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Mirror, mirror on the wall, who’s the fairest of them all?

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Elections 2013Well, the time has finally arrived. As some are just looking forward to the signs being taken down around the BenGil communities, others are still undecided on whom they are voting for, and others will have their name on the ballot tomorrow. The consolidated election is tomorrow, Tuesday, April 9.

Community members have to make their voice heard tomorrow. These elected officials are the voice for us. We need to elect people we can trust and people who stand up for what they believe in. In less than 48 hours, races for city councils and school board will be decided.

But, the place to determine which candidates are “the fairest of them all” is at the election polls and you are the only one to determine which candidate you support. Polls are open from 6:00am to 7:00pm tomorrow.

School Board

Residents in the BenGil community will vote on three positions up for grabs on the district 7 school board. Five community members are on the ballot to confiscate the three seats currently held by Donald Dobrino, David Griffel, and William Carter Jr. All three of the current members are running for reelection with the addition of Tracy Hellmann and Stephen Koniak running in opposition.

Hellmann, Koniak, and Dobrino are all running from the Cahokia Township while Peyton Bernot is currently representing Cahokia Township on the board. A maximum of three people can serve from each township leaving it impossible for Hellmann, Koniak, and Dobrino to all be elected since one seat is currently filled.

Gillespie

In Gillespie, voters will decide municipal council positions based on what ward they currently reside in. Mayor John Hicks, City Clerk Frances Smith, and Treasurer Dan Fisher are predetermined winners without any opposition. In addition, board members Frank Barrett (Ward 2), Dave Tucker (Ward 3), and Steve Kluthe (Ward 4 – 2 Year term) are running without opposition as well and will remain aldermen on the Gillespie municipal board.

However, two positions are open on the Gillespie city council. Residents living in Ward 1 will vote for 1 of 3 candidates vying for the seat held by Jerry Doliger. Running against Doliger are Brenda Mix and William Roberson. Residents in Ward 4 will vote between Robert “Gus” Ottersburg and Stephen King to replace John Ronald as alderman for the 4 year term. Ronald is not running for reelection.

In addition to a series of township positions, Gillespie residents will also be voting on three ‘yes’ or ‘no’ questions.

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  1. The first question pertaining to public safety questions if Macoupin County shall be authorized to impose and increase on its share of local sales taxes by .75%.
  2. The second question allows State Legislature to enact a law allowing citizens to carry a concealed firearm, after a background check and training.
  3. The final question would give the City of Gillespie the authority to arrange for the supply of electricity for its residential and small commercial retail customers who have not opted out of such program.

Benld

Voters in Benld will just have 1 position on the municipal board to fill, mayor. Other than the multiple township positions on the ballot, the mayor race is the only race with more than one candidate running for office. The mayor position, currently held by Micky Robinson, is being quested by Peyton Bernot and Gloria Sidar. Both Bernot and Sidar are currently on the municipal board.

City Clerk Wanda Bernot is not running for reelection, but Nadine Ferrero is running without opposition for the position while Mary Ann Scopel is the predetermined winner for the treasurer position. Lynn Fraelle and Gloria Sidar are currently representing Ward 1 on the council, but neither alderwomen are running for reelection as Sidar is seeking the mayor position and Fraelle is seeking Cahokia Township Supervisor.

In the case of Sidar winning the mayor election, Bernot will remain on the board as alderman of ward 3. On the opposite hand, Sidar will not have any position on the municipal board if Bernot wins the mayoral election which will leave the Peyton Bernot appointing someone to fill out the remaining two years as alderman of ward 4.

Teresa Tucker is running without opposition for the four year term in Ward 1 while Brian Frensko is running without opposition for the two year term in Ward 1. Current mayor Micky Robinson is seeking unopposed election in Ward 2 while incumbent Jim Kelly is seeking unopposed election in Ward 3.

In addition to a municipal board positions, Benld residents will also be voting on two ‘yes’ or ‘no’ questions.

