Mid-Plains expansion project still on schedule

Mid-Plains Community College (MPCC) began construction this spring on the building addition on the north end of the current facility.
The expansion will have two classrooms, a multi-purpose room, new restrooms, a mechanical room and storage area.
Wayne Dowhower Construction, Inc. of North Platte is doing the expansion work.
The concrete footings and curbing have been poured and underground plumbing, electrical and internet access is complete, said Galvin Parker, construction estimator for the company.
“Work will start this week on the internal storm shelter, and next week, the concrete floor will be poured and we will start framing the walls,” Parker said.
The estimated completion of the building addition is scheduled for Dec. 11, weather permitting.
“We had some delay in getting materials at first due to COVID restrictions, but we’re getting them now with no problem,” Parker said.
There are two phases to the new expansion for the existing building.
The first phase is the completion of the building addition followed by the inside renovation, said Brenda Ledall, MPCC campus coordinator.
“Once the addition is done, we will be moving into that (new) area while the renovation of the existing building is being done,” Ledall said.
Most of the students are taking classes online from their homes, she said.
“We also offer on-site lab classes, distance learning (live on-site two-way interactive classes) and classes using Zoom video conferencing,” Ledall said.
She added that exams are taken on-site by appointment.
The hours are the same but the doors are locked until at least July 1, she said.
If people want to come into the building, they can call ahead or knock on the door, but it is requested that they wear a mask and sign a form stating they are symptom free, said Ledall.
“The Imperial Community Campus will provide expanded workforce training while serving as a source for rural economic stabilization to keep the region vital and strong,” said Bonnie Kruse, MPCC director of institutional advancement.
She said the Imperial campus expansion project will have a significant impact on the quality of life for residents of Imperial and the Chase County area.
“We are here working and helping people daily and looking forward to offering more space for our students and the needs of the community businesses and industries in the area,”  Ledall said.
The completion goal for the entire project is the summer of 2021, she added.