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2011 Mini Miner & Mini Miss Candidates

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The Mini Miner and Mini Miss pageant is for children ages 3-5 who reside in School District #7. One girl and one boy, along with Miss Black Diamond Days and Jr. Miss Black Diamond Days, will represent the Gillespie community at other area pageants, parades, and community events. Mini Miner and Mini Miss winners will be chosen based on a penny-per-vote concept. Canisters have been placed in local businesses and will remain there until June 1st. Winners will be announced at the Mini Miner and Mini Miss pageant on June 4th at the Gillespie Civic Center at 6:00pm. Everyone is welcome to attend! Here are the candidates for 2011..

Keaton Bertoldi

Keaton Jacob Bertoldi is the four-year-old son of Billy and Megan Bertoldi of Wilsonville and the grandson of Bill Bertoldi, Janine Bertoldi, Lisa White, Willam F. Bertoldi, Joyce Bertoldi, and Wanda Boerkel.  His mom works for Illinois Buisness Card Directory and his dad is self-employed.  He has on brother, Billy(five).  Keaton attends pre-school at Benld Macoupin County Head Start and has three pit-bulls names Diesal, Buddy, and Abby.  His favorite color is red.  When Keaton grows up, he wants to be a kindergarten teacher like his brother’s teacher Ms. Jubelt.  His canister is located at the Workplace Bar in Gillespie.

Kenton Brown

Kenton Brown is the five-year-old son of Ryan and Jamie Brown of Gillespie, the grandson of Brad and Linda Miller and Brian and Monica Brown, and the great-grandson of Mitch and Sue Bryant.  His mom works for American Medical Software and his dad farms.  He has one brother, Gavin (10).  Kenton attends Education Station pre-school and has one cat named Baylee, a cat named Thomas, and a rabbit named Pepper.  His favorite color is red.  When Kenton grows up, he wants to be a fireman and fight fires.  His canister is located at TJ’s in Benld.

Mason Cerentano

Mason Cerentano is the three-year-old son of Cody and Michelle Cerentano and the grandson of Rick and Tena Cerentano and Curt and Reva Bowen.  His dad works at Daley-Bruckert Chevrolet in Staunton and her mom works at McDonald’s in Edwardsville.  He has one sister, Reagan(two).  Mason attends Education Station pre-school and has two dogs named Mikko and Coco.  His favorite color is red.  When Mason grows up, he wants to be a fireman.  His canister is located at Shell in Gillespie.

Austin Klose

Austin Klose is the four-year-old son of Jessica Shaw and Erich Klose and the grandson of Paul and Linda Shaw and Mike and Sherry Klose.  His mom works at Randy’s Market in Benld.  Austin attends Benld Elementary Pre-K and has two dogs named Wall-E and Baby and a rabbit named Buz.  His favorite color is orange.  When Austin grows up, he wants to be a farmer.  His canister is located at Miner’s Restaurant in Gillespie.

Marcus Reno

Marcus Reno is the three-year-old son of Samantha Cuevas and Andrew Reno of Benld and the grandson of Angel and Angie Cuevas and David and Debbie Reno.  His mom works at Schutt Manufacturing and his dad works at Toni’s Restaurant.  Marcus attends Benld Elementary Pre-K and has two dogs named Baby and Marley.  His favorite color is blue.  When Marcus grows up, he wants to be Spiderman.  His canister is located at Family Dollar in Benld.

Kaden Rieffer

Kaden Rieffer is the four-year-old son of Ed and Jessica Bearden-Rieffer of Gillespie and the grandson of Kent and Nancy Bearden and Bill Riefer.  His dad works at AAA Construction Services and his mom works at Michelle’s Pharmacy.    Kaden has 2 brothers, Bryce (9 years) and Zander (5 years).  He is in Mrs. Niehaus’ class at Benld Elementary Pre-K and has chickens, roosters, and ducks for pets.  His favorite color is blue.  When Kaden grows up, he wants to be a baseball player and drive trains.  His can is located at Michelle’s pharmacy in Gillespie.

