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…

Continue Reading Young entrepreneurs to showcase creations in SV

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…

Continue Reading Spring Valley Public Library awaiting new façade

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…

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

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…

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

Original article published in the Mower County Independent, Thursday, June 25, 2026.   Reprinted with permission and gratitude. By David Phillips   Some Kingsland students found their creative spark while exploring the depths below the surface. In May, students in Valarie McConnell’s art class ventured underground during a tour of Mystery Cave at Forestville/Mystery Cave State…

Continue Reading Students go underground to energize their creativity

Original article published in the Mower County Independent, Thursday, June 11, 2026.   Reprinted with permission and gratitude. By David Phillips    A living memorial is often a tree or garden, but the family of the late Bobby Jones is, in some ways, creating a different type of living memorial, one that encourages people to run…

Continue Reading Living memorial to serve community in practical way