  1. The first question pertaining to public safety questions if Macoupin County shall be authorized to impose and increase on its share of local sales taxes by .75%.
  2. The second question allows State Legislature to enact a law allowing citizens to carry a concealed firearm, after a background check and training.

Polls are open from 6am to 7pm. Follow immediate polling updates right here on our website, on our Facebook page, or on our Twitter page. Let your voice be heard.

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Madison donates to food pantry and sponsoring toy drive

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Madison employee, Lexy Horton delivered food items to the Staunton Helping Hands Center volunteer Lori Semanik.

During their Employee Appreciation Week celebration in October, the employees at Madison were challenged to donate non-perishable items for the local food pantries as part of a team bonding exercise.

The Madison employees collected a total of 10 milk crates and multiple boxes of food. The items were then divided evenly between the Mt. Olive Care Center, the Bunker Hill Food Pantry, and the Staunton Helping Hands Center. These donations are just a small part of Madison’s commitment to care for the communities that they serve.

Along with donating to the local food pantries, Madison is also sponsoring the Community Hope Center’s Christmas Toy Drive once again. Please help spread the love to a child for Christmas by donating a new and unwrapped toy for girls and boys ages 0-12.

Toys will be accepted anytime until December 6th in their main office lobby located at 21668 Double Arch Road in Staunton.

To learn more about Madison’s services call 800-422-4848 or visit gomadison.com.

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Fifth grade elementary students decorate pumpkins as fundraiser for Project Kid Kare

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The fifth grade at Ben-Gil Elementary recently had a pumpkin decorating contest as a fundraiser to help support Project Kid Kare. The fifth grade students decorated a pumpkin as an activity with their parents during a Parent Involvement Day.

Each of the classes’ pumpkins were displayed on tables. All the students in the school could vote for their favorite table of pumpkins using spare change. The table that received the most money votes, won the contest.

Students were able to vote multiple times for their favorite table using change or $1 bills. The fifth grade students raised a total of $334.37 and donated the proceeds to Project Kid Care. This act of kindness will bring smiles to many faces of the students in school. Project Kid Kare helps students in the CUSD #7 who are unable to purchase school supplies each year.

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Oberkfell claims victory at State Cross Country championship

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Chaz Oberkfell (archived photo/TheBenGilPost.com)

In a stunning display of athletic prowess and determination, Chaz Oberkfell, a junior at Gillespie High School, crossed the finish line first at the 2024 Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Class 1A State Cross Country Championships, securing his victory with an impressive time and personal best of 14:31.9.

Rounding out the top five was senior Nicolai Martino of Winnebago (14:33.9), senior Gabriel McLain of Benton (14:33.9), sophomore Maxwell Kirby of Peoria Notre Dame (14:47.7), and senior Andrew Kurien of Rockford Christian (14:54.8).

The championship race, held at the scenic Detweiller Park, drew competitors from across the state, all vying for the coveted title. Oberkfell showcased his exceptional talent and training and was in second place before securing the first place spot toward the end of the race.

Oberkfell’s victory is a testament to his relentless dedication and the support of his coaches and teammates. Throughout the season, he has consistently demonstrated remarkable speed and endurance, often finishing races well ahead of his competitors.

The Gillespie community turned out in full force to support the team with many friends, family members, and fellow students cheering the team on Friday morning when the team bus was escorted through town and again on the sidelines Saturday morning. The triumph victory not only highlights Oberkfell’s personal achievements but also brings recognition to Gillespie High School’s cross country program. The team has shown tremendous growth over the past few years, and this victory is a significant milestone.

Also representing Gillespie in the state championship race were Carter Sies (16:59.4), Marshall Garwood (17:03.3), Hank Fletcher (17:15.4), Nolan Hostettler (17:23.9), Matthew Plovich (17:37.4), and Lucca Kapp (17:40.1).

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