A map from the state Department of Transportation shows where 450 miles of rumble strips are planned for in the region. In Orleans, the seems to show the strips will be added to portions of Route 104, 98 and 63.
The state Department of Transportation will add 450 miles of rumble strips to state highways next year.
The centerline strips will go on state roads in Orleans, Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Wayne and Wyoming counties, according to State Sen. George Maziarz’s office.
The strips have been shown to reduce head-on collisions on high-volume, non-divided, high-speed roads, the DOT told Maziarz in an advisory.
“This work will be done during 2015 and drivers should expect only minor delays due to construction on the affected roadways,” the DOT advised Maziarz. “The work zone will be similar to what drivers encounter when meeting a striping crew, with the exception that flaggers will be stationed with the work zone to allow an alternating single lane of traffic to pass while the work is done.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 July 2014 at 12:00 am
ALBION – Orleans County expects a sale to be complete soon for the county-owned nursing home, a 120-bed healthcare facility that has needed county subsidies to pay its bills.
The county budgeted an $825,000 contribution from taxpayers for the nursing home’s operations this year and that is projected to jump to $1.65 million next year. County officials fear the gap between government reimbursements and costs will get larger, necessitating county subsidies of $2 million to $4 million annually in the future.
That burden prompted county officials to sell the nursing home – The Villages of Orleans Health & Rehabilitation Center – for $7.8 million to Comprehensive Healthcare Management Services LLC. The sale needs the approval of the state and the Public Health Council is expected to vote on it Aug. 7. The state board has already given the sale contingent approval.
The nursing home sale is on target to be finalized by Jan. 1, 2015. If the sale isn’t finalized by then, county officials put a clause in the contract for Comprehensive Healthcare Management Services to pay for the operating losses for each month, beginning with January, until the sale is finalized, said Chuck Nesbitt, the county’s chief administrative officer.
Most of the sale price will be used to pay off existing debt, about $6.5 million, for the nursing home. The county will be spared from paying the shortfall for the nursing home in the future once its owned by a private firm.
The sale comes at a time when the county needs to repair or replace bridges and culverts. State and federal government dollars have been harder to come by for the county infrastructure. The nursing home savings will allow the county to direct more local dollars to infrastructure.
“We’re looking to address a number of bridge projects,” Nesbitt said.
The federal and state dollars are already scheduled for the next three years through a regional transportation council. Little of that money was directed to Orleans.
Nesbitt and the county don’t want to wait until 2018 for the next transportation funding plan to have a chance at state and federal money for local bridges.
“It’s problematic because of the number of the bridges and culverts that need attention,” Nesbitt said. “They can’t be deferred until 2016 or 2017.”
He expects the county will fix six bridges next year, with more to be targeted in the following years.
Besides the money it will be spared from the nursing home, Orleans also is projected to receive $268,000 in casino funds through a compact between the state and the Seneca Nation of Indians. Those dollars can help with the infrastructure projects, Nesbitt said.
The Legislature on Wednesday approved a bridge replacement on Hulberton Road in the town of Murray for $1,338,900. That project will be paid 80 percent by the federal government, 15 percent by the state and 5 percent by the county.
Crane Hogan Structural Systems in Spencerport submitted the low construction bid of $894,275 for the new bridge over the west branch of Sandy Creek.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 July 2014 at 12:00 am
Photos by Sue Cook – Games at the fair attracted a lot of attention throughout the day on Thursday. Many people were happy to walk away with stuffed animals or other prizes.
Special Event: Orleans County 4-H Fair 2nd Annual Craft Sale located in the Buzz Hill Education Center Lot, including professional appraisals from 4 to 7 pm at a special price of $5 per item (bring photos for your larger items).
Strolling Entertainment: Amazing Magic Joe, throughout the grounds, 5 to 9 p.m.
8 am: Senior Council Stand Opens
9:30 am: Youth Ag Olympics Fun Activities – South Lawn
9:30 am: Miniature Horse Show & Driving Competition – Carlos Marcello Arena
10 am: $5 Admission per car starts
10 am: All Buildings Open
The Hot Country Liners do a line dance on Thursday evening to “What Does the Fox Say,” a song by Norwegian comedy band Ylvis.
