Deka Lake and District Volunteer Fire Department's (DL&DVFD) annual Ice-Fishing derby, Feb. 4, was a great success with 210 tickets sold and 31 fish weighed in, which was more than 50 per cent better than last year.
It was a gloriously sunny day with temperatures reaching 7 C.
It seems like it was "ladies day," as both top prizes went to women.
Seventeen lake trout came in, but it was Joice Jenewein who reeled in the enormous 32 lb. 9 oz. specimen. Rod Altmanshofer also brought in a big one at 22 lb. 2 oz., while third place went to Charlie Arsenault's 18 lb. laker.
For the third consecutive year, not one rainbow was caught.
The largest of 14 kokanee was brought in by Debra DeCenzo whose 1 lb. 8 oz. catch also won the Dennis Watt Memorial Trophy for largest kokanee. A Higgins Lake resident, Watt passed away in 2003, but the stalwart supporter of Deka's fire department is still fondly remembered.
This year, the DL&DVFD was most grateful to receive a gift from Dennis' widow, Maria, in his memory - a Coleman stove for cooking on the ice. That's a bone-chilling job, so the stove certainly added comfort.
Second prize for kokanee, at 1 lb. 6 oz., went to Bryce Edwards, whose fish was also the first weighed in at just after 8 a.m. Jim Chislett's 1 lb. 4 oz. fish took third.
A special prize was presented to the youngest fisher present, eight-month-old Madison Wright, granddaughter to Susan and David Regehr.
Another went to the oldest fisher present, 85-year-old Reg Birch, previously of Interlakes and now of 100 Mile.
BLCS news
• Bridge Lake Community School's beginner’s yoga with Meg Gunn commenced Feb. 13 and runs from 5 to 6:30 p.m. for three Mondays. The registration deadline has passed, but call to see if space remains.
• Peter Crawshay will instruct the Unified Navigation System; all you need to know to play safely in the wilderness from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Feb. 18.
• Bonnie Winter teaches Shambala Buddhist Meditation at 7 p.m., Feb. 21, 28, and March 6. Registration deadline is Feb. 16, and the fee is by donation.
• Local rock hounds will share their knowledge of local rock and fossil sites Feb. 22 at 7 p.m. Registration deadline is Feb. 20.
* Peter Lanosky shares his knowledge of how to preserve books and documents Feb 25 from 1 to 5 p.m. Bring something old. Deadline to register is Feb. 22.
To register for the above classes, call 250-593-4538.
Griese missed
Interlakers are mourning the Jan. 24 loss of Hans Griese, the "Woodman."
For years, Hans kept Interlakers supplied with firewood and he is deeply missed.
In typically courteous fashion, Hans published a thank-you to his customers in the Jan. 17 Free Press.
Sincere sympathy is extended to his many friends, with special thoughts for Birgit.
A Celebration of Life will be held 3 p.m. on Feb. 19 at the Iron Horse Pub.
Celebrations
Birthday bubbly goes to Peggy Lackey, while Joelle Kuyek gets five big balloons on Feb. 21.
Calendar
Call the writer for contact numbers.
• Crib, Deka Fire Hall, 7:30 p.m., Feb. 17.
• Children's Winter Carnival at 100 Mile Junior Secondary Gym, 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Feb. 18.
• Teen Space fundraising luncheon, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Feb. 19 at Interlakes Hall. Enjoy soup, biscuits and apple crisp by donation.
• The Knotty Ladies Appliqué Group meets noon to 3 p.m., Monday, Feb. 20 at Interlakes Hall.
• Highway 24/Interlakes Lions meet 6:30 p.m., Feb. 20 at Interlakes Hall.
• Deka fire practice: 6:30 p.m., Feb. 21.
Roe Lake and District Recreation Commission meets 7 p.m. Feb. 22, followed by an Interlakes Community Association meeting at 7:30.