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Workshop: Talent & Technology for the Progressive Farm Manager

This two-part workshop brought to you by the EDC’s Ag and Renewable Energy Development Committee to help our progressive farm managers grow smarter and stronger. This workshop features two dynamic sessions on talent and technology. SCHEDULE: 7:30 – 9:30AM | Attracting, retaining and managing your ag labor workforce. Plus, the latest changes to the employment […]

Willmar council OKs steps to accept $1.2M rehab grant

WILLMAR—Homes located on the northside of downtown Willmar and businesses within the downtown business district will soon be able to apply for no-interest, deferred loans for eligible rehabilitation projects. The city’s application for a Small Cities block grant of $1,205,177 was approved earlier this summer by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. “This […]

Working your best at Workup: Co-working space offers an office setting for independent workers

WILLMAR — When Betsy Bonnema founded Workup in 2015 on the MinnWest Technology Campus in Willmar, what she was trying to achieve was a brand new concept in greater Minnesota — a co-working space for those who work independently to use and network from.  “Co-working was not a thing in Willmar. It was barely a […]

Small community theaters aim high with big productions

Lake Lillian has an estimated population of 235 people, according to the United States Census Bureau. With 13 area businesses, a main street approximately half a mile long, and the nearest school almost 13 miles away, Lake Lillian is the very definition of a small town. But starting Sunday, this small town is hosting a […]

Little Crow Resort nears completion

NEW LONDON—A $7.8 million project to build a hotel, event center, restaurant, bar and pro shop on the grounds of the Little Crow Country Club is nearing completion. The project began last fall with the demolition of an existing facility that housed a bar, restaurant and pro shop at the golf course, located near New […]

A year full of play and pride: Willmar’s Destination Playground exceeds goals

WILLMAR—It has been just over a year since the Willmar Destination Playground at Robbins Island Regional Park opened to the cheers of delight from adults and children alike. It is as popular today as it was on its grand opening weekend, with people coming from near and far to spend a few hours at the […]

New London artist to showcase work in New York City gallery

NEW LONDON—In fulfilling her dream of displaying her work in a New York City art exhibit, New Londonite Marjorie Nilssen will give the Big Apple a taste of the Lakes Area arts community this summer as she heads to Manhattan with her latest series of abstract paintings. On August 2, Nilssen is scheduled to present her […]

Cattlemen at heart: Creativity gives next generation of farmers a boost

WILLMAR—When he looks at the herd of 100 Angus cows and their frisky spring calves grazing in a pasture of belly-high grass, Cullen Fischer still can’t believe his lifelong dream of raising cattle is coming true. “It’s kind of a pinch-me thing,” said the 31-year-old from Lake Lillian about his good fortune of taking over […]

New Ridgewater president ready to take on a new challenge

WILLMAR—Craig Johnson feels his blue collar, first-generation college student background will inform his work as the new president at Ridgewater College. Johnson, 62, joined the college July 1. He came from the University Center in Sioux Falls, where he was director. Johnson said his first few weeks have involved finding his way around the school’s […]

Willmar voters to decide sales tax in November

WILLMAR—The voters of Willmar will now have the opportunity to approve or reject a local option sales tax which could raise $30 million for a host of projects across the city. At Monday’s meeting, the Willmar City Council approved a resolution to place the question on the Nov. 6 ballot. “We are a regional center […]

Willmar Wye agreement nears finish line

WILLMAR—The master agreement among the Willmar Wye project partners is nearing completion and MnDOT has sent the three shortlisted design and build firms requests for proposal to lead the multi-million dollar project through its years-long construction schedule. Paul Rasmussen, project manager for the Minnesota Department of Transportation District 8, said it is just the final […]

Highway 23 Coalition seeks broader focus

WILLMAR—Even though funding has been secured to complete the final two legs of the Highway 23 four-lane between Willmar and Interstate 94, the coalition of regional businesses and government entities that fought to obtain that funding has no intention of going away. On the contrary, organizers say it’s hoped the 91-member coalition will expand to […]

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