WILLMAR—The Kandiyohi County Commissioners had an urgent message Tuesday for property owners in a Consolidated Telecommunications Co. broadband project zone: The clock is ticking.
Customer sign-ups reached 72 percent of the goal this week. But another 220 or so are needed before Consolidated Telecommunications can start construction of a fiber line poised to bring high-speed internet to rural north central Kandiyohi County.
The longer it takes to reach the sign-up goal, the greater the likelihood
Pre-registrations for fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) for Kandiyohi County’s broadband project has reached 67% of its goal! Only 267 more people are needed. Hear more about the local project below.
http://kandiyohi.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/05-23-17-Phone-remote-with-Dan-and-Kelly.mp3
Do you know that installation costs are waived for those in Kandiyohi County’s fiber broadband grant project? If you register after the project is completed, installation costs could be in excess of
WILLMAR—Rice Memorial Hospital and Affiliated Community Medical Centers formally agreed to a letter of intent Wednesday night to join forces with CentraCare Health of St. Cloud.
It’s the first step toward forming a new corporation to collaboratively deliver health care in Willmar and the region.
Leaders of both organizations said the move will help preserve and enhance local health care in the face of accelerating change.
“As a board we know health care is changing rapidly,” said
WILLMAR—Wyatt Allen was ready.
He greeted a visitor to his trade show booth with a firm handshake and his “elevator speech” about Origin Content Development, his business providing original content for their social media marketing plans.
Allen and 20 of his classmates in the Kandiyohi County Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities Program presented their fledgling businesses to the public at a trade show a week ago on the MinnWest Technology Campus in Willmar. This is the third year
ST. PAUL—Minnesota employers can apply for a grant beginning May 10 to help them develop a registered apprenticeship program to recruit, train and retain their 21st century highly-skilled workforce.
Approved applicants receive funds to offset their costs related to program development, instruction and supplies. Recipients can receive up to $5,000 for each registered apprentice.
The Minnesota Apprenticeship Initiative (MAI) targets employers in these five high-growth industries:
advanced manufacturing
agriculture
health
WILLMAR—While the Kandi Mall in Willmar has so far dodged any store closings in recent months, Andy Weiner, president of RockStep Capital, who owns the retail center, warned the Willmar Planning Commission that the mall could be facing an unsure future.
“This property is too big for current and future retail in Willmar. That is a fact,” Weiner said during a conference call with the commission on May 10.
Department stores and national retail brands are struggling with plummeting sales,
WILLMAR—Housing availability, especially workforce housing, has been a topic of concern in Willmar for some time. A potential development could help alleviate some of the strain, by bringing 45 high-quality and affordable units to Willmar.
“The city has an opportunity to participate in a workforce housing project. This is the first one we’ve been able to sink our teeth into,” Willmar Planning and Development Director Bruce Peterson said Monday during a work session of the Willmar
WILLMAR—The Willmar Wye rail bypass project has completed a big step in the process this week. The Federal Rail Administration and the Federal Highway Administration have signed off on the Finding of No Significant Impact document, which is the last step in the environmental portion of the project, the Minnesota Department of Transportation announced Tuesday in a news release.
The impact document is based on the environmental assessment worksheet, which evaluates the need, environmental issues
WILLMAR—A loose-knit coalition of local transportation advocates may soon be reinvented—and reignited—in its mission to complete a four-lane route between Willmar and St. Cloud.
The group has been lobbying for decades to make state Highway 23 a four-lane link to Interstate 94.
Aaron Backman, executive director of the Kandiyohi County and City of Willmar Economic Development Commission, wants to broaden that coalition to bring in more community partners and give the group more structure that
SPICER—Kandiyohi County reeled in a big catch of its own Saturday at the governor’s fishing opener.
Explore Minnesota announced the Willmar Lakes Area will host next year’s fishing opener on Green Lake May 10-13.
It will be the second time in the history of the event that it has been held on Green Lake.
It’s an honor to be selected as the host site, said Beth Fischer, executive director of the Willmar Lakes Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.
“We look forward to the opportunity
