge Rd., North Royalton. Registration opens at 8 a.m. Open to the public. Adults $10, kids $5.

Sept. 21: Bowhunter Warmup Archery Shoot, Test and Tune Equipment, Lone Eagle Bowmen, Seeman St. (off Battlesburg Rd.), Canton. Registration 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Visit LoneEagleBowmen.com.

Sept. 21: Great Lakes Largemouth Series/Central Lake Erie Division, Ottawa County Launch Ramp, West Harbor, Catawba Island. Two-angler team event. For information, entries visit greatlakeslargemouthseries.com or contact David Hoheisel (david@h2hsales.com. 614-361-5548.

Sept. 21: Great Lakes Largemouth Series, Marina Ramp, Presque Isle State Park, Erie, Pa. Two-angler team event. For information, entries visit greatlakeslargemouthseries.com or call Aaron Gast, 814-314-9847.

Sept. 25: Monthly meeting of the Chagrin River Salmon Association, 7 p.m., 201 Erie Rd., Eastlake. For information call Bruce Fraley, 440-946-1605.

Sept. 27: Ohio Mega Bass Tournament Trail, Delaware Lake. For information visit ombtt.com.

Sept. 26-27: Masters Walleye Circuit qualifying tournament, two-angler teams, Lake Erie at Huron, Ohio. For information, entries visit masterswalleyecircuit.com. MWC Championship to be held Oct. 8-11 at Devils Lake, N.D.

Oct. 11-12: Championship of the Great Lakes Largemouth Series, Ottawa County Launch Ramp, West Harbor, Catawba Island. Two-angler team event. For information, entries visit greatlakeslargemouthseries.com or contact David Hoheisel (david@h2hsales.com. 614-361-5548.

Oct. 15: Ohio Wildlife Council monthly meeting, 6:30 p.m., Ohio Division of Wildlife District One Office, 1500 Dublin Rd., Columbus. For information call 1-800-WILDLIFE or visit wildohio.com.

Oct.16-18: WalMart Bass Fishing League/Buckeye Division Regional Championship, Kentucky Lake. For entries, information visit flwoutdoors.com.

Nov. 6: Youth Fishing Program Workshop to teach volunteers to become certified Passport to Fishing instructors with the Ohio Division of Wildlife, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., ODOW District 3 Headquarters, 912 Portage Lakes Dr., Akron. Free, with pre-registration required. All participants required to have a background check. Volunteers will learn to teach the basics of fishing and how to run a four-station fishing program. To pre-register contact Ken Fry, 330-245-3030.

2014-2015 HUNTING SEASONS

Crow: June 6, 2014-March 7, 2015 (Friday, Saturday and Sunday only)

Coyote and wild boar: No closed season

Groundhog: Closed only during deer gun season.

Squirrel: Sept. 1-Jan. 31

Ruffed grouse: Oct. 11-Jan. 31

American woodcock: Oct. 11-TBA

Youth Small Game: Oct. 25-26 and Nov. 1-2

Cottontail Rabbit: Nov. 7-Feb. 28

Ring-Necked Pheasant: Nov. 7-Jan. 4

Bobwhite Quail: Nov. 7-Nov. 16 (16 counties only)

Fox, Raccoon: Nov. 10-Jan. 31

2014-2015 DEER SEASONS

Deer Archery: Sept. 27-Feb. 1

Deer Antlerless Muzzleloader: Oct. 11-12

Deer Youth Gun: Nov. 22-23

Deer Gun: Dec. 1-7

Deer Statewide Muzzleloader: Jan. 2-5

2014-2015 WATERFOWL

Mourning Dove: Sept. 1-TBA

Canada Geese: Sept. 1-TBA

2014-2015 TRAPPING SEASONS

Fox, raccoon, skunk, opossum, weasel: Nov. 10-Jan. 31

Mink, Muskrat: Nov. 10-Feb. 28

Lake Erie Marsh (mink, muskrat, skink, raccoon, opossum, weasel): Nov. 10-March 15

Beaver, Otter: Dec. 26-Feb. 28

SPRING 2015 SEASONS

Youth Turkey: April 18-19, 2015

Spring Turkey: April 20-May 17, 2015

END OUTDOORS CALENDAR

Cleveland Browns Josh Gordon's appeal hearing for his indefinite drug ban has been set for late July, according to profootballtalk.com.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Browns receiver Josh Gordon was spared on Suspension Thursday, but should hear something soon about his indefinite drug ban.

According to profootballtalk.com's Mike Florio, Gordon's appeal hearing has been set for late July -- unless the NFL and NFLPA agree on a reduced suspension before then.

As it stands, Gordon faces a minimum year-long ban, after which he must apply for reinstatement with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. During his time off, he must test clean to be re-instated.

If the suspension is upheld, he'll essentially be kicked out of the league until Goodell decides whether or not to let him back in -- and won't be able to practice with the team or attend meetings.  The ban begins when the suspension is announced, not when Gordon received the letter in April.

Even if the ban is reduced, Gordon will likely not be able to remain with the team during his time off.

News of Gordon's appeal hearing came on the same day that three players were suspended for drugs: Chiefs offensive Rokevious Watkins received a four-game ban for violating the league's substance abuse policy, Colts receiver Lavon Brazill received the indefinite ban for the substance abuse policy and 2013 No. 3 overall pick Dion Jordan of the Dolphins received a four-game suspension for  performance-enhancing substances.

Brazill was the third player this offseason to be be suspended indefinitely under the substance abuse policy. The first was former Redskins and current free agent tight end Fred Davis, who was suspended in February and the second was Cardinals linebacker Daryl Washington, who was suspended in May.

All three players -- who lost their appeals -- had previously served four-game suspensions for substance abuse.

Gordon's case is a little different in that he was docked four game checks last year after testing positive for codeine -- but served only a two-game suspension. Playing in the two games enabled him to make the Pro Bowl and All-Pro teams, and lead the NFL with 1,646 yards despite playing in 14 games.

Sources close to Gordon have told cleveland.com they're concerned that if he's away from the team for a year and away from his support system, that he'll have a tough time making it back into the NFL.

The sources point to Jaguars receiver Justin Blackmon, the former first-round pick, who was suspended indefinitely in November of 2013 for violating the substance abuse policy and isn't expected to be re-instated in 2014. The Jaguars aren't counting on Blackmon and have moved on from him.

On Wednesday night, Gordon was revealed by NFL Network as the No. 16th best player on their Top 100 Players of 2014 list, as voted on by his peers.

"Big thanks to the Browns, the NFL and all the players that voted me #16,'' Gordon wrote on an Instagram post, adding #16thintheworld.

