For the last 20 years, one small New Jersey town nestled along the bank of the Delaware River spends an entire weekend preparing for something you’d pull out of an adventure book – an all-out Viking invasion.

Hundreds of locals line the water’s edge as the river’s current guides hordes of homemade boats, each packed full of shouting passengers covered in face paint and body armor, toward civilization. And slowly, before they reach their destination -- the boats begin to sink.

All of them, one by one. It’s inevitable.

Ever since moving pictures began, Main Street U.S.A.’s neon-lighted movie theaters have provided a beloved escape for small town residents.

As Rosebud County’s only theater, the Roxy has been a cultural mainstay ever since it replaced Forsyth’s old silent film theater back in 1930.

Owner Michael Blakesley’s history with the Roxy doesn’t go back quite that far; he started working as a projectionist there in 1975 and bought the theater with his brother-in-law four years later. He became the sole owner in 1992 after his brother-in-law moved to Havre. 

Little did lifelong animal lover Stephanie Smotherman know her affinity for critters would lead to a barnyard full of animals and a thriving small business in the rural eastern community of Jordan. 

Named for daughters Brook and Belle, BB Farms and Soap Company produces “Made in Montana” lotions, soaps, and lip balms using goat’s milk.

Alternus Energy Americas Inc. (Alternus) is applying for financial assistance from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)-Rural Utilities Service (RUS) for the development of a solar farm located in Loudon, Loudon County, Tennessee. 

Environmental Assessment

In May 2022, Tim and CJ Wyman thought all might be lost when the Yellowstone River crested its banks, flooding their modest Fromberg neighborhood. 

This 100-year flood event wreaked havoc up and down their quiet street, and if not for a grant from USDA, they might have had to abandon their home of more than 15 years.

“We saw cars, trailers, and cattle sheds floating in the river, and I felt bad for the farmers and ranchers because it tore down fences and their cattle were everywhere,” said Tim.

Spend time with anyone involved in economic development in rural Kentucky, and you’ll hear different ideas about what will bring meaningful prosperity to the region. Some hang their hat on recreation activities like motorsports and responsible use of natural resources (activities like hiking, biking, camping, hunting, and fishing). Others point to traditional manufacturing and industry as the solution. One idea that’s gaining more and more traction revolves around the so-called digital economy and tech-based jobs.

As warmer temperatures approach, bicyclists are making plans to hit the roads and trails to enjoy the great outdoors. For residents living around Madison, winter is their time to bring in bikes for tune-ups so they aren’t losing valuable riding time in the summer. Thanks to Berry Fast Bicycles service, just like summer, is just around the corner.

On a small, abandoned generational ranch along the banks of the Yellowstone River just outside Big Timber, ranchers Heidi and Gary Todd ring the dinner bell, calling their cattle herd to a feast of hay protein snacks.

Starting with six cows in 2007 and building the herd slowly, Todd Family Meats started as a business in 2020. Heidi and Gary are proud of their first- generation, calving to processing ranch operation that produces pasture raised, grass fed, grain finished beef and lamb products.

Tucked away off the main throughfare in Washington, North Carolina, The Pamlico Rose Institute, with the assistance of USDA Rural Development, is helping female Veterans by promoting wellness and building resilience through their various programs, activities and events.

With $113 thousand in Community Facilities Grants, RD assisted PRI to renovate The Barn.