VALENTINE, Neb. - During an hours-long meeting Monday night, the Cherry County Ag Society made several decisions, including preparations for the upcoming Nebraska High School Rodeo Finals in June.

The board approved the rental of an eight-stall shower trailer for $5,499 and 12 portable restrooms for $3,600. As previously reported by News Channel Nebraska, the finals are expected to draw hundreds of visitors to Valentine. While the society hopes to eventually build a permanent washhouse at the fairgrounds, it won’t be completed in time for this year’s event.

The board also greenlit a water infrastructure project, funded through tourism dollars from Cherry County.

In other business, the board accepted the resignation of member Eve Millar. Board members also addressed ongoing tensions within the group and responded to rumors of embezzlement. To address transparency concerns, the society approved a partial audit of its records.

Ag Society President Duane Witte explained the audit won’t be a full financial review, but a targeted look at records from the past year.

“We would send the auditor a year’s worth of finances and minutes, highlighting potential issues. He would look over the highlights. It would be a quick audit,” said Witte.

The board also discussed preparations for the upcoming Cherry County Fair. According to previous meeting minutes, the society has once again hired Bounce Around Inflatables for this year’s entertainment, continuing last year’s switch from a traditional carnival.