I'm almost all the way relaxed and ready to take on the day (as Dr. Laura Schlessinger might say, if you tuned into her program with a relational problem) when I return to work. I appreciate that you folks have played nice today and hope you continue to do so. I also hope you enjoy the nice weather that has moved in on Coeur d'Alene. You can find your next-to-last unattended vacation Wild Card here.

Ameren customers angered with rate increase proposal

Ameren officials are asking for $247 million more annually to help cover rising replacement costs for items such as utility grade wire, poles and plastic pipe. They claim the added revenue would not go toward offsetting the costs of rebates and refunds tied to this year's rate relief settlement.The Illinois Commerce Commission, which ultimately will decide to accept or reject Ameren's proposal, hosted the public hearing - the first of six statewide and the only hearing in the region.State Rep. John Bradley, D-Marion, who asked the ICC to make Marion one of its stops, was not impressed with Nelson's presentation. He said another rate increase for the utility is unconscionable given that Ameren only had to pay back $150 million in rebates to its customers as part of the $1 billion agreement forged with the legislature last year."They say they're suffering, but they ought to see the suffering put on the people of Southern Illinois," Bradley said.

MLGW electricity rates will rise 5.5%

Memphis Light, Gas and Water Division will pay 7 percent more for wholesale electricity starting April 1 and will pass along the increase to customers.

Growth can be a nightmare

They put in months of time and effort to draft a comprehensive vision plan to improve this part of our city. It would make a mockery of their hard work and dedication to approve a project that would compound the poor planning that caused this location to be the problem it is today. Let something more acceptable be built to provide jobs.San Marcos, Vista and the Oceanside Planning Commission got it right when they turned down the Robertson's Ready Mix plant. Let's hope our City Council has the wisdom to do the same.Harriett BledsoeOceansideA thorough investigation is in orderIn light of recent revelations about Philip Zelikow's undisclosed White House ties, a fresh look at all the commissions and issues surrounding this administration is due ("9/11 panel member close to administration," Feb.