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Crimestoppers see success at annual Steer Dump fundraiser

Crimestoppers see success at annual Steer Dump fundraiser

PITTSFIELD - The Warren County Crimestoppers held its 48th annual Steer Dump fundraiser Friday at the Warren County Fair, drawing more than 200 people to the Ellwood Show arena.

The evening featured music by Alyssa Wismar, along with door prizes donated by Whirley Industries, The United Refinery Company, Artist Becky Hampson, PGE, and the Miller Fence Company.

Event chairman and master of ceremonies Todd Lake brought out 4-H member Charles Jones and his steer, Jim, who weighed 1,961 pounds and was the largest animal at the fair. Jones led Jim over every square inch of the arena, but the steer was unable to determine a winner.

The second steer, Andy VanOrd's Buck, also failed to deliver. Finally, VanOrd brought out Bright, who successfully determined the winning square.

The 2026 Steer Dump winners were:

Grand Prize - ($1,000) Tammie Sherrard

"Splatter" Prizes:

$100 - Don Nicols, Jr.

$100 - Jeni Mitchell

$100 - Mark Crossley

$100 - Susie Spangler

$50 - Stephen Bonace

$50 - Shane Hood

$50 - Tina Swanson

$50 - Beth Matthew

Special guest Willie Devore, one of the original founders of Warren County Crimestoppers in 1978, was also in attendance.

During the event, Devore shared the story of how the organization was formed. In 1978, the Devore Lumber Company was burglarized. Devore and Trooper Jack Barnes learned about Crawford County's recently established Crimestoppers program and, with the support of numerous local business owners, decided to create a similar organization in Warren County.

The first Steer Dump fundraiser was held that same year and has since become an annual tradition.

The Warren County Crimestoppers expressed their appreciation to all of the event sponsors, as well as the Warren Electric, for their continued support.