Ground breaking upgrade

Ash Grove Fire District turns dirt on all new station
Red fire trucks, red Branco Enterprises trucks and heavy equipment welcomed some 40 congregants to an otherwise unassuming 8-acre Ash Grove field at 503 N. Crestview the afternoon of Friday, Feb. 28, for the ground breaking of an all new fire station.  
By September 2025, the location—which sits approximately one quarter mile north of 160 highway—will boast a 6,600 square foot fire department headquarters which will include five bays, a community room and more.
The build is thanks to a $1.65 million bond passed by voters on the August 2022 ballot. Ash Grove Fire Chief Anthony Monnig said the current estimate for the project—which will be overseen by general contractor Branco Enterprises—is $1.55 million. Monnig added that the current fire station and property, at 112 South Piper Road, will likely be sold after the transfer.
Monnig was excited about the upgrade and claimed the biggest improvement will be the cleanliness of the new digs.
“I know that might seem like a bit of a simplified answer,” Monnig said, “but when we’ve been in a 60, 70-year-old building that’s falling apart around us…”
Monnig expressed thanks for the voters who supported the ballot initiative.
“The taxpayers blessed us with their trust to put this all together, I think we’re going to deliver for them,” Monnig said. “I’m really happy and I’m really happy for what the firefighters are going to get to work in finally.”