Stevens County Economic Improvement Commission executive director Michael Haynes laid out, in a recent editorial, 10 ways to keep his county thriving in a time when rural places are loosing population. They focus on creating strong relationships and improving existing community assets. 1. Recognize and acknowledge that our business owners, investors, managers, and employees have […]

Labeled a silent epidemic by two previous surgeons general, oral disease is on the rise in the United State as access to dental care dwindles in hard-to-reach places. At home in Minnesota, remote rural areas grapple with unrealistic dentist-to-patient ratios, distance to clinics, lack of transportation and clinics that cannot afford to accept dental assistance. […]

Over 150 Itasca area leaders — including police officers, educators, and business owners — have completed Anishinaabe Worldview Training in recent years. The training gives learners a historical framework from which to understand and articulate the Native experience today. The content is a result of many gatherings of elders, teachers, critical thinkers and traditional Anishinaabe […]

Take a step back in time, to a 1900 logging camp in the Northwoods of Minnesota. While there, you can take in the smells of the bunk house where lumberjacks sleep two to a bed, visit the cook shack where men eat piles of flapjacks, wind timbers, sinkers and swamp water, grab your gear in […]

Engaged. Networked. Community-focused. Just three of many ways to describe rural Minnesota community leaders. When a group of our leadership program alumni in the Redwood Falls area gathered last fall, three leaders agreed to share what fuels their work. Their thoughts were entirely on-target with the day’s discussion, which centered on skills community leaders can […]

This post is part of a collaborative effort to lift up the visibility of the role of arts in healthy communities in Northeast Minnesota. To see additional content, look for #30DaysofArt and #ArtsontheRange on Facebook and Twitter.  For years, a core group of artists and arts advocates in Grand Rapids knew that the local arts […]

Colorful murals, performances in the park, public art sculptures – vibrant, healthy communities are made up of many interrelated dimensions, but perhaps none are as visible as a community’s commitment to integrating art into daily life. Thriving communities explore and reflect the cultural backgrounds, talents and experience of all community members through art. By infusing […]

Today is a hopeful day. Today we remember the brave man, and the thousands that stood behind him, who had the strength and fortitude to dream. Martin Luther King Jr. refused to let his hope be trampled. His belief in the goodness of people and the beauty what could be when children of all different […]

1. Blue Earth: “The earth so rich the city grows.” This well-known community motto will be working double time as community leaders double down on marketing the area for further development. A $10,000 grant from the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation for community collaboration has blossomed into a multi-partner effort to grow the community. “We’ve got a […]

1. Cotton: Hosting their first-ever National Night Out, Cotton residents gathered to celebrate and support the community’s public servants. “We’re all about building community here, strengthening families, establishing relationships and things like that,” said Ginger Kinsley, Executive Director for Old School Lives. Full story at WDIO 2. Aitkin: Aitkin County leaders are working with APEX, an economic […]

1. Red Wing: Seeking the title of Minnesota’s top historic river town destination, Red Wing secured $4.4 million in state bonding to complete the second phase of their River Town Renaissance project. This includes a renovation of the Sheldon Theatre, park improvements and a new dock. Full story at Finance and Commerce 2. Pequot Lakes: While Paul […]

1. Pine River: The City of Pine River has partnered with the Cass County Economic Development Corporation (CCEDC) to make small business loans to area businesses. “Growth is coming,” said Mike Paulus, executive director for CCEDC. “Cass County is primed for an economic explosion. The funds for the city of Pine River will ensure that the […]

1) Willmar: Inviting diverse youth in Willmar to develop new skills, connect to the community and to each other, a trio of men launched a new summer garden with some unexpected produce. Nate Erickson, Abdiweli Yusuf and Ben Larson, creators of the MNyou Youth Garden, are working alongside 30 minority youth (ages 12-21) to grow traditional […]

1) Dawson: What if your community’s highest honor came in the form of a look-a-like gnome? That’s exactly the case in Dawson, Minnesota (a.k.a. Gnometown USA). For 28 years, Dawson residents have celebrated their most dedicated community leaders by carving a tipped hat statue and adding it to their Gnome Park to be visible always and […]