10 am: Grand Master Showman Workshop Starting in Show Arena
10:30 am: Tractor Driving Contest – South Parking Lot
12 pm: Leaders’ Pie Stand Opens
12 pm: Goat Knowledge Bowl: Dairy and Meat – Knights Building
12:30 pm: Dog Show, Agility Competition (Classes 23-30) – Show Arena
1 pm: Little Shepherds Sheep Show – Open to Public – Knights Building
1 pm: Story Time sponsored by Medina Community Library – Trolley Building
3 pm to 10 pm: Midway Rides of Utica $20 Unlimited Ride wristband – Midway
3 pm: Story Time sponsored by Medina Community Library – Trolley Building
Jayne Bannister squares the back legs of her animal during the sheep show.
3 pm: Horse Judging Contest – Education Center
3:30 pm: AirPlay Jugglers – Orleanshub.com Stage
4 pm: Royalty questionnaires due – Fair Office
4 pm: Chainsaw Chix – Log Cabin
4 pm to 8:30 pm: Master Gardener – Lawn of Education Center
4:30 pm: The Barnyard Review: Entertainment for your whole family – Lawn South of Knights Building
5 pm: Friday Night Fish Fry: Sponsored by Renovation Lodge #97 Cost: $9 Adult (Half portion $7) – Curtis Pavilion
5:30 pm: AirPlay Jugglers – Orleanshub.com Stage
5:30 pm: Classic Car Cruise-In – Education Center Parking Lot
The Mathes sisters Emma (front) and Lillian speak with judge Chad Swartz during the wool-outfit show.
6 pm: Set Up for Band – Orleanshub.com Stage
6 pm: Registration Ends for Small Fry Pedal Tractor Pull – Fair Office
6 pm: Grand Master Showman – Livestock Areas
6 pm to 8 pm: Pie Eating Contest: Sponsored by Brown’s Berry Patch – (Register at Fair Office during the week) – Curtis Pavilion
6 pm: Chainsaw Chix – Log Cabin
Lakeside Karate invited children from the community to join them on stage and learn some basics in front of the audience.
6:30 pm: The Barnyard Review: Entertainment for your whole family – Lawn South of Knights Building
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 July 2014 at 12:00 am
Contract makes everyone pay towards health insurance
ALBION – The Orleans County Legislature approved a two-year contract with management that gives about 65 employees 2 percent raises in 2015 and 2016.
The labor deal also continues a prior agreement for all management to pay towards their health insurance. The previous deal started a phase-in for veteran managers to pay more towards their health insurance in 2 percent increments.
That five-year roll-in continues in the new contract until it’s at a 10 percent share for all management, unless the manager is a new hire who chooses family insurance coverage. Then the employee has to pay 20 percent of the cost.
The new contract mirrors a three-year deal approved in October with about 70 employees in the Sheriff’s Department. They received 2 percent pay hikes annually and agreed to higher deductibles to their health insurance, which will reduce county health premium expenses.
The management staff also agreed to the higher deductible plan.
The county is now focusing on a labor accord with its largest union, CSEA. That contract expires on Dec. 31.
KNOWLESVILLE – Besides the animals, the Orleans County 4-H Fair also has a variety of amusement park-style attractions. Midway Rides of Utica provides the entertainment.
Here is a snapshot of the fun:
The carousel topper in a horse in mid-gallop.
Kyle, 6, and Tyler Brett, 8, ride The Caterpillar rollercoaster.
The horses look like they’re racing each other as they move around the carousel.
The Vortex turns stomachs during the day.
At night, the Vortex lights up as it continues taking riders for a spin.
Food and rides sit side by side down a busy main path.
The dizzy dragons whirl riders around. The riders can use the wheel inside of each dragon to spin themselves independently and make for an exhilarating ride.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 July 2014 at 12:00 am
BB Queens advance to Saturday’s championship
Photos by Tom Rivers
KNOWLESVILLE – Taylor Soule of the BB Queens is ready to descend the grease pole after Sam Remley reaches the top of the telephone pole slathered in grease.
The BB Queens were the fastest team on Wedneaday night, climbing the pole 43.72 seconds.
The BB Queens include, from left, in front: Gretta Smith, Taylor Soule and Halle Jurs. Back row: Jessica Grimes, Hannah Hapeman, Sam Remley, Brie Dixon, Brooke Bensley, Cady Messmer and Eboni Taylor.
Most of the members graduated from Albion in 2013. Brooke Bensley pushed to form the team. She has been watching the grease pole at the fair since she was a kid. During many sleepovers with her friends, she said they practiced cheerleading units and pyramids. She knew they could climb the pole.
Most of the men’s teams have taller participants and need to stack four people to get to the top. An all-ladies team would need to stack five people, Soule said. The team reached out to their Sam Remley, who is wiry with the upper body strength to get to the top.
