IMMACULATE CONCEPTION BEGINS WORK ON NEW SCHOOL BUILDING

Howard Hemmann, project manager at Penzel Construction, tells about how construction crews are just getting started on the Immaculate Conception project.

"Church members took out two houses and hauled the debris out to Dexter themselves," Hemmann said. "Some of the dirt from the excavation went to the Penzel yard."

Penzel construction took out more dirt and some trees over by the Immaculate Conception Shrine, an area that could be a little risky for church volunteers.

Plastic was put up to keep water off the exposed ground, and Monday morning Penzel will begin digging concrete footings, a structure necessary to support walls. Sheet piling was already driven in for support because the walls will be so close to the church parking lot.

"The City of Jackson has allowed the church to temporarily close the street located at East Jefferson and Ohio," Hemmann said. "At some point, when the third phase of building begins, the street will permanently be closed."

The building now under construction will accommodate kindergarten through third grade, as well as have a new kitchen and cafeteria. It will be completed next June.