Daycare project would serve cities near Ghent

America was experiencing a child care crisis before COVID-19 hit the country, but the continuing economic impacts of the coronavirus have brought the child care industry to the verge of caving in.
That’s why Jamie Gillund is fighting to launch a new child care facility in the city of Ghent. Gillund and Jen Vlaminck presented a proposal of Little Explorer’s Daycare to Lyon County Board members at Tuesday’s meeting.
The duo was requesting a loan of $100,000 to come from the revolving loan fund and fill the gap of the $600,000 needed to complete the project. They currently have found $500,000 in funding through loans from a local bank and the City of Ghent.
Vlaminck said the daycare project stems from a need for quality daycare in the area.
The daycare will be a 4,525-square foot facility located off Lyon County Hwy. 5 in Ghent with the grand opening expected for Aug. 2, 2021. The facility is expected to serve not only Ghent but fill an essential need of daycare for Minneota, Lynd, Cottonwood, Porter, Canby and Marshall.
Gillund mentioned that families are already reaching out to her in hopes to have childcare lined up that they desperately need.
“I’ve already had over nine families looking for infant care that are already expecting this. I have mentioned that we’re opening in August and they can’t find infant care anywhere else and are waiting to hear if this is opening so that they have daycare next fall,” Gillund said.
It was requested to the board that any funds received would be deposited into the Ghent revolving loan fund and then funded to Gillund to ensure that the EDA guarantees the loan.
All of the commissioners seemed to be receptive to the proposal and in agreement that the daycare would be a great addition to the community.
Commissioner Gary Crowley requested that before a decision was made that the board would meet to see how the revolving loan fund would be set up since there isn’t a plan currently set in place.
“I think they’re just here to lay the seed.” Chairman Steve Ritter said.
“Yeah I mean there’s plenty of COVID babies out there so there’s a need. I think it fits quite well with what we’re trying to do (with EDA),” Commissioner Paul Graupmann said.

In other news, the board:
• Appointed Carolyn Olson and Ken DeBaere to the Planning and Zoning Board.
• Approved a five-year lease with the MN Pollution Control.