Jay Burdic News Today

Increased competition from online retailers, the onslaught of chains such as Dollar General stores and an aging lineup of independent grocers have only made things tougher.

Increased competition from online retailers, the onslaught of chains such as Dollar General stores and an aging lineup of independent grocers have only made things tougher.

Preserving grocery stores has been a perennial challenge for rural communities, and lawmakers in Nebraska and elsewhere have proposed legislation that could provide a lifeline.

Preserving grocery stores has been a perennial challenge for rural communities, and lawmakers in Nebraska and elsewhere have proposed legislation that could provide a lifeline.

Iowa is among the states considering creating grants to help rural grocery stores stay open.

(Malvern) -- Child care improvement efforts in the East Mills School District received another significant financial boost.