Judge will decide whether accused 4-H cheater can compete while waiting for trial

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SIOUX FALLS — Parties on both sides of a federal lawsuit involving an alleged 4-H club cheating scandal at last year’s South Dakota State Fair met in court June 8 for a motions hearing.

The suit was filed against the state 4-H office by Greg Kroupa, of White Lake, on behalf of his daughter Bayley, a minor, after she was banned from competition for allegedly showing a swine at the South Dakota State Fair that she had previously entered in a competition at the Missouri State Fair — a violation of the 4-H code of ethics. The Kroupas deny the allegation.

Kroupa has asked for $500,000 in punitive damages, $300,000 for public humiliation and $50,000 for alleged civil rights violations.

A motions hearing was held earlier this month in Sioux Falls to give both sides a chance to debate whether Bayley should be allowed to compete in 4-H while the case is being settled and argue over the defendant’s request to dismiss the case.

Both Kroupa and his daughter testified during the hearing, which ended without a ruling. Additional affidavits and briefs will be submitted by both parties before a ruling is made, court documents say.

A trial date has not been set.

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