Community News
Macoupin County Little Miss & Little Mister Pageant
After 3 hours on Monday, July 18, at the Macoupin County Fairgrounds, the Little Miss & Little Mister Pageant finally wrapped up. The Pageant coincided with the County Talent Show. There were 15 contestants vying for the Little Miss tiara and another 11 contestants competing for the Little Mister crown. All of the contestants loved being the spotlight on stage and were all either 4 or 5 years old. There were approximately 20 other contestants competing in the talent show which consisted of a Junior Division, Senior Division, and an Adult Division.
The long awaited announcement of the Little Miss and Little Mister came at the end of the show, following the retired royalty farewell. As the crowd came to utter silence and many people crossed their fingers and legs, Mark Dugger made the announcement. The Littler Mister winners were: Kaeleb Lowry – 1st place (of Gillespie, 4 year old son of Kyle & Deanna Lowry), Tobi Lewis – 1st runner up (of Girard, 5 year old son of John & Brandi Lewis), and Jaiden Johnson – 2nd runner up (of Gillespie, 5 year old son of Jeremy & Stevi Johnson). The Little Miss winners were: Camaryn Fetter – 1st place (of Girard, 5 year old daughter of Clint & Lydia Fetter), Stevie Harding – 1st runner up (of Carlinville, 5 year old daughter of Sam & Krissy Harding), and Addison Earley – 2nd runner up (of Girard, 5 year old daughter of Jr & Brooke Earley).
As the pageant was the main spotlight of the night, many attendees enjoyed the wonderful talent displayed by all ages in the talent show. The talent show was divided into 3 divisions and performances were displayed at 3 different occasions throughout the event. Many contestants simply sang a solo vocal, but there was 1 violin performance and also 2 dance routines. The winners of the talent show were announced directly before the pageant winners. First place of the junior division was awarded to Ingrid Uhe’s performance of “Proud to be an American.” The second place was awarded to Marley Schmidt and Abby Boente on their mix tape dance routine. The final prize of the junior division went to Alexia Christison on her solo vocal. Haley Nicole was the sole winner of the senior division as she had the crowd clapping and swinging during her country swing performance. The only adult performance and first place winner came from Tammy Martintuni, who dedicated her performance to her father, who was seated in the front row taking pictures of his daughter.
Retiring Little Miss Braley Wiser and Little Mister Jake Rookey gave their final speech on stage last night. Braley, daughter of Shawn & Trish Wiser, told the crowd she enjoyed representing Macoupin County at many parades, festivals, and County Fairs the past year. She also extended a very special thank you to Megan (2010 Queen), Hannah (2010 Jr. Miss), and Jake (2010 Little Mister) for the many memories they have shared during their reign the past year. Braley wished the new Little Miss the best of luck during her year of reign. Jake (son of Greg & Sarah Rookey) also gave his last speech on stage after he answered a few questions from Queen Megan Broom. Jake told the crowd he has had the time of his life this past year as Little Mister and is very sad to give up his duties. His favorite thing about being Little Mister Macoupin County was going to the parades and being on stage.
After one month practicing for the pageant, it has finally come to end, but the 2011 edition of Macoupin County Fair has just began! The fairgrounds will host the Miss & Jr. Miss Macoupin County Pageant tomorrow (Tuesday) night, the tractor pull Friday night, and the demolition derby Saturday night, which is always the ultimate crowd pleaser.
Follow this weeks action on The BenGil Post and also check our Facebook page for up-to-date announcements of Pageant winners.
To see pictures from last night, click here! (You have to be a Facebook user and a fan of our Facebook page!)
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FELONIES
Ronald R. Arnold, 35 of Gillespie, is charged with aggravated battery in a public place in connection with a December 28 incident.
Kenneth E. Ray, 39 of Bethalto, is charged with aggravated fleeing while involving the disobedience of two or more official traffic control devices, fleeing/attempting to elude officers, speeding 25-34 mph over the limit, and driver’s license expired more than a year in connection with a December 19 incident.
