Following a public hearing last night concerning construction on the new multi-purpose building by the Mid-Prairie schools, things are beginning to move forward.

Dirt work will begin this week as phase one and phase two get underway on the project, which is expected to total about $520,000. Phase one includes removing some old concrete, doing the dirt work required and installation of footers for the building. Phase two includes construction of the steel building. Chris Slabaugh Construction of Kalona is general contractor for both phases one and two. The building could be used as practice space for baseball, softball, golf, soccer, track, football and other activities during winter months or inclement weather.

The building is being built with a combination of public and private funding. The school received a $200,000 grant from the Washington County Riverboat Foundation, the Mid-Prairie schools contributed $75,000, with the remainder coming from a private committee group.