Groundbreaking set for Rangeland Complex

The event will be Thursday, Sept. 6, at 5 p.m. near the CSC Softball Field parking lot at the east end of 12^th Street. It is open to the public free of charge.

“This marks the beginning of an exciting chapter in Chadron State College’s history, and we want the community to help us celebrate,” said Dr. Randy Rhine, CSC president. “This facility will stand as a testament to CSC’s western heritage and serve as an asset to many of our academic programs that advance the rural way of life.”

Rhine said invitations have been sent to many people who have been instrumental in the event’s planning, including more than 20 donors. The list of speakers includes Rhine, Stan Carpenter, chancellor of the Nebraska State College System, and Fran Grimes, president of the Chadron State Foundation board.

Also attending the event will be members of Nebraska State College System Board of Trustees, who will have their regular meeting the following morning.

Organizers are advising attendees to wear footwear suitable for rough terrain.

The Rangeland Complex, which consists of the Rangeland Agriculture Center and Pavilion, will be constructed east of the Burkhiser Complex on a hill overlooking the campus. Phase one, which has a target completion of fall 2013, includes the indoor arena, suitable for handling large animals and rodeo practice.

When complete, the Rangeland Complex will serve for instruction in range management, domestic livestock, equine science, wildlife management, soil and plant sciences, and production processes and technique.

The facility was a major objective of the Chadron State Foundation’s highly successful Vision 2011 fundraising campaign and is part of about $19 million of new construction that will begin on campus this academic year. Other big projects include the first phase of the renovation and expansion of the Armstrong Physical Education Building and construction of new housing units at the east side of campus.