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Center of Nation dedication Tuesday
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FarkMilo Dailey, Belle Fourche Post/Bee
BELLE FOURCHE -- A granite compass rose was lowered in sections onto concrete slabs Wednesday at the new Center of the Nation monument that will be dedicated Tuesday, Aug. 21.
"We've been working with this since May, but it's more impressive than what I believed it would be," said Belle Fourche Chamber of Commerce executive Teresa Schanzenbach.
Four 4,500-pound granite slabs were lowered onto dry ice on the concrete to form the main section of the monument, then smaller granite "compass points" were lowered into place in a cooperative effort by Belle Fourche firms Wilen Masonry and Black Hills Monument.
Local artist Monte Amende designed the monument.
"The local talent that put this together is impressive," Schanzenbach said. "I think the entire community is going to be shocked at what they see Tuesday."
The monument, a 21-by-40 foot compass rose, cost about $70,000.
That's only Phase 1.
"Phase 2 will take place next year when the bike path is completed," Schanzenbach said. It will include an avenue of flags, brick paving, rest and observation areas.
"This is something bus tours will come to see," she said.
The monument is just north of the Center of the Nation Visitor Center that houses the chamber offices and the Tri-State Museum. Additional signage will give directions to the precise position of the geographic center of the nation 13 miles north of Belle Fourche on Hwy 85 from the intersection of Hwy 85 and 212.
The spot is designated the geographical center of the United States, if Alaska and Hawaii are included.
Tuesday's dedication ceremonies are a national observance.
The U.S. Geodetic Survey will be on hand to note the geographic center's new monument, and a NOAA/traveling geodetic survey display will be at the museum through the week.
Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., and Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin, D-S.D., both will speak at the 2 p.m. dedication ceremonies.
The program has an international aspect as well. Area amateur radio operators will send messages to get as many responses as possible from other states and countries starting at 9 a.m.
South Dakota Public Television will have a live broadcast of "Uniquely South Dakota" from the chamber office from 11 a.m. to noon.
The Belle Fourche Cowboy Band opens the afternoon ceremonies with a short 1:45 p.m. concert ending with the National Anthem before the 2 p.m. dedication.
Immediately after the dedication, the U.S. Postal Service will offer a limited "Center of the Nation" stamp cancellation.
Everyone in Belle Fourche and the area is invited to a free community celebration picnic from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. served by the Lions Club.
Live music by Barry Pitt runs from 5 to 6 p.m.
If you go
What: Center of the Nation Monument dedication.
When: 2 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 21.
Where: Near the Center of the Nation Visitor Center, Belle Fourche.
More info: A free community celebration picnic will follow from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
The compass rose takes shape Wednesday morning at the new Center of the Nation Monument in Belle Fourche. From left are Jay Gustafson, Dion Wilen, Jerry Ruzicka, Terry Chronister and Gary Schweitzer. Wilen Masonry and Ruzicka's Black Hills Monument combined on the work for the new monument. (Milo Dailey/Belle Fourche Post/Bee)
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