Green Bay youth wins loon calling

MERCER, Wis. — Winners have been announced for the annual loon calling contest during the Loon Day celebration in Mercer on Wednesday.

More than 60 participants of all ages gave their best shots at impersonating a loon.

According to Tina Brunell, executive director of the Mercer Area Chamber of Commerce, the event was successful.

“Loon Day was again very successful, and the weather turned out beautiful after the brief rain outburst in the morning,” Brunell said.

In the age 0-6 category, there were 23 participants and Landon Keberle, of Spokane, Wash., took home the division award.

Aiden Saterud, of Lac du Flambeau, received first place; Kirsten Wotruba, of Minocqua, took second; and Sophie Miljevic, of Rhinelander, placed third.

In the 7-11 category, there were 25 participants and Molly Hohner, of Mercer, took home the division award. Mitch Pierce, of Mercer, took first; Airelia Keberle, of Bradford, Conn., took second; and Leah Cortright, of Wauwatosa, took third.

In the age 12-17 category, there were seven participants, and Sam Nennig, of Green Bay, won the division award. Kai Hanson, of Mercer, took first place; Charlie Hickman, of Rochester, Minn., placed second; and Felicia Walker, of Fox Lake, took third.

In the 18 and over category, there were 12 participants and Emma Becher won the division award. Hailey Pischer, of Mercer, copped first; Tracy Kroening, of Mercer, was second; and David Strand, of Chicago, was third.

The overall grand champion award went to Nennig.