Western Cooperative Electric
WaKeeney, KS – July 21, 2026 – Western Cooperative Electric has awarded a $7,250 Sharing Success Community Grant to the Trego County Fair to help fund a much-needed HVAC upgrade in the Commercial Building at the Trego County Fairgrounds.
The project will replace the building's outdated heating system while adding central air conditioning and new ductwork throughout the facility. These improvements will provide a more comfortable environment year-round, allowing the building to better serve the community and surrounding region.
"The Commercial Building is one of the most utilized public facilities in Trego County," said Nolan Numrich, CEO/General Manager of Western Cooperative Electric. "By helping improve the HVAC in this space, we're investing in a facility that brings people together for community events and activities year-round.”
For years, the Fair Board has heard concerns from community members about inconsistent heating during winter events and lagging cooling during the summer months. In some cases, high temperatures have forced events to be rescheduled. The new HVAC system will create a more comfortable, reliable venue that can accommodate activities in every season.
The Commercial Building serves as a gathering place for a wide variety of events, including weddings, funeral dinners, family reunions, the annual Christmas Bazaar, Ducks Unlimited banquets, Project Prom, Ag Day, job fairs, county fair activities, first responder and KDOT trainings, school programs, business meetings, customer appreciation events, and numerous community fundraisers.
"This project will make a lasting difference for our community," said Kathleen Fabrizius, President of the Trego County Fair Board. "The Commercial Building is used by people of all ages and for so many different purposes. Having dependable heating and air conditioning will make it a more welcoming and functional space for everyone who relies on it."
Western Cooperative Electric's Sharing Success Community Grant Program provides financial support for projects that improve the quality of life within the cooperative's service territory. Grants are awarded to projects that create lasting benefits for local communities through facility improvements, community development, education, health, safety, and other initiatives that enhance rural Kansas.
For more information about the Sharing Success Community Grant Program, contact Member Services Manager, Christina Hayes, at chayes@westerncoop.com or visit westerncoop.com.