Come Home to Thief River Falls
On this page, we feature stories of the people who call this place home, people who are starting a business, building a career, or raising a family.
We invite you to learn about the community through their stories!
Affordable Homeownership Opportunity
Affordable homeownership could be within reach in Thief River Falls. A newly remodeled three-bedroom home at 611 Evergreen Street is listed at $175,000, with up to $50,000 in income-based assistance available through North Star Neighbors. Learn how its Community Land Trust helps eligible buyers build equity while preserving lasting affordability.
Theater Solo: An Evening of Laughter, Connection, and Community
No plus-one? No problem! TRFACT and Advance Thief River introduce Theater Solo on November 19, a special evening combining live comedy, a pre-show social, reserved seating, and new connections. For $20, enjoy a fun night out while meeting fellow theatergoers and celebrating local talent in Thief River Falls.
United For Our Community
JC Castillon of Genesis Lawn and Snow and Sam Lemky of Falls Pressure Washing return to TREK November 3 to share United for Our Community. Learn how these local entrepreneurs are teaming up to support a different nonprofit each month, giving back and inspiring others to strengthen the community together.
Child Care Grants Available
Advance Thief River is pleased to announce a new funding opportunity for licensed family child care providers in Pennington County and within the boundaries of ISD 564. A total of $12,500 in grant funding is available, with individual awards anticipated to average $1,250. The maximum grant amount per provider is $2,500.
Looking Back on Welcoming Week and Building a Local Culture of Welcoming
Welcoming Week brought Thief River Falls residents together for concerts, tours, storytelling, and other community events. Organizations hosted activities that connected newcomers and longtime residents, highlighting the role everyone plays in building belonging and supporting workforce recruitment and retention throughout Pennington County. The celebration emphasized welcoming as a shared responsibility.
Child Care Business Health Matters to Thief River Falls’ Economy
New findings from First Children’s Finance highlight the importance of child care business health and the implications for local economies. Learn why sustainable child care matters to Thief River Falls families, employers, and workforce growth—and how understanding providers’ challenges can help guide community partnerships and support lasting local economic vitality.
Manufacturers’ Breakfast Scheduled for October 27
Celebrate our area manufacturers at the free Manufacturers’ Breakfast October 29 at DigiKey from 8:30–10:00 a.m. Hear Neil Linscheid discuss attracting and retaining residents in “A Place to Come. A Reason to Stay.” Tours follow breakfast. Registration is highly encouraged to expedite check-in. Join us in appreciating manufacturing’s vital economic contributions.
Building a Business Through His Lens
Join TREK October 6 to hear Chad Donarski, owner of Impact Photography. Discover how he’s building a business through his lens, emphasizing quality, creativity, and client relationships. Connect with entrepreneurs and fellow community members from 8:30–9:30 a.m. at 102 Main Ave N in Thief River Falls. People interested in business or entrepreneurship are encourage to attend.
Welcoming Week Brings Community Together September 12-19
Celebrate Welcoming Week in Thief River Falls September 12–19, 2026. Enjoy live music, local shopping, a historic walking tour, community open houses, and behind-the-scenes tours of Arctic Cat, DigiKey, and Northland Community & Technical College. Everyone is invited to connect, explore, and discover what makes our community feel like home.
Nonprofit Training Event September 10
Join other area nonprofit staff and board members for this free nonprofit training event hosted by the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits. This free Minnesota Council of Nonprofits nonprofit training event features practical board governance training, insights on the state of the nonprofit sector, networking, conversation and a meal. Nonprofit staff, board members and volunteers are welcome.
Advance Thief River to Receive National Impact Award
Advance Thief River and NWRDC have been selected to recieve a national impact award for their Thrive in Thief River project. The two organizations teamed with University of Minnesota Extension, Department of Community Development and EAPC Architects to develop Thrive...
From Public Service to Entrepreneurship
Join us for TREK on September 1 from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. in Thief River Falls, featuring local entrepreneur Brady Meunier. Hear how Brady transitioned from a 10-year career in law enforcement to co-owning Northstars Construction, Northstars Properties and Energy on Main. Learn about his journey into entrepreneurship, the realities of business ownership, and the importance of flexibility, family, hard work and community involvement. TREK is free and open to everyone.
Welcoming Week September 12-19
Celebrate Welcoming Week in Thief River Falls, Sept. 12–19. Join us for a week of celebrating the people, cultures, and connections that make the Thief River Falls area a welcoming place to live, work, and call home. Whether you’ve lived here your whole life, or just arrived, Welcoming Week is a chance to meet neighbors, learn about different cultures, and help build a stronger community together.
Building a Business Outdoors: Tony Dorn to Speak at TREK
Join Two Rivers Entrepreneur Kinnection (TREK) on August 4 in Thief River Falls as local entrepreneur Tony Dorn, owner of Kingpin Bear Baits & Scent, shares how he built a successful business around hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation. Learn from his entrepreneurial journey, enjoy coffee and networking, and connect with fellow entrepreneurs, business leaders, and community members. TREK is free and open to anyone interested in small business and a vibrant local economy.
Become a Good Jobs Designated Employer
Join Advance Thief River, Inter-County Community Council, Rural Minnesota CEP, and the Regional Workforce Alliance for a Lunch and Learn on Monday, June 29, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Legacy Event Center. Local employers can learn how to become a Good Jobs Designated Employer, access workforce development resources, and participate in regional initiatives that support employee recruitment, retention, workplace quality, and long-term business growth in Northwest Minnesota.
“The tremendous work ethic, innovation and commitment of the people here in northwestern Minnesota is unsurpassed. Those values have always been a clear differentiator in driving Digi-Key’s growth and success within our industry.”
“Thief River Falls has been a wonderful place to own a business. I have received an abundance support from the other entrepreneurs in the community! I love how it doesn’t feel like we are competing, but helping each other however we can.”
Contact Advance Thief River
Contact Michelle Landsverk, Executive Director of Advance Thief River with specific questions or to set up a meeting to discuss your needs.
Advance Thief River
Mailing Address
PO Box 773
Thief River Falls, MN 56701
Office
By Appointment Only
Spark Hub
(Inside Garden Valley Building)
1412 3rd Street West
Thief River Falls, MN 56701
(c) 2026 Advance Thief River. All rights reserved.