On Saturday, June 1, approximately 40 area kids learned about casting and catching from local law enforcement and corrections officers, including two K-9s, at the first annual Jackson County Cops & Bobbers event. Officers from the Department of Natural Resources, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Wisconsin State Patrol, and Jackson Correctional Institution engaged in some friendly competition to see whose fishing partners could reel in the most bluegills, crappies, walleyes, and bass from Lee Lake in Millston. (In the end, it seemed JCI officers were the victors!) Future game warden (and current Melrose-Mindoro high school student) Isabella Liebke also volunteered her Saturday to fish with some of the children, while community member and the driving force behind the event, Shaun Lescher, used some of his fishing expertise to teach the kids the ins and outs of a perfect cast. Jackson County District Attorney Emily Hynek captured photos of the successful fisherkids with their trophies (they were THIS BIG!) and prizes won from the day-long raffles and contests, while Beth Hammond and Carolyn Lescher manned the entry tent and prizes. The Jackson County Wildlife Fund was on hand to offer a delicious lunch of hotdogs and sides, while Great Lakes Cheese made sure each kid went home with their own supply of string cheese. It was a fun and successful event, despite the morning rain, and would not have been possible without support from community partners. Several local businesses donated supplies, snacks, and raffle prizes, including Re-Pete’s, Jensen Towing & Repair, Little Vinny’s, Jackson Electric, Artisan’s, God’s County Muskies Inc., Moe’s Hardware, Kwik Trip, Kathy Mellon, JR Manske, Coop Credit Union, Theisen’s, Kevin Kamrowski, Big Dan’s Longbranch, and Chad “Wild” Myhre Memorial Fishing Tournament. Several participants also generously donated toward future events.
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