Warming Center

 The Carbondale Warming Center will remain open 24 hours a day for the next few days.  The press release did not give a specific period.  I assume lodging is still limited as the Center did not have enough trained staff last week to open the second floor for occupants. Might be something the city could look into funding, especially since there is a need for it and the amount of pushback has stopped the use of the University Baptist Church as a facility.

Snow

 Main streets are passible though the town square parking has not been plowed as of noon and plows have not touched side streets. Looks like we got 6 to 10 inches of snow, depending on the area and how much drifting there is. Not many people driving around last night or today.

Branding Sessions

 The city is holding a series of "listening sessions" this week to help better tell the story of Carbondale. The city did this a few years agoand came up with the "All Ways Open" slogan and a logo hat really looks like the X-box logo. I certainly hope, if this involves re-branding, whomever does it comes up with a slogan that better represents Carbondale and its relationship to the area.  All Ways Open is too general and does not say anything.

The City is working with Zo Agency, a national marketing and place-branding firm selected by City Council, to develop a long-term strategy for how Carbondale tells its story—both internally and to audiences outside the community. This includes how we communicate our strengths, acknowledge challenges, and present Carbondale in a way that reflects the community today and into the future. 

 As part of this effort, Zo Agency will be in Carbondale next week to host several listening sessions open to a range of community voices. These sessions are designed to hear directly from participants about the challenges, possible solutions and the messages that need to be heard when it comes to how Carbondale is understood and represented. 

Carbondale’s City Manager, Stan Reno, shares “Carbondale’s story is best told by the people who live it every day. These listening sessions are an important opportunity for residents, students and stakeholders to share what makes this community special, what challenges we face and how we want to be seen moving forward. We encourage everyone who wants to contribute to Carbondale’s future to take part and help shape a brand that truly reflects who we are.”  

The sessions are at the following times and locations at the Carbondale Civic Center (200 S. Illinois Ave.): 

Monday, Jan 26, 6:00 – 8:00 PM, Community Listening Session #1 -Room 118 

Wednesday, Jan 28, 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM, Community Listening Session #2-Room 111/112 

Wednesday, Jan 28, 6:00 – 8:00 PM, Community Listening Session #3- Room 111/112 

  If interested in participating, register using the link below: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C054AA8AD23AAF9C61-61774570-destination#/  

Shelters

The city put out a press release listening the three public places where those needing shelter this weekend can go. Not sure if the Warming Center will be open 24 hours as the organization says it has staffing shortages. The other two locations are Good Samaritan House and Take Action Today, a new location on West Main  I would be willing to bet that the lobbies of public buildings, like the post offices and Multi Model station, will also have people taking refuge in them.

Carbondale Economic Rankings

 According to this, the Carbondale metro area ranks well above many other metropolitan areas in terms of economic sttrength:

The analysis from Area Development shows southern Illinois micro-politan hubs, including Carbondale, Marion–Herrin, and Mt. Vernon, ranking well above expectations and ahead of many major cities. The report highlights workforce strength, economic momentum, and cost competitiveness, areas where southern Illinois continues to excel.

Carbondale ranks 67th in economic strength and 74th overall, placing it in the top 10 percent nationally.

Marion–Herrin ranks 180th in economic strength and 219th overall, placing it in the top 25 percent nationally.

Mt. Vernon ranks 404th overall and 257th in prime workforce, placing it in the top third nationally for workforce strength.

Polar Bear

 Since Pinch Penny Pub shuttered, both Polar Bear and Solar Bear have continued, but not at the levels during the Pinch Penny era.  I heard reports of people parking in the Levels parking lot and small crowds making their way over to the Strip, as well as houses along West Mill and the West College Street area.  With the wind, it was likely too cold to stand outside for long. Driving up illinois this evening, I saw very few people out, though there were a lot of cars parked along Illinois and an ambulance pulling away from Booby's about 9 p.m.

Homeless Encampment Fire

 someone set one of the tents in the homeless encampment on fire on East College shortly after 7 p.m. on the 15th. Whomever did it was last seen running east on College. It got put out quickly with no injuries but still dang scary to have happen.