PHOTO COURTESY OF DIANE PANFIL

TRAER – Karlene Cochran of Traer took first place on Wednesday, Sept. 20 in the Traer Public Library’s Homemade Salsa Contest. Seven delicious salsas were entered this year by area cooks. A public tasting was held from noon to 5 p.m. with taste-testers allowed one vote apiece for their favorite salsa. Cochran’s salsa received the most votes. For her winning recipe, she was awarded a $25 gift certificate to La Terraza Mexican Grill and Seafood Restaurant in Traer. The library plans to hold another fun food contest in the near future.