Linda Vanderwerf
West Central Tribune
Willmar, MN, United States
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Past articles by Linda:
Willmar School Board wants questions answered before any decisions are made on Middle School pool
The Willmar Middle School pool may still close, but the School Board wants more information before a new gym is developed over a filled-in pool. → Read More
Willmar School Board to discuss Middle School, revise budget Monday, March 13
The Willmar School Board on Monday will discuss proposed improvements and remodeling at the Willmar Middle School, as well as review a revised 2023-2024 budget. → Read More
COVID-19 statistics decreasing in west central Minnesota
Confirmed COVID-19 case numbers have decreased in Minnesota, as have deaths and hospitalizations. Daily averages have fallen, too, with a daily average of 515 new cases and seven deaths. → Read More
Land transfer to Upper Sioux Community clears first step in Minnesota Legislature
Sacred, ancestral lands could be returned to the Upper Sioux Community under legislation heard Wednesday in a committee. The transfer would close the Upper Sioux Agency State Park near Granite Falls. → Read More
Land transfer to Upper Sioux Community clears first step in Minnesota Legislature
Sacred, ancestral lands could be returned to the Upper Sioux Community under legislation heard Wednesday in a Minnesota Legislature committee. The transfer would close the Upper Sioux Agency State Park near Granite Falls. → Read More
Legislation could transfer state park land to Upper Sioux Community
Bills will be discussed in a Minnesota House committee hearing Wednesday afternoon → Read More
Minnesota-owned land in Upper Sioux Agency State Park could be turned over to Upper Sioux Community
Legislation that would give state-owned land in Upper Sioux Agency State Park to the Upper Sioux Community will be discussed in a Minnesota House committee hearing Wednesday. → Read More
West central Minnesota COVID-19 case count falls slightly in latest state update
In Minnesota, an average of 735 people a day are diagnosed with COVID-19, and an average of eight people a day die from the disease. Hospitalizations remained steady in the latest state update. → Read More
Need for more gym space could lead to pool closing at Willmar Middle School
The Building and Grounds Committee of the Willmar School Board discussed filling the Middle School's pool to turn the area into a second gym. The issue will be on the March 13 board meeting agenda. → Read More
Willmar physician Cindy Firkins Smith to lead buildup to new med school at CentraCare
Willmar physician Cindy Firkins Smith has been named to lead the development of an expansion of the University of Minnesota Medical School in St. Cloud. → Read More
Case numbers, deaths, hospitalizations fall in state's latest update on COVID-19
Numbers have fallen for new cases, hospitalizations and deaths related to COVID-19. New cases now average about 465 a day, and an average of three COVID-19 deaths are reported each day. → Read More
'Historic' blizzard to impact most of Minnesota through Thursday
State and local officials warned people to stay home during this dangerous storm. → Read More
Families moving away appears to be hitting Willmar's school enrollment
Open enrollment numbers have been stable, but enrollment has fallen in Willmar Public Schools from families moving away from the area, according to a report at the last Willmar School Board meeting. → Read More
West central Minnesota sees new cases fall, hospitalizations rise slightly in state's weekly update
Minnesota saw nearly 5,000 new confirmed cases of COVID-19, and 50 deaths due to COVID-19 in the most recent state update. Nearly 100 more people were hospitalized. → Read More
Willmar School Board sets priorities, plan for deciding $2 million in budget cuts for next school year
Falling enrollment and inflation are leading to budget cuts in Willmar Public Schools. The school board has set a plan for deciding on the cuts, and it includes a list of unacceptable cuts. → Read More
Willmar School Board may cut budget by $2 million for the 2023-24 school year
Falling enrollment and inflation are leading to budget cuts in Willmar Public Schools and other school districts around the state. → Read More
Open enrollment leads to uneven population shifts in west central Minnesota school districts
Studies have found school enrollment shifts from metro cities to suburbs of the Twin Cities and from rural regional centers to smaller nearby districts. Reasons vary widely for families choosing to switch districts. → Read More
State update: COVID-19 case numbers rise, hospitalization numbers stable in west central Minnesota
An average of 640 people are confirmed to have COVID-19 each day in Minnesota, and an average of 10 people die each day with COVID-19. Those numbers do not include people who use home tests. → Read More
Kandiyohi County planning to extend broadband to three more townships
With the help of state and federal funds, homes and businesses in Lake Elizabeth, East Lake Lillian and Harrison townships in Kandiyohi County could have broadband connections within two years. → Read More
COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations up in west central Minnesota in latest Health Department update
COVID-19 cases and deaths increased more slowly in the most recent Minnesota Health Department update. An average of 600 people test positive — and six die — each day in Minnesota. → Read More