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  • Freedom Haulers: A New Mission on America’s Highways for Local Veterans

    Freedom Haulers: A New Mission on America’s Highways for Local Veterans

    The U.S. Department of Transportation has launched Freedom Haulers, a new nationwide initiative to help military veterans transition into high-demand, well-paying careers as truck drivers. For veterans in our community, this program offers a powerful pathway to a new mission: keeping America’s supply chains moving and our economy strong.

    Why Trucking Needs Veterans Now

    There is a critical and growing need for qualified truck drivers. The U.S. Department of Transportation has recently enforced stricter rules to ensure all commercial drivers are safe and qualified, which has led to a shortage of drivers across the country. This has created an unprecedented opportunity for veterans to step in and fill the gap .

    As Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated, this is a moment to restore the integrity of America’s trucking industry and get the word out that there’s never been a better time for veterans to get behind the wheel . The skills you forged in the military—precision, discipline, and a mission-first mindset—are the exact qualities that make for an excellent truck driver.

    Key Benefits of the Freedom Haulers Program

    The Freedom Haulers initiative connects veterans to several powerful benefits designed to make the transition to a civilian trucking career as smooth and affordable as possible.

    1. Financial Support for Training

    • GI Bill® Coverage: If you served on active duty for at least 36 months, the Post-9/11 GI Bill can cover up to 100% of your CDL training costs at approved public colleges or technical schools . You may also be eligible for a monthly housing allowance while you train .
    • VA Apprenticeship Programs: You can use your GI Bill benefits to participate in a registered apprenticeship. This allows you to earn a full truck driver’s salary while also receiving a tax-free monthly housing allowance from the VA for up to two years. Major carriers like Schneider and U.S. Xpress offer strong apprenticeship programs .

    2. Fast-Tracked Licensing for Veterans

    The Department of Transportation and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) have streamlined the process for veterans with military driving experience:

    • Skills Test Waiver: If you have operated a military commercial motor vehicle within the last year, you may be eligible to waive the CDL skills (road) test in every state. More than 40,000 veterans have already used this program to get licensed in just a few weeks .
    • Even Exchange: In many states, veterans with approved military occupational driving classifications can directly exchange their military license for a civilian CDL, bypassing both skills and knowledge tests . Participating states include CA, GA, IA, IL, KS, KY, MO, NC, ND, NM, SC, VA, VT, WI, and WV .

    3. Military-to-Civilian Transition Programs

    • SkillBridge: Service members in their final six months of active duty can participate in civilian trucking training, allowing them to start their new career the day they separate .
    • VA Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E): If you have a service-connected disability, VR&E can fully fund your CDL training and assist you in securing a high-paying job in the trucking industry .

    How to Get Started

    The Freedom Haulers website provides a clear roadmap for veterans to begin their journey. Here is how you can take the first step:

    1. Visit the Official Site: Go to https://freedomhaulers.dot.gov/ to explore the program details, check your eligibility, and find approved training programs.
    2. Verify Your Military Experience: Gather your service records (DD-214 or military driving records) and confirm if you have operated a military commercial motor vehicle. This will help you determine if you qualify for the skills test waiver.
    3. Connect with a VA Counselor: To use your GI Bill or VR&E benefits, contact the Department of Veterans Affairs. They can help you navigate the approval process for training and apprenticeship programs.
    4. Research Industry Partners: Major trucking companies are eager to hire veterans. Companies like Werner Enterprises, Schneider, J.B. Hunt, and Stevens Transport have dedicated military programs and can offer additional incentives, such as advanced pay credits and tuition reimbursement .

    Join the Mission

    The trucking industry is a vital part of our nation’s infrastructure. The Freedom Haulers program is an open call for veterans in our community to answer a new call to duty. This is a chance to apply your unique skills, start a rewarding career with strong earning potential, and secure a stable future for you and your family. The average annual earnings for truckers are currently around $70,000, and wages have been on the rise .

    For more information, or to be connected to local resources and support, please contact the NSEDA office. We are here to help you navigate your new mission.

  • CalFresh Changes

    CalFresh Changes

    Important CalFresh Changes: New Work Requirements Take Effect

    The Newberry Springs Economic Development Association (NSEDA) wants to ensure our community stays informed about important changes to California’s food assistance program. As of July 1, 2026, new federal requirements affect many CalFresh (formerly known as Food Stamps) recipients in our area .

    What Has Changed?

    Under the new rules, Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) between the ages of 18 and 64 must now complete at least 80 hours per month (averaging 20 hours per week) of qualifying activities to continue receiving benefits .

    The changes have expanded the groups affected. Previously exempt individuals who may now need to comply include :

    • Adults ages 55 to 64
    • Parents whose youngest child is 14 or older
    • Veterans
    • Individuals experiencing homelessness
    • People in or formerly in foster care

    How Can You Meet the Requirement?

    The good news is that there are multiple ways to meet the work requirement. Qualifying activities include :

    • Paid employment (20 hours per week or 80 hours per month)
    • Self-employment or running your own business
    • Volunteer work at a qualified nonprofit organization or public institution 
    • Job training or workforce development programs
    • Education programs (attending at least half-time)
    • Community service activities

    Who Is Exempt?

