A ground breaking ceremony was held at Washington High School August 4th. Photos by Sally Hart.

The project associated with first bond vote to pass in 52 years in Washington is now officially underway. The ground breaking ceremony for the Washington Area Performing Arts and Events Center was held yesterday at the Washington High School. Jan Gallagher, who has been working on the project for its duration shared it started 10 years ago when plans for the new high school did not include an auditorium. Funds have come in from private donors, the Washington County Riverboat Foundation, Vision Iowa, the City of Washington and the Washington County Board of Supervisors. Gallagher added they are still working to raise funds.

Superintendent Jeff Dicks spoke at the event saying there is no better way to start a new job than with good news of a new auditorium and a second bond approved for an addition to Stewart Elementary School; he added thanks to those who have worked on the project and those who donated.

For photos from the ceremony visit KCII Radio’s Facebook page.