News Summary
Construction activities will begin on Audubon Way as part of infrastructure enhancements aimed at improving local traffic flow. Concurrently, significant business growth is taking place in Jackson, fueled by grants that support local entrepreneurs, including renovations of historic buildings. City officials urge community members to stay informed about the ongoing construction and business initiatives that aim to rejuvenate the area.
Baxter – Construction activities are set to commence on Audubon Way on Tuesday, September 2, as part of ongoing efforts to enhance local infrastructure. The road will remain accessible to local traffic during the construction period, which is expected to last approximately seven to eight weeks, although there will be occasional closures for specific activities. Motorists are advised to monitor for changing signs and conditions while construction is underway.
In addition to the upcoming Audubon Way project, work is also ongoing on Design Road in Baxter as of August 20, 2025. The Design Road project involves crucial infrastructure improvements that include relocating and enlarging a storm pipe to 60 inches while reducing the road width to 36 feet. This is part of a strategy to alleviate flooding issues on the west side of Highway 371. The enhancements will direct water flow into the Whiskey Creek system, which is aimed at assisting in cleaning contaminated water from Baxter’s commercial district before it reaches the Mississippi River. The overall cost of this project is approximately $3 million, with funding primarily sourced from federal and state grants.
In Jackson, notable business growth is also underway. Grants awarded by Fluor-BWXT and the Joint Economic Development Initiative of Southern Ohio (JEDISO) are providing essential support to local businesses. One such recipient is Holy Grounds Coffee, a women-owned coffee shop that transitioned from a food truck to a brick-and-mortar establishment. They received a $7,500 grant, which will be used to purchase equipment and hire four new employees.
Additionally, Kevin Baxter, the owner of the building that houses Holy Grounds, received a grant worth $25,750 to renovate the upper floors into living accommodations. Another notable project involves Evan Massie of EGM Construction Services, who was awarded a $20,000 grant for renovations on a Broadway Street building to create professional office and living spaces.
The Broadway Street area in Jackson is experiencing significant revitalization, with numerous renovations of historic buildings dating back to the 1800s. The ongoing renovations not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of the area but also create new opportunities for local businesses and residents alike. The Community Commitment Chair of FBP highlighted the importance of these renovations and their positive impact on the community.
City officials have expressed their gratitude to the community for their patience as construction projects proceed. Concerns or inquiries regarding the Audubon Way project can be directed to Widseth Project Engineer Alex Bitter at 218-316-3627 or via email at alex.bitter@widseth.com.
For more information about the local business grants and the JEDISO initiative, community members can visit the official website at www.choosesouthernohio.com or contact them by calling 740.286.2838. For inquiries regarding Fluor-BWXT projects, visit www.fbportsmouth.com or call 740.987.2432.
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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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CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER The CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER represents the seasoned team at HERECleveland.com, your premier source for actionable local news and information in Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, and beyond, delivering "news you can use" with in-depth coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news impacting the region—backed by years of expert reporting and robust community input, including local press releases and business updates, while providing top reporting on high-profile events like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductions, Cleveland International Film Festival, and holiday parades, alongside key organizations such as the Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Orchestra, and Great Lakes Science Center, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare like Sherwin-Williams and University Hospitals, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREDayton.com, offering comprehensive, credible insights into Ohio's vibrant landscape. HERE Cleveland HERE Dayton
