Spring Valley EDA

Tools for Economic Growth in Spring Valley, Minnesota.

Chris Hahn

Spring Valley’s O’Connor Court dedicated July 8

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Original article published in the Mower County Independent, Thursday, August 6, 2026.   Reprinted with permission and gratitude.

By Gretchen Mensink Lovejoy

 

O’Connor Court is now open to the public and was an instrumental part of recent downtown celebrations. The park features seating, a flagpole with engraved pavers, a deck available for use when there are no VFW activities, two little libraries and a grassy spot in the middle of Broadway.

“This is a lasting memorial to Steve O’Connor.  He was commander for a lot of years, and he was our mentor.  He was a state commander, and he also did a little work for the national organization.  Since he passed away, we’ve missed him,” stated Spring Valley Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Commander Ross Heusinkveld, standing before a gathering at the VFW Hall on a rainy Wednesday evening, speaking about Army nurse O’Connor, the post’s late former commander, a state commander and a representative to the national VFW organization, for whom the little green park next door to the south was named.

The July 8 dedication ceremony featured remarks from Heusinkveld, Spring Valley Business Alliance (SVBA) member Shelly Skindelien and Charlotte O’Connor, Steve’s wife who is also an Army nurse veteran and who was pleased to accept the recognition on her husband’s behalf.  Skindelien welcomed the attendees and outlined how O’Connor Court, the garden between the VFW Hall and the next building came to exist there as a collaborative effort between the VFW and the SVBA, sharing that the opportunity to work together to build something that could serve the community was one not to be missed.  Earlier, the lot had been identified as a potential location for the local veterans’ organizations to build a new veterans’ memorial – that initiative has been moved to the intersection of Highway 63 and Tracy Road on the corner near MinnWest Bank – and because the VFW had constructed a deck to the south of its meeting hall, converting to a park the lot that remained following the 2017 fire that razed the former VFW/Johnny Ringo’s building seemed a fitting purpose.
Heusinkveld recalled that the 1871 Italianate structure that once stood as part of the VFW had belonged to the VFW as a bar and eatery for decades, but it was sold to Aaron Kolling and Matt Kolling, who leased the lower level to bar owner Ray Jacobson, who operated Johnny Ringo’s.  “Sometime in 2007, the VFW decided to get out of the bar business, and we sold the building to the Kolling brothers.  That went fine until October 2017 when the building burned down.  The Kolling brothers got the property back and gave it to the VFW.  We built a deck, and later on, Duane Knutson took it upon himself to build the base for a flag and put the flag out.  We approached the SVBA about putting in O’Connor Court, got the ball rolling.  That fire in 2017 turned into a great thing, O’Connor Court.”
Skindelien took up the task of fundraising for the electrical infrastructure and for the benches, trees, retaining walls and memorial paver bricks, arranging for sidewalks to be installed, and carrying out public relations for the then-unnamed odd little green between, devoting spare minutes from early 2025 to present to rounding up donations from organizations and individuals who wished to see the planned park become a place to rest while wandering downtown to shop or peruse the sights.  She appeared at city council and local clubs’ meetings to advocate for the verdant venue, explaining how what an unexpected slot of grass was wedged into downtown could be something that could encourage people – residents and visitors alike – to pause and enjoy the moments in their day.  Skindelien remarked during the dedication ceremony that “we take pride in everything we do here” and that the park that had been her project for the past year and a half or longer was no exception, meaning that choosing a name for it involved great consideration.
Charlotte O’Connor and her family attended to accept the honor and recognition.  She introduced her daughter, Katie, and her children, son Brian and his children, and added that eldest son Sean lives in the Philippines, then went on to tell about how Steve would have relished the occasion for the chance to network, be it with or without a little Jameson in hand and an Irish tall tale to share for good measure, and how being a veteran was one of his most cherished accomplishments, as well as was working for the wellbeing of other veterans.  “From the time he retired in 1986, he was active in the post…he even worked with the legislators for the veterans’ cemetery in Preston, or counseling (other veterans).
He was so proud to be a part of the VFW.”
Skindelien thanked everyone who has contributed to the ongoing fundraising and cited that “we continue to fundraise,” even though what is now O’Connor Court has benches, a flagpole, sidewalks, trees, a lovely lawn, two little libraries and access to the VFW Hall’s deck, because the SVBA hopes to add planter boxes and flowers to further beautify the little rectangle that will be available to the public every single day of the year.  Heusinkveld concluded, “This is a true honor for Steve and his family.  The VFW is proud to have been part of it.  I hope it’s used and people enjoy it in the future.”

