story wire

Across rural America, people are working hard, solving problems, and building the future of their communities — even when national conversations overlook them. At Resource Rural, we partner with local leaders and organizations to help share these stories and show how public and private investment is making a real difference. We’d love to work with reporters and fellow organizations to help these stories travel even further, so if you’re interested in cross-promoting or collaborating, please reach out. Here are a few stories from across rural America:

GA
‘I’ve never been so happy in my life:’ GA woman finds federal grant for home improvements
‘I’ve never been so happy in my life:’ GA woman finds federal grant for home improvements
AK
Alaska brewers turn beer into animal feed
Alaska brewers turn beer into animal feed
MT
Amazing fishing, unsafe sewage
Amazing fishing, unsafe sewage
MN
An idea between friends brings meat processing to rural Minnesota
An idea between friends brings meat processing to rural Minnesota
KY
An investment in solar is having a ripple effect of savings for homeowners
An investment in solar is having a ripple effect of savings for homeowners
KY
Animal shelter finds the purr-fect solution to cutting costs
Animal shelter finds the purr-fect solution to cutting costs
MN
Architectural designer plans for solar and business expansion in Winsted
Architectural designer plans for solar and business expansion in Winsted
AZ
Arizona farmer creates jobs by reviving meat processing in small mining town
Arizona farmer creates jobs by reviving meat processing in small mining town
AZ
Arizona laundromat offers free haircuts, meals to those in need
Arizona laundromat offers free haircuts, meals to those in need
AZ
Arizona mining town revives aging homes with federal funding
Arizona mining town revives aging homes with federal funding
AZ
Arizona Western College training new workers for green jobs
Arizona Western College training new workers for green jobs
AR
Arkansas farmers left in the lurch
Arkansas farmers left in the lurch
OR
Army Corps of Engineers is working to revitalize the Port of Garibaldi
Army Corps of Engineers is working to revitalize the Port of Garibaldi
ME
‘Happy animals’ sheep operation goes solar in Maine
‘Happy animals’ sheep operation goes solar in Maine
AR
Better water, bigger flock AR farmer expands sheep operation
Better water, bigger flock AR farmer expands sheep operation
NM
Bringing fresh, healthy food to Zuni Pueblo
Bringing fresh, healthy food to Zuni Pueblo
NC
Broadband boosts administrative and agricultural efficiency in Warren County NC
Broadband boosts administrative and agricultural efficiency in Warren County NC
WI
Broadband is a ‘human right,’ says Wisconsin advocate
Broadband is a ‘human right,’ says Wisconsin advocate
NV
Closely connected Nevada community wants power it can count on
Closely connected Nevada community wants power it can count on
AZ
Cocopah Indian Tribe turns convention and entertainment center into solar-powered revenue generator
Cocopah Indian Tribe turns convention and entertainment center into solar-powered revenue generator
AZ
Colorado City opens first health clinic in 10 years with federal grant
Colorado City opens first health clinic in 10 years with federal grant
OR
Connecting Huntington with the world
Connecting Huntington with the world
AR
Conservation programs open doors to more efficient farming
Conservation programs open doors to more efficient farming
PA
Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship facilitated a career change
Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship facilitated a career change
WI
Evolution and diversification: business lessons on a Wisconsin farm and flour mill
Evolution and diversification: business lessons on a Wisconsin farm and flour mill
WI
Farmer cultivates community and legacy through food
Farmer cultivates community and legacy through food
UT
Farming for the long haul In southern Utah
Farming for the long haul In southern Utah
AZ
Federal funds keep Northern Arizona connected
Federal funds keep Northern Arizona connected
WI
Feed My People, with local food
Feed My People, with local food
AZ
Flood mitigation using federal funds reduces risk in rural AZ
Flood mitigation using federal funds reduces risk in rural AZ
MO
Flood recovery through local resilience
Flood recovery through local resilience
WI
Food as precious as gems at Live Jewelry farm
Food as precious as gems at Live Jewelry farm
NC
Free Union aims to diversify renewable energy and food supply chains
Free Union aims to diversify renewable energy and food supply chains
MN
From cows to kilowatts: Minnesota farmer goes solar
From cows to kilowatts: Minnesota farmer goes solar
AZ
Funding cuts stop food system growth in San Carlos Apache
Funding cuts stop food system growth in San Carlos Apache
GA
GA woman dives deep to fight flooding
GA woman dives deep to fight flooding
GA
Georgia Co-Op Explores Job Creation With Federal Planning Grant
Georgia Co-Op Explores Job Creation With Federal Planning Grant
GA
Georgia couple transforms affordable housing for rural hometown
Georgia couple transforms affordable housing for rural hometown
MI
Getting costs down and solar up in the Upper Peninsula
Getting costs down and solar up in the Upper Peninsula
AZ
Healthcare heroes reach more rural patients with new telemedicine program
Healthcare heroes reach more rural patients with new telemedicine program
