Storm dampens Wednesday fair events

      Events held at the Washington County Fair Wednesday evening were postponed for over an hour due to the threat of a second wave of severe storms moving through the county.

      The fair board, feeling the 'better safe than sorry' approach was called for with reports of 75 mph winds, halted the goat show and warned people that severe weather was bearing down on the area. The fairgoers were warned in plenty of time to make it home. Many stayed, seeking shelter in the 4-H building and the community center. The carnival was closed.

      An ominous cloud rolled into the area bringing with it a thunderstorm, but the heavy winds reported did not hit the fairgrounds. Overnight about two inches of rain fell on the fairgrounds. The goat show resumed. The dairy show was also held, keeping competitors on the grounds until after 11 p.m.

      Earlier in the day, the swine show was held. Courtney Shalla, daughter of Connie and Doug Shalla, of the Riverside Ramblers, walked off with the Champion Home-raised Barrow trophy, while Shelby Sieren, daughter of Scott and Renee Sieren, of 76 Progressives got the reserve champion honors. Brent Schneider, son of Pat and Cindy Schneider, of the Riverside Ramblers won the Purchased Barrow Class while Grant Marek, who was unavailable at photo time for more information, of the Jackson Jets, came in second. Shalla also won Grand Champion Barrow with Schneider coming in second. Schneider was named senior showman, while Ryan Schneider, son of Pat and Cindy Schneider of Riverside, was named intermediate showman. Lexi Marek got the junior showmanship award.

      Lexi Marek, daughter of Tim and Heather Marek of Riverside, of the Jackson Jets, won Champion Market Gilt and walked away with Overall Grand Champion market swine. Allison Moeller, daughter of David and Kris Moeller of Keota, of Prairie Pride, had the reserve champion market gilt and senior showmanship. The Intermediate Showmanship trophy went to Jordan Vittetoe while the Junior Showmanship award was presented to Kolton Greiner.

      In the end, Shalla had overall reserve grand champion market swine.

      In the production barrow contest, Brittany Gerot, daughter of Rick and Judy Gerot, of the Riverside Ramblers had the champion production barrow while Shalla had the reserve champion.