Austin Schehl

Austin Schehl is the three-year-old son of Amanda Cairns and Andrew Schehl III of Benld and the grandson of Randy Cairns Sr., Michelle Pocklington, Dawn Maxville, and Andy Schehl.  His dad works at Cooper B-Line in Highland and his mom is a stylist at Cairns Creations Home Salon.  Austin has one brother Zachary and is expecting another brother soon.  He has two Great Danes named Roxy and Apollo, and a Miniature Pinscher named Princess.  His favorite color is Blue.  When Austin grows up, he wants to be a mechanic.  His canister is located at Jumpin’ Jimmy’s in Gillespie.

Andrew Sellers

Andrew Sellers is the four-year-old son of Brian and Dale Sellers of Benld and the grandson of Gordon and Irene Nessl, Rosalie King, and Eldred Sellers.  His mom works at Gillespie Family Practice and his dad works for Metrolink.  He has two sisters, April and Ashley, and a brother Brian.  Andrew attends Education Station pre-school and has one dog named Chleo.  His favorite color is green.  When Andrew grows up, he wants to be a baseball player.  His canister is at Casey’s in Benld.

Elissa M. Cline

Elissa M. Cline is the four-year-old daughter of Kellyn and Justin Peoples of Gillespie and Justin Plasters of Litchfield.  She is also the granddaughter of Dennis and Brenda Cline, Dee and Brian Marit and Shirley Lovell.  Her mom works at First Community Bank of Hillsboro and her dads work at Wright Automotive and IGA in Litchfield.  Elissa has a cat named Smoky and two dogs named Jackson and Vista.  Her favorite colors are blue and yellow.  When Elissa grows up, she wants to be a doctor. Her canister is located at Randy’s Market in Gillespie.

Kylee Means

Kylee Means is the four-year-old daughter of Dillon and Jami Davis of Gillespie and the granddaughter of Arthur and Diana Means.  Her dad works at Cooper B-Line in Highland and her mom is a stylist at House of Hair and Nails in Gillespie.  Kylee has one sister named Camrynn (7 months).  She has one pet crab named Mr. Crabs.  Her favorite color is blue.  When Kylee grows up, she wants to be a stylist liker her mom.  Her canister is located at Casey’s in Gillespie.

Lillianna Patterson

Lillianna Patterson is the three-year-old daughter of Maranda Patterson and granddaughter of Jenine and Cliff Cook, the great-granddaughter of Judy and Chuck Macaby, and the great-great-granddaughter of Lillian Hoerig and the late Melvin Hoerig.  Her mom works at Vito’s Italian Pizzeria in Chatham.  Lillianna has 1 brother (Raymond Clayton, 7) and 1 sister (MaKynleigh Patterson, 6 months).   She has a cat named Meow Meow and her favorite colors are pink and purple.  Lillianna says she wants to be a doctor when she grows up so she can “help little kids like me.”  Her canister is located at Sullivan’s Drugstore in Gillespie.

Wrigley Releford

Wrigley Releford is the four-year-old daughter of Chris and Jennifer Releford of Gillespie and the granddaughter of Gary and Jamie Michalik, Robin Smith, and the late Gary Releford.  She is also the great-granddaughter of Joan Davis and Edna Releford.  Her mom works at Georgia Pacific and her dad works for the Gillespie/Benld Area Ambulance Service.  Wrigley attends Education Station Pre-School and has three pets; a dog named Splendor, a rabbit named Sunny, and a turtle names Surtle.  Her favorite color is purple.  When Wrigley grows up, she wants to be a cheerleader. Her canister is located at MotoMart in Gillespie.

