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. . .

“How is the Declaration of Independence relevant for today?”  That’s the question for this year’s essay contest hosted by the Constitution Party of Missouri.  The contest is open to high school students in the St. Louis metro area, more specifically, St. Louis City and County and the surrounding counties of Jefferson, St. Charles and Franklin.  With cash prizes of $250 for first place and $100 for the runner up contestant, enthusiastic participation is expected.
 

The banks and businesses in Jefferson County have had a challenge proposed to them to help in funding of the Jefferson County Port Authority Phase II Study to bring a multimodal port to the County. . .

Area growers are welcomed to attend a workshop for those interested in selling at the new Crystal City Farmer’s Market will be Monday evening, April 5th, at 6:30 pm at Grace Presbyterian Church, 105 Bailey Road in Crystal City. . .

The Constitution Party of Missouri issued a statement opposing the current health care legislation being considered in the US House of Representatives. The party challenges the federal government's authority to mandate insurance purchase or issue fines, asserting that since the United States Constitution does not contain the words "health insurance," "health care," "medicine," or "doctor," Congress lacks the authority to regulate healthcare providers or insurance companies. . .

(WASHINGTON, DC) – Congressman Russ Carnahan (MO-03) today applauded the largest organization for people 50 and over for their support of health insurance legislation before Congress, saying the endorsement underscores important provisions in the bill that will improve health care for older Americans and their families.

On the fourth Friday of the month, one thing is certain in Ste Genevieve, Missouri:  there is another Art Walk!
 
For the twentieth month in a row, the growing number of artist-owned studios and galleries in the colonial area of the downtown historic district are open from 6 pm to 9 pm.  Called the Fourth Friday Art Walk when it began in July of 2008, the event has grown in popularity and in size.  Starting with seven art studios in 2008, there are now over a dozen art spaces either serving refreshments, opening new exhibits and displays, or holding "meet the artist" events.  Both locals and tourists join in the fun, and this month is no exception. . .