logo
Bedford County Fair looking to new future with multiple events and locations

Bedford County Fair looking to new future with multiple events and locations

Yahoo15-05-2025

BEDFORD COUNTY, Va. (WFXR) – The Bedford County Fair has announced more changes to future events following the decision by town supervisors to sell and repurpose the former fairgrounds.
Organizers said they are proud to announce that, going forward, the Fair will now be hosting multiple events that celebrate and 'highlight Bedford's agricultural heritage, support local youth, and provide meaningful experiences for the entire community,' instead of just a one-weekend event.
But the mission to serve the community with 'pride, creativity, and resilience' has not changed.
RELATED STORY | Bedford County Fair in search of new location for future events
After the lease for the former Fair location expired in September of 2024, there was some controversy regarding where and even if future events would occur.
However, the Bedford County Fair said in a release on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, that the former location will now be the site of a much-needed social Services facility and that 'true to the spirit of Bedford, the Board chose to adapt and grow.'
'The Bedford County Fair Board is deeply grateful to the Town of Bedford, whose leadership stepped up in a big way to make this next chapter possible. The collaboration of the Town Council, Town Manager Bart Warner, and town staff have been instrumental in creating new opportunities for the Fair to serve the community.' – The Bedford County Fair
Bedford County Fair Board and the Town of Bedford Present:
Bedford Family CarnivalAugust 22-24 at Liberty Lake ParkEnjoy rides, games, and classic fair fun for the whole family.
Ken Palmer Memorial Scholarship ContestSeptember 16 at the Bedford Boys Tribute Center Auditorium and ClassroomJoin in celebrating the next generation of Bedford leaders.
New Freedom Farm in Botetourt County to close this summer
Ag Contest & Expo at CenterfestSeptember 20 in Downtown BedfordShowcasing Bedford's rich agricultural heritage in the heart of the community.
Livestock & Horse ShowAugust 30-31 hosted by Allens Mountain LivestockExperience the hard work and talents of Bedford's local youth and equestrians.
'This is about continuing a tradition that means so much to Bedford families and businesses,' said Joy Powers, Fair Superintendent. 'With the Town's support, we're able to grow in new directions while staying true to who we are.'
For more information, please visit BedfordVaFair.com.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

RevoluGROUP Shareholders Demand Transparency and Governance Reform as Board Ignores Material Proposal
RevoluGROUP Shareholders Demand Transparency and Governance Reform as Board Ignores Material Proposal

Yahoo

timean hour ago

  • Yahoo

RevoluGROUP Shareholders Demand Transparency and Governance Reform as Board Ignores Material Proposal

VANCOUVER, BC, June 10, 2025 /CNW/ -- RevoluGROUP Canada Inc. (TSX-V: REVO), (Frankfurt: IJA2), (Munich: A2PU92) A group of shareholders representing more than 10% of the issued and outstanding shares of RevoluGROUP Canada Inc. (TSXV: REVO) has submitted a formal proposal to the Board of Directors that outlines a fully financed and executable plan to resolve the Company's known financial liabilities and satisfy key conditions required for relisting on the TSX Venture Exchange. The proposal, delivered on May 31, 2025, was not disclosed publicly, and no acknowledgment has been made by the Board. Under TSXV Policy 3.3, listed issuers are required to disclose all material information regarding the affairs of the company immediately upon management becoming aware. The shareholder proposal delivered to the Board on May 31, 2025, includes provisions that would affect board composition, capital structure, debt resolution, and relisting strategy. These are all considered material matters under Policy 3.3 and should have been disclosed promptly via news release or SEDAR+ filing. The Board's failure to do so appears to breach its regulatory obligations and reflects a troubling disregard for shareholder transparency. The plan includes an operational roadmap addressing debt resolution, secured financing, and the appointment of a qualified executive director to stabilize and restore governance. Given the current Cease Trade Order (CTO) in place since October 2024, this proposal constitutes material information under TSXV Policy 3.3, which mandates that issuers must disclose such information immediately upon becoming aware. The Board's continued silence is a troubling breach of transparency and fiduciary duty. "Our proposal reflects not only our legal right under Section 167 of the BCBCA to requisition a shareholder meeting, but also a proactive and fully funded path to restore investor confidence and financial health," said Bernard Lonis, one of the signatories. "It is highly irregular that a plan with the capacity to resolve liabilities and support relisting would be ignored. Shareholders deserve better." This action aligns with recent successful Canadian proxy battles, where shareholders have held boards accountable through firm, transparent communication and legal recourse. The RevoluGROUP proposal follows this tradition—placing the focus on value preservation, governance, and shareholder democracy. The group is actively seeking the support of both institutional and retail investors. The requisitioned Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) will provide shareholders the opportunity to vote for governance reform and evaluate new board candidates aligned with the Company's recovery plan. Shareholders concerned about these developments are urged to contact Company management directly and request justification for the lack of transparency. This proxy initiative represents a critical inflection point. RevoluGROUP must decide whether to uphold shareholder democracy and disclose material events—or continue to alienate its own investor base. The proxy group is committed to holding the Board accountable to ensure that fiduciary duties are respected and value is preserved. View original content: SOURCE Proxy Group RevoluGROUP View original content:

Robert G. Brown, a Founder of Spar Group, Inc., (SGRP) Announces His Voting Plans for the June 12, 2025, Annual Meeting of Shareholders
Robert G. Brown, a Founder of Spar Group, Inc., (SGRP) Announces His Voting Plans for the June 12, 2025, Annual Meeting of Shareholders

Yahoo

time2 hours ago

  • Yahoo

Robert G. Brown, a Founder of Spar Group, Inc., (SGRP) Announces His Voting Plans for the June 12, 2025, Annual Meeting of Shareholders

Palm Beach Gardens, Florida--(Newsfile Corp. - June 10, 2025) - Robert G. Brown, hereinafter referred to as "Mr. Brown", holding directly and indirectly 6,469,683 shares of common stock, $0.01 par value per share ("Common Stock"),1 in SPAR Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), who is a founder of the Company as well as past CEO and Chairman, hereby announces how he plans to vote, and reasons therefor, at the upcoming annual meeting of the shareholders of the Company to be held on June 12, 2025 (the "2025 Annual Meeting"). This is not a solicitation of authority to vote your proxy. Please DO NOT send your proxy card to Mr. Brown who is not able to vote your proxies, nor does this communication contemplate such an event. Mr. Brown urges shareholders to vote in person or by proxy at the 2025 Annual Meeting in accordance with the instructions provided by the Company in the Proxy Statement filed with the SEC on May 23, 2025 (the "Proxy Statement") and the Proxy Card thereof (the "Proxy Card"). The following information should not be construed as investment advice. Please read the important notices at the end of this document. Reasons for Mr. Brown's votes: On June 3, 2024, the price of the Company's Common Stock was $2.97. On May 29, 2025, the price of the Company Common Stock was $1.02. In 2024 and 2025, the Company's management, with approval of the board of directors of the Company (the "Board"), took various actions (including the sale of profitable subsidiaries of the Company) that have resulted in a 25.1% reduction in revenue from 2023 ($262,747) to 2024 ($196,814) (figures in thousands).2 The Board has approved cash compensation for the Board for the fiscal year of 2025 in an aggregate of almost $1,000,000.3 The Company failed to hold an annual shareholder meeting in 2024.4 The Company failed to file an annual report on Form 10-K in a timely manner for the fiscal year of 20245 and was notified by NASDAQ that the Company was at risk of being delisted.6 The Compensation Committee of the Board approved a $2,264,877 summary compensation package for the CEO for the year of 2024, an increase from $1,164,551 for the year of 2023, $612,613 for the year of 2022, and $304,086 for the year of 2021.7 The Company is in violation of various provisions of its bylaws, as amended through the date hereof (the "Bylaws").8 The Company refused to allow other candidates for the Board to be put into the proxy to give shareholders a choice among candidates for directors.9 The current directors voted to allow only those currently serving as directors to be included as candidates for election as directors in the Proxy Statement for the 2025 Annual Meeting, thereby ensuring the shareholders do not have a choice of directors.10 There is a lack of focus on increasing the price of the Company's Common Stock to improve shareholder value. The Company did not hold an annual shareholders meeting in 2024 and is holding the 2025 Annual Shareholders meeting on June 12, 2025.11 The Company has provided no guidance of expected Earnings Per Share (EPS) in 2025. In the fiscal year of 2024, the Company had a net loss attributable to SPAR Group, Inc., of $4,412,000 from a profit of $5,742,000 in 2023.12 The Bylaws were changed in 2022 making them shareholder unfriendly and out of compliance with best practices as recommended by Glass-Lewis and Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS).13 These include: (1) requirements that 75% of the shareholders are required to call a meeting of the shareholders14 versus a best practice recommended by Glass-Lewis or ISS, (2) allowing the CEO to have 100% of the voting authority of the Board in certain situations, and (3) prohibiting directors who have prior associations with the Company, such as employees, advisors or former executives, from serving as Committee Chairman or the Chairman.15 Only directors without any prior association with the Company are permitted