4‑H highlights fair turnout, $511,000 auction proceeds and plans for a new community building

A 4‑H representative told the council that Jefferson County’s 4‑H program involved about 458 youth this year, with 95 adult volunteers and 2,300 projects completed at the recent county fair. The speaker said 183 animals were sold at auction, producing approximately $511,000 in proceeds that benefit participant awards and educational materials.

The presenter described a multi‑year plan to replace the community building at the fairgrounds with a multiuse facility that would include meeting rooms and a commercial‑style kitchen; the Hunt family donated kitchen equipment for the project. The representative said the group is pursuing grants and private funding (including a partnership with the Bethany Legacy Foundation) but was not requesting immediate county capital support at the hearing.

Council members praised volunteerism and the fair’s community impact and discussed fair facility capacity and grant timelines. No formal action was taken during the meeting.