Lyon County Government Complex Groundbreaking Ceremony
A crowd of Lyon County officials, business owners, and community members—along with special guests from near and far—gathered on Thursday, Nov. 13 to celebrate the groundbreaking of the new Charles J. Kirk Government Complex in Dayton. The event drew notable speakers, including Lt. Gov. Stavros Anthony and Turning Point USA (TPUSA) Senior Strategic Manager Connor Cornuke, who shared their enthusiasm for what this project means for the region. Here are a few highlights from our speakers in their own words:
"Today is a historic and exciting day for Lyon County as we celebrate the start of construction on this long-anticipated and much-needed building. Lyon County has been planning for the construction of this building for well over 10 years. Once completed, this new 38,000-square-foot government complex will serve as the new home for the Dayton offices of the Lyon County Human Services Department, the District Attorney's Office, the Lyon County Sheriff's Substation, Pretrial Services, Public Defense, and the Dayton Justice Court. At a total cost of just over $35 million – that includes land and design – the Charles J. Kirk Government Complex is the largest project by cost in Lyon County's history. I'm excited to say that as of right now, we project that we will be able to complete this building without taking on any debt. Lyon County has been saving for this project for the better part of a decade to make this a reality." —Lyon County Manager Andrew Haskin
"I really want to thank Commissioner Hendrix and the entire Lyon County commission for having…the vision to build this building. I'm very proud when our government takes the time to make sure that they have first class facilities for our police officers, for our district attorney, for our corrections office, anybody that works in criminal justice system and will be in this beautiful building here." —Lt. Gov Stavros Anthony
"This is a project that represents progress, service, and long-term investment in the people of Dayton and Lyon County. I wholly believe that buildings are more than concrete with steel. They're commitments. commitments to the communities we serve, and to the future that we're all helping to create. This complex will provide a modern, efficient home for essential services, improve accessibility for residents, and support the continued growth of this great community. Now, we're very proud to partner with Lyon County leadership, local agencies, and all the stakeholders whose vision and collaboration brought us to this moment...The Charles J Kirk Government Complex is designed to serve generations, a place where public service, community needs, and civic pride come together under one roof. At CORE, we've been blessed to build projects across the entire state of Nevada, from north to south and east to west...We're grateful for the trust that you've all placed in us to help bring this vision to life." —Vice President of CORE Construction Travis Coons
"I want to just take one minute to thank a gentleman that brought me on board. His name was Stan Lucas. He bought all this property. He had a vision to see exactly what we're seeing happen today, the start of a new community. Stan passed away on January 10 of this year. But I think you would have been really happy to be here...And I am just so honored to be a small part of a great private public participation project. We've got great commissioners in Lyon County. We have a great community in Lyon County, and we're gonna really start to watch things grow." —Don Smith with Project One
"Having these vital services in one central location, not only enhances efficiency, but it also makes it easier for the people of Lyon County to access the help and resources They need all in one place. On behalf of the Justice Court, I want to express our gratitude for this thoroughly designed space. The large courtroom provides a professional and dignified setting for court proceedings and finally for jury trials. The spacious public waiting area allows individuals to wait comfortably and safely for their hearings, and the enhanced security measures ensure a safe environment for both the public and the employees. The complex is more than just a building. It's a symbol of our county's growth. Commitment to justice, and dedication to serving our community." —Judge Camille Marie Vecchiarelli, Dayton Justice Court
"I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for honoring my husband in such a beautiful and enduring way. As I attempt to make sense of all that was taken from me, from our two children, from Turning Point USA, and indeed from the entire country, it is the kindness of people like you that restores our confidence in the future and reminds us what Charlie believed and is still true today. That America is and will always be worth fighting for." —statement from TPUSA CEO Erika Kirk
"This building is being dedicated not to a political figure, but to a believer. To a Christian, and that distinction matters enormously. In our culture today, we tend to compartmentalize, we separate faith from politics, personal convention, from public life. We're told to keep religious beliefs private, to leave them at home. But Charlie Kirk rejected that divide." —Senior Strategic Manager at TPUSA Connor Cornuke
"The groundbreaking of a government building that will bear the name of Charles J. Kirk, the man whose commitment to open debate, public service, has left a lasting mark on our nation. This is more than the start of a construction project. It's the beginning of a new chapter...As we turn the first shovels of earth, let us remember that we are not just building a structure. We're creating a place where people can talk openly, connect as a community, and receive the information and help those offices can provide. I hope that Charlie Kirk government complex becomes a bright spot for everyone. A place for real conversation, lively debates, and a reminder of how much we all care to keep in our country strong, and it's a great place to live." —Lyon County Board of Commissioners Chair Scott Keller
