Times Observer photo by Brian Ferry The sixth annual K-9 Choper Memorial Golf Tournament, set for Sunday, July 9, will support the Warren County K-9 Program. Pictures (front, from left) are: Berkleigh Kibbey, Chief Warren County Detective Tom Kibbey, K-9 Dina, Conewango Township Police Officer Scott Neiswonger, and K-9 Nic; and (back) Dana Kibbey, Karen Sobkowski, Troy Berg of Ed Shults of Warren, Clay Hesch of Ed Shults, Jimmy Mathers of Ed Shults, Linda Neiswonger, and Ed Shults Owner/General Manager Sean Ellsworth.

For years, the K-9 Choper Memorial Golf Tournament has supported the needs of the Warren County K-9 program.

This year’s event – the sixth annual – will be held on Sunday, July 9, at Blueberry Hill Golf Course, and will be held in a cluster scramble format.

“We hold these events to memorialize Choper and all the work that he did for the community,” Conewango Township Police Officer Scott Neiswonger said. “This fundraiser is the only fundraiser we do. All the proceeds from this tournament go directly to the police K-9s in Warren County.”

“These tournaments are part of our ongoing effort to fund the K-9 projects for Warren County – for Scott Neiswonger and K-9 Nic, as well as (Warren County Chief Detective) Tom Kibbey and K-9 Dina – making it possible for them to go through the required training, and also support all the continuing associated expenses,” Organizer Karen Sobkowski said.

“This is how we pay for our training and equipment and anything that the dogs need,” Kibbey said. “It’s nice to not have to worry about it.”

“It covers any costs that we accrue throughout the year,” Neiswonger said. “This has been a very successful fundraiser. It’s the single biggest one-day golf tournament in Warren County.”

“Ed Shults has been our title sponsor since the first year,” he said. “We want to thank them for their continued support of the K-9 program.”

“We’ve been a sponsor since the beginning,” Sean Ellsworth said. “We like to support law enforcement and the good things they do, so we’re happy to do it.”

Further sponsorship opportunities – from grand sponsors to hole prizes to contributions to the popular basket raffle – are available by contacting Sobkowski at (814) 779-8413.

Those looking to participate in the tournament may call the pro shop at (814) 757-8620.