Whether you're a seasoned professional, a newcomer, or simply interested in the trades, the "Make Trades Great Again" podcast offers something for everyone. Our goal is to promote the value of skilled trades, provide essential resources, and build a strong community of passionate individuals. Industry Insights - Educational Content - Community Stories - Technology in Trades Tune in now and be part of the movement to make trades great again!
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Missouri's political news makers talk candidly with St. Louis Public Radio's Jason Rosenbaum, Rachel Lippmann, and Sarah Kellogg.
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THE GOOD news: our homebuilding industry is jam-packed with new materials, new techniques, and new systems, and it’s so easy to get information online in an instant. THE BAD news: How do we know what we can trust, what will work, and under what conditions? Where do we turn to separate the spin-and-hype from the true-and-square? We’ve got you covered! The UnBuild It Podcast is an industry-leading opportunity to get good information. UnBuild It podcast is a three-member team – Peter Yost, Buil ...
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Eric and Andy discuss the complexities and challenges of managing construction projects, particularly in the plumbing sector. They share real-world scenarios that highlight the importance of proper project management, the necessity of permits, and the impact of customer expectations on project timelines. The discussion also delves into the differen…
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How the One Big Beautiful Bill could impact Missouri's Medicaid program
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49:59On the latest episode of the Politically Speaking Hour on St. Louis on the Air, STLPR's Sarah Fentem joins host Jason Rosenbaum to talk about the potential impact of the One Big Beautiful Bill on the state's Medicaid program. Fentem spoke with Sen. Josh Hawley earlier this week about why he ended up voting for the massive budgetary package – even t…
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In this conversation, the guys discuss the complexities of hvac projects, pricing strategies, and the importance of customer communication in the HVAC industry. They share personal experiences and insights on how to effectively engage with customers, manage expectations, and highlight the value of quality components. The discussion also touches on …
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Missouri House Minority Leader Ashley Aune talks with St. Louis Public Radio's Sarah Kellogg and Jason Rosenbaum about the recent special session. Aune, whose district includes a part of Kansas City, speaks on why it was important for Missouri to have an offer to keep both the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals from leaving the state. Aune also talks ab…
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135 - ZIP-R for CZ 6B - New Construction? Continuous Air Control Layer for Exterior Retrofit CZ 4A?
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38:25Two great questions about wall assemblies. The boys dig deep, exploring all the variables to consider for both wall assemblies. And no big surprise: Much of the conversation is about how to get these three control layers right (water, air, thermal) and ALSO get the drying potential (vapor) correct. PETE'S RESOURCES: - 2021 IRC - Montana NOTE: The I…
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Mail Call: Answering MTGA listener questions
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37:27
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37:27We love reading your questions and comments. Keep sending them! This week the guys talk partnerships, contracts, marketing during a slowdown and more. Eric owns a media company along with his business partner John Mesenbrink (host of the Appetite for Construction podcast) so he's had over ten years of experience in this area. Send us a text Send us…
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On the latest episode of Politically Speaking, Senate Minority Leader Doug Beck talks about the recent special session and expectations for when lawmakers return in 2026.Beck represents Missouri’s 1st Senate District, which takes in portions of unincorporated south St. Louis County and municipalities like Crestwood and Webster Groves. As Senate Min…
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Attorney General Andrew Bailey on representing the STL Police Department
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14:34
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14:34The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department is undergoing a major transition after lawmakers and Gov. Mike Kehoe reinstated a gubernatorial board that oversees the agency.But the changes for the police department go beyond the reimposition of the state board.Attorney General Andrew Bailey’s office will now be in charge of defending the St. Louis P…
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Handling Last Minute Changes on Install Day
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29:44The very last thing I want to do as the contractor is make a not-so-great situation worse" Andy Mickelson What happens when you figure out there's a problem on the job, how you handle it says a lot about you as a company/service provider. This week the guys are talking recent jobs and problems and an amazing tax credit/rebate situation happening in…
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On the latest episode of Politically Speaking, state Rep. Marty Joe Murray talks with STLPR’s Jason Rosenbaum about his first year in the Missouri General Assembly – and his thoughts on the recently completed special session.Murray represents Missouri’s 78th House District, which takes in parts of Downtown St. Louis, Old North St. Louis, Lafayette …
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134 - Another Double Feature - SIPs vs Stick-Frame & Thermal Degradation of Rigid Insulation
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34:59Whole bunch of reasons to consider SIP building systems BUT switching from stick-framing is not a walk in the park. But UnBuild It has a ton of experience with SIPs. Next up: Just how stable are the R-values of rigid insulations (the plastic ones with blowing agents) over time? The boys spend just the right amount of time on this on...(just could n…
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A little of this and that on WHAT WE LIKE
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33:05Somewhat of a chat session this week. The guys talk about some products they really like, lots of talk on equipment and piping fittings/materials that make everyday a little faster/easier/enjoyable. Send us a text Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels! Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb Newsletter sign up…
