Fairgrounds Community Building in need of new HVAC system

As the coldest January in decades shivers to a close, even the newest, most efficient furnaces are working overtime to keep pace.

So it should come as no surprise that the winter of 2014 has tolled the death knell for a 16-year-old heating system operating at half capacity.

With only three of six furnaces operational in the Putnam County Fairgrounds Community Building, the Fair Board is replacing not just the broken furnaces, but the entire heating, ventilation and air conditioning system of the building.

"We've known it's been coming for at least a year," Fair Board member Ray Poynter Jr. told the Banner Graphic, "and in this colder weather, we just have to get it done."

While the Community Building sees its heaviest use during the Putnam County Fair each July, it is actually used throughout the year for meetings, weddings, auctions, parties and other special events.

More than 30 4-H groups as well as other community organizations utilize the building each year.

At a cost of more than $40,000, the new system is quite an undertaking for the Fair Board, which is welcoming donations to help defray the cost.

Donations may be made to the Putnam County Fairgrounds Community Building Air Conditioning Fund, care of First National Bank. The fund was set up in memory of longtime fair and 4-H supporter Jim Sheldon after his death last August.

Donations may also be mailed to the Putnam County Fairgrounds, c/o David Greenburg Accounting, 210 S. Indiana St., Greencastle, IN 46135.