Original article published in the Mower County Independent, Thursday, March 5, 2026.   Reprinted with permission and gratitude. By David Phillips  A Lunch and Learn program at Good Earth Village on Feb. 24 about abolitionists and the Underground Railroad in the area led to thoughts about what it means to be an American, even today. At…

Continue Reading The long, arduous road to American identity

Original article published in the Mower County Independent, Thursday, March 5, 2026.   Reprinted with permission and gratitude. By Gretchen Mensink Lovejoy   Magali Disdier Moulder’s mastering a library seeded with hope for great community. Oh, and squash, beans, peas, tomatoes, peppers, basil and quite a few flowers to check out. “I contacted maybe a dozen…

Continue Reading Spring Valley Public Library hosting another library

For Immediate Release February 19, 2026 St. Paul, MN: The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is now accepting applications for the Farm to Food Security Grant program. Established by the Minnesota Legislature in 2025, the program is modeled after the former federal Local Food Purchase Assistance Program and supports local farmers and producers by funding projects that purchase local food…

Continue Reading MN Dept of Agriculture. Farm to Food Security Grants Open- New state funded program helps Minnesotans access more local food

For Immediate Release   First Children’s Finance MN is excited to announce numerous online, no-cost professional development and training opportunities for Minnesota providers in Spring 2026. These courses will help give providers the knowledge, resources, and connections to succeed in the child care industry.  Click here to view the complete list of training opportunities and…

Continue Reading First Children’s Finance MN announces numerous online, no-cost professional development and training opportunities

Original article published in the Mower County Independent, Thursday, January 29, 2026.   Reprinted with permission and gratitude. By Gretchen Mensink-Lovejoy   The Spring Valley Kiwanis Club has recognized Hailee Warren as one of this year’s Kiwanis Academic Excellence Award recipients. She is the daughter of Rick and Julee Warren. The Kingsland senior is active in…

Continue Reading Kiwanis honors Hailee Warren

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE OWATONNA, Minn., February 3, 2026 – Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) is currently accepting applications for free paint and coating products for community mural, community welcome sign, historic structure or public art projects or to refresh public spaces in preparation for significant community milestone celebrations through its Paint the Town Grant program. This year, projects that lift up marginalized community members will be prioritized and the grant is open to all communities within SMIF’s 20-county region. SMIF’s Paint the Town Grant Program is…

Continue Reading SMIF “Paint the Town Grant” Now Accepting Applications