Fair Board bestows honors, elects members at annual meeting

Earning a lifetime pass to the Putnam County 4-H Fair on Thursday evening is past Fair Board President Steve Greeson (third from left), who is presented with his Golden Key Pass by (from left) President Ray Poynter Jr., Vice President Gary Stevens and Secretary Val Haddon.

While honoring members for past achievements, the Putnam County Fair Board also looked toward the future Thursday evening with the election of 14 members.

Besides reports on the 2015 4-H Fair and the goings on of the last 12 months, the annual meeting included honors for two outgoing board members and a past president.

Russell Township representative Darrell Wiatt is moving on after 14 years on the board, while 4-H Rabbit Superintendent John Scamahorn is stepping aside after 23 years.

Scamahorn was not present, but he and Wiatt both received plaques commemorating their years of service.

After 14 years on the Putnam County Fair Board, Russell Township representative Darrell Wiatt (second from left) is stepping down. Bestowing Wiatt's honor are (from left) President Ray Poynter Jr., Vice President Gary Stevens and Secretary Val Haddon. Also honored Thursday was John Scamahorn, who stepped aside after 23 years but was unable to attend the annual meeting.

While he remains on the board, past President Steve Greeson was honored for his time at the helm, as his successor Ray Poynter Jr. presented Greeson with a Gold Key Pass, which grants lifetime free admission to the Putnam County Fair.

Poynter and Greeson were also among those re-elected to the Fair Board, representing Clinton and Floyd townships, respectively. Others unopposed in their re-election bids included Dale Jessup in Greencastle Township, Steve Vaughn for Jefferson Township and Val Haddon for Washington Township.

The one new township representative is Doug Parent, representing Russell Township. Others seeking the appointment were Lida Mae Oliver and Rodney Simpson.

Township representatives are elected for two years.

Those serving one-year terms as at-large members include incumbents Jerrod Baugh, Gene Grable, Rick Johnston, Erica Pickens and Vicki Timm as well as new appointees Kent Ames, Jada Buchanan and Allen Royer.

Others seeking at-large positions included Clint Cooper, Karen Goff, Travis Lambermont, Holly Patterson, Colt Underwood and Scott Wesley.

Overall, 2015-16 members of the Putnam County Fair Board include:

*Township representatives: Clinton, Poynter; Cloverdale, Eric Hayman; Floyd, Greeson; Franklin, Raymond McCloud; Greencastle, Jessup; Jackson, Jeff Coffman; Jefferson, Vaughn; Madison, Andy Maier; Marion, Gilley; Monroe, Curt Krominaker; Russell, Parent; Warren, Shea Mahoney-Sutherland; and Washington, Haddon.

* At-large members Ames, Baugh, Buchanan, Grable, Johnston, Pickens, Royer and Timm.

* Project superintendents: 4-H Exhibit Hall, Pat Sheldon; Adult Open Class, Dorinda Emberton; Beef, Jared Fordice; Dairy, Gary Stevens; Dog, Jane Huge; Goat, Brent Summers; Harris Hall, Meredith Bee; Horse, Trent Boswell; Poultry, Jason Keeney; Rabbit, Dawn Overbay; Sheep, David Berry; and Swine, Lee Fordice.

* Outside appointments include Wes Hacker from the 4-H Council, Donna Tippin from Extension Homemakers and the 4-H Junior Leader representative, who is yet to be determined.

Extension Educators Mark Evans, Jennifer Cannon and Jenna Nees also serve as ex-officio members.

Officers will be elected during the board's Oct. 26 meeting. The 2014-15 officers have included Poynter, president; Stevens, vice president; Haddon, secretary, Krominaker, treasurer; and Gilley, nominating committee chairman.