Part of our mission at UpNorthNews is to overcome the default level of cynicism about civics—and show what happens when government at any level is operated responsibly by public servants who make good use of our tax dollars. On Tuesday, we listed many positive advancements in care for our veterans. Today we look at the Rural Development arm of the US Agriculture Dept., as state director Julie Lassa outlines recent hometown projects ranging from broadband to rural healthcare, clean water, job training, and affordable housing.