New Feature: News From our Across the State

Clark County Forms New Regional Group

County commissioners in Clark County have decided to invest in themselves and create the newly formed Clark County Economic Development (CCED) group. CCED is funded jointly with the City of Clark, and the regional group will encompass all the communities of Clark County.

The cities of Clark and Willow Lake have existing economic development organizations that they will keep intact, but CCED will hire an executive director and form a board. The board will consist of members from several communities, including two from Willow Lake. School officials, county officials and business leaders will make up the board, with additional individuals acting as advisers and/or non-voting committee members. 

Wall Welcomes High Schoolers to Board

In a continuing effort to engage the community’s youth, the Wall Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) has required in its bylaws that two high school students serve on its board of directors. The students – one junior and one senior – share one vote.

In September, WEDC’s executive director, Liliya Stone, reached out Wall High School’s junior class and invited them to apply. Interested students completed and application outlining why they would like to serve on the board, then the WEDO board of directors reviewed applications and chose the students.

The community says the requirement has empowered youth to be part of the community, and provides insight as to the priorities of the community’s younger generation. 

New Dairy Operation in Region Spurs New Centerville Restaurant

When new projects happen in a region, it can spur growth in nearby communities. Take Centerville, for example. When Dakota Plains Dairy set up operations near the community, it acted as a catalyst for Maria’s Mexican Restaurant to open.

The Centerville Development Corporation (CDC), along with other interested members of the community, worked with the with the business. The CDC purchased a vacant commercial building leased it to the business on contract for deed. Maria’s Mexican Restaurant opened in 2017 and has been quite successful.

Not only did the move help create business, but the city was able to fill a vacant building, added to the community’s dining options, and boosted sales tax for the city – all of which may have not happened with the regional development of the dairy.