The BB Queens drew loud cheers from the crowd of several hundred people after Remley made it to the top. Soule was covered in grease after the event.
A team from Hamlin, the Troll Diggers, works its way up the pole with Andrew Jones on top. The group watched friends compete last year and decided to try on Wednesday night. They did it in 46.23 seconds, just behind the BB Queens.
Andrew Jones of the Troll Diggers tries to find a grip to keep going up the grease pole.
A team from Medina, Mucked up, battled and climbed the pole in 2:05.99. Here Mucked Up members Andrew Cotter in white with Nick Schroeder in red at right try to get up the pole. Schroeder lost his grip but regrouped and made it to the top.
Lucas Evans of Mucked Up tries to steady himself so the next team member can climb up and stand on his shoulders. The grease pole continues each night at 10 p.m. with championships on Saturday.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 July 2014 at 12:00 am
Photo by Tom Rivers – Jeff Ebel from the Troll Diggers is the third man up on the grease pole last night. The Grease Pole returns tonight at 10 p.m.
Special Event: Orleans County 4-H Fair 2nd Annual Craft Sale located in the Buzz Hill Education Center Lot. Including professional appraisals from 4-7 pm at a special price of $5 per item (bring photos for your larger items).
Strolling Entertainment: Amazing Magic Joe, throughout the grounds, 5 to 9 p.m.
8 am: Senior Council Stand Opens
8 am to 3 pm: Youth Camp Day- Sponsored by the Orleans County 4-H – Fair Committee
9:30 am: Western Horse Show – Carlos Marcello Arena
10 am: $5 admission per car starts
10 am: All Buildings Open
10 am: Poultry Show – Wachob Pavilion
10 am: Wildlife I.D. Contest – Log Cabin
10:30 am: Little Britches Cattle Show (open to public) – Show Arena
12 pm: Leader’s Pie Stand Opens
12 pm to 1 pm: Dog Agility Demonstration with Della’s Agility Dream Dogs – and Guests – Show Arena
Photo by Sue Cook – During a motorcycle cruise-in on Wednesday, Dick Christopher rode in on a 2013 Harley-Davidson Tri Glide trike, which is a three-wheeled motorcycle.
1 pm: Story Time sponsored by Yates Community Library – Trolley Building
1 pm: AirPlay Jugglers – Orleanshub.com Stage
1:45 pm: The Barnyard Review: Entertainment for your whole family – Lawn South of Knights Building
2 pm to 4 pm: Family and Consumer Science Knowledge Bowl – Center Stage
3 pm: Little Britches Llama/Alpaca – Open to Public – Show Arena
3 to 10 pm: Midway of Utica $20 unlimited ride wristband – Midway
3 pm: Story Time sponsored by Yates Community Library – Trolley Building
4 – 8:30 pm: Master Gardener – Lawn of Education Center
4 pm to close: Orleans County 4-H Fair 2nd Annual Craft Sale – Education Center Parking Lot
4 pm: Chainsaw Chix – Log Cabin
4:30 pm: AirPlay Jugglers – Orleanshub.com Stage
4:30 pm : Chicken BBQ Sponsored by Orleans County Cornell – Cooperative Extension – No Presale – Curtis Pavilion
6 pm: AirPlay Jugglers – Orleanshub.com Stage
6 pm: Sheep Show (Costume class at end) – Knight’s Building
6 pm: Small Animal Grand Master Information Session – Wachob Pavilion
6 pm: Registration for Small Fry Pedal Tractor Pull Ends – Fair Office
6 pm: Chainsaw Chix – Log Cabin
Photo by Sue Cook – Emily Fearby, left, observes judge Peter Snyder as he talks to Melissa Robinson about her goat. Emma Mathes, right, readjusts her goat’s pose.
6:30 pm: The Barnyard Review: Entertainment for your whole family – Lawn South of Knights Building
Jacques Gregoire shows off his four-eyed vampire Frankenstein to the others at his table. This was also the first year of the watermelon-carving contest. Barb Kurzowski created the contest hoping to attract artists.
Kate Hardner was the judge of the event. She was looking for originality, the level of difficulty and artistic creative presentation in her evaluation of the completed pieces.
“These are all very well done. I’m very impressed. I especially love the way some of them are carved partially into the rind creating other colors and good depth in the pieces,” said Hardner as she waited for the last contestants to finish.
