Tasha Green, representing the Washunga Days Committee, on Saturday announced the winners of the first Washunga Days Kids Fishing Derby and conducted the drawing for a lifetime hunting and fishing license.
Green thanked the parents and guardians who brought children to participate in the derby and the educational passport stations. She said 103 passports were turned in during the event. Forty fishing poles also were given away through the Second Cast program, with support from Bass Pro Shops and Phil Taunton. Green said all 40 fishing poles were claimed in about 20 minutes.
The top three derby winners were announced based on their catches. Third place went to Heidi Barrett, who caught a 14 1/2-inch bass. Second place went to Hudson Lang, who caught a 16 1/2-inch catfish. First place went to Kyler Ziegenhirt, who caught a 44-inch longnose gar in the river.
Additional prizes were awarded through drawings from the education station passports. Jane Trostle won the prize for a woman who brought a child, which included a gift package from Midas Touch in Emporia and gift cards from local sponsors. Mike Romey won the prize for a man who brought a child, which included a fishing pole and a gift card to the Council Grove Marina.
Serenity Hager and Gabriel Snyder each won birdhouse prize packs.
The grand prize drawing for the lifetime hunting and fishing license was won by Felix Acosta.
Green also thanked Taunton and others who helped organize the firstyear event, along with the sponsors who contributed prizes. She said organizers hope to see participants return next year for the second annual Washunga Days Kids Fishing Derby.