News

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

September 14, 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

Willmar Wye project wins regional transportation award

September 5, 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

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

August 14, 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

Kandiyohi County Board agrees to contribute to nonprofit that is bring computer literacy classes to Willmar

July 10, 2023

WILLMAR — As Kandiyohi County continues to work to bring reliable, high-speed broadband internet to every corner of the county, there is also a need to make sure everyone has the skills and know-how to take advantage of that technology. “Digital equity is all about access and affordability of the internet. We can put the line up to your house, that is great. But, if you don’t know how to turn on your laptop there is no point having that internet access,” said Sarah Swedburg,

Willmar OKs memorandum of understanding for potential property swap with Minnesota Army National Guard

July 6, 2023

Willmar OKs memorandum of understanding for potential property swap with Minnesota Army National Guard
The Minnesota Army National Guard would like at least 40 acres in the Willmar Industrial Park for a future armory, which make take up to two decades to come to fruition or it could be expedited and take place in three to five years. A topographical map showing the outline of 80 acres of land of which the Minnesota Army National Guard would like to acquire at least 40 acres from the city of Willmar. Read the full story from the West Central Tribune 

Kandiyohi County continues to be successful in acquiring funding for the expansion of broadband services

June 29, 2023

KANDIYOHI COUNTY — The Kandiyohi County and City of Willmar Economic Development Commission was successful in obtaining two additional funding sources for the extension of broadband into rural areas of the county, according to a news release from the EDC. The United States Department of Agriculture announced June 12 an approximately $19 million ReConnect round four grant to Meeker Cooperative Light and Power Association for a fiber-to-the-premises project covering portions of Meeker, Kandiyohi

Governor Walz, Lieutenant Governor Flanagan Announce $67 Million in State Grants to Expand Broadband Access 

June 28, 2023

[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan today announced $67 million in state grants for internet providers to expand broadband coverage to tens of thousands of Minnesotans, furthering the administration’s commitment to providing high-speed broadband for all Minnesotans. The announcement comes days after the federal government announced a $652 million investment in Minnesota’s broadband infrastructure. “There is extraordinary momentum behind our work to
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