Contest results announced

A total of 80 children signed up for the free Kids Ice Fishing Contest held in conjunction with the Iola Winter Carnival on Saturday, Feb. 6.

The ages of the contestants ranged from 2 to 16 years old, with most in the 5 to 11 age range.

Last year, 63 participated, according to John Bertelson Jr., chairman of the Lake Iola Lake Protection and Rehabilitation District.

“The contest went very well,” Bertelson said. “A total of 26 fish were caught, which was better than the 20 caught last year.”

The 13 northern ranged from 15 inches to 33-3/4 inches in size.

Similar to last year, only one bass was caught and it was 18-3/4 inches long.

The panfish consisted of five bluegill (8-1/2 inches to 10-1/8 inches), four perch (9-7/8 inches to 11-3/4 inches) and three crappie (10 inches to 12-1/2 inches).

Winners in the categories were: Northern – Avyn Christensen, first; Owen Wolberg, second; Zqeva Stemper, third; panfish – Brittney Van Dyke, first; Aiden Iverson, second; Ethan Mansavage, third; bass – Ahnna Check, first.

The ice fishing contest is sponsored by the Lake Iola Lake Protection and Rehabilitation District and the Iola Lions Club. Many area businesses donated prizes.

Special appreciation is extended to Jack Kuhr, Cliff Schmidt, Gary Richards, Mike Jacquart and Ed Staal for helping with the activities.