For decades, war has been waged over the holy grail of America’s Arctic frontier, the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. The wide coastal plain on the edge of the Beaufort Sea contains stunning populations of caribou, grizzly, musk oxen and other wildlife — and also an abundant pool of oil and gas.

Looking for some outdoor fun during these wonderful summer days? Make trip to these terrific spots, all either around Lodi or a short drive away. From water sports and boating, to fishing and hiking, there will never be a dry day.

With clear Sierra streams flowing through the foothills, man-made reservoirs that stretch for miles and the meandering waters of the Delta nearby, Lodi is an angler’s dream.

Whether it’s coming up with a new creation for a food truck, adding a Mexican flair or adding a twist to comfort foods, culinary talents abound in Lodi. Some area chefs are self-taught, while others have learned on the job.

Favorite place to eat: If I am going out to dinner with my wife Shelby, we like The Dancing Fox. It has great food, a great environment and great pies for dessert.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — A record-setting Burmese python was killed with a knife in a rural section of southern Miami-Dade County, after it wrapped itself around the leg of the man trying to capture it.

The following is a list of this week’s lunch menus for area schools and LOEL Center. Milk is served with each school meal. The LOEL Center lunch menu is for congregate lunch at the LOEL Center only. Reservations are required 24 hours in advance. For more information, call 209-369-1591.

Barbara Miller used to routinely take her dog on evening walks by the river near her home — but not anymore. About eight to 10 weeks ago, Miller and some neighbors say they spotted a mountain lion roaming in a field near a river. But by the time she'd found her camera, hoping to capture a picture of the elusive creature, it was gone.

A California agency on Thursday unanimously adopted a broad, long-range plan to manage the ailing Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta.

Patti Wallace stood on a busy street corner at Pine Street and Cherokee Lane, a brush dripping with brown paint in her hand. She hemmed and hawed, looking for the right angle to apply a nose to the face she was creating on the side of a traffic control signal box on the sidewalk. A dropcloth taped around the base of the box protected the sidewalk, and a line sketch of her design was lightly penciled in on its surface.

(StatePoint) Not sure what to give your dad for Father’s Day? Classic choices like a tie or cufflinks are nice, but don’t forget to give him the most meaningful gift of all -- quality time.

Because our state is so awash in debt and unfunded public employees’ pension requirements, it is imperative that we citizens pay attention to projected huge expenditures that will impact our state for years to come. Can we really afford a high-speed railroad that seems more a dream of Jerry Brown’s ego than anything realistically possible in the near future?

Mother’s Day — and HOT. This day should be gently spring-like: warm in the sun, cool in the shade, with a very soft breeze.

(StatePoint) There may be some credence to the old saying that “beauty comes from within.” Scientific research shows that the appearance of your largest, most visible organ -- your skin -- can be directly affected by the vitamins, nutrients and minerals you feed your body.

Lodi city officials spent Tuesday morning patrolling the Lodi Lake Nature Area after a citizen reported seeing a mountain lion around dusk Monday.

The following is a list of this week’s lunch menus for area schools and LOEL Center. Milk is served with each school meal. The LOEL Center lunch menu is for congregate lunch at the LOEL Center only. Reservations are required 24 hours in advance. For more information, call 209-369-1591.

She radiates confidence and sex appeal. Her long hair — always fiery red with subtle waves hanging around her shoulders — is her signature. Sometimes she appears frivolous and carefree, her body wrapped around a wine bottle with that wide red smile. Other times, she is contemplative; lying at the edge of the Lodi Lake with a glass of purple wine in her hand and strappy heels on her feet.

The San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Tuesday to open the 17-acre Woodbridge Wilderness Area every weekend during summer months, for the first time since a devastating fire in 2008.

San Joaquin County Parks and Recreation and the Delta Fly Fishers will host the 29th Annual Catfish Derby on Saturday, June 1, beginning at 6:15 a.m. at Oak Grove Regional Park in Stockton.

(NAPSI)—Any time of year can be the right time to take a look at how you can maintain the health of your eyes. The good news is that there are simple steps you can follow to keep your eyes healthy and make sure you are seeing your best.

(NAPSI)—After the ring is unveiled and the word “yes” is uttered, the flurry of planning a wedding commences. While the dress, the flowers and catering are important, the experience you create for you and your guests will be what stays with them—and you—for years to come. A destination that can offer a variety of attractions and activities to entertain and excite any guest, from grandparents to toddlers, will ensure happy wedding-goers and a celebration that continues before and after the nuptials.

The Delta: On the Sacramento River, striper trollers are fishing areas of Isleton to Walnut Grove, Cache Slough up in the shipping channel and West Bank, using Rebels, Bombers, P-Line Angry Eyes, P-Line Predators and shallow-running Yozuris. Most fish are 9 pounds with an occasional fish in the teens.

(StatePoint) Whether you are motivated to help the planet or simply want to slash home energy and water bills, there are easy steps to reduce your home’s carbon footprint.

(BPT) - Individuals at risk for anaphylaxis – a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction – know the importance of having people around them who can help with allergen avoidance, such as bringing allergy-friendly food options to the company party or helping to shield from bees on the playground. Now, there is a new way to say “thank you” to the teacher, relative or co-worker who has made a difference in the life of an individual at risk for anaphylaxis. Sanofi US has launched a Severe Allergy Awareness Facebook page where individuals have a unique opportunity to create online awards via the “Celebrate Someone” app to recognize an unsung hero of allergy awareness.

(NewsUSA) - After 18 years spent leaping over regulatory hurdles and sputtering in political gridlock, the first genetically modified animal intended for human consumption is one critical step closer to receiving federal approval.