Habitat for Humanity of Barton County will hold a groundbreaking ceremony on its latest project, at 19th and Hubbard, at 9:30 a.m. Thursday. This is being done in conjunction with Habitat’s Chamber Coffee, and the public is invited, said Rachel Mawhirter, co-chairman of the nonprofit organization’s board of directors.

"We have been fundraising for nearly two years for this building project," Mawhirter said. "Our two most recent fundraisers, the annual Barton County’s Got Talent Dinner Theater and a land auction, pushed us over the 100 percent funding mark. We are excited to get started on construction."

Preliminary dirt work has been completed, and work on the foundation will begin in the coming weeks. "New home construction is a tedious process anyway, and when you’re working primarily with volunteer labor it can take even longer," said Larry Gale, another Habitat board member. "We hope to keep things moving this summer so that we can hand over the keys to the next partner family in the fall."

Local business Brentwood Builders has donated its time and talents to help with the building project. Business owner Andy Mingenback commented, "Habitat is a great organization, because it helps provide a local family with a brand new home — something they wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford. We’re looking forward to partnering with Habitat this summer on the building project, and hope that other businesses will do the same."

Materials are still being collected, and volunteers are needed. Anyone who is interested in encouraged to attend Thursday’s groundbreaking to speak with a Habitat board member. In case of inclement weather, the coffee will be held at the Chamber office, 1125 Williams in Great Bend. For more information, e-mail habitatbartoncounty@hotmail.com. Habitat for Humanity of Barton County is also on Facebook and Twitter.