MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - On Saturday, the Meridian Township Parks and Recreation Department hosted their 8th annual Meridian Fishing Derby at the pond in the Historical Village. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources held a 'Free Fishing Weekend' event that does not require residents to have a license to fish.

Previous winners returned to try their luck this year while new participants came out to try fishing for the first time. The fishes were safely released back into the pond after being counted and measured.

Fishing poles and bait were available on site. Prizes went to Cam Darnell of East Lansing with Alex Wilson of Okemos in second place. Shane Ratliff of Okemos claimed his prize, catching 39 fishes total.