BROKEN BOW—The Custer County Ag Society (fair board) held its monthly meeting on May 12 at the fairgrounds to discuss its insurance renewal with Insurance of the Heartland representative Sharon Roberts.
Roberts said the insurance premiums for the buildings at the Custer County Fairgrounds have increased by $7,346.80 from last year due to the changes in building values, cost of materials, and labor. However, the fairgrounds’ coverage insures a higher dollar amount in the structures than last year. Liability went down by $500 and the fairgrounds has a $5,000 deductible per claim.
In addition to the buildings/structures at the fairgrounds, Roberts also talked with the board about the bleachers, mowers, tractors, skid steers, vehicles, picnic tables, etc. that are insured.
Shane Ryan made a motion to renew the insurance contract with Insurance of the Heartland with a few provisions and Blaire Hartman seconded the motion. The insurance renewal was approved.
Roberts and the board discussed the importance of coverage especially considering the damage done at the fairgrounds near Burwell on May 12.
Casey Cooksley made a motion and Rodney Lamb seconded a motion to approve a proposal from Miller & Associates for the engineering of the ADA compliant grandstands project for approximately $68,000. There is approximately $27,000 earmarked for the project from the Winter Ball.
Fairgrounds Administrator Michelle Nelson said the six new garage doors on the enclosed stall barn (Building #20) total $22,545 but does not include framing work.
Two new picnic tables were recently purchased for $2,800 using funds from the Tom and Kahty Eberle memorial money. During the April 14 meeting, the board voted to approve the Mid-States Rodeo Finals 2023-2024 contract bid and also approved to have Myers remove a manure pile not to exceed $8,000.
Two applications for the Aksarben Foundation Farm Family Awards—the Pioneer Award celebrating 100 years—were reviewed and approved recently. At the April 14 meeting the board voted to approve the application for the Birt Henry Family Farm. On Thursday, May 12 the board voted to approve the application for the Kissell Family Farm.
The Henry Family Farm was established in 1922 in Callaway producing corn, hay, and cattle on 160 acres. The Kissell Family Farm was established in 1907 in Sargent producing corn, soybeans, alfalfa, and shorthorn beef cattle on the current 260 acres of land still being farmed. The awards will be presented on Thursday, August 4 before the livestock auction.
On behalf of the 4-H Council, Chase Christen said the council has discussed county fair awards and is looking for new recognition ideas. He said recently the council also voted to do some repairs to the 4-H building such as floors, bathrooms, and some work on the east side of the building.
The Ag Society also approved the hiring of two individuals to work with the Extension Office around the time of the Custer County Fair (July 29-August 4).
Grounds Manager JJ Martin said he has fixed the signs by the road and ordered some ‘emergency/no parking’ signs. He said a new floor in the auction stand has been put in and the little tractor needs repairs. He and Michelle Nelson are preparing for upcoming events such as the Nebraska Junior High State Rodeo Finals this week.
The meeting adjourned at 8:11 p.m.
