News Summary
Baxter and Jackson are undergoing significant construction work, including the redevelopment of Audubon Way and Design Road to improve infrastructure and reduce flooding. Local businesses benefit from grants aimed at fostering growth, exemplified by Holy Grounds Coffee and renovations on Broadway Street. Community leaders express gratitude for the support and patience shown during these transformative projects, reinforcing a commitment to enhance local commerce and preserve historical landmarks.
Baxter and Jackson, Ohio – Significant construction activities are set to kick off in the Baxter area starting Tuesday, September 2, with work commencing on Audubon Way, located off Highway 371 North. The construction is projected to last approximately seven to eight weeks, during which Audubon Way will remain accessible to local traffic with intermittent closures for specific construction activities. Motorists are advised to stay vigilant for sign changes throughout the construction period. For inquiries, interested parties may contact Widseth Project Engineer Alex Bitter.
In addition to the upcoming work on Audubon Way, construction on Design Road in Baxter is currently ongoing as of August 20, 2025. This project includes the relocation and expansion of a storm pipe to a width of 60 inches while reducing the road width to 36 feet. The revamped Design Road aims to address flooding issues on the west side of Highway 371, implementing a stronger 10-ton design standard. The water runoff from this project will drain into the Whiskey Creek system to aid in purifying contaminated water from Baxter’s commercial district before it flows into the Mississippi River. Funding for this project comes from federal and state sources, which total approximately $3 million.
– Grants Boost Local Business Growth
Furthermore, there has been a surge of financial support for local businesses through grants awarded by Fluor-BWXT and the Joint Economic Development Initiative of Southern Ohio (JEDISO). Notably, Holy Grounds Coffee, a women-owned café that has recently transitioned from a food truck to a storefront, received a grant of $7,500 to acquire new equipment and create four additional jobs. Moreover, Kevin Baxter, the owner of the building housing Holy Grounds Coffee, was awarded $25,750 to renovate the upper floors into living spaces, thereby enhancing the community’s residential offerings.
In Jackson, significant growth can be observed in the Broadway Street area, where renovations of buildings dating back to the 1800s are underway. Evan Massie of EGM Construction Services has been granted $20,000 to remodel a Broadway Street building into professional office and living spaces. These transformations are expected to rejuvenate the area and attract new opportunities for entrepreneurs and residents alike.
Tim Poe, Community Commitment Chair of FBP, emphasized that the renovation of older structures not only improves the aesthetic appeal of the area but also fosters the development of new business opportunities. Local community members interested in further information about JEDISO can visit their website or reach out via phone.
As these construction projects and grant initiatives unfold, city officials have extended their appreciation for the community’s patience and support throughout these changes. The construction of Audubon Way and Design Road, along with the financial backing for local businesses, illustrate a collaborative effort to enhance infrastructure and promote economic growth in Baxter and Jackson.
Both cities are witnessing a meaningful transformation that promises to improve the quality of life for residents while stimulating local commerce and preserving historical landmarks.
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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 INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion 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 Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
