POMEROY — A photograph of a beaver swimming in a creek taken by Mitchell Howard of Pomeroy took first place in the Meigs County 2009 photo contest of the Meigs Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) and Leading Creek Watershed Group.

Second place went to Christa Berryman of Syracuse with “Spider Lady”, and third to Constance Fowler of Racine with “Journey.” The fourth place, an honorable mention, was awarded to Audrianna Pullins of Long Bottom with her entry, “One Last Dip”, while the fifth place honorable mention winner was Katelyn Hysell of Vinton with “Frog.”

The theme this year was “Water and Wildlife” and the Meigs SWCD received entries from all over the county. In order to win, photos needed to incorporate both water and wildlife in some way. The contest was open to all ages.

Focus, lighting and creativity were considered by the Meigs SWCD Auxiliary members who judged the entries using a point system. The three top winners received cash prizes provided by Farmers Bank & Savings Company, Home National Bank, and Ohio Valley Bank.

All photo entries can be viewed at the Meigs SWCD office, at the next Leading Creek Watershed Group public meeting, at the SWCD’s annual banquet, and at the agency’s Meigs County Fair booth.