There were some big winners last Saturday at Pates Ford Marina where some local fishermen competed in an event that helped raise money for a very good cause.  The first annual Brandon Elder Scholarship Bass Tournament was a success with several teams involved. 
The money raised during the event will support the Brandon Elder Scholarship Fund, which awards scholarships to deserving DeKalb County High School seniors.  According to Harry Elder, Brandon’s father, Brandon loved education, and nourished creativity in himself and others. 
"We do a four-year scholarship that is $4,000," Elder told the Smithville Review. "It got started with Brandon talking to his mother about kids having the opportunity to go to college from DeKalb County. From that conversation we decided we should give a scholarship out and help some kids around here." Elder said that Jacob Parsley is the first recipient of the memorial scholarship. 
Elder said that the tournament was a success, especially since the event was planned nearly at the last minute.  "We had 23 boats this time and hope to have more as we make it an annual event.  Next year we’re going to try to have it a little earlier, maybe in April or May."
Barry Vandergriff and Ronnie Vincent, both of Warren County, took first place in the tournament, and the $2,000 grand prize, with a weigh-in of 17.65 pounds.  Vincent also took the $250 biggest fish prize for 5.68 largemouth. 
Frank Bell and Erwin Tucker claimed second place with 16.06 pounds, while Bill Bell and Chad Johnson came in third with 14.23 pounds.  Chase Hitchcock and Zachary Minton took fourth place with 13.71 pounds, and Tim Staley and Chase Bradford claimed fifth place with 13.10 pounds.