to serve in these roles.16 The Governance Committee of the Board has ignored past shareholder advisory votes on maintaining the current auditors.17 The Board has failed to publicly disclose various legal disputes with shareholders.18 The Board recommended that shareholders approve a sale of the Company transaction approved by the Board in August 202419 (such transaction, the "Highwire Merger"), without validating if the prospective buyer could finance the transaction. The Highwire Merger agreement precluded the Company from taking any competing sale or merger actions until May 30, 2025.20 The Highwire Merger failed and by May 30, 2025,21 the price of the Company's Common Stock has declined over 60% from just prior to the date of the announcement of the Highwire Merger.22 There has been no accountability for this failure of the Highwire Merger, and the financial advisory firm involved in this transaction has not been terminated and is still under contract with a guaranteed minimum payment for a future transaction. The CEO of the Company also is the Chairman of Qantm Creative, a supplier to the Company.23 His wife, Jean Matacunas, is the CEO of Qantm Creative.24 Mr. Brown believes that the shareholders' interests would be better served and advanced by the following actions: A 6,000,000 share buyback. A $.02/per share quarterly dividend. A review by the Board of the A&R Bylaws and the best practices recommended by Glass Lewis and ISS to determine if the current A&R Bylaws are in the best interest of the shareholders. A review of Board compensation to determine if making the compensation partly dependent (e.g. 50% of compensation) on the share price would be in the best interest of the shareholders. A review by the Compensation Committee to determine if the shareholders would be more effectively served by having a high proportion of management's compensation based on delivering shareholder value (as evidenced by the stock price) and positive net earnings. The current Board has had ample opportunity to correct many of the Company's problems and to take many other actions beneficial to shareholders, but has failed to do so. Mr. Brown will vote at the 2025 Annual Meeting in person or by proxy as follows: PROPOSAL 1 - ELECTION OF DIRECTORS: AGAINST the election of Ms. Linda Houston (Chairperson of the Compensation Committee), Mr. John Bode (Chairman of the Audit Committee) and Mr. Michael R. Matacunas to the Board; FOR the election of Mr. James R. Brown and Mr. Panagiotis Lazaretos to the Board. PROPOSAL 2 - AGAINST the ratification, on an advisory basis, of the use of BDO USA, P.C. as the independent registered accounting firm for the corporation and its subsidiaries for the year ending December 31, 2025. PROPOSAL 3 - AGAINST the advisory vote on the compensation of the named executive officers. PROPOSAL 4 - FOR A ONE (1) YEAR REVIEW PERIOD in respect of the advisory vote on whether the corporation should request an advisory vote from its stockholders respecting compensation of the named executive officers every one (1), two (2) or three (3) years (i.e., "Say on Frequency"). PROPOSAL 5 - AGAINST the authorization of the 2025 Stock Compensation Plan. IMPORTANT NOTICES: THIS IS NOT A PROXY SOLICITATION AND NO PROXY CARDS WILL BE ACCEPTED. PLEASE DO NOT SEND YOUR PROXY TO MR BROWN. TO VOTE YOUR PROXY, PLEASE FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS ON YOUR PROXY CARD. THE FOREGOING INFORMATION MAY BE DISSEMINATED TO COMPANY SHAREHOLDERS VIA TELEPHONE, U.S. MAIL, E-MAIL, CERTAIN WEBSITES AND CERTAIN SOCIAL MEDIA VENUES, IN ADDITION TO PRESS RELEASE. THIS DOCUMENT SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED AS INVESTMENT ADVICE, OR AS A SOLICITATION OF AUTHORITY TO VOTE YOUR PROXY, OR A RECOMMENDATION OF HOW TO VOTE. THE COST OF DISSEMINATING THE FOREGOING INFORMATION TO SHAREHOLDERS IS BEING BORNE ENTIRELY BY MR. BROWN. THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN HAS BEEN PREPARED FROM SOURCES BELIEVED RELIABLE BUT IS NOT GUARANTEED BY MR. BROWN AS TO ITS TIMELINESS OR ACCURACY, AND IS NOT A COMPLETE SUMMARY OR STATEMENT OF ALL AVAILABLE DATA. THIS DOCUMENT IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED AS A RESEARCH REPORT. Disclaimers The views expressed herein are those of Mr. Brown as of the date referenced and are subject to change at any time based on market or other conditions. These