Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Our Lady of Kosciusko titles are given based on letters submitted about each contestant. Vicki Haines of Warsaw wrote about Free for Thursday's contest.
"I am so surprised," Free said Thursday afternoon, when her name was announced. "I didn't know anything about this until 5 p.m. yesterday."
Free, a Mississippi native, is a widow. She is a member of Eastern Star and retired from Chore-Time. She is a member of the Christian Church of Milford, where she was a Sunday school teacher. She is known as the "Cookie Lady" during vacation Bible school.
Haines wrote that Free is a good example of how to live and treat others.
In addition to the crown, flowers and sash, Free received a $10 certificate from Dennie House and a buy-one-dinner-get-one-free coupon from American Table Restaurant.
A letter from Thomas Quigley, North Webster, nominating Helen Hoy was the only other submission for the contest.
Hoy was named first runner- up. She lives outside North Webster and is also a widow.
She is the chairman of the Lakeland Quilt Club, Kiwanis Club, North Webster beautification committees and a 2000 Census taker.
According to Quigley's letter, Hoy attends 90 percent of the county council meetings, "more than most of the members," and is active in the Republican Party, working at the election polls for years.
Hoy is a member of the North Webster Church of God and the Philanthropic Society for the Education of Women.
Hoy also received a coupon from American Table.
Today at the fair is the 4-H livestock auction, 4-H horse and pony contesting and riding and horse and pony awards presentations at 4 p.m. in the horse arena.
The Guitar Woodies will entertain at 7 p.m. today in the Activity Tent. At the grandstand tonight will be the Semi Truck Show and Shine, and at 7:30 p.m. is the NTPA Super Semi Nationals.
4-H activities will be over after today, but the fair will continue through Sunday.
Saturday is Truckers' Day, featuring the NTPA Super Semi Nationals in the grandstand at 7:30 p.m. The Amarillo Star Line Dancers will perform in the fair office area at 4 p.m., and the "Push Down and Turn" concert will take place in the Activity Tent at 7 p.m.
As usual, the Midway opens at 1 p.m. Wristbands are available today and Saturday for $10 per person and can be used until 6 p.m. both days.
