Marguerite Hinrichs, on left, is the executive director of the Coleman Center for the Arts in York, Alabama. (Photos by Rock Solid Photography) This is your first of three free stories this month.

(The Center Square) – Rural activists from over a dozen small communities were recently challenged by Deb Brown, author of “Save Your Small Town,” who gave her advice bluntly: “Kill your committees.

RIDGELY — The Town of Ridgely is focused on expanding its economic portfolio in 2026. As 2025 came to a close, town officials ...

AYER — The town recently welcomed Rachel “Ray” Friedlander as the town’s economic development director, bringing extensive experience in many areas, including operations management, strategic planning ...

SOUTHWICK — Six months after the town’s chief executive officer implored the Select Board to hire a town planner and economic development director, on Monday the board appointed Alvin Allen, who has ...