Big Book AA: Peace Lutheran Church, door 5, New London, 6 p.m.
Monday Hand & Foot Cards: Dethlefs Community Center, Spicer, 9 a.m.
Walking club: Atwater Community Center, 9:45 a.m.
A.A.: 1805 E. Hwy. 12, noon
Mahjong: Dethlefs Community Center, Spicer, 1 p.m.
Parkinson’s Disease support group: CCM Health Wellness Center, Montevideo, 3:30 p.m., 320-321-8240
TOPS: Assembly of God Church Encore, 3821 Abbott Drive, 6:15 p.m., 320-796-2280
A.A.: 1805 E. Hwy. 12, 7 p.m.
Alanon: 1805 E. Hwy. 12, 7 p.m.
Tuesday
A.A.: 1805 E. Hwy. 12, 7:30 a.m.
Veterans and Active Duty Military: Willmar Community Center, 9:30 to 11 a.m.; informal coffee time for veterans and spouses; 320-894-7840. All firefighters, police officers, and rescue squad members are invited to join.
SAIL exercise: Atwater Community Center, 9:45 a.m.
Parkinson’s Support Group: Bethesda, Willmar, 10 a.m.
SAIL exercise: Willmar Community Center, 10:15 a.m.
SAIL exercise: Dethlefs Community Center, Spicer, 10:15 a.m.
Kiwanis: Kandiyohi County Historical Society Museum, Willmar, noon Hand & Foot Cards: Willmar Community Center, 12:30 p.m.
Bingo: Dethlefs Community Center, Spicer, 1 p.m.
A.A.: 1805 E. Hwy. 12, 7 p.m.
Alanon: 1805 E. Hwy. 12, 7 p.m.
Compassionate Friends: Kandiyohi County Historical Society Museum, Willmar, 7 p.m.
Wednesday
Coffee and conversation: Dethlefs Community Center, Spicer, 9 a.m.
Hand, Knee & Foot Cards: Dethlefs Community Center, Spicer, 9 a.m.
Mahjong: Dethlefs Community Center, Spicer, 9:30 a.m.
Walking club: Atwater Community Center, 9:45 a.m.
Group Respite: Faith Lutheran Church, Spicer, 10 a.m.
Contact 866-787-9802 to register.
Rotary: The Oaks, noon
Lions Club: Willmar VFW, Willmar, noon
Cribbage corner cards: Willmar Community Center, 12:30 p.m.
Whist: Willmar Community Center, 12:30 p.m.
Willmar Area Senior Citizens Club: Willmar Community Center, 2 p.m. entertainment by KMS Jazz Band, 3 p.m. meeting.
Women’s A.A.: 1805 E. Hwy. 12, 6:45 p.m.
A.A.: 1805 E. Hwy. 12, 7 p.m.
Alanon: 1805 E. Hwy. 12, 7 p.m.
Thursday
A.A.: 1805 E. Hwy. 12, 7:30 a.m.
Mexican Train: Dethlefs Community Center, Spicer, 9 a.m.
SAIL exercise: Atwater Community Center, 9:45 a.m. Parkinson’s Support Group: Bethesda North Pointe, New London, 10 a.m.
SAIL exercise: Willmar Community Center, 10:15 a.m.
SAIL exercise: Dethlefs Community Center, Spicer, 10:15 a.m.
Dementia care partner support group: CCM Health Wellness Center, Montevideo, 10:30 a.m., or virtually, 320-321-8240
Hand & Foot Cards: Willmar Community Center, 12:30 p.m. 500 cards: Dethlefs Community Center, Spicer, noon Blue Star Mothers of America: 5:30 p.m., Vinje Lutheran Church, Willmar
A.A.: 1805 E. Hwy. 12, 7 p.m.
Friday Alanon: 1805 E. Hwy. 12, 11 a.m.
Whist: Dethlefs Community Center, Spicer, 1 p.m.
Senior Dance: Willmar Community Center, 1 to 4 p.m., $3 non-dancers, $8 dancers, both includes lunch; music by Michael James.
