Community News
Manager of Post Office Operations speaks to Benld residents
Benld is in negotiations to seek a different building
Sue Betts, Manager of Post Office Operations, represented Gateway Wednesday, April 4 for a meeting at the Benld Post Office concerning the suspension of the postal service at the Benld site. Ms. Betts was in the office from 2:00 till 4:00 p.m Wednesday afternoon to answer questions.
The largest contingent of residents arrived at 2:00 p.m. including Mayor Jeff Hendricks, Alderman Mike Heddrick and Mickey Robinson, Police Chief Kozak, Build Benld members: Jerry Saracco, Cathy Petrak, Lynn Shehorn, Gloria Sidar and Lynn Fraelle as well as about 25 other Benld residents.
Build Benld presented letters from local residents in support of keeping the Benld Post Office open. Ms. Betts reiterated that negotiations with the owner of the building, Leonard Spodek, New York, were not progressing well, but there were other options open if an agreement could not be met with Mr. Spodek.
Ms. Betts indicated that the decision to suspend the Benld Office was not in her purview. She went on to say she had taken pictures of the city, noted the various businesses, the amount of traffic and felt that the size of Benld warranted looking for other options to keep a Post Office open here. Ms. Betts stated the zip code would remain the same in Benld if mail were temporarily handled by the Gillespie Post Office. She pointed out that although the Post Office was the third largest employer in the country, revenue generated is that significant importance in keeping any facility open.
Benld resident, Frank Wargo, noted that there was adequate parking for handicap citizens at the Benld site and suggested Ms. Betts take a picture of the Gillespie facility. Currently there is no handicap accessible parking in Gillespie except to park in the middle of the street. There is one parking place in front of the Gillespie facility and it is not marked for handicap parking. This presents grave difficulties for handicap residents.
Other area residents asked pertinent questions about mail service, postal box availability, etc. There was discussion about what type of facility would be acceptable if another site in Benld could be found to house a “village post office” or a smaller, regular facility.
Mayor Hendricks is in negotiations with the Postal Office for an alternate site for the Benld Post Office and a representative toured that building on Wednesday. “We hope to hear if this meets with the Post Office’s requirements soon,” Lynn Fralle stated.
Local residents are urged to contact their congressmen for support in keeping the Benld Post Office open. Contact either Senator Dick Durbin or Congressman Bobby Schilling by clicking on the following links to find office telephone numbers.
To view Dick Durbin’s office locations, scroll to the bottom of this page and call any number listed. To contact Bobby Schilling, call any of the numbers listed on this 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.
