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🌱 How close is Willmar’s police force to full staffing again?

Willmar, Minnesota Patch AM: a 5 min read

Good morning Willmar! We're back again in your inbox, keeping you updated with what's happening in and around town. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How close is Willmar’s police force to full staffing again?
  • What Willmar residents need to know about the new ash tree quarantine
  • What did residents really learn inside Willmar’s first Government Academy?

Also on today's calendar: The Barn Theatre Presents: Rodgers and... and 5 more events.

Today's riddle: What did the carpenter ant say when he walked into the bar? 🤔 (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.
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Weather forecast:

  • Wednesday: A heavy t-storm in the p.m., with a high of 85 and low of 64 degrees.
  • Thursday: Humid with a thunderstorm, temps: high: 79, low: 62.
  • Friday: Humid with a stray t-storm, with a high of 80 and low of 59 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Willmar PD could be back up to full force by the end of the year (willmarradio.com) — Willmar’s police department, which has been short as many as six officers, may finally return to full staffing of about 40 officers by year’s end, according to Chief Mike Holme. Recent hires, along with related staffing moves at Kandiyohi County Sheriff’s Office, suggest local law enforcement agencies could be turning a corner after years of shortages.
   

2. Emerald Ash Borer Quarantine Expanding in Kandiyohi County (einpresswire.com) — Emerald ash borer has now been confirmed in the City of Willmar, prompting an emergency quarantine that will cover all of Kandiyohi County and restrict moving firewood and ash wood out of the area. Residents and tree professionals can join a June 11 virtual meeting and submit comments through July 10 on making the quarantine permanent.
   

3. Residents share experience participating in the Willmar Government Academy (wctrib.com) — Willmar residents just wrapped up the first-ever Willmar Government Academy, a seven-week deep dive into how city departments work, from police and fire to public works and parks. Graduates told the City Council the program boosted their understanding of services, built relationships with staff, and even inspired one participant to consider a council run, with hopes it continues for future classes.
   

4. Northwoods League: St. Cloud Rox use a big inning to beat Willmar Stingers (wctrib.com) — Willmar baseball fans saw the Stingers fall 9-4 to the St. Cloud Rox Tuesday night at Bill Taunton Stadium after a six-run Rox fourth inning. Willmar’s Cru Huenfeld homered and Cooper Wood had two hits, but the Stingers slipped to 2-7 in the Great Plains West. The teams meet again Wednesday evening in St. Cloud.
   

5. Spotlight on food prices shines light on monopoly forces in grocery industry (minnpost.com) — Rising grocery prices are hitting Willmar shoppers, with local residents and stores highlighted as examples of how national meatpacking and grocery consolidation affects everyday budgets. Minnesota’s attorney general and farm groups discussed antitrust efforts at a Willmar meeting, while local workers describe how high prices are changing what people buy. The piece also notes proposed state legislation and alternative options like farmers markets.
   

📸 Around Willmar

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Willmar

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📣 Willmar Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Mills Auto Group posted a job opening for Warehouse Material Handler (No Weekends Required!) in Willmar. Apply here.
  • Dollar Tree Family Dollar - Dollar Tree, Inc. posted a job opening for Assistant Manager II 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: Is the bar tender here? (Thank you W. M. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

👉 Help make Patch AM better

We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what’s happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.

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Stay in the loop with what's happening in Willmar

Never miss out on local news and events that matter to you.

Stay in the loop with what's happening in Willmar

Never miss out on local news and events that matter to you.