Hall of Fame receiver Cris Carter told cleveland.com that Gordon is one of the few receivers in the NFL that can wear the gold jacket if he can overcome his struggles.

Meanwhile, the Browns are prepared for life without Gordon, who sat out the mandatory minicamp with a pulled hamstring.

"We have to build a football team that can win regardless of who is missing,'' Farmer said in May. "I think that's the charge that we have. That's my job, that's coach (Mike) Pettine's job is to prepare this football team to win games regardless of who's missing."

The Browns have fortified their receiving corps this season with free agents Andrew Hawkins, Nate Burleson and Anthony Armstrong. They're also awaiting the return of Charles Johnson and Travis Benjamin from torn anterior cruciate ligaments.

Joe Buchanan and his wife, Jackie, from Bellevue, Ohio, are indicative of the families who drag race for fun in the NHRA sportsman division.

NORWALK, Ohio -- Joe Buchanan from Bellevue, Ohio could easily be the icon for Sportsman drag racers, no matter what division. And his wife, Jackie, would double as the icon for inspiration.

These are the dragsters who search for speed out of love, not money, this weekend as part of the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals at Summit Motorsports Park.

"We are the ones who go to work all week,'' said Jackie, a district manager for Speedway.

Said Joe, 52, who works for Al Baumann Chevrolet in Port Clinton, "Some folks fish, some folks bowl, some folks own boats. All I've ever done is mess with cars."

His pet right now is a 2001 Ford Mustang he races in the Sportsman Super Stock division. He purchased the car from a salvage yard, and it is powered by a V6 engine purchased on the east coast. Buchanan puts his job in jeopardy every day, considering he is a die-hard Ford man. But that is nothing new to his wife.

"My dad was the opposite,'' Jackie said. "All his life he worked at Ford, but only raced Chevys."

Joe and Jackie Buchanan, of Bellvue, Ohio, lift the hood off their modified Ford Mustang Thursday in Norwalk. Joe is competing in the sportsmen class. NHRA drag racing returns for the eighth straight season.Joshua Gunter, The Plain Dealer

Such is the life of these weekend warriors, many of them from around Northeast Ohio, who ply their racing trade in the shadows of their own back yard.

"It's 17 miles that way to get home,'' Bauman said as he pointed west. "For us, this is the big race."

Jackie stepped down from inside the family motor home and said, "This is our Indy."

While Buchanan considers Norwalk his home track, he admits, "at nationals, I've done pretty poorly. Drag racing is fickle. There are a million ways to lose and only a few ways to win."

But that does not take away from what is fast becoming a family legacy. Buchanan's father raced NASCAR in the 1950s. His son, Adam, now races against him in the Sportsman Pro Stock, and his grandson, Brandon, 8, is not far behind.

"We bought a used car (Jr. Dragster) for him, and an engine, and he'll try it out in about a week,'' Buchanan said. "This will be a learning curve for all of us, watching him."

But a curve the rest of the family has all traveled.

Indians sign Virginia first-baseman-outfielder Mike Papi for $1.25 million and high school right-hander Michah Miniard for $350,000.

CLEVELAND, Ohio – The Indians have signed the top 12 players they selected in the first 10 rounds of the June draft, but it cost them.

No, not just in signing bonuses, but in a penalty tax. For the first time under the new draft rules in the basic agreement, the Indians exceeded their bonus pool and will have to pay a 75 percent tax on the excess. 

The Indians spent $8,355,300 on their top 12 picks, which exceeded their bonus pool of $8,234,100 by $121,200. They will pay the tax on that amount, but will not lose a No.1 pick next year.

Teams that exceed their bonus pool between zero and five percent, pay a 75 percent tax on the overage. If the excess is five percent, but less than 10 percent a team must pay 75 percent tax on the overage and forfeit a No.1 pick. Penalties increase from there. 

Outfielder-first baseman Mike Papi and high school right-hander Micah Miniard were the last of the top 12 draft picks to come to terms. Papi, who just finished playing for the College World Series championship with Virginia, signed for $1.25 million. As the 38^th player taken, Papi's slot value was $1,495,400.

Miniard, a 6-7 right-hander from Boyle County High School in Danville, Ky., was the Indians' eighth-round pick. He signed for $350,000, which is above his slot value of $154,800.

The Indians had two extra picks this year in the first 10 rounds as compensation for losing free agent Ubaldo Jimenez and a competitive lottery pick. Justus Sheffield, their second pick, was compensation for Jimenez. Papi, their third pick, was the competitive balance choice.

Brad Grant, Indians director of amateur scouting, said Papi will report to Class A Mahoning Valley on Tuesday. The 6-3, 210 Papi, a left-handed hitter, will play first base and the outfield.

Papi, 21, hit .297 (62-for-209) with nine doubles, 11 homers and 51 RBI in 60 games for the Cavaliers during the regular season.

In his junior and senior years at Boyle County, Miniard won a combined 10 games and struck out 152 batters in 112 2/3 innings. His fastball reached 94 mph as a senior. He was headed to Western Kentucky before signing with the Tribe. His sister, Hannah, won 13 game for the WKU softball team as a freshman this year.

Here's what the Indians' top 12 picks signed for: OF Bradley Zimmer $1.9 million, LHP Sheffield $1.6 million, 1B-OF Papi $1.25 million, RHP Grant Hocking $1.1 million, 1B Bobby Bradley $912,500, LHP Sam Hentges $700,000, RHP Julian Merryweather $20,000, OF Greg Allen $200,000, C Simeon Lucas $168,200, RHP Miniard, $350,000, SS Alexis Pantoja $144,600 and 2B Steven Patterson, $10,000.

Surgery: Former No.1 pick Tyler Naquin (2012) and sixth round pick Joe Wendle (2012) underwent surgery on their right hands Thursday at Cleveland Clinic. Dr. Thomas Graham did both operations.

Naquin was hit on the right hand by a pitch. Wendle, a teammate of Naquin's at Class AA Akron, broke the hamate bone in his right hand and had to have it removed.

Finally: The international free agent signing period started Wednesday. The Indians' bonus pool is $1.98 million. . .The Indians signed Juan Gomes, the younger brother of Yan Gomes, on Thursday. The Tribe drafted Gomes in the 37th round out of Odessa Junior College in Texas.

A crowd of two-year-old fillies showed their inexperience at Northfield Park on Thursday night as they chased their first rich Ohio Sires Stakes purses in a half-dozen $40,000 races on the 15-race card.

CLEVELAND, Ohio – A crowd of two-year-old fillies showed their inexperience at Northfield Park on Thursday night as they chased their first rich Ohio Sires Stakes purses in a half-dozen $40,000 races on the 15-race card.