AK
Heat recovery from power generation warms Yakutat school for free
Heat recovery from power generation warms Yakutat school for free
WI
High school Green Team has big impact
High school Green Team has big impact
AZ
Hopi Tribe uses federal grant to power emergency services 24/7
Hopi Tribe uses federal grant to power emergency services 24/7
IL
Illinois couple transforms farm to improve ecosystem and help with food scarcity
Illinois couple transforms farm to improve ecosystem and help with food scarcity
IL
Illinois farmer cultivates roots and cultural ties through federal grant
Illinois farmer cultivates roots and cultural ties through federal grant
NC
In Rural North Carolina, bipartisan cooperation secured funding for a vital bridge upgrade
In Rural North Carolina, bipartisan cooperation secured funding for a vital bridge upgrade
NC
In rural North Carolina, improving transportation boosts connectivity
In rural North Carolina, improving transportation boosts connectivity
AZ
Inflation Reduction Act expands program to help producers cut costs
Inflation Reduction Act expands program to help producers cut costs
IA
Iowa farmer uses federal programs to revitalize his farm
Iowa farmer uses federal programs to revitalize his farm
IA
Iowa meat processing facility uses grant funding to expand capacity, meet demand
Iowa meat processing facility uses grant funding to expand capacity, meet demand
MN
Iron Range berry grower earns big savings by going solar
Iron Range berry grower earns big savings by going solar
AK
Kotlik’s path to energy sovereignty through local leadership
Kotlik’s path to energy sovereignty through local leadership
KY
KY school district offsets rising electricity costs with solar installation
KY school district offsets rising electricity costs with solar installation
WV
Lifeline Church’s solar panel project helps local community
Lifeline Church’s solar panel project helps local community
AZ
Loss of federal program stifles agricultural progress on Navajo nation
Loss of federal program stifles agricultural progress on Navajo nation
WV
Meadow River Valley is poised to grow
Meadow River Valley is poised to grow
MN
Medicine Creek Farm thrives with Conservation Stewardship Program
Medicine Creek Farm thrives with Conservation Stewardship Program
MN
Meet a Minnesota bison rancher who used a Regional Food Business Center
Meet a Minnesota bison rancher who used a Regional Food Business Center
WV
Meet Gabe Grant with New Force WV
Meet Gabe Grant with New Force WV
WV
Millions in federal funding create West Virginia jobs
Millions in federal funding create West Virginia jobs
MN
Minnesota farmer’s dairy venture gains momentum and expands local market
Minnesota farmer’s dairy venture gains momentum and expands local market
MN
Minnesota First Nation harvests manoomin and new opportunities
Minnesota First Nation harvests manoomin and new opportunities
MN
Minnesota seed company reaps big energy savings
Minnesota seed company reaps big energy savings
MT
Montana rancher cuts costs, helps bottom line by making energy from the sun
Montana rancher cuts costs, helps bottom line by making energy from the sun
NC
North Carolina town utilizes federal funds to manage PFAS contamination
North Carolina town utilizes federal funds to manage PFAS contamination
AL
Opelika grocer serves up fresh food with dignity
Opelika grocer serves up fresh food with dignity
OR
Oregon farmers future-proof their farm, find cost savings in REAP
Oregon farmers future-proof their farm, find cost savings in REAP
WA
Pacific Northwest farmers reel in profits with Salmon-Safe certification
Pacific Northwest farmers reel in profits with Salmon-Safe certification
WV
Pastor JB Hurt uses solar as a tool for community reinvestment
Pastor JB Hurt uses solar as a tool for community reinvestment
MI
People-powered effort lands federal funding to bring high-speed internet to Michigan’s rural Upper Peninsula
People-powered effort lands federal funding to bring high-speed internet to Michigan’s rural Upper Peninsula
PA
Produce supplier saves millions and secures America’s food chain
Produce supplier saves millions and secures America’s food chain
WV
Program creates jobs for West Virginians to stay in their communities
Program creates jobs for West Virginians to stay in their communities
WV
Puckett paints his vision for a healthy community
Puckett paints his vision for a healthy community
PA
Retired teachers turned innkeepers lead the charge in sustainable tourism
Retired teachers turned innkeepers lead the charge in sustainable tourism
AK
Rural AK school district uses energy prize to save on costs
Rural AK school district uses energy prize to save on costs
AZ
Rural AZ county to replace critical bridge with federal grant money
Rural AZ county to replace critical bridge with federal grant money
AZ
Rural AZ school reinvests savings from EV to improve campus safety
Rural AZ school reinvests savings from EV to improve campus safety
IA
Rural church in Decorah becomes an energy pioneer
Rural church in Decorah becomes an energy pioneer
IN
Rural farm powers grain elevator with solar
Rural farm powers grain elevator with solar
ID
Rural ID school district uses grant funding to create better learning environments
Rural ID school district uses grant funding to create better learning environments
IN
Rural Indiana farmer spurs savings through solar
Rural Indiana farmer spurs savings through solar