Brooklynn Whaley

Brooklynn Whaley is the four-year-old daughter of Michelle and Chad Whaley of Gillespie and the granddaughter of Rhoda and Alfred Vaniter and Bruce and Sherry Sands.  Her mom works at Randy’s Market in Benld and her dad works in HVAC.  She has one sister anmed Madyx (10).  She attends Education Station Preschool and has a cat named Miss Kitty and a dog named Poopydog.  Brooklynn’s favorite color is pink.  When Brooklynn grows up, she wants to be a princess.  Her canister is located at Randy’s Market in Benld.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Community News

4th annual International Mother Jones Festival set for May 4

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Mother Jones monument (Contributed photo)

Mt. Olive, IL — The vibrant community of Mt. Olive is proud to host the 4th Annual International Mother Jones Festival on Sunday, May 4th, celebrating the life and legacy of the legendary labor leader and activist, Mother Jones. The festival runs from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and will feature a variety of live music, engaging programs, and historic tours, culminating in a special tribute at Union Miners’ Cemetery, where Mother Jones is laid to rest.

Highlights of the Festival Include:

  • Live Music: Enjoy performances by Casting Runes, Wildflower Conspiracy, and Piasa Canyon.
  • Family Activities: Kids and the young at heart can participate in a magic and medicine show by Dr. Longhair, as well as a hands-on shoe-making activity inspired by Mother Jones’ famous footwear used in her miners’ strikes.
  • Historical Reenactments: Loretta Williams, the only actress to portray Mother Jones in both her native Ireland (City Cork) and at her final resting place, will perform a special program at the library, bringing Jones’ story to life for audiences of all ages.

Special Events & Tours:

  • A shuttle bus will be available to transport visitors between downtown and Union Miners’ Cemetery.
  • Guided tours will be offered by docents at the cemetery and the Friends of Mother Jones Museum, providing insight into her life and enduring impact.

Food & Refreshments:
Kazoo Coffee will serve their signature Hell Raiser blend—created in honor of Mother Jones—along with B&K Bakery cookies, as well as a variety of food and beverages to keep festival-goers energized.

In Case of Weather Changes:
All downtown activities will relocate indoors to City Hall and the library, ensuring the celebration continues rain or shine.

Come celebrate the spirit of activism, history, and community at this meaningful event honoring one of America’s most influential labor leaders. Everyone is welcome to join the festivities!

For more information, contact the Mother Jones Museum at 618-659-8759 or email friendsofmotherjonesmuseum@gmail.com.

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Snap on Jewelry program set for May 5 at Gillespie Library

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The Friends of the Library are excited to invite the community to an exclusive “Snap-On Jewelry” demonstration hosted by jewelry artist Jodi Flack. The event will take place on Monday, May 5th, at 6 p.m. in the Gillespie Public Library.

During this engaging program, Jodi will showcase her beautiful collection of snap-on jewelry, featuring versatile necklaces and bracelets with interchangeable pendants. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore the various styles and options available, making it a perfect occasion to find a special gift or add a unique piece to their jewelry collection.

Jewelry will be available for purchase at the event, making it an ideal opportunity to find a thoughtful Mother’s Day gift or a special treat for yourself.

Don’t miss this chance to discover stylish, customizable jewelry and support the Friends of the Library. All are welcome!

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Resurfacing of Interstate 55 begins April 21

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The Illinois Department of Transportation announced that a 14-mile patching and resurfacing project on Interstate 55 from Litchfield to the Macoupin/Madison County line begins Monday, April 21. Work is expected to be completed by the end of September. ​

Additionally, ramps for Litchfield (exit 52), Mount Olive (exit 44) and Staunton (exit 41) will be resurfaced. Most of the work is expected to take place between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. Sunday nights through Friday mornings.

Lane closures are expected, and message boards will be used to direct traffic through the work zones. Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area. Benefits of this project include a smoother driving surface.

To avoid the work area, when feasible, use of alternate routes should be considered. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to changed conditions and signs in the work zones, obey the posted speed limits, refrain from using mobile devices and be alert for workers and equipment.

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