Failing to stay on stride as they made two trips around the half-mile track was the major foible for many of the freshman trotters and pacers. For many, it was the first pari-mutuel race of their career.

Friskie Lil Devil ($14.80) started the night out right in her career debut, as driver Chris Page took the pacer right to the lead in the first $40,000 division as 1-5 favorite FineFeelinFriskie settled along the rail in third. When FineFeelinFriskie came after the leader at the ¾-mile pole, she couldn't get past Friskie Lil Devil, who sailed home a three-length winner for the Lil Devil Stable of Findlay with a sharp 1:58 mile. Hailstorm Grace moved up to finish second.

Sammy Star and Page looked like the 2-1 favorites in the first OSS trot, coming on in the stretch to catch leader Honey B and reinsman Kyle Ater. Unfortunately, Sammy Star went off stride deep in the stretch and Honey B ($7.80) won by a head in 2:04.2, with Student of Life second and Song of the Valley third.

Karlee Sue was the 1-2 favorite in the second OSS filly pace, and was holding a comfortable two-length lead at the half-mile with Al Tomlison in the sulky. When challenged by Suite Feelin and driver Ronnie Wrenn Jr., the youngster broke stride. Suite Feelin ($6.40) scored by more than five lengths, as Playa Del Sol finished second and a hard-charging Karlee Sue recovered to finish third.

Page found the right formula with 1-2 favorite Sunrise Nibbles ($3) in the second OSS trot, also a first-time starter. Moving to the lead after the quarter-mile pole, Sunrise Nibbles lead the rest of the way, but needed to hang tough in the stretch for a neck victory in 2:04.3. Dolly Dunn was second and Soaring Flight third.

The last of three OSS pacing events was a stellar performance by Friskie Til Dawn ($4.60), a wire-to-wire winner in her career debut with Tony Hall at the reins. The youngster went to the lead as the 5-2 favorite and never looked back, clocking a 1:59 mile. Medoland Kendolin was right behind the whole way, with Bevnlindas Blossom finishing third.

In the third OSS trot I'm Chiptastic ($7) followed suit by leading from start to finish for a length win in 2:03.2 with trainer John Melsheimer driving. Lisa Jane was second, followed by Dark Roast.

Catcher Yan Gomes recovering from shaky start to the season with solid play at the plate and behind it.

CLEVELAND, Ohio – Dee Gordon is one of the fastest men in baseball. He shows it off daily for the Dodgers, but he ran into a couple of stop signs this week when the Indians visited Dodger Stadium.

In one night, not only was Gordon thrown out at home, becoming the middle out of baseball's first instant-replay-enhanced triple play, but he was thrown out trying to steal second base two innings later.

The arms that did it belonged to left fielder Michael Brantley and catcher Yan Gomes.

Brantley and Oakland's Yoenis Cespedes are tied for the AL lead in outfield assists with 10 each entering Thursday's schedule. Gomes, after a shocking start to the season in which he made nine errors, has recovered nicely to throw out 34 percent (18-for-53) of the baserunners who have tried to steal on him.

When Gomes threw out Gordon in the sixth inning of the Tribe's 10-3 victory Tuesday, it was just the ninth time in 49 attempts that he'd been caught this season. As for errors, he's made one in the last 42 games.

Brantley has put together an All-Star first half at the plate and in the field. He's hitting .312 (96-for-308) with 20 doubles, 12 homers, 54 RBI and 10 steals without being caught.

He ranks in the AL top 10 in RBI, OPS, average, hits, on base percentage and batting average vs. right-handed pitchers.

Defensively, his play in left field has been textbook. He is especially effective fielding balls off the left field wall at Progressive Field with his bare hand and throwing out runners at second base.

"He works at it every day," said manager Terry Francona. "He's really good out there."

Brantley doesn't mind it when players such as Gordon challenge him.

"Why not? I'm always up for the challenge," he said. "It helps the baseball team if I can throw somebody out. I take a great deal of pride in it."

When Gomes came to spring training, two things were made clear to him. He was going to open the season as the starting catcher and Francona wanted him to put all his concentration on handling the pitching staff. Whatever Gomes did at the plate would be appreciated, but that was secondary.

Gomes has done that even through his shaky start when he temporarily lost control of the opposing running.

"It was frustrating time at the beginning, but I was missing bases by maybe a foot," said Gomes. "I told you guys it wasn't going to take away from my aggressiveness when it came to throwing. I sat down with Sandy (Alomar, catching instructor)

and talked a lot about it. He said, 'Dude, just keep throwing it. That foot that you're missing is going to get there.' Give credit to the pitchers, they're giving me time to throw guys out instead of putting pressure on myself to throw guys out."

Said Alomar, "Everything is in synch now. He was using a newer glove at the start of the season and Kevin Cash (bullpen coach) talked to him about going back to his gold glove. I think that's helped.

"But like I said before, he has some of the quickest feet I've seen around here in a long time. "

Gomes has thrown out eight of the last 11 runners to test him. His 34 percent success rate ranks third in the AL. Last year he threw out 38 percent (18-for-47) of the runners he faced in 85 games behind the plate.

Offensively, Gomes said Francona's mandate about defense first has actually helped him at the plate. He's hitting .267 (69-for258) with 11 doubles, nine homers and 30 RBI. He ranks third among AL catchers in homers and RBI.

It's not that Gomes doesn't like hitting. It's easy to see his frustration when he doesn't produce with the bat.

"I've just been really worried about carrying the pitchers through the game," said Gomes. "In that sense it helps a lot offensively. It takes the pressure off if you end up striking out or not driving in a run.

"I still want to get a hit. There's that production factor. Whatever I can do is going to help the team."

Gomes hit .276 (8-for-29) with two homers and seven RBI on the just completed eight-game trip through Phoenix, Seattle and Los Angeles. His seven RBI led the club.

Is LeBron James really considering leaving Miami and returning to Cleveland? Read what people are saying about it on social media.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- LeBron James' agent met with Cavaliers representatives -- perhaps including owner Dan Gilbert -- this week.

Yes, Cleveland, this is real life.

James' Cleveland-based agent Rich Paul also met with the Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets, Phoenix Suns and perhaps other teams, ESPN first reported Thursday. The Associated Press and Akron Beacon Journal also reported the meetings.

While the Big 3 all staying together in Miami is still a real possibility, Cleveland remains very much in play.

Let that sink in while you read what people are saying about it on social media.

Things were quiet surrounding LeBron James the first two days of free agency. But the Summer of LeBron Part Two is officially underway.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Things were quiet surrounding LeBron James during the first two days of free agency. That changed on Thursday night.

