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Here’s a look at the top headlines from around west central Minnesota for Oct. 23, 2022.
WILLMAR — A looming budget deficit and achievement gaps highlighted the discussion in a recent forum for candidates to the Willmar School Board.
The forum was part of a series of forums sponsored by the League of Women Voters of the Willmar Area. Videos of the forums may be viewed on the group’s Facebook page and at the WRAC TV website www.willmarmn.gov/wrac/
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Five candidates are running for three four-year board positions in Willmar Public Schools. They include Mary Amon, Steve Biesterfeld, Randy Frederickson, Jay Lawton and Laura Weatherby. Amon, Frederickson and Lawton are incumbents.
The general election is Nov. 8, but early absentee voting has been open since September. Voters are allowed to register at the polls.
J-turn no longer in consideration for Minnesota Highways 23 and 9 safety improvement project in New London
NEW LONDON — The Minnesota Department of Transportation, after weeks of re-evaluation, has announced it will no longer construct a J-turn at the intersection of Minnesota Highways 23 and 9 near New London. Instead, the department is evaluating whether to build an interchange or roundabout.
The change in plans comes after MnDOT reopened the planning stage for the safety improvements project following public concerns and pushback on the J-turn idea.
MnDOT looked into a J-turn, traffic signals, roundabout and interchange as potential projects. The re-evaluation process included meeting with the public both in person and online, and holding meetings with various stakeholders such as fire departments, ambulance services, law enforcement, schools and trucking.
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Wheels are turning for big improvements to Appleton Area OHV Park
APPLETON — There are more than 320,000 Off Highway Vehicles registered in Minnesota, but in the southern third of the state there is only one destination where all four classes of OHVs are welcome.
The reasons for making the trip to that destination are growing in a big way, thanks to an American Rescue Plan grant of more than $1.03 million awarded to the Appleton Area Off Highway Vehicle Park this year.
The park is one of two county parks in Swift County and, as noted, one of the only parks in southern Minnesota devoted mainly to OHV users. The 348-acre park offers 20 miles of trail in a former gravel pit with a small lake and is located near the City of Appleton where camping and other amenities are available.