1) Coleraine: When Mount Itasca’s future was in jeopardy, local leaders involved in the Itasca Ski and Outing Club stepped up to the plate, rather the chair lift, to begin the incline to a rejuvenated community resource. Hundreds of volunteer hours and a $10,000 IRRRB grant later, Mount Itasca is well on its way to serving […]

1) Detroit Lakes & Perham: In 2016, The Boys & Girls Club of Detroit Lakes and Perham served more than 40,000 meals to nearly 600 young people. Their stellar growth rate, quality programming, and commitment to whole communities landed them this year’s Wellstone Legacy Award from the Minnesota School Counselors Association.  An event was held in […]

1) Wadena: Meeting two days a week, students from four area communities are learning what it’s like to live a day in the life of a number of area business people. The program started as an economic development project with initial funding from 17 area businesses. It’s not funded by the school, but students have […]

1) Pequot Lakes: Action, mystery, humor — whatever your genre of preference, the “Made in Minnesota: A Celebration of Local Authors” event has you covered. Pequot Lakes is inviting authors from all over Minnesota to share their talents with local residents. Full story at the Echo Journal 2) Austin: There is probably no other time in a […]

1. Lowry: Zach Johnson, a young farmer from Lowry, Minnesota, started the MN Millennial Farmer YouTube channel to “set straight some misconceptions about farming for people who weren’t familiar with agriculture.” One year later, he probably couldn’t have forecast that his YouTube channel would connect him to two brothers who farm near Sao Paulo, Brazil. Earlier […]

1) Chatfield: Library patrons in Chatfield stepped up in a big way when presented with a food challenge per week to secure enough for resources for the local backpack food program. Collecting 417 pounds of food and $545 in monetary donations, local leaders are calling the effort a success! “I think the challenges made people stop and […]

Lake Park/Audubon: Competing against schools double, triple and even ten times their size, Lake Park-Audubon High School whooped a cry of victory last week as they won Best Newscast during the 2017 Upper Midwest Regional Student Emmy Awards. Healthy local journalism is key to a vibrant community. Congratulations to these students for their quality work […]

On a recent afternoon, about 65 people from reservation communities in northeast Minnesota came together to celebrate the commencement of the 25th cohort to complete the Blandin Reservation Community Leadership Program. In recognition of this milestone number, a drum was invited to join the celebration and honor the graduates. BRCLP is more than just a […]

1)Willmar: Community optimism is soaring in Willmar as the town continues to see development, expansion and new construction. Full story at West Central Tribune  2) Redwood, Renville counties: Leaders from the Minnesota River Valley corridor gathered to develop a master plan to expand recreational opportunities in the area. Full story at West Central Tribune 3) […]

“For generations in the Redwood area, two very distinct world views have existed in the people who call it home.” — Troy Krause, Redwood Falls Gazette Last month, residents of the Lower Sioux and Redwood area communities came together to talk, listen and plan for a brighter future — one where collaboration and mutual respect […]

1. Hill City: for tapping local farmers to provide fresh food for school lunches. Full story at Aitkin Independent Age  2. Rushford: for creating a community Thanksgiving tradition, for those who may not otherwise celebrate, by providing good food and company. Full story at Tri-County Record 3. Chatfield: for city leaders’ collaborative efforts to restore a treasured fishing […]

1. Grand Rapids: for student coordination of a TEDx event that celebrated ways youth can and should be the leaders of today. “The theme of the day was ‘Today I Am…’ with the idea that students are always told to worry about the future and that they will be the ‘leaders of tomorrow,’ said Dale Christy. […]

1. Willmar: for a local coffeehouse’s use of a simple “I Love Willmar” pin to close community divides this political season. Available in English, Spanish, Somali and Karen, the pins have become a welcoming sign for all residents in the city. “We want to bring unity and love for Willmar,” Vicki Davis, co-owner of The Goodness coffeehouse, […]

1. Detroit Lakes: for local leaders standing up to welcome and engage each other for the strength of their community during a “Meet Your Muslim Neighbors” night earlier this month. Full story at Minnesota Public Radio.  2. Minnesota Region 5: for veterans collaborating across counties to secure funding for their most prominent needs, including: headstone repair, transportation for […]