The Summer of LeBron Part Two is officially underway after word spread that James' agent Rich Paul, the man who has been given the responsibility of handling all free agency negotiations with prospective teams, met with at least four teams this week.

ESPN.com was first to report the meetings. The Cavaliers were reported as one of them. The Dallas Mavericks, Phoenix Suns and Houston Rockets were also given the opportunity to make presentations to Paul.

Yahoo Sports reported three finalists could return to Cleveland next week to make another presentation in front of James. It's not clear yet if the Cavs will be on that list.

The recruitment of James is different than it was in 2010 when six teams came to the IMG building in downtown Cleveland to make their pitch to the four-time NBA MVP. This time, James is absent; instead choosing to vacation with his family, sharing photos and videos on Instagram. It leaves Paul to handle the initial discussions. 

Miami is still looked at as the favorite for this off-season's top prize. The Heat has been to the NBA Finals four straight years. But Miami has yet to convince a free agent to come to the Heat in order to beef up James' supporting cast that led to the team's downfall during the NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs. Miami is believed to be interested in Los Angeles Lakers center Pau Gasol and sharpshooter Anthony Morrow, but there are no agreements in place.

This opens the door for other teams, including the Cavaliers, who began free agency by agreeing to a max contract extension with franchise cornerstone Kyrie Irving.

As teams attempt to pry James from the grasp of Pat Riley, LeBron is said to be looking for the team that gives him the best chance to win titles.

Of course, other factors may come into play as well. James may want to stay in the Eastern Conference, where the road to a title has fewer potholes. He may consider location, which would help his hometown Cavaliers. The coach, general manager and owner could get some consideration before picking his NBA home for the foreseeable future. He will consider his options and look at all the factors, but much like 2010, James' decision will likely come down to one thing: talent.

Unless Miami retools its roster, Thursday night's news was the first signal that James could contemplate taking his talents somewhere else this off-season.

Greg Anderson thought he would never need to have heart surgery. But the NHRA Pro Stock dragster was given a different diagnosis prior to this season that forced him to miss the first five races.

NORWALK, Ohio -- Greg Anderson thought he was bullet proof, until he found out he wasn't. Now the NHRA Pro Stock dragster is playing catchup after missing the first five races of the season. He began the weekend 11th in the Pro Stock standings, one notch out of the Top 10, which qualifies for the championship countdown at the end of the season.

In most seasons, one would expect Anderson to clear that one position hurdle with ease. But this season is different. "The top 10 cars are absolutely race-winning cars, every one of them,'' Anderson said as he sat and told his story to the media prior to the start of the NHRA Summit Racing Equipment Nationals at Summit Motorsports Park.

"It's a different year, and it's going to be a tougher challenge than other years,'' Anderson said.  "I got to win races, or I'm not going to make it. I'm 25 points out of 10th so I can certainly make it in. But the cars I got to get around are absolutely as fast or faster than me. So it is no guarantee."

At the same time, it is safe to say Anderson, who won the last of four NHRA Championships in 2010, would likely be comfortably inside the Top 10, perhaps even among the leaders, had he not missed the first five races. But he admits there is nobody to blame for that but himself. Three years ago Anderson, 52, was told he needed heart surgery for a weakening heart valve.

But after further tests, Anderson talked the doctors out of that in place of regular six-month checkups to make sure nothing became worse. As time passed and the heart valve stayed the same Anderson believed he was fine. Then came the test right before the start of the season when doctors told him, otherwise.

"If I had been on the ball, I would have had the checkup in November at the end of last season, but I didn't,'' Anderson said.

He waited until just before the start of this season to have his test. Then got the news he had started to think would never come. "The doctor called me on February 1, and said, 'it's time,' '' Anderson said.

This was less than a week prior to the Feb. 6 season opener in Pomona, California.

The doctors told Anderson if the valve burst while he was on the track, "you're done. You won't get a chance to run to the hospital. You're done then and there," the dragster recalled.

Again, Anderson told the doctors to hold off, to see if they had tested everything right. "He finally said, if you really want to risk it, we can look at it again in three months,'' Anderson said. "In my mind, I had talked him out of it.

"I went home, and my wife, who was out of town when I went to the doctor's appointment, told me what a fool I was, and I would not be waiting three months.''

That was the wake up Anderson needed, and immediately set the surgery for race day, Feb. 6.

"You definitely look at life a little differently when you come to grips with this is life or death,'' he said.

What was supposed to be a five-hour surgery became eight, and afterward the doctor, "told my wife and family I bled horribly during the surgery."

Anderson had continued taking medication for soreness right up to surgery at the Sanger Heart Clinic in Charlotte, North Carolina, instead of stopping, which led to increased bleeding. That, in turn, led some to believe he had suffered a stroke because Anderson could not respond to questions for two days after the surgery.

"I could hear all the (questions) but I could do nothing about it,'' Anderson said. "I couldn't speak right. I knew what I wanted to say, but it wouldn't come out right. The third day I snapped back like nothing had happened.''

Not long after that the doctors told Anderson the now repaired valve was so far gone he probably would have died in the first race of the season. Instead, he was now in full repair.

"(The doctor) showed me a picture on the screen of my chest and said, 'what do you think of that?'''

The doctor had put titanium plates in his chest. The wires he saw were for a pacemaker. "They are in there for the long haul,'' Anderson said. "That's what got me back into the race car."

What was projected to be three months before he was to start physical of rehab became seven weeks instead. Four weeks after that Anderson was back on the track.

Now Anderson is climbing up the points ladder, sitting just outside the Top 10 with time to climb even more. But being a feel good story for the series and the sport is not the goal when the end of the season comes around. Anderson has other plans.

"People might look at it like it would be a good year to be in the Top 10, for what I've been through,'' Anderson said. "But I'm not looking at it like that. I need to win the championship."

The annual summer sliming of Western Lake Erie has yet to show up in satellite photos sent out this week by the NOAA Experimental Harmful Algal Bloom Bulletin. Republican Sen. Rob Portman knows the dreadful algal blooms are just around the corner.

CURTICE, Ohio – Republican Sen. Rob Portman knows dreadful algal blooms are just around the corner, even though the annual summer sliming of Western Lake Erie has yet to show its face in satellite photos sent out this week by the NOAA Experimental Harmful Algal Bloom Bulletin.

Portman and Sen. Bill Nelson, a Democratic from Florida, sponsored the reauthorization of the Harmful Algal Blooms Act signed into law Monday by President Barack Obama. Nelson is most concerned about algal blooms around the Gulf of Mexico. Portman wants more done about freshwater algae woes, specifically on Lake Erie and Ohio's inland lakes and reservoirs.