Farkle Fridays: Willmar Community Center, 1 to 4 p.m.
A.A.: 1805 E. Hwy. 12, 2 p.m.
A.A.: 1805 E. Hwy. 12, 7 p.m.
Recovery Church: 516 4th Ave SW, New London, 7 p.m. Child care provided.
Saturday A.A.: 1805 E. Hwy. 12, 10 a.m.
Jolly Twirlers Square Dance: Willmar Community Center, 7 p.m.
A.A.: 1805 E. Hwy. 12, 7 p.m.
This calendar will run each week in the Sunday Reminder and as space permits in the West Central Tribune e-edition, Monday through Saturday. To have your event included please email news@wctrib.com or mail it to Kit Grode, West Central Tribune, PO Box 839, Willmar, MN 56201. Include all information and the name and phone number of the person submitting it. You will be called to confirm the information.
St. Patrick’s Day leftovers
BY PATTI DIAMOND
Next Monday is St. Patrick’s Day, and if you’re like so many people, you’ll be wearing green, attempting an Irish brogue and enjoying a traditional corned beef and cabbage dinner. I usually find I have leftovers, but not quite enough to make an encore meal for the family. What’s a lass to do? Take a cue from classic Irish pub grub and make hand pies, or pasties, with the leftovers to make them go further.
First, a little fun foodie history. These hand pies are very similar to Cornish pasties (PASStees). The Cornish pasty originates with the tin miners in Cornwall, England, during the 1800s. The underground miners couldn’t come to the surface for lunch, so a portable lunch was required. Also, the miner’s hands were very dirty (and tin contains arsenic!), so the large crimp of the crust served as a handle. The pie could be eaten, and that part of the crust discarded.
Also, the people making the pies would sometimes put sweet jam filling in one corner of the pie for dessert. The person making the pie would pinch the miner’s initials into the pie crust at the end with the sweet filling so the miner would know to start at the opposite end. This way, if the miner wanted to leave
some pasty to enjoy later, his initials could identify which pie belongs to whom. Such a clever idea!
For convenience, I’m using purchased refrigerated pie crust, but you could certainly make dough from scratch if you desire. Make enough for a two-crust pie.
This recipe uses leftovers, and since your leftovers are probably different from mine, use this recipe as a guideline, because it’s totally adjustable. For example, you might have more cabbage, less potatoes and no carrots. No problem! If the total volume is 4 1/2 cups, you can fill each of the six hand pies with 3/4 cups filling.
ST. PADDY’S PASTIES
Yield: 4-6 servings
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
1 1/2 cups corned beef, cubed
1 cup carrot, cubed
1 1/2 cups potato, cubed 1/2 cup cabbage, well drained
1 tablespoon mustard, optional
Fresh ground pepper
1 egg
2 (9 inch/15 ounce) pie crust rounds
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Using the leftovers from your corned beef and cabbage dinner, or freshly cooked equivalent, cube and measure the corned beef, potato, carrot and cabbage. Into a large bowl, combine the ingredients above, adding mustard and a few grinds of pepper, if desired.
cooked through, 10 to 12 minutes. (A thermometer inserted near the bone should read over 100°). Switch the oven to broil. Top the chops with the remaining 2 tablespoons barbecue sauce and broil until lightly caramelized and just cooked through, 5 to 7 more minutes. Add the coleslaw mix and scallions to the pan of roasted peppers. In a small bowl, stir together the vinegar, sugar and remaining ½ teaspoon seafood seasoning, then pour over the tray of vegetables. Toss well. Serve pork chops with the warm slaw.
These golden, flaky pasties turn St. Patrick’s Day leftovers into a handheld feast.
Sustainability in US agriculture
National Ag Day, celebrated on March 18, 2025, is the perfect time to spotlight the farmers who work hard to feed America while protecting the planet. Sustainability is at the heart of modern agriculture, and US farmers are adopting innovative practices to minimize their environmental impact. Here are five methods they’re using.