 

Courtesy of the Mower County Independent, 135 E Main St. LeRoy, MN 55951, (507)-324-5325

Young entrepreneurs to showcase creations in SV

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Original article published in the Mower County Independent, Thursday, July 23, 2026.   Reprinted with permission and gratitude.

By David Phillips

 

While many kids 14 and under might be spending their summer at the pool, playing video games, or scrolling through their phones, some are dis covering a fun and productive way to spend their time—starting their own businesses!

The entrepreneurial ventures of several local youth will be showcased next month at the Spring Valley Minnesota Children’s Business Fair, which is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 8, from 9 a.m. to noon at Bluff Brothers Brewing in Spring Valley. The public is welcome to view the young entrepreneurs’ creations and purchase their items during this free event.

It might not seem like there would be many entrepreneurs aged 6 to 14, but organizer Jordan Li effort has already signed up over 20 young people for booths. Each child will have his or her own booth to showcase and sell products.

Lieffort, who has lived in Spring Valley since 2019 and is a stay-at-home mom with three children, came up with the idea after attending a similar event in another city with her daughter. They had such a great time that she decided to create one in Spring Valley to give local kids a chance to shine.

“I honestly never expected it to take off the way it has, and I’m incredibly thankful for the support we’ve received from our community,” she said. “I’m excited to see our community come together to support these amazing young entrepreneurs, and I hope this becomes a tradition that continues to grow for years to come.”

Some examples of products from the youth who are signed up include dirty sodas, homemade jewelry and natural lip balm. Lieffort added that many kids already create something, so whether it’s crocheted pot holders, beaded jewelry, painted vases with greenery, or something else, they just need a little help to find a market.

Lieffort shared that her mom always told her kids, “If you want to do something, you can do it,” a mantra that’s stayed with her. Now, as an adult, she’s a go-getter herself and teaches her kids the same idea: if they want something, they can make it happen.

For the business fair, the young entrepreneurs can whip up anything they dream up, even using things they already have at home. They don’t have to spend a fortune to create something because the learning is what really matters.

“The Children’s Business Fair gives young entrepreneurs the opportunity to create their own business, develop a product or serv ice, and present it to the public. It’s an exciting hands-on experience that teaches responsibility, creativity, problem solving, customer service and what it takes to run a business,” she explained. “These children are our future, and it’s inspiring to watch them build confidence while sharing something they’ve worked hard to create.”

The event is completely supported by kind local sponsors, so there’s no booth fee for the kids to participate. Every penny raised goes straight back to the kids through cash prizes, and any extra money will be used to make next year’s event even more exciting and fun, according to Lieffort.

The youth will be on their own at the fair, though the youngest kids might get a little help from a parent or guardian if they’re not comfort able counting money. There’s no help from the local business sponsors, and most of the time, the parents are asked to step back and explore other booths to see what other kids have created.

During the event, shoppers and other participants will vote for their favorite booths. These votes will be counted, and the first-, second-, and third-place winners in each age group will receive cash prizes. The event will wrap up with an awards ceremony from noon to 1 p.m., where the winners will be recognized and presented with their cash prizes.

Lieffort discovered the participants for the fair through a Facebook page called Spring Valley MN Children’s Business Fair. So far, more than 20 young people have signed up, with some even coming from Austin, Dodge Center, and Preston. If you’re still interested in setting up a booth, you can sign up on the Facebook page up to a week before the fair.

“I was really surprised by how popular it became,” she mentioned. “I thought we’d only have about seven participants, but we’ve now got over 20 different booths.

 

Courtesy of the Mower County Independent, 135 E Main St. LeRoy, MN 55951, (507)-324-5325

Spring Valley Public Library awaiting new façade

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Original article published in the Mower County Independent, Thursday, June 25, 2026.   Reprinted with permission and gratitude.

By Gretchen Mensink Lovejoy

 

They’ve been scheming.

Just wait until the work’s done…

“I’ve been meeting with the construction committee to discuss the color scheme,” said Bolton & Menk engineer Philip Bussey as members of the Spring Valley Public Library’s (SVPL) construction committee gathered with the Spring Valley Library Board of Trustees on June 25 to review with Bussey the plans for the library’s new façade and patio, a process that has been underway for the past several months after the library received a state library construction grant to upgrade SVPL’s exterior covering because the former SuperValu grocery store has been in service as a library for nearly a quarter century.

The long-awaited project has been on the trustees’ list of improvements for the past several years due to the exterior, EIFS, or external insulated finishing system, having weathered the weather itself, along with impacts from snowblowers and lawnmowers and young bicyclists who overlook that their handlebars cause damage to the structure. Furthermore, the north end of the library has unused outdoor space that is to be converted into a patio accessible by a door from the collections room. The board and administration had applied for a matching grant from the state to help underwrite the costs, and in March, they were pleased to hold the official paperwork for the grant’s funding.

