By Jeff Rebitski, Staff Writer
The regular meeting of the Fremont County Fair Board started out with a call for an executive session to discuss a board member issue. Upon returning to the meeting, Board Member Terry Long-Cash, stood up and addressed the chamber and seated board members. Her written letter was read aloud and she struggled at times, through her emotional distress, to deliver the contents. Mrs. Cash called out individual board members for their lack of support and poor behavior. Cash vented about inequities and preferential treatment for board members’ relatives while disparaging other members for lack of participation during the fair. Her summative letter read, she offered her resignation and started to leave the chamber, however, several audience members asked her to stay after giving her a standing ovation for her comments, but at the conclusion of the meeting, she had not officially resigned according to Laura Harrington, Administrative assistant, Fremont County Fair.
The Fair Board came under further fire for some fines issued to kids who missed a meeting earlier in the season. A 10% deduction from sales made during the livestock auction left one family paying $3000.00 for the two kids who missed the same meeting after their cattle sold well this year.
“The problem,” says Dennis George of Fremont County,”There was never an official rule placed into the bylaws or even listed in the rules for showmen.” “These kids didn’t know there was a consequence for missing the meeting.” “There have always been “mandatory” meetings that people miss.” Said Jennifer VonKrosigk, lifelong resident and parent of Senior Showman Luke VonKrosigk who stands to lose a significant amount of money after selling his hogs.
Chet Jackson of Riverton explained that, “ if a kid sells a rabbit for $20.00 and pays $2.00 or 10% for missing a meeting, and My kid sells a steer for $2000.00 and has to pay $200.00 for missing the same meeting, is it fair and equitable?”
A Pair of coaches for the dog show spoke about the problems related to the heat and the damage it does to the dogs while they are showing. It was stated that the ground was too hot for the dogs to lay on as they demonstrated the basic commands. “The Dog Show and agility group need to have somewhere to show that isn’t 105℉ or we need to reschedule the show for another time.” said one coach. Many of the showmen stated that they would not return next year under the same conditions.”
There were several comments from the public on these topics and the board heard and accepted all the discussions, asking repeatedly for additional comments from the attendees before moving on to new business. All discussions are taken under advisement. Discussions and decisions within the board will be made public at future meetings.