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4TheVille Emergency Hub leaders plan to keep assisting tornado victims
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30:11It didn’t take long for Dara Eskridge and Aaron Williams to spring into action after a deadly tornado ripped through parts of north St. Louis.Eskridge and Williams helped lead the 4TheVille Hub, which provided critical supplies and housing stabilization to people throughout north St. Louis. Both Eskridge and Williams have deep ties to the community…
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Why Missouri Sen. Eric Schmitt backs Trump's mass deportation policies
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50:08On the latest episode of the Politically Speaking Hour on St. Louis on the Air, STLPR's Jason Rosenbaum talks to U.S. Sen. Eric Schmitt about protests over Donald Trump's immigration enforcement methods – and so called Big Beautiful Bill. Rosenbaum also talks with Democratic Sen. Steven Roberts and House Speaker Jon Patterson about the just conclud…
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Have we become too complacent when it comes to ordering online? Its 2025 and yet, somehow and for whatever reason this online supplier is asking for four forms of order verification and signatures upon delivery for regular, everyday plumbing and hvac material orders lol! Send us a text Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channel…
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133 - Deep Dive on That Pesky Transition: Top-of-Foundation/Bottom-of-Above-Grade Wall
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34:23Should exterior above-grade wall sheathing or framing line up flush to the outside face of the foundation? Is sealing the bottom of the above-grade wall and foundation with a sill sealer product like Protecto Wrap Triple Guard a good idea? This sets off Jake, Steve, and Pete on balancing water protection, air sealing, and drying potential at this k…
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How old is too old to start in the trades?
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23:59Would you hire someone with zero trade work experience? What if they're in their 30's? How old is too old to start in the trades? Send us a text Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels! Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb Newsletter sign up: https://bit.ly/MH_email…
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Why St. Louis residents are anxiously waiting for federal tornado aid
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50:03On the latest episode of the Politically Speaking Hour on St. Louis on the Air, STLPR's Jason Rosenbaum explores the excruciating waiting game for St. Louisans waiting for FEMA assistance to recover from this month's tornado. Rosenbaum also talked with Congressman Wesley Bell about how President Donald Trump hasn't signed off on disaster relief yet…
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Sen. Tracy McCreery joins St. Louis Public Radio's Jason Rosenbaum and Sarah Kellogg to discuss the end of the 2025 Missouri Legislative Session and her thoughts on the upcoming special session.
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7th Ward Alderwoman Alisha Sonnier talks about negotiations over the Rams settlement dollars, her plans for her second term, and being the target of a PAC during her re-election campaign.
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Are you the low bid? Are you being beat by the low bidder but offering a more complete job, is it apple to apples? This week the guys chat about a recent encounter Eric had on the job with another local plumber. Send us a text Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels! Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb Newsl…
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Our customer's finances are feeling the pinch more than ever as prices are the highest on record. Inflation, tariffs, shipping backlogs are just some of the bigger problems on the product side but a big part of the general population is finding it difficult manage unexpected bills. Eric is now offering financing and Andy is looking into it for his …
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Friday's deadly tornado rocks St. Louis – and prompts elected officials into action
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49:59On the latest episode of the Politically Speaking Hour on St. Louis on the Air, St. Louis Public Radio's talks with STLPR's Chad Davis about the deadly tornado that ripped through St. Louis and St. Louis County on Friday. It's placing more of a focus on how local, state and federal elected officials are planning to respond to what could be a long r…
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Plenty of reasons for the question mark: Pete wondered what this term really meant; Jake points out that for most of his career, he was not involved in this process as a builder; Steve gets pretty heated when this process does not include budget (at least a realistic budget...). Gem here from Steve: "70% of a home's budget is hardwired into the num…
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This isn't a how-to guide, let's get that out of the way immediately. The guys chat about the accuracy of estimates, whether the price of a job changes when things are missed AND how some companies operate on the "low upfront bid" and tack on the add-ons as the job progresses. Have experience or thoughts to share? Please do! Send us a text Send us …
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As supply chains and tariffs are making running our service and construction businesses increasingly more difficult, is there benefit to buying only US? Do our customers care? Are they willing to pay more for products made in the US? Send us a text Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels! Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Micke…
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How Trump's first 100 days made a mark on St. Louis and Missouri
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50:07On the latest episode of the Politically Speaking Hour on St. Louis on the Air, St. Louis Public Radio's Jason Rosenbaum explores how President Donald Trump's first 100 days in office affected Missouri, Illinois and the St. Louis region. Rosenbaum talks with ProPublica's Jeremy Kohler about former Missourian Ed Martin's controversial nomination as …
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131 - Two Q's: Isn't ZIP-R backwards? Shouldn't we rainscreen roofs as well as walls?