Jacklyn M. Wichman, 30 of Decatur, is charged with possession of methamphetamines (< 5 grams) in connection with a December 30 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Levi R. Ladendorf, 31 of Staunton, is charged with battery/causing bodily harm in connection with a July 17, 2023 incident.
Demian E. Ellis, 46 of Benld, is charged with battery/making physical contact in connection with a December 30 incident.
Steven D. Lewis, 33 of Virden, is charged with two counts of violation of a protection order in connection with a December 30 incident.
TRAFFIC
Jason A. Keffer , 28 of Standard City, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration in connection with a December 23 incident.
Daniel R. Gooding, 36 of Carlinville, is charged with driving on a suspended license and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a December 28 incident.
Douglas D. Davis, 27 of Benld, is charged with driving on a revoked license, operating an uninsured motor vehicle and expired registration in connection with a December 26 incident.
Brandon E. Swarringin, 26 of Carlinville, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a December 21 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Terry L. Lumma versus Robert L. Lumma
MARRIAGE LICENSES
- Pietro Lentini of Carlinville and Anna Jean Triplett of Greenfield
- Morgan Barber and Emilee Bridgwater, both of Benld
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Summer Repertory at Carlinville is pleased to announce the return of a comedy play to the stage. Performances of Ripcord will be held January 17 and 18th at 7:30 PM and January 19 at 2 PM at Blackburn College Bothwell Auditorium.
Ripcord, by David Lindsay-Abaire, is based in the Bristol Place Senior Living Facility. The rivalry of odd couple roommates Abby and Marilyn, results in high stakes comedy of conflict for control of territory.
Cindy Rice and Joe Hardy bring their combined experience directing the small cast of seasoned actors.
Rice, who has directed place and musicals In Illinois and Texas, spent 15 years co-directing musicals at North Green high school.
Hardy, who began acting at age 7 with notable roles in Summer Repertory Theatre’s Shrek The Musical, The Little Mermaid , and Suessical, has also performed at several Springfield, Illinois, theaters. He has a BA in Theatre Performance from SIUE.
Tickets for Ripcord may be purchased at the door only. Ripcord is rated PG-13. For more information, see Summer Repertory Theatre at Blackburn College Facebook page.
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The Partnership for Educational Excellence is gearing up for an exciting trivia night on Saturday, February 15, 2025.
The lively evening is the education foundation’s one-and-only fund raiser. Proceeds will allow The Partnership to continue programs benefitting all CUSD7 students. Since 1992 the it has awarded more than $1 million to the improved and continuing educations of local students.
Since 1992 every student in every classroom in CUSD7 has benefitted from classroom mini-grants, school-wide academic grants, and – over the past three years – district-wide grants of $90,000 for improved and enhanced student computers.
In addition, The Partnership offers individual $2,000 academic tuition scholarships to GHS graduates enrolled in accredited state and private, academic and trade colleges and universities. In 2024, a record 40% of GHS graduating seniors received these awards.
The “For the Love of Education” Trivia Night will be held at the Gillespie Civic Center, 115 North Macoupin (behind City Hall). Doors open at 6:00 p.m. and the competition begins at 7:00 p.m.
Mulligans will be for sale; games and lightning rounds will keep the evening lively; and a variety of door prizes will be awarded. Contestants are invited to bring their own beverages and snacks. Alcoholic beverages are permitted with a photo I.D.
In addition, The Partnership’s annual Grand Raffle will kickoff. Two “early bird” winners will receive $100 each on February 15. Their tickets will remain eligible for the grand prize of $5,000 on Saturday 12 April 2025. The fee is only $100 per table, up to 10 people per team.
There are four ways to register:
- phone Director Mary Griffel at 217-556-5456;
- visit www.thepartnership7.org to register online or to print out a mail-in form;
- write to The Partnership, P.O. Box 125, Gillespie IL 62033.
