Author: theparknews

ENID, Okla. – In small towns across the country, local businesses are struggling with the harsh reality of declining foot traffic and economic challenges. A combination of economic uncertainty, competition from larger retailers and changing consumer habits have many small town shops struggling to survive. As these cornerstone institutions struggle to survive, the fabric of small town life is threatened, and with each store closure, local identity and community spirit is lost. According to the SBA’s 2023 U.S. Small Business Economic Profile, small businesses created a net 7 million new jobs in the private sector between March 2021 and March…

A babymoon is a relaxing getaway before the baby arrives, a chance for expectant parents to unwind – a time to relax, rejuvenate and spend quality time with their partner in a blissful space. The ideal time to go on a babymoon is during the third trimester, when your pregnancy is more comfortable and the common discomforts of early pregnancy have subsided. Whether you’re drawn to secluded beaches, laid-back cities, or top-notch spa treatments, a luxurious babymoon is the perfect way to pamper yourself before the baby arrives. 7 Luxury Babymoon Destinations for the Perfect Babymoon Vacation Waldorf Astoria Maldives…

More than just proving grounds for the world’s best athletes to compete for the gold, the 2024 Olympic Games were an incredible showcase of fashionable fits, courtesy of athletes who are also luxury brand ambassadors.   As with any other sporting event that draws eyeballs from around the world, the Olympic Games provide more than just a glimpse of the world’s best athletes at work. While the 2024 Paris Olympics certainly spotlighted the incredible physical prowess, technical proficiency, and sheer raw talent of the Olympic athletes, it was also ground zero for brands and businesses seeking to endear themselves to viewers.…

Wardell Sanders Nationwide, nearly half of contract disputes between health insurers and providers are now reaching their deadlines without being resolved, compared with 26 percent in the fourth quarter of last year, according to a recent report from FTI Consulting, Washington, D.C. Although the study was conducted nationwide, it must be admitted that unless providers in New Jersey aggressively work to contain costs, the same trends could be seen here. No one should have to choose between their health and their finances. Yet the exorbitant costs of medical care mean New Jersey patients are faced with this no-win decision every…

Sports News (Photos and illustrations/MetroCreative) Geese achieves a hole-in-one Parkersburg High School golfer Vinnie Giese recorded his first hole-in-one on Wednesday during a dual match against Warren at Oxbow Golf and Country Club. Giese used a 4-iron from 192 yards on the seventh hole. Witnesses included teammate Jack Louden and Warren High School golfers Brayden Parsons and Liam Nuzum. *** Williamstown High School Team Introduction Williamstown High School’s team introduction event is scheduled for 1 p.m. on Aug. 17. The high school football team will have a scrimmage at 11 a.m. the same day. *** Honey…

When I think of Parisian style, the words that come to mind are classic, chic, and effortless. I’ve been shopping at Revolve for years now, and I was in the mood for a little end-of-summer shopping. But this time, I wanted to put on my French hat (aka beret) and shop the store with Parisian style in mind. Taking inspiration from the chic French women I follow on social media, I found six standout styles that I knew I could find at Revolve. From polka dot dresses to chic trench coats, these pieces exude stylish Parisian flair.Shop the look below:…

LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – In November, voters will once again get to decide the future of Broadway’s historic bricks.The Lubbock City Council on Tuesday night approved a $103.4 million road bond proposal that includes seven sections of roads within the city.The most expensive project in the proposal is Broadway from Avenue Q to Avenue E. If voters approve the use of the bond funds, that portion of the road through the heart of downtown will receive $16 million.After lengthy discussion, the City Council decided to retain the plan recommended by the Citizens Advisory Committee to remove the original brickwork, repave…

Continuing our series investigating the rise and fall of shopping malls in central Alabama, tonight WVTM 13’s Scott Carpenter investigates the demise of the McFarland Bowl. Demolition of this once popular mall has been ongoing for years. Now, to make room for a new shopping center. Scott shares why he expects retail to revive on Tuscaloosa’s south side. There’s not much left of the old McFarland Mall. All that remains are these dilapidated buildings, but this giant pile of dirt behind me is actually the beginning of a new chapter that will offer shoppers a variety of options. Retail stores,…

A recent study published in the journal Scientific Reports observed that maternal heart rate variability (mHRV) three months after birth was associated with infant neurophysiology and maternal mental health. Postnatal mental health problems are increasingly prevalent among new mothers. This is of particular concern because maternal mental health during the perinatal period may impact the caregiver-infant relationship and child development. However, research in this area relies on self-reported measures of psychological distress, which may be subject to bias and provide limited insight into mechanisms. More accurate objective measures are therefore needed. The maternal stress physiological system provides insight into how…

Development Theory, led by Miranda Kishell, is offering a new service aimed at helping small businesses accelerate growth and optimize their operations through streamlined business assessments and strategic planning facilitated by a new technology-driven online portal.Tower, Minnesota–(Newsfile Corp. – August 14, 2024) – Development Theory, a business valuation and strategic planning firm, has announced a new service to help small businesses understand and unlock the value of their companies. Founded by Miranda Kishell, Development Theory offers a proprietary process that streamlines valuation, making it easier for business owners to scale and optimize their operations.Credit: Development Theory”Development Theory’s mission is to…