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29:04Two great questions on which the boys pontificate in fine form. Yes, ZIP-R is "backwards" (rigid insulation interior to structural sheathing) but that does not mean that it doesn't work; it does, just differently. So why don't we typically rain screen roof claddings? The short answer is it always costs more, regardless of the type of roof cladding.…
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Eric's been working on a plan to partner with local builders for water conditioning in new construction homes and Andy talks about something similar they've been doing with a local general contractor in an affluent Missoula neighborhood. Send us a text Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels! Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy M…
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National Planned Parenthood President says Missouri provided spark to abortion rights movement
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13:41On a special edition of Politically Speaking, STLPR's Jason Rosenbaum talks with Planned Parenthood President and CEO Alexis McGill Johnson and Planned Parenthood Great Rivers President and CEO Margot Riphagen about Missouri's place in the movement for abortion rights. Rosenbaum interviewed McGill Johnson and Riphagen after the two spoke at a Plann…
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On the latest episode of Politically Speaking, state Rep. George Hruza, R-St. Louis County, returns to the show to talk about his first impressions of the Missouri House. Hruza also talked about his capital gains tax cut bill, his legislation aimed at curbing anti-Semitic behavior at schools, and why he voted for a ballot item that could repeal con…
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Some recent changes to standard operating procedures were in order for Andy's plumbing & heating shop, Eric's making the change too. Do you work in client's home's when no one is there? Should you? Give this one a listen and let us know what you think by sending us a message using the link below! Send us a text Send us your feedback or topic ideas …
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Cara Spencer is St. Louis' new mayor. Can she navigate the city's complicated political environment?
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49:49On the latest episode of the Politically Speaking Hour on St. Louis on the Air, St. Louis Public Radio's Jason Rosenbaum talks with St. Louis Alderman Rasheen Aldridge about his expectations for Mayor Cara Spencer. Rosenbaum also talked with Missouri Children's Division director Sara Smith about her vision for the challenging agency, and the releas…
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130 - Two Qs: Job Site Safety & Garage Moisture Management
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28:40What could be more fun than yammering on about scary job site stories and just how confusing a space your garage can be? You listeners ask the damndest questions, so we just keep on cranking... Per usual, Steve closes us out with humor worthy of these two questions... PETE'S RESOURCES: - "Does Safety Affect Productivity in Construction?" - From our…
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Joe Vollmer helped lead the board through the criminal conviction of three of its members, and oversaw the drawing of the map that cut its numbers from 28 to 14.
