Thedford – For seventeen years, Lewi Herbaugh honored his late father’s memory by
organizing and putting on the Lee Herbaugh Memorial Youth Fishing Tournament, for
youth twelve and under the Saturday of the Thomas County Fair.
Eight years ago, Bruce McMillin and son Easton, who enjoyed it before getting too old,
took it over from Lewi when he wanted to retire from hosting. Bruce moved from
Thedford a few years ago, but he and Easton continue this tradition “to see the smiles
on the kids faces the main reason.”
This year there were 22 fishermen/girls. Prizes were awarded to the biggest blue gill –
won by Briar Bussell. It measured 10.5” which is half an inch over Master Angler size.
Biggest bass was won by Noah Werner while the biggest crappie was won by Emery
Seeley. Other prizes included an annual gift certificate from Sandhills Corral donated to
one of the adults, this year gifted to Darrin Rinestine.
Recognition plaques honoring the owners of the two main ponds the youth fish at are
also awarded. Ellie Thompson won the Booth plaque while Hudson Buechle received
the Blauvelt plaque.
“We could not do this without the support of not only the locals, but also businesses in
North Platte, Valentine, Ainsworth, and our new home town of Johnstown. They help us
assure no youth, whether they caught a fish or not, goes away empty handed,”
exclaimed Bruce.
The father, son duo also made a float for the parade. Fill in the blank theme to “I had
the time of my life ____ in Thomas County.” Inserting fishing won them first place, with
help from some of this year’s participants.
