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.
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.
SAIL exercise: Atwater Community Center, 9:45 a.m.
SAIL exercise: Willmar Community Center, 10:15 a.m.
SAIL exercise: Dethlefs Community Center, Spicer, 10:15 a.m.
Hand & Foot Cards: Willmar Community Center, 12:30 p.m.
Bingo: Dethlefs Community Center, Spicer, 1 p.m.
Caregivers Support Group: Bethesda North Pointe, New London, 2:30 p.m.
A.A.: 1805 E. Hwy. 12, 7 p.m.
Alanon: 1805 E. Hwy. 12, 7 p.m.
Country Quilters: Willmar Community Center, 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
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 Cowboy Dave, 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.
SAIL exercise: Willmar Community Center, 10:15 a.m.
SAIL exercise: Dethlefs Community Center, Spicer, 10:15 a.m.
Hand & Foot Cards: Willmar Community Center, 12:30 p.m.
500 cards: Dethlefs Community Center, Spicer, noon
LSS Caregiver: Willmar Community Center, 2 p.m. Dementia Support Group: Bethesda North Pointe, New London, 2:30 p.m.
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 Leroy and Jerry.
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.
Multiple Myeloma support group: Willmar Fire Department training room, 10 a.m. to noon
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.
The muffuletta: A
BY PATTI DIAMOND
Laissez les bon temps rouler! Mardi Gras is here, and what better way to celebrate than with a taste of New Orleans? Enter the Muffuletta -- a Big Easy classic that’s as indulgent as its birthplace.
A true Muffuletta (or Muffaletta, depending on who you ask) starts with a wide, round Sicilian loaf, topped with sesame seeds and a soft texture like focaccia or ciabatta. But the real magic happens inside. This sandwich is a symphony of Italian cold cuts, provolone cheese, and the pièce de résistance: a briny, garlicky olive salad that soaks into the bread, making every bite unforgettable.
If you can eat a Muffuletta without a little oil running down your arm, I hate to say it, but it wasn’t made right!
The Muffuletta was created in 1906 at Central Grocery on Decatur Street in New Orleans when a Sicilian deli owner suggested combining cured meats, cheeses and preserved vegetables inside bread instead of serving them separately. Today, it’s a beloved New Orleans staple.
One of the best things about a Muffuletta? It gets better with time. As it rests, the olive salad seeps into the bread, enhancing every layer. That’s why it’s ideal for parties -- make a few, wrap them up and slice them open as needed. Late-arriving guests? No problem! They might just
get the best slice.
A Sandwich with Personality What makes a Muffuletta truly shine is the olive salad -- it’s the heart and soul of this sandwich. If you plan ahead, let the salad sit overnight in the fridge. This extra step allows the flavors to meld, giving you an even more robust bite. And if you fall in love with it (which you will), make a big batch! Stored under a thin layer of olive oil in a sealed container, it’ll keep in the fridge for months, ready to transform your next sandwich, salad or even pasta dish. While an authentic Muffuletta can be pricey at a deli, making one at home is easy and economical. Here’s how to get that signature flavor without breaking the bank:
MUFFULETTA SANDWICH
Yield: 4-6 servings
Total Time: 1 hour 15 mins. to overnight
1/2 cup marinated mixed olives
1/4 cup roasted red peppers
1/2 cup Italian giardiniera mix (pickled vegetables)
1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 cup Italian dressing, or oil and vinegar
1 (9 inch-10 inch) round loaf of Italian or French bread
1 1/2 pounds mixed Italian deli cold cuts, like salami, bologna, soppressata, ham
1/2 pound sliced provolone cheese
In a small food processor, mince the olives, peppers, giardiniera, Italian herbs, garlic and Italian dressing. Slice the bread in half horizontally and gently press inside to make
room for the filling. Generously spread the olive mixture on both sides of the bread. Artistically layer the cold cuts and provolone inside the bread. Place the top back on the sandwich and press down. Wrap the sandwich tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour, or preferably overnight for maximum flavor. Slice it into wedges and serve while playing Dixieland jazz (optional but highly recommended). Variations to Suit Your Style -- Heat Lovers: Use jalapeno-stuffed olives or add a dash of red pepper flakes. -- Vegetarian Option: Swap out the meats for grilled eggplant, zucchini and roasted red peppers.
The Muffuletta isn’t just a sandwich, it’s a celebration of bold flavors and rich history. Whether you’re celebrating Mardi Gras or just craving something amazingly delicious, this New Orleans classic brings festivity to your table year-round. Don’t forget the napkins!
and stir together until no streaks of flour remain, about 1 minute. Increase the heat to medium-high and add the beef stock. Scrape the bottom of the skillet to remove any browned bits and stir until smooth. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium low. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened slightly. Stir in the heavy cream, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and dijon mustard. Allow the gravy to return to a light simmer, stirring occasionally. Add the steaks back into the skillet, spooning the gravy on top to coat. Let cook for 2 to 3 minutes to rewarm. Serve and top with parsley. 1
of
Heat a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the beef and onion and cook, stirring to break the beef into small pieces, until it is no longer pink and the onion is softened, 6 to 8 minutes. Stir in the garlic and jalapeño, if using, and cook, stirring, for two minutes. Stir in the tomatoes, taco seasoning, green chiles, chicken broth, corn, pinto beans, and black beans. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to medium-low, partially cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the flavors meld, about 20 minutes. Season with salt to taste. Serve, topped with sour cream, chopped cilantro leaves, cheddar cheese, and avocado, if you like.
