Preparations continue for Smokin’ in the Hills, a Kansas City Barbecue Society-sanctioned competition set for Sept. 23 at Rocky Fork Lake.

Highland County Board of Commissioners President Shane Wilkin said in a Wednesday commissioners meeting that several teams have already signed up to compete in the cookoff, which will include selections of chicken, ribs, pulled pork and brisket.

Prizes will be awarded to the grand champion, reserve champion and first through fifth place for each category, according to Rhonda Purdin of the Highland County Senior Citizens Center. Purdin was the first person to come up with the idea for the barbecue competition, Wilkin said.

According to Wilkin, a “boatload” of judges have also signed up.

Wilkin also said planners are currently working with recycling outreach coordinator Heidi Devine to make Smokin’ in the Hills a “zero-waste” event… To read more of David Wright’s article click here.