Lane Leech News Today

His locally sourced raspberry pie earns 140 points, enough to beat a tasty pumpkin pie entered by Deanna Shackelford.

When Evan Andrist chose to use Tajin as a pie spice in the semifinal round, he knew he was taking a chance.

Four bakers advance to next week’s semifinal round. Seven of the eight bakers scored at least 100 points.

Eight bakers advance to next week's round, which will be held Sept. 5.

Bakers from Greater Grand Forks and from area towns Lakota, Warren, Halstad and Harwood will be competing for this year's title.

Olson was sponsored throughout the contest by Hope Church of Grand Forks. For her win, she received a $500 check from the Herald on behalf of Hope Church, as well as the choice between two prizes from Home of Economy – either a $500 gift card or a pie safe worth $1,400.

After two rounds, the original field of 16 has been sliced to just four. Read this story to see the winners, as well as photos of each of the eight pies judged during Round 2.

Caitlin Olson had the highest score in the first round with a cherry pie that accumulated 102 points.

First round of the contest is Monday morning, when 16 bakers will arrive to have their pies judged by the four-person panel.

The four-week tournament will begin Aug. 22.