"The algal blooms are a non-partisan issue, and greatly affect Lake Erie," said Portman. "We're all trying to solve the problem because of the value of Lake Erie. Recreational fishing and tourism supports tens of thousands of jobs in Ohio, and millions of Ohioans get their drinking water from Lake Erie."

Since the first major algal bloom in 2011, Ohio water treatment plants have struggled economically to battle the HABs and a liver toxin called microsystin contained in the blue-green algae. Portman hopes the reauthorized bill will be fully funded at more than $20 million, up from $12 million in 2013.

Capt. Paul Pacholski of Erie Hopper Charters checks out a walleye caught by Sen. Rob Portman while fishing Western Lake Erie. D'Arcy Egan / The Plain Dealer 

Portman checked out Lake Erie's waters on a June 28 fishing trip aboard Capt. Paul Pacholski's charter boat, the Erie Hopper, docked at Meinke Marina West. The short afternoon outing just a couple of miles off the Toledo Water Intake was ostensibly to search for algal blooms. For the half-dozen anglers on board, that was easy to do while casting to the wide waters of the Walleye Capital of the World.

We failed to find algal blooms. Medium-sized walleye were in abundance.

The walleye outing and subsequent press conference has become an annual event. The walleye fishing is the enjoyable part of his inspection, said Portman, who has become accomplished at baiting a hook with a wriggling nightcrawler, casting a couple of hundred times and hooking his share of the toothy fish.

Pacholski has been one of Portman's point men on the water. The president of the Lake Erie Charter Boat Association, Pacholski and members of the LECBA have rattled political sabers around Ohio and in Washington to find support in the fight against algal blooms and invasive species. The fishing guides have helped to sample water for the biologists, and provide on-the-spot reports.

The forecast for this year's HABs is to be announced on July 10 at Ohio Sea Grant's Stone Laboratory on Gibraltar Island, near the resort town of Put-In-Bay on South Bass Island. There will also be a secondary forecast in August, said Dr. Jeff Reutter, executive director of Ohio Sea Grant, to help make sure they get it right this year.

The algal blooms are fueled by agricultural phosphorus from farm fields finding its way into the Lake Erie watershed. Contributing to the phosphorus overload is raw sewage pouring into the Detroit River and Lake Erie from treatment plants after major rain events, which have become far more common. Cleveland had an all-time record rainfall of 3.6 inches on June 24.

Also a factor is open lake dumping of harbor dredge material, a common practice in the Toledo area but banned off Cleveland Harbor.

Researchers trying to predict the ferocity of the blooms were fooled in 2013. After a massive bloom in 2011 that startled boaters, anglers and tourism officials, a lengthy drought tempered the 2012 blooms. Last year, the blooms were much more widespread than forecasted, and lasted longer than expected.

A recent study noted Ohioans are ready to spend to battle the blooms.

"That didn't surprise me," said Portman. "I've talked to people around the state. They want to be sure we have ways to restore and protect the incredibly important assets of Lake Erie and the Great Lakes."

That includes the invasion of silver carp and bighead carp, species of Asian carp infesting the Mississippi and Illinois rivers. The carp are poised to invade Lake Michigan and the Great Lakes through the Chicago Waterway System. A legislative mandate in 2012 forced the U.S. Corps of Engineers to provide ways to stop the steady migration of Asian carp.

"The theory was the Corps would come up with a preferred option," said Portman. "Instead, they gave us eight options. Now, we're trying to get them to analyze that further and work with the stakeholders, including Chicago officials, to try to find the best solution. For the first time, we want them to study all of the tributaries, including the Maumee and Muskingum rivers (in Ohio)."

Sen. Rob Portman, a Republican from Cincinnati, talks about Lake Erie issues while on a walleye fishing trip with Capt. Paul Pacholski (left) and Vicki Mountz, a retired communications director with the Ohio Division of Wildlife. D'Arcy Egan / The Plain Dealer 

At the press conference following his walleye fishing trip, Portman attracted a crowd of representatives from conservation and environmental groups, farmers, water plant and tourism officials and sport fishermen.

Portman pointed out his reauthorized algae bill would help Lake Erie, and such inland waters as algae-laden Grand Lake St. Marys, Hoover Reservoir and Buckeye Lake. The latest lake with algal bloom problems struck close to home for Portman. Ohio State University ecological engineer Jay Martin reported recently that East Fork Lake in southwest Ohio, near Portman's home, is now issuing toxic algae warnings.

The tardy appearance of the Lake Erie blooms this summer could be due to cooler waters following a bitterly cold winter. Some believe the cold winter also killed off gizzard shad walleye gorge on in spring, a reason the walleye fishing has been so good this season.

Just as importantly for Lake Erie fishermen, many feel the unusual winter weather - at least over the last couple of decades - will result in the best walleye spawning season since the bonanza of 2003. Those walleye still make up 30 percent of the population, which has shrunk to an estimated 20 million fish.

The Indians begin a 10-game homestand Friday night against the Royals.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Indians begin a three-game series against the Kansas City Royals on Friday night.

Cleveland Indians: On deck.

Opponent: Royals.

Location: Progressive Field, Cleveland.

Scheduled first pitch: 7:05 p.m.

TV/Radio: SportsTime Ohio; WTAM/AM 1100; WMMS/FM 100.7.

Pitching matchup: Indians RHP Josh Tomlin (5-5, 3.78 ERA) vs. Royals RHP Yordano Ventura (5-7, 3.26).

Season series: Tied, 3-3.

Indians update: They are 41-43 overall, 23-15 at home. ... Coming off 4-4 trip to Arizona (1-1), Seattle (1-2) and L.A. Dodgers (2-1). Won final two games against Dodgers. ... Won three of four against Royals at Progressive Field, April 21-24. Swept in two-game series at Kansas City, June 10-11. ... Tomlin is coming off an 11-strikeout one-hitter against Mariners last Saturday (W, 5-0). ... LF Michael Brantley is batting .312 in 80 games.

Royals update: They are 44-40 overall, 23-18 on the road. ... Have won four of six (2-1 series victories over Angels, at Twins). ... Have won 10 of 12 on road. ... On June 11, Ventura defeated Indians, 4-1. He gave up one run on six hits in seven innings. ... Terrific bullpen is led by closer Greg Holland and setup man Wade Davis. 

Injuries: Indians – OF Nyjer Morgan (right knee) is on 60-day disabled list; DH Jason Giambi (knee) is on 15-day DL. Royals – RHP Luke Hochevar (elbow) is out for season; RF Nori Aoki (groin) is on 15-day DL.

