Community Corner

🌱 What will Ridgewater’s next president mean for Willmar students and families?

Also, don't miss December's Live Music Schedule at Ruff's on the Willmar Patch calendar

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Thursday December 11th Patch AM
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Cheers Willmar! We’re back, helping you stay up to date with what’s happening. Let's take on the day together! ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • What will Ridgewater’s next president mean for Willmar students and families?
  • Which Willmar support groups could make life easier this month?
  • Which December shows and concerts are lighting up Willmar this week?

Also on today's calendar: MN Gun Class - Willmar - Permit to Carry and 3 more events.

Find out what's happening in Willmarfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: What did one tuna say to the other after getting caught stealing files from work? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Willmarfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Thursday: Cold with snow at times, 3-6", with a high of 17 and low of 11 degrees. ⛄️ Brr!
  • Friday: Mainly cloudy, windy and cold, temps: high: 15, low: -12.
  • Saturday: A little snow in the morning, with a high of -2 and low of -22 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Listening sessions at Ridgewater Thursday for new president (willmarradio.com) — Ridgewater College is inviting Willmar residents to a public listening session Thursday morning, Dec. 11, at the Willmar campus Student Center to share what they want in the school’s next president. Minnesota State Chancellor Scott Olson will host the 45‑minute session, and community feedback will help shape the search as current president Craig Johnson prepares to retire in May 2026.
   

2. West central Minnesota support groups and other health resources published Dec. 10, 2025 (wctrib.com) — Willmar residents have a wide range of ongoing local support groups and health resources, from senior programs at the Willmar Community Center to disease-specific groups at Bethesda Grand and the Willmar Fire Hall. The listing also highlights regional services like Meals on Wheels, grief care, dementia and Parkinson’s support, and statewide hotlines that Willmar-area residents can tap into anytime.
   

3. Arts calendar published Dec. 10, 2025 (wctrib.com) — Willmar residents have a full slate of December arts and holiday events, from “Rudolph the Red‑Nosed Reindeer” at The Barn Theatre to multiple performances at the Willmar Education and Arts Center. Families can meet Santa at the Elks Lodge, enjoy free youth and teen programs at the public library, and hear the Willmar Symphonic Orchestra and community chorus celebrate the season.
   

4. Man arrested with drugs and weapons in car near Ridgewater College has court date Wednesday (willmarradio.com) — A Willmar man is due in Kandiyohi County District Court for an omnibus hearing after a high-speed chase through neighborhoods near Ridgewater College, where police say they found guns, body armor, drugs, and cash. Court records show he faces eight felony charges and has prior convictions, including an earlier armed robbery at a Willmar convenience store.
   

📸 Around Willmar

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Hands of gold and very professional.
    Always listens to the needs of her clients and truly helps them. You will be in good hands. Highly recommend. (Nextdoor Park Wood)
  • Brrr...
    it's cold out there! While the temperatures might be icy cold, we've been preparing for them all year. Hear from Stan, Chrissy and Tim on how they’ve… (Nextdoor )
  • Hormel Foods Corp posted a job opening for WAP - Plant Production Worker - Willmar, MN. - Jennie-O in Willmar. Apply here.
  • Panera Brands posted a job opening for Shift Leader 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: I could get canned for this!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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