The Richwood Fishing Derby will undergo a name change in 2024 to honor the life of George Showalter.
At the regular village council meeting Monday evening, council discussed changing the name of this year’s fishing derby in the wake of Showalter’s passing.
Aside from holding the fishing derby each year, Showalter was a proud navy veteran who, after retirement, substituted in the North Union school district and held a seat on Richwood Council for many years.
Council President Reddy Brown, who also helps with the event, pitched the new name to council.
“(The fishing derby) previously has been called the Hooked on Fishing Derby, so the name this year (will be) the George “Soapy” Showalter Hooked on Fishing Derby,” Brown said.
The new name will additionally be added to the shirts for the event, Brown said.
The Richwood Fishing Derby will take place on June 1. Funding for the event has already been secured by carry-over money from last year, according to a council report.
Showalter’s passing leaves an empty seat on council so the body is moving forward with the application process for filling that empty position.
Also at the meeting Monday, Fiscal Officer Sarah Sellers said Richwood’s application to the Arbor Day Foundation’s Tree City USA program has been approved.
The Tree City USA program provides a foundational framework for communities to manage and expand their tree cover, according to the Arbor Day foundation website.
In order to be recognized as a Tree City, four standards need to be met: formation of a tree board or department, establishment of a tree care ordinance, proclamation of Arbor Day and maintaining a community forestry program.
By becoming a recognized Tree City, Richwood gains national recognition for these feats, as well as flags and signage to publicly showcase the accomplishment.
The village has discussed the designation numerous times over the years. Richwood’s history is tied to trees in the community and is even where the town gets its name.
For years, Richwood was named a Tree City because of its commission that took care of the village trees.