Author: The Planning Lady
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Full History of Lake Shetek
Last weekend I traveled north for a quick weekend of camping in southwest Minnesota to soak up the outdoors as much as possible before what looks like a solitary winter thanks to COVID-19. I camped with my husband and some friends at Lake Shetek State Park, just outside the town of Curie. The lakes that…
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Cultural Heritage’s Role in Climate Action
In the summer of 2019 the Climate Change and Heritage Working Group of the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) released The Future of Our Pasts: Engaging cultural heritage in climate action. ICOMOS, a non-governmental international organization, is a leader in protecting monuments and sites making their recognition of the impact of climate change…
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Green Metropolis
Book Review Last week I had a long car ride and spent the majority of it listening to Green Metropolis: Why Living Smaller, Living Closer, and Driving Less are the Keys to Sustainability by David Owen. The expansive title is a pretty good description of what the book is about. Over the course of six…
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Economic Benefits of Saving Brick Streets
At the turn of the 20th century paving streets became a priority throughout the U.S. Prior to 1913, long distance travel was done via train. The lack of connectivity and adequately maintained roads made it prohibitive for anyone to travel in the newly invented automobile. With the support of the Good Roads Movement (which actually…
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History of Indian Cave State Park
A few weeks ago my husband and I went camping with some friends just south of Nebraska City at Indian Cave State Park. It was the first time we had been to this campsite, but was clearly a favorite park for many as nearly every campsite was filled. The parks draw is its location along…
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Impact of Transportation Evolution on Mississippi River Towns
The first week of June I presented with colleagues the impact of the Mississippi River on the adjacent river communities for the virtual Preserve Iowa Summit. My portion of the presentation was on the evolution of transportation and its unique effect on river towns not seen further inland. My colleague and historic architect Michelle Cunliffe…
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Evolution of the Farmers Market
With the farmers market season upon us it seems fitting to dive into their history and evolution over time. The farmers market was not always a leisure activity for a Saturday morning to get some fresh flowers and a bag of vegetables or honey. It also did not happen just once or twice a week,…
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Sustainable Baking: Create Your Own Yeast
I recently taught myself how to make my own bread and pizza dough and had just perfected sandwich bread and pizza crust recipes. Then COVID-19 hit and yeast, a primary ingredient in fluffy bread recipes, was nowhere to be found. My small supply was dwindling when a friend of mine suggested I make my own…
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Main Street Revised
Book Review Main street holds a special place in the heart of most Americans. While many of us chose to live in big cities, we harbor a small desire to move to a small town with a quaint little main street. A safe hamlet where everybody knows everybody. Movies and shows have been recreating this…
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A Brief History of the U.S. Census Over the Years
Every ten years your home is mailed a questionnaire that by law you are required to fill out and return. This form asks a few simple questions about you and the members of your household and is known collectively as the census. This year, the 2020 Census, is the 23rd time we as a nation…
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The Planning Lady 