Next for Indians: Series continues Saturday night.

The Royals have won 10 of their past 12 on the road.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Here are the lineups for the game between the Indians and Royals on Friday night at Progressive Field:

Royals (44-40)

1. Lorenzo Cain CF

2. Eric Hosmer 1B

3. Billy Butler DH

4. Alex Gordon LF

5. Salvador Perez C

6. Raul Ibanez RF

7. Alcides Escobar SS

8. Mike Moustakas 3B

9. Christian Colon 2B

Yordano Ventura RHP

Note: Omar Infante was in original lineup at 2B but was scratched (back).

Indians (41-43)

1. Michael Bourn CF

2. Asdrubal Cabrera SS

3. Michael Brantley LF

4. Carlos Santana 1B

5. Jason Kipnis 2B

6. Lonnie Chisenhall 3B

7. Nick Swisher DH

8. Yan Gomes C

9. David Murphy RF

Josh Tomlin RHP

Never before has an NBA team hired a head coach who hasn't played in the league, or coached in the league -- or at least coached in college. The Cavs' David Blatt is changing all that. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Fear.

That became one of the subjects in my long talk with new Cavaliers coach David Blatt this week.

Blatt came to the Cavs after coaching for 22 years in places such as Russia, Israel, Greece, Turkey and Italy. Yes, he's from the Boston suburb of Framingham, and he played at Princeton.

But Blatt is unique among NBA coaches. Not only has he never played or coached in the NBA, he never even coached at a U.S. college or high school.

"People have asked me if I'm afraid (of coaching in the NBA)," said Blatt. "They wonder if it's too big for me. I'm a Jewish/Israeli/American who walked into the old Soviet Union and won a European Championship. When it comes to basketball, what is there to be afraid of?"

Then Blatt talked about a text that he received from his 17-year-old son, Tamir. It was only a few days before he interviewed with the Cavaliers.

"It read: 'Danger is real, fear is a choice,'" said Blatt. "I got that when I was speaking at a coaches clinic in Sweden. I shared it with the coaches there when we talked about the challenge of coaching can feels so great, you can't move."

Blatt is making the move of his life.

When he came to Cleveland to talk to the Cavs in June, Blatt was at his peak of coaching prominence. He was coming off a season where his Maccabi Tel Aviv team was the upset winner in the Euroleague. He had led the 2012 Russian National Team to an Olympic bronze medal.

"After this season, I had a feeling that I had done all I could (in Europe)," said Blatt. "I've been part of championship teams in different countries. I saw one more challenge -- and I wanted to go after it."

THE OFFER

While Blatt grew up a Celtic fan in Boston and played at Princeton, he married an Israeli woman (Kineret) 23 years ago. They have four children. Two daughters recently finished up their military duty in Israel and will be attending college in Tel Aviv.

His 17-year-old son, Tamir, will start his senior year of high school in the fall and is a point guard on the Israeli Junior National Team.

"My wife is very close to her family (in Israel), but she has been telling me for years that I was supposed to do this (coach in he NBA)," he said. "She told me that I had been selling myself short. I had to try it."

Blatt had an offer to be Coach Steve Kerr's top assistant with Golden State. Keep in mind that Cavs General Manager David Griffin and Kerr are very close, having worked together in Phoenix from 2007-2010. Had the Cavs not promoted Griffin, he probably would be working in Kerr's front office in Golden State.

So it makes sense both had a tremendous interest in Blatt, as Griffin and Kerr share the same view of the game.

"That Golden State job would have paid me significantly less money (than if he stayed in Tel Aviv)," said Blatt. "I didn't care. I knew this was right time for me. In fact, I owe a debt to Steve Kerr. He allowed me to interview for the Cavs job."

At the age of 55, Blatt knew that in some ways -- he'd be starting all over in the NBA.

It's a place where hardly anyone knew his name.

Cleveland Cavaliers general manager David Griffin brought David Blatt to the attention of Cavs owner Dan Gilbert.Joshua Gunter / The Plain Dealer 

THE SEARCH

It was Griffin who brought Blatt to the attention of Gilbert.

"Griff has been in my gym many times to watch practices and games over the years," said Blatt.  "He has watched me work."

In his career with the Phoenix Suns and Cavs, Griffin has often scouted in Europe. He has had a higher opinion of basketball beyond America's borders than many of his peers.

"The only reason I'm here is that Griff brought me into the (coaching search) process," said Blatt. "I don't think I was the leading candidate or anything like that. Griff wanted (Cavs Owner) Dan Gilbert to consider something out of the box. And when the door opened for me, I went in with guns-blazing -- full barrel."

Blatt called his interview with Gilbert "exciting and exhilarating." He said they were more "like discussions" than an interview. They talked about life, leadership and "core values."

In the middle of the talks, Blatt began to think, "This is the place for me -- I really want to work here."

There was a sense between the three men -- Gilbert, Griffin and Blatt -- that they could do something special.

"The first call I made after the interview was to my son (Tamir)," said Blatt. "We talked a bit and I said I was going to get offered the job. I really wanted this chance."

The only question was would the Cavs take a chance on a coach with such a different background?

And would they be willing to look foolish if Blatt failed?

"I always say that the only real failure is when you don't even try," said Blatt.
 
THE FATHER

"I've had people ask me how I will be able to relate to NBA players," he said. "I grew up in America. I came from a broken home, a common experience for some of the players. My father left when I was eight. I didn't see much of him after that."

He was raised by his mother, Lillian Blatt.

She was a special education teacher. She also taught remedial reading.

"When I was 10-11-12, she would take me on weekends when she tutored autistic kids," he said. "I hated it, absolutely hated it. But one day, I was working with this kid and suddenly he was able to write his name. The joy he felt ... that changed everything."

Blatt knew other kids in his neighborhood didn't have a father around, but sometimes he felt embarrassed and rejected.

"Then I became very determined," he said. "No one was going to stop me. I was going to rise above my circumstances. I remember thinking 'I'm going to beat this' whenever something got in my way. I fell in love with basketball. I kept thinking, 'No one is going to hold me back.'"

Griffin and Blatt also have growing up in a home with no father in common. Griffin's road to being a general manager is nearly as unconventional as the path being followed by Blatt. Griffin started as a public relations intern with the Phoenix Suns, and worked his way into the player personnel department. That's rare for someone with no playing or coaching background.

In many ways, both have defied the odds to reach this point.

THE SON

Blatt speaks warmly of all four of his children, but says his favorite coaching job has been with Tamir.

"I remember him being three years old and wanting to play on a mini-basket with me," said Blatt. "We played together. I coached him some. I watched him grow in the love of the game."

