MENTONE – A member of the Mentone community for just the past two years, Victoria Marie Kratzchmar was crowned Miss Mentone 2015 Saturday evening during the town’s annual Egg Festival. First runner-up was Amanda Shepherd. Kratschmar received $500, and Shepherd received $250. Both are Tippecanoe Valley High School students. Elizabeth Salazar, Miss Mentone 2014, crowned this year’s winner. As part of the Miss Mentone competition, each contestant must raise funds. Kratzchmar said she sold her mom’s famous fudge, had people pay to pop water balloons on her head, sold face paintings to children, had car washes and sold water bottles. Shepherd held a raffle, sold tattoos, had a car wash and sold hot dogs. Kratschmar, 15, the daughter of Jason and Marsha Shepherd, said she moved to Mentone from Plymouth two years ago. “I thought (competing in Miss Mentone) would be a great way to get to know my community better and support my community,” she said. On winning, Kratschmar said, “I feel kind of excited. You probably can’t see it, but I’m full of joy on the inside.” She is active in band, soccer and track. She is active in her youth group at First Baptist Church, Mentone. During her free time, she loves to read and hang out with friends. Her future plans include becoming a book editor or a lawyer. Also announced were the winners of the Miss Chick and Mr. Rooster and the Cute Baby contests. Miss Chick 2015 is McKynlee Dickson, 5. She is the daughter of Danielle Dickson and Dan Styles and Richie Dickson. Mr. Rooster is Bryson Severns, 3. He is the son of Devin and Andrea Severns. The winner of the Cute Baby contest was Karaline May, who will be 8 months old Tuesday. She is the daughter of Kaylynn May.
