Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org
Surnames: Pagenkopf, Bayerl
----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 6/24/2020
News: Loyal-Pagenkopf Brothers “Fish For Your School” (Contest – 2020)
Pagenkopf Brothers “Fish For Your School” Funds
By Valorie Brecht
Three young lads from Loyal have chosen to help their school through an annual fishing contest. Ashton, Karston and Kolten Pagenkopf donated $1,500 in winnings to Loyal Public Schools.
The boys participated in the Lake Holcombe Lions Club Ice Fishing Contest this year. They could decide whether they wanted to compete for individual prizes or donate to the school through the “Fish for Your School” contest. They chose the latter. Ashton, 15, took first place in the small fish category with an 11.5-inch crappie, earning $750 for Loyal High School. Kolton, 11, placed second in the small fish category with a 9.75-inch crappie, winning $500 for Loyal Elementary School. Karston, 13, took third in the large fish category with a 17.75-inch bass. That earned $250 for loyal Junior High School. (See their photos below).
Ashton Pagenkopf, 15, caught this 11.5-inchCrappie in Lake Holcombe Lions Club Ice Fishing Contest and earned $750 for Loyal High School.
Eleven-year-old Kolton Pagenkopf reeled in a 9.75-inch Crappie to earn $500 for his school, Loyal Elementary.
Karston Pagenkopf , 13 caught this 17,75-inch Bass to earn $250 for Loyal High School. Submitted photos.
However, this isn’t the only time the boys have used their angling skills to support the school. Since 2009, the boys have donated $6,000 in winnings to the school district. One or more of them have placed in the ice fishing contest seven different years.
“It’s a good fundraiser. It’s something we do as a family every year and hope we can bring something back for the school,” said Tonya Pagenkopf, the boys’ mom.
The contest is held on the “pond” north of Big Swede’s Resort every year all participants fish for free. Students from other local school districts ae encouraged to attend.
“We see this as a win-win situation; the student develops a lifetime skill and we are able to help a school provide enrichment for students,” said Lake Holcombe Lions Club secretary Dianne Bayerl in a letter to the school district.
