Fair Board to demolish Milk House

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SIDNEY – The Shelby County Fair Board voted to demolish the Milkhouse at the fairgrounds following the 2021 fair during its monthly meeting Feb. 17.

As part of the infiltration/inflow project at the fairgrounds, Shelby County Maintenance Supervisor Chris Roediger said, it needs to be decided where sewer taps will be located. To remain operational, the Milkhouse would need a sewer tap.

Citing the board’s long-term plan to eliminate the Milkhouse and the fact that not many people use it, Aaron Heilers suggested the board should demolish it instead of spending more money on it.

The board then voted to tear down the Milkhouse after the 2021 fair in coordination with the infiltration/inflow project that is scheduled to be completed in the fall.

Preliminary plans are being drawn up now in anticipation of opening the bidding process for the infiltration/inflow project in July, Roediger said.

Roediger also provided an update on the renovations to the Beige Building. It was expected that fixtures would be installed already, he said, but the wrong faucets and urinals were delivered, delaying the project.

There was a leak in the Beige Building that resulted in a stain to the floor in the women’s restroom, which will be touched up. Work on the ceiling has been completed.

As part of the renovations, Roediger said, it was discovered a Beige Building kitchen wall needs to be rebuilt. He also suggested the Fair Board should consider purchasing new appliances for the kitchen, which could help spur more rentals of the building.

For now, the kitchen will be put back together with the current appliances as events are scheduled in the building within the next month. In March the board will further discuss potential kitchen renovations.

A layout has been created for additional camping spots at the fairgrounds, and a plan for electricity to the site was created.

The cost for the electrical project will be $14,900, President Eric Garber said. The board has a $6,491 credit from Area Energy & Electric, Inc., from previous work at the fairgrounds, he said. However, Treasurer Eugene Schulze said he thinks the credit might be larger.

The board voted to proceed with the electrical project and pay the balance of the cost after the credit is applied.

Vice President Matt Henman said the board sold 1,000 gun raffle tickets in two weeks. Following the meeting, the raffle drawing was held.

Scott Bertsch won the Ruger Mini-14 Tactical 5.56 NATO, Randy Breisford won the FN FNX-45 Tactical 45ACP, Daniel Snider won the Century Arms AK-47 Thunder Ranch 7.26×39, Troy Cromer won the Springfield Hellcat FDE Pistol 9mm, David Heintz won the Henry Single Shot Rifle 45-70 Gov’t, Rick Wildermuth won the Kimber 1911 Custom LW Pistol 45ACP, Linda Curl won the Browning BPS Shotgun 28 GA, Steve Polhaumas won the Walther PPQ Q5 Match Pistol 9mm, Nick Howell won the Ruger American Predator 6.5 Creedmoor, Scott Wooley won the Radikal NKX-3 Bullpup Shotgun 12GA, Mike Copeland won the Smith & Wesson 360 Survival Revolver 357 Mag, Cameron Phipps won the Savage 42 O/U Combo 22 WMR-410, Bob Elsner won the Beretta 92A1 Pistol 9mm, Alex Koenig won the CVA Scout TD 350 Legend, and Becky Reese won the Tikka T1x Rifle 17HMR.

Jason Howell, of the beer committee, reported he’s working on plans for a beer garden at the fair. He would like to have the beer garden located near a restroom.

Mercer County had a nice beer garden at its fair, Howell said, which included a tent, live music, picnic tables and pub tables.

Howell will check with FFA organizations to see if they could build pub tables for Shelby County. He thinks he could get some lumber donated for the project. He’ll also have to get permits for alcohol sales.

Garber told Howell to proceed with plans in anticipation of having a full fair in 2021. Howell will have more information in March.

Jake Yinger, of the entertainment committee, said he secured drag racing for the 2021 fair. The drag races will replace the monster truck show, which the board voted to cancel at its January meeting.

Heilers, of the swine committee, said he consulted with Winner’s Meats about an affidavit Junior Fair swine exhibitors will be required to sign stating they haven’t fed their hogs ractopamine, a feed additive used to promote leanness in swine, cattle and turkeys. Heilers said the staff at Winner’s Meats said the affidavit looked good and would suffice for the Fair Board’s needs.

Secretary Bill Clark said the board made it through the first phase of the Community Foundation grant process. He submitted the board’s application for the second phase of the grant process, which is more detailed, as the board seeks almost $5,000 to replace chairs in the Beige Building.

Clark also reported he’s working with Carol Pierce to create a letter to send out to potential sponsors of the fair. He also said the fair’s website and Facebook page will be updated more regularly going forward.

Jessica Adams, the new Shelby County 4-H youth development educator, introduced herself. She previously worked for two years as a program assistant for 4-H and the agriculture and natural resources programs in Miami County.

Adams, a Putnam County native, studied animal science at The Ohio State University. She lives in Miami County with her husband and two daughters.

Schulze reported the board has a balance of $75,024.28 in its bank account. The board had $24,779.24 in bills to pay for the month.

By Kyle Shaner

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Reach the writer at [email protected] or 937-538-4824.

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