Reprinted with permission from the Preston Citizen.

Congressman Simpson Secures Additional $150,000 for Oneida Stake Academy Project
Necia P. Seamons, Citizen staff writer

A $150,000 grant for the Oneida Stake Academy was just approved by the Idaho Congressional Delegation.

"We appreciate the support of Congressman Mike Simpson. These funds will not only help us with the restoration of the building, but in our efforts to raise the rest of the $2.7 million needed to restore the Oneida Stake Academy to its former glory," said Doug West, of the Oneida Stake Academy Foundation.

Photo Courtesy Glenys Rasmussen

"For all the competing priorities Congressman Simpson has in the state of Idaho, it is a real honor for Franklin County for him recognize the value of the academy and to get it funded," said Elliott Larsen, another member of the OSAF.

"The Franklin County Commissioners have been great in recognizing the impact the federal appropriations process can have in a small county such as our community," he said.

The grant brings the federal appropriations for this project to $450,000, as Congressman Simpson announced a $300,000 grant to the project in July 2003.

The funds will be directed to the academy from the Housing and Urban Development's Economic Development Initiative Grant program. The program is designed to help under-served communities on a variety of community improvements and economic development.

"We invite not only those people capable of helping us with large grants, but individuals capable of any donation, small or large, to join us in this campaign to make the academy a part of our community again. We hope anyone who ever attended or taught in a class in that building will contribute to this exciting project," said West.

All classes of Preston High School are invited to participate in a contest to raise the most funds for the academy's renovation. The class which donates the largest amount will be offered use of the building for their high school reunion at no charge.

The new foundation on the academy is nearly complete, with all outside walls formed and damp-proofed. Lynn and Stuart Burbank installed a French drain around the building's footings and Christensen Sand & Gravel back-filled the hole to grade on three sides of the building.

The back will be left open to accommodate a future courtyard.

The next step in the restoration of the academy is to clean out the old ceilings and other debris in the basement and first floors to prepare the building for structural stabilization.

"We need to develop a shear connection between each floor as well as on the exterior and interior stone walls," said Joseph Linton, architect for the Oneida Stake Academy Foundation. An engineer is presently working out the details on the method to do so.

Temporary closures will be also be placed in open windows to secure and allow for temperature control within the building.

"Once the building has been structurally stabilized, we will proceed with the restoration of the interior and exterior of the building," Linton said.