That’s How its Dun – Oct. 2025
Miller’s love Small-Town Volunteerism
Submitted by Dunlap DDCA
Nick and Kelsey Miller are this quarter’s recipients of DCDC’s “That’s How It’s Dun” Award, a community service recognition honoring individuals who go above and beyond in their contributions to Dunlap.
Dunlap Roots and Family Life
Both Nick and Kelsey have deep roots in the Dunlap area. Kelsey moved between Arizona and Iowa before settling in Dunlap in sixth grade, while Nick was raised on a farm in Soldier and attended Boyer Valley Schools from fourth grade on. Today, they live in Dunlap with their three children: 4-year-old twins Bram and Palmer, and 2-year-old Brynn.
Nick works as a salesman for VanWall Equipment in Woodbine. He also farms and raises cattle with his father, Gale Miller. Kelsey owns Common Grounds, a coffee shop and boutique at 611 Iowa Ave., where she sells coffee, clothing, jewelry and more. She also has a photography business.
Giving Back to the Community
The Millers are collectively involved in many non-profit groups and events in Dunlap. They “tee off” their volunteerism at the Dunlap Golf Course. Nick serves on the Dunlap Golf Board and the couple helps with the annual Dunlap Golf Youth Camp hosted by the local club.
Kelsey co-founded Dunlap Tees & Tinis, a summer Ladies Night event designed to create a fun, inclusive, and empowering experience for women while raising funds for the community.
As a member of the Dunlap Community Development Corporation (DCDC) Board, Kelsey contributes to efforts that promote growth and sustainability in Dunlap. She also launched the Bullpup Business Partner Program, a program designed to strengthen school and community relationships through collaboration and expose elementary-aged students to a variety of careers within our community.
Through Common Grounds, Kelsey participates in Boyer Valley’s Work-Based Learning Program, offering high school students hands-on experience and career exploration. Additionally, Kelsey led the popular Main Street Market event prior to the Iowa Ave. reconstruction project, promoting local businesses and providing space for vendors and artisans.
Their “Why”
When asked what they love about Dunlap, Nick said “I love that it is a small town. Everyone in the community wants to keep growing. We work towards what we need now, and what we need for the future.”
Kelsey said, “I tell everyone that will listen to me that Dunlap supports Dunlap. It doesn't matter if it's a small business, an event, a fundraiser, or personal struggle. I truly feel that Dunlap rallies together to support one another. We are a close-knit community who have an aligned vision of what we want our livelihoods and community to look like, and we make it happen. I also love that because we have such a strong foundation as a town, we can offer so many amenities that other small towns cannot. We have great resources here in town, and often can opt to choose local small businesses rather than outsourcing to big cities/companies that don't appreciate small towns. It makes me happy to know I am raising my kids in a community that has such a great support system, which often leads to more opportunities for our children/students, and therefore brings on better life opportunities. “
Recognition and Encouragement
“Nick and Kelsey truly step up in their greatest areas of interest,” shared Jill Schaben, DCDC Executive Director. “It is obvious that they care about the Dunlap Golf Course, BV Schools, supporting small businesses, and their community as a whole, and they work really hard to support all of these great causes.”
“It takes a LOT of people to keep a community as successful as ours running,” said Kelsey. “I want Dunlap to continue to thrive and grow, and therefore will do my part to make that happen. It often means sacrificing your time, but in return your children and families receive more opportunities, you build stronger relationships with like-minded people and get to live in a great community! The feeling of seeing a community together at events that our town puts on gives me all the feels, and in return makes all the donated time & energy worth it!”
Nick added, “For many years people have donated their time to serve the community so that it can reach its full potential, and now it’s our generations turn to step up and do our part to continue the success of Dunlap.”
Their Advice to Future Volunteers
“Seeing members of our community together socializing, laughing, and perhaps even sharing opportunities with one another that could better their own lives and/or our community gives me all the feels. When you volunteer and put your time/energy into ideas with like-minded people. That's where the magic happens. It gives us a platform to share ideas, discuss issues that may arise, and come up with solutions. When you volunteer your time, you are bettering your children's lives, your family's lives and setting that strong foundation for your small town to continue to accelerate with little to-nothing stopping us!”
Nick added, “Volunteering takes your own free time away, but after joining and seeing what can be accomplished with our time it makes it all worth it. There’s always ups and downs that a lot of people do not hear about, but at the end of the day there are more people who appreciate you for your service, than people who don’t.”
Nominations for ‘That’s How its Dun”
---Know someone who deserves recognition for their service to Dunlap? Visit dunlapia.com and click the Resources tab to access the “That’s How It’s Dun” nomination form. Four Dunlap area residents will be recognized annually.
Contact Jill Schaben with questions at dunlapdcdc@gmail.com
