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Coalition of Greater MN Cities holds fall conference in Willmar

November 28, 2023

Coalition of Greater MN Cities holds fall conference in Willmar
WILLMAR—City officials and business leaders from Greater Minnesota communities gathered November 16-17 at Willmar Conference Center for its annual fall conference. The conference kicked off with welcome remarks from St. Joseph Mayor and CGMC President Rick Schultz, Willmar Mayor Doug Reese, and CGMC Executive Director Bradley Peterson, followed by a lunch presentation from Department of Revenue Commissioner Paul Marquart. Commissioner Marquart led an engaging discussion on the recent LGA increase

Willmar Municipal Utilities investing in generation and transmission

November 28, 2023

Willmar Municipal Utilities investing in generation and transmission
WILLMAR—The Willmar Municipal Utilities Commission on Nov. 13 approved continuing a $760,000 agreement with DGR Engineering to create additional generation capacity in Willmar with the installation of four more diesel generators and also took action to invest in additional transmission projects. The separate actions were each recommended by the Municipal Utilities’ planning committee. Generation According to the minutes from the Oct. 30 planning committee meeting, the Municipal Utilities

Willmar Burger King now owned by man who grew up in community

November 28, 2023

Willmar Burger King now owned by man who grew up in community
WILLMAR—A man who grew up in Willmar has acquired three Burger King restaurants, including Willmar’s Burger King on First Street South. Mike Knoop, the owner and operator of Crown King Properties LLC, previously worked at a Willmar location in 1992 as an assistant manager, according to a news release announcing his acquisition of BK restaurants in Willmar and Hutchinson, as well as Hillsboro, North Dakota. Knoop has operated five restaurants in his time as a franchise owner beginning in

‘Hot Topics’ forum centers on significant Willmar area housing challenges

November 18, 2023

‘Hot Topics’ forum centers on significant Willmar area housing challenges
WILLMAR — Since 2018, there have been around 600 housing units developed in Willmar, most of them in multi-unit complexes dotted across the city. While the influx of apartments has been welcome, according to the housing study completed for the Kandiyohi County and City of Willmar Economic Development Commission last year, the city will need an additional 1,580 units of various types and costs between now and 2030. Another 950 will be needed outside of Willmar. “Sources of housing demand

Willmar Wye project wins regional transportation award

October 3, 2023

Willmar Wye project wins regional transportation award
WILLMAR — For almost a year the Willmar Rail Connector and Industrial Access Project, better known as the Willmar Wye , has been safely and efficiently moving train traffic around the city. Now that project is award-winning. It was announced Friday that the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials has selected the Willmar Wye to receive a regional America’s Transportation Award. The project was chosen from a pool of 23 projects from the Mid American Association

Two new ramps finished in Highway 23 project on southwest edge of Willmar, Minnesota

October 3, 2023

WILLMAR — The Minnesota Department of Transportation has announced the opening of two of the three new ramps built along state Highway 23 and Kandiyohi County Road 5 as part of the access project in Willmar. Of the three ramps involved in the project, the southwest and northeast ramps opened Sept. 13. Construction has begun on the final ramp on the northwest. A ramp is already in place at the southeast corner of the intersection. Read the full story at the West Central Tribune

City of Willmar deal with National Guard could move more quickly than expected

October 3, 2023

The Willmar City Council on Monday approved an updated memorandum of understanding with the Minnesota Army National Guard for a potential trade of 80 acres in the Willmar Industrial Park for the Guard facilities on North Business 71. WILLMAR — The Willmar City Council on Monday approved an updated memorandum of understanding with the Minnesota Army National Guard for a potential swap of Guard facilities on North Business 71 for city-owned land in the Willmar Industrial
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