ELYSIAN IN THE NEWS

Ray Rew Wins Raffle Grand Prize For Second Straight Year

Northerns were biggest fish caught at Lake Francis Fishing Contest Sunday

Published February 10, 2005    

 The Elysian Enterprise

 by Jay Schneider, Editor

 LIFE/Enterprise

      Because there were thousands upon thousands of tickets entered into the Lake Francis Fishing Contest raffle, what do you think the chances would be that the same person would win the grand prize two years in a row?
      Well, it happened, much to the dismay of thousands and much to the delight of Waseca resident Ray Rew.

      Rew won the $2,000 first prize in the ticket raffle in 2004 and now in 2005, he took home the $1,000 first prize.
      Whether it was luck or not, Rew was awarded the top prize for the second consecutive year after the contest at the Elysian American Legion Clubrooms.
      Needless to say, he was speechless, despite being an auctioneer by trade.
      "It is just unbelieveable," Rew said. "Who would have ever expected to win once, then you win back to back."
Rew was at home when Herb Weber called him and told him he needed to come over to Elysian to pick up his prize.
      "I won't say the words used when he told me, but they were the same as last year," Rew said with a chuckle.         "But this time I thought he was spoofing me. I drove over not expecting to have won."

      He walked into the door at the Legion and as soon as he arrived, he knew Weber wasn't pulling the wool over his eyes.  Rew said everyone just roared when he walked in.
      Rew did say he has had lucky streaks during his life. He said he once won seven guns at an event.
      But he feels this is quite a feat, winning two straight years.
      "Why couldn't I do this with the lottery," he said jokingly.

      As for next year, he will of course still purchase his share of tickets, in which he thinks he bought around 20 this year.

      "What can you say?" he said. "It certainly is unbelieveable."

FISHING WINNERS
       Dozens of fish were caught throughout the two hour contest, with northerns claiming the top five biggest fish honors.
       Keith Horejsi of Montgomery claimed top fishing honors with his 2.14 pound northern, which he caught early in the two hour contest.  Horejsi claimed $100 for his winning lunker.  Mike Kosak of Madison Lake caught a 1.77 pound northern to claim second place, earning him $50.  Kali Stratton of Waterville earned $25 for her third place catch, a 1.52 pound northern.  There was a tie for fourth place, with Ron Macho and Jason Troutfetter both jigging in a 1.45 pound northern.  They received $10 each for their efforts.
       Ryan Luebben caught a 3.05 pound sheephead to win the 2004 contest.  In 2003, Loren "Curly" Schwartz claimed the top fishing prize with a two pound northern.

RAFFLE WINNERS
       Jay Lattimore of Lonsdale took home the second prize of $500.  Third prize went to Pat Lueck of Eagle Lake. That prize was $250.  Fourth prize, which was $100, went to Carol Roessler of Elysian.  Randy Tolzman of Waterville took home the fifth place prize of $100.  Larry Pemble of Elysian won the $50 sixth prize.
       More than 300 merchandise prizes donated by area merchants were awarded and Hunter's Stew was provided to those in attendance.
       It was estimated more than 300 anglers fished and nearly 1000 attended the annual event.

Reprinted with permission

Winners of the top prizes in the Lake Francis Fishing Contest Sunday were, left to right:
Keith Horejsi of Montgomery with his 2.14 pound northern. Mike Kosak of Madison Lake placed second,

Kali Stratton third, and Ron Macho tied for fourth with Jason Troutfetter.   (Photos by Jay Schneider)

Check out great photos from the Fishing Contest in the Elysian Scrapbook!