    Not everyone must meet the new requirements. Exemptions apply to :

    • Individuals under 18 or over 64
    • Pregnant individuals
    • People with verified physical or mental disabilities
    • Those caring for a dependent child under age 14
    • Individuals who identify as Indian, Urban Indian, or California Indian under the Indian Health Care Improvement Act

    Important: The new rules do not apply to everyone immediately. If you are already receiving CalFresh, you will not need to meet the work requirement until your next recertification interview .

    What Should You Do?

    1. Watch for notices from your county benefits office regarding your recertification
    2. Respond promptly to any requests for information
    3. Keep your contact information up to date with the county
    4. Ask about exemptions if you believe one may apply to you
    5. Seek assistance if you have questions about your eligibility 

    Barstow Office Information

    For official information or to apply, renew benefits, or ask questions about exemptions, the local office is:

    TAD Barstow 

    • Address: 1900 E. Main St., Barstow, CA 92311
    • Phone: 1-877-410-8829
    • Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
    • Closed: Saturday and Sunday

    You can also find official guidance from the California Department of Social Services at cdss.ca.gov .

    This article is for informational purposes. For official determinations about your benefits, please contact the Barstow TAD office directly or consult with a county caseworker during your recertification interview. The Newberry Springs Economic Development Association is here to help connect our community with vital resources.

  • NSEDA Launches YouTube Channel

    NSEDA Launches YouTube Channel

    We are thrilled to announce the official launch of the NSEDA YouTube Channel!

    At the Newberry Springs Economic Development Association, our mission has always been to foster growth, support local business, and celebrate the unique spirit of our high-desert home. Now, we’re taking that mission to the screen.

    What is NSEDA-Video?

    Our channel isn’t just about us—it’s about you. We want to showcase the incredible talent, history, and industry that make Newberry Springs a special place to live and visit. From the deep roots of our agricultural co-ops to the legendary pavement of Route 66, there is a story on every corner of our valley.

    Click Here to Visit & Subscribe to @NSEDA-Video

    We Want YOUR Stories!

    A community channel is only as strong as the community behind it. We are officially inviting all residents, business owners, and local historians to contribute! We are looking for video submissions covering:

    • Your Gardens & Farms: Show us what’s blooming! Whether it’s Cameron’s greenhouse or Genny’s peaches, your tips help our Economy grow.
    • Home Businesses & Services: Are you a local maker, mechanic, or consultant? Let’s put your business on the map.
    • Tourism & Hospitality: Showcase our local stays, eateries, and unique desert experiences.
    • Historic Landmarks: Help us preserve the stories of our historic buildings and desert legends.
    • Community Events: Let’s capture the magic of the Pistachio Festival, the 3rd of July, and the upcoming Route 66 Centennial Birthday Bash!

    How to Get Involved

    1. Subscribe: Head over to youtube.com/@NSEDA-Video and hit the notification bell so you never miss a local update.
    2. Submit: Have a video clip or a story idea? Contact us through the [NSEDA.net Contact Page] or reply to this post.
    3. Share: Help us grow by sharing our videos on Facebook and with your neighbors.

    Let’s show the world what Newberry Springs is made of. From raw land to a thriving future—we’re doing this together.

  • Home Business Spotlight: How One Newberry Resident Built the High Desert’s Digital Swapmeet

    Home Business Spotlight: How One Newberry Resident Built the High Desert’s Digital Swapmeet

    For years, the Newberry Springs Economic Development Association (NSEDA) have highlighted a recurring dream: a dedicated local marketplace where neighbors can buy, sell, and trade without the noise and high fees of big-box platforms.

    As it turns out, we didn’t need to look far. Newberry resident Heng Ung has already built it. His platform, HighDesert365.com, is a home-grown online classifieds and marketplace designed specifically for our region.

    More Than Just a Website

    HighDesert365 isn’t just another Craigslist clone; it’s a digital extension of the community spirit seen at local swapmeets and farmers’ markets. From farm-fresh eggs and local produce to professional services and yard sale finds, the site provides a structured space for the High Desert to conduct business at home.

    “I wanted to create something that felt like our community,” says Heng Ung. “Traditional social media marketplaces are often disorganized or filled with scams. HighDesert365 was developed right here in Newberry to give our neighbors a reliable, community-focused alternative for local trade.”

    A Digital Farmers Market for Local Producers

    For Newberry’s small farms and home-based artisans, the “barrier to entry” for selling online can be steep. HighDesert365 aims to lower that wall. By focusing on a “neighbors-selling-to-neighbors” model, it allows local producers to advertise their harvest or crafts directly to those within driving distance.

    “We have so much talent and production happening behind the fences in Newberry Springs,” Heng notes. “Whether you are a hobbyist selling handmade soaps or a farmer with a seasonal surplus, this platform acts as a digital farmers market that stays open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.”

    Why “Local” Matters in the Digital Age

    While the internet allows us to buy from anywhere, it often disconnects us from our own backyard. Heng’s vision for HighDesert365 is to revitalize the local “circular economy”—keeping Newberry dollars in the High Desert.

