Veterans Memorial replacement begins

SEELEY LAKE - The Veterans and Families of Seeley Lake (VFSL) began the initial construction for the new veterans' memorial kiosk in the Memorial Garden on Monday, Nov. 2.

VFSL member Darryl Wolery said the replacement structure will be more weather resistant and will better maintain the names of those honored. Currently the 142 memorial plaques are made of wood and need to be redone every three years. Not only will the structure's new metal plates last longer without required maintenance, but it will also be able to hold up to 750 veteran names in total.

Wolery said VFSL members are the main ones providing the labor. Contractors and suppliers have provided the materials.

Deer Creek Excavating LLC lent out equipment to help with grading. Knife River out of Missoula provided the structure's concrete slab while Bob The Electrician, Construction Division helped install it with assistance from VFSL. Pitman Machining provided the iron work. Seeley Lake Rent-All has allowed the group to borrow equipment for the project.

The project is not yet fully funded, but VFSL member Elden Barbieri said they are submitting an application for a grant from the Parks and Recreation Department to help fund its projected cost of $9,567. So far, $4,035.07 was raised through the Change Your Pace challenge from over the summer plus the roughly $2,000 worth of concrete materials donated from Knife River.

Since the initial proposed design, the project has shifted in concept. They were originally going to use dimensional lumber, but Missoula architect Tom Beaudette said that timber framing would work better for the project.

The project's estimated completion date is entirely weather dependent. They are hoping to have portions completed by Veterans Day on Nov. 11. The very latest the structure would be complete is spring 2021.

Because it is established as a Missoula County park, they also hope to expand parking with designated handicapped spaces as well as install toilet facilities in the future.