Jim Cooley was the first-place winner in the inaugural chili cook-off sponsored by the South Whidbey Eagles in Freeland.

Cooley finished with 253 points.

Julie Casper, the daughter of local resident Barbra Chase, earned second place with 252 points.

Mike Cooley won third place with 243 points.

The contest had a great turnout, with 14 chili entries and a packed house. Eight judges were on hand, and all of the judges said it was a really close contest.

Organizers of the competition said they were excited by the amount of local enthusiasm for the event and are looking forward to another chili challenge next year.