Fish for the fisher-folks

500 catfish are now stocked in the Barnett Park ponds, thanks to a local man.

Bill Donze/Courtesy photo

McCOOK, Neb. -- Popular YouTube sage, beloved purveyor of snow cones and catch-and-release advocate Bill "Mr. Bill" Donze has donated 500 catfish to the Barnett Park ponds.

Stocking of trout was discontinued several years over concerns about degraded water quality in the ponds because of the number of geese that visit the park.

Mr. Bill said he bought 500 fish from the Pleasant Valley Fish Farm, with the city's permission, and had them stocked in the ponds Tuesday.

"(William) Hahle admitted to putting a bunch more in the count to make it 500 catfish. Great business and great people to help Mr. Bill give kids of all ages something to do this summer -- consider CATCH AND RELEASE!" he posted on Facebook.

Read more about Mr. Bill here.