[September 17, 2012]    

Sunday afternoon the Logan County Fairgrounds was the scene of the 42nd annual Abraham Lincoln National Railsplitting Contest.

This year's first-place winner was Chris Friedlein. This was the 11th win for Friedlein, as he also took the top spot in 1983, '88, '94, '95, 2000, '03, '04, '05, '07 and 2010. He said the key to so many wins is to "keep plugging along; don't give up halfway through."

The afternoon began with a re-enactment of the christening of Lincoln. The contest then got off to an exciting start. The crowd cheered for all those participating, allowing the competition to remain friendly between rivals. First prize was $1,000, second prize $500, third $250 and fourth $100.

Others who placed well in the competition were Jonathon Norin of Arrowsmith, second; Roy Usury of Des Arc, Mo., third; and Travis Plichard of Bloomington, fourth.

Logs were sponsored by Chris Coyne State Farm Insurance, Rick Hamm State Farm Insurance, Moriearty Insurance Services, Rankin Backhoe & Septic, Jeff's Lawn Care, Fricke-Calvert-Schrader Funeral Home, Mary Kelley -- Logan County Circuit Clerk, and Vicki Dugan -- Logan County Treasurer.

Pictures by Hannah Michalsen

The afternoon began with a re-enactment of the christening of the city of Lincoln by Abraham Lincoln.

 

 

Second place: Jonathon Norin of Arrowsmith