The Knox County Park District has named four winners of its “Keepin’ it Reel, Igniting a Spark for Mental Health Awareness” youth fishing tournament.
“We greatly appreciate our sponsors who partnered with us and provided our participants with some awesome goods for their tackle sack,” the Park Service said in a Facebook post. “Mental health is a serious condition and if left unnoticed can lead to a serious outcome.”
Jacob Berisford took the title for large-mouth bass at 15.75 inches and bluegill at 9 inches. His sister, Hannah, followed in second place with a 14.5-inch large-mouth and 8.75-inch bluegill.
Bentlee Elliott placed third with a 10-inch large-mouth, while John Flack placed fourth with a 9.75-inch bluegill.
“Each of our anglers will receive a gift card,” the Park Service said in the post. “Congratulations to our winning anglers and to all who participated. Look for another virtual youth fishing tournament as Ryan Shotts of Outlaw Marine/Pier 36 will sponsor our August tournament! Registration will be open soon.”
Sponsors included Dodie Melvin of the National Alliance of Mental Illness of Knox and Licking County, Anessa Hill of Igniting a Spark, Suicide Prevention Inc., Stacy Gilley of Knox Public Health, Justin Smith of the Kokosing Valley Junior Anglers and Alayna Mowery of Knox Community Health Center.
