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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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.
