On a hot August morning, in one of Willmar’s oldest neighborhoods, stucco bungalows, ramblers and an American Foursquare here and there stand under the shade of massive trees, set close together, bordered by sidewalks. It’s a charming scene, at first glance, yet many of these homes clearly need repair. “It’s the oldest housing stock in […]
WILLMAR—A yet-to-be named business is interested in constructing a package sorting and distribution center in the Willmar Industrial Park, a business which could bring dozens of new jobs. “They haven’t released the name, but you have heard of it. It is not going to be a secret; they are a big player,” said Bruce Peterson,
For almost 15 years, the Kandiyohi County and City of Willmar Economic Development Commission (EDC) has been working hard to serve as a catalyst for economic growth in its region. In 2017, Business in Focus took a closer look at this dynamic organization and all of the great initiatives the EDC was working on in
That #KanDo Mentality That Can Only Mean Success Read More »
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
Willmar council OKs steps to accept $1.2M rehab grant Read More »
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
Small community theaters aim high with big productions Read More »
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
Little Crow Resort nears completion Read More »
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
A year full of play and pride: Willmar’s Destination Playground exceeds goals Read More »
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
Cattlemen at heart: Creativity gives next generation of farmers a boost Read More »
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
Willmar Wye agreement nears finish line Read More »
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
Highway 23 Coalition seeks broader focus Read More »
RAYMOND—If you’re craving a fresh yak steak and can’t make the trip to the Everest Steak House Restaurant in Kathmandu, Nepal, take a short ride over to Raymond. That’s where you’ll find the Hot Disch Farm, home to Shawn and Craig Dischinger and their assistants, sons Jack, age 5, and Peter, age 3. They’ll happily
Home on the Minnesota prairie: Yaks thrive on the pastures of the Hot Disch Farm Read More »
The fishing agreement of Green Lake—for funding support for the Highway 23 gap projects—lasted apparently about as long as it took for the Minnesota political leaders to get out of Kandiyohi County Saturday. Willmar Lakes Area Governor’s Fishing Opener Host Kelly Morrell won an informal pledge Saturday from Gov. Mark Dayton, Senate Majority Leader Paul
Tribune Editorial: Time to fund the gaps on Highway 23 Read More »
