Tension filled the room as the Noble County Community Fair Board faced the public for the first time since their treasurer was accused of stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars. They didn’t sugarcoat it — they’re reeling, but they’re not folding.

A Bitter First Gathering Since the Scandal Broke

The fair board’s public meeting on Wednesday wasn’t business as usual. People were angry. Disappointed. Curious. Some came for answers, others for accountability. But no one left unaffected.

The shock still lingers after Robin Laymon, the fair’s long-serving treasurer, allegedly admitted to taking funds — first “some,” then, after a deeper look, over $360,000.

President Troy Rucker didn’t mince words: “It’s a complete kick in the gut for us.”

The voicemail he received from Laymon? That was just the beginning. It hinted at a problem. The investigation confirmed a crisis.

Just a Few Thousand Left in the Bank

What stings even more is how far the damage goes. The board, once hopeful about their financial health, is now scraping by with a “couple thousand dollars,” Rucker said. Just a few months ago, they believed they were doing everything right.

Two months ago, they were making plans. Now they’re holding emergency meetings.

A community fair doesn’t run on hope alone. Insurance, livestock, carnival rides — it all costs. And with funds gutted, it’s a scramble.

Yet somehow, against all odds, Rucker insists the 2025 fair will still happen.

“We’re on board to keep this fair going,” he told attendees, reassuring them that deposits had already been made. That, at least, brought a sigh of relief to some.

One Voicemail, Then the Floor Fell Out

Laymon’s voicemail was damning, but vague. She admitted to “taking some” money. That’s all she said. No details. No figures. No remorse.

Then the board looked at the books.

It wasn’t just a few withdrawals here and there. It was sustained, systematic. Over time, more than $360,000 vanished — and no one noticed until it was too late.

• The loss spans multiple years

• It wasn’t discovered by auditors, but by suspicion

• The board has not yet confirmed if criminal charges will affect future insurance claims

The feeling of betrayal? It runs deep. Many board members had worked with Laymon for years. They trusted her.

Future of the Fair: Running on Hope and IOUs

Despite the chaos, the board is doing everything possible to push ahead with the 2025 fair. It won’t be easy. But they’ve got grit.

They’ve reached out to vendors and contractors, securing confirmations that events will still take place.

Rucker said most deposits had already been paid before the theft came to light. That timing might be the only silver lining in this whole mess.

Still, the community is asking big questions:

• Will vendors get paid in full?

• What programs might need to be cut?

• Will future fairs need to be scaled back?

There are no easy answers, but Rucker remains hopeful.

Laymon’s Absence and the Elephant in the Room

Robin Laymon wasn’t at the meeting. Her name hung in the air, unspoken for much of the night. But people were thinking about her — you could see it on their faces.

Rucker confirmed that she left a voicemail admitting to the theft. But there’s been no public apology, no formal statement from her, and no attendance at any board function since the story broke.

The community wants more than admissions. They want restitution. Justice. Clarity.

One attendee asked bluntly, “How the hell did this go unnoticed for so long?”

That question was followed by murmurs — frustration simmering just below the surface.

Fair Finances Before and After the Theft

Here’s a quick look at how the finances reportedly stood before and after the alleged embezzlement:

That timeline paints a grim picture. The money didn’t vanish overnight. It bled out slowly, under everyone’s noses.

Questions, Tension, and a Hopeful Glimmer

The audience was a mixed bag — parents, farmers, vendors, even former board members. Some were silent, others vocal. But nearly everyone wanted transparency moving forward.

Rucker said new protocols would be introduced. “We’re looking at monthly reconciliations, third-party audits, and two-person verification for all transactions.”

It’s a little late for this year, but perhaps just in time for next.

The board’s next meeting, already scheduled for June 11, might be even more important than this one. With more eyes on them than ever, they know they’ll need to come prepared.

One resident stood up near the end and said, “We’ve been through worse. The fair is bigger than one person.”

Maybe so. But $360,000 is hard to ignore.