Greg Wagner of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission praised Southeast Nebraska Lewis & Clark Sportsman Club members for raising funds for youth activities Saturday night, Aug. 20, at Johnson.

Wagner spoke at the club’s annual banquet and auction at the Johnson American Legion Hall. It was the sixth annual banquet under the group’s current name and 16th overall.
“Some of the finest people I’ve met are in Southeast Nebraska. Southeast Nebraska farmers are some of the most innovative farmers I’ve met. This is outstanding, you showing up to support youth activities,” Wagner said.
Wagner is public information officer with the Game and Parks Commission. He is a 30-year veteran of the commission. Wagner may be heard on such radio stations as KNCY, Nebraska City and KFAB, Omaha. He also appears weekly on WOWT, Omaha.
Wagner said that youth need to spend time outdoors. Many youth are spending time at the mall, in the living room and on the couch. Nebraska Game and Parks Commission representatives are involved with a lot of youth-oriented activities, he said.
“I’m concerned about this generation. They are dealing with a lot of pressure, obesity and not getting outdoors. You need to get the youth outdoors, in the fresh air and wholesomeness. You need to keep them outdoors. You need to get involved with the process. You will be able to connect yourself with youth big time. You need to develop and keep their interest in outdoor activities,” Wagner said.
Youth are involved with many activities, so the parents, grandparents and other adults need to take advantage of any windows of time the youth have available to spend time outdoors, he said.
“You won’t regret it,” Wagner said.
He encouraged youth to try trapshooting, which is one of the fastest growing outdoor activities. There are a number of youth high school age trapshooting teams across Nebraska.
“You’re doing a fantastic job with youth. They need a catalyst to get outdoors,” Wagner concluded.
A silent auction, live auction and drawings were part of the event.
Live auction items included several prints. The prints included “Moose in the Meadow” and “Winchester Hunter,” both in a special wood bark frame; “The Beatty Buck” by Mike Sieve; a National Rifle Association whitetail hunting print and a Print of the Year-Elk “A Challenge to All” by Ron VanGilder. A painting by Katy Haberman, “Gilberts Pond” in northwest Nemaha County was also included. Haberman’s husband is a Nemaha County native. There was a youth auction, which featured a CZ 22 caliber rifle, knife set and 22 caliber target set.
Members of Bender-Reese American Legion Post No. 330, Johnson, presented the colors. Ron Badberg led the singing of “America The Beautiful.”
Glen Hogue, committee chairman, urged everyone to remember all the veterans who have served the United States and the men and women who are currently serving overseas.
More than 100 persons attended. A number of youth attended. Other notables who attended were Randy Fox, superintendent of Arbor Lodge State Park, Nebraska City and state Sen. Lavon Heideman of Elk Creek.
The Southeast Nebraska Lewis & Clark Sportsman Club is a non-profit volunteer organizations which raises funds with tax-deductible contributions. The funds are spent in Southeast Nebraska to support firearm related activities.
Over the past 15 years, chapter members have contributed more than $65,000 to area youth for firearms training, education and safety programs. All of the money raised will remain in Southeast Nebraska.