The Superior Express -

Construction of a new shop for the Jewell County Highway Department has been a multi-year project but it is finally ready for public inspection.

The commissioners and road crew will hold an open house at the shop from 8 to 10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 16.

The shop is located on the site of the former Mankato Packing Company plant east of Mankato. The packing company’s main plant building was removed prior to the construction of the county shop.

The location allows easy access for the movement of the department’s heavy equipment and has room for equipment maintenance and storage.

It replaces a much...