Community News
Manar office opening draws large crowd
Over 125 people in attendance
Andy Manar opens his campaign headqauarters in Staunton, Illinois.
Staunton, IL – Macoupin County Board Chairman and candidate for State Senate in the 48th District Andy Manar (D-Bunker Hill) addressed a capacity crowd of 127 supporters during the grand opening ceremonies for his campaign’s headquarters in Staunton on Saturday.
Lines into the headquarters began spilling outside the door and down the block shortly before the event, but everyone was able to make it inside to participate.
Macoupin County Circuit Clerk and Chairman of the Macoupin County Democratic Party, Mike Mathis, introduced Manar. Having known Andy since the time he was Mayor of Bunker Hill, Mathis spoke of Andy’s strong and consistent Downstate values.
“He doesn’t care about party labels. He cares about getting something done for people. That’s how he got Democrats and Republicans in Macoupin County to come together to balance the budget year after year.”
Manar addressed the crowd and emphasized the need for the State to invest in Downstate infrastructure. “We need to get people to work Downstate building roads and bridges and making repairs to our crumbling schools,” said Manar.
Manar also spoke about the vastly different challenges that rich and poor school districts face in Illinois. “When Downstate schools have to choose between offering chemistry, physics, or cutting a teacher when classroom are already approaching 30 students while other school districts up north are building swimming pools and tennis courts, something is fundamentally wrong.”
While Manar’s speech focused largely on job creation and fairness for Downstate schools, Manar paused during his remarks to say, “Look at the crowd here today. I’m just overwhelmed. Thank you.” Manar also took time to thank the community of Staunton. “Stuanton has opened its doors and I’m so honored by the support this community has given me.”
For more information on hours and upcoming events please contact the campaign headquarters at 618-635-2583 or at volunteer@AndyForSenate.com.
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SPRINGFIELD — Lincoln Land Community College has announced its full-time and part-time President’s and Vice President’s lists for the spring 2025 semester. Part-time students are enrolled in six to 11 credit hours while full-time students are enrolled in 12 or more credit hours.
Students who earned a 4.0 grade point average (GPA) are noted with an asterisk and earned President’s list honors. Students who earned between a GPA of 3.5-3.99 earned Vice President’s list honors. The excerpt below features Macoupin County students.
FULL-TIME STUDENTS
Bunker Hill – Logan R. Helling
Carlinville – Reid P. Evans*, Brody M. Reif
Gillespie – Maris E. Brill, Austin L. Grace*
Girard – Max Allen*, Katie Angulo*, Mick B. Downs*, Josh Hagerman, Reed Lewis, Michael S. Prose*
Mount Olive – Jakobb E. Brown*, Georgia G. Kampwerth
Palmyra – Alexis R. Bowman*
Staunton – Paige N. Horstmeyer*, Michael J. Matesa*, Lauren R. Mathis, Brandon Mo
Virden – Zorah E. Austin*, Michaeh N. Barnhouse*, Maddie Carver, Jackson R. Pierce*, Morgan C. Snell*, Grant M. Strickler, Courtney N. Ulinski*
PART-TIME STUDENTS
Benld – Christopher Young*
Carlinville – Alex C. Nance*, Jerry D. Nance Jr.*
Gillespie – Jessica L. Tiek*
Girard – Lindsey J. Ferguson*, Jackson R. Henke*, Natalie Moriconi*
Mount Olive – Kara A. Harmon*, Justin D. O’Neill*, Hayden Wylder*
Virden – Candace L. Carlile*, Lillian M. Carlile*, Natalie M. Little*, Josie P. Patterson, Luciano Pierce*
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The 2:18 Missions Team, a dedicated local outreach group based in Gillespie, is excited to announce its upcoming cookout fundraiser to support its community initiatives. The event will take place on Saturday, June 21st, at Randy’s Market in Benld.
From approximately 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., community members are invited to enjoy delicious homemade food while supporting a worthy cause. The menu will feature pork chops, pork burgers, hot dogs, and refreshing water — perfect for a summer day of good food and fellowship.
“All proceeds from this event will go directly toward our mission efforts to serve and uplift our community,” said a spokesperson for 2:18 Missions Team. “We’re grateful for the support of our neighbors and look forward to seeing everyone there!”
Come out to Randy’s Market in Benld on June 21st to enjoy a tasty meal, support local endeavors, and connect with others in the community.
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CARLINVILLE, IL – On June 14th, concerned citizens are invited to join a coalition of grassroots organizations to nonviolently protest in front of the Macoupin County Courthouse at 201 E. Main St. in Carlinville, IL, from 2:00pm – 4:00pm. This protest is one of over 1,400 protests taking place nationwide with millions of participants as part of the NO KINGS National Day of Action and mass mobilization in response to the increasing authoritarian excesses and corruption of the Trump administration.
Trump’s unconstitutional actions include suppressing free speech, detaining people for their political positions, deporting American citizens, defying the courts, and much more – all while enriching himself and his billionaire allies.
“Now Donald Trump is planning a military parade in Washington, D.C. on June 14th. This display of might is intended to intimidate opponents and solidify his image as a strongman, while paying for it with taxpayer dollars.”, said Kelley Hatlee, a volunteer organizer with the Macoupin County 50501and Indivisible movements. “Instead of allowing this military parade to be the center of attention, the NO KINGS nationwide protests make action everywhere else the story of America on June 14th: people coming together in communities across the country to reject strongman politics and corruption.”, said Hatlee.
“We’re showing up together as neighbors, friends, and fellow community members to say NO to authoritarianism and yes to a government that serves everyone,” said Chelsa Pruden, a volunteer organizer with Macoupin PRIDE and Macoupin County 50501 and Indivisible. “We’re tired of watching powerful people trample our rights and our voices. This protest is about reminding everyone, especially those in power, that real strength comes from the people.”
Participants are encouraged to make protest signs that convey their personal messages. Packaged, nonperishable food items will be accepted for donation to local food pantries to help low-income families who will be hit hardest by Trump’s policies.
The NO KINGS protest in Carlinville is organized by a volunteer coalition of the Macoupin PRIDE and the Macoupin County 50501 and Indivisible grassroots movements. The coalition has created a Facebook page titled “Macoupin County 50501 and Indivisible” for concerned citizens to follow.
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Madison Communications technicians and SCTE Gateway Chapter win first place
Beleagured board chairman responds to critics as County Board prepares to start budgeting process
