Renewing the Countryside

Story Clearinghouse

Taking Action Toward Change

By

Taking Action Toward Change Residents of Kamiah know firsthand the importance of having a plan, a strategic roadmap providing direction for the future of this rural north central Idaho community. Yet they also know that just like having a roadmap and a car with no gas, a community having a plan without leadership goes nowhere. […]

Leadership Grows Community Opportunities

By

Leadership Grows Community Opportunities “We all tend to wear at least three or four different hats,” says one of Elk River’s residents who laughs as he explains that he serves on City Council, operates a local restaurant and volunteers for both the fire department and ambulance service. The same resident joins some of the other […]

Storming Forward

By

Storming Forward “Living in Emmetsburg feels like I’m in the middle of a Normal Rockwell painting, just add in a couple leprechauns,” says one area resident. From a bustling downtown touting turn-of-the century architecture and well-preserved historic homes to welcoming smiles and scents from the local bakery, Emmetsburg, Iowa, provides a nostalgic backdrop of quintessential […]

A City with Heart

By

A City with Heart Hartley, Iowa, takes the idea of a “welcome mat” to higher ground. In this friendly, hard-working farming community, you will get more than just a token greeting if you stop and linger. Hartley residents are working to make everyone feel welcome and are building connections between seniors and youth, old and […]