This was an experience that Blatt so wanted when he grew up -- but his father wasn't there.

"Tamir will probably come over here (to the U.S.) to play in college after he finishes his senior year," said Blatt. "I get so much enjoyment just watching him."

THE ACHILLES

At one point, Blatt launched into a discussion of Achilles and the Trojan Horse.

Blatt has a degree in English Literature from Princeton. He played for Hall of Fame coach Pete Carril. While he was a captain as a senior, he was a sometimes starter -- averaging only 2.4 points in 16 minutes a game.

He had attended Temple Beth Am Hebrew School. In 1979, playing for Princeton, he was recruited to play some summer amateur basketball in Israel. After graduating from Princeton in 1981, he played 12 years of pro ball in that country.

"My career was ended by a torn Achilles," he said. "One of my favorite books was the Iliad. And I had the same end (at least to his playing career) as Achilles -- just like my hero."

But then he began coaching -- and winning.

"I really had been coaching when I was playing over there, from the time that I was 22," he said. "I coached 6-to-8 years old, and I coached teenagers. I coached some girls teams. I needed the extra money, and I liked coaching."

David Blatt coaching the Russian National Team. AP 

THE BIGGEST WIN

Blatt said it was the 2007 Eurobasket Championship. It's a very big deal in Europe, and a matter of national pride in Russia.

It's a long and winding road that led to Blatt ending up in Russia.

But it came down to this -- the Russians were desperate. After the break-up of the Soviet Union, they had lost many of their great players because Siberia, Lithuania and other prime basketball areas now had their own teams.

The Russians turned to Blatt to revive their program -- a humbling experience for the prideful country because he's not Russian.

Furthermore, many Russians are not fans of America or Israel.

To win that title, his team had to knock off France with Tony Parker, Boris Diaw, Mickael Pietrus and Ronny Turiaf. All have had significant NBA careers.

That was in the semifinals.

"Then we beat Spain in Madrid in front of 19,000 screaming fans and King Carlos," said Blatt. "They had a great team, too."

Spain's roster included the Gasol brothers (Marc and Pau), Rudy Fernandez, Jose Calderon and Jorge Garbajosa.

Blatt's only notable NBA player was Andrei Kirilenko, who has had a long NBA career. It was a huge upset.

"This was their first medal since the breakup of the Soviet Union," said Blatt. "It was one of my most satisfying experiences because I felt like an ambassador. I was reaching across different cultures. And we came together as a team."

After leading Russia to the bronze medal in the 2012 Olympics, he was awarded the "Friendship Medal." That's a very prestigious honor in Russia.

It was given to Blatt because of the stunning transformation of Russian basketball -- so depressed that it failed to even qualify for the 2004 Olympics. In 2008, Russians made the Olympics, but had a 1-4 record. Then Blatt took over the Olympic program and revived them in 2012.

THE DREAM
 
The top coaches in Europe make more than $1 million a year. Some at least $2 million.

It's one of the reasons that he ignored the advice of some friends over the years who suggested that he should go to the NBA, start a career as low assistant in a video room.

"It wasn't just the money," he said. "I was coaching at such a high level -- I saw no reason to take a big step back. For years, I was very fulfilled."

Blatt's contract with the Cavs is worth at least $10 million for three years. There is a fourth-year option, plus incentives. The peak value is $20 million, but a lot will have to go right to be the payoff.

He takes over a team that was 33-49 and fired coach Mike Brown after one season. It's a team that hasn't been the playoffs since 2010 with fans who have remained remarkably patient and loyal. He will be the third different Cavs coach in the last three seasons.

Blatt arrives realizing many of his players and Cavs fans know very little about his background. He has to prove himself, and do it quickly.

"But that's been the case in many of the jobs that I've had," he said.

He added that patience was not a common trait in most places where he has coached.

"I know in some ways where I coached is a different game than the NBA," said Blatt. "But it's not that different. It's hard to doubt my body of work, not a lot of coaches have more than 20 years of experience as  a head coach."
 

THE CHAMELEON

Blatt speaks four languages -- English, Hebrew, Russian and Italian.

He always has coached in English, because most Euroleague teams are made up of players from across the globe. English is their common language.

Blatt said his championship team in Tel Aviv this year had "seven foreigners ... four Americans along with guys from Greece, Australia, Israel and Croatia. The days where teams had only two foreigners are long gone. You have to learn to communicate with everyone."

The NBA is looking more like the World. The championship San Antonio Spurs had seven players born outside of the U.S.

"I've had to adapt all my life," said Blatt. "I've adapted to different cultures, different countries, different leagues, different managements. I've been a chameleon in many ways because I've been a European coach who grew up in American and then have lived out of the country for 33 years."

Remember all the countries where he has coached: Greece, Italy, Russia, Turkey and Israel.

Blatt said he was influenced by Princeton coach Pete Carril in terms of "running a motion offense," but he has used many different styles.

"I'm not a systems coach," he said. "I fit my system to the players. I change. You can't survive (in Europe) just coaching one way."

Last season, he had two distinct offenses. He used a slower, low-post offense when Sofoklis Schortsanitis was on the court. He's 6-foot-9 and 345 pounds. He could only play 14 minutes a game, but averaged 9.6 points. The big man was a beast inside, but that weight meant he needed a lot of rest.

When Schortsanitis sat, Blatt picked up the pace.

That's why Blatt doesn't discuss his strategy for the Cavs -- he has to see his players.

THE RIGHT TIME

"I'm not here because I knew someone or someone did me a favor," he said. "I spent more than 20 years working for this -- and working hard, coaching at the highest levels. I believe I earned the right to get a job like this."

And he knows the pressure is there. On him. On the Cavs.

If this fails, it may be a long time for another Euroleague coach receives the opportunity to be a head coach in the NBA.

"When I'm determined to do something, I will pay the price," he said. "You may call it ignorance, but maybe it's more like naiveté. But I know I can do this job. I'll pay the price to do what it takes. I'm just grateful Dan Gilbert and the Cavs are giving me this chance."

Cleveland Indians manager Terry Francona spoke with the media before Friday's game against the Kansas City Royals. Here are some highlights from the session.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Cleveland Indians manager Terry Francona spoke with the media before Friday's game against the Kansas City Royals. Here are some highlights from the session:

The Indians being their second-longest homestand of the season as they welcome the Kansas City Royals to town.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Get updates and chat with cleveland.com's Glenn Moore in the comments section as the Indians take on the Royals for the first game of a three-game set.

