Commissioners Receive Good Fair Report: 18,000+ Came
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By Mark Evans
STE. GENEVIEVE HERALD
David Bova of the Ste. Genevieve County Fair Board reported to the county commission last Thursday that the 2023 fair saw more than 18,000 people come through the gate
The financial figures came out good, as well. Bova noted that while the board isn’t there to make a profit, the money is reinvested in improving the fair and the grounds.
“It’s got to sustain itself,” Presiding Commissioner Randy Ruzicka noted.
Bova said the board would be putting some money into improving the fairgrounds, in addiction to the work the county had done on it.
He said they hope to add some additional Sunday events next year, and will move the bands out of the show barn. Increased 4-H participation in livestock shows has necessitated 4-H reclaiming the barn.
Bova said eventually a band shell, which would cost about $40,000, is the goal. Next year tents will probably be used.
First District Commissioner Karen Stuppy called the fair “very successful,” while Ruzicka said it enjoyed the best weather he could remember.
Bova also said that two volunteers had submitted letters expressing interest in taking the three open fair board spots.
Later in the meeting, the commissioners appointed Lisa Hartley and Jessica Naeger to fill two of those positions.
WOLFIN INTERESTED
IN BUYING STATION
Bryant Wolfin, owner of BMW Convenience stores in St. Mary and Fredericktown asked the commissioners about the now-closed truck stop at Ozora.
The firm that bought it year or more ago, had put in a One9 truck stop. The company, however, recently went into bankruptcy and closed the store.
Wolfin asked the commissioners if they could help him contact the owners.
Ruzicka told him that this has been an issue with them. He said that, after many attempts, they had finally found a contact, a Charles Gilchrist. The last time they called him, however, he said he was no longer with the firm.
Wolfin said he is very interested in trying to buy the truck stop and make improvements to it.
The commissioners suggested he check with Assessor Linda Wagner or Recorder of Deeds Mary Jane White, to see if they can help him figure out whom to contact.
SCHMIEDER
GIVES UPDATE
Scott Schmieder, road and bridge foreman, reported that work was being done digging out bad spots on roads and patching. He said a pipe would be replaced on Boyd Road the following day.
Schmieder also brought up the boom mower, which was in the shop.
PAYING FOR ROOF
The commissioners also discussed a request by Bade Roofing to pay the retainage fee on the recent community center roof work. Second District Commissioner Mark Marberry said it would certainly have to be contingent on no additional “surprises” arising with the troubled roof.
They agreed to discuss the matter further at this Monday’s meeting. The money will come from federal American Relief Plan Act (ARPA) funds, so every “t” must be crossed.
Meanwhile, constriction manager at risk Grayco Roofing Consultants will be onsite Sept. 29 for a “continuation of investigation” into condensation staining walls, following the roof work.
Meanwhile, it was noted that the community center rooftop heating/cooling unit would have to be repaired, costing in the $6,000 range.
Notes
• Stuppy reported on the last University of Missouri Extension Board meeting. Plans are being made for the Adopt-A-Family program, matching donors with families. The extension’s chicken chip event at the fair raised $1,500.
• Shawn Long, library director, is wanting to take a seldom-used lounge area and convert it into two small offices and a study nook. Marberry said, “I like the way he thinks,” maximizing his space.
• Sheriff Gary Stolzer discussed vehicle purchases. He said the department had gone from Fords to Dodge Durangos because they had bigger engines and no turbo chargers. Now, however, the Durangos are downsizing their engines and adding turbochargers.
• A caller complained about reckless driving and speeding on Genevieve Church Road in the area of Burks School Road. Stolzer said he could have it patrolled.
• It was noted that Franklin Road residents keep asking about the replacement bridge. According to Jeremy Manning of Smith & Company Engineering, they are still waiting to get drafted plans for the new, longer bridge.