Mid-State Technical College marked two major milestones in Adams on Wednesday, Oct. 8, with the ribbon-cutting for the new Adams County Fire District Training Center and a groundbreaking ceremony for the expansion of programming at Mid-State’s Adams Campus.

Community members, partners and Mid-State leadership gathered first at the Adams County Fire District, Station 1, to celebrate the launch of the region’s new fire training center. Later in the day, the College hosted a ceremonial groundbreaking at its Adams Campus, signaling growth in academic offerings for local students and adult learners.

The new Fire District Training Center will provide firefighters with vital opportunities for live-fire training without the need to travel outside the county.

“This partnership between the Adams County Fire District and Mid-State will provide much-needed opportunities for live-fire training to occur locally,” said Rick Anderson, dean of Mid-State’s Adams Campus and School of Public Safety. “As we continue to build out the site with training props, the value of training will only grow, supporting the safest community possible.”

The expansion at Mid-State’s Adams Campus is made possible in part by a $1.8 million grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) for building renovations. The project will allow the College to launch new programs in welding and construction trades in Adams and to offer science-based lab courses in anatomy and physiology locally for health students who previously had to travel to Wisconsin Rapids.

“This remodel and expansion project at our Adams Campus will create new opportunities for area residents,” Anderson added. “By bringing welding, construction trades and health science labs to Adams, we’re strengthening educational access and supporting the needs of our regional workforce.”

Mid-State President Dr. Shelly Mondeik highlighted the broader significance of the day’s celebrations. “These milestones represent the power of collaboration,” she said. “Together with our partners, we are creating pathways to education and training that directly support our students, our employers and the economic vitality of this region.”

Kevin Moore, principal of Adams-Friendship High School, noted the benefits for local students. “The expansion of Mid-State’s Adams Campus provides exciting new opportunities for our high school students,” Moore said. “It builds on the strong technical education they receive here and opens the door to seamless pathways into high-demand careers close to home.”

Together, the Fire District Training Center and campus expansion reflect Mid-State’s ongoing commitment to progress, partnership and opportunity—transforming lives and strengthening the region.