The watermelon-carving contest had seven participants and a helper. Masterpieces in this picture include a penguin, a porcupine, a minion from “Despicable Me,” and a punch bowl.
Megan Bruning of Medina performed pottery demonstrations on Wednesday. She used the wheel to spin the clay and formed bowls with her hands. Here, she uses a metal rib to smooth the side of her creation. She has been making pottery for 14 years.
The Amazing Magic Joe wows the crowd by producing a signed ten-dollar bill from inside a fresh lemon. Joe’s illusions will continue taking place throughout the rest of the week at various parts of the fairgrounds.
Jim Barrett stands beside his 2008 Harley-Davidson Dyna Super Glide Custom during a motorcycle cruise-in.
Most of the motorcycles that came to the show were Harley-Davidsons. Throughout the cruise-in about a dozen bikes came in.
The senior showmanship class offered Natalie Mrzywka (left) and Janie Schutz the opportunity to show off their goats at the start of the event.
The Chainsaw Chix demonstration has returned for another year after demand for professional chainsaw artist Sara Winter brought her back for the fourth time. Winter has been carving for seven years. In this photo Winter carves an owl for over 50 onlookers.
“I don’t have an art background,” said Winter. “I saw someone do it at a fair and I’ve been trying ever since.”
At demonstrations, she carves does what she calls a quick carve, which is creating a piece for speed. She completes pieces in 45 minutes to an hour.
Sara Winter sells her completed pieces from next to the log cabin where she holds her demos on the fairgrounds. From near the front of her workspace, a fox watches the crowd.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 July 2014 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers – Bo Parton, 2, sits on the shoulders of his uncle Ethan Bannister during last night’s Orleans County 4-H Fair. Bo’s aunt Jayne Bannister is participating in several livestock showing events.
Special Event: Orleans County 4-H Fair 2nd Annual Motorcycle Cruise-In. Free admission for bikes parking in the Buzz Hill Education Center Lot.
Special Event: Senior Citizen Coffee, free Coffee for Senior Citizens from 1pm to 4pm, compliments of the Orleans County 4-H Senior Council
Strolling Entertainment: Amazing Magic Joe, throughout the grounds, 5-9 p.m.
8 am: Senior Council Stand Opens
8 am: Goat Show (Dairy, Companion, and Pack) – Knights Building
9:30 am: Dressage Horse Show – Carlos Marcello Arena
10 am: $5 Admission per car Starts
John Gabalski, left, of Byron and Ian Smith of Lyndonville watch while the judge, Jim Goodrich, looks over their rabbits. They had three entered in the meat pen competition, which judges rabbits in groups of three. The rabbits will be part of Saturday’s market animal auction at 4 p.m.
10 am: All Buildings Open
10 am: Bread and homemade butter demonstration – Trolley Building
11 am to 1 pm: Nutrifare Senior Luncheon with Al Howe (Food will be served at 12:00pm) – Curtis Pavilion
12 pm: Leader’s Pie Stand Opens
12 pm to 2 pm: Pottery by Megan Demos with pottery wheel – Trolley Bldg.
1 pm: Story Time: Sponsored by the Holley Community Library – Trolley Building
2 pm: Orleans County 4-H Fair Photography Contest (open to public with advance entry. Call 585-798-4265) – Trolley Bldg.
2 pm: Poultry Knowledge Bowl – Orleanshub.com Center Stage
3 pm: Story Time: Sponsored by the Holley Community Library – Trolley Building
3 pm to 8 pm: Orleans County 4-H Fair 2nd Annual Motorcycle Cruise-in – Education Center parking lot
Lydia Piazza sings “Giddy On Up” by Laura Bell Bundy during’s Tuesday’s karaoke competition. Singers will compete Thursday in the karaoke finals at 8 p.m., when $1,000 in prizes will be awarded.
3 pm to 10 pm: Midway Rides of Utica $20 unlimited rides wristband – Midway
3 pm: Dog Knowledge Bowl – Orleanshub.com Center Stage
4 pm: Dairy Cattle Showmanship – Show Arena
4 pm: Chainsaw Chix – Log Cabin
4 pm to 7pm: Pottery by Megan Demonstrations with pottery wheel – Trolley Building
Photos by Sue Cook – Senior showman Janie Schutz talks to the beef show judge Andrew Hoelscher about her animal.
By Sue Cook, staff reporter
KNOWLESVILLE – The Orleans County 4-H Fair’s evening events are really starting to pick up with more to do and see on the county fairgrounds.
