Wanda English Burnett
Editor

As young ladies vying for the 2009 Miss Ripley County title held their breath, Kathryn Sidell of Batesville, was named the winner by Rob Vestal, co-emcee for the evening.

“I was just shocked,” Sidell told the Osgood Journal following the pageant. “I heard all the other girls’ names called, but when it was time for the queen, I didn’t expect to get it.”

Parents, Larry and Tammy Sidell were on stage immediately following the pageant congratulating their daughter. “You can call me the Queen Mum,” Tammy joked.

The pageant, branding a western theme, was held at the Damm Theatre in Osgood, Sunday, July 12 with eleven contestants’ family and friends watching closely.

Miss Congeniality title went to Julie Hoffrogge of Dillsboro for her “friendly, outgoing” personality. Fourth Runner Up went to Tanaha Simon of Osgood; Third Runner Up to DJ Hosmer of Sunman; Second Runner up to Brittany Joseph of Holton; and first runner up to Brittany Bauman of Sunman.
The People’s Choice award went to Kristen Duerstock of Batesville. Winners of the professional wear and evening wear went to DJ Hosmer of Sunman and Vicki Woulms of Milan, respectively.

In the portion of the pageant where contestants are asked random questions, Sidell drew the question, “What advice would you give to teen girls who are never satisfied with the way they look?” Sidell didn’t hesitate when answering, “The way you really look is what’s inside...that’s what truly matters.” She mentioned having faith and how one’s inner beauty comes from within, not external.

Sidell has had a reign of royalty before being named the 2007 Jr. Leader 4-H Queen at the Ripley County 4-H Fair.

The evening began with the girls dancing on stage to country music, clad in jeans and plaid shirts, complete with cowboy hats, complementing the western theme for the night that would name royalty for Ripley County’s 51st pageant.

2008 Miss Ripley County Jordan Clements co-emceed the pageant, saying what a wonderful experience she had last year as the 50th queen. Her advice for the newly named queen and court was to “get a lot of rest for fair week.”

Penny Moore, committee member, read a long list of sponsors for the event, thanking them for their support of the local pageant. She also gave a special thanks for the use of the beautifully renovated Damm Theatre, Hunter Photography and sound technician for the evening, Spencer Huffmeyer.

Mary Beth Hackman and Becky Harmeyer were chairs for the pageant, with the team of Monica Hansen, Sara Comer, Penny Moore, Amanda Kunz, and Lease Nay, helping out. Junior committee members were Megan Krall and Kaitlin Hughes.

Clements, the outgoing Miss Ripley County, said her most memorable fair experience was “kissing the pig!” She wished the new court lots of luck with the tradition.

Miss Ripley County and her court will preside over events throughout the Ripley County 4-H Fair, which begins Sunday, July 19 at the Fairgrounds Park in Osgood. They will be formally introduced after the grand opening ceremony Sunday evening and the crowning of the 4-H King and Queen.

WANDA ENGLISH BURNETT PHOTO The newly crowned Miss Ripley County, Kathryn Sidell, shares a moment with her father, Larry Sidell, following the pageant held at the Damm Theatre in Osgood Sunday evening, July 12. The queen and her court will preside over activities at the upcoming 4-H fair set to begin Sunday, July 19.

WANDA ENGLISH BURNETT PHOTO Miss Ripley County, Kathryn Sidell, pictured right, prepares to take center stage with her court, pictured from left: Miss Congeniality, Julie Hoffrogge of Dillsboro; fourth runner up, Tanaha Simon of Osgood; third runner up DJ Hosmer of Sunman; second runner up, Brittany Joseph of Holton; and first runner up Brittany Bauman of Sunman.