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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The Gillespie Public Library is having a promotional giveaway during the month of December. The “December Spin Giveaway” will allow patrons to spin for prizes each time books are checked out during the month of December.
The prizes are to Gillespie businesses.
Although December is a hectic month with the holidays, take time to relax with a “good book” and visit the library.
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Limited Spots Available, Register By December 20
This winter, Blackburn College invites children ages 6-12 to participate in an exciting All-Sports Camp from December 30-31, 2024 and January 2-3, 2025. The camp will be held at the newly opened Blackburn Athletic Center and newly redesigned M.C. Court in the historic Dawes Gymnasium. The four-day camp runs from 9 am to 12 pm each day, offering young athletes the chance to stay active during the holiday season while exploring a variety of sports. With limited spots available, early registration is encouraged. The registration fee is $100, and the sign-up deadline is December 20, 2024.
Participants will engage in baseball, basketball, soccer, softball, and volleyball activities designed to build confidence, encourage teamwork, and inspire a love for sports in a fun and supportive environment. They will spend part of the day developing essential skills and putting those techniques into action by playing games. Most equipment will be provided, but attendees should come dressed in athletic clothing and ready to play.
“This camp is a fantastic opportunity for kids to stay active during their winter break, make new friends, and experience the thrill of learning skills taught by NCAA coaches and players,” said Kim Camara-Harvey, Blackburn College’s Director of Athletics and Recreation. “Our brand-new Blackburn Athletic Center, with its 200-by-120-foot turf field and retractable batting cages, and our revitalized basketball and volleyball court will be the perfect setting for fun and growth.”
In addition to the camp activities, all participants will receive two (2) tickets to watch the Blackburn Men’s Basketball Team take on the University of Dubuque on Monday, December 30, at 3:00 pm.
Don’t miss this opportunity to give your child a memorable winter break experience! To register or for more information, visit blackburn.edu/recreation or contact Heather Heater, Blackburn College Recreation Coordinator, at athletics@blackburn.edu or 217-854-5719.
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Madison Communications sponsored the Community Hope Center’s Christmas Toy Drive once again this year. The new and unwrapped toys for girls and boys ages 0-12 were collected from the middle of October through the first week of December.
Madison was overjoyed with the outcome of the Toy Drive and wants to thank anyone who took the time to donate. The holiday season is a perfect time to give back to the local communities.
