HSHS St. Francis Hospital has begun construction on a new emergency department in the hospital which will open in early 2020. “Our emergency department treated more than 11,000 patients last fiscal year. It is a vital part of the hospital services offered at HSHS St. Francis Hospital. This emergency department is an original part of […]
Bourne’s bill gives schools flexibility for resource officers
Contributed article by the Illinois House Repulicans. In response to an increase in school violence and shootings, State Representative Avery Bourne (R-Raymond) co-sponsored legislation in the Illinois House that would provide school districts with additional flexibility to hire school resource officers or mental health professionals. HB 3244 would allow school districts in counties that impose a […]
Italian American Days schedule released, set for May 24-27
The Italian Club of Benld would like to invite everyone to their celebration of the 66th Annual Italian-American Days Festival on May 24, 25, 26 and the 27th at the Benld City Park in Benld, Illinois. The festival is known throughout the state of Illinois for its Italian foods and games. The weekend begins with […]
Gillespie Police Report: May 5-11, 2019
SUNDAY, MAY 5, 2019 An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Spruce Street for a fight in progress. An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of East Oak Street for someone possibly breaking into a building. Robert J. Bell, 30, of Benld was arrested on a warrant out of Macoupin County […]
Gillespie Council authorizes solar energy project, accepts resignations from two police officers
Newly elected council members were sworn in Monday night during a meeting of the Gillespie City Council which also featured a discussion about the condition of the dam at Gillespie Lake and a commitment to a $380,000 solar energy project. City attorney Kevin Polo administered the oath of office to Ward 1 Ald. Dona Rauzi, […]
Manar calls for more child abuse prevention services in rural Illinois
Contributed article by the Illinois Senate Democrats. SPRINGFIELD – Illinois’ primary child welfare agency is failing families in rural and downstate Illinois, State Senator Andy Manar said Tuesday. “There is a void in services in parts of the state where child abuse is through the roof,” said Manar, a Bunker Hill Democrat who chairs one […]
Bourne’s bill increases penalties for texting while driving resulting in bodily harm
Contributed article by the Illinois House Republicans. Assistant House Minority Leader Avery Bourne (R-Raymond) is hoping to make drivers think twice before picking up their phone while driving. She has co-sponsored legislation, House Bill 2386, in response to the alarming increase in accidents caused by texting, and other phone use while driving. House Bill 2386 […]
Death of James Edward “Jim “ Rolando
James Edward “Jim “ Rolando, 80, of Carlinville, passed away Sunday morning, May 12, 2019, at his home after a long battle with cancer. He was born on January 16, 1939, to Ernest and Catherine (Fenoglio) Rolando and they preceded him in death. He married his high school sweetheart Ann Marie Brown on June 2, […]
IVEDC home based head start have parent and child paint party
Home Based Head Start parents and children participate in an afternoon of paint, palettes, pinkies, and palms. Parents and children age 2-5 enjoyed valuable time together painting masterpieces. Tempera paint was applied on 8×10 canvases by using bubble wrap, feathers, spools, toy cars, hands, fingers, and palms. Illinois Valley Economic Development Corporation offers a Birth […]
Four new members inducted into GHS Wall of Honor
Four new members were enshrined to the Gillespie High School Wall of Honor on Sunday, April 28. Those inducted include William “Bill” Parmentier, Joseph James Ricci, Gordon G. Hartweger, and Ralph Howard Monaghan. The induction ceremony took place at 2 p.m. in the Gillespie High School gymnasium. The event was open to the public with light […]