Baxter, August 31, 2025
News Summary
Baxter and Jackson are seeing significant developments with the construction of Audubon Way and ongoing improvements on Design Road. The Audubon Way project is set to begin soon, while the Design Road initiative focuses on storm pipe upgrades to prevent flooding. Additionally, several grants have been awarded to local businesses in Jackson, including Holy Grounds Coffee, to support growth and job creation. These initiatives aim to enhance local infrastructure and economic opportunities.
Baxter and Jackson Areas Experience Construction and Grant Initiatives
Construction will begin on Audubon Way in Baxter on Tuesday, September 2, with an anticipated duration of seven to eight weeks. The road will remain open to local traffic, although there may be occasional closures for specific construction activities. Motorists are advised to stay alert to changing signage during this period.
The construction project on Design Road is currently ongoing, with updates as of August 20, 2025. This initiative involves relocating and enlarging a storm pipe to 60 inches while reducing the road’s width to 36 feet. The revised design will meet a stronger 10-ton design standard aimed at mitigating flooding issues on the west side of Highway 371. Water from this project will flow into the Whiskey Creek system, assisting in purifying contaminated water from Baxter’s commercial district before it reaches the Mississippi River. This initiative is being funded largely through federal and state funds, totaling approximately $3 million.
In addition to construction, the Jackson area is set to benefit from several grants aimed at stimulating local business growth. The Fluor-BWXT company, along with the Joint Economic Development Initiative of Southern Ohio (JEDISO), has awarded multiple grants to businesses in the area. Notably, Holy Grounds Coffee, a women-owned coffee shop that transitioned from a food truck to a storefront, received a grant of $7,500 to purchase new equipment and hire four additional employees. Building owner, Kevin Baxter, also secured a grant of $25,750 for renovating upper floors into living spaces.
Furthermore, Evan Massie, of EGM Construction Services, secured a $20,000 grant dedicated to transforming a Broadway Street building into professional office space and living areas. This area in Jackson is currently experiencing significant business growth with a wave of renovations revitalizing buildings dating back to the 1800s.
Community Commitment Chair of FBP, Tim Poe, emphasized that the renovation of older structures is enhancing the aesthetics of the area while creating new economic opportunities. As these initiatives progress, city officials have expressed appreciation to the community for their patience throughout the construction processes.
Residents who wish to inquire further about the Audubon Way project can reach out to Widseth Project Engineer Alex Bitter at 218-316-3627 or via email at alex.bitter@widseth.com. For more information about JEDISO, individuals can visit www.choosesouthernohio.com or call 740.286.2838. Additional details regarding Fluor-BWXT are available at www.fbportsmouth.com or by calling 740.987.2432.
Key Features of Ongoing Efforts
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Audubon Way Construction | Commencing September 2; expected to last 7-8 weeks; open to local traffic. |
| Design Road Improvements | Relocating and enlarging storm pipe; new width is 36 feet; 10-ton design standard. |
| Whiskey Creek System | Water flows will aid contamination clean-up before reaching the Mississippi River. |
| Business Grants | Various grants awarded to local businesses to stimulate growth and jobs. |
FAQ
- When does construction on Audubon Way start?
- Construction starts on Tuesday, September 2, and is expected to last for about seven to eight weeks.
- Will Audubon Way be closed during construction?
- Audubon Way will remain open for local traffic, though there may be occasional closures for specific construction activities.
- What is the purpose of the Design Road project?
- The project aims to relocate and enlarge a storm pipe to reduce flooding issues west of Highway 371.
- Who is funding the Design Road improvements?
- The project is funded largely through federal and state funds totaling approximately $3 million.
- What types of grants have been awarded to local businesses?
- Grants have been awarded to various businesses, including Holy Grounds Coffee and EGM Construction Services, to support equipment purchases, renovations, and job creation.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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 HOUSTON TX WRITER
HOUSTON STAFF WRITER The HOUSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHouston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Houston, Harris 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 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Art Car Parade, and Chevron Houston Marathon. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Houston Partnership and Houston Area Urban League, plus leading businesses in energy and healthcare that power the local economy such as ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, and Houston Methodist. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
