The Wahpeton Daily News reports…

Sen. Torrey Westrom, R-Elbow Lake, and Rep. Jeff Backer, R-Browns Valley, held a town hall meeting Friday, Feb. 15 at Breckenridge City Hall. The listening session was one of several held at various locations in west central Minnesota.

Rural broadband is a topic heavily discussed in committee, Westrom said. It is an important topic affecting Wilkin County as well as rural Minnesota because it ties into economic development.

“It really does mean jobs for small and large businesses, gives those the ability to telecommute for their jobs, operate home-based businesses, or any employment through the Internet,” Westrom said. “ It is becoming increasingly obvious how important that is. It is very important for school work as well.”

Jane Vangsness Frisch, a Traverse County resident who lives just outside of Dumont, Minnesota, reported on how horrible the Internet is where she lives. There is access across the road from her, she said, but not at her place.

While she was finishing up her doctoral degree, she had to drive 75 minutes to have Internet access. The only way she currently can have Internet access is through her cellular carrier.