Rushing water, deadly disease, and most recently, charges of embezzlement and mismanaged funds-

The Nebraska State Fair has weathered crisis after crisis in the past couple of years.

But one of its newest board members, Tom Schellpeper, Stanton County Fair President, is nothing but optimistic.

“Being on the State fair board is something I always wanted to do,” he said, “my father was on the board back in the 80s and 90s.”

“I think I’ve missed two state fairs in my entire life. So it’s been a big part of my life, and I’m happy to help serve.”

Schellpeper is entering the board while the state fair’s previous Financial Director, Patrick Kopke, is facing charges of theft when $150,000 of fair funds went to his own private company.

Some drama among the board also resulted in abrupt resignations in 2019 - board member Doug Lukassen suddenly resigned in the middle of a board meeting in 2019.

But Schellpeper says the tension has eased since, and the fair is looking to get back on track-

“I think I’m actually coming onto the board at a good time,” Schellpeper said. “As far as the board’s direction, they’ve straightened things out, they’re now running in the black.”

“They’ve hired a new director, Bill Ogg, and he’s taking the board in a great direction I think.”

Schellpeper says the fair is getting ready to come back big, planning 3 large outdoor concerts at a full-scale fair this year.

While he says he entered the board without an agenda, he’ll be putting a focus on the event’s youngest attendees.

“I want to help them support their ongoing effort to prioritize the kids, the 4H and FFA events,” he said, “I think that’s the main purpose of the state fair.”

Schellpeper had his first meeting with the board last week. He’s open to new ideas anyone may have for the fair as it steps into the future and, hopefully, leaves the flood, embezzlement, and COVID behind.

“As long as we can make them happen logistically, we’re always up for a challenge.”