KY
Rural KY health director leverages solar tax credits to expand programming
Rural KY health director leverages solar tax credits to expand programming
MI
Rural manufacturer expands competitive capacity with renewable energy grant
Rural manufacturer expands competitive capacity with renewable energy grant
MN
Rural MN couple uses grant funding to restore over one hundred wooded acres
Rural MN couple uses grant funding to restore over one hundred wooded acres
NY
Rural NY schools stack funding to cut costs and transform district
Rural NY schools stack funding to cut costs and transform district
OR
Rural OR school uses federal grant to pursue long-overdue upgrades
Rural OR school uses federal grant to pursue long-overdue upgrades
IN
Rural PD purchases electric truck with federal grant money
Rural PD purchases electric truck with federal grant money
AZ
Rural school district uses federal funds to strengthen community
Rural school district uses federal funds to strengthen community
VA
Rural VA communities plan environmental resiliency projects with EPA funding
Rural VA communities plan environmental resiliency projects with EPA funding
WV
Rural West Virginia library system is saving millions with Solar
Rural West Virginia library system is saving millions with Solar
WI
Rural Wisconsin co-op connects low-income community with organic vegetables
Rural Wisconsin co-op connects low-income community with organic vegetables
KY
Savings from solar installations will benefit the community KY grocer serves
Savings from solar installations will benefit the community KY grocer serves
IL
Serving local food to local families in need
Serving local food to local families in need
WI
Seven Seeds Farm sees an organic future in the Driftless Area
Seven Seeds Farm sees an organic future in the Driftless Area
PA
Small PA school district rolls out electric bus fleet with EPA grant funding
Small PA school district rolls out electric bus fleet with EPA grant funding
WI
Solar co-op builds community benefits in Hallie
Solar co-op builds community benefits in Hallie
KY
Solar energy cuts costs for Kentucky grocery and customers
Solar energy cuts costs for Kentucky grocery and customers
KY
Solar power boosts savings and affordable housing stock
Solar power boosts savings and affordable housing stock
ID
Solar power grows crops and produces savings in Treasure Valley
Solar power grows crops and produces savings in Treasure Valley
KS
Solar project teaches kids they can ‘change their corner of the world’
Solar project teaches kids they can ‘change their corner of the world’
AZ
Solar provider uses $5 million grant to electrify Navajo homes
Solar provider uses $5 million grant to electrify Navajo homes
WV
Solar trainee Chad Porter: “West Virginia is the greatest place on Earth”
Solar trainee Chad Porter: “West Virginia is the greatest place on Earth”
AR
Soul food nourishes hungry kids in Arkansas Delta
Soul food nourishes hungry kids in Arkansas Delta
AZ
Southern Arizona seniors make closer friends through federal grant
Southern Arizona seniors make closer friends through federal grant
MI
Spanish-language apprenticeship brings opportunities to dairy workers
Spanish-language apprenticeship brings opportunities to dairy workers
WI
Stoney Acres farmer bakes savings into pizza pies with solar
Stoney Acres farmer bakes savings into pizza pies with solar
SE
Stories of resilience from coastal Mississippi and Alabama
Stories of resilience from coastal Mississippi and Alabama
MN
Sue Chase’s lifelong commitment to Cass Lake-Bena schools leads to new improvements
Sue Chase’s lifelong commitment to Cass Lake-Bena schools leads to new improvements
AK
Telling hard stories to build stronger communities
Telling hard stories to build stronger communities
WI
The Neighborhood Slush became Cassville’s coolest hangout spot
The Neighborhood Slush became Cassville’s coolest hangout spot
IA
The story of one Iowa farmer’s return to her roots
The story of one Iowa farmer’s return to her roots
WI
The true value of managed grazing
The true value of managed grazing
AZ
This rural Arizona inn found a way to save $10,000 a year on energy bills
This rural Arizona inn found a way to save $10,000 a year on energy bills
AZ
Tight-knit border community makes homeownership possible for its neighbors
Tight-knit border community makes homeownership possible for its neighbors
WV
Transformative solar workforce program comes to West Virginia
Transformative solar workforce program comes to West Virginia
WI
Tribal farmer supplies nutritious food for elders
Tribal farmer supplies nutritious food for elders
MN
Tribal microgrid project in rural MN leverages direct pay
Tribal microgrid project in rural MN leverages direct pay
IA
Wendy Johnson’s journey back to Iowa’s fields
Wendy Johnson’s journey back to Iowa’s fields
WI
Wisconsin meat locker brings new jobs and new savings
Wisconsin meat locker brings new jobs and new savings
KY
Women’s recovery center in eastern Kentucky powered by solar
Women’s recovery center in eastern Kentucky powered by solar

SUBMIT A STORY

Do you have a story to tell about how you — or someone you know — worked to bring funding and resources to your town, business, or farm? We’d love to work with you to ensure your story is told: in your own voice and language. Our team of freelance writers, photographers, and videographers is ready to work with you.

You can submit a story suggestion here.