BROKEN BOW, Neb. — Megan Bachman of Merna was elected to the Custer County Ag Society Board during its annual meeting Thursday, Nov. 12. The ag society also reported improved finances and approved nearly $10,000 in fairgrounds improvements during its regular monthly meeting.
Bachman joins Jake Rosentreader and Shelby Spanel, who were both re-elected. All three will serve new three-year terms. Bachman replaces outgoing board secretary Desirei Cook, who did not seek re-election. Ag Society President Brian Palmer thanked Cook for her service on the board.
A longtime 4-H volunteer, Bachman has served as a leader with the Four Corners 4-H Club since 2011. Her two daughters are involved in 4-H, FFA and rodeo.
In an interview with KBEAR News, Bachman emphasized the fairgrounds’ importance beyond Custer County.
“Custer County is unique with the fairgrounds because it’s a hub. It’s not just a hub for Custer County. It’s a hub for central Nebraska,” she said.
Bachman hopes to address aging buildings and flooding concerns while expanding youth activities, including junior rodeos, livestock progress shows and shooting sports competitions.
Finances and Fairgrounds Activity
Ag Society President Brian Palmer reported combined account balances of $195,291.41 at the close of the fiscal year June 30, approximately $55,000 more than the previous year.
Palmer said a more detailed financial report will be presented at the upcoming Winter Ball. The society also plans to complete its annual audit before formally accepting the finalized year-end report.
General Manager Clay Hayes reported that the Nebraska 4D Barrel Racing Finals generated nearly $12,000 in revenue. The fairgrounds have also begun hosting twice-monthly barrel races on Wednesday evenings.
Facility Improvements Approved
The board unanimously approved $9,840 for two overhead doors from Weathercraft.
A $6,295 insulated door will replace the existing doors on Building 21, improving heating efficiency in the wash rack. A second door, costing $3,545, will replace a deteriorating door on Building 6.
Hayes said sales of surplus equipment have generated more than $6,000 to help offset the expense.
Other Board Business
The board delayed approval of updated bylaws until December to allow for additional legal review. Board member Scotti Ross said the revisions primarily modernize language and address changes in state statutes.
Spanel was appointed to coordinate preparations for the upcoming Winter Ball, including fundraising efforts.
The board’s human resources committee also completed a six-month performance review of Hayes. Palmer reported positive feedback from fairgrounds users and expressed satisfaction with his work.
The next regular meeting is scheduled for Dec. 10, with the next annual meeting set for Nov. 11, 2027.BROKEN BOW, Neb. — Megan Bachman of Merna was elected to the Custer County Ag Society Board during its annual meeting Thursday, Nov. 12. The ag society also reported improved finances and approved nearly $10,000 in fairgrounds improvements during its regular monthly meeting.
Bachman joins Jake Rosentreader and Shelby Spanel, who were both re-elected. All three will serve new three-year terms. Bachman replaces outgoing board secretary Desirei Cook, who did not seek re-election. Ag Society President Brian Palmer thanked Cook for her service on the board.
A longtime 4-H volunteer, Bachman has served as a leader with the Four Corners 4-H Club since 2011. Her two daughters are involved in 4-H, FFA and rodeo.
In an interview with KBEAR News, Bachman emphasized the fairgrounds’ importance beyond Custer County.
“Custer County is unique with the fairgrounds because it’s a hub. It’s not just a hub for Custer County. It’s a hub for central Nebraska,” she said.
Bachman hopes to address aging buildings and flooding concerns while expanding youth activities, including junior rodeos, livestock progress shows and shooting sports competitions.
Finances and Fairgrounds Activity
Ag Society President Brian Palmer reported combined account balances of $195,291.41 at the close of the fiscal year June 30, approximately $55,000 more than the previous year.
Palmer said a more detailed financial report will be presented at the upcoming Winter Ball. The society also plans to complete its annual audit before formally accepting the finalized year-end report.
General Manager Clay Hayes reported that the Nebraska 4D Barrel Racing Finals generated nearly $12,000 in revenue. The fairgrounds have also begun hosting twice-monthly barrel races on Wednesday evenings.
Facility Improvements Approved
The board unanimously approved $9,840 for two overhead doors from Weathercraft.
A $6,295 insulated door will replace the existing doors on Building 21, improving heating efficiency in the wash rack. A second door, costing $3,545, will replace a deteriorating door on Building 6.
Hayes said sales of surplus equipment have generated more than $6,000 to help offset the expense.
Other Board Business
The board delayed approval of updated bylaws until December to allow for additional legal review. Board member Scotti Ross said the revisions primarily modernize language and address changes in state statutes.
Spanel was appointed to coordinate preparations for the upcoming Winter Ball, including fundraising efforts.
The board’s human resources committee also completed a six-month performance review of Hayes. Palmer reported positive feedback from fairgrounds users and expressed satisfaction with his work.
The next regular meeting is scheduled for Dec. 10, with the next annual meeting set for Nov. 11, 2027.
