Cheyenne County community seeks grants to finish fairground pens, electrical work

Speaker 1 told county officials the fairgrounds committee has support from alumni and families and has raised roughly two-thirds of the money needed to buy new livestock pens for youth exhibitions. "Each pen is about roughly $1,200, and there's 32 pens," Speaker 1 said, and requested permission to apply for grants to pay for electrical upgrades and other site work.

The request came with details about local fundraising: proceeds from a fall-harvest party, the livestock show, a ranch rodeo and a hog roast have covered most of the committee's match, Speaker 1 said. Committee members also plan to sell personalized metal signs for individual pens; Speaker 1 said families have already committed to purchases.

Board members and volunteers discussed related maintenance and presentation work at the fairgrounds, including mowing and timing for weed spraying. Speaker 4 said county crews would spray in the spring but that the fairgrounds may need to supply or share the cost of chemicals. Speaker 4 also proposed lining the entrance drive with multiple flags — U.S., Kansas, a Cheyenne County flag and 4‑H flags — as an entrance display.

The group identified open items: confirmation of spray timing and responsibility for chemical costs, and final bids for electrical work. No formal county funding decision was recorded during the discussion; Speaker 1 asked for permission to pursue external grant funding and to proceed with vendor outreach for electrical installation. The county indicated staff would follow up on logistics and any necessary approvals.