Josh Schroeder has spent nearly two decades finding ways to give back to his community of Barnesville. From serving on the city’s planning and zoning committee and his church council to volunteering with professional organizations, he’s always valued being involved. But when Josh began considering a run for public office, he wasn’t sure which position…
By Rebecca Lynn Petersen, Director of Development and Philanthropic Services, and Charlotte’s Friend Charlotte Moline once told me she didn’t learn how to swim very well as a child. As an adult, she didn’t want her husband or two sons to be embarrassed because she wasn’t a very good swimmer or diver. So, what did Charlotte…
Growing up, Cody Kurowski learned about food production by helping his neighbors on their farms, but farming was never his full-time job. That began to change after he moved to Glenwood in the fall of 2020. When an acre and a half of land next to his home came up for sale, Cody bought it…
John grew up in Arlington, Minnesota, and Kari grew up in Staples, Minnesota. Their paths crossed while they were teaching and coaching at West Central Area Schools (WCA) in Elbow Lake. Their love story started with a memorable proposal. John invited Kari’s first-grade students to flip over cards that spelled out “Will You Marry Me.” Even with a…
Freshly painted parking lot lines and clean concrete might seem like finishing touches, but for Sureline Surface Solutions, they’re an important part of creating safer, more welcoming places to live, work, and visit. Based in Alexandria, Sureline Surface Solutions specializes in ADA-compliant parking lot striping and residential and commercial pressure washing. The company works with…
Civic engagement goes far beyond simply casting your ballot in elections. Civic participation extends to joining local conversations, seeking to understand how your city operates, and stepping up to make a difference. It can include attending a public meeting, serving on a local board, or simply staying informed about city developments. The City of Moorhead recognizes the importance of fostering an engaged civic community, and it’s on a mission to inspire residents…
Getting on a bike is one of the best ways to experience west central Minnesota. Whether you’re cruising through town, exploring local trails, or heading to a nearby state park, biking offers a fun and healthy way to see your community from a new perspective. But what if you don’t own a bike—or don’t have room to store one? That’s where community bike…
West Central Initiative awarded $600,000 in grants to 72 organizations across the region. This year marked both the largest number of organizations funded in West Central Initiative’s 40-year grantmaking history and the highest number of grant applications ever received. Grants support organizations advancing civic engagement, environmental sustainability, social change, and cross-sector community initiatives across the…
Community leaders are advancing long-term solutions to child-care challenges through the Early Care Foundation of Pope County, a Component Fund of West Central Initiative. The fund is focused on strengthening early care and learning opportunities while supporting providers and families across the county. Local partners spent years working together to address a growing shortage of child care. A community-led…
When Emily McCune moved to Fergus Falls 15 years ago from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, she didn’t expect it to become home. But something about the community stayed with her. “I was 29 when I moved here, and it was the first time I ever really fell in love with a community,” she said. “I didn’t think I would…
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