WILLMAR—The early arrival of winter, or at least a sneak peek of it, has caused a delay in the completion of the realignment of U.S. Highway 12 on the western edge of Willmar, a part of the Willmar Wye railroad bypass project. According to the weekly wye update released Monday by the Minnesota Department of […]
Snow slows downs U.S. Highway 12 completion in Willmar Read More »
WILLMAR—One of the lessons learned so far during this pandemic is how important internet accessibility is, especially when so much of life is being done from home. Remote work, distance learning and entertainment have all jumped online and those households with slow internet, or in some cases no access at all, have found themselves struggling
Take your internet speed for a test drive Read More »
WILLMAR—Making an IMPACT in Kandiyohi County and beyond in 2020, taking a look at individuals, groups and businesses working to make an impact during the coronavirus pandemic and every day. Read the special publication by the West Central Tribune.
The EDC conducts strategic planning each year to set priority issues and focus the work of its committees and staff. The information we get from local businesses is imperative in our planning process. For the last three years we have had as one of our priorities, efforts to recruit, retain and train workforce for the
Partnerships Result in Poultry Certification Courses Read More »
Many rural Kandiyohi County residents still remain without access to high-speed broadband and the many benefits that come from having such access. The situation has never been more apparent than in the past months of social distancing, working from home and distance learning. The Broadband and Advanced Technology Committee of the Kandiyohi County and
Efforts to secure REAL broadband continue Read More »
WILLMAR—When you add up all the money that has so far been awarded to small businesses and nonprofits through coronavirus relief programs run by the Kandiyohi County and City of Willmar Economic Development Commission, the total is more than $2 million. Since March the EDC has established a handful of grant or loan programs focused
WILLMAR—Thanks to perfect weather last week, the concrete pour for the deck of the new Highway 12 bridge in Willmar was completed last week, according to the weekly Willmar Wye construction update from the Minnesota Department of Transportation. Progress also continues on the Minnesota Highway 40 bridge, with pier construction concluding. Next up will be
Willmar Wye Highway 12 bridge work moving forward Read More »
WILLMAR — The CARES Pandemic Relief Program, managed by the Kandiyohi County and City of Willmar Economic Development Commission, will receive a needed influx of cash. The Willmar City Council at its meeting Monday approved transferring $1 million to the EDC for the program, which provides grants to eligible and approved small businesses and nonprofits
Willmar OKs $1 million in federal funds for local pandemic relief program Read More »
WILLMAR—The coronavirus pandemic, which has sickened millions and killed thousands has also had a devastating impact on small businesses and nonprofits. Even now, as some states and cities begin to reopen, nothing is back to normal. In an effort to help those still struggling to hold on, the Kandiyohi County and City of Willmar Economic
EDC provides CPR to small businesses and nonprofits hurt by pandemic shutdown Read More »
WILLMAR—The $7.6 million Kandiyohi County, Willmar and most of the other cities and townships in the county received in total from Minnesota through the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act is both an opportunity and a challenge. An opportunity because it is much-needed funding for local units of government to meet a pandemic
EDC on board to take lead on CARES Act business relief Read More »
WILLMAR—If Paul Damhof is able to secure the capital he needs to complete a $10 million expansion of his saltwater shrimp farm near Blomkest, he said he believes he would be able to produce 250,000 pounds of Pacific white shrimp a year. Pretty impressive considering the Pacific Ocean is more than 2,000 miles away. “We
Kandiyohi County Board throws support behind locally grown shrimp Read More »
For aquaculture farmer Paul Damhof, putting up the “sold out” placard along his roadside billboard has become almost as much of a daily chore as checking the pH levels of his shrimp tanks. With customers across a 150-mile radius and few industry competitors to contend with, Blomkest shrimp farm Simply Shrimp LLC continues with meeting
Simply Shrimp seeks state funds for expansion Read More »