    “There is a unique level of trust when you know you are dealing with a neighbor,” says Heng. “When you see a listing on HighDesert365, there’s a high probability you’re looking at products from someone you might see at the post office or the local diner. It’s about restoring that community-based commerce that our town has always valued.”

    Supporting the NSEDA Mission

    By utilizing existing local tools like HighDesert365, the NSEDA can focus on what it does best: promoting the people and businesses that make Newberry Springs unique. Supporting entrepreneurs like Heng is a direct investment in the technical sovereignty and economic independence of our community.

    How to Get Involved

    Residents are encouraged to visit HighDesert365.com to browse current listings or create a free account to start advertising their own goods and services.

  • Advancing Local Business: The Newberry Springs Chamber of Commerce

    Advancing Local Business: The Newberry Springs Chamber of Commerce

    The Newberry Springs Chamber of Commerce is the dedicated voice for the local business community. From legacy agricultural operations to the growing hospitality sector along Route 66, the Chamber provides the networking and promotional infrastructure necessary for desert-based businesses to thrive.

    The Chamber’s mission is to encourage a strong local economy by promoting Newberry Springs as a destination for travelers and a stable home for enterprise. Through their annual events and business directory, they ensure that local operators have a platform to reach both residents and the thousands of people passing through our corridors daily.

    Business Resources:

    • Website: newberryspringschamber.com
    • Focus: Business promotion, community events, and economic advocacy.
    • Join: Membership information is available for local vendors, home businesses, and organizations.
  • Supporting the Backbone: Mojave Trails Outreach & Food Pantry

    Supporting the Backbone: Mojave Trails Outreach & Food Pantry

    For residents in the Silver Valley, Mojave Trails Outreach & Food Pantry (MTOFP) is more than just a resource—it is a vital community safety net. Operating out of Newberry Springs, MTOFP focuses on direct food distribution and outreach services to low-income families, seniors, and veterans across our rural landscape.

    The logistics of running a food pantry in the high desert are significant, requiring a dedicated volunteer base and consistent community support. MTOFP serves as a primary example of how localized leadership can address immediate human needs that larger, city-based organizations often overlook. NSEDA supports MTOFP’s mission as a pillar of community stability.

    Fast Facts:

    • Website: mtofp.org
    • Mission: Food security and community outreach for the Silver Valley.
    • How to Help: Donations and volunteer opportunities are available directly through their portal.
  • Growing the Oasis: How Newberry Can Expand Its Hospitality Sector

    Growing the Oasis: How Newberry Can Expand Its Hospitality Sector

    As tourism on Route 66 grows, so does the demand for unique lodging. Newberry Springs is perfectly positioned to capitalize on the “Boutique Stay” trend. By utilizing the NSEDA Tourist’s Guide, local property owners can see where the gaps in our current hospitality sector lie.

    From converted vintage trailers to quiet desert retreats, there is immense room for growth in our short-term rental market. The NSEDA is here to help residents navigate the regulations of launching a hospitality business, ensuring that as we grow, we maintain the quiet, rural quality of life that makes Newberry Springs so special in the first place.

  • Service Industry Tips: Turning “Pass-Throughs” into Customers

    Service Industry Tips: Turning “Pass-Throughs” into Customers

    With the I-40 and Route 66 running through our backyard, Newberry Springs has a “captive audience” of thousands. The key to growing our hospitality sector is shifting the tourist’s mindset from “driving through” to “stopping in.”

    NSEDA Tip: High-visibility signage and “Instagrammable” moments are key. Tourists today are looking for unique, authentic desert experiences. Whether you run a cafe, a shop, or a roadside stand, simple upgrades—like a dedicated Route 66 photo spot or a “Local Guide” pamphlet—can drastically increase your foot traffic and average spend per customer.

  • Going Green: The Annual Newberry Springs Pistachio Festival

    Going Green: The Annual Newberry Springs Pistachio Festival

    Every year, the Pistachio Festival transforms Newberry Springs into a bustling hub of agriculture and art. Celebrating one of our most successful local crops, the festival is a vital economic driver for our small businesses and artisans.

    The NSEDA booth will be front and center, providing resources for local growers and information for visitors interested in our rural preservation efforts. From pistachio-themed treats to handmade crafts, this festival is the ultimate showcase of Newberry’s talent. It’s the perfect time for visitors to see what makes our community “The Oasis of the Mojave.”

  • Red, White, and Newberry: Celebrating the 250th Independence Day

    Red, White, and Newberry: Celebrating the 250th Independence Day

    This July 3rd, Newberry Springs is going big for the 250th Independence Day. As the nation looks back at two and a half centuries of freedom, our community will be gathering to celebrate our shared heritage.

    The NSEDA will have a featured booth at the festivities. We invite all residents and visitors to stop by, meet the Board, and see a live demo of the Newberry Springs Business Portal. Whether you’re here for the fireworks or the food, make sure to visit us to learn how we are working to ensure the next 250 years of Newberry Springs are prosperous and preserved.