MARSHALL — Plans for a new day care center in Minneota moved forward as Lyon County commissioners voiced their support for the project on Tuesday. The center, a public-private partnership between Minneota and Jamie Gillund, owner of Little Explorers in Ghent, aims to address the growing need for child care in the area.
The $1.5 million project will create a facility for 100 children and employ 20 full-time staff. Little Explorers in Ghent has seen success but faces a lengthy waitlist, prompting Gillund to expand. The new center will help meet local demand as several existing providers are nearing retirement.
As part of the partnership, two lots valued at $90,000 will be sold to the Minneota Economic Development Authority (EDA) and resold to Gillund for $1 to reduce startup costs. The project is also applying for $300,000 in state grant funding, with support from both the city and the county.
County commissioners voted unanimously to sign a letter of support for the project, with further discussions on possible county funding to follow.