views are not intended to be a forecast of future events or a guarantee of future results. These views may not be relied upon as investment advice. The information provided in this material should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any of the securities mentioned. It should not be assumed that investments in such securities have been or will be profitable. This document is rendered solely for informational purposes. This filing is in connection with the planned vote by Mr. Brown (which he reserves the right to modify without notice) at the June 12, 2025, meeting of the Company's shareholders called by the Board. It is not a recommendation for how any shareholder's shares should be voted (for, against or abstain) in connection with any of the directors or proposals set forth in the Company's proxy statement. It is not an attempt to either appoint or remove any director. Press inquiries: please contact Robert Brown via email at rbrown6@ # # # 1 Robert G. Brown, Statement of Changes in Beneficial Ownership (Form 4/A) (May 12, 2025). 2 SPAR Grp., Inc. Annual Report 33 (Form 10-K) (May 16, 2025), see sections Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive (Loss) Income. 3 SPAR Grp., Inc., Schedule 14A 25 (Form DEF14A) (May 23, 2025). 4 SPAR Grp., Inc., Current Report Exh. 99.1, (Form 8-K) (Jan. 3, 2025). 5 SPAR Grp., Inc., Current Report (Form 8-K) (Apr. 23, 2025). 6 SPAR Grp., Inc., Current Report Exh. 99.1 (Form 8-K) (Apr. 23, 2025). 7 SPAR Grp., Inc., Schedule 14A 23 (Form DEF14A) (May 23, 2025). 8 Amended and Restated Bylaws, adopted effective as of January 18, 2022, attached as Exhibit 3.3 to the Company's Current Report (Form 8-K) (Jan. 25, 2022) (hereinafter referred to as the "A&R Bylaws") (Mr. Brown alleges (x) that the Company's failure to have a Board of 7 members for the calendar year of 2024 was a violation of Section 3.01 of the A&R Bylaws; (y) the terms of the written letter of resignations for directors was changed to terms other than as specified in Section 3.11 of the Bylaws; and (z) Section 3.09 provides that the shareholders may remove a director, but the Board requires each director to execute a resignation letter that permits other members of the Board to remove such director). 9 SPAR Grp., Inc., Schedule 14A (Form DEF14A) (May 23, 2025). 10 SPAR Grp., Inc., Schedule 14A (Form DEF14A) (May 23, 2025). 11 SPAR Grp., Inc., Current Report, Exh. 99.1, (Form 8-K) (Jan. 3, 2025); SPAR Grp., Inc., (Form 8-K) (Mar. 11, 2025). 12 SPAR Grp., Inc., Annual Report. 33 (Form 10-K) (May 16, 2025), see Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive (Loss) Income. 13 2022 Policy Guidelines, Glass Lewis, 27 (last visited May 30, 2025) United States Proxy Voting Guidelines, Glass Lewis, 33 (Jan. 9, 2025) 14 A&R Bylaws Sections 2.02 and 2.11(a). 15 A&R Bylaws Sections 3.04, 4.04 and 5.05. 16 Id. 17 SPAR Grp., Inc., Current Report (Form 8-K) (July 12, 2022) (Proposal (ii), the ratification of the appointment of BDO USA, LLP, as the independent registered accounting firm received 7,613,862 votes against, and only 6,925,283 votes "for"). 18 Mr. Brown currently is in a dispute with the Company over certain provisions of the Change of Control, Voting and Restricted Stock Agreement, dated as of January 28, 2022 (Exhibit 10.1 of the Company's Current Report Form 8-K filed Jan. 28, 2022), having alleged that the Company is in breach of various terms therein. 19 SPAR Grp., Inc., Current Report (Form 8-K) (Aug. 30, 2024). 20 SPAR Grp., Inc., Current Report (Form 8-K) (Aug. 30, 2024), (Exh. 2.1: Agreement and Plan of Merger, by and among Highwire Capital LLC, Highwire Merger Co 1, Inc., and SPAR Group Inc. (the "Merger Agreement"), Section 7.02 and Covenants in Section 5.01). 21 SPAR Grp., Inc., Current Report (Form 8-K) (May 23, 2025). 22 SPAR Grp., Inc., Current Report (Form 8-K) (June 5, 2024) (announcing Letter of Intent with Highwire); SPAR Group, Inc. (SGRP) Stock Declines While Market Improves: Some Information for Investors, Zacks, (last visited May 30, 2025) (year-to-year decline of approximately 60%). 23 Mike Matacunas, LinkedIn, (last visited June 2, 2025); see also About Us, Qantm Creative (last visited June 2, 2025). 24 About Us, Qantm Creative (last visited June 2, 2025). To view the source version of this press release, please visit Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data

