BROKEN BOW—January is off to a busy start for the Custer County Agricultural Society. Plans for the future are coming to fruition with many projects underway at the fairgrounds.
During the January 10 meeting, Grounds Manager JJ Martin presented a bid from Josh Woods for new windows with metal wraps to be installed on Building 5 (the Chuckwagon building). The Ag Society approved the bid for the Chuckwagon building update not to exceed $3,600.
Another big project includes the eventual removal of Buildings 3 and 4, to be replaced with a 60 x 100 x 12-foot open air barn. The estimated cost of the new building was bid at $44,000 by Pearson Construction, plus $15,000 for electric. Board Member Marla Stallbaumer says this project has been in the works since June and hopes the board can move forward as soon as possible when the weather cooperates.
“They [buildings 3 and 4] currently have four stalls in them and we just feel like they’re only used once a year so if we can take them down and put up this new building, we can have a building that has more purpose and can be used throughout the year for various reasons,” Stallbaumer said.
The Ag Society hosted a Planning Meeting on January 6 where it compiled a list of goals for 2019 including upgrades to Trotter Arena, ADA restrooms, crows nest, updates to electrical work and lighting, roads, and new doors on Building 20.
On Thursday night, President Kent Nelson said the society is “trying to set up the fairgrounds for the next 50 years.” The board also approved the proposed amendments to the bylaws.
Shawn Lehmkuhler discussed updates to Trotter Arena: moving roping box area, drainage, and back pen areas. He said the main idea behind these updates is to bring in more, bigger events to the fairgrounds.
Also discussed on Thursday night, Troy Walz from the Extension Office reported that fair premium books will be printed at the end of March and that the market beef weigh-in will take place on Saturday, February 2 at the Broken Bow Animal Hospital.
Stallbaumer said the 4-H Council will hold a safe environment training and business meeting at 7 p.m. on January 28 in the 4-H building.
Events Coordinator Michelle Nelson said things are on track for the Winter Ball, scheduled for January 26 at the One Box Convention Center.