1. Grand Rapids: for bringing teachers, forestry and mental health professionals together to explore how the relationship with nature can improve mental health in the community. “Studies show that nature puts up back in balance, motivates us and creates physical happiness,” said Paula Frings, Owner and CEO of Maven Perspectives, LLC. “This session will put a new spin on […]

1)Willmar: for the community’s swift support to build a playground designed by kids, for kids. “It is such a testament to the community,” said Sara Carlson, director of the Willmar Area Community Foundation. “It is a very caring and compassionate place and we want to see a vibrant community.” Full story at the West Central […]

1) Goodview: for their community-driven efforts to increase economic vitality by expanding and attracting new businesses. Read the full story here.  2) Red Lake Nation: for holding their first Intertribal Food Summit “which tribal leaders hope will spur the momentum of a movement among their people — a growing interest in returning to the food their ancestors grew, […]

Summertime in rural Minnesota is filled with family, friends, food and festivals. For kids, hot August afternoons are held on to tighter than ski ropes—for these are the waning moments before the school year. For hunters, the cool mornings point to waterfowl, upland birds and the ever-elusive whitetail. Teachers are sneaking back into their classrooms to […]

1.) Grand Rapids: As communities across the country grapple with how to address issues of mental health, Grand Rapids moves forward in its own quest. The Kiesler Wellness Center broke ground this week—right on schedule. The $4.4 million project will be an educational support center for community members and families seeking ways to access mental health […]

1.) Ely: Vibrancy on the Iron Range a half-century ago was as plentiful as dandelions in June. Mining was booming and small businesses were popping up in the form of Ma’ and Pa’ shops and single screen movie theaters. Today, as many rural communities in Minnesota are realizing Strong Towns assessment on the ills of “big box” economy, the […]

1.) Lawrence Lake: For many young families in rural Minnesota, summertime is all about lakes, road trips, barbecues and baseball. When the youth baseball program in Lawrence Lake Township (some say Bovey, but never to a Laker’s face…) lost its home field last year, they were left on a diamond-less island and traveling to whichever neighboring town could accommodate. […]

1.) Clinton: The 90 year-old “Inadvertent Cafe” is nestled in the small western Minnesota town of Clinton—population 450. Thanks to a fellowship with the Bush Foundation, Brent Olson was able to reopen the cafe four years ago. Olson spent 25 years raising pigs on family land and wrote on the side. After his father urged him to […]

1.) Comfrey, Gaylord, Sanborn: The concept of “Pay it Forward” is one many are familiar with. Wikipedia defines it as “an expression for describing the beneficiary of a good deed repaying it to others instead of to the original benefactor.” So when Fred Pitzner left $200,000 in his will for the Gaylord EMS crew—the ripples of […]

  1.) Kenyon: When it comes to small town vibrancy sometimes it’s the little things. Kenyon is a Southeastern Minnesota city with a total area of 2.3 square miles and 1800 residents. One of the most rewarding aspects about living small town rural is the tight-knit sense of togetherness that people have for one another. Nobody exemplifies this spirit more […]

1.) Staples: Telemedicine has growing possibilities as the expansion of broadband continues. This is especially true for rural areas and people who may have to travel many miles for certain medical attention. That’s why Lakewood Health System in Staples is hoping to continue their efforts funding telemedicine. Of course, this move requires high speed internet to […]

1.) Greenway: The end of the school year is a hectic time. Students are antsy. Teachers are exhausted. Summer break is calling. But in the midst of all this, the Greenway school district decided it was worthwhile to add another challenge—but in the form of health and wellness. “Greenway Grows!” is a school garden now entering […]

1.) Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe: An easy way to spot vibrancy in a community comes in the form of renewable energy. And that’s just what is coming to the people of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe. This will be the FIRST community solar installation on tribal lands in the entire COUNTRY and will surely become […]

1. Virginia: Birthplace of the organization known as “Iron Range Makerspace”, Virginia’s community college helped spring up an area asset. While the concept of a “makerspace” is a growing trend worldwide, Andrew Hanegmon is attempting to apply it locally. IRM is in the business of providing local entrepreneurs access to space, tools and community. What originally began as a senior project for […]

