William J. Kemble reports in the Daily Freeman that Ulster County Executive Pat Ryan wants the Ulster County Fair to cancel a performance by country and southern rock band Confederate Railroad. Ryan sent a letter July 23 to the Ulster County Agricultural Society, saying, "We ... request that you cancel this performance and replace it with an act that will help create the welcoming atmosphere our residents deserve.” In another statement, his office said, "County resources should not be used to promote symbols of division or racism." Confederate Railroad are scheduled to perform at 7 p.m. Aug. 1. The Illinois State Fair dropped the band earlier this year because of similar concerns. Read more about this story in the Daily Freeman.