Groundbreaking for the new 12,000 square foot Midwest ACE Hardware store was held Tuesday morning in Junction City.

The site is adjacent to Caroline Avenue and U. S. 77 Highway on the west side of Junction City.  The store will be owned by Scott and Karalee Ridder of Manhattan.

KaraLee said the new outlet will be open next spring. “We can serve all the businesses around here. We will deliver to them. We’ll be able to provide all their daily operations supplies.” There will be 10 to 12 employees at the store.

The Ridders also operate the Midwest Ace Hardware store in Manhattan.

Karalee said Dennis Westover is the general contractor for the new store in Junction City, which Scott Ridder confirmed had been under consideration for some time. “Oh, about three years in process, just to kind of make up our mind to come over here and sit and watch the traffic flow.  Karen Westover helped us get the property located, and find out the owners and get it purchased.”  The site was purchased from Hobby Lobby.

Local leaders attended the groundbreaking Tuesday.