1. Remer: What do Bigfoot and rural education have in common? Well now they have just a little bit—thanks to Marc Ruyak. When the Remer school district failed to pass a referendum, Marc feared for the future of his small town. He saw a golden opportunity to attract tourists from all over, and it came in […]

1. Cross Lake: Two years ago Cross Lake residents came together to forge the path to their community’s future through the Boomtown Initiative. This year their boom will get a little boost as the Minnesota Design Team, “a professional organization that helps cities identify future direction by creating a visual perspective,” comes to town. The Minnesota Design Team […]

1) Bigfork: A vibrant community is one in which all people have opportunities to improve the quality of their lives. In Bigfork, Minnesota, one program is going the distance to ensure those who have trouble living on their own due to physical or mental disability still have the ability to participate in community life. Members of the Bigfork […]

1) Red Lake: Sometimes the best way to pass down cultural learning is not through books, lectures or conversation. Sometimes a little action is needed. That’s the case for students at St. Mary’s Mission School in Red Lake who are practicing sprinting, passing, catching as they learn traditional Native American games like lacrosse, longball and shinny. In […]

1) Pequot Lakes: A new app will put meaningful job opportunities at the fingertips of Pequot Lakes High School students. Bridges Workplace Connection, a nonprofit that links K-12, employers and local communities to prepare the next generation of students for the demands of regional employers, recently released the Jobs Train app, filled with job opportunities tailored to […]

1.Ada: Nothing like a little lutefisk to welcome a new leader into a community! After testing out a number of local customs (like ice fishing, combining, raising chickens), New Jersey transplant and new Ada City Administrator James Leiman is here to stay. He’s bringing a set of fresh leadership skills to the table that’s spurring vibrancy in […]

1) Le Sueur: Signs of a vibrant community are everywhere, but sometimes it takes a special leader to recognize and raise them up. In this week’s Le Sueur News-Herald, associate editor and Blandin Leadership alum Dana Melius talks about the importance of recognizing the connected nature of the past, present and future of a community. He […]

1) Chatfield: How many fifth graders do you know who strive to solve economic development challenges? My guess, probably very few. In Chatfield, though, two teams of fifth and sixth grade girls are turning an ear to their community to identify opportunities where an app could help. Through the Technovation program, these girls are tapping into […]

1) Blackduck: What better way to pump up students for the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment tests than a little whip and nae nae? If you are asking yourself what in the world that means, you probably don’t live with a teenager! Teachers and staff at Blackduck High School stared in their own music video parody of Watch […]

1) Backus: In an effort to bring education back to a small-town school building, four community members are starting up a thrift store to supplement tuition costs. With a dual purpose of helping area students attend a newly-formed Christian school and keeping more money local, 100 percent of Threads for Ed profit will go to the school. Read […]

1) Proctor: Resilience — it’s the cornerstone in many vibrant rural communities. For Proctor, Minnesota, it’s a way of life, according to a recent MinnPost story. Close to the big city of Duluth, Proctor does not fit the bill for your typical bedroom community. A vibrant main street, bustling businesses and a fully functioning school system illustrate […]

1) Crosby: Over the next three years, a third of Crosby-Ironton School District teachers are set to retire. During a time of low interest by new teachers in rural districts, school leadership knew they couldn’t sit idle. Instead, the district is meeting young teachers where they’re at through a new recruitment campaign. Personal outreach, a promotional video and brochure […]

1) Cherry: Even rugged northern Minnesotans might not have the necessary skills and knowledge to survive natural disasters like an avalanche or tornado. That’s something a class of ninth graders from Cherry School wants to change. Working on real-world issues, student teams are using technology, science, engineering and math to create new solutions to age-old problems — solutions […]

1) Virginia: Members of the Virginia boy’s high school hockey team are taking time out of practicing power plays to try their hand at power ballads. In support of the No More Campaign, an effort to stop domestic violence, the team will make several lip syncing videos to call more attention to domestic violence across the country. Videos […]

1) Chisago Lakes Area: What does it take to be the best community in America? A commitment to change, a strong community identity, a progressive economic development plan, and a clear vision for the future, according to the America’s Best Communities contest. This week the Chisago Lakes Area advanced to the semi-finalist round with 14 other […]

