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…

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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

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)