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.

Aban Kitchen

 From what I hear, the new owners of Aban Kitchen have fired all of the previous staff. Not sure if that includes kitchen workers but would assume so.  Maybe there were problems with the staff but, given the business is pretty successful, one would think they would want to change as little as possible, at least to start.

Grocery Tax

 Carbondale was going to see the end of the regressive 1% tax on groceries as the state eliminated it at the end of 2025. However Carbondale, and a number of other local cities ( Anna, Cobden, DuQuoin and Herrin), opted to enact their own 1% grocery tax. Nothing really changes as grocers continue to send the tax revenue to the state, which then sends it back to the city, the same process as before. It just means no tax reduction on food.

Bandana's

 Bandana's has reopened with limited hours. Currently the hours are

Sunday – Thursday: 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Friday & Saturday: 3:00 PM – 10:00 PM

city Jobs

 Looking for a job?  Looking for a job with the city of Carbondale?  Several openings available including3 in the police department