Since Nov. 7, Marne Lanes of Fort Stewart has been going through renovations to replace the old pinsetter machines, with a set of brand new set of pinsetter machines for all 32 bowling lanes.

The total cost of the renovations are worth over $800,000, with the new pinsetters being state of the art, equipped with a new ball return system, and are expected to be completed in February.

Along with the new pinsetters, each lane will have 23 bowling pins through the system, with 20 of the pins being brand new.

Marne Lanes has remained opened throughout the transition of pinsetters; keeping a certain amount of bowling lanes opened at a time, and rotating which lanes have the new machines installed to give customers an opportunity to bowl.

General Manager Roni Stevens said that this is the first renovation of pinsetters since the establishment was first opened in 1979.

"It just shows how well the pinsetters are able to work and last over a long period of time," she said.

Stevens also said that the new pinsetter machines show the support that Marne Lanes has in regards to having a top notch bowling alley for military personal and their families.

"We have excellent command and excellent command support," she added.

In addition to her statement about the support that the bowling alley, Stevens also said that the overall goal of Marne Lanes is to take care of military families.

While men and women are off defending the country, she wants the families to be able to come to a great facility nearby, rather than have to travel elsewhere. She included that it would keep the solders minds’ at ease and helps them worry less.

"Our main mission is to take care of the military and family first, then league bowlers second," Stevens said.

As for league bowling, all league bowling action has been taking place at Stewart Bowling Lanes during the renovation. Stevens said that before league bowling can restart at Marne Lanes, they must be recertified through the United States Bowling Congress.