BROKEN BOW—The Custer County Ag Society held its regular meeting on Thursday, March 10 and invites the public to attend the monthly meetings to voice concerns related to the fairgrounds.
“Our meetings are always the second Thursday of the month. If anyone has any comments, complaints, questions, anything you know they’re more than welcome to come out here and address the board and a list of the board members and their numbers are on our website so don’t hesitate to reach out,” Fairgrounds Administrator Michelle Nelson told KCNI/KBBN.
Fairgrounds Administrator Michelle Nelson said many weekends between April and August are filled with events as the fairgrounds prepares for a busy season ahead. She said she is working on advertising for Casey Donahew who will be headlining the Custer County Concert on Saturday, July 30, 2022.
“I am super excited about this one! He’s one I’ve looked at for quite a while but I just thought he was a little bit out of my price range and then when the board said go big or go home I was like yes this is it. I’m really excited and then moving it to Saturday I think that’s going to help a bunch so I just encourage people,” Nelson said.
A micro wrestling event and beer garden is scheduled at the fairgrounds on Monday, April 4.
Administrator Nelson reported the total revenue from the winter ball came to $26,143.57. Funds from the ball are going toward the grandstands renovation for ADA accessibility. Discussions with Jim Warrington of Miller & Associates Consulting Engineers, P.C. out of Kearney are being held regarding a new ramp/platform to be placed out front of the grandstands.
The Ag Society will host the Mid-States Rodeo Finals in September and is also working on the 2023-2024 proposed contract. Last year the event was held with the help of the board members and 29 volunteers. The board discussed the benefits of having the $6,500 big screen (made possible thanks to grands from tourism) and said the Mid-States weekend brought in approximately $11,000 the first year but has slowly decreased each year.
As for new business, the board debated putting a code of conduct in place for the 25 paying yearly members as well as day-pass users on the premises of the fairgrounds. Board member Ira Spanel said there are few bad apples causing problems but the fairgrounds is a public place where everyone needs to get along.
“It’s getting ridiculous that adults can’t get along,” Spanel said citing the ongoing problem amongst fairgrounds patrons. The question asked was what actions can be taken against people causing issues. No decisions were made.
The board also reviewed the number of full time vs. hourly employees at the fairgrounds for weekend events. No decisions were made.
It was also announced on behalf of Grounds Manager JJ Martin that a cottonwood tree near Building 21 had to be taken down due to termites.
On behalf of the 4-H Council, Chase Christen said the premium book ad sales have been completed, early online 4-H enrollment ends April 1, and election of officers resulted in the following positions: Jeff Witthuhn as President, Chase Christen as Vice President, Christy Berghorst as treasurer, and Joyce Racicky as secretary.
The Custer County 4-H Council will meet on Monday, March 21, 7:30 p.m. at the 4-H Building in Broken Bow. A meeting agenda will be posted at the Custer County Courthouse in Broken Bow, after March 14. The meeting is open to the public.
The meeting adjourned at 7:54 p.m.
