The fish were biting
The annual Maple Crest fishing derby was June 9 at the pond behind the main building. The event was for Maple Crest residents and their families and guests, plus Maple Crest staff and their families and guests. (Click to view photos)
Rod and reel fishing poles were provided by the Division of Natural Resources in Findlay. A record crowd of over 225 people turned out to enjoy the sunny afternoon.
Many "whoppers" were caught, with the top ones being:
22 1/2 inches by Elijah Watkins, 21 1/2 inches (tie) by Deb Maag and Daniel Setzer
21 inches by Elaina Helser, and 20 1/2 inches by Kay Siudzinski
The shortest fish caught were: 4 1/4 inch by Carter Russell, 4 1/2 inch (tie) by Connor Lee and Eric Maag, and 4 3/4 inch by Thayne Kleman.
Eighteen other prizes (donated by MHCO and BFR) were also awarded, including:
Most fish caught -- 15 by Cory Hilty (which he cleaned and cooked up for a meal!)
1st fish caught at the Derby -- Clarence Kooker (It measured 13 1/4 inches long.)
1st guest actually out fishing -- Jim Lehman
Resident who brought the most guests -- Royce and Betty Engle with 8 guests
Staff who brought the most guests -- Lyubov Shekochikhin with 14 guests
Had on a great fishing outfit -- Christine Purves (with a blouse full of colorful fish)
Brought the youngest child -- Holly and Tony Bauman with 6 month-old Jackson
Eighteen volunteers and staff members kept everything running smoothly at the Fishing Derby, including serving hot dogs off of the grill for the picnic supper.
Stories Posted This Week
Wednesday, June 10, 2026
Tuesday, June 9, 2026
- Local students on ONU's Spring 2026 Dean's List
- Sardines swamp Ada Gators in opening swim meet
- NWS heat advisory for June 10
- Agenda for June 11 Orange Twp Trustees meeting
- Public meetings schedule for Village of Bluffton, June 10-29
- Local teen documents Ohio sightings of steam locomotive Big Boy
- Open House at remodeled Bluffton EMS station
- Unforgettable: Marvel Stratton Hilty
- Award-winning author Mindy McGinnis speaks at Bluffton Public Library
- Bus trips with Debbie announced by Senior Center