News Summary
Construction activities on Audubon Way in Baxter will commence soon, lasting seven to eight weeks with some traffic interruptions. Alongside, work on Design Road will enhance stormwater management. Various grants are supporting local businesses, promoting economic growth in the area. These developments reflect a commitment to infrastructure improvement and community enhancement.
Baxter – Starting September 2, construction activities will commence on Audubon Way, located off Highway 371 North in Baxter. The project is anticipated to span approximately seven to eight weeks, with the road remaining accessible to local traffic. However, motorists should expect occasional closures during specific construction activities. It is advised that drivers stay alert for changing signs throughout the duration of the project.
For further inquiries or concerns regarding the Audubon Way project, members of the community can reach out to Widseth Project Engineer Alex Bitter at 218-316-3627 or via email. Local officials have expressed gratitude towards residents for their patience and understanding throughout the construction process.
As of August 20, 2025, additional construction is taking place on Design Road in Baxter. This project entails the relocation and enlargement of a storm pipe to a diameter of 60 inches, while also reducing the road’s width to 36 feet. The new design aims to meet a strengthened 10-ton design standard, a move targeted at mitigating flooding issues in the area west of Highway 371.
Water managed through the Design Road project will flow into the Whiskey Creek system, which is designed to help purify contaminated water flowing from Baxter’s commercial district before it eventually reaches the Mississippi River. The estimated cost of this construction initiative is approximately $3 million, with financial support derived mostly from federal and state funds.
In addition to road construction, efforts are underway to stimulate local economic growth through various grants awarded by Fluor-BWXT and the Joint Economic Development Initiative of Southern Ohio (JEDISO). Holy Grounds Coffee, a women-owned coffee shop that moved from a food truck to a brick-and-mortar location, has been allocated a grant of $7,500. This funding will enable the café to purchase new equipment and hire four additional employees.
Property owner Kevin Baxter has also benefited from grant funding amounting to $25,750, which is designated for renovating the upper floors of his building into living spaces. Similarly, Evan Massie of EGM Construction Services has received a $20,000 grant aimed at transforming a building on Broadway Street into professional office space and residential areas.
The Broadway Street area in Jackson is experiencing significant business growth, highlighted by the ongoing renovations of buildings dating back to the 1800s. This revitalization is not only enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the neighborhood but also creating new economic opportunities, as noted by Tim Poe, Community Commitment Chair of FBP.
For community members seeking additional information about the initiatives from JEDISO, resources can be accessed at their official website or via phone. Similarly, details about Fluor-BWXT and its programs can also be acquired through their designated website and contact number.
These construction activities and grant initiatives reflect a concerted effort to improve infrastructure and bolster economic development in the Baxter and Jackson areas, demonstrating a commitment to enhancing the quality of life for residents while addressing critical needs within the community.
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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
Author: STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee 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 Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
