**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FOR INFORMATION CONTACT:**

Tammi Schone - (605) 352-1102

**[NEW HOME WITH A VIEW OF THE MIGHTY MO]{.underline}**

**(Chamberlain, South Dakota -- June 19, 2006)** Kristene Rancour knew
if there is a will, there is a way. This Chamberlain woman has already
went through more in life than most can imagine. She has endured the
painful experience of being in a household propane explosion that burned
part of her body and the days of healing and therapy that followed.

Her determination was evident when she sought financing for a new
Governor's Home. With the help of USDA Rural Development she has finally
fulfilled her dream being a homeowner.

The USDA Rural Development financed a loan of \$112,500 to purchase a
lot with a spectacular view of the Missouri River, and a Governor's
Home. A front entrance and two-car garage was added, which made the
home's appearance unique from many of the other Governor's Homes.
Kristene was also able to finish a part of the basement and install a
functional deck on the southwest corner of her home which allows her
family to enjoy a majestic view of the Missouri River and surrounding
bluffs.

The program is designed to lower the interest rate and monthly payments
according to Kristene's household income. New construction financing is
also made easy, as draws are made to pay for the lot and the contractor
as building progresses, and then converted to a permanent loan without
the need for an interim loan.

With the help of USDA Rural Development, my three children and I wake up
every morning in a spacious and energy efficient home. We are fortunate
to be part of a safe, quite neighborhood, in a wonderful community, in a
great city.

It is still hard for me to believe that 18 months ago we started the
process of building my dream home. I started the process with an area
bank that was unable to help due to my low income. USDA Rural
Development stepped in and with their help and a lot of paperwork, we
has a team got the job done. Our next step is landscaping, considering
that last year at this time, my family was huddling in the bathroom
during a severe thunderstorm wondering if our trailer would hold up
through the night.

"If anyone believes that owning a home of their own is out of their
reach, I'll be the first one to say you are wrong. I am a 25 year-old
single mother of three, if I can do it anyone can. Be persistent and
motivated. With the help of USDA Rural Development, your dream can come
true, too," said Kristene.

USDA Rural Development has ten offices in the state that assist rural
communities.  Office locations include a state office in Huron, along
with area offices in Aberdeen, Huron, Mitchell, Pierre, Rapid City,
Sioux Falls, Sturgis, Watertown, and Yankton.

 

USDA Rural Development's mission is to deliver programs in a way that
will support increasing economic opportunity and improve the quality of
life of rural residents.  As a venture capital entity, Rural Development
provides equity and technical assistance to finance and foster growth in
homeownership, business development, and critical community and
technology infrastructure.  Further information on rural programs is
available at a local USDA Rural Development office or by visiting USDA's
web site at <http://www/rurdev.usda.gov>.

**- USDA -**