Fair general manager resigns

COEUR d'ALENE — The North Idaho Fair Board announced today that Kootenai County Fairgrounds General Manager Dane Dugan has resigned effective yesterday.

He has been in the position for four years.

"After the North Idaho State Fair’s most successful fair in the history of this long-running community event, Dugan has chosen to seek out other opportunities," a press release states.

The resignation comes while Kootenai County commissioners are deciding whether to order a forensic audit of the fairgrounds operations after an internal audit by the county earlier this year drew accounting red flags. Board members have said they don't suspect illegal activities.

Kootenai County Clerk Jim Brannon recommended the forensic audit to commissioners.

During Dugan’s tenure as general manager he increased both year-round facility rentals and led the fair through a successful rebranding effort, the press release states.

"His leadership of the Fair Foundation has helped to raise funds for capital improvements that have provided the county-owned facilities and grounds with long-lasting impressions on all visitors who come to the Kootenai County Fairgrounds," the press release states.

The fair board has begun its search for candidates to fill Dugan’s position. In the interim, Alexcia Jordan, the fair's assistant general manager, is serving as interim general manager. Jordan has been the assistant for the past two years.

Jerry Johnson, chair of the North Idaho Fair Board said, “Dane guided the Fair Board in a promising direction for future growth both as one of the largest fairs in North Idaho and as a year-round full service rental facility. His vision will be missed and we are incredibly thankful for his work during his time here.”