Greensburg — The reign of current Miss Decatur County Elizabeth Lecher is coming to an end. However, a new queen will soon be chosen to take up the scepter and wear the crown as the county's ruling monarch.

At 7 p.m. Friday in the Greensburg Junior High Auditorium, eight local ladies will vie for the chance to become Miss Decatur County for 2010. The public is invited to attend to watch the girls go through several competitions during the annual pageant as judges determine who will be the best ruler for not only the fair but every parade and community function for the next year. Admission for the event is $2 and children 10 and under are free. Spectators and well-wishers are asked to enter the northwest doors of the junior high near the office side of the school along Central Avenue.

In addition to the pageant, the committee will pay tribute to outgoing queen, Lecher.

Now, letÕs meet the candidates, one of whom will soon wear the coveted crown and sash:



Allison Smith

Age: 19

Parents: Merrill and Linda Smith

Sponsor: Kova Fertilizer



Allison Smith is a 2009 graduate of Greensburg Community High School and currently attends Franklin College where she will be a sophomore.

Smith is a 10-year member of 4-H focusing on the swine project. She also participates in the Pi Beta Phi Sorority, College Mentors For Kids and Franklin College Education Club in addition to volunteering at Bread of Life and serving with the Greensburg Junior Optimists. She is currently a member of the Franklin soccer team. At Greensburg, she was a four-year member of the basketball team, serving as captain in 2009 and an active part of the 2008 sectional championship team.

Smith plans to pursue a degree in elementary education and return to teach in Decatur County.

She was first runner-up in 2009 Miss Decatur County Pageant.



Shelby Zapfe

Age: 16

Parents: Carol and Ray Zapfe

Sponsor: MacAllister's CAT Rental Store



Shelby Zapfe will be a junior at South Decatur when school begins again in the fall.

The "Cougar Crazie" stays active within her school and community, helping the Westport town council set up for meetings, assisting her dad in the construction of a new house and baby-sitting when she is not busy winning awards in band, dancing or cheerleading. She also helps care for her grandmother who lives with her family. Her interests lie in music, which she says "is in every part of her life...I don't do anything without music." With an outgoing and happy personality, Zapfe tries to enrich the lives of those around her through friendship, music, poetry or just encouragement.

In the near future, Zapfe plans to learn to play guitar. She would like to attend IUPUC, however, she hasn't settled on a career path as of yet.



Elizabeth Mauer

Age: 19

Parents: Carol and Tim Mauer

Sponsor: Tank Excavating Technology



Elizabeth Mauer is a 2009 graduate of South Decatur and will be a sophomore at Purdue University in the fall.

In high school, Mauer had a full slate of activities, including serving in student government, being a member of National Honor Society and cheering in the Spirit Club and Cougar Company. Mauer was a four-year member of volleyball and basketball, in which she served as captain of both teams her senior year. She has been active in FFA and is a 10-year member of 4-H, working with the beef and swine projects. Mauer has also participated in youth group, the Community Action Coalition and Big Brothers Big Sisters as well as visiting nursing homes and shut-ins.

After graduating from Purdue, Mauer plans on returning to Decatur County to help run Richardson Family Farms.



Emily Nobbe

Age: 18

Parents: Steve and Teresa Nobbe

Sponsor: Decatur County Farmers Mutal



Emily Nobbe graduated from South Decatur in May and is looking forward to college in the fall.

During her time at South, Nobbe was involved in National Honor Society, Peer Helping group, the Safety Group and Youth Religious Education at Immaculate Conception. She served as National Honor Society president, was Optimist Youth of the Month, was a representative for Hoosier Girls State and currently works in the office at Allen Memorial Pool. Nobbe also participated in volleyball, in which she was All-Conference, and softball.

Nobbe plans on attending the University of Indianapolis where she will major in psychology with a concentration on occupational therapy. After college she hopes to work at a nursing home or assisted living facility.



Abby Coy

Age: 18

Parents: Jim and Jeanie Coy

Sponsor: Main Attraction



Abby Coy is a 2010 graduate of North Decatur where she was an active member of the Charger student body.

Coy participated in FFA, National Honor Society, Booster Club, Language Club and Letterman's Club. In addition, she was a varsity cheerleader. She was Miss Cheerleader for 2010 and placed fourth in the Swine Production Proficiency at the state FFA competition. She is a 10-year member of 4-H and enjoys working with and showing her pigs. In the community, Coy has participated in Bowl For Kids Sake and is a member of Decatur County Pork Producers and Indiana Junior Swine Association. She also volunteers at nursing homes during Christmas time.

Coy plans to attend Purdue University in the fall and major in agriculture education.



Jill Hammersmith

Age: 18

Parents: Paul and Jane Hammersmith

Sponsor: Hair Factory



Jill Hammersmith graduated from North Decatur in May and looks forward to the summer before heading off to college.

Hammersmith was a member of National Honor Society, Letterman's Club, Booster Club, FCCLA and High 5. She is a 10-year member of 4-H and has volunteered at Bread of Life as well as participated in Sandusky roadside clean-up, Christmas caroling at nursing homes and Bowl For Kids Sake. A talented athlete, Hammersmith was integral part of the 2009 champion sectional volleyball team as well as the leader of the basketball team, which claimed the sectional title in 2009. In 2010, she was