Holy mackerel, that’s a big fish
The fourth annual Southenders Oktoberfish derby ended Sunday afternoon with four winners. Fred Munson of Clark Fork, caught the largest rainbow trout, with a 9-pound, 10-ounce fish.
Second prize, the largest mackinaw, was won by Doug Sheldon, of Rathdrum, with an 11-pound, 5-ounce fish caught just under the wire, prior to the 4 p.m. deadline. Third prize, second-largest rainbow, was caught by Jim Brewer, bragging a 9-pounder. Paul Bel, of Spirit Lake, caught the second-largest mackinaw to win fourth place.
The contest was sponsored by the Bayview Mercantile, Ralph’s Internet Cafe and the Captain’s Wheel Restaurant.
A great time was had by all, as most participants gathered to lie about the fish that were certain winners, if they just hadn’t had a bad break or two. Cash prizes were awarded at the Captain’s Wheel. Fishermen were busy for most of the early evening entertaining themselves while trashing the Fish and Game department for ruining the fishery. The participants battled gusty winds and dripping skies, but were not deterred.
Holy jalapeños,it’s chili season
Fall colors are turning the trees into four-alarm fires and the weather has cooled down considerably. When that happens you know that chili season has arrived.
Athol Post 149 of the American Legion will host its annual chili cook-off Saturday afternoon. Prizes will be awarded for both the best chili and the hottest chili. Last year’s winners were Debbie “Dumptruck” VanScyoc and Debbie Brock. These two chefs both featured very hot chili, which surely featured habaneros or worse, if in fact there is anything worse.
Hopefully they will return to defend their crowns. Call the Legion for details at 683-2614. Also present will be a troop of local Boy Scouts that will be selling gourmet popcorn. This fundraiser is to sponsor as many $1,500 college scholarships as they can earn.
Project projections
Work on the new sewer system for Farragut State Park is in full swing and should be completed by next year’s camping season.
Bayview has turned ominously quiet as construction has ground to a halt. The crash of the real estate market along with banking emergencies has all but stopped construction in its tracks.
Evicted from the Bayview Trailer Park a year ago, tenants have scattered to the winds, but financing problems scuttled the plan for a mixed-used condo and motel package. The partners of James Darling have pulled out and we understand the property is for sale along with the approved project for about $2.5 million, which by most estimates is about $1 million more than was paid for by the current owners. The Buttonhook Restaurant is closed for the season and is up for sale.