Work continues on the former Pizza Ranch building in Jefferson.

Murphy Construction has been working the last few weeks demolishing the interior of the building. Last month, the City Council approved a $25,000 contract with Murphy to remove all debris to the bare stubs of the interior. The City took ownership of the building this past March.

The former restaurant has been vacant since January of 2015, when former owner Robert Schultz was accused of setting the building on fire. This past December, Schultz entered an alford plea and pled guilty to a felony for criminal mischief and a misdemeanor for arson. He was sentenced to three years of probation.

The City is using funds from taxes in the Urban Renewal Area of up to $175,000 for work done to the building.