1. Crop rotation. This practice involves alternating the types of crops grown in a specific field to boost yields and increase biodiversity. It also improves soil fertility while helping break the cycle of pests and diseases.
2. Cover cropping. Cover crops, which are sown during or after the growth of a primary crop, help
protect and enrich the soil. They help minimize soil erosion, improve soil structure and increase organic matter.
3. No-till farming. This approach eliminates the need to disturb the soil through tilling and plowing. Notill farming improves water retention, reduces erosion and promotes beneficial soil microorganisms.
4. Precision agriculture. Technologies such as GPSguided equipment and data-driven irrigation systems help farmers apply water, fertilizers and pesticides more efficiently, significantly conserving resources and reducing waste.
5. Renewable energy sources. Innovations like solar panels, wind turbines and biogas systems are being used to power farming operations sustainably. Using this technology, farmers are
lowering their operating costs, reducing carbon emissions and improving energy independence. American farmers are proving that agriculture
vironmental stewardship. This National Ag Day, take a moment to express your gratitude to the farmers leading the way in sustainable practices for a healthier planet.
Spotlight: growing cranberries
The cranberry is a small red berry grown and harvested in North America. It’s wellknown for its antioxidant properties and high vitamin C content. Do you know how these berries make it to your table?
POLLINATION
Cranberry fields require insect pollinators to produce fruit. Many farmers collaborate with local beekeepers, who place hives on the land to maximize the yield of the berries. The flowering and growing season
for cranberries typically runs from May to September.
FLOODING
Did you know that cranberries float in water? Farmers flood their fields when the fruit ripens in the fall to help with harvesting. Fields can also be flooded in the spring to protect the plants from late frosts and pests. Additionally, flooding in winter can preserve them in ice, preventing spoilage caused by freeze and thaw cycles.
MANAGEMENT
Most cranberry growers prioritize efficient water management to minimize their environmental impact. They primarily use recycled rainwater and snowmelt. Since the land operates in a closed circuit, they don’t rely on public water supplies. Cranberries can be enjoyed in many ways —juiced, dried, powdered or fresh. Look for locally grown cranberries at your grocery store.
Sustainability in US agriculture
National Ag Day, celebrated on March 18, 2025, is the perfect time to spotlight the farmers who work hard to feed America while protecting the planet. Sustainability is at the heart of modern agriculture, and US farmers are adopting innovative practices to minimize their environmental impact. Here are five methods they’re using.
1. Crop rotation. This practice involves alternating the types of crops grown in a specific field to boost yields and increase biodiversity. It also improves soil fertility while helping break the cycle of pests and diseases.
2. Cover cropping. Cover crops, which are sown during or after the growth of a primary crop, help
protect and enrich the soil. They help minimize soil erosion, improve soil structure and increase organic matter.
3. No-till farming. This approach eliminates the need to disturb the soil through tilling and plowing. Notill farming improves water retention, reduces erosion and promotes beneficial soil microorganisms.
4. Precision agriculture. Technologies such as GPSguided equipment and data-driven irrigation systems help farmers apply water, fertilizers and pesticides more efficiently, significantly conserving resources and reducing waste.
5. Renewable energy sources. Innovations like solar panels, wind turbines and biogas systems are being used to power farming operations sustainably. Using this technology, farmers are
lowering their operating costs, reducing carbon emissions and improving energy independence. American farmers are proving that agriculture
vironmental stewardship. This National Ag Day, take a moment to express your gratitude to the farmers leading the way in sustainable practices for a healthier planet.
Spotlight: growing cranberries
The cranberry is a small red berry grown and harvested in North America. It’s wellknown for its antioxidant properties and high vitamin C content. Do you know how these berries make it to your table?
POLLINATION
Cranberry fields require insect pollinators to produce fruit. Many farmers collaborate with local beekeepers, who place hives on the land to maximize the yield of the berries. The flowering and growing season
for cranberries typically runs from May to September.