1) Austin: As the first snow touches down in many places throughout Minnesota, community leaders in Austin are already looking to the summer. Last week, a local committee gathered to start planning for the annual flowerbasket fundraising drive to raise $20,000 to bring 240 flower baskets to town. “It’s one of the first things people notice when […]

1) Crow Wing County: Today, sing the song of an unsung hero. That’s what Crow Wing County Administrator Timothy Houle did on Rural Reality MN radio this week when talking about public workers’ response to the destructive storms that torn through Brainerd earlier this summer. In the interview, he said (paraphrasing): I hope that today […]

1. Bemidji: Now not only “the first city on the Mississippi,” but also, unofficially dubbed, “the emerging start-up city of Minnesota,” Bemidji has reason to celebrate — four reasons to be exact. From the Bemidji Pioneer, “A recent ranking of America’s fastest-growing companies included four from Bemidji.” The north-central Minnesota community has created an entrepreneurial […]

1. Grand Rapids: Who knew checking out a fishing pole at your hometown library could be considered “cutting edge?” That’s what the Grand Rapids Public Library was recognized for in a recent New York Times article that talked about how libraries are moving towards new and innovative ways to connect with the community they serve. From […]

1. White Earth: “I traveled the world through books,” said White Earth Tribal Chairwoman Erma Vizenor in a recent Detroit Lakes online article. Opening up the world to all White Earth children is exactly what happened last month when the community celebrated the grand opening of Maamigin Achigaazo (which translates to “The Gathering Place” in Ojibwe). […]

Every week we have the privilege of sharing vibrant stories from rural Minnesota communities — stories of community resilience, of local leadership. Left untold, these stories would fade, like the memories of those who created them. Fortunately, that’s not the case. All around Minnesota, our small town newspapers are capturing the stories that propel our […]

1. Red Lake Nation: The people of Red Lake Nation will celebrate the grand opening of the Red Lake Nation College and Red Lake Capitol this week. A symbol of culture, strength and perseverance, the twin buildings stand 48 feet high and were built in the shape of Migiziwag (bald eagles). Read the full story at Indian […]

This week, people in communities across rural Minnesota gathered together with their neighbors to celebrate National Night Out or, in some communities, Night to Unite. The purpose of both events is to strengthen community spirit and connections between residents and law enforcement. More than anything, it’s a vibrant opportunity for rural residents to reconnect and welcome […]

1. Skunk Hallow: MinnPost writer Ron Meador features one of rural’s greatest assets in his latest Earth Journal post — its people! Meador recounts his experience working with neighbors to take down a fallen tree in his driveway. “Were I still living in southwest Minneapolis…I could walk to the store, bike or bus to work, until somebody […]

Albert Lea: Water plays a huge role in Minnesota summers. From diving into a clear blue lake to launching a wiggly water balloon, kids relish in a variety of aqua activities. This summer, more than 75 students from Austin, Albert Lea, Southland, Lyle and Hayfield are getting their feet wet in a new way. Attending […]

Renville & Sibley Counties: More than 1,600 homes and businesses in Sibley, Renville, Nicollet, and McLeod counties can look forward to accessing high-speed Internet by the end of the year. On Wednesday, RS Fiber Cooperative broke ground on its fiber option broadband initiative. Full story at Bring Me The News Two Harbors: It’s not just successful projects […]

To lift up local community leadership in rural Minnesota, every Friday Blandin Foundation will post the Top 3 Vibrant Communities based on timely news coverage and reader submissions. Emmaville: Who says a centennial celebration has to stop after one year? After having held successful jubilees the year prior, residents of Emmaville decided that another “biggest little parade in the […]

To lift up local community leadership in rural Minnesota, every Friday Blandin Foundation will post the Top 3 Vibrant Communities based on timely news coverage and reader submissions. Bigfork: In rural communities, personal safety is oftentimes cited as a key benefit, but it is also something that can be taken for granted. So when the […]

To lift up local community leadership in rural Minnesota, every Friday Blandin Foundation will post the Top 3 Vibrant Communities based on timely news coverage and reader submissions. This week, we’re highlighting a few rural regions in the state. Northwestern Minnesota: Working with your hands – whether in the soil or in a factory – […]

