NEW BETHLEHEM, Pa. by: John Gerow (RVO) – Spring is starting to sneak into the Redbank Valley, we are not quite there yet, but it is coming. With spring come a lot of outdoor activities that have had to wait through the long Pennsylvania winter. Saturday, April 13, is the first day of trout fishing season and from now until fall, anglers of all ages will be casting their lines in the areas streams, lakes, and rivers. New Bethlehem Borough Council and the New Bethlehem Police Department want to help the next generation of Pennsylvania fishermen get started in the sport by hosting a “Cops and Bobbers Fishing Derby” for area kids with the first “Cops and Bobbers Fishing Derby on Saturday, May 11 at Gumtown Park here in New Bethlehem.

The “Cops and Bobbers” events are a community outreach designed to encourage rapport between children and police in the community. The law enforcement people will spend the day baiting hooks, helping cast lines, and coaching the young anglers. The kids get an opportunity to see the officers as “just plain folks” who are willing to spend the day fishing with kids. This event is a great opportunity for youngsters to have a good interaction with the police at an early age. The hope is that this early, good interaction can lead to better communication between police and kids. It is a community building event that can have far-reaching positive impacts on the future.

Kids will be grouped according to age and there will be several prizes in each age group. Children need to bring their own poles, bait, and tackle (there will be a few loaners available). Young people over 15 will need to have a fishing license. Event organizers will provide a hamburger and hotdog lunch and Boy Scout troop 403 will be selling snacks as one of their fundraisers. Dollar General Store in New Bethlehem has generously donated paper supplies for lunch.

Other Law Enforcement Agencies that will be represented are the PA Game Commission, PA Fish & Boat Commission, Clarion County Sheriff’s Department, State Police – Clarion Barracks, and Jefferson County Probation, which will have their police dog for the kids to meet and greet. Other agencies that have been invited and hope to attend are Manor Township, Brookville Borough, Clarion Borough, and the Jefferson County Army National Guard.

In an exclusive with RedbankValley.org, NB Police Chief Bob Malnofsky said that almost everything is coming together for the day – except donations to buy the fish to stock the Redbank Creek for the Derby.

“Keeping size rainbow trout are over $4.00 a piece. We really need folks to donate money to help us buy enough fish to make it worthwhile.”

Redbank Renaissance President Sandy Mateer and Vice President Gordon Barrows presented a $100 check to New Bethlehem Borough Secretary Rich McGarrity for NB Police Department Cops & Bobbers Event.

The Chief also said that they need donations of equipment for prizes as well. Cash donations can be dropped off at A-Plus and Northwest Savings Bank in New Bethlehem and Rimersburg, New Bethlehem Presbyterian Church (PO Box 214, New Bethlehem 16242) or at the police station in New Bethlehem. Rods and reels for prizes can be dropped off at the New Bethlehem Police Station or at J&K Service Center, 311 Water Street, East Brady 16028.

Redbank Renaissance President Sandy Mateer and Vice President Gordon Barrows presented a $100 check to New Bethlehem Borough Secretary Rich McGarrity on Friday April 12th, 2019 to kick off the fund drive to raise $3000 to purchase fish to stock the Creek, food for attendees and prizes for the first annual Cops and Bobbers (R) Fishing Derby.

The goals is to give kids an opportunity to get to know the officers, learn sportsmanship, appreciate the outdoors and have fun away from computers. Scout Pack 403 will be helping and serving food. Officers from other departments will be in attendance to help the kids fish.

For more information please call the New Bethlehem Police Department at 814.275.1180. RedbankValley.org hopes that the Redbank Valley community steps up to make this event a success.

FORMS:
Fishing Derby – Save the Date.pdf
REGISTRATION Cops & Bobbers NB.pdf

FACEBOOK:
Like and Share the Facebook event: Facebook.com/events/314676649230823

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MEETINGS:
New Bethlehem Borough meetings are held the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 7:00pm at the Alltel/Windstream Building on Lafayette Street. Folks may contact the Borough’s office to be placed on the meeting agenda.

MISSION:
New Bethlehem Borough Council fosters business, community, and personal growth within the borough while maintaining the small town appeal and family friendly environment that makes New Bethlehem such a great place to work, live and raise a family.

GOALS & OBJECTIVES:
To learn more about Council’s Goals & Objectives, please visit: NewBethlehemBoro.com/about and click the ‘Mission’ tab.

CONTACT:
To contact any member of Council or the Borough’s office, please visit: NewBethlehemBoro.com/about and click the ‘Council’ tab. You may also ‘like/follow’ New Bethlehem Borough on Facebook for the latest news/announcements: Facebook.com/NewBethlehem

For more info, please visit New Bethlehem Borough’s website: NewBethlehemBoro.com