Site Supervisor Ed Nieman hands the keys to the new home in Elmore to owner Kathy Skalicky. Her children, Megan, Spencer and Andrew watch the transfer at the dedication held March 9. To see more photographs of this event, log on to http://cu.faribaultcountyregister.com

An Elmore family is finally getting to move into their new home, a home that they have been working on for about a year.

Them and dozens of others.

The Kathy Skalicky family is moving into the latest Habitat for Humanity house built in Martin and Faribault Counties.

There was a dedication of the new home in Elmore on Sunday, March 9, where more than 60 people crammed into the small dwelling to take part in the event.

A groundbreaking was held last May, said Staci Thompson, who introduced the family at the dedication. “Kathy and I have been friends forever,” Thompson said. “We went to elementary school together here in Elmore, and have been friends all of our lives.”

Skalicky is a single mother of three children: Megan is 14 and an 8th grader at BEA Middle School; Spencer, 10, is a 5th grader; and Andrew, 7, is a 2nd grader at BEA.

Kathy Skalicky works full time at Kerry in Blue Earth in packaging/production.

“I want to thank my family, and everybody who has helped us with this house,” Skalicky said, when it was her turn at the KBEW microphone. “This is a very special day for me and my family,” she said, choking back the tears.

Ed Nieman, the site supervisor, presented the keys for the home to the Skalicky family. “Kathy, this has been a long time coming and I know you will be enjoying this home for a long time to come,” he said.

Kim Schaffer of the Habitat for Humanity Family Selection Committee presented a candle to the Skalickys. He spoke about how the family is selected, and how they must put in sweat equity and work on the house themselves. He also said families must be able to handle the mortgage that is involved.

They also have to take classes in everything from home management and finances to construction skills.

The home has three bedrooms on the main floor and one in the basement, so each of the children will get their own room.

“It’s just awesome!” said Megan Skalicky when asked what she thought of the house.

There is still some work to do on the house, mainly in the basement. The family had not moved in at this time, but they are expecting to make the big move soon.

The dedication on Sunday drew a much larger crowd than originally had been anticipated. Eric Johnson, chair of the local Habitat for Humanity chapter, said the big turnout was indicative of the turnout of people who helped on this project.

He also said that the driving force on getting the house done was Ed Nieman, the Site Supervisor. “I just asked Ed what I needed to do, and he told me,” Nieman said. “I learned a lot.”

So did the Skalicky children. Nieman said that seven-year-old Andrew was always helping and always full of questions.

Persons interested in learning more about Habitat for Humanity can contact the local chapter in Fairmont at 507-235-9790.