Initial reports yesterday on this site regarding the 2011 Penguin Plunge were wrong. Instead of the 50 reported brave souls jumping into the water, there were only 40.

South Boundary Fire, after coming off a hot scene that kept them busy all morning, did show up, and jumped in the water in full turnout gear.

And the event raised more than $5,000 for the Idaho Special Olympics.

Bonners Ferry Police Officer Tiffany Murray raised over $500 to earn the award for most money raised. There could have been no question raised as to the winner of "Best Dressed," Michael Reasoner of Mugsy's had to win that award, along with a record for most dates asked. Faery Queen Carolyn Testa took second place, and Scott Thompson won third being dressed as a tourist. Unfortunately, no one but the judges appreciated his effort, the rest of us were walking around wondering when tourist season opens.

The senior plunger was Sue Wilson, the youngest Gary Robertson. Who had most to lose in the effort was not decided.

The Team Spirit Award went to the students of Echo Springs Academy, and Border Patrolman canine, a beautiful and talented black dog, being the only canine to brave the icy waters, won best Dog Paddle award, having been helped to shore by Tish Lagerway. If there's a new prize offered next year, she should get "the best shower after" award, as she managed to soak a lot of non-plungers.

I reported, too, that the crew from South Boundary Fire didn't show up, and I owe Chief Tony Rohrwasser an apology. Still in their turnouts and reeking of the fire at a home they'd worked so hard to save, they did come later, and took the plunge ... in full turnouts.

Brett Brown has issued a challenge for next year, saying he's going to entice more members of his staff at Safeway to join him and together they'll raise more for Idaho Special Olympics than any other team. It's possible, however, that he'll earn more on pledges by selling tickets to his staff to come out and see him take the plunge while they stay high, dry and warm, just to experience the look on their manager's face when he breaks water ... priceless!

As always in an event of this nature, there are many people to thank. Superman Dave Kramer and his compadre, Mike Davis. Boundary Volunteer Ambulance and the spare members of that crew who didn't jump in the water; the Boundary County Sheriffs Office and chief deputy Rich Stevens, who stopped by nd laughed at everyone who went in, but couldn't go in himself because he had a public to protect and serve.

Boundary Volunteer Ambulance, the Sheriffs Office boat crew ... who stood ready to effect a rescue, but didn't really want to jump in the water, knowing it was cold!

Bonners Ferry Police Chief Rick Alonzo, who dumped a bag of ice in the diver's way; Marios, Mugsy's and Safeway, the Kootenai River Inn, Wal-Mart and the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho.

The 2011 Polar Plunge was truly a community effort ... and David Brinkman has warmed up enough to extend the challenge ... saying that with support, he'll do a double back flip gainer off the dock next year. Someone has to do a better back flip than Mike Davis, of Iron Mike's, did this year. Of course, Mike was upstaged by the dive of Superman ... Dave Kramer, who helped organize the event, and that's not to take away from Iron Mike, who helped prepare many for this frigid event.

Next year, Dave Koon and I are going to be the first in the water, and I'm going to stand in there to get the best pictures ... If anyone believes that and would allow us a pledge. I have faith that next year will be warmer.