Jennifer Kotila

The Willmar City Council will conduct the required tax hearing during its meeting on Monday, Dec. 1, before approving the final 2026 levy and budget for the city of Willmar.

During a special meeting of the Kandiyohi County Economic Development Joint Operations Board, former Willmar Mayor Marv Calvin was chosen as the interim executive director of the organization.

Construction of the covered outdoor ice rink/pavilion at the Willmar Civic Center is complete and the boards are up awaiting weather cold enough to make ice.

Barbara Carr has led the economic development authority that serves the city of Willmar and Kandiyohi County since April. A performance evaluation was conducted Thursday, and a bonus was approved.

More than 160 members of the Willmar community attended a forum on Monday discussing new immigration policies and how they are affecting local residents and the community as a whole.

The agenda for Monday, Nov. 17, is a short one, with considerations for a consulting agreement, pool improvements, and a closed session for the performance evaluation of the city administrator.

Now that the city of Willmar has a new comprehensive plan, it is prepared to move forward with rewriting its zoning code to complement the plan.

Jennie-O Turkey Store announced that the 1-800-TURKEYS hotline will return Nov. 1 for its 18th consecutive year. The hotline will be open through Nov. 29.

The Hennen’s Furniture store in Willmar announced that it will close in December, leaving the St. Cloud store the only remaining Hennen’s Furniture location.

The city of Atwater completed a two-year northside street improvement project in the fall of 2025. The city also started construction of a new water treatment plant and supply well in 2025.