Carol Ostrow Stories | Metro East Sun

US Steel to reopen its Granite City plant

By Carol Ostrow | Mar 8, 2018

Following President Donald Trump's call this week for a tariff on steel and aluminum, US Steel CEO David Burritt said the company will reactivate its manufacturing plant in Granite City, creating 500 jobs for area steelworkers.

Jerseyville’s Russell: Railway to rev regional economy

By Carol Ostrow | Mar 6, 2018

Jerseyville Mayor William Russell recently lauded Kansas City Southern Railroad’s (KCSR) decision to house a central facility in the heart of town, delivering manifold jobs and ultimately expected to jumpstart both the local and regional economies.

Governor’s Hometown Awards to fete East St. Louis on Nov. 8

By Carol Ostrow | Nov 7, 2017

The Serve Illinois Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service plans to honor East St. Louis with a Governor’s Hometown Award at the Old State Capitol in Springfield at 2 p.m. Nov. 8 in a nod to its successful recent community program.

Conor's Law aims to prevent future tragedies involving minors

By Carol Ostrow | Jul 10, 2017

Rep. Avery Bourne (R-Raymond) expects Conor's Law to change the way law enforcement handles minors and possibly save lives.

SIUE pharmacy students offer (clean) helping hand to area children

By Carol Ostrow | May 8, 2017

Hand-washing and other helpful hygiene hints ranked high on the list for pharmacy students’ regional presentations as they hit the road to educate elementary school children about wellness recently.

More Madigan-generated woes expected for Illinois, editorial board says

By Carol Ostrow | Apr 4, 2017

Even as Gov. Bruce Rauner continues to strive toward a potential state budget solution, House Speaker Mike Madigan (D-Chicago) “delays and offers nothing,” the Chicago Tribune recently reported while continuing its coverage of Illinois’ hemorrhaging finances.

Watchdog group offers free chance to learn ropes

By Carol Ostrow | Apr 3, 2017

Intrepid citizens with a knack for discovery can sharpen their perceptions at a free “Citizen Watchdog” training event from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday at the Holiday Inn Express, 1000 Plummer Drive in Edwardsville.

Sunny offer shines on Madison County homeowners, businesses

By Carol Ostrow | Mar 25, 2017

Madison County residents can now catch some sun and savings at the same time. Multiple agencies have joined together to offer the “Solarize Madison County/Glen Carbon” program and make solar installation more widely affordable to residents and business owners.

Medium shutterstock employmtrate roadsign

Direction, development top Alton candidates' concerns

By Carol Ostrow | Mar 25, 2017

From innovative store venues to youth career programs, suggestions from four contenders for Alton’s leadership seemed universal at times and worlds apart at other times during an Alton Main Street Mayoral forum recently.

Goodwin urges 'true' direction in East Alton mayoral run

By Carol Ostrow | Mar 25, 2017

She might be an independent candidate for East Alton Mayor, but Jamie Goodwin knows no one can lead alone.

Medium shutterstock village school global hill

East Alton challenger vows to work, not campaign, on tax dollars

By Carol Ostrow | Mar 20, 2017

Pledging “integrity, transparency, and honesty,” Jamie Goodwin recently amped up her campaign as an independent candidate for East Alton mayor in a direct challenge to incumbent Joe Silkwood, sparing no time in comparing herself favorably.

Shimkus recognizes Highland paramedic who rescued infant

By Carol Ostrow | Mar 17, 2017

U.S. Rep. John Shimkus (R-IL) recently honored a Highland paramedic who save an infant's life when the car it was in was reported to be in a body of water.

Medium shutterstock magnfyg glass investigatns

Prenzler alleges data was destroyed by ex-chair’s office

By Carol Ostrow | Mar 15, 2017

Alleging erased electronic records, Madison County board chairman Kurt Prenzler recently asked Illinois State’s Attorney Tom Gibbons to investigate circumstances which he says comprise destruction of data originally stored in his office computers in Edwardsville.

State lawmakers accused of pay raise by committee

By Carol Ostrow | Mar 14, 2017

Illinois lawmakers are using a seemingly surreptitious way to give themselves pay raises: creating new and useless committees for which they are automatically paid an extra $10,326 as chairmen, a Chicago-based think tank is arguing.

Rauschkolb negotiates court system to secure spot on Alton mayoral ballot

By Carol Ostrow | Mar 13, 2017

After multiple rounds of objections, Alton mayoral candidate Dan Rauschkolb won a victory late last week when a Madison County Circuit Court judge ruled in his favor, letting him appear on April’s ballot after all.

Glen Carbon mayor Jackstadt highlights experience during forum

By Carol Ostrow | Mar 13, 2017

Glen Carbon mayor Robert Jackstadt recently spoke at a forum at Glen Carbon Senior/Community Center, which was sponsored by the Edwardsville Area League of Women Voters.

Alton mayoral campaign coffers keep getting fed

By Carol Ostrow | Mar 13, 2017

Alton appears to be creeping up the list of top campaign coffers. According to the Chicago-based Illinois Campaign for Political Reform, Alton mayoral campaign funds totaled $23,094.78 as of Feb. 20 -- and that's just for the current mayor, Brant Walker.