“Our target right now is early February to have it open for bids,” said President/Architect at Integrated Designs, Inc. Travis Hongisto, “A quick update on the project, things have been going smoothly.”

The practice gym is set to include: locker rooms, bathrooms, bleachers and plastic windows to allow natural light in but to prevent glare for athletes.

“With the gym itself, bringing in metal panels to kind of cut back on cost versus doing a full high brick with that, we will be able to bring in some of that cool blue as well,” said Hongisto.

Construction is estimated to begin in the summertime. But there currently is no estimation of cost, or time of completion on the project.

Two new members are sworn in to the NICE board including James Gray and Derrick Magnuson. Crystal Lafreniere was appointed as the president and Scott Mann as the vice-president with Chad Korpi as the secretary at the groups meeting on Monday. (Journal photo by Antonio Anderson)

Also at this Board meeting Monday night, two new members were sworn in: James Gray and Derrick Magnuson. Crystal Lafreniere was appointed as the president and Scott Mann as the vice-preside

“For you new and old board members, I just wanted to thank you for your service to the school. It is often overlooked but is necessary to the community,” said MARESA Superintendent Dr. Gregory Nyen.

Nyen was accompanied by Director of Career & Technical Education/Career Education Planning District, Erich Ziegler, to thank the Board for a great partnership with MARESA.

“Like I said I appreciate the collaboration with Mr. Faucet and Mr. Deaugustine… Just celebrating the partnership that we have,” said Ziegler.

That was not the only positive recognition given on the Monday meeting, a variety of thanks came from leaders across the NICE Community School District for a myriad of accomplishments. One particular accomplishment was a ‘Hat Day’ fundraiser that gathered just under $700 from students, and will be donated to the Trillium house in the honor of a school employee.

“I want to recognize our entire staff and the student body, it can be a tough semester but we powered through it,” said Westwood High School principal Clifford Faucet.

“I want to thank our special ed staff for their hard work this semester,” said Special Education and 504 Coordinator Nathan Longton.

Another accomplishment was brought to the meeting by athletic director, Jacob Skewis. A Westwood student just reached a milestone in their athletic career.

“I’d like to thank Ethan Marta, he just his his 1,000th career point,” said Skewis

The last accomplishment is one yet to come. Westwood students participating in vocational construction trades classes will be give the opportunity to help the community in a construction project. Thought the details are still being worked out.

“A group of our best construction trade students will be going out to build a pavilion, right across from the Tilden,” said Superintendent Bryan DeAugustine.

Antonio Anderson can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 550. His email address is aanderson@miningjournal.net.