Work Begins on New Hoven School, 1-1/2 Years after Fire

HOVEN, S.D. (AP) — Construction is beginning this week on a new school in Hoven to replace one that was destroyed by fire in May 2014.

The American News reports that the school board last week accepted a $5.1 million bid from Aberdeen-based Kyburz Carlson Construction. Insurance will cover the cost.

The school in Hoven had stood for about 70 years before the fire that was caused by electrical problems in the attic above the gymnasium. Seventh-graders through seniors have been attending classes in a former hospital building.

The plan is to build a 19,000-square-foot addition onto the existing 33,000-square-foot elementary school. The new school in the northern South Dakota town of about 400 people is expected to be ready for the 2016-17 school year.

Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.