For Immediate Release:   Applications are OPEN for RBIL’s Fourth Cohort! CEDA is now accepting applications for the fourth cohort of its Rural Business Innovation Lab (RBIL), a cohort-based entrepreneurial development program for rural businesses ready to scale, expand into new markets and bring innovative products or services to market. In just three years, RBIL…

Continue Reading CEDA Rural Business Innovation Lab (RBIL) Applications now open

Original article published in the Mower County Independent, Thursday, January 8, 2026.   Reprinted with permission and gratitude. By David Phillips  Several years ago, when I was running in Rochester with a group of friends, the trail around Silver Lake was so icy we had to run in the street, which brought us closer to the…

Continue Reading Ice, cold doesn’t stop runners

Original article published in the Mower County Independent, Thursday, January 8, 2026.   Reprinted with permission and gratitude. By Gretchen Mensink Lovejoy Step into our rooms and have a seat. The doctor will be with you soon. Poe good to see you… “The play we’ve chosen is ‘The Infamous Soothing System of Professor Maillard,’ and it’s…

Continue Reading Kingsland Drama Club Presents Winter Play

Information taken from Mainstreet.org    The Amex Shop Small Grants Program, in partnership with American Express®, will fund more than 500 grants of $20,000 each, empowering small businesses to grow, innovate, and support their local communities. The program was initially launched with a $5 million contribution, and as a result of its giving pledge for eligible transactions made on Small Business…

Continue Reading Amex Shop Small Grant Program accepting applications through January 16th (Small Business Grant up to $20,000)

Original article published in the Mower County Independent, Thursday, December 11, 2025.   Reprinted with permission and gratitude. By David Phillips  When the holidays come around, Joe Bezdicek is one of the most familiar faces to shoppers at Sunshine Foods in Spring Valley. The Spring Valley resident isn’t an employee of the grocery store picking up…

Continue Reading Answering the Bell

Updated December 11, 2025  By David Phillips   Despite the subzero temperature predicted for Saturday, December 13, the Frozen Feet 4k fun run is still on, although the race route will be shortened due to the extreme conditions. The new route is one mile long, so runners and volunteers won’t be exposed as long to…

Continue Reading UPDATE: Frozen Feet run still on, but shortened due to Arctic blast