The Worthington Globe reports…

Blandin Foundation announced Friday that Rock County leaders were successful in their application to become a Blandin Broadband Community, one of four selected in the state.

The Blandin Broadband Communities program is an intensive, two-year partnership between Blandin Foundation and selected rural Minnesota communities. The program provides planning, technical and financial support to communities that are determined to design and drive digital technology initiatives that position their communities and every resident for greater success.

Rock County will join Swift County, Cannon Falls and Koochiching Technology Initiative in the 2018-20 cohort of Blandin Broadband Communities.

“High-speed Internet access — and the skills to use it — is essential to vibrant rural communities,” said Bernadine Joselyn, director of public policy and engagement.  “We’re excited to partner with Rock County to imagine new possibilities that come with enhanced Internet access and use.”