News Summary
Baxter is set to begin construction on Audubon Way while ongoing work on Design Road aims to improve storm drainage. Meanwhile, Jackson is seeing growth with grants aiding local businesses, including a coffee shop and a renovation project on Broadway Street. Community involvement is encouraged as these initiatives aim to enhance local infrastructure and economic vitality.
Baxter – Starting September 2, 2025, construction will commence on Audubon Way, located off Highway 371 North in Baxter. The project is anticipated to take approximately seven to eight weeks, with Audubon Way remaining open to local traffic during this time, although there may be occasional closures for specific construction activities. Motorists are urged to remain vigilant and pay attention to sign changes during the construction period. For any inquiries or concerns regarding the Audubon Way project, the public can contact Widseth Project Engineer Alex Bitter at 218-316-3627 or through email.
In parallel, as of August 20, 2025, construction is ongoing on Design Road in Baxter. This project involves relocating and enlarging a storm pipe to 60 inches while reducing the road width to 36 feet. The new design is modeled to meet a stronger 10-ton design standard, aimed at mitigating flooding issues on the west side of Highway 371. Water from the project is slated to flow into the Whiskey Creek system, contributing to the cleaning of contaminated water from Baxter’s commercial district before it reaches the Mississippi River.
This construction is primarily funded by federal and state grants, totaling approximately $3 million. City officials are expressing gratitude for community members’ patience throughout these developments.
Jackson is also experiencing significant growth, driven by recent grants from Fluor-BWXT and the Joint Economic Development Initiative of Southern Ohio to support local businesses. A notable beneficiary is Holy Grounds Coffee, a women-owned coffee shop that has transitioned from a food truck to a storefront. This establishment received a grant of $7,500 for equipment upgrades and hiring four new employees. Additionally, Kevin Baxter, the owner of the building housing Holy Grounds Coffee, received $25,750 to renovate upper floors into living spaces.
Further enhancing the Broadway Street area, Evan Massie of EGM Construction Services has been awarded a $20,000 grant for his renovation of a building on Broadway Street, aimed at converting it into professional office space as well as living areas. This initiative is part of a broader trend of rejuvenating historical buildings, with renovations occurring throughout structures dating back to the 1800s.
Tim Poe, the Community Commitment Chair of Fluor-BWXT, noted that efforts to renovate older buildings are not just about restoration; they also serve to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the area and create new opportunities for businesses and residents alike.
For community members interested in learning more about the Joint Economic Development Initiative of Southern Ohio, additional information is available online or through direct email correspondence. Residents are encouraged to engage with these developments as both Baxter and Jackson aim to foster growth and improvement through these important initiatives.
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Additional Resources
- Brainerd Dispatch: Design Road Project Continues in Baxter
- Wikipedia: Baxter, Minnesota
- Vinton Jackson Courier: FBX and JEDISO Provide Funding in Jackson County
- Google Search: Baxter Minnesota news
- KSL TV: Construction at Hyrum Dam Spillway
- Encyclopedia Britannica: City
- Hville Blast: Honda Dealership in Decatur New Building Permits
- Google News: Jackson County business growth
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