The Wright County Fair Board gave their annual update and again requested funding. Tricia Rosendahl, fair manager, spoke about many aspects of the fair. She said the Fair Sponsorship program was successful again and raised over $66,000. The Kids Day and Veterans Programs were popular again. Youth involvement went well with over 940 4-H and FFA entries in livestock and non-livestock exhibits. The fair board was also approached by a new carnival, Scott’s Amusements who are out of the Boone area. They will bring their carnival to the fair starting next summer. Rosendahl pointed out some of the big capital projects at the fair including the impressive James R. Johnson stage and upgrades to the interior of the poultry barn.
Ultimately, the fair board asked the supervisors to continue their support for the fair at its current level of $26,500. The county will also again offer the fair $5,000 in matching funds for any grants that they would receive for improvements. The 2020 fair will run July 8th-July 13th with the theme of “County Pride – County Wide.”
Eric Rector with Wright County Conservation came to discuss a budget consideration for the weed commissioner. Rector explained that the state recently changed their definitions of what weeds need to be controlled and irradiated, with palmer amaranth being one that needs to be irradiated. In the past, there has been no budget for weed control in the county and they do not possess the chemicals needed to treat the weeds. Rector asked the board to consider a line item of $5000 in the upcoming budget for weed treatment.
Kathy Pfiffner, Executive Director of MIDAS, appeared before the board to introduce herself and give an update on activity. Pfiffner explained that she has been in that position since September and is enjoying the job. She went through several of her goals for the organization. She hopes to visit the counties more often considering the supervisors of 6 counties are the ones who created MIDAS. She added that the organization is working on marketing plans and also rebranding and perhaps a name change. The organization is responsible for Rural Transit Authority that operates in Wright County. Earlier this year, the county gave over full control of transit to MIDAS.
Sandy McGrath, Wright County Environmental Health and Planning & Zoning, gave the board her monthly update. One of the topics she covered was the influenza vaccine. She noted that so far, Wright County has immunized 40% of the population. The 65 year old and older segment is doing well with vaccination numbers, but 18-49 year olds are low for numbers. She reminded everyone that it is not too late to get vaccinated. She was also pleased to note that more pharmacies are offering vaccinations which helps cover more people.
