News Summary
Baxter is set to undergo significant infrastructure improvements with the start of construction on Audubon Way and Design Road, aimed at addressing flooding issues. Local businesses are benefiting from grants that foster economic growth, including renovations of historic buildings. City officials are focused on enhancing the community’s development and are grateful for residents’ patience during this transformative period.
Baxter, MN – Starting on Tuesday, September 2, construction will begin on Audubon Way, located off Highway 371 North in Baxter. The project is expected to last approximately seven to eight weeks, during which Audubon Way will remain accessible to local traffic, though temporary closures may occur as needed for specific construction activities. Motorists are advised to pay attention to changing traffic signs throughout the construction period. For any inquiries or concerns related to the Audubon Way project, individuals can contact Widseth Project Engineer Alex Bitter at 218-316-3627 or by email at [email protected].
Additionally, ongoing construction on Design Road, which began on August 20, 2025, is aimed at relocating and enlarging a storm pipe to 60 inches while narrowing the road width to 36 feet. This redesign will meet a stronger 10-ton design standard to help eliminate flooding issues occurring on the west side of Highway 371. The project will channel water into the Whiskey Creek system, which is intended to assist in cleaning contaminated water from Baxter’s commercial district before it reaches the Mississippi River. Funding for the Design Road project is primarily provided through federal and state funds totaling approximately $3 million.
In conjunction with these construction efforts, the Baxter and Jackson areas are experiencing growth due in part to various grants awarded to local businesses. Fluor-BWXT and the Joint Economic Development Initiative of Southern Ohio have provided several grants to stimulate economic development within the community. Notably, Holy Grounds Coffee, a women-owned coffee shop that transitioned from a food truck to a storefront, received a $7,500 grant dedicated to purchasing new equipment and hiring four additional employees.
Kevin Baxter, the owner of the building that hosts Holy Grounds Coffee, has received a grant of $25,750 to renovate the upper floors of the building into living spaces. Similarly, Evan Massie of EGM Construction Services was awarded a $20,000 grant to renovate a Broadway Street building, transforming it into a combination of professional office space and living areas. This effort is part of a broader trend of significant business growth in the Broadway Street area of Jackson, which has seen multiple building renovations dating back to the 1800s.
Tim Poe, the Community Commitment Chair of FBP, commented on the positive impact of renovating older buildings. He noted that improving the aesthetics of the area creates numerous new opportunities, thereby stimulating community growth. Residents and business owners alike are encouraged to seek further information about the Joint Economic Development Initiative of Southern Ohio by visiting www.choosesouthernohio.com or by calling 740.286.2838. Information about Fluor-BWXT is also available at www.fbportsmouth.com or by contacting 740.987.2432.
The construction projects in Baxter, along with the various grants for local businesses, indicate a positive trajectory for community development and economic vitality in the region. City officials have expressed gratitude for the community’s patience throughout these ongoing projects and improvements, as they work towards building a better infrastructure and economic landscape for the residents of Baxter and Jackson.
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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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BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER The BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBaltimore.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Baltimore, Baltimore County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Baltimore Book Festival, Preakness Stakes, and Artscape. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Baltimore Chamber of Commerce and Visit Baltimore, plus leading businesses in shipping and healthcare that power the local economy such as the Port of Baltimore and Johns Hopkins Medicine. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Maryland's dynamic landscape.
