Macomb Police Department

120 S. McArthur St. Macomb, IL 61455 (309)833-4505

The Scott Jennings Memorial

Spring Lake Park

10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

(arrive early for sign up)

Participant Age Groups

1-5

6-9

10-12

13-15

All participants must provide his/her own fishing pole, bait, and container for the fish he/she catches.

Parents/Guardians are encouraged to help with baiting, casting, and de-hooking but each child must land the actual fish.

For more information contact: Det. M. William Gass at 309-833-4505 ext. 8130

or Officer Jenessa Lundgren at 309-833-4505 ext. 8123

The Scott Jennings Memorial Fishing Contest for Children

Scott Jenning was the son of Rose Zerkle and step-son of Robert Zerkle. He truly loved the outdoors

and was an avid fisherman and hunter. Scott was the type of person you would love to fish or hunt

with. When someone mentioned going fishing Scott was the first one to grab his fishing pole and

tackle. He seemed to have a natural talent for finding the best fishing hole and selecting just the right

type of bait. He always had time to help anyone he was with be it untangling a snarled fishing line,

running to the car to get more bait, or helping to unhook a fish.

Scott's step-father, Robert Zerkle, opened a sporting good store, Canvasback Hunting and Fishing, in

which Scott and his brother, Charles Jennings worked at. Whenever Scott worked at the store he

enjoyed talking about fishing and hunting with the customers that he dealt with. Scott always had a

smile on his face and was thought of highly by the customers of the business.

In the spring of 1980 Robert Zerkle contacted the Macomb Police Department and wanted to sponsor a

kids fishing contest. Zerkle wanted the police department to join in this endeavor. The purpose was to

give kids something to do and to help introduce them to the sport of fishing. It also gave area

youngsters a chance to meet and interact with members of the Macomb Police Department in a fun and

educational way.

The first Kids Fishing Contest was held at Spring Lake Park in May 1980.

Although Scott was young enough to participate in the first Kids Fishing Contest he opted to work at

his step-father's business and sell bait so the other kids could fish in the contest. The fishing contest

was a big success and it was mutually decided between Zerkle and the Macomb Police Department that

the contest would become an annual event.

On the eve of the first Kids Fishing Contest a tragic automobile accident occurred. Scott Jennings was

fatally injured in the accident as was the driver of the car. Charles Jennings was also severely injured.

The members of the Macomb Police Department decided to honor Scott by naming the fishing contest

after him. The event has become known as the Scott Jennings Memorial Fishing Contest for Children.

The department also obtained a large fishing trophy, the Sportsmanship Trophy, which is awarded each

year to a contestant that exhibits the traits that Scott Jennings was known for.

The annual Scott Jennings Memorial Fishing Contest for Children is held on the Saturday of Memorial

Day weekend in late May. It is for children 15 and younger.