The Osage Sportsman's Club will hold the annual Dorothy Noeske Memorial Fishing Derby from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 24 on the Straight Lake Mill Pond in Osage.
"We're figuring out how to get all the snow pushed off the ice," said Club President Allen Belt.
Belt and his wife, Kathy, are organizers of the event and members of the Osage Sportsman's Club. This year, they're hoping the weather cooperates so the event can happen on the ice.
Last year, a snowstorm caused the event not to happen on the ice. But, people still gathered at the Osage Community Center to eat, socialize and draw the raffle tickets.
The tournament is named after Dorothy Noeske, the wife of the club's long-time former president, Melvin Noeske, who still lives in the area. She passed away in 2006.
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Area youth look forward to this fishing derby.
"We emphasize the kids but we also have fishing for adults," Kathy Belt said.
A youth lifetime fishing license will be awarded to one lucky angler. The first 100 children at the event also receive a free goodie bag filled with fishing toys.
Kids will also participate to see who catches the largest pan fish.
"There will be a taxidermist there to mount it for them," said Allen Belt.
Toad Lake Taxidermy has offered to create the mount.
"He does great work and it will be real special for the kid," Allen said.
Those who attend are asked to park far away from the holes on the ice because there is already a lot of snow and weight on the ice.
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"Park along the edge of the lake and walk," Allen suggests.
"And pray for nice weather," Kathy added.
The event itself is free. Raffle tickets are also on sale for $2 each, with the grand prizes being two Jiffy Ice Augers. Tickets can be bought from any member or on the ice.
There will be hot dogs, coffee and hot chocolate out on the ice to ensure everybody has nice, warm hands as they reel in the crappies, rock bass, perch and other in-season fish.
A special event this year will precede the fishing event at 1 p.m. Anyone who wants to help weave the welcome mat for the Governor's Fishing Opener can head out to the ice at about 11 a.m., Kathy said.
"We'll weave until the fishing starts at 1," she said.
Donations are still being accepted for the event. For more information, call Allen and Kathy Belt at 732-0978.