FLOODING
Did you know that cranberries float in water? Farmers flood their fields when the fruit ripens in the fall to help with harvesting. Fields can also be flooded in the spring to protect the plants from late frosts and pests. Additionally, flooding in winter can preserve them in ice, preventing spoilage caused by freeze and thaw cycles.
MANAGEMENT
Most cranberry growers prioritize efficient water management to minimize their environmental impact. They primarily use recycled rainwater and snowmelt. Since the land operates in a closed circuit, they don’t rely on public water supplies. Cranberries can be enjoyed in many ways —juiced, dried, powdered or fresh. Look for locally grown cranberries at your grocery store.
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE, that the Kandiyohi County Board of Commissioners, acting as the public drainage authority under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 103E (“Drainage Authority”) for Kandiyohi County Ditch 46 (“CD 46”), will hold a public hearing on March 18, 2025, at 1:00 p.m., or shortly thereafter as the agenda allows, in the Main Conference Room of the Kandiyohi County Public Works Building, 1801 Highway 12 E, Willmar, MN 56201.
of the CSAH 55 Overpass Project, located at the intersection of CSAH 5, CSAH 55, and TH 23 southwest of the City of Willmar. The minor alteration includes re-routing Branch 5 of CD 46 away from CSAH 55 to approximately 11 feet inside the County right-of-way. Any agricultural drain tile connections to Branch 5 of CD 46 from the west that are encountered during construction will be reconnected to the new tile alignment to maintain drainage function. The minor alteration also includes replacing the existing 8-foot span by 6-foot rise concrete box culvert and 48-inch RC pipe culvert, with a single 12-foot span x 9-foot rise box culvert at the CSAH 55 crossing of CD 46 drainage system located at the intersection of the Southeast Quarter (SE¼) of Section 19, the Southwest Quarter (SW¼) of Section 20, the Northeast Quarter (NE¼) of Section 30, and the Northwest Quarter (NW¼) of Section 29, Township 119 North, Range 35 West, Kandiyohi County, Minnesota. The public hearing will be held pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, section 163.17. Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, section 103E.525, approval of the box culvert’s capacity is being sought by the Director of the Division of Ecological and Water Resources in the Department of Natural Resources. The Kandiyohi County Highway Department and its engineering consultants at WSB have filed a plan showing in detail the alteration or change to replace the existing crossing with the proposed box culvert and to re-route Branch 5 of CD 46, and a report of findings that the proposed alterations to the crossing and Branch 5 of CD 46 alignment will be minor alterations or changes to the CD 46 drainage system that will not affect the functioning or efficiency of the CD 46 drainage system. A copy of the plan and engineer’s report of findings is available for public inspection at the Kandiyohi County Public Works Office at 1801 Highway 12 East, Willmar, Minnesota 56201 and is available for viewing during normal business hours, or by contacting Kandiyohi County Public Drainage Manager, Austin Hilbrands at Austin.Hilbrands@kcmn.us or 320-235-3266 x4250. All owners of property affected by CD 46 are invited to attend and comment at the public hearing. Written comments will be accepted by mail or email to the Kandiyohi County Public Drainage Manager, Austin Hilbrands. Written comments may be mailed to Kandiyohi County Public Works Department, 1801 Highway 12 East, Willmar, Minnesota 56201 or emailed to Austin.Hilbrands@ kcmn.us. Any comments received by mail or email prior to the public hearing will be read into the record at the public hearing. /s/ Mark Thompson, Auditor-Treasurer
Dated: February 3, 2025 Kandiyohi County, Minnesota (Mar. 2 & 9 & 16, 2025)
CONCRETE TRAIL & ADA IMPROVEMENTS BIDS CLOSE MARCH 25, 2025 KANDIYOHI COUNTY , MN NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS: Electronic bids will be received by the Kandiyohi County Public Works Department, 1801 East Highway 12, Willmar, MN 56201, until 9:00 A.M. on the 25 th day of March, 2025, at
614
6” Concrete Driveway Pavement
YD, Truncated Domes
Traffic
– 1 LS, Common Topsoil Borrow –142 CU YD, Silt Fence – 716 LIN FT, Seeding – 0.4 ACRES, Hydraulic BFM – 1400 LBS, and other construction items. Minimum wage rates to be paid by the Contractors have been predetermined and are subject to the Work Hours Act of 1962, P.L. 87-581 and implementing regulations. READ CAREFULLY THE WAGE SCALES AND DIVISION A OF THE SPECIAL PROVISIONS AS THEY AFFECT THIS/THESE PROJECT/PROJECTS
