Wednesday Rep. Russ Carnahan met with leaders in labor, education, commerce, development and county and local government at his Crystal City office to discuss economic development in Jefferson County.  He spoke about current, past and upcoming legislation, national, regional and local strategies, and asked for help prioritizing his action plan.  The congressman opened the meeting with some grim economic indicators like the 9.7% unemployment rate, distributed his recently updated economic plan, "A Regional Approach to Job Growth,"  and he offered optimism. . .

Election results. . .

The Jefferson County Animal Forum hosted the first Jefferson County Animal Summit Saturday, April 20 in Festus. County Executive Chuck Banks proclaimed the event a great success. . .

Monday evening Ben DeClue, Market Master for the soon-to-launch Crystal City Farmers' Market, met with a small group of vendors at Grace Presbyterian Church.  He led a tour of the grounds, answered questions, and sought feedback.   Last year when DeClue visited his girlfriend's Chicago home, a thriving local farmer's market that has operated for 20 years inspired him.  The location reminded him of family's hometown church.  He hoped the sprawling park-like grounds at Bailey Road and Mississippi Avenue would make it an ideal place to establish a similar community marketplace.  Soon after returning home from his Chicago trip. . .

Since 2005, Arnold, a city of 20,000, has issued more than 19,000 red light camera tickets totaling nearly $1.9 million. A public vote on the matter was blocked by the City Council. Traffic surveillance cameras have always been voted down by the people. . .