The Custer County Ag Society met for their regular session Thursday evening, March 12. Fair Board President Brian Palmer called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM at the Shooting Sports Building on the Custer County Fairgrounds in Broken Bow.
Welcome to Fairgrounds General Manager Clay Hayes
The meeting started with an introduction of new Fairgrounds General Manager Clay Hayes. Hayes starts the position on Monday, but throughout the meeting, the Board was sure to point out places where he would be involved in planning and and work around the facility.
Hailing from Athens, TX, Hayes and his wife KeAnn are working on moving to Broken Bow. Hayes noted the couple have been coming to the area for the past couple of years, and fell in love with the people and the area. “Just from day one, you could tell it was something pretty special,” he said.
Hayes brings a background in both rodeo and business management to the position that is sure to keep him busy moving forward.
Financial and Committee Reports
In Financial and Committee Reports, the Board reviewed the Fairgrounds’ bills paid and discussed the recent fraudulent charges on one of the group’s credit cards. Palmer stated that the last pieces had been submitted to the credit card company allowing him to access the account, and they will begin contesting the bad charges as soon as those go through.
Board Member Andy Gibbons reported for the Grounds committee, stating some minor maintenance had been done and two events were held at the Fairgrounds since their last meeting. Gibbons also discussed a plan to re-key all of the doors and padlocks throughout the grounds at a cost of $1,143, ensuring Hayes and one or two board members have master keys for all.
Gibbons had also been in contact with Custer County Emergency Manager Mark Rempe regarding establishing an Emergency Action plan for fairgrounds users. More will be coming on this at next month’s meeting.
Bids for Fairgrounds Work Tabled
Approval of bids for tree removal work and to install new lighting in the indoor arena were both tabled at the meeting Thursday, to pursue more formal advertisement and additional bids.
There was a significant difference in the amount bid from two tree services to clean up and remove trees around the Fairgrounds. Pending clarification of the costs, the Board decided to pause approving one or the other. One member of the public in the audience suggested ensuring a bid was sought from a company that was not mentioned in the Board’s discussion.
Only a single written bid was received for the lighting work. As that bid was from Gibbon’s company, Gibbons Electric, the Board decided to solicit additional bids through newspaper advertisement to ensure there is no appearance of impropriety in the bidding.
Tourism Grant Applications Due Soon
Board member Scotti Ross told the Board that the deadline to submit for Tourism Grants is April 30, saying she was prepared to work on the applications, but needed more information about how the Ag Society planned to use any money received.
Palmer noted that last year, the Society received a grant of just under $17,000 to cover costs related to operating expenses for the Custer County Fair. Palmer, Ross, and Hayes will begin working on a similar application, along with at least one more for costs to advertise and bring in additional events to submit before the deadline.
Other Ag Society Activities
Board Member Mark Cardoza reported some changes for Open Class entries at the Fair this summer. Categories for metal work and for restoration have been added, and the premium for afghans was increased to $3.00, similar to quilts.
The Board approved a change in venue for the Winter Ball happening January 23, 2027. As the Ag Society Ball has outgrown the Broken Bow Municipal Building, the Board approved moving the Ball to the One Box Convention Center. Palmer has been working with the Convention Center on costs and fees, indicating several can be waived or capped.
With no further business before the Custer County Ag Society, the meeting adjourned at 8:02 PM. The next meeting of the Ag Society will be April 9 at 7:00 PM, at the Shooting Sports Building on the Custer County Fairgrounds.
