Community

20 articles

Historic DeLand's Woodland Boulevard, bustling with activity, tree-lined, and charming, a finalist in the 'Best Main Street in the South' competition.
Community

DeLand's Woodland Boulevard Reaches Final Round in Best Main Street Contest

DeLand's Woodland Boulevard has reached the final round of Garden & Gun magazine's 'Best Main Street in the South' competition. Public voting is open until April 7 to determine if this Florida gem takes the top spot.

Derek Molina·April 7, 2026
A vibrant American Main Street with historic buildings, bustling with people, shops, and cafes under warm sunlight, showcasing community and charm.
Best in City

11 Best Main Streets in America and the South: A 2024 Ranking

Looking for the best Main Street experience? This guide ranks the top contenders across America and the South, highlighting charming towns, historic treasures, and vibrant communities.

Hannah Pierce·April 7, 2026
Diverse people happily exploring a vibrant, tree-lined neighborhood with historic homes and a cafe, symbolizing the joy of finding an ideal community.
Neighborhoods

How to Choose a Neighborhood That Fits Your Lifestyle: A Buyer's Guide

Choosing the right neighborhood is a critical step in home-buying or renting, impacting your daily life and well-being. This guide provides a structured approach to identify key factors for your long-term happiness and financial goals.

Aaron Blake·April 7, 2026
A dynamic photo collage showing a high school basketball team celebrating a championship victory and a kayaker expertly navigating a challenging slalom course, representing local triumphs in March 2026.
Events

March 2026 Local Events Showcase Triumphs in Stunning Photos

March 2026 was a month of local triumphs, from Northwood High's basketball championship to a record-shattering kayak slalom. See stunning photos that capture our community's spirit and achievements.

Sophie Nguyen·April 6, 2026
A vibrant image of the newly reopened West Paris Post Office, showing residents smiling as they pick up mail, symbolizing the restoration of essential community services after five years.
Services

West Paris Post Office Reopens, Restoring Essential Mail Services

For the first time in five years, West Paris residents can get their mail in their own town. The local post office reopened Saturday, ending a long period of inconvenience and highlighting the critical role of public services.

Derek Molina·April 5, 2026
A lively local spring festival scene with diverse people enjoying food, music, and community interaction under warm sunlight, showcasing the vibrant atmosphere.
Events

Why Local Spring Festivals Are the Lifeblood Our Community Desperately Needs

Our local spring festivals are much more than just a fun way to spend a Saturday. They are the essential lifeblood of our community, rebuilding our social bonds and fueling our local economy.

Sophie Nguyen·April 4, 2026
A bustling historic neighborhood street at sunset, showcasing diverse architectural styles, from classic brick buildings to modern facades, with residents enjoying the vibrant community atmosphere.
Neighborhoods

What Defines a Neighborhood's Character and Architecture?

The history of a neighborhood's character and architecture is a living story, told through its buildings, streets, and the generations of people who have called it home. Understanding this evolution is key to appreciating and preserving our unique local communities.

Derek Molina·April 4, 2026
A vibrant image of Shanty's Boutique, a local business in Newport, Washington, featuring a friendly owner and customers, symbolizing the KREM and STCU 'Love Local Spotlight' initiative.
Business Spotlights

KREM and STCU Launch 'Love Local Spotlight' Initiative for Businesses

KREM and STCU have partnered to launch "Love Local Spotlight," an initiative designed to highlight established small businesses in the community. Shanty's Boutique in Newport, Washington, was the first business featured, showcasing its 15+ years of operation.

Marco Alvarez·April 4, 2026
A beautiful, sunlit park in Clovis, California, showing families enjoying outdoor activities, with lush greenery and a clear sky, symbolizing the city's high quality of life and community spirit.
Best in City

Clovis, California Named a Top Place to Live in 2026 Rankings

Clovis, California, has earned national recognition as one of the best places to live in Livability's 2026 rankings. This highlights the city's exceptional quality of life, affordability, and strong community appeal.

Hannah Pierce·April 4, 2026
An elegant gala event at the Detroit Historical Museum, featuring diverse small business owners and community leaders celebrating the Detroit Icon Series, with historic architecture in the background.
Business Spotlights

Detroit Icon Series Spotlights Small Businesses with May 1st Gala

A new streaming series, 'Detroit Icon,' highlights the city's long-standing small businesses. A special premiere gala and panel discussion is scheduled for May 1st at the Detroit Historical Museum.

