GETTYSBURG, S.D. (KCCR) – Avera Health is beginning its transition in Gettysburg to the new Avera Missouri River Health Center. Administrator Kristi Livermont says a week long move starts today.

The building’s administrative staff will move Friday along with any final items needed to be moved.  Three million dollars of the $12 million, 21-thousand 800 square foot complex was raised locally. The death of Gettysburg farmer and lodge owner Paul Nelson in an August tornado spurred the final phase of the project with memorials to Nelson directed by the family to the Health Center, including a $125,000 in matching donations from Nelson client Lynn and Foster Friess.

Livermont says the new facility is a significant improvement.

A virtual open house is planned for January with the possibility of an in-person ribbon cutting/open house event in the fall of 2021.