The Minnesota Department of Transportation hereby notifies all bidders: in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Act), as amended and Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, Subtitle A Part 21, Non-discrimination in Federally-assisted programs of the Department of Transportation, it will affirmatively assure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, disadvantaged business enterprises will be afforded maximum opportunity to participate and/or to submit bids in response to this invitation, and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, disability, age, sex or national origin in consideration for an award; in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as amended, and Title 23, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 230 Subpart A-Equal Employment Opportunity on Federal and Federal-Aid Construction Contracts (including supportive services), it will affirmatively assure increased participation of minority groups and disadvantaged persons and women in all phases of the highway construction industry, and that on any project constructed pursuant to this advertisement equal employment opportunity will be provided to all persons without regard to their race, color, disability, age, religion, sex or national origin; in accordance with the Minnesota Human Rights Act, Minnesota Statute 363A.08 Unfair discriminatory Practices, it will affirmatively assure that on any project constructed pursuant to this advertisement equal employment opportunity will be offered to all persons without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, status with
regard to public assistance, mem-
bership or activity in a local commission, disability, sexual orientation, or age;
in accordance with the Minnesota Human Rights Act, Minnesota Statute 363A.36 Certificates of Compliance for Public Contracts, and 363A.37 Rules for Certificates of Compliance, it will assure that appropriate parties to any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement possess valid Certificates of Compliance.
If you have employed more than 40 full-time employees in any state, on any single working day during the previous 12 months, you must have a compliance certificate issued by the Minnesota Department of Human Rights to bid on any job in this advertisement. Please contact the Department of Human Rights immediately if you need assistance in obtaining a certificate.
The following notice from the Minnesota Department of Human Rights applies to all contractors:
“It is hereby agreed between the parties that Minnesota Statute, section 363A.36 and Minnesota Rules, parts 5000.3400 to 5000.3600 are incorporated into any contract between these parties based on this specification or any modification of it. A copy of Minnesota Statute 363A.36 and Minnesota Rules, parts 5000.3400 to 5000.3600 is available upon request from the contracting agency.”
“It is hereby agreed between the parties that this agency will require affirmative action requirements be met by contractors in relation to Minnesota Statute 363A.36 and Minnesota Rules 5000.3600. Failure by a contractor to implement an affirmative action plan or make a good faith effort shall result in revocation of its certificate or revocation of the contract (Minnesota Statute 363A.36, Subd. 2 and 3).”
Kandiyohi County will receive and accept bids ONLY through QuestCDN.com via their electronic VirtuBid online bid service. A virtual bid opening will be held at the day and time of the bid closing listed above utilizing Microsoft Teams Meeting. NO PAPER BIDS WILL BE ACCEPTED.
Complete digital bidding documents are available at www.QuestCDN. com by entering Quest # 9555648 on the ‘Search Projects’ page. To be considered a plan holder, register with QuestCDN.com for a free Regular membership and download the bidding documents in digital form at a cost of $22.00. Downloading the documents and becoming a plan holder is recommended as plan holders receive automatic notice of addenda, bid updates and access to vBid online bidding via QuestCDN. Contact QuestCDN Customer Support at 952-233-1632 or info@ QuestCDN.com for assistance in membership registration, downloading digital bidding documents and vBid questions.
To access the electronic bid form, download the bidding documents and click the ‘Online Bid’ button or Online Bidding ‘Available’ button on the bid posting page. After the bid close, bidders will be charged a fee of $42.00 for successful bid submission. A bid bond in the amount of five per-
