Staying on top of the weather with ‘eyes’ on the road
Forecasts are seldom infallible with unexpected atmospheric shifts changing expectations and plans. One must also factor in microclimates, which can see some areas more affected by winter storms than others. However, imagine having a personalized, real-time weather forecast, not just … More from our cover sponsor →
Three for three
Lydia Mihalik is the mayor of Findlay, Ohio, population 41,512, just south of Toledo. The “flag city of the U.S.” is also a micropolitan community that’s in growth mode. The Municipal: Mayor Mihalik, please tell us a little bit about … Continue reading →
Finding funds for parks and recreation How one city overcame the dilemma
Following the 2008 economic downturn, America’s parks faced a funding crisis. Although the economy has bounced back and consumers are spending a bit more freely, parks haven’t seen the light at the end of this particular tunnel yet. Columbia, Mo., … Continue reading →
Budgeting for weather How municipal golf courses fare
According to Greg Barnes, assistant superintendent of Wilmington Municipal Golf Course, there have been several instances over the decades of that region in North Carolina being affected by bouts of snow, ice and flooding due to heavy rainfall. “But we … Continue reading →
Festival Freshen-ups
What causes local festivals to go stale? Why do people stop coming to events that were once successful? How do events that were once alive and unique get so bland that they look like every other festival out there? Mentor, … Continue reading →
Should your resources be going to the dogs?
It’s estimated that more than a one-third of Americans own dogs. With the popularity of man’s best friend comes the need for municipalities to accommodate their needs. Knoxville, Tenn., and Carol Stream, Ill., are two cities that have gone the … Continue reading →
Carmel Clay Parks and Recreation
The Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation Department in Carmel, Ind., has enjoyed the fruits of a successful marketing plan. According to Lindsay Labas, marketing director, part of that success has to do with the department’s company culture and core values. … Continue reading →
Marketing strategies for municipal parks
Municipal parks and recreation departments may be in the business of providing fun and relaxation resources for visitors, but doing so successfully means getting serious about the business of recreation. It means developing strategic marketing plans so that each city … Continue reading →
Why not supplement a fleet with tractors?
HLA Snow was created as part of the HLA Attachments line of products a little over 20 years ago. Working in dirt and other materials, HLA always knew that tractors and industrial equipment are very capable machines that people use … Continue reading →
Of parks and firefighting
Fall is well underway and winter’s on the doorstep, so maybe now really is the best time for parks and recreation departments to reflect on what worked and what didn’t this year, and to plot out how to bring those … Continue reading →
Mankato, Minn.
Settled: 1852 Pop: 40,641 (2013) Government type: City manager, mayor and city council www.mankatomn.gov As municipal flags go, Mankato’s is just a youngster: It was chosen in 1991 from among dozens of entries in a contest held in the heart … Continue reading →
Wooden Boat Show Georgetown, S.C.
Many municipalities are blessed with both a rich history and a beautiful geographic setting. Some, like Georgetown, S.C., a harbor town on Winyah Bay, work hard to make the most of that propitious combination. Th e town of 9,099 will … Continue reading →
Defeat of Jesse James Days Northfi eld, Minn.
In the short span of seven minutes a century and a half ago, the small town of Northfield, Minn., created some hometown heroes, foiled a bank robbery, precipitated the downfall of a notorious outlaw gang and provided historical fodder for … Continue reading →
Patriot Day message: Remember and reach out
Since 2001, 9/11 is a date synonymous with tragic attacks that claimed the lives of nearly 3,000 men, women and children in New York; Washington, D.C.; and Pennsylvania. However, in the years that have followed, Sept. 11 has come to … Continue reading →
Rapid intervention for the understaffed company
Because failure is not an option By DAVE TOPCZYNSKI | Firefighter, Newport News, Va. Part 1 of 3 The topic of short-staffed operations is often overlooked, despite it being an issue that many municipalities deal with across the country. Understaffed … Continue reading →
Black River Tunnel to bring city in line with EPA code
Lorain, Ohio, a city of approximately 63,710, is stepping up to meet EPA standards with its new waste water tunnel project, called the Black River Tunnel. The project will run along the west side of the Black River. Work offi … Continue reading →
Nurse on board
American health care is continually seeing changes in legislation, technology and practice, both nationally and locally. Health care providers are ever searching for innovations that deliver services more efficiently and cost effectively. One example of that innovation can be found … Continue reading →
The changing role of the mall
Analysts and consumers alike have expressed rationales as to why sprawling shopping malls are fast becoming retail relics. Although they have differing opinions on what precipitated the downward spiral, there is one common reason on which they agree — the … Continue reading →
Where do they wave? Interest in municipal flags wanes even as technology makes small orders cheaper
Flying the flag is a priority for the nation and U.S. states, but at the municipal level the practice is more hit and miss. Dennis Criscuolo, owner and manager of The Flag Center, said he’s seen a slight decrease in … Continue reading →