Every year, Willmar Municipal Utilities conducts a scholarship essay contest for Willmar High School seniors that award the top two finishers with prizes of $500 and $250 for first and second prizes respectively.  The local winning entry is then sent to the state organization, Minnesota Municipal Utilities Association, for competition in the statewide contest and awards of $2000, $1500, $1000, and $500 are given for the top four positions.  Deadline for submitting the essays to WMU is April 17, 2009.  Entries are to be submitted to Willmar Municipal Utilities, Scholarship Contest, P O Box 937, Willmar, MN 56201 or dropped off at the WMU offices at 700 SW Litchfield Ave