SIDNEY — The Shelby County Fair Board officially closed out the 2018 fair year, marking the beginning of fair year 2019, during its regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 21.
The fair board also thanked three exiting members for their service to the board.
Ann Langenkamp, of Salem Township, James Bensman, of Van Buren Township, and Randy Sailor, of Perry Township, each have terms which expire this year.
The board accepted Ben Brautigam to fill the unexpired term as the director for Orange Township. Brautigam was sworn into the position, along with all other directors voted in for office at the 2018 fair.
President Jeremy Reese reported on the electrical upgrade project, stating he and secretary Jerry Schaffner had met with the county engineer’s office, as well as the county commissioners, and are waiting for “one more legal clarification” to proceed with the project.
Two proposals for changes to the constitution and/or bi-laws were presented, including one calling for term limits for the president and vice president. After considerable discussion, a motion was carried to drop this proposal.
The second proposal, one which would add to the bi-laws language to allow the board to sell beer and receive the proceeds from the sales during the fair and fair year. This motion was carried.
A discussion was also held regarding the addition of conduct regulations during open shows during the fair to coincide with the rules of the junior fair code of conduct.
In other business, the board:
• Approved a motion to induct Maxine Allen, and Joe and Karen Platfoot, into the 2019 Shelby County Fair Hall of Fame.
• Heard three proposals to do an overall view of the 20-year plan on new construction and traffic flow, among other things. A proposal for $2,700 was approved.
• Moved to close out the 2018 fair year, followed by opening of the 2019 fair year.
• Carried a motion eliminating a vote by ballot if only one director is nominated for an office.
• Carried motions to elect Jeremy Reese as president, Eric Garber as vice president, Eugene Schulze as treasurer, and Jerry Schaffner as secretary for the year.
• Carried a motion for Eric Garber to serve as the delegate and Jeremy Reese as alternate delegate to represent the Shelby County Ag. Society at the 94th OFMA annual convention.
• Discussed the possibility of a county FFA conducting a community project on the fairgrounds.
• Moved the junior fair annual meeting to Jan. 20.
• Recognized Cassie Dietrich and her office for the work they do for the Ag. Society during the year, and the fair itself, followed by a motion carried to provide catered lunch to Dietrich’s office.
• Carried a motion to allow Jodi Platfoot to give fairgrounds supervisor Chris Roediger a $1,000 Christmas bonus for all of his work during the 2018 fair year.