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On the latest episode of Politically Speaking, state Rep. Betsy Fogle talked with St. Louis Public Radio’s Sarah Kellogg and Jason Rosenbaum about the Democratic view of the 2025 budgetary process.The Springfield Democrat was first elected to the Missouri House in 2020, and is the ranking Democratic member of the House Budget Committee. That gives …
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Why Donald Trump's news deluge soured St. Louisans on social media
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41:26On the latest episode of the Politically Speaking Hour on St. Louis on the Air, STLPR's Jason Rosenbaum and Sarah Kellogg discuss this year's less robust state budgetary process. Rosenbaum also talks about how he's cut down on social media usage recently — and examines whether Donald Trump's return to the White House prompted people to tune in or t…
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129 - A Crazy Space - Decks Over Garages (or worse) & Living Spaces
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32:17The advice starts with "don't ever do this" and then dives into the details for doing it right: slope, overhangs, pedestal systems, step-down from house to deck, and truck liners. Wait, what? Jake describes a long-past project involving a spray-on truck bed liner protective coating (and there actually ARE spray-on residential roof systems for decks…
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128 - Master Plumber Eric Aune Part III: Water Sources/Water Quality
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31:46
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31:46Different water sources lead to different water quality issues. Eric walks us through: sources of tap water; testing water; appropriate water treatment systems responding to the testing results; and a new water frontier: PFAS in our tap water (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl substances). Yikes! PETE'S RESOURCES: - Eric Aune Mechanical Hub - Water testing …
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Jones and Spencer face off over St. Louis’ future in heated joint appearance
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52:30On the latest episode of the Politically Speaking Hour on St. Louis on the Air, the two finalists to be St. Louis mayor face off in a heated joint appearance. STLPR's Jason Rosenbaum and Rachel Lippmann posed questions to St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones and Alderwoman Cara Spencer on the future of the city — and some of its shorter term concerns.…
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Sen. Steven Roberts joins St. Louis Public Radio's Sarah Kellogg and Jason Rosenbaum to talk about the 2025 Missouri Legislative Session, including a bill on its way to Gov. Mike Kehoe that places the St. Louis Police Department under a state-appointed board.
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Missourians approved term limits in 1992. Some feel it was a catastrophic mistake.
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50:12On the latest episode of the Politically Speaking Hour on St. Louis on the Air, STLPR's Jason Rosenbaum explores the pros and cons of Missouri's legislative term limits. He talked with state Rep. Peggy McGaugh, who wants to allow someone to spend up to 16 years in the Missouri House or the Missouri Senate. And he also discussed term limits througho…
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127 - Master Plumber Eric Aune Part II: How NOT to wait for hot water!
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29:40Eric Aune would make the perfect Marvel Superhero Plumber. With tank versus Tankless water heaters, multiple small tanks, and on-demand recirc systems, Eric brings real-world insight to all sorts of plumbing technologies and techniques. And of course, Steve closes the episode with a special look to his future. Pete's Resources: Eric Aune Gary Klein…
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New tools are great but new tool bags are awesome! Andy gives us a close look at his latest addition, the Veto Pro Pac Hybrid Tool and Meter bag (SB-LD) This episode is best viewed on the MH youtube channel: https://youtu.be/RjQVIcKgg7k Send us a text Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels! Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mi…
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State Rep. Mark Boyko joins STLPR's Sarah Kellogg and Jason Rosenbaum to talk about his journey to the Missouri House, his views on education policy, and the prospects for Democratic influence during the 2025 session.
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Live from AHR Expo: Milwaukee Tool’s John Jarzombek
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30:46Ever wonder how Milwaukee Tool decides what to build next or how they test them? Our guest John Jarzombek is a project manager at Milwaukee Tool. John has personally managed teams developing tools such as the MX Fuel Pipe Threader, the new roll groover, The Ringer and more. It was fun to have John join us in Orlando at the AHR Expo podcasts pavilli…
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Why did Democratic National Committee Chairman Ken Martin come to Missouri?
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50:12On the latest episode of the Politically Speaking Hour on St. Louis on the Air, STLPR's Jason Rosenbaum sits down with Democratic National Committee Chairman Ken Martin. The former head of the Minnesota Democratic Party made Missouri one of the stops on his first national tour since becoming DNC chairman. Rosenbaum also talked with Planned Parentho…
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126 - All Things Water Heating with Eric Aune
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52:07Eric provides Steve and Jake with a plumber's perspective on almost every residential, domestic hot water system available in the US. Stick around for terms like "cold water sandwich," "air-to-water," "CO2 refrigerant," and "recirc." It's absolutely gripping! Pete's Resources: Eric Aune - Mechanical Hub Energy Star Heat Pump Water Heater Demand Hot…
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Are gas absorption heat pumps a viable alternative to the electrification of our heating and cooling systems? Mike Cameron is a longtime Canadian friend working in Vancouver, BC. Mike installs and services a lot of the GAHP units, some are only prototypes but all are performing impressively. Send us a text Send us your feedback or topic ideas over …
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Independent contractor and certified public accountant Celeste Metcalf is one of three candidates running for comptroller. She faces incumbent Darlene Green and former alderwoman and state Representative Donna Baringer in the March 4 primary.
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