Catch-a-thon draws young anglers

Families flocked to the annual Carleton's Catfish Catch-A-Thon at the Johnson Branch Unit on Saturday.

The event fulfills two of the park’s missions: to get people out in nature and to honor a beloved team member, Amanda Carleton, who was the office manager for the branch before her passing.

“This event, and the idea of it, kind of came out of that tragedy,” said Robbie Merritt, the Ray Roberts Lake State Park superintendent. “I’ve just seen so much good come out of that, and it just gives us a chance to remember her in a positive way. It’s really meaningful.”