Optimists sponsor fishing derby

The Luverne Optimist Club 2017 Fishing Derby attracted more than 60 children and 100 participants Saturday, Sept. 16, at the Veterans Home Pond in Luverne. Young Keegen Hess (right) snagged a 20-inch catfish for the first catch of the day, and it ended up earning him a third-place win. Mallachi Domagala (left) reeled in a 24-inch carp in the final seconds of the derby to claim first place. Scarlet Xiong (center) took second place with a 23-inch catfish. She’s pictured with Optimist Club member Travis Pierce who helped organize the annual event. He said the club offered free grilled hot dogs to the group, along with more than $500 in donated prizes.