New London embraces solar energy while honoring its roots
New London, the oldest town in Kandiyohi County, is looking ahead with solar power. The city is in the process of installing solar panels on its city hall, fire hall and senior center. The Clean Energy Resource Teams (CERTs) has supported New London through the process, from answering questions to organizing contractor bids.
City Clerk-Treasurer Jen Dahl said the project reflects the community’s willingness to embrace the future while keeping its small-town warmth and history. That welcoming mindset expands to new opportunities, such as embracing solar power.
“Solar is new to our community, so it will be interesting to be one of the few in New London to use the technology,” said Dahl. “The council and community are excited about the project being approved, and I think they are curious to see how it unfolds."
Dahl added that the financial incentives of solar just made good economic sense.
Highlights
- Master Gardeners reach out to 4-H youth at Fun With Plants Camp, focusing on plant terminology, color harmony and the design magic of “thrillers, spillers and fillers.” After planting retaining-wall gardens, youth designed and created their very own potted arrangements.
- Extension provides financial capability education for participants in the judicial district’s treatment courts, including adult and juvenile drug courts, and courts for mental health, veterans, family dependency and DWI/DUI.
- Abigail B. and Brooke S. were named Minnesota 4-H Agricultural Ambassadors. Abigail is committed to educating others about the importance and impact of agriculture, and is specifically interested in vet science. She is starting her own rabbit breeding business. Brooke participates in horse, sheep and general projects, and is excited to share her passion for agriculture.
- U of M Farm Family of the Year: Fixsen Farms (2026)
- Minnesota Master Naturalist training: Prairies and Potholes biome (Spicer)
- SuperShelf: Kandiyohi County Food Shelf
- The Climate Adaptation Partnership is making available new resources on future groundwater and soil moisture conditions for Kandiyohi County, allowing communities to address issues like irrigation needs and drinking water availability based on long-term precipitation changes.
Kandiyohi County office
Extension has 14 regional offices supporting all 87 counties in Minnesota.
Kandiyohi County partners with Extension to deliver practical education and research you can use at home, at work and in your community. More about Extension in our county.
About the Minnesota 87 project
Spend time in any Minnesota county, and you will almost certainly encounter University of Minnesota Extension. Our faculty and staff, volunteers, participants, alumni and partners are woven into the fabric of rural, urban and suburban Minnesota life. This project showcases Extension in action through photos, stories and a sampling of the many ways Extension has touched the lives of people in every county.