JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – The annual Jamestown Rural Fire Department Fishing Derby has been cancelled.

The popular derby has raised thousands of dollars and funds have gone on to purchase needed equipment by the JRFD. The decision follows Stutsman County Sheriff Chad Kaiser’s announcement that all winter activities on the Jamestown & Pipestem Reservoirs would be prohibited.

Firefighter and JRFD Captain Paul Bensch reports that the decision will not affect the other parts of the annual derby.

“JRFD is still having our Raffle and Event at the Civic Center,” Bensch pointed out.

The raffle has been scheduled for Saturday, February 22nd and will feature a large amount of different prizes and more. There will still burger baskets and the drawing will be held at 8 PM. The band Tripwire will also be playing.

Each ticket is $25 with proceeds going towards the JRFD. You can find more information at jrfd.org.

Prohibited reservoir activities come after the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports that releases will continue through the winter, causing possible hazardous conditions on the ice.