Health Officer explains why rodeo plans not accepted

While there are some activities moving forward as part of the Jefferson County Rodeo, a large portion of the annual event — the Northern Rodeo Association-sanctioned professional competition — was not approved by the county’s health officer.

Jefferson County Health Officer Joan Van Duynhoven provided a lengthy explanation behind her decision to reject the Jefferson County Rodeo Association’s  (JCRA) health plan for the event. As the COVID-19 pandemic grinds on, the state requires that health plans be submitted and approved for events larger than 50 people. 

Van Duynhoven reviews all health plans for large gatherings in the county, and either approves them or not. There is no appeal process in place at this time, she said.