Willmar Auditorium News Today

The Willmar City Council on Monday heard four options for the location of a new city hall, as well as cost estimates for each location, ruling out two of the options but still wanting to hear more.

Tony Morris of Willmar during public comment at a Nov. 20 Willmar City Council meeting vowed to find a permanent home for the United States Military History Collection, which is displayed each year at the Willmar City Auditorium.

The Willmar City Council has heard additional options regarding the location of a new city hall, and, again, after a lengthy discussion, left the meeting without any clear direction.

Jon Linstrand's collection of 7,000 pieces of military history returned to the Willmar Auditorium, where they will remain through Veterans Day.

The collection, curated by Jon Linstrand, has been sharing the stories of local veterans for 25 years.

Cities throughout west central Minnesota will honor those who have served in the United States armed forces.

The Willmar City Council on Monday approved a contract extension with architect and design firm BKV Group to prepare plans to renovate the Willmar Auditorium for a new city hall.

Renovating the Willmar City Auditorium for a new city hall piqued the interest of Willmar City Councilors at a work session Monday.

Willmar Mayor Doug Reese wants the Willmar City Council to make a decision regarding the site of a new city hall by the end of September, but the council still needs pertinent information for some of the options.

Willmar City Council on Monday rejected the only bid it received for remediation of lead and asbestos from the building or demolition. The city plans to give the public tours of the building in August.