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Deka ice-fishing derby successful again

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Deka firefighter Joe Paradis' 1 lb. 3 oz. kokanee hooked first prize and the Dennis Watt Memorial Trophy at the fire department's annual ice-fishing derby.

A well-below-freezing overnight temperature soon warmed up and Deka Lake & District Volunteer Fire Department's (DLDVFD) annual Ice-Fishing Derby was held at a pleasant 0 C.

Of 215 ticket holders, only two caught kokanee and 18 hauled in lake trout while, once again, no one caught a rainbow.

The largest kokanee, a 1 lb. 3 oz. specimen hauled in by firefighter Joe Paradis, earned him first prize and the Dennis Watt Memorial Trophy, which honours previous Higgins Lake supporter who passed away in 2003. In second place, Ernie Manton's fish weighed just one pound.

Of the comparatively small lakers, the largest, weighing 3 lbs. 4 oz., was brought in by Charlie Arsenault. Tying for second, Jochen Rampold and Andy Nixdorf, each caught a 2 lbs. 8 oz. fish.

Nixdorf had never caught a derby fish before and was so excited that he took off up the access hooking the prize tent as he went. Not until he reached the top did he become aware that his latest catch was the prize tent.

Don Traill won a prize for being the oldest (81) fisher present, while two-year-old Mackenzie Williams won for being the youngest fisher.

Deka resident Kerrie Le Grand won the load of wood generously donated by Jochen Rampold.

DLDVFD fire chief Al Boyce voiced his sincere appreciation to all those who helped, the generous prize donors, and the public for making the derby another great success.