Maple Crest - a one-of-a-kind fishing derby
Despite the chilly weather, over 220 people showed up at Maple Crest on June 5 for the annual fishing derby.
Travis Kleman, grandson-in-law of Maple Crest's Lucille Bucher, caught the biggest fish this year - a catfish that was 25 1/4 inches and that also snapped his fishing pole!
The littlest fish this year was caught by Karlie Lora, great-granddaughter of Maple Crest's Mary Huffer, at a whopping 3 3/8 inches.
"A special thank you to our resident volunteers, community volunteers and staff (27 in all) that helped make the event such a success. Photos from the event are available on MHCO's Facebook page at facebook.com/MHCO," said Debbie Mohr of Maple Crest
Maple Crest's fishing derby facts:
(Thanks to Debbie Mohr for these great facts)
I. NUMBERS:
Over 220 people attended the event in spite of the cool evening!
27 assistants (staff and volunteers) kept the event running smoothly.
II. PRIZE-WINNERS:
Person who caught the longest fish - Travis Kleman (25 1/4 in.)
Person who caught the 2nd longest fish - Daniel Setzer (22 1/8 in.)
Person who caught the 3rd longest fish - Kevin Hilty (19 1/2 in.)
Person who caught the shortest fish - Karlie Lora (3 3/8 in.)
Person who caught the 2nd shortest fish - Patricia Lugibihl (4 1/8 in.)
Person who caught the 3rd shortest fish - Simon Derstine (4 1/4 in.)
First resident actually out fishing - Mary Ann Kooker
First guest actually out fishing - Ron Burkholder
First staff actually out fishing - Jannie Derstine
First person to catch a fish - Patricia Lugibihl
The newest residents present -
Richard Bucher and Jack and Glenna McCullough
Persons wearing a "cool" hat -
Richard Lasko (orange bill with a hood) and Hazel Rodabaugh (white shawl)
Residents who brought the most guests - Arthur and JoAnn Hilty (25)
Staff who brought the most guests - Lyubov Shekochikhin (11)
Person who caught the most fish - Patricia Lugibihl (8 fish)
Person who caught the 2nd most fish -- Thayne Kleman (6 fish)
Person that came the farthest - Megan Hulshizer (Miriam Rumsey's granddaughter from Oklahoma)
Person that came the second farthest - George Fischer (Julia Szabo's Father from Florida)
Person that came the third farthest - Al and Marsha Galovits (Betsy Lee's parents from Wisconsin)
Fisher with the missing front teeth - Landon Novak
Person who caught two fish at once (with two poles) - Arlene Allison
Person who wore the prettiest fishing outfit - Danielle Novak (summer sundress)
Person who wore the loveliest nature outfit - Kylee Longworth (butterfly sweater)
Person who wore the coziest outfit - Mary Huffer (green sweater with matching green blanket)
Person with the best ensemble - Karlie Lora (from pink shoes to fancy bow)
Youngest person present - Will Dailey (born May 21, 2012 -- great grandson of Art and JoAnn Hilty)
Stories Posted This Week
Friday, July 3, 2026
- Ada Icon headlines, July 3
- OPEN POLL What's your top traffic safety priority in Bluffton?
- Bluffton University Board of Trustees approves faculty promotion, reviews institutional progress
- Summer Crisis program begins July 1
- Quarry Farm Nature Preserve news for Summer 2026
- Bluffton roundabout opens, Pocono closes at SR 103
- Musical duo learns, performs 50 songs for America 250
- Why Icon Facebook comments are moderated
- June 2026 land transfers in the Bluffton School District
- July 2026 programs and services at Bluffton Public Library
Thursday, July 2, 2026
- Ada Icon headlines, July 2
- Obituary for Lois C. Fischer
- 4th of July events celebrating American 250 in Bluffton
- Watercolor Workshop scheduled at Bluffton Public Library
- Mobile Health Clinic coming on July 9
- T-Rex Tea Party at the Bluffton Public Library
- Critters, Flitters, and Gallinippers: SCHS 2nd Saturday, July 11
- Surveyor James Riley will time travel on July 4
- The Air That I Breathe: Air Pollution and Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Wednesday, July 1, 2026
- Ada Icon headlines, July 1
- June School Board: Bernal resigns as elementary principal, lunch prices increase
- WOAL League Champs in Kenton July 10 and 11
- 2026 Swiss Day celebration focuses on past and future
- Senior Center offers Bus Trips with Debbie
- Senior Center's July Dinner meeting topic: The history of Dixie Highway
Tuesday, June 30, 2026
Monday, June 29, 2026
- Ada Icon headlines, Jun 29
- Lima Meijer closed on June 29 following shots fired
- Ohio EMA tips for extreme heat conditions this week
- Scavenger hunt at Senior Center
- Bluffton University streamlines MBA program for working professionals
- July 2026: What brings you to Bluffton?
- America 250 Quilt Raffle is underway
- More than a car show: 58th annual Festival of Wheels
- Allen County residents invited to provide feedback on Hazard Mitigation Plan