š± How a Willmar hotel owner says mandates are squeezing local hospitality.
Morning Willmar! We've got the scoop on the latest happenings in town. Read on to get looped in. āļøļø
In today's newsletter:
- How a Willmar hotel owner says mandates are squeezing local hospitality.
- How Willmarās track stars set the stage for Tuesdayās home meet
- What role Willmarās Dave Baker plays in reshaping Minnesotaās grant system.
Also on today's calendar: Surf & Turf BINGO and 5 more events.
Today's riddle: What did the inventor of the knock-knock joke win? š¤ (Answer below!)
- Friday: Becoming windier and cooler, with a high of 49 and low of 23 degrees.
- Saturday: Winds becoming strong; cloudy, temps: high: 42, low: 29.
- Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high of 49 and low of 31 degrees.
š° News we're reading
1. Baker agrees times are tough for the hospitality industry (willmarradio.com) ā Willmar hotel owner and state Rep. Dave Baker says his Super 8 and other hospitality businesses are being squeezed by falling customer traffic, inflation, and new state mandates. Heās working with Hospitality Minnesota and lawmakers to explore policy changes that could ease costs and help restaurants and hotels across the region recover in a tougher economy. 
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2. Track and field roundup: Pair push Benson/KMS girls to victory (wctrib.com) ā Willmar track and field athletes turned in strong field-event performances at the Orono Invitational, with Mallory Beier and Maddison Molacek winning the long jump and discus. Both Cardinal teams finished fourth overall, and Willmar now hosts a five-team meet Tuesday afternoon at Hodapp Field at Kennedy Elementary, giving local fans a chance to cheer them on at home. Ā Ā Ā
3. House workforce panel advances omnibus bill that would overhaul state grant process (mn.gov) ā Willmarās Rep. Dave Baker is helping lead a major overhaul of how Minnesota awards workforce and economic development grants, aiming for more accountability and competitive review. The bill would create a new Office of Community Investment, reshape workforce funding decisions, and tweak programs from Iron Range unemployment to youth employment support services. Ā Ā Ā
4. Memorial service is Sunday for Jackson County family members killed in March 20 crash (dglobe.com) ā Willmar residents will recognize the Johnson family, who grew up here before settling in Jackson, among the four loved ones killed in a March 20 crash. A public Celebration of Life is planned this Sunday in Jackson, honoring Rick and Kathy Johnson and their daughters, Kelly Hargus and Lindsey Rossow, while updating the community on injured relativesā recoveries. Ā Ā Ā
šø Around Willmar
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š
Upcoming Events in
Willmar
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
ā Featured events ā
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Earth Day Celebration 2026
Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center, 12718 10th St NE, Spicer
12:00 pm
Saturday April 18
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
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Surf & Turf BINGO
Elks Lodge Bpo , 222 20th St SE , Willmar
4:00 pm -
Little Art Session at the Willmar Community Center
Willmar Community Center , 624 US-71 BUS , Willmar
5:00 pm -
2026 International Heritage Festival
Willmar Civic Center , 2707 Arena Dr , Willmar
5:30 pm -
International Heritage Festival
Willmar Civic Center , 2707 Arena Dr , Willmar
5:30 pm -
Pizza Ranch Fundraiser
Pizza Ranch , 1612 Lakeland Dr SE , Willmar
5:00 pm -
Business After Hours
Quist Wealth Management , 902 1st St S , Willmar
4:30 pm -
Little Art Session at the Willmar Community Center
Willmar Community Center , 624 US-71 BUS , Willmar
5:00 pm
Saturday April 18
Thursday April 23
Friday April 24
Monday April 27
Tuesday April 28
Wednesday May 13
š£ Willmar Shout Outs!
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
š Events Nearby
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Youth Wood Duck Box Building Day ā Prairie Pothole Conservation Association
Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center , 12718 10th St NE , Spicer
10:00 am -
Earth Day & Recycled Outdoor Gear Sale
Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center , 12718 10th St NE , Spicer
12:00 pm -
West Central Singers Spring Concert 2026
Willmar Senior High School Varsity Softball Field , 2701 30th St NE , Willmar
2:00 pm -
A John Denver Tribute presented by Ted Vigil
Performing Arts Center , New London
7:00 pm
Saturday April 18
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.
š¬ Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- Coborn's posted a job opening for Deli Clerk in Willmar. Apply here.
- McDonald's posted a job opening for Shift 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: The NO-BELL prize (Thank you Gina M. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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