Children Win Awards in Sheriff's Department Fishing Tournament

A total of 15 children participated Friday in the fourth annual Sheriff James R. Metts Fishing Tournament for children ages 6 to 17 in West Columbia.

The Lexington County Sheriff’s Department conducted the tournament in partnership with the House of Praise and Catfish Haven.

Lexington County Sheriff James R. Metts said children who provided at least 10 hours of community service this year were selected to participate free of charge in the fishing tournament. 

The sheriff provided a free lunch to children who participated in the tournament.

Metts presented trophies to three children. Nevaeh Barnhardt, 9, won first place by catching the largest fish, a palm-size brim. Kennez Barnhardt, 8, who is Nevaeh Barnhardt’s brother, won second place by catching the most fish, 12 brim. Jonathon Hodges, 8, won third place by catching the second largest number of fish, seven brim.

Sgt. David Nieves and Three Fountains Resident Deputy Stacey Gadson coordinated the fishing tournament.