The show arena had full bleachers for the beef showmanship competition this evening. Many of the animals will become part of Saturday’s meat auction at 4 p.m.
The novice class received one-on-one advice to help them prep for next year’s beef show.
The rabbit costume contest also took place Tuesday evening. Children were given the opportunity to dress their rabbits up in humorous ways to win awards.
Zach Albright and his rabbit dressed as a pair of Albion soccer players. Zach’s rabbit won Most Athletic.
Meagan Hardner dressed her rabbit as a dish of ice cream with a cone. She won Most Original. Behind her, Brian Shaw’s tango dancer rabbit was awarded Funniest in Show.
Adia Wachob’s rabbit wore a cute little watermelon dress and received Fruitiest in Show.
Owen Shaw costumed his rabbit as a bumblebee and won Best Insect.
Angela Wachob dressed herself as a bee and her rabbit as a flower. She received Best Owner/Animal (costumed pair).
Nate Shaw’s tuxedo and top hat rabbit received Best Dressed.
Farmer Zak tells a corny joke.
On the lawn near the Knights Building where goats and sheep are located, there is the nightly performance of the Barnyard Review.
Farmer Zak is joined by his friends as they perform a comedy, music and magic act that kids and adults will love. The group also teaches farm safety and education during the performance and asks for audience participation.
Farmer Zak and Miss Amanda dance a square dance together after she magically pops out of a box that appeared empty moments before.
Another nightly event is the Small Fry Pedal Tractor Pull. It takes place in front of the fair office on a 45-foot course.
Sophie Kroening, 4, from Knowlesville was a successful contestant making it all the way to the end.
Pedal tractors pull a sled that becomes harder to drag the farther it is moved, just like a full-size tractor pull sled. Children received water and participation ribbons for finishing the course.
Three-year-old Jacob Duffina of Medina also championed the course and went the distance.
Orleans Hub will continue to post a daily schedule of fair events, so check back to see what’s on the day’s agenda.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 July 2014 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
KNOWLESVILLE – Emma Rose Mathes, 12, of Barre brushes out a sheep at about noon today. Emma will be showing three sheep during Thursday’s sheep show at 6 p.m.
The sheep lets out a “bah” while Emma Rose Mathes brushes it out today. Emma also is showing a beef cattle, dairy cow, chicken and goat during this week’s fair at the 4-H fairgrounds.
Emma Ambrose of Medina clears a hurdle with her horse during this morning’s horse show at the fairgrounds.
Jessica Suttera of Rochester competes in the hunter over fences junior competition at the fair. She finished third and fourth in this morning’s competitions.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 July 2014 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
KNOWLESVILLE – Whether showing pigs or performing dance, the Orleans County 4-H Fair provided a venue for displaying talent on Monday evening.
In the top photo, Justine Laverty performs to “Monster High” with other members from the Dance Theater in Medina. The group finished second in the 12 and under category at the Talent Show and advanced the State Fair.
The Swine Show drew a crowd on Monday evening. Rylie Lear, 14, of Waterport won the junior showman and then was reserve champ in the master showman event.
This trio from Lisa’s Dance Boutique in Holley dances to “Rollover Beethoven.” The dancers include, from left: Olivia Amoroso, Kamryn Berner and Emilie Weinbeck.
This group from the Dance Theater in Medina finished second in the 13 and over category during Monday’s Talent Show at the Orleans County 4-H Fair. Dominique Hughes, left, is joined by Abby Jones and Danielle Metz in performing “Ultimate Grand Supreme.” They qualified for the State Fair.
Jayne Bannister of Point Breeze won the master showman title after taking the award a year ago at the fair.
Jayden Neal of Albion competes in the junior showman event.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 July 2014 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers – A boy walks across an airborne maze, one of the carnival rides at the Orleans County 4-H Fair on Monday. Midway Rides of Utica is providing the entertainment.
8 am: Senior Council Stand Opens
9:30 am: English Horse Show – Carlos Marcello Arena
9:30 am: Dog Show (Classes 5-22 and C3) – Show Arena
10 am: $5 Admission per car starts
10 am: All Buildings Open
10 am: Horticulture I.D. Contest – Center Stage
12 pm: Leader’s Pie Stand Opens
12 pm to 4 pm: Rabbit and Cavy Showmanship – Wachob Pavilion
1 pm: Story Time: Sponsored by Albion Community Library – Trolley Building
2 pm: Rabbit and Cavy Knowledge Contest – Wachob Pavilion
Don Stirk, center, of Albion joins other veterans at the opening ceremony Monday for the Orleans County 4-H Fair.
