Groundbreaking marks the beginning of the future Wildcat Center at LMS
By Shannon Weidemann (McKone) on Wednesday, June 7th, 2023 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
LA GRANDE – A groundbreaking ceremony was held on the campus of La Grande Middle School (LMS) yesterday to mark the beginning of the construction of the new multi-purpose building, now named the Wildcat Center that is being built at La Grande Middle School.
Students and staff from La Grande Middle School, along with district staff, board members, local media and members of the community were in attendance to watch the official groundbreaking event.
During the event, Lance Rinker with the Bond Oversight Committee said, during the event, this facility will feature “six classrooms, a multi-purpose room, three athletic courts, three batting cages, and six bathrooms. When completed this will be, without a doubt, a centerpiece of the school district. The opportunities it will afford our youth and community are literally endless. Quality educational experiences, advanced skill building, and countless lifetime memories will be forged right here in La Grande, Oregon.”
Those in attendance to “break ground” on this project were Middle School Principal Chris Wagoner, Superintendent George Mendoza, Board Member Randy Shaw, Teacher Melinda Becker-Bisenius, Bond Oversight Committee Member Lance Rinker, student representative Ryan Roberts and Mike Becker with Becker Construction.
The new Wildcat Center, which will be completed in August 2024, will be located on the campus of La Grande Middle School and will replace the Annex and maintenance building currently at the location.The Wildcat Center is being funded through the school district’s General Obligation bond passed by voters in May 2022. It will take approximately 15 months to complete the construction and it will be open for student use in August of 2024.
