Louise Dean was the winner of The Demopolis Times "Big Boat Giveaway" contest for a new $15,000 pontoon boat. She was chosen from 20 weekly qualifiers Wednesday afternoon at a 106.5 FM radio remote held at Black Warrior Marine on Cadear Street (Highway 43).

Approximately 15,000 entries in all were collected for the contest at participating businesses through Demopolis.

Although present at the drawing, Dean was visibly shocked at winning the boat. "I’ve never won anything," she said, "but I said, ‘I may have a chance.’" Her family used to do a lot of boating, and her grandson, Ronnie Jennings, lives on the river.

Dean has lived in Demopolis over 20 years. She was born in Decatur, but moved to Demopolis from Bessemer. "That’s were my children were raised," she said. She likes living in Demopolis. "It’s a small town, but it’s building up fast."

Family members on hand were excited. Her daughter-in-law Jean Dean and grandson Daniel Dean were on hand for the drawing. "For a first time winner, you did good," Jean Dean told her mother-in-law.

Demopolis Times Editor and Publisher Jonathan McElvy said he has enjoyed the response of loyal readers in this community.

In partnering with Black Warrior Marine, McElvy also said the sponsors of this event were loyal to The Times and the citizens of Demopolis.

In the coming weeks, The Demopolis Times will announce a new giveaway.