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AFL-CIO Endorses Manar

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AFL-CIO Endorses Andy Manar for State Senate

Springfield—Representing nearly 900,000 working men and women across the State through 1,500 local affiliates, the Illinois AFL-CIO has given an early endorsement to Macoupin County Board Chairman Andy Manar for the State Senate in the 48th District.

“Andy will take a solid track record of accomplishment and getting things done in Macoupin County to the State Senate,” said Michael Carrigan, President of the Illinois AFL-CIO. “Labor is excited to have a candidate that is willing to listen and discuss important issues to working families. Andy will be an outstanding Senator and will fight to bring good jobs to communities across the 48th District.”

Manar is a lifelong resident of Macoupin County. In 2001, he was elected Mayor of his home town of Bunker Hill at the age of 25 and was later elected Macoupin County Board in 2003. Less than a year later, Manar was elected as the Chairman of the Board by his fellow Board members and continues to serve in that capacity.

“I share the AFL-CIO’s commitment to creating good paying jobs throughout the State and I’m honored to receive their endorsement,” said Manar.

In addition to the AFL-CIO endorsement, Manar has earned the endorsement of the Southwestern Illinois Building and Construction Trades Council, the Decatur Building and Construction Trades Council, IBEW Local #146 in Decatur, the Illinois Pipe Trades Association, the Illinois State Council of Machinists, the Illinois State Council of Operating Engineers, SEIU Local #73, SEIU Illinois Council, the Southern and Central Illinois Laborer’s District Council, the Southwestern Illinois Laborer’s District Council, and the Madison County Democratic Party.

Manar and his wife Trista reside in Bunker Hill three blocks from his boyhood home and have three children: Abbie (6), Will (4) and Ben (2).

The 48th Senate District includes Christian and Montgomery Counties as well as parts of Macon, Macoupin, Madison and Sangamon Counties.

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LLCC announces spring 2025 President’s and Vice President’s lists

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SPRINGFIELD — Lincoln Land Community College has announced its full-time and part-time President’s and Vice President’s lists for the spring 2025 semester. Part-time students are enrolled in six to 11 credit hours while full-time students are enrolled in 12 or more credit hours.

Students who earned a 4.0 grade point average (GPA) are noted with an asterisk and earned President’s list honors. Students who earned between a GPA of 3.5-3.99 earned Vice President’s list honors. The excerpt below features Macoupin County students.

FULL-TIME STUDENTS

Bunker Hill – Logan R. Helling

Carlinville – Reid P. Evans*, Brody M. Reif

Gillespie – Maris E. Brill, Austin L. Grace*

Girard – Max Allen*, Katie Angulo*, Mick B. Downs*, Josh Hagerman, Reed Lewis, Michael S. Prose*

Mount Olive – Jakobb E. Brown*, Georgia G. Kampwerth

Palmyra – Alexis R. Bowman*

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Staunton – Paige N. Horstmeyer*, Michael J. Matesa*, Lauren R. Mathis, Brandon Mo

Virden – Zorah E. Austin*, Michaeh N. Barnhouse*, Maddie Carver, Jackson R. Pierce*, Morgan C. Snell*, Grant M. Strickler, Courtney N. Ulinski*

PART-TIME STUDENTS

Benld – Christopher Young*

Carlinville – Alex C. Nance*, Jerry D. Nance Jr.*

Gillespie – Jessica L. Tiek*

Girard – Lindsey J. Ferguson*, Jackson R. Henke*, Natalie Moriconi*

Mount Olive – Kara A. Harmon*, Justin D. O’Neill*, Hayden Wylder*

Virden – Candace L. Carlile*, Lillian M. Carlile*, Natalie M. Little*, Josie P. Patterson, Luciano Pierce*

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2:18 Missions Team to host fundraiser cookout at Randy’s on June 21

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The 2:18 Missions Team, a dedicated local outreach group based in Gillespie, is excited to announce its upcoming cookout fundraiser to support its community initiatives. The event will take place on Saturday, June 21st, at Randy’s Market in Benld.

From approximately 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., community members are invited to enjoy delicious homemade food while supporting a worthy cause. The menu will feature pork chops, pork burgers, hot dogs, and refreshing water — perfect for a summer day of good food and fellowship.

“All proceeds from this event will go directly toward our mission efforts to serve and uplift our community,” said a spokesperson for 2:18 Missions Team. “We’re grateful for the support of our neighbors and look forward to seeing everyone there!”

Come out to Randy’s Market in Benld on June 21st to enjoy a tasty meal, support local endeavors, and connect with others in the community.

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Organizers announce protest in Carlinville on Saturday

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Protestors at a Macoupin County board meeting (archived photo/TheBenGilPost.com)

CARLINVILLE, IL – On June 14th, concerned citizens are invited to join a coalition of grassroots organizations to nonviolently protest in front of the Macoupin County Courthouse at 201 E. Main St. in Carlinville, IL, from 2:00pm – 4:00pm. This protest is one of over 1,400 protests taking place nationwide with millions of participants as part of the NO KINGS National Day of Action and mass mobilization in response to the increasing authoritarian excesses and corruption of the Trump administration.

Trump’s unconstitutional actions include suppressing free speech, detaining people for their political positions, deporting American citizens, defying the courts, and much more – all while enriching himself and his billionaire allies.

“Now Donald Trump is planning a military parade in Washington, D.C. on June 14th. This display of might is intended to intimidate opponents and solidify his image as a strongman, while paying for it with taxpayer dollars.”, said Kelley Hatlee, a volunteer organizer with the Macoupin County 50501and Indivisible movements. “Instead of allowing this military parade to be the center of attention, the NO KINGS nationwide protests make action everywhere else the story of America on June 14th: people coming together in communities across the country to reject strongman politics and corruption.”, said Hatlee.

“We’re showing up together as neighbors, friends, and fellow community members to say NO to authoritarianism and yes to a government that serves everyone,” said Chelsa Pruden, a volunteer organizer with Macoupin PRIDE and Macoupin County 50501 and Indivisible. “We’re tired of watching powerful people trample our rights and our voices. This protest is about reminding everyone, especially those in power, that real strength comes from the people.”

Participants are encouraged to make protest signs that convey their personal messages. Packaged, nonperishable food items will be accepted for donation to local food pantries to help low-income families who will be hit hardest by Trump’s policies.

The NO KINGS protest in Carlinville is organized by a volunteer coalition of the Macoupin PRIDE and the Macoupin County 50501 and Indivisible grassroots movements. The coalition has created a Facebook page titled “Macoupin County 50501 and Indivisible” for concerned citizens to follow.

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