The construction committee has convened and brought its determinations to the library board for further consideration throughout the beginning of the year and into the summer. Also, trustees and library director Melissa Vander Plas had passed samples of exterior finishing materials around the table during previous library board meetings to gather input on what color scheme and configuration might look best to make patrons and visitors confident that the place they are entering is indeed a community center for learning and entertainment. During the most recent board meeting, Bussey showed the trustees a concept drawing of the library clad in gray stonework and stucco-like material, with the faux stone wrapped all the way around the ends of the building to provide greater protection to the corners. He highlighted for the members what the patio could look like as well, and he took suggestions and traded items out of and into the concept drawings as the board asked questions.

He outlined that “the next phase is bidding and the actual construction process” once the board is satisfied with its and the construction committee’s choices. Bussey delineated, “This project is above the threshold…it requires a public bidding process.” The board was to approve the bidding process, then the bids will be brought to the city council, with hopes that the project’s parts can be awarded and construction begins early this fall for a refreshed start in the new year. Vander Plas expressed optimism in the bidding timeline and her excitement at the impending construction that will transform the library’s front entrance and yard into a place that welcomes the community to come in and find a book or settle in for a chat in the sunshine.

SVPL’s staff is currently busy with the children’s summer reading program, but once that is finished at the end of July, there will be room for the paint contractor to complete the ongoing interior painting project as well – a cozy yet cool blue-gray replaced the beige-white that has been the backdrop for library activities since the grocery store’s conversion to a library. No matter what structural improvements are underway, readers of all ages can enjoy a good read at their library.

The Spring Valley Public Library, at 121 W. Jefferson St., is open Monday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday from noon to 7:00 p.m., Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and every Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. For more information, log onto the library’s Facebook page or website, stop in, or call 507-346-2100.

 

 

 

 

Courtesy of the Mower County Independent, 135 E Main St. LeRoy, MN 55951, (507)-324-5325

Kiwanis Club of Spring Valley seeks nominations for Citizen of the Year.

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The Kiwanis Club of Spring Valley is asking the community to nominate an outstanding person to be honored at its’ annual Citizen-of-the-Year program to be held in the fall.

The Kiwanis Citizen-of-the-Year is chosen by the club from nominations received from the public.  Forms can be picked up at Spring Valley City Hall or the Spring Valley Public Library, or downloaded/printed below, and must be returned to them or mailed to the Kiwanis Club of Spring Valley, P.O. Box 133, Spring Valley, MN 55975, by September 1, to be considered for this years’ nominee.

Any monies given to acknowledge the Citizen-of-the-Year selected will be deposited into the Kiwanis Clubs’ Citizen-of-the-Year scholarship fund.

 

CLICK HERE TO VIEW AND PRINT THE APPLICATION

Ag Days 6k returns on Saturday, August 22, 2026

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Registration is now open for the annual Ag Days 6k run on the paved Spring Valley trail.

Runners start on County Road 8 near the camper parking area east of Spring Valley. They take a turn into the camping area after a short distance and then follow the trail all the way to Willow Park near the pavilion. The 6k race is about 3.72 miles long.

Runners will meet from 7 to 7:40 a.m. on Saturday, August 22, at Willow Park, which is located just east of downtown, for the 8 a.m. race. Runners will board a bus at 7:45 a.m. for a shuttle to the camper parking area on County Road 8. The scenic trail has no intersections with public roads as it crosses over Spring Valley Creek several times and underneath Highway 16. There will be an aid station along the course plus refreshments at the end.

Register for the Ag Days 6k run is online below with no added fees. Forms may also be picked up at City Hall.
Race day registration begins at 7 a.m., but runners are encouraged to register in advance.

  • The price for the 6k race is $25 for runners signing up prior to August 2.
  • The price is $30 from August 3 to the day of the race.
  • The first 50 people registering for the race will get a custom performance T-shirt.

Trophies will be awarded to the overall male and female winners in the 6K race as well as for the top three males and females in age groups.

For more information on either event, contact Dave Phillips at 507-346-2368.

Click Here to Register for the Ag Days 6K 

 

The annual 1k free kids run, called the Little Husker, will also take place on Saturday, Aug. 22, at 9:30 a.m. The race, sponsored by the Spring Valley Area Community Foundation, is free of charge. The routes for various ages are on the trail at Willow Park.

For information, visit The Little Huskers 1k Free Kids Run page.