Page 14 - Aaron Backman News Today : Breaking News, Live Updates & Top Stories | Vimarsana

The West Central Tribune was witness to many changes in 2022, from elections to education to infrastructure improvements.

While the strong economic growth in the city of Willmar is beneficial, it also strains a labor force already spread thin. The Kandiyohi County and City of Willmar Economic Development Commission is working to relieve that strain.

There are a limited number of BNSF Railway-certified sites throughout the United States. The Willmar site would be the second site in Minnesota.

Successful infrastructure projects are extremely tough to plan, fund and even complete, especially when a project's development and funding spans multiple public and private entities across the country. However, local, county, state and federal officials and staff worked together long and hard to make the Willmar Wye, officially known as the Willmar Connector and Industrial Access Project, a reality that became operational in October.

In 2022, a First Children's Finance report showed a need for 935 additional child care slots in Kandiyohi County. The Kandiyohi County and City of Willmar Economic Development Commission will use a $200,000 state grant to work with and support current providers, and to encourage new providers.