A controversial item in a contract agreement between the Pennington County Commission and the Central States Fair banning firearms during the fair was rescinded Tuesday morning at the county commissioners meeting.
'Section H' of the contract between the county and Central States Fairground included wording about a firearms ban on the fairgrounds. The issue took root after several incidents caused concern for the safety of fair-goers.
Until recently the county had a no weapons ban in place and the use of metal detectors at the fair entrances. In a meeting last month, the commission removed the use of metal detectors but delayed a decision on the weapons ban until the Tuesday meeting.
After an executive session Tuesday during the middle of the meeting, the commissioners returned to public session with a dozen people signed up to speak regarding the issue. All of the speakers who signed up to make public comments, spoke on the gun ban at the fairgrounds, stating a ban is in violation of the Constitution, and others reminded the commissioners of their oaths of office.
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After a back and forth, 'Section H' was removed from the fairground’s agreement with a unanimous decision. The commission did not amend or replace Section H and decided the fairgrounds will be governed only by state laws on carrying weapons.
Commissioner Travis Lasseter wanted to avoid any more confusion with extra wording, adding, as long as the commission abided by the law there should not be a problem.
“First and Second amendment rights are huge for me,” said Commissioner Deb Hadcock, stating she didn’t agree with the fairgrounds agreement, adding to leave it to be determined by state and federal laws. She said she didn’t believe the fairgrounds could ever be secured enough and when you tell people not to do something they will do it more.
Commissioner Gary Drewes stated there are exceptions with certain special uses of the fairgrounds. Commission Chair Lloyd LaCroix addressed concerns such as beer and guns together, but was content with the settlement on the issue, stating, “As it sits now, it is good.”
The metal detectors had also been removed from the fairgrounds, as agreed by the fair board at the Feb. 6 meeting.
South Dakota is an open carry state. Those 18 or older are able to carry openly or concealed in South Dakota without a permit. There are exceptions to state law, such as any place posted with signage that does not allow open carry. The state laws apply to the fairgrounds.
South Dakota prohibits concealed carry in locations where alcoholic beverages constitute more than 50% of their business, such as beer tents at the fairgrounds.
"We had a discussion where if something happens, we can have an emergency commission meeting and make some changes, if needed, if we have a violent act where we need immediate action," LaCroix told the Rapid City Journal Thursday.
The Pennington County Commission meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 9 a.m. in the Commission Chambers inside the County Administration Building, located at 130 Kansas City Street, Rapid City.