Game 85: Indians (41-43) vs. Royals (44-40)

First pitch: 7:05 p.m. at Progressive Field

TV/radio: STO; WTAM AM/1100, WMMS 100.7

The Tribe's sixth-round draft choice, Allen, played for Gwynn at San Diego State, and has tried to remember his coach who died June 16.

CLEVELAND, Ohio – Greg Allen first arrived in Mahoning Valley just days after his college coach died. 

Understandably, Allen has done a lot of thinking and talking about Tony Gwynn in the days since. 

Allen played for the former San Diego Padres Hall of Famer at San Diego State until Gwynn took a leave of absence in March because of his illness. He died from oral cancer on June 16. 

Allen, the Tribe's sixth-round draft choice in the 2014 draft, said he was appreciative of the time he could spend with the legendary Gwynn.

"He was a fun guy to be around - brought a whole lot of energy whether it was practice or a game," Allen told MiLB.com. "There was just a whole lot you can learn from him about playing the game in general and especially on the hitting side since he was one of the best hitters alive."

Allen is hitting .278 through nine games with the Mahoning Valley Scrappers, has three doubles, a triple and three stolen bases. He leads the Scrappers with 13 runs scored. 

The 6-foot 175-pound Allen joined the Scrappers after three seasons with San Diego State, in the last of which he hit .302 from the leadoff spot, with 25 stolen bases. 

First-round stride: The Tribe's first-round pick, Bradley Zimmer, is beginning to show why the Indians liked him enough to take him 21^st overall in the 2014 MLB draft. 

Through seven games, Zimmer is hitting .346 with two doubles and two RBI. He's beginning to swing the bat a little freer, looking more like the outfielder from University of San Francisco who last season as a junior hit .368 with seven home runs and 19 stolen bases. 

Step in, step up: One of the few newcomer draftees with the Scrappers who hasn't struggled in his initial games is second baseman Steven Patterson, the Indians' 10^th round pick from UC-Davis. 

Davis is hitting .375 through eight games with five doubles and a home run. 

Scrappers manager Ted Kubiak has called him "baseball smart," with an elevated understanding of the game that has helped him adjust quickly. 

Pitchers to watch: Two pitchers who have helped the Scrappers in their 7-12 start include left-hander Sean Brady, the 2013 fifth-round pick of the Indians. Brady is the Scrappers' No. 1 pitcher after spending last season in the Arizona rookie league. He's 1-0 with a 3.38 ERA, and has shown great ability to set up pitchers with his breaking ball rather than trying to overpower them with his mid-90 mph fastball. 

Justin Garcia, meanwhile, is 2-0 in 13 innings pitched in relief for the Scrappers. He's also struck out nine and walked three. Garcia was a 38^th-round pick in 2013.

Making the big leagues: Everyone on the Scrappers will make it to the Big Leagues ... at least for a day. Next Sunday, the team will play at Fenway Park as part of the Boston Red Sox's Futures at Fenway.

For complete Mahoning Valley Scrappers stats and information, click here.

Seen and heard Friday at Progressive Field, including Terry Francona discussing what it takes to be an All-Star manager.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Seen and heard Friday at Progressive Field:

Clubhouse confidential: Having the honor of being manager at the All-Star Game means you were successful the previous year. While the Indians' Terry Francona won't be managing this year's "Mid-Summer Classic,'' he does know what the process entails.

Spencer Hawes, who played 27 games for the Cavaliers after a February trade with the Sixers, agreed to a four-year, $23 million deal, Yahoo's Adrian Wojnarowski reported.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Free agent big man Spencer Hawes is headed to the Los Angeles Clippers.

Hawes, who played 27 games for the Cavaliers after a February trade with the Sixers, agreed to a four-year, $23 million deal with the Clips, Yahoo Sports reported.

Hawes also met with Phoenix and Portland before landing in Los Angeles. The Trail Blazers reached agreement with center Chris Kaman on Thursday.

Hawes provided a spark for the Cavaliers, averaging 13.5 points and shooting 45-percent on three pointers after the trade.

"I like it here, I think it's a good fit," Hawes told The Plain Dealer in April. "And when July comes you kind of see how the other side of the game, how that all fits together."

Turns out, that fit was with the Clippers.

Hawes is the second free agent to leave the Cavs, after C.J. Miles departed for Indiana earlier in the week.

So far, the Cavaliers have met with free agent swingman Gordon Hayward and LeBron James' agent, Rich Paul, according to reports.

LeBron pitches continue: Paul spent a third straight day hearing pitches from teams seeking an audience with King James, this time from the Los Angeles Lakers.

The meeting between Paul and Lakers General Manager Mitch Kupchak and business Vice President Tim Harris took place as scheduled Friday, TNT's David Aldridge reported.

Track records fall in Pro Stock, and Pro Stock motorcycles during NHRA drag racing provisional qualifying in Norwalk, Ohio.

NORWALK, Ohio -- It is appropriate that fireworks marked the Friday start of qualifying for the NHRA drag races at Summit Motorsports Park. With six races left before the six-race countdown to a championship, the Norwalk weekend is when every race driver starts to laser in for the finish.

"This is where the guys have to turn the wick up,'' said Top Fuel driver Antron Brown. "The countdown really starts now."

The top 10 in the points standings race for the title the last six events of the season, and this race is the last in the Midwest before a west coast swing through Denver, Sonoma, California and Seattle. So now is no time to have a misstep on the track.

Friday's provisional qualifying gave no hint any of the frontrunners are in for a long weekend. Certainly Erica Enders, the Pro Stock points leader, is quietly confident. That has not been much fanfare, but Enders is the first woman ever to lead the Pro Stock ranks in points, and would be the first to win a title, if it continues.

"It's been a dream season,'' she said Friday.

Force fever: Iconic Funny Car driver John Force will be without sponsors Ford and Castrol after this season, but the inside word is the race team is on track to solidly regroup. It may take more than two elite sponsors to get the job done, but the race team which includes his daughters Brittany and Courtney, should not be hurting.

Perhaps as early as the NHRA stop later this season at Indianapolis, the Force team could be making some announcements about the future.

A new track record!: Because of perfect weather in the mid-70s under blue skies with a few cotton ball clouds, track records dropped with ease during the first of two rounds of provisional qualifying Friday evening. In Pro Stock Motorcycle Eddie Krawlec set a track speed record of 194.77 miles per hour. In Pro Stock it seemed every round was faster than the last as Greg Anderson was the first to post a track record at 211.39 mph. But in the end the speed honor for the day went to the points leader, Enders, who blistered the track at 212.63 mph.

When the Funny Cars followed there were no track records set, and ditto for Top Fuel. Most expect that to chafe on Saturday when the qualifying will be for real.