SCOTIA – Erica Clark, of Shelton, NE., topped the Leader Board at Happy Jack Peak and Chalk Mine last weekend to win the 2025 “Putting off the Peak.”
Clark’s ball landed just 2’ 2.75” from the hole, putting her in first place, which provided a cash prize of $1,000. Had she, or any of the other 51 golfers who putted off Happy Jack’s Peak on Saturday or Sunday achieved a hole-in-one, they would have received a $10,000 Grand Prize. Second place was secured by Tom Ries of Ord, with a fantastic putt of 3’ 9.5” and a check for $500. Bill Trofholz, of Elyria, earned third with an equally amazing putt of 3’ 10” and a check for $250.
“This has been our biggest fundraiser since Kenny Bloom, Steven Goldfish, and I became the Chalk Mine Association (CMA) Board Members last fall,” CMA. Secretary/Treasurer Kathy Bolich said. “We couldn’t be more pleased with the number of participants and volunteers.”
Golfers began their journey atop Happy Jack’s Peak, which has an elevation of nearly 2,057 feet. From there, they swung from a tee box that had an elevation of 2,012 feet. That same golf ball was driven to a river bed that has an elevation of 1,900 feet. Golfers then endeavored to launch their ball 220 yards into the river and navigate a 112-foot drop, providing an opportunity to win the Grand Prize.
“Along with last weekend’s fundraiser, the chalk mine was open for tours,” CMA. Vice President Steve Goldfish added. “Most of the time after putting on the peak, participants toured to the mine, which steadily stays in the mid-50s temperature-wise, to cool down from the high temperatures they found atop the peak.”
While enjoying all the amenities found at the mine, participants refueled by enjoying an authentic Mexican meal from “Mena’s Kitchen.” The food truck is based in Grand Island and returned after receiving rave reviews from patrons during its time spent at the mine’s Open House.
Positive memories and a 101.5 FM radio announcement are what brought Erica and her husband Ryan Clark to Happy Jack Peak and Chalk Mine’s “Putting off the Peak” last Sunday. On their way home from Sioux Falls, S.D., the pair heard the radio advertisement and decided to try their luck at the peak. Erica’s winning putt was her first and was captured by a live-action video camera. DTS Telecommunications installed the cameras to enable participants who were unable to reach the peak’s summit, the ability to view what was occurring in real-time. The ball initially landed inside the cup before jumping out and positioning itself 2’ 2.75” from the cup.
“It was exciting to see and hear how quickly the Leader Board changed and how close our top three finishers came to getting a hole-in-one,” CMA. President Kenny Bloom said. “Huge thank you’s to our sponsors, staff, volunteers, and of course, the participants. This fundraiser would not have been possible without everyone’s support.
Those interested in learning more about Happy Jack Peak and Chalk Mine are encouraged to visit www.happyjackpeakandmine.org, or the non-profit’s Facebook and Instagram pages.