St. Charles County’s unincorporated areas would be split into trash collection districts each served by only one waste hauler under a proposal discussed Monday by the county council.

 Currently 11 companies have permits to operate anywhere in the county’s unincorporated areas.

Proponents say the plan would cut down on noise and slow street deterioration.

At least one council member has objected to the proposal, saying government shouldn’t try to regulate the current free-market system.

 Also, in St. Louis County, a similar proposal has caused political in-fighting.

 Do you think a single hauler in each district is a good idea, and do you think the service should…

Susan Weich and her mother both were diagnosed with breast cancer. Several other female relatives have had the disease too.

In her column for Mother’s Day, Susan talks to her 14-year-old daughter about her chances of getting breast cancer. She struggles to make her daughter understand the risk factors without frightening her.

When is the right age to talk to kids about their family medical history?

A 22-year-old Alton man died Tuesday night after a St. Charles County sheriff’s deputy shocked him with a Taser. James S. Wilson allegedly was punching his sister outside a West Alton convenience store when the deputy arrived. Wilson threatened the deputy and lunged at him, police said.

A department inquiry has found that the deputy followed its use-of -force guidelines. However, Wilson’s death has renewed the debate about the use of the weapon.

Do you think police should use Tasers?

St. Charles and ShowMe Aquatics are proposing a $38 million recreation complex. Voters would have to approve a $30 million bond issue in the Aug. 5 election. The center would be located on an old Kmart site on the south side of Interstate 70 between First Capitol and Hawks Nest drives. Do you think St. Charles needs a community center?

Former St. Peters Mayor Shawn Brown has returned to the St. Louis area to serve the remainder of his 18-month sentence for soliciting a bribe on a red light camera contract.

He is now at a St. Louis halfway house and is due to be released July 31. He is prohibited from running for public office. Did the case affect your view of elected officials or the city itself?