The Custer County Ag Society completed their business on Thursday Evening in two separate 30-minute sessions held at the Shooting Sports Building on the Custer County Fair Grounds.
Year Wrapped Up and Elections Held at Annual Board Meeting
The Annual Board Meeting of the Custer County Ag Society was the main event of the evening.
Minutes of the November 14, 2024 Annual Board Meeting were read and approved, and Board President Brian Palmer briefly discussed the financial state of the Ag Society. Palmer focused on changes to the Society’s financial accounting practices put in place effective July 1 2025, moving from multiple lines of accounting to just three primary accounts. Palmer told those assembled that if anyone wanted a detailed review of 2024’s financial records, a meeting could easily be set up to do so.
Palmer provided his President’s Report, stating it had been “a fun year, and a heck of a learning curve”. He then noted that he would have much more to say about the year’s activities at the Winter Ball.
Following these reports, nominations were requested for three seats coming open on the board for a term to run from November 2025 through November 2028. Exiting board members Casey Cooksley, Rodney Lamb and Steve Horn had all previously indicated they were not planning to seek a further term.
It should be noted that Horn served a remarkable 27 years with the Ag Society.
Open nominations were solicited, with the intent to allow all present to vote for their top-three nominees.
First nominated was Andy Gibbons. Gibbons is the owner of Gibbons Electric, and is very familiar with many fairgrounds operations, having provided electric repair services for the fairgrounds on many occasions. Gibbons also has volunteered his time on tractor pulls, demolition derby and is the Vice President of the Broken Bow Chamber of Commerce.
Caleb tenBensel was next nominated. tenBensel is the Ag Education Instructor and FFA Advisor at Broken Bow High School. Hailing from Cambridge, NE originally, tenBensel stated in his 5 years in Broken Bow he has come to enjoy the community and people who live here. tenBensel indicated his education experience and school connections would be of benefit to the Ag Society.
The final nominee was Scotti Ross. Ross is the Executive Director of the Custer Economic Development Corporation. Ross stated she would bring her business community connections and strategic planning abilities to a role on the Fair board.
With no further nominations forthcoming, Board Member Mark Cardoza moved that all nominees be accepted by affirmation. The three nominees were unanimously elected by the Ag Society Members and attending public.
The board thanked the outgoing members for their selfless service. Cardoza specifically called out Cooksley for the effort he has put in as being the glue that has held the fairgrounds together.
Regular Meeting Takes Care of Business
Before the Annual Board Meeting, the Regular Meeting of the Fair Board was conducted to address normal fair business.
Financial reports were quickly addressed. Due primarily to a successful barrel race event in October, business activity income showed a net increase of $12,214. Fiscal year to date showed a net gain of $29,895 since July 1.
In Committee Reports, Board Member Jake Rosentreader noted that the annual Custer County 4-H Recognition Program will be held this Sunday, November 16 at the 4-H building. Many of the local members and clubs will receive awards at the program. Cookies will be served.
Board Member Mark Cardoza spoke for the Grounds Committee. Cardoza also noted the success of the recent barrel race, stating the event promoter was excellent to work with, and was impressed with the facilities available on the fairgrounds.
There were however some electrical issues during the event. These were quickly addressed by Gibbons Electric out of Ansley. Cardoza noted the electrical issues again in New Business, recommending a comprehensive inspection of the fairgrounds’ electrical systems. While this was viewed by the board as likely to be cost-prohibitive, a common-sense approach to checking through the systems and making repairs where needed was given a tacit go-ahead.
More concerning was recent vandalism experienced on the fair grounds, with damage caused to the roadways. The Custer County Sheriffs Department has stepped-up patrols in the area, and ticketed at least one person in the last month.
Cardoza also noted that the now-defunct John Deere lawnmower would be placed for sale on Marketplace, as no one had yet expressed interest in the equipment locally. The new Hustler mower was on display outside the Shooting Sports Building during the evening.
Board President Brian Palmer provided the Executive Committee Report. Palmer will be meeting with Viaero Wireless next week to discuss running fiber-optic lines into the fairgrounds and enhancing wireless connectivity in the area.
In Old Business, the preparation for the Ag Society Winter Ball continues, with advertising starting next week and ticket sales soon after. The Winter Ball, themed “Cowboys and Candle Light”, will be January 24 at the Broken Bow Municipal Building.
In New Business, Pete Hulburt spoke representing the Lineman’s Rodeo. The rodeo is planning their event for July 13 – 17, 2026. The Board noted there were very few, if any improvements that they would seek for the event next year.
The Regular Meeting of the Custer County Ag Society Adjourned at 7:28 PM. The Annual Ag Society Board Meeting Adjourned at 7:51 PM. The next meeting of the Custer County Ag Society is scheduled for December 11 in the Shooting Sports Building on the Custer County Fairgrounds.
