The Adair County Board of Supervisors, during an electronic meeting Wednesday morning, voted against the sale of alcohol during the Adair County Fair. Prior to the meeting, written objections were raised to the idea from Adair County residents Colleen and Jerry Oxley, Barb Kalbach, and LuAnne Shelley. In her statement, LuAnn Shelley said “The county fair is for the children! (If the adults think they need alcohol, there are several places they can go drink.) Please leave this for the children! They don’t have as many places or choices as the adults have for recreation. Please, leave this for the children!”

Fairboard member Joe Herr addressed the Supervisors. He said the Fair Board has discussed allowing alcohol on a nightly basis, from one-hour before events to one-half hour after. The venue for serving alcohol would be restricted.

He said alcohol would not be allowed outside of a fenced-in area. Herr acknowledged concerns over persons having too much alcohol, and then drinking and driving.

Herr said allowing alcohol would be a financial benefit to the Fair.

Supervisors Board Chair Steve Shelley made it clear, that if the sale of alcohol is permitted at the Adair County Fair, he will no longer be in favor of Board financial support for the Fair.

Board member Jodi Hoadley suggested if the Fair Board needs the money that badly, the Supervisors could look at increasing the amount they give to the fair each year. In the end, the Supervisors voted unanimously NOT to support the proposal to allow alcohol at the fair.

In other business, the Adair County Supervisors approved a contract for the mowing of the Grove Cemetery. They also agreed to allow in-person meetings at the courthouse, with the provision masks be worn in the courtroom and as social distancing allows, if the governor does not extend her current proclamation. Department heads would have the final decision on whether masks are required in their individual offices.

Sheriff Jeff Vandewater, spoke Wednesday, with regard to a new vehicle purchase/Trade-in. The current 2017 Tahoe has a lot of miles on it. Vandewater has worked out a deal with Karl Chevrolet for a 2021 Tahoe at $36,216. With a trade-in for $18,500, that leaves a net cost of $18,216. The vehicle is Budgeted for already, and board approved the trade-in and purchase.