The Custer County Ag Society covered a number of topics in an hour and a half when they met in regular session Thursday evening, February 12. Board President Brian Palmer called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM, with all members of the Fair Board present. The Board immediately entered Executive Session to address personnel issues, and reconvened at 7:15 PM to continue with their public meeting.
Committee Reports Cover Finances, Beef Weigh-in, Upcoming Events
During presentation of the financial report, Palmer noted that one of the Ag Society’s credit cards had recently been victim of a number of small fraudulent charges. Palmer stated that while the administrative details of managing those charges were being sorted out, that particular bill would not be paid for the month.
Nebraska Extension Educator Troy Walz provided an update on cattle weigh-in in preparation for fair showing later in the year. Numbers for the weigh-in were fairly consistent with last year, with 44 families and 161 animals weighed. The cattle ranged in weight from 398 lbs to 1,296 lbs.
In a related item, Palmer expressed some concern regarding parking along Memorial Drive during the weigh-in, noting that having vehicles and trailers parked along the hill and curve to the north of the Broken Bow Animal Hospital creates a dangerous situation. A handful of potential solutions were discussed between Walz and the Board for future weigh-ins.
Walz also provided the Board with a listing of the Extension’s fair-time events so that the Fair Committee can begin looking to coordinate and de-conflict activities where needed for the summer.
In the Buildings and Grounds report, Board Member Andy Gibbons relayed some minor upkeep items accomplished and pending, as well as noting that the Black Widow arena grooming implement was down for repairs. The primary item delaying completion of repairs on the implement is a unique blade tip that must be shipped from the manufacturer.
The Events Committee reported on a number of events coming to the Custer County Fairgrounds in the spring and summer. These include:
– April 11 – Beat the Heat BBQ Challenge and Beer Garden. The event will start at 5:00 PM with a $20 entry fee and judging in several categories.
– June 13 – Demolition Derby
– July 18 – tentative date for the Tractor Pull
– August 15 – tentative date for a Mud Racing event.
Old Business Sees Approval of a General Manager, Agreement to Pursue Internet Contract, More on Summer Activities
HR Committee Chair Scotti Ross stated that after advertising in several venues, three high-quality candidates applied and were interviewed for the position of Fairgrounds General Manager. In the end, the team chose Clay Hayes for the position. Ross stated the committee viewed Hayes as the most well-rounded of the candidates, able to best adapt to the position. The Board approved the recommendation to hire Hayes for the job.
During the January 15 Ag Society Meeting, Palmer presented to the Board a proposal from Viaero Fiber Networks to provide high-speed internet access to several Fairgrounds buildings, in return for advertising consideration and a $250/month fee. While the Board expressed their interest in the proposal, a recommendation to ensure competing bids were sought was eventually approved at the time.
Gibbons reported Thursday night that no competing service provider he contacted was going to be able to meet the proposal from Viaero, and as such no additional bids were forthcoming. As such, the Board voted to approve agreement to the Viaero contract, once a detail about the length of the contract is settled.
Also in the January 15 Meeting, the Board discussed possibilities for replacing the current air conditioning units for the Chuck Wagon kitchen on the fairgrounds. Gibbons had reviewed options with Taylor Heating and Cooling, and concluded that initial outlay and ongoing maintenance of a “mini split” heat pump would not be a cost-efficient option. Two to three window-style air conditioner units would be affordable at the same cost, noted Gibbons.
The Board decided that the purchase of new window air conditioners for the facility would fall under ongoing maintenance activities, and turned the work over to the Maintenance and Grounds Committee to address.
Resuming the conversation about a potential Mud Racing event, Board Secretary Desirei Cook indicated that the Broken Bow Chamber of Commerce is interested in partnering with the Ag Society on the Event as they have with other activities in the past.
However, Board Vice-President Clint Lambrecht noted there were a number of details still to be determined. The Board spent much of the conversation discussing various locations on the Fairgrounds that would be most appropriate to host the event, which will require significant earthwork, along with the water necessary for the mud. Palmer likewise was not in favor of setting up the event in a location that would result in the loss of established ground-cover.
The Board provided approval to continue pursuing the event, with the caveat that the Activities and Grounds Committees work together to determine a site that will result in the least disruption of the grounds.
New Business Brings an Ice Machine to the Fairgrounds, and Dates and Band for the 2027 Winter Ball
In reviewing the financial position of the Ag Society, Palmer has noted that the Board currently has two loans outstanding – one for $12,500 on a skid-steer loader, and another on a Buddy Trailer stall cleaning system for $28,000. On the other side of the ledger, the Society has $30,000 in savings. Palmer stated a desire to eliminate interest payments wherever possible, and recommended using funds from the savings account to pay off the skid-steer loader. The Board agreed and quickly approved his motion.
Logan Girardin returned to the Board with a plan to place a pay ice-dispensing machine on the fairgrounds for the use of fair attendees and others. Girardin noted the machine proposed to be placed at the former site of the ATM machine near the Fairgrounds entrance would produce 1,000 lbs of ice in 24 hours, and accept cash, coins, credit cards, and even gift certificates that the Ag Society could use in promotional events.
The Ag Society approved Girardin to work with the Grounds Committee to install the ice machine, in return for free-use of the ice by the Society for Fairgrounds events. The deal will be re-evaluated at the end of 2026.
The Board penciled in January 23, 2027 as the date for the next Ag Society Ball, and approved the Callaway band Borderline for the evening’s entertainment. Earlier in the meeting, Board Treasurer Jake Rosentreader noted that this year’s Ball had made a profit of approximately $50,000, with some minor income and expenses still outstanding.
In order to better organize woodchips and other arena supplies, Gibbons proposed installing concrete block bunkers near the arena areas. Gibbons plans to source 40 large concrete barrier blocks from Paulsen, Inc. at $65 a piece, and indicated Sargent Pipe will help the blocks for no charge. While Ross recommended finding out if if a deal could be worked for the blocks as well, the Board approved the plan to go ahead.
With no further business before the Board, the Custer County Ag Society adjourned at 8:24 PM. The next meeting of the Custer County Ag Society is scheduled for Thursday, March 12, at 7:00 PM.
