Veteran's Service Committee Additions, Early Jump on Fair Business at Commissioner's Meeting

The December 5 meeting of the County Commissioners started with the approval of a change to conditional use permits for materials such as asphalt and concrete and other minerals. Resolution 22-27 amends Code 5.02 to include commission approval on permits. The vote was unanimous among the commissioners, and will speed the approval process for county road maintenance and repairs.

Next, Veteran Service's Director Fred Wiedeburg informed the commissioners of vacancies in the Veterans Service Committee. With Larry Nelson and John Sanna resigning for personal reasons, James Haddix and Ken Childers, both Navy veterans, were appointed. Since Larry Nelson was the Chairman, Stephanie Disney was appointed Chairperson of the Board. The commissioners approved each nominee and elevation of Disney to Chairperson via separate motion.

County Attorney Paul Schaub then brought up approval of a Memo of Understanding between juvenile services coordinators for Cheyenne, Kimball and Deuel counties to coordinate welfare needs. The expense of these services are provided by state grant, and it will be advantageous for the counties to apply together as a group. The Memo will create an understanding between the counties to share juvenile services together for a more cost effective and comprehensive service. The details of the grant will be discussed further in the next commissioner's meeting.

Next up was a discussion with Kip Miller, Treasurer of the County Fair board. There was about a 30 minute break before Miller arrived. He discussed the progress of the Fair Board in setting up and contracting with the services necessary for next summer's County Fair. Miller detailed that he has received a bid from Cervi Rodeo out of Sterling, Colo., for rodeo services. According to Miller, this company has extensive contacts in the industry and will be able to provide more events and bring more people to the Fair.

The initial plan is to have the PCRA Rodeo, not just rough stock but a full rodeo, on Wednesday, a Tractor Pull on Thursday, Friday's event is still to be decided but most likely it will be a concert, and on Saturday a Demolition Derby. The Fair Board is working with the Romeo Talent Agency to secure an act that fits what type of music fairgoers prefer and is within budget.

Miller also explained the Demolition Derby purse will be determined by number of entrants, not a flat sum.

The Fair Board is still working on whether or not to have a carnival, and still has a number of factors to determine before they move forward with a contractor. Miller expressed the importance of setting the dates as early as possible, as it make it easier to secure certain vendors and contractors, and also gives people the ability to plan their vacations and events around the Fair. The commissioners agreed that one of the problems with last year's Fair was the late setting of dates and relatively late start to marketing. Miller was very focused on the importance of setting the dates early and marketing the Fair as quickly as possible. Miller and the commissioner's both stressed the importance of the community getting behind and supporting the fair. The commissioners then adjourned for executive session.