4-H buildings in need of renovation

To the editor:

The Jay County 4-H program is about more than its members competing for a week at the county fair. In 2019-20, Jay County 4-H experienced a 4% growth and currently has over 400 members with assistance from over 100 volunteers. Volunteers accumulated over 5,400 hours this year, equaling $148,512 savings benefits for the program and community. Each year, Jay County 4-H youth gain skills in leadership, responsibility, work ethic, teamwork and budgeting that will lay the foundation that they will build on throughout their lifetime. Studies show that 4-H youth are four times more likely to contribute to the community.

Jay County 4-H operates on a tight budget and each year covers operating costs while finding ways to invest into the members by paying for camps, leadership programs, trips and awards.

A misconception many may have is that 4-H makes enough money from the livestock auction at the end of the fair. However, only a 6% commission of this total is collected by 4-H. That means on a $70,000 auction, 4-H will only make $4,200. The rest goes to members who participate in the auction.

During the year, 4-H also runs several fundraising programs. Occasionally, the program has had to invest in building repairs, upkeep and maintenance. The 4-H buildings are an asset to the county, and this is the first time in recent history that Jay County 4-H has turned to the county for financial assistance in maintaining the grounds.

Jay County has a beautiful facility that provides a sense of pride for the community during the many events that draw visitors: the annual bike show, tractor and engine show, swap meets, auctions, holiday celebrations and so much more.

The 4-H buildings have been neglected long enough. Each building needs substantial remodeling and improvements.

For those unaware, Jay County 4-H and the Jay County Fair Board are separate entities. Each is governed by its own and officers, each has its own finances and raises its own money. While the land and the buildings are owned by the county, they are leased to 4-H and the fair board. 4-H is responsible for the Bob Schmidt building, the swine barn, the show arena, the cattle barn and the poultry and goat barn.

Jay County 4-H is beginning a capital improvement program to raise funds to repair its buildings. 4-H barns are becoming a safety issue. Many of the boards around the outside of the east barn are rotting. If a loose board fell on a person or animal, it could cause serious injury. In both this barn and the cattle barn, there are issues with over-stressing the electrical system, especially during the fair. Circuits blow and overheat — a potential fire hazard.

In the cattle barn, many supporting posts are beginning to rot and break off at ground level. Many of the boards also are rotting.

The show arena posts are again rotting and breaking off. In the pig barn, the constant freezing and thawing of the ground over many years has caused posts to rot, and rising and sinking has caused issues with roofing and rafters.

In Bob Schmidt Memorial Exhibit Hall, both the small meeting room and the main area furnaces need to be replaced.

Jay County 4-H is working to raise $250,000 to put toward building improvements. Jay County 4-H is striving to raise this money through grants and from generous donors to relieve the potential burden on taxpayers. Currently, the 4-H council is reaching out to local businesses, farmers, 4-H clubs and leaders, and residents to participate in helping us reach our goal.

Checks can be made out to Jay County 4-H and sent to the Purdue Extension Office, 126 N. Meridian St., Portland, IN 47371. Please note “building improvements” or “capital improvements” on the memo line.

Sincerely,

Beth Stephen and Dru Mercer

Jay County 4-H Council