To lift up local community leadership in rural Minnesota, every Friday Blandin Foundation will post the Top 3 Vibrant Communities based on timely news coverage and reader submissions. Grand Rapids: Come roll with us! The Itasca area community is rallying together to roll this weekend at MyrnaLee Mania. At the event, local residents are gunning […]

To lift up local community leadership in rural Minnesota, every Friday Blandin Foundation will post the Top 3 Vibrant Communities based on timely news coverage and reader submissions. Cuyuna Lakes: In a presentation to the Aitkin Chamber of Commerce, two members from Cuyuna Lakes Trails Association provided a historical overview of community work around the […]

To lift up local community leadership in rural Minnesota, every Friday Blandin Foundation will post the Top 3 Vibrant Communities based on timely news coverage and reader submissions. Gaylord: Minnesota could be getting a new medical school thanks to a chance encounter while looking for broadband funding.”There are a lot of things Gaylord has done […]

Winona: Winona’s Project FINE recently held their first .Com initiative Northfield: Sharing is the secret to quality of life in Northfield, says Candy Taylor, Director of Community Engagement at Northfield SHARES. Last year at this time, Northfield was celebrating the coming together of 5th Bridge, a volunteer organization, with the Northfield Area Foundation. One year […]

To lift up local community leadership in rural Minnesota, every Friday Blandin Foundation will post the Top 3 Vibrant Communities based on timely news coverage and reader submissions. If you have a vibrant story to share, email ammcinerney@blandinfoundation.org. Crookston: It’s 1981 – Charles and Diana marry, the original 5150 IBM PC launches, Raiders of the […]

To lift up local community leadership in rural Minnesota, every Friday Blandin Foundation will post the Top 3 Vibrant Communities based on timely news coverage and reader submissions. If you have a vibrant story to share, email ammcinerney@blandinfoundation.org. Bemidji: This Saturday, the City of Bemidji, the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwa, Red Lake Band of […]

To lift up local community leadership in rural Minnesota, every Friday Blandin Foundation will post the Top 3 Vibrant Communities based on timely news coverage and reader submissions. If you have a vibrant story to share, email ammcinerney@blandinfoundation.org. Northfield: “The City of Northfield has joined the ranks of many Minnesota cities that seek to find […]

To lift up local community leadership in rural Minnesota, every Friday Blandin Foundation will post the Top 3 Vibrant Communities based on timely news coverage and reader submissions. If you have a vibrant story to share, email ammcinerney@blandinfoundation.org. Thief River Falls: Three students from Lincoln High School (LHS) are gaining workplace experience, getting paid and earning […]

To lift up local community leadership in rural Minnesota, every Friday Blandin Foundation will post the Top 3 Vibrant Communities based on timely news coverage and reader submissions. If you have a vibrant story to share, email ammcinerney@blandinfoundation.org. Morris: Held in Morris, MN, the Rural Arts and Culture Summit opened up for registration last week […]

To lift up local community leadership in rural Minnesota, every Friday Blandin Foundation will post the Top 3 Vibrant Communities in rural Minnesota based on timely news coverage and reader submissions. If you have a vibrant story to share, email ammcinerney@blandinfoundation.org. Lanesboro: Economic development and education are trying to work hand-in-hand in Lanesboro to recruit […]

To lift up local community leadership in rural Minnesota, every Friday Blandin Foundation will post the Top 3 Vibrant Communities based on timely news coverage and reader submissions. If you have a vibrant story to share, email ammcinerney@blandinfoundation.org. Trout Lake Township Strong community leadership met opportunity this week as Trout Lake Township announced the activation […]

To lift up local community leadership in rural Minnesota, every Friday Blandin Foundation will post the Top 3 Vibrant Communities based on timely news coverage and reader submissions. If you have a vibrant story to share, email ammcinerney@blandinfoundation.org. Willmar community leaders gathered this week to celebrate the graduation of the Blandin Community Leadership Program 2014 […]

It’s 2015 – a new year full of possibility and hope for our work together in building vibrant rural communities! It’s amazing to look back on the things we’ve done together in 2014. Together we’ve trained rural leaders, increased Internet use in families, schools and businesses across rural Minnesota and we’ve worked on projects that […]