GREENVILLE – The Darke County Fairboard held its regularly scheduled meeting on January 7, 2025. The atmosphere was somber as a bouquet of yellow roses and a lighted candle sat at the place usually reserved for Director Christoph Keller.
The meeting opened with President, Marla Werner, reading the previously released statement addressing the passing of Keller. A moment of silence was held in his memory. Werner stated that this meeting would be a difficult meeting to get through, asking for everyone’s understanding, but noted that Keller would have wanted them to proceed with getting business taken care of and they will move forward as they think he would have wanted.
Jr. Fair Coordinator, Betsy Petitjean, informed the board that there has been some mixed information about the upcoming market steer weigh-in date. Shelby County had announced a date change, which was causing some confusion. Petitjean would like everyone to help spread the word that Darke County’s weigh-in will still be on Saturday, January 10th, from 8am-10pm as previously scheduled.
The rabbit department brought a request to add a breed sanction class for Hollands to the open show. The board approved their request.
In old business, the previously tabled motion to approve skillathon dates was reopened. The dates and option C were voted on and approved. Those dates can be seen on the Jr Fair’s website.
The board also announced that they are closing the gaps in the Grandstand event schedule. They discussed and approved bringing in 3 Bar J for a rodeo on the first Saturday evening of fair. This is an event that hasn’t been done at the fair in several years and the board is excited to add them to the fair.
They also discussed finalizing details for the upcoming OFMA, approved allowing Tri Village to borrow gates for their FFA judging, and heard a vendor request from long-time vendor Dean Crumpler concerning his retirement. His request will be sent to the vendor committee for discussion. Director Dean Neff informed the committee that he has been in contact with the sound tech concerning the Sheep Committee’s request, and they are continuing to work on this.
Fair Secretary, Heidi May, updated the board on the progress of updating the fair book, noting that it is near completion. The board hopes to have the fair book completed and ready to release by late spring this year.
The board reviewed rate changes that were proposed by the rate committee. Werner passed out the proposal and after a discussion and adjustment to the caretaker services rate, the new rates were approved.
The assignment of Department Secretaries was tabled for the next meeting. Fine Arts and Poultry is currently vacant, and they hope to be able to release a full list at the February meeting.
Director, Jayden Hicks, brought forth a request from the Sheriff’s department to consider changes to gate #3 to alleviate traffic concerns and to add an additional vendor gate with an attendant. The board will take these suggestions into consideration and work on solutions.
The Fairboard then went into executive session to discuss the Sheriff’s Contract. At the conclusion of executive session, the board voted to approve this contract under cover.
President Werner closed the official meeting, but then invited board members to share any memories of Christoph Keller. Fond and funny memories were shared and as those present reflected on their time with Keller and his contribution to both the fair and the community. His presence and dedication will be greatly missed.
