Community News
Going Green Gillespie
We Care Recycling from Carlinville made a stop in Gillespie August 13. The organization was in town behind the Civic Center for 2 hours. We Care Recycling is an Illinois not-for-profit corporation. It has provided recycling services to Carlinville and surrounding Macoupin County residents since 1988. We Care operates drop-off facilities and processing storage buildings in Carlinville and Staunton and, since 2003, offers curbside recycling in Carlinville. Recycling grants from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity have helped to purchase equipment. We Care has cooperated with several all-volunteer recycling operations in Gillespie, Virden, Bunker Hill, Palmyra, and Mount Olive. In addition to operating the basic recycling service, We Care’s Operations Manager gives tours of the recycling center and educational talks to school children at the request of Macoupin County school teachers. We Care Recycling initiated recycling of certain listed electronics during Fall 2005.
We Care Recycling does not charge the City of Gillespie, it is strictly a service to the community. The City of Gillespie receives no compensation from the donated items. Many turned out Saturday to donate recyclable materials. People who donate receive a tax-deductible receipt for their unwanted goods. At this point, it is just a community service for residents in the community and surrounding area. “As long as people use it, they will continue to come,” Mayor John Hicks told us, “If it gets busy enough, they will come more often.”
We Care Recycling accepts:
- Aluminum Cans
- Aluminum Scrap
- Cardboard
- Clear container glass
- Electronics
- Magazines
- Newspapers
- Plastic Containers (1 & 2 only)
- Office Paper
- Tin Cans
At this time, the next date is not scheduled for the next pick-up, but contributions can be made at US Bank, c/o Tammy Dugan, 240 E. Main St., Carlinville, IL 62626, or by mail to We Care Recycling, Inc., P.O. Box 133, Carlinville, IL 62626. Approximately 10% of We Care’s operating budget comes from Carlinville, Macoupin County, Staunton and Staunton Township, and tax-deductible gifts from individuals and businesses who believe in recycling.
Comments
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.
Comments
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!
Comments
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.
