Appeal filed in Kroupa 4-H suit

WHITE LAKE — State 4-H officials are appealing a federal judge’s decision to allow a White Lake girl to compete in 4-H while allegations of cheating made against her are settled in court.

The appeal comes as a result of a lawsuit filed in March against the state 4-H office by Greg Kroupa, of White Lake, on behalf of his 16-year-old daughter, Bayley. She was banned from competition in October for allegedly showing a swine at the South Dakota State Fair that had previously been entered in a competition at the Missouri State Fair — a violation of the 4-H code of ethics.

Federal Judge Karen E. Schreier issued an order July 12 granting the Kroupas’ request that Bayley be allowed to compete in 4-H while the suit is settled.

4-H officials filed a notice Wednesday informing those involved of their decision to appeal.

In addition, they have asked Schreier to suspend her order until the appeal is settled.

Allowing Bayley to compete after being banned from 4-H competition “tarnishes the reputation and integrity of 4-H,” the organization claims in court documents.

“The public trusts that 4-H’s shows will be ran in a fair and ethical manner,” the documents say. “In the event the rules are broken by a participant, there will be consequences.”

The family has asked for $500,000 in punitive damages, $300,000 for alleged humiliation and at least $50,000 for alleged civil rights violations.

The lawsuit relates to a swine named Moe that Bayley showed at the 2011 South Dakota State Fair. Moe received reserve grand honors and was named champion for his breed at the Future Farmers of America show held at the end of the fair.

Bayley received emails, text messages and Facebook messages from other 4-H members accusing her of not possessing Moe during the project season, other court documents say.

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