A Mardi Gras classic with Italian cold cuts and briny olive salad.
BY TONY RIZZO HOLLYWOOD
-- Hugh
Jackman is currently shooting the film “The Death of Robin Hood” in Northern Ireland, opposite Jodie Comer and Bill Skarsgård. The film will be a dark reimagining of the Robin Hood legend. However, the biggest drama surrounding Jackman is why his 27-year marriage to Debra Lee Furness ended abruptly in 2023. Supposedly, it was because of a romance with his “Music Man” costar Sutton Foster (who was married to screenwriter Ted Griffin for 10 years).
In January, Jackman and Foster confirmed their relationship, but insiders say that they’re just good friends. Their supposed relationship was a cover-up to take the heat off his longtime secret relationship during the heat of the split.
Jackman’s biographical-musical film “Song Sung Blue” wrapped in Jersey, and while he’s playing Robin Hood in Ireland, Foster has completed her Los Angeles run of “Once Upon a Mattress” and is doing some theater work on Broadway. ***
Miles Teller will play a deadly renegade poacher to Oscar winner Casey Affleck’s (“Manchester by the Sea”) fish and game officer in the manhunt thriller “Wild Game.” Teller’s also playing John Branca, Michael Jackson’s entertainment lawyer and the executive of Jackson’s estate, in the biopic “Michael.” Jaafar Jackson, Michael’s 28-year-old nephew, plays his uncle. Colman Domingo stars as Joe Jackson, while Nia Long plays Katherine Jackson.
In addition, Teller will star in the romantic comedy “Eternity” with Elizabeth Olsen and Da’Vine Joy Randolph. ***
Jeremy Allen White, who is now immersed in
HOLLYWOOD
season four of “The Bear,” jumped from “Deliver Me from Nowhere” (the Bruce Springsteen biopic) into Disney’s “The Mandalorian & Grogu,” with Pedro Pascal and Sigorney Weaver. White plays Rotta the Hutt, son of Jabba the Hutt, and the film drops on May 22, 2026. ***
February 10 was “Hart to Hart” star Robert Wagner’s 95th birthday. In 1959, when I was 13 years old, I stowed away on a small boat rented by Elizabeth Taylor and Eddie Fisher. As they circled around Manhattan, they discovered me hiding. They were more amused than mad, but they said since I was a stowaway, I had to work as their
cabin boy to earn my passage. It was then that I discovered Robert and Natalie Wood were also aboard.
Waiting on them was a ball, even though Liz and Eddie never recognized me when I saw them for years out and about. But I became good friends with “RJ,” as his friends called him, and Natalie. When I arrived in Hollywood and needed to prove myself as a photographer, Robert allowed me to shoot him on the set of his TV series “It Takes a Thief” (1968-1970), which helped established me in Hollywood. Being a cabin boy was good training for a second job I luckily never needed!
KANDIYOHI COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTING AS DRAINAGE AUTHORITY UNDER MINNESOTA STATUTES CHAPTER 103E FOR KANDIYOHI COUNTY DITCH 46
In the matter of the Minor Alteration or Change to Kandiyohi CD 46 CSAH 55 Crossing & Branch 5 of CD 46 Alignment (CSAH 55 Overpass Project)
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE
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.
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, membership 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:
At the public hearing, the Drainage Authority will consider a proposal by the Kandiyohi County Highway Department to make a minor alteration or change to CD 46 and Branch 5 of CD 46 as part 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
“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
BUYIT!
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
GREENHORN POSITION
Location: Atwater, MN
We are looking to add a motivated, hard-working individual to our crew starting in the spring of 2025. If you’re ready to dive into
Ranging from $27-$30 (based on experience)
work, work around heavy equipment, and receive
training, this is the perfect opportunity for you! No experience is needed. We will train and help you understand the position you’re applying for.
HIRING WE ARE
We
We are seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented Administrative Assistant to join our team. The ideal candidate willl have a strong background in human resources, payroll management, and finance, with a proven ability to handle accounts payable, accounts receivable, and general office organization. This position plays a key role in ensuring the smooth operation of day-to-day administrative functions while providing critical support to various ,departments.
Requirements:
GREENHORN POSITION
• Minimum of 1 year of experience in an administrative support role, with experience in HR, payroll, and accounting.
• Strong knowledge of payroll systems and HR best practices.
• Proficient in accounting software (QuickBooks), Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), and Google (Sheets, Docs, and Forms).
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment.
Strong problem-solving and analytica1 skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion with sensitive information.
Preferred Qualifications:
• HR certification (e.g., SHRM-CP, PHR) is a plus.
• Knowledge of basic tax regulations related to payroll and finance.
