Welcome to the city of St Joseph's weekly digital newsletter. City Link is your source for timely and relevant information from your local government.
Thursday, May 23, 2019
A New Look

We are excited to announce that there is a new look to the city's website, stjoemo.org. With this redesign, we have gone with function over form to allow for easier navigation. Before, our information was packaged by department making it sometimes difficult to find what you were looking for. The new website provides content by service area, allowing you to more quickly and easily find what you were looking for without being buried under multiple layers. For example, if you were needing to find out if your dog was required to be on a leash, you would have to know that animal control is a function of the health department and first navigate through those pages to find animal control. On the new website, you can scroll down the mega menu to find animal control and be one click away from your destination. 

For our mobile users, you will find the new website is designed to be more streamlined and functional on your cell phone. We recognize your life is on-the-go and you want your information quick and accessible. This new format makes it easier to navigate to what you are looking for. 

Our goal is to help you get to the information you are seeking in the quickest and most efficient manner. We hope to be a few quick clicks away from providing you with access to whatever information you are looking for. We want to be a website that contains all the information about the services we provide as an organization, as well as information about our community to others. Whether you are a business looking to relocate to St. Joseph, a new family moving to St.Joseph, or visitors planning a vacation, we strive to provide you all the information you are looking for in one location, and to provide links to other community resources. 

We hope you like the new look and function!
Upcoming Road Closure

Beginning Monday morning, May 27, a section of Northwest Parkway will be closed to traffic for roadway repairs. Northwest Parkway, between Karnes Road and St. Joseph Avenue will be closed for approximately three to four weeks, dependent on inclement weather delaying the project. 

For motorists heading west on Northwest Parkway, the detour will go left on Ferndale Avenue to Randolph Street, right on Randolph Street to St. Joseph Avenue, then right on St. Joseph Avenue. Motorists heading east will take Randolph Street off St. Joseph Avenue, and then turn left onto Ferndale Avenue to Northwest Parkway. 

Please exercise caution while in work zones to ensure your safety and that of crews working. Thank you for your patience during this repair.  
Memorial Day Safety Tips

Memorial Day weekend, for most, is the start of the summer outdoor activity season. Having fun also means staying safe, using good judgment and taking simple precautions that will help keep you safe and most importantly, keep you alive. Here are some tips to follow this Memorial Day: 

Food Safety : To avoid food poisoning, the U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends cooking fresh poultry to 165 degrees, hamburgers to 160 degrees and beef to at least 145 degrees. Refrigerate all perishable food within two hours and one hour if the temperature outside is above 90 degrees. To prevent cross-contamination of bacteria, keep uncooked meats away from other foods. 

Grill Safety : Emergency physicians see firsthand the dangers associated with an outdoor grill. Thoroughly clean a grill of any grease or dust. Check the tubes leading into the burner for any blockages from insects or food grease that can cause an uncontrolled fire. Replace any connectors which can lead to a gas leak and keep lighted cigarettes, matches or open flames away from a leaking grill. Do not use a grill in a garage, breezeway, carport and porch or near any surface that can catch fire. Also, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions that accompany the grill. 

Water Safety : To prevent drowning, avoid alcohol when swimming or boating and wear a life jacket whenever you are on a boat. Make sure children are supervised at all times when near the beach, on a boat, by a pool or hot tub. Make sure you don’t swim alone or in bad weather. Learn to swim and teach your children to swim. We also recommend that you learn CPR in case of an emergency. 

Sun Safety : Protect against sunburn and heat stroke. Wear sunscreen with at least an SPF of 15 or higher and apply it generously throughout the day. Wear a hat outdoors and a good pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes. Drink plenty of water, especially when in the sun or if you are sweating heavily. If you feel faint or nauseous, get into a cool place immediately. 

Travel Safety : Do not drink and drive or travel with anyone who has been drinking and wear your seatbelt at all times. Make sure your vehicle has been properly serviced and is in good working condition before a long road trip. Familiarize yourself with your surroundings if you are in an unfamiliar place and know where the nearest emergency room is at all times in case of an emergency. 
Technology Helps Prioritize Concerns

The city of St. Joseph, through its Neighborhood Service Initiative, is ratcheting up its efforts against distressed and vacant properties to improve neighborhood conditions by the implementation of a new software program. Recognizing the constraints of a limited budget, the city is taking a data-driven approach... read more
Memorial Day

Thank you to the men and women who gave their lives to serve our country. We remember their sacrifice. In observance of Memorial Day on Monday, May 27, transit buses will not be running and city offices will be closed with the exception of:

-Remington Nature Center 10am-5pm
(816) 271-5300