News

How year-round crops could reduce farm pollution in the Mississippi River

October 5, 2022

How year-round crops could reduce farm pollution in the Mississippi River
The Forever Green Initiative at the University of Minnesota is developing 16 new crops to keep landscapes covered, and water cleaner.  Don Wyse’s field of winter barley used to be mostly empty in the spring. Eight years ago, just a tenth of the grain would survive the winter in this experimental field in St. Paul. But this year, after repeatedly refining the plant’s genetics, the field was flush with swaying, pale yellow grain heads. Read the full story at the Star Tribune

MnDOT lists four options for Hwy. 23/9 intersection

October 5, 2022

MnDOT lists four options for Hwy. 23/9 intersection
Following months of discussion with members of the community, business leaders and elected officials, the Minnesota Department of Public Transportation (District 8) has released four concept proposals regarding the Highway 23 and 9 safety improvement project:  An interchange, J-turn, single-lane roundabout and traffic signal. This project seeks to construct a safer alternative to the accident-prone intersection of Highway 23 and 9 near the Country Stop in New London. Although MnDOT had initially

To plug worker shortage, Willmar hires teachers from abroad

October 5, 2022

To plug worker shortage, Willmar hires teachers from abroad
Photo from left to right: Katherine Giliz Cusa, Almera Jane Amindato, Missi May Flores and Shelamie Santillan are several of the new teachers who are starting the new school year with Willmar Public Schools after being hired through an international teaching program. This is Willmar’s first year hiring teachers abroad to help address its staffing shortage. The teachers have the opportunity to stay teaching in Minnesota for up to five years before being required to return to their home countries

“Having access can open doors”: An article written for the Fall 2022 Newsletter

October 4, 2022

“Having access can open doors”: An article written for the Fall 2022 Newsletter
By Sarah Swedburg “Having access can open doors” first appeared in the EDC’s Fall 2022 Newsletter This was Business Development Manager Sarah Swedburg’s matter-of-fact answer when asked just how high-speed broadband internet and childcare relate to a sustainable workforce in Kandiyohi County. Both issues have been on the hot plate at the EDC in recent months with state and federal grants offering significant financial support. ——————————————————————— For

What it takes to be an Innovative Employer: An article written for our Fall 2022 Newsletter

October 4, 2022

  For Brunswick, which builds Lunds and Crestliner boats, expanding to Willmar is a perfect example of a creative workforce solutions partnership.  Brunswick Corporation headquarters, located out of New York Mills, was needing to expand. But knew it had tapped out the workforce in the area. It was faced with the question of where to locate its new facility. Working with the Department of Employment and Economic Development to identify locations in the state that have a strong workforce, Brunswick

Kandiyohi County to see major state road work over the next 10 years

September 27, 2022

Kandiyohi County to see major state road work over the next 10 years
WILLMAR—If all goes to plan, Kandiyohi County could see major investment in its state highway network over the next 10 years. Based on the District 8 2023-2032 Capital Highway Investment Plan from the Minnesota Department of Transportation, work is planned on several major Kandiyohi County thoroughfares including state Highway 23, state Highway 40 and U.S. Highway 71. Tony Pfau, MnDOT planner, presented the plan at the Sept. 19 meeting of the Kandiyohi County Board. He briefly went over each project

Kandiyohi County Commissioners sign letters of support for three broadband grant applications

August 2, 2022

Kandiyohi County Commissioners sign letters of support for three broadband grant applications
At Tuesday’s Kandiyohi County Board meeting, the commissioners approved submitting three letters of support toward three broadband projects hoping to be awarded state Border-to-Border grant funds. An update on projects was also given at the meeting.  Read the full story at the West Central Tribune

Willmar City Council supports grant application for highway improvements to facilitate a $40 million project

August 2, 2022

Willmar City Council supports grant application for highway improvements to facilitate a $40 million project
WILLMAR — Progress is being made to make it feasible for a large business to move into Willmar’s industrial park — a project estimated at more than $40 million. The Willmar City Council on Monday adopted a resolution supporting the Kandiyohi County and City of Willmar Economic Development Commission in moving forward with a Transportation and Economic Development grant application. Read the full story at the West Central Tribune 

MnDOT holds Hwy. 23 open house in New London

July 30, 2022

MnDOT holds Hwy. 23 open house in New London
The Minnesota Department of Transportation held a public meeting Monday night at Peace Lutheran Church in New London to discuss the Hwy. 23 south gap road improvement project.  Read the full story above from the Lakes Area Review. 

A new look is coming to downtown Willmar

July 16, 2022

A new look is coming to downtown Willmar
WILLMAR — Willmar’s downtown streetscape plan is coming together with a new design that will meet the requirements of the Small Cities grant from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. Kandiyohi County Housing and Redevelopment Authority is applying for a grant extension to allow the city time to complete the project, due to the grant’s expiration in September 2022, according to Willmar Planning and Development Director Justice Walker. Read the details at the West
Translate »