Fair Board resignations, lightning and events top commissioner’s meeting discussion

Two Fair Board members, Luke Prichard and Burt Derryberry, both representing District #1, submitted their resignations to the Stephens County Commissioners which were accepted on Monday. District 1 falls under Commissioner Chairman Kreg Murphree’s region which is the north half of the county and covers Marlow, Bray and Central High.

Prichard had served on the fair board for two years, while Derryberry had only recently begun serving as of June 2022.

“You’re getting a little thin up in your area, aren’t you,” said Todd Churchman to Murphree, to which he replied, “they are.”

“Sometimes these boards are just not what people envision,” Churchman said. Commissioner Russell Morgan said everyone should serve on a board, just to appreciate it. Murphree said he’d be happy if anyone would serve even if it is for “just a little while.”

The exchange elicited a few laughs. No reason was given for the resignations.

Doyle Volunteer Fire Department’s Earl Henderson and his son, James, were also at the meeting this week in hopes of securing a bid for the uplifting of one Stewart Stevenson M-1078 Truck, to be delivered to the DVFD. No bids were submitted for #2023-25.

Commissioners also agreed the task of conservation and removal of a dangerous tree that was struck by lightning, and reshape the right-of-way shoulder for about 300 years, and stack debris on the land owner’s property for about 900 feet along the west boundary of Section 3, Township 3 south, Range 7 west in District #3.

Morgan explained that Andy Jones was only 20 yards away from the tree, trimming trees and working when the storm rolled up and lightning struck the tree. “A piece of bark hit him in the mouth. He called me, adrenaline flowing. He didn’t even realize the storm was coming.” Commissioner Churchman and a few other individuals in the room shared their own similar experiences of working on fences when they were alerted to the danger of nearby lightning, just by the tingling in their hands.

Morgan gave his weekly report on the fairgrounds activity, noting that the Duncan High School graduation will take place Thursday evening. He also mentioned upcoming events, including the Lion’s Club Carnival in the parking lot, a hog show, and a large rabbit show in the near future. He said that will be for about 4,000 rabbits and the show producer is supplying its own pens and tables.

Construction Manager Ken Shaw updated the board on the progress of the Fair & Expo Center expansion. He told the board that a mandatory pre-bids meeting was held last Thursday, with four companies show up with interest on bidding for the erection of the buildings.

“The goal is for the addition framework will look like the existing framework.” Shaw said it will take a few days to review the submitted packages, but expected a report would be available at the May 30 meeting (no meeting May 29 because of Memorial Day).

Stephens County Commissioners tabled an agenda item on Monday regarding Bond Insurance for County Elected Officials.

Items approved include:

• Court Clerk Records Management and Preservation Report for April, 2023.

* Adopt declaration of surplus resolution for various equipment on behalf of the Stephens County Assessor, and a resolution for equipment disposal declared as surplus. A list of items is available in the County Clerk’s office.

* An interlocal governmental agreement between Stephens County and City of Comanche where by the County will chip-n-seal approximately 2 miles of city streets and help with base prep as needed and haul chips from the quarry to City of Comanche. The City of Comanche will supply washed chips and oil for chipping.

* A cooperative agreement for the purpose of making conservation works of improvement to diminish erosion and siltation of right-of-way between Jerry Wilkerson and Stephens County. The County will clear trees and blade bar ditch for approximately 1/2 mile along the west boundary of Section 28, Township 2 North, Range 8 West in District #1.

Fairground rentals were approved for the following upcoming events:

* Duncan Noon Lions Club for a Carnival to be held in the parking lot, May 18-20 (this weekend.)

* Leon Farris for Stephens County GOP annual Fish Fry, to be held in the Harvest Room and Fair & Expo Center Arena, Saturday (May 20).

* Duncan Noon Lions Club for its annual rodeo to be held in the Claud Gill Arena, June 22-24.

* Betty Naff, reunion in the Winchester Room, July 1.

* Joe Lujan, owner of Great Plains Amusements, for a Carnival to be held at the Stephens County Fairgrounds, Aug. 17-19.

* Tri K Barrel Race, Inc. for a Tri K Barrel Race in the Fair & Expo Center arena, Oct. 27-29.

Fairground rentals were approved for the following past events:

* Christy Terry for a family dinner held in the Heritage Room, May 7.

* Jennifer Arellano for a consignment sale in the Territory Hall Room and Winchester Room, June 11-15.

* New Beginnings Methodist Church business meeting in the Prairie Room, May 15.