$20,500 raised for 18 Fore Life through annual fishing tournament By NOREEN HYSLOP Managing Editor Perfect weather conditions and a record number of participants paired up for the biggest and best-ever Ben Kruse Charity Crappie Tournament to benefit 18 Fore Life at Lake Wappapello on Saturday, Sept. 6. A total of 77 boats entered the contest this year -- more than any previous year. At the end of the day, a total of $20,500 was raised for the local charity, which gives $1,000 love offerings to individuals facing the challenges that accompany a cancer diagnosis. The team of Scott Northern and Frank Sifford turned in the highest weight of fish -- 6.52 lbs, with David and Wes Howard earning second place with 6.22 lbs. Along with the winners, two $25 gift cards were presented to the team that had the lowest weight that weighed in. Those winners were Brody Roper and Brandon Miller. Several other prizes were awarded and included the following: * Brett Roper won the 1199 Hummingbird raffle * Dan Hudgens won the 50/50 raffle * Amber Duley won the Cooler/Drink Card Play * Ryan Duley won the Traeger Grill * Jerry Worth won the Cajun Fish Fryer "Several door prizes were given to participating anglers and the goody bags were stuffed full of tee shirts, half-zip pullovers, towels, can coolies, stickers, tackle and more from all our wonderful sponsors," said organizer Amy Christian of the event. Tyson Foods supplied chicken wings and the team of Doug Cox, Dallas Buchanan, James Kauffman, and R.D. Stewart manned the grill. Christian extended a special thanks to all anglers, sponsors and volunteers. "We couldn't make this happen without each and every one of them, and we're grateful for them all." Next year is already scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 12, 2015.
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