Long-awaited animal shelter nears fundraising finish line
The wait for an animal shelter in Steele County has stretched on longer than anyone expected, but the volunteers guiding the project have announced they’re finally close to meeting their goal. After several years of fundraising, they hope to have the shelter up and running soon. Construction is nearly complete on the facility, which stands next to Lake Chase Dog Park. Steele County Humane Society board members Liane Peterson and Deb Singelstad predicted an opening date early next year. Although it was originally budgeted at $2 million, repeated delays and soaring construction costs have pushed the actual price tag closer to $2.4 million. More than once, construction has paused to allow fundraising to catch up. They’re currently seeking “a couple hundred thousand” to finish the building, purchase furnishings and fixtures and give them the initial operating funds they need. Singelstad said that even now a handful of large donations could advance the project’s timeline. “Once we get open, it’s going to be a big asset to Steele County. We’ll be able to house these animals that need help,” she said. Crews are in the third and final stage of construction, installing ceiling grids, electric fixtures, kennels and other necessities. The