Indonesia stops nickel mining operations at top tourist diving destination

time3 hours ago

Indonesia stops nickel mining operations at top tourist diving destination

JAKARTA, Indonesia -- The Indonesian government announced Tuesday they had suspended four nickel mining operations in Raja Ampat, one of the country's top tourist destinations for diving and snorkeling. 'Starting today, the government has revoked four mining operation permits in Raja Ampat,' Minister for Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia told reporters after a Cabinet meeting in the presidential palace in the capital, Jakarta. Raja Ampat, an archipelagic regency in Southwest Papua province, is spread over nearly 20,000 square kilometers (7,700 square miles) and is home to 75% of the world's coral species and more than 1,600 fish species. It is a designated UNESCO Global Geopark which includes marine conservation zones managed by the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries. Lahadalia said the decision came after an investigation by the Ministry of Environment uncovered 'several violations in the environmental context' by four companies holding mining permits in Raja Ampat. None of the four companies had started nickel operations as they failed to gain government approval for their Work Plan and Expenditure Budget, Lahadalia said. Last week, Greenpeace Indonesia and Papuan Youth staged a peaceful protest during the Indonesia Critical Minerals Conference & Expo. They demanded the closure of five nickel mining companies operating in Raja Ampat, including PT Gag Nikel, a subsidiary of state-owned mining company PT Aneka Tambang. The government suspended nickel mining operations at four of the five companies. The fifth, Gag Nikel, has been allowed to continue its operations on Gag Island as it lies outside the geopark area, Lahadalia said. Gag Island is about 42 kilometers (26 miles) west of Piyanemo, a popular diving spot in Raja Ampat. Gag Nikel has a concession area of ​​130 square kilometers (50 square miles). It produced around 3 million wet metric tons of nickel in 2024, and is expected to produce the same amount in 2025 and 2026. Lahadalia said Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has instructed him, along with ministers for the environment and forestry, to closely monitor Gag Nikel's mining operation. 'We are really serious in our intent to protect the environment in Raja Ampat," Lahadalia said. 'We want to produce nickel that is environmentally friendly and acceptable (to the world's standard).' Indonesia has the largest nickel reserves in the world and aims to dominate global nickel supply. Its nickel ore lies in shallow deposits, easily accessible when the rainforest is cut down. In 2023, the country was responsible for more than half the supply of nickel globally. The country has gone from having two nickel smelters to 27 over the last decade and plans to open 22 more, according to S&P Global Commodity Insights. Nickel was once known mainly for making stainless steel, but demand has skyrocketed as automakers like Tesla use it to make electric vehicle batteries and larger battery makers use it in clean electricity projects. Rapid growth of Indonesia's nickel industry has already led to environmental degradation across several regions on Sulawesi Island, said Greenpeace forest campaigner Iqbal Damanik. 'Now nickel mining is also threatening Raja Ampat, a place that is often called the last paradise on Earth,' Damanik said. Over 500 hectares of forest and vegetation have been cleared for nickel mines on the West Papua islands of Gag, Kawe and Manuran, according to Greenpeace Indonesia. The three islands are classified as small islands. Indonesia's law on the management of coastal areas and small islands prohibits mining as it could lead to soil runoff and sedimentation that endangers coral reefs and marine ecosystems.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store