Marco Alvarez·April 3, 2026
A diverse crowd enjoying a free outdoor concert in a city park at dusk, with musicians on a lit stage and a joyful, communal atmosphere.
Events

The 4 Best Free Outdoor Concerts and Performance Series This Spring

As the weather warms up, get ready to enjoy incredible live music without spending a dime. This guide highlights the top free outdoor concerts and performance series happening this spring.

Sophie Nguyen·April 2, 2026
A lively street scene with diverse people shopping and interacting at various local businesses like a bakery, bookstore, and cafe, under warm sunlight.
Business Spotlights

Why Supporting Local Businesses Matters: Benefits, Challenges, and Economic Impact

Small local businesses are the largest employers nationally, creating two out of every three new jobs. This article explores the tangible economic benefits, real-world challenges, and broader community impacts of choosing local.

Marco Alvarez·April 2, 2026
Diverse residents actively engaging in a local government meeting, raising hands and discussing community issues in a sunlit city hall.
Community

How to Participate in Local Government: A Resident's Guide

Ever wonder how a new stop sign gets approved or why a park is being built in your neighborhood? Learning how to access public records and participate in local government can feel like a daunting task, but it’s one of the most direct ways to shape the community you call home.

Derek Molina·April 1, 2026
A vibrant interior shot of Southampton Publick House, showing patrons enjoying a celebratory atmosphere, with warm lighting highlighting the classic American casual decor.
Business Spotlights

Southampton Publick House Marks 30 Years in Local Business Spotlight

Southampton Publick House, a casual American restaurant, is set to celebrate its 30th anniversary this May. This milestone highlights the establishment's long-standing presence and commitment to consistent service in the local community.

Marco Alvarez·March 31, 2026
A picturesque Maple Creek neighborhood street with families enjoying outdoor activities, children playing in a park, and well-maintained homes, symbolizing a safe and family-friendly environment.
Neighborhoods

Top 5 Best Neighborhoods in Maple Creek for Families with Young Children

Looking for the best neighborhoods in Maple Creek for families with young children? This guide breaks down the top five picks, evaluating them on school quality, parks, safety, and local amenities.

Aaron Blake·March 30, 2026
Residents actively engaging in a community meeting, reviewing budget documents and discussing local government spending priorities, with city hall in the background.
Community

How Local Government Budgets Are Created: A Resident's Guide to Influencing Spending

Your local government's budget drives decisions from road repairs to new parks. Understanding this process and how to influence it is key to shaping your community's future.

Derek Molina·March 30, 2026
A lively outdoor scene in Eugene, Oregon, showcasing diverse community events like an open mic, artisan market, and film screening under warm spring light, with people connecting.
Events

Eugene Offers Diverse Upcoming Community Events This Spring

Eugene, Oregon is buzzing with diverse community events this spring, from open mic nights to film screenings and artisan markets. Get ready to explore new ways to connect and engage with your local community.

Sophie Nguyen·March 30, 2026
A lively outdoor market featuring local artists displaying their vibrant paintings, unique pottery, and handcrafted jewelry, with diverse people browsing and engaging.
Community

Supporting Local Artists and Cultural Events Isn't a Luxury, It's Our Lifeline

Supporting local artists and cultural events is a fundamental investment in our community’s economic vitality, social fabric, and unique identity. It's not a luxury, but an essential service that cultivates our city's soul and fosters connection.

Sophie Nguyen·March 30, 2026
An aerial view of a bustling, tree-lined neighborhood with diverse architecture, people walking, and children playing, symbolizing a vibrant community and ideal home environment.
Neighborhoods

How to Choose the Best Neighborhood for Your Lifestyle: A Buyer's Guide

Choosing the right neighborhood is a crucial decision that shapes your daily life and long-term happiness. This guide helps you define your priorities and navigate key factors like commute, schools, amenities, and safety to find your perfect community.

Derek Molina·March 30, 2026
An aerial view of a diverse urban landscape showcasing residential buildings, commercial districts, and parks, illustrating the impact of zoning laws on city structure and growth.
Community

What Are Zoning Laws and How Do They Affect Urban Development?

Zoning laws are the foundational rules that guide how our cities grow and develop, influencing everything from building heights to the location of businesses. Understanding these regulations is crucial for residents and business owners to have a say in their community's future.

Derek Molina·March 30, 2026