Consultants began plans for campus renovations

Although lacking utilities such as running water, plumbing or heat, the former college campus student center was used for a meal by the Carthage Veterinary Service after their Swine Seminar. Employees and participants in the conference got a look at areas ready for renovations.

Changes are already visible since the recent purchase of the World Christian Ambassador Mission, Inc. (formerly Robert Morris College and Carthage College) by Prairieland Investment Group, LLC whose principals are owners of Carthage Veterinary Service, Ltd.

Extensive clean-up of the grounds has been completed with removal of a number of dead or dying trees, trimming of remaining trees, and removal of downed limbs. General yard work continues with mowing, weed management, and yard repair.

Colorado Blue Spruce trees are destined to be relocated, opening up the area and allowing for future landscaping.

Architechnics, Inc. from Quincy has been retained to develop the master plan and Hurst-Rosche from Hillsboro has been hired to complete the Phase II environmental study, according to Carthage Veterinary Service owner, Dr. Joseph Connor.

“Over the next several years, plans include remodeling and development into a Center of Excellence,” Connor reported in a recent release. “The master plan includes development of a technical center for training industry personnel and farm employees for a multitude of skills.”

The campus will develop a Learning Center of Excellence for training employees of pharmaceutical, biological and ag-related industries as well as employees of Professional Swine Management, LLC managed farms and consulting clients of Carthage Veterinary Service, Ltd.

“The learning center will combine classroom education, modular facilities, training CDs, and in-barn education,” Connor said. “Each program will be designed to mesh with the objective of the individual companies and strive to provide flexible training to strengthen the skills necessary for success in their individual fields.”

It is hoped that the facilities will be able to be ready for groups early next fall.

“Anthony Hall is already being emptied and remodeled for our offices,” he said. “The Michelson Center (Science Building) will be used as the Business Technology Center. Four agricultural companies, to date, have expressed interest in participating in the Business Technology Center.

“This center will provide office space, phone, internet, copier, fax, conference rooms, IT services, and access to modular training facilities to these businesses. The campus provides the ideal combination of facilities, outstanding support staff, and recreation facilities to attract participants.”

The Bryan Auditorium will be used for many educational and civic functions. It will be used again this December for the Christmas pageant, “A Christmas Wish.” Planners say an alternative heat source may be in place by that time.

Didrickson Center (the gym) is being evaluated as a multipurpose recreational facility for the community.

The former library/student center (Earhart Student Center) has been completely emptied and will be refurbished to be used for banquets, conferences, meetings, and receptions.

“This project will take several years for completion depending on participation of companies and local and regional groups,” Connor said.

“During these last few months, we have been made aware of the long history of this campus,” he said. “We were recently visited by Elaine Walton, originally from Bushnell, and the current associate vice president for college relations of Carthage College in Kenosha, Wis. We appreciate any additional history that anyone can provide, and we will try to accumulate this information.

“The purchase provides an opportunity to restore some of the campus to use for Carthage Veterinary Service, Ltd. and Professional Swine Management, LLC, the city of Carthage, and surrounding areas. “Prairieland Investment Group LLC is excited for the opportunities it offers to the entire Carthage area and appreciates the ongoing support of the community as we try to develop the Center of Excellence.”