- Last Updated on Monday, 01 July 2013 03:05
New Monongahela Aquatorium a Perfect Venue
By Paul Chasko
By Paul Chasko
![]() Brian Rose (and Mom) show off thetackle box he won as a door prize.
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The fishing derby ran from 8:00 am until 2:00 pm and there was a lot of action. The kids fished either from the Aquatorium or from the banks of the Monongahela River on either side. A variety of fish were caught and members of the Valley Inn Sportsmen’s’ Association were on hand to see that the fish were netted, measured and released.
There were 1st, 2nd, and 3rd prize trophies for the largest fish caught in the three different age groups ( ages 1-5, 6-10 and 11-15). And there was a single trophy for the most fish caught. The winners of the trophies were:
There were 1st, 2nd, and 3rd prize trophies for the largest fish caught in the three different age groups ( ages 1-5, 6-10 and 11-15). And there was a single trophy for the most fish caught. The winners of the trophies were:
![]() Brian Rose shared the winning photo with Mayor Bob Kepics, since the Mayor helped him bait the hook
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1-5 Years old
1st Place: Fiona Takahsh
2nd Place: Caden Smith
3rd Place: (No other contestant)
6-10 Years old
1st Place: Micha Dzonka
2nd Place: Emma Estep
3rd Place: Brian Rose
11-15 Years old
1st Place: Brandon Boka
2nd Place: Jordon Roberts
3rd Place: Nicholas Matthews
Most Fish Caught: (7 fish) Jeremy Hutton
1st Place: Fiona Takahsh
2nd Place: Caden Smith
3rd Place: (No other contestant)
6-10 Years old
1st Place: Micha Dzonka
2nd Place: Emma Estep
3rd Place: Brian Rose
11-15 Years old
1st Place: Brandon Boka
2nd Place: Jordon Roberts
3rd Place: Nicholas Matthews
Most Fish Caught: (7 fish) Jeremy Hutton
![]() Jeremy Hutton wins the trophy for the most fish caught (7).
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There were enough door prizes donated that it seemed every contestant at the event won at least something.
Monongahela Mayor Bob Kepics was on hand to congratulate all the winners, and to thank all the local merchants who donated food and prizes to make the event a success and especially to the Valley Inn Sportsmen’s’ Association who made it all happen.
Mayor Kepics noted that this was the 10th annual fishing contest hosted at the Monongahela Aquatorium – only one year was missed due to renovations underway at the Aquatorium. The improvements to the Aquatorium are part of a four year program of which the Mayor is justifiably proud. New spectator stands and seating that will withstand any weather, new bathrooms and sewage handling facilities, a new storm water handling system and of course the concession stand were part of program costing about $947,000 over a four year period. For boaters, construction of a new boat dock next to the Aquatorium will begin within the next few weeks.
![]() Packing it in after a day of fishing
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A great deal of work went into acquisition of grant funds from the County and State Agencies. Mayor Kepics, the City Council and the citizens of Monongahela have a right to be proud of the renovated facility. The Aquatorium will serve as an attraction for Monongahela. Concerts sponsored by Aquatorium Inovations Inc. are scheduled throughout the summer.
Cliclk on "Gallery" to see photos of all the trophy winners by Paul Chasko