It’s no secret our area is known for the benevolence of its residents and last weekend was a prime showing. For those who like “cast or blast” opportunities benefiting worthwhile causes the events were met with great success. Even though all the activities were conducted outdoors, among sometimes pouring rain, the wet weather did nothing to dampen the spirits of those who took part. At the end of last weekend, funds were raised for area children and fallen soldiers. Are there any better motivations? First on the agenda was the 14th annual Jim “Moose” Carden Kids Fishing Clinic benefit bass tournament, sponsored by Adams Auto Group and Adams Tire Outlet. The friendly competition was staged at the Kokomo Reservoir and hosted the largest contingent of anglers since its inception. This shows the dedication and skill of area anglers considering they dealt with, of course rain, and water that resembled chocolate milk. At the conclusion of the weigh in it was the team of Mat Temme and Dennis McKee who came away winners with five largemouth bass dropping the electronic scales at 11.35 pounds. They also took home the annual event’s “big fish” honor with a bass tipping the scales at just under four pounds. Second place went to Jerry Pickett and Wayne Eads with four fish totaling 7.14 pounds. Even after encountering a mechanical failure, cousins Adam Blankenberger and Ethan Miller snagged third place with two fish weighing 5.35 pounds. Notable was the display of kindness shown by competing angler Eric Kinney. When Miller’s boat developed engine problems and with no way to make the weigh-in on time, Kinney stopped fishing and loaded Miller and their team’s catch into his own boat so his competitors would avoid weigh-in time disqualification. “What a great display of sportsmanship,” said tournament director Mat Temme. “He quit fishing just to help people he is competing against. That shows you what kind of people we have fishing out here.” In addition to providing the trophies for the top finishers and donation to Kokomo’s Kids Fishing Clinic, Adam’s Tire Outlet also provided new trailer tires to one lucky angler. After the random drawing Steve Kelley was named the winner. “How great is that,” said Kelley. “Plus my trailer is a tandem axle so I ended up with four new tires,” he added with a laugh.
Kokomo area keeps busy with benefit events
Kokomo area keeps busy with benefit events
Kokomo area keeps busy with benefit events
It’s no secret our area is known for the benevolence of its residents and last weekend was a prime showing. For those who like “cast or blast” opportunities benefiting worthwhile causes the events were met with great success. Even though all the activities were conducted outdoors, among sometimes pouring rain, the wet weather did nothing to dampen the spirits of those who took part. At the end of last weekend, funds were raised for area children and fallen soldiers. Are there any better motivations? First on the agenda was the 14th annual Jim “Moose” Carden Kids Fishing Clinic benefit bass tournament, sponsored by Adams Auto Group and Adams Tire Outlet. The friendly competition was staged at the Kokomo Reservoir and hosted the largest contingent of anglers since its inception. This shows the dedication and skill of area anglers considering they dealt with, of course rain, and water that resembled chocolate milk. At the conclusion of the weigh in it was the team of Mat Temme and Dennis McKee who came away winners with five largemouth bass dropping the electronic scales at 11.35 pounds. They also took home the annual event’s “big fish” honor with a bass tipping the scales at just under four pounds. Second place went to Jerry Pickett and Wayne Eads with four fish totaling 7.14 pounds. Even after encountering a mechanical failure, cousins Adam Blankenberger and Ethan Miller snagged third place with two fish weighing 5.35 pounds. Notable was the display of kindness shown by competing angler Eric Kinney. When Miller’s boat developed engine problems and with no way to make the weigh-in on time, Kinney stopped fishing and loaded Miller and their team’s catch into his own boat so his competitors would avoid weigh-in time disqualification. “What a great display of sportsmanship,” said tournament director Mat Temme. “He quit fishing just to help people he is competing against. That shows you what kind of people we have fishing out here.” In addition to providing the trophies for the top finishers and donation to Kokomo’s Kids Fishing Clinic, Adam’s Tire Outlet also provided new trailer tires to one lucky angler. After the random drawing Steve Kelley was named the winner. “How great is that,” said Kelley. “Plus my trailer is a tandem axle so I ended up with four new tires,” he added with a laugh.