But for one of its residents who became world famous, the Dyess Colony in Arkansas might have been relegated to the dust heap of history along with other Depression era government-planned resettlement communities. The colony, now the town of Dyess, … Continue reading →
Not that long ago, Jeff Collins of Augusta, Arkansas, was the last person one would want to run their city or town. As the one-time owner of a trucking business, he began to use methamphetamines as a means to … Continue reading →
Thousands of visitors come to Hot Springs National Park each year to relax and enjoy the famous, soothing thermal waters of its 47 hot springs. Known as “The American Spa,” this urban park is located in the Diamond Lakes region … Continue reading →
One of the most difficult duties of a city manager, or elected official, is the task of maintaining adequate water and sewer rates and increasing rates when necessary. Even the conversation of reviewing rates seems to create more citizen complaints … Continue reading →
Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, was a city with a plan, and with good timing and funding, its goals have been realized with the Rose District, a streetscape project that has reshaped its downtown. “The Rose District streetscape is a direct … Continue reading →
There’s power in numbers. That’s the idea behind the Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative, a coalition of 95 mayors from 124 mayor-led cities on the Mississippi River. A vast majority of mayors are in the association, and the mayor … Continue reading →
Grand Rapids, Mich., and Lakewood, Colo., are two medium-sized cities that have taken on the weighty and hefty issue of climate change and related issues — and both have made strides in that regard. Alison Sutter’s position as the … Continue reading →
Dardanelle, Ark., is a historic city that lies on the banks of the Arkansas River and this year added to its history when a flood of historic proportions overcame the city at the end of May. Mayor Jimmy Witt … Continue reading →
At its core, the purpose of local government and community-oriented organizations is to assist and serve area residents. Typically, that’s by repaving roads, servicing utilities and ensuring that residents and prospective residents find living within a town or city’s borders … Continue reading →
The place is big — really big. The main building of the Iowa 80 Truckstop in Walcott, Iowa, encompasses more square footage than a pair of football fields. The complex includes eight restaurants; a convenience store; gift shop; 30,000-square-foot “Super … Continue reading →
When faced with severe weather, a checklist of to-dos starts to form: make sure the animals are safe, locate supplies in case the power goes out, fill jugs of water and maybe even head to the basement or lowest level … Continue reading →
