🌱 How the new County Road 55 bridge could change driving in Willmar
Willmar, Minnesota Patch AM: a 4 min readMorning Willmar! We've got the scoop on the latest happenings in town. Read on to get looped in. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
- How the new County Road 55 bridge could change driving in Willmar
- How Willmar’s new fiber network could change your internet options
- Willmar veterans: see the new Home Depot job opportunity this week
Also on today's calendar: Foxhole Brewery and 5 more events.
Today's riddle: what do you call a rabbit with fleas? 🤔 (Answer below!)
From our Partner
Today's Willmar Patch AM is brought to you in part by T-Mobile. After investing billions to light up their network from big cities to small towns, T-Mobile is America's best mobile network in the US, according to Ookla Speedtest. We thank T-Mobile for their support in helping to keep communities like ours connected and for making today's Willmar Patch AM possible.
Find a T-Mobile store near Willmar.
- Wednesday: Mostly sunny and nice, with a high of 76 and low of 52 degrees.
- Thursday: Windy; a stray morning shower, temps: high: 73, low: 49.
- Friday: Partly sunny and warmer, with a high of 80 and low of 48 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. Construction picks up on County Road 55 overpass in southwest Willmar (wctrib.com) — Drivers on Willmar’s southwest side can expect visible progress and a possible temporary closure as work ramps up on the County Road 55 overpass near the Willmar Wye. Officials say the new bridge, funded by federal, state, local and railroad dollars, will improve safety, support growing freight traffic and provide a more direct connection to Highway 23 when it opens in December. 
2. Ground broken for new Willmar Connect headquarters (willmarradio.com) — Willmar has officially broken ground on its new Willmar Connect Operations Center, which will run the city’s municipally owned open-access fiber network. Phase One will bring fiber to every home and business west of Willmar Avenue and south of Highway 12, with the rest of the city following over the next few years, giving residents multiple choices for high-speed internet providers.
3. Hiring Veterans: Jobs of the week for May 11, 2026 (va.gov) — Veterans in Willmar can apply for a Pro Customer Service/Sales position at Home Depot, highlighted in this week’s nationwide VA job roundup. The listing appears alongside many other veteran-focused job opportunities and career resources, including remote roles, federal positions, and upcoming veteran entrepreneurship events.
4. Track and field roundup: Willmar Cardinals earn a couple of 2nds at Alex (wctrib.com) — Willmar boys’ and girls’ track teams both grabbed second place at Alexandria’s B Lohrman Invite, highlighted by multiple first-place finishes in distance, hurdles and field events. The Cardinal girls now head to the Class AA State True Team meet Saturday, while both squads gear up for next week’s Central Lakes Conference championships.
📸 Around Willmar
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🗓
Upcoming Events in
Willmar
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
★ Featured events ★
-
Business After Hours →
Max's on the Green, 15980 MN-23, Spicer
4:30 pm
Thursday May 14
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
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Foxhole Brewery →
Foxhole Brewhouse, 905 Hwy 71 NE, Willmar
11:30 am -
The Willmar Project at The Little Theatre Auditorium →
Little Theatre Auditorium, 24 Central Ave E, New London
6:30 pm -
Prairie Plants and Painting Pots →
Kandiyohi County Historical Society, 610 Hwy 71 Srv Rd, Willmar
1:00 pm -
The Willmar Project at Community Connector Services →
Community Connectors Services, 436 Litchfield Ave SW, Willmar
1:30 pm -
The Willmar Project at Brau Performing Arts Center →
Willmar Senior High Tennis Courts, 2701 30th St NE, Willmar
7:00 pm -
The Willmar Project at Spurs Bar & Grill →
Spurs Grill & Bar, 313 4th St SW, Willmar
3:30 pm -
MN Gun Class - Willmar - Permit to Carry →
Minnesota Gun Class - Willmar, 2005 Trott Ave SW, Willmar
9:00 am
Friday May 15
Saturday May 16
Sunday May 17
Saturday May 23
📣 Willmar Shout Outs!
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🗓 Events Nearby
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Little Art Session at the Willmar Community Center →
Willmar Community Center, 624 US-71 BUS, Willmar
5:00 pm -
1st Glacial Ridge Curling Golf Scramble Fundraiser →
Hawk Creek Country Club, 100 Spicer Ave N, Raymond
5:30 pm -
Elk's Dance →
Willmar Community Center, 624 US-71 BUS, Willmar
6:30 pm -
Checkmates Chess Club →
Willmar Community Center, 624 US-71 BUS, Willmar
7:00 pm
Wednesday May 13
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- Coborn's, Inc. posted a job opening for General Cleaning in Willmar. Apply here.
- Valvoline, Inc. posted a job opening for Assistant Service Center Manager in Willmar. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Willmar here.
Ok Willmar! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Bugs Bunny ! (Thank you bruce A. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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