The first shovels of soil marked the groundbreaking for the Mission Valley Ice Arena after ten to 12 years of fundraising. 

A $1.35 million Montana Tourism Development Grant from the Department of Commerce helped the group get closer to their goal of an ice arena. The grant’s goal is developing tourism in a way that preserves the uniqueness of the community and draws visitors to the area.

House District 13 Representative Linda Reksten donated the rest of her campaign funds to the ice rink and pledged an additional $3,000. 

Board member/treasurer Carmen Mowbray gathered the group of board members, fundraisers and general well-wishers along with surprise visitor Marta Bertoglio, director of the Montana Department of Commerce, on Friday, Aug. 7 to do some digging. 

"Thanks to all the local generous donors, we were able to prove to the Department of Commerce that we were eligible for the grant," Mowbray said.

After shoveling some dirt, she said, “Don’t all construction projects start with a shovel and a bucket of dirt?”

Danell Thingelstad Construction is the contractor, and Bumper Thingelstad said the building itself is scheduled to arrive on October 16. He estimates construction will take from 18 to 24 months before it’s open for business. The ice arena will be built adjacent to the Mission Valley Aquatic Center. 

MVIA board members are Devin Huntley, board chair, Jamie Buhr, president, and members Linda Greenwood, Hillary Lozar and Charlie Mizia.

    Mission Valley Inc Arena directors take turns breaking ground during the Mission Valley Ice Rink groundbreaking on Friday, Aug. 7. (Courtesy of Carmine Mowbray)