More of the political lawlessness of today surfaced, as the long-running cover-up and death of a beloved meteorological marmot was recently revealed. The cover-up goes all the way to the top of New York’s political machinery and involves top Staten Island Zoo administrators.

It’s now been reported from myriad media sources that beloved groundhog Staten Island Chuck died a week later from injuries suffered when he was dropped by Mayor Bill de Blasio during the Groundhog’s Day celebration at the zoo.

It was reported de Blasio avoided reporters’ inquiries of Chuck’s demise at a non-related press conference. It was told the New York mayor denied any previous knowledge, alleging he heard it on the news like everyone else.

His press secretary was reported as telling reporters if they had questions about the groundhog’s demise, to talk to the officials at the zoo about the incident as the zoo officials are the experts.

Chuck’s downfall took place on Feb. 2, Groundhog Day, when he slipped from the heavily gloved hands of the mayor. The marmot fell approximately 5 feet to the ground, to the shock and horror of onlooking school children and zoo officials.

Administration media specialists in de Blasio’s circle are jumping to the defense of the mayor. The mayor’s spin doctors are claiming his inexperience in groundhog handling and his heavily gloved hands may have played a role in the slip-up … or slip-out.

Zoo officials did say the resulting death of Staten Island Chuck was consistent with injuries incurred from a fall, but failed to point the finger at the fall from de Blasio’s hands. The officials stated Staten Island Chuck was given a thorough examination after the fall and appeared to be unharmed.

The New York Post reported the Staten Island Zoo receives $3.5 million a year from the coffers of New York City, and zoo officials were urged not to tell the mayor’s office about the passing of Staten Island Chuck. The zoo originally reported the rodent’s demise as “death by natural causes.”

The cover-up goes even deeper, as it has been revealed Staten Island Chuck is alive and well and the dead groundhog was a stand-in named Charlotte. The now-dead, demure female stunt double was selected for the photo-op with the mayor because Charlotte was gentler than Staten Island Chuck.

Apparently, Chuck has a reputation as being a rough rodent and prone to bite politicians. Zoo officials couldn’t risk any possible marmot mayhem after the former New York City mayor, Michael Bloomberg, was bitten during the Groundhog Day celebration in 2013. It’s unknown if Chuck disliked Bloomberg or, being a fan of 32-ounce sugary drinks, disagreed with his policies.

As the lies, misrepresentations and deceit continue to unravel, more questions surface. Surely the uncertainties weighing on the minds of many who foster a fondness and follow the forecasts of meteorological marmots are: Will this incident cast a shadow on next year’s event? And if it does … who is going to see it?

Fall state parks camping deal

A new offer from Indiana State Parks & Reservoirs makes weeknight camping more affordable during October. Campers who book a new campsite reservation for one or more weeknights (Sundays-Wednesdays) during the month will receive 20 percent off of their reserved weeknights at the time of booking.

The offer applies to all state parks and reservoirs campgrounds, Deam Lake and Starve Hollow state recreation areas. Reservations can be booked at www.camp.IN.gov or by calling 866-622-6746 – and the reservation must be booked and used by Nov. 5. When placing the reservation, use the promo code FALLBREAK14.

The offer does not apply to reservations made before Oct. 1 or to reservations made in combination with any other discount or offer. The offer does not apply to walk-in registrations. The discount will only apply to Sundays-Wednesdays, and will not apply to Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

National Wild Turkey Federation

supports MidwayUSA

The National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) has awarded $416,000 to more than 50 shooting teams participating in the MidwayUSA Foundation endowment program. “The future of our hunting heritage depends upon us bringing new individuals into the sport. One of the first steps to creating a new hunter is getting them involved in shooting sports,” said George Thornton, NWTF CEO. “If we get people outside participating in something exciting and new, we are making incredible strides in the right direction.”

The NWTF hosted 13 shooting events across the country this year, including the NWTF Turkey Shoot, one of the largest sporting clays events in the nation. The NWTF gives donations to teams with active endowment accounts and awards additional funds to teams placing in the top three at their respective shoots.

Outdoorsmen and women are respon-sible for the majority of conservation funding. The NWTF realizes the creation and support of shooting enthusiasts through endowment funding will ensure the future of our habitat and wildlife.

MidwayUSA Foundation team endowment accounts give shooting programs access to permanent financial support. Teams can use their funds for many expenses, excluding firearms purchases and political lobbying. For more on the foundation, visit www.midwayusafoundation.org

To learn more about the NWTF initiative, visit www.nwtf.org

The opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of Farm World.