Detroit Lakes has its day

IMG_1508, originally uploaded by West Central Initiative.

Detroit Lakes is one of five Minnesota communities enjoying time in the spotlight as an official Capital for a Day as part of a week of events celebrating Minnesota's Sesquicentennial, May 11-18. On May 14, state officials, dignitaries and media flocked to the city for tours, forums, exhibits, presentations and more. Here, Mayor Larry Buboltz is interviewed by the local Fox station affiliate.

Counting their blessings

Small Blessings Childcare and Preschool in Detroit Lakes celebrated its first anniversary with a picnic and open house Tuesday, June 5.

It was a beautiful evening to be outside. The sun was warm, the breeze soft, the kids happy and the parents relaxed and thankful that their young children had such a great nurturing place to be while they were at work.

Small Blessings started as an idea by Detroit Lakes United Methodist Church to reach out to the community. They researched the possibility and found that there was indeed a pressing need in the area. The church provided space in the building and the leadership to begin the venture. West Central Initiative helped out by awarding the center a Childcare Capacity Grant.

One mom described how she called 28 different childcare providers to find a place for her young son. "How are people with small children supposed to work if there is no childcare?" she said. Small Blessings truly became a blessing for her and her husband.

After one year, the board and staff of Small Blessings are counting their own blessings. And they're already pondering the possibility of expanding the center as its waiting list continues to grow.