New money and a new name

WILLMAR -- The Assembly of God Church in Willmar donated $16,899 from their "Night of Music" event that's dedicated to the Kandiyohi County's emergency "neighbor to neighbor" fund. The money is distributed in small amounts to individuals who are "headed in a good direction" but experience "barriers to social and financial independence," said Jay Kieft, family services director. It's only used when public funding isn't available.

The Kandiyohi County Board of Commissioners approved a formal name change for the Family Services Committee. It had previously been called the "Welfare and Social Services Committee.

Commissioner Harlan Madsen said there were "misconceptions and stigma" attached to the word "welfare." He said the Family Services Committee will no longer be "stuck with that old, archaic term."

-- Carolyn Lange