3 pm: Story Time Sponsored by Albion Community Library – Trolley Building
3 pm to 10 pm: Midway Rides of Utica $20 unlimited ride – wristbands – Midway
4 pm to 8:30 pm: Master Gardener – Lawn of Education Center
4:30 pm: Airplay Jugglers – Orleanshub.com Stage
5 pm: Beef Showmanship and Show – Show Arena
5 pm: The Barnyard Review: Entertainment for your whole family – Lawn South of Knights Building
6 pm: Registration Ends for Small Fry Pedal Tractor Pull – Fair Office
6 pm: AirPlay Jugglers – Orleanshub.com Stage
6 pm: Rabbit and Cavy Costume Class and Cloverbud Show – Wachob Pavilion
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 July 2014 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers – A cow bellows this morning at the wash rack at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds in Knowlesville.
Opening Day
Special Event: $2 Paid per car admission beginning 4 pm
Special Event: Midway Rides of Utica $10 unlimited ride wristband – 6 pm to 10 pm
By 12 pm: Dairy cattle received, must be in by noon – Dairy Cattle Barn
8 am: Senior Council Stand opens
8 am to 3 pm: Commercial Exhibits in Place
9:30 am: Walk/ Trot Horse Show and Cloverbud Horse Show – Carlos Marcello Arena
10 am: Market Auction Weigh-In
10 am: Llama and Alpaca Show (classes 1-42) – Show Arena
10 am to 12 pm: Common Garden Vegetables, Market Packages, Cut Flowers, Indoor Gardening, Fruits and Nuts, Plant Collection (Preserved and Scrapbook), Landscape Pictures and Plants, Experiments, Horticulture Methods judged – Trolley Building
11 am: Field crops judged – Trolley Building
1 pm to 3 pm: Group Exhibits, Food Preservation, Baked Goods and Visual Arts judged – Trolley Building
2:30 pm: Goat Fitting Contest – Knights Building
4 pm: Paid per car admission begins: Special Opening Day – $2 price
4 pm – 7 pm: 89.1 The Point Radio Remote – Fair Office Portico
Kaitlin Zwifka of Albion is pictured with Sundance this morning while doing her chores.
5:45 pm: Opening Ceremony, Presentation of Colors by Orleans – County Veterans – Flag Pole Garden
6 pm: Dog Show Grooming and Handling /Showmanship, Classes 1 -4 and C1 – Show Arena
Photos by Sue Cook – Antonio Farruggia washes Lady for showing by wetting her down and then scrubbing her with a brush.
By Sue Cook, staff reporter
KNOWLESVILLE – Judging at the 4-H Fair is already under way and most animals are already prepared for the week ahead.
Marilyn Munzert warms up Wild Rose Bizarre. Behind her Riley Seielstad rides Edna. Munzert is a 4-H leader for the Bits and Pieces Club.
Wild Rose Bizarre needed to be acclimated to the fair situation. Munzert explained that horses are fight-or-flight animals, but often choose flight. The movements of the people in the judging booth and the fairgrounds were startling the horse. After a little while, Wild Rose Bizarre was able to stand right next to the judging booth without getting upset.
“You can’t simulate a fair situation without going to the actual fair,” Munzert explained.
These baby rabbits belonging to 4-H Leader Barb Kurzowski cuddle up for a nap while their mother sneaks away for a bite to eat.
The white goats, Princess and Bella, stood and shouted to American Honey, the dark brown goat laying down, until she stood up and talked back to them. The goats were brought by Natalie Mrzywka of Nic-Nat Farms for the Busy Bees Club.
Emily Fearby’s hens got to be neighbors and shared a conversation with each other.
Penny gets a good brushing from Jamie Scheiber, a member of the Wrangler 4-H club. Penny and the other Wrangler llamas will participate in an obstacle course event, a pack class and general showing.
Leader Kristin Flint brought three kids with five llamas. The llamas belong to her and the kids in her club meet regularly to care for the animals and help train them. Flint says that she personally uses the llamas on hikes to hold packs. This helps offer additional training for the pack class event.
Flint also explained that spitting isn’t as common as people think. “Llamas spit at each other for dominance,” she said. Llamas can be taught that spitting at humans doesn’t work the same way.
Trevor Bentley brushes Tanto in the cow barn. Tanto is a male that will be used for showing all week and then is being sold in Saturday’s meat auction.
Owen Shaw holds his black mini rex rabbit after clipping its nails.
