Community News
Kylie Frensko crowned Miss Black Diamond Days 2011
2011 Miss & Jr. Miss Black Diamond Days Candidates.
Miss Black Diamond Days 2011: Kylie Frensko.
Miss Kylie Frensko was crowned Miss Black Diamond Days 2011 queen on June 3, 2011 at Gillespie Civic Center. Kylie is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Brian Frensko of Benld. She is will be a junior at Gillespie High School and is very active in cheerleading. She also received awards for People’s Choice and Most Photogenic. Miss Frensko was among 7 other canidates and hundreds of people who quietly awaited the announcement of who would wear the crown. “It’s such a great honor,” Kylie said. First runner up went to Bailey Loveless and Miss Congeniality went to Mikayla Tarro.
Jr. Miss Black Diamond Days 2011: Emily Harszy.
Miss Emily Harszy was crowned Jr. Miss Black Diamond Days 2011. Emily will be a freshman at Gillespie High School and is very active in her church. She also received awards for Miss Congeniality. Ms. Harszy mentioned the pageant was, “an awesome experience.” First runner up was Reese Marshall and Kaitlyn Henrichs received awards for People’s Choice and Most Photogenic.
Before ending her reign, Miss Sarah Heyen expressed her gratitude for the experience, and encouraged her successor to, “Enjoy every moment because the experience goes by fast.” Then the runners-up and winners were announced and friends and family crowded the stage to congratulate them all.
During the weeks leading up to the June 3rd pageant, 7 young women between the ages of 16 and 20, and 10 girls between the ages of 12 and 15, met with pageant organizers Sonya Levie and Tobi Libbra who helped prepare the girls for the event.
“Some of the girls get nervous,” said Ms. Levie. “We help them with their walk and how to answer their questions.”
1st Runner Up Miss Black Diamond Days: Bailey Loveless.
As a former pageant director, Sonya understands what the contestants are facing as they interview with the judges and appear on stage to answer questions. Unlike other pageants, which critique contestants largely on their looks and talents, the Miss and Little Miss Black Diamond Days pageant scores the girls and young women on their overall appearance and how they present themselves in front of the judges and in front of the audience as well as the private interview.
“The winner will represent Gillespie at events throughout the year,” Sonya said. “The judges will look at how they handle themselves on stage and how well they speak in front of a crowd.”
To see the pictures from the pageant, click here! You have to be a member of Facebook and a fan of The BenGil Post.
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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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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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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.
