January, 2017 Stories | Metro East Sun

Davis expresses support for Trump actions to advance pipeline projects

By LocalLabs News Service | Jan 28, 2017

Congressman Rodney Davis (R-IL) praised President Donald Trump's recent executive actions to advance the construction of the Keystone XL and Dakota Access Pipelines.

Some AFSCME members disapprove of union's negotiating tactics

By Metro East Sun | Jan 27, 2017

Not all Illinois public employees who are members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) are gung-ho and in lockstep with the government-worker union's negotiating tactics.

Dropping home values, high property taxes push Illinois toward financial cliff, analyst says

By Metro East Sun | Jan 27, 2017

Illinois residents burdened with falling home values and high property taxes are headed toward a cliff if Springfield doesn't do something soon to pull the state back from the precipice, a financial analyst said.

How Rauner’s wish list has fared in the General Assembly

By Metro East Sun | Jan 27, 2017

For the past two years, Gov. Bruce Rauner’s message has been consistent: Illinois needs major reform to avoid complete financial devastation.

Madison County health department determines 2017 agenda

By Lhalie Castillo | Jan 26, 2017

The Madison County Health Department Advisory Committee met Jan. 5 to determine the agenda for 2017.

Godfrey committee prioritizes potential capital projects

By Lhalie Castillo | Jan 26, 2017

The village of Godfrey Capital Projects Committee met Jan. 3 to prioritize potential projects.

Swansea Board of Trustees authorizes intergovernmental agreement

By Lhalie Castillo | Jan 26, 2017

The village of Swansea Board of Trustees met Jan. 3 to authorize an intergovernmental agreement.

Godfrey Board Of Trustees authorizes 2018 budget

By Lhalie Castillo | Jan 26, 2017

The village of Godfrey Board Of Trustees met Jan. 4 to authorize the 2018 budget.

Ledbetter participates in MLS Combine event

By Brent Zell | Jan 25, 2017

Southern Illinois-Edwardsville senior defender Austin Ledbetter recently attended the 2017 Major League Soccer Player Combine, according to www.siuecougars.com.

Highland Development Commission provides FEMA map update

By Jenie Mallari-Torres | Jan 24, 2017

The city of Highland Development Commission met Jan. 4 to provide a FEMA map update.

Highland Tree Commission provides planting update

By Jenie Mallari-Torres | Jan 24, 2017

The city of Highland Tree Commission met Jan. 3 to provide a planting update.

Belleville East overcomes size deficit with focus on speed

By Darren Yuvan | Jan 24, 2017

The Southwest Conference continues to be one of the toughest in the state, featuring several high school basketball teams in the top 20 state rankings, with each game likely to see Division I prospects competing.

BGA: Chicago's plastic-bag tax faked 'green' crusade to rake in green

By Metro East Sun | Jan 24, 2017

The Better Government Association (BGA) recently suggested that the Chicago City Council’s new 7 cents-a-bag tax authorization is one more in a series of cloaked legislative efforts, wherein the stated purpose may obscure another motive.

Medium madiganmakingstatementfromyoutube1280x640

Critics point out hypocrisy in Madigan attack on Rauner regarding wealth and power

By Metro East Sun | Jan 24, 2017

There's a certain hypocrisy to House Speaker Mike Madigan (D-Chicago) accusing Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner of holding the budget process hostage for his wealthy friends and big business in general, a radio talk show's co-hosts said recently.

Jeffrey S. Hammel donates $250 to Committee to Elect Mark Kern

By Local Labs News Service | Jan 24, 2017

Jeffrey S. Hammel, (23 S. First St., Belleville,), donated $250 to Belleville's Committee to Elect Mark Kern on Jan. 28, 2016.

Thomas & Rita Keefe donates $2,500 to Committee to Elect Bleyer 5th District Appellate Judge

By Local Labs News Service | Jan 24, 2017

Thomas & Rita Keefe, (6 Timber Water Court, Belleville), donated $2,500 to Marion's Committee to Elect Bleyer 5th District Appellate Judge on Nov. 8, 2016.

Cities in Madison, St. Clair counties boost sales taxes

By Tabitha Fleming | Jan 23, 2017

Madison and St. Clair county residents are paying an increased sales tax that began Jan. 1.

Collinsville's new fire chief begins duties

By Carol Ostrow | Jan 23, 2017

Bringing 26 years of experience from his previous position in Ohio, Kevin Edmond was recently named fire chief for the city of Collinsville after a thorough search by the Illinois Fire Chief’s Association.

Embattled auditor general told to step aside

By Metro East Sun | Jan 23, 2017

The Chicago Tribune has called for embattled Illinois Auditor General Frank Mautino to step aside until he resolves nagging campaign finance questions that his critics say major media outlets have largely ignored for months.