Freshmen place 1st, 2nd in ag mechanics

Three members of the Marion/Florence FFA chapter competed with 100 other students in a freshman ag mechanics contest April 27 at Newton High School.

Luke Watkins placed first, Jackson Bitonti placed second, and Lane Smith placed 18th. Participants were required to complete two welds with 7018 electrodes, identify 60 hand tools, complete a problem-solving exercise, identify parts on a metal band saw, and take a written safety test.