The Devils Lake Public Schools hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for their long-awaited new agriculture addition at the Lake Area Career & Technology Center (LACTC). The ceremony took place on Tuesday, Sept. 17 outside LACTC in the afternoon. The addition will provide a new classroom and workshop dedicated to agricultural education. Access to the LACTC from the high school will improve with a more convenient location. The existing greenhouse will also be renovated.
The project was funded by the City of Devils Lake, other donors from the area, and state grants first donated. The total raised $2.9 million. When Ned Clooten took over the position of superintendent, it was one of his goals to see this project through.
“When I moved here, I learned that agriculture was the number one industry in the area,” Clooten said. “So for us to not have an ag program in Devils Lake High School to me was a huge hole that needed to be filled.”
The City of Devils Lake was one of the first groups to come through with donation funds.
“What a wonderful building that is going to be built in this location… It’s been probably needed for some time,” said Mayor Jim Moe. “On behalf of the city, we as a commission are very excited to have this… This will just enhance our ability to bring more kids here, more families here, to grow our schools.”
The project is expected to be completed before the fall of next year.
