Community News
Miss & Jr. Miss Macoupin County Pageant
Macoupin County’s 53rd annual Fair Queen Pageant and 4th annual Junior Miss Fair Queen Pageant was held Tuesday, July 19th. Despite the unbearable heat, over 300 people showed their support for their contestants. 11 women aged sixteen to nineteen vied for the queen crown, as well as another 11 young ladies competing for the Jr. Miss Fair Queen title. The queen contestants presented themselves in 3 different outfits: formal black dress, swimsuit, and evening gown. The junior miss contestants also had 3 outfits: black formal dress, sportswear, and party dress. After the dress changes, the top 5 candidates were chosen and asked an on-stage question. After the questioning, the awards were announced!
The announcement of junior miss and queen was well anticipated during the evening, and it came about 2 hours later after the event kickoff. After long debate from the judges and numerous crowd cheers and chants, Mark Dugger finally had the long awaited announcements of the two new queens! The junior miss announcement was first: Michelle Gibbs – 4th runner up, Kaitlin Henrichs – 3rd runner up, people’s choice award, miss congeniality, Candace Conlee – 2nd runner up, Reese Marshall – 1st runner up, and the 2011 Junior Miss Macoupin County is Samantha Burns of Medora. Next on the itinerary was the crowning of the new queen! Kate Scheller of Mt. Olive was named 2011 Macoupin County as well as the most community service award. Alli Branham was 1st runner up, followed by: Kylie Frensko (2nd runner up), Catie Witt (3rd runner up & miss congeniality), Taylor Schwab (4th runner up), and Noah Atkins-Harris (people’s choice). Immediately following the announcement, many gathered around stage-side to view Queen Kate Scheller stroll the stage with her bouquet of roses.
Before the crowning took place, the 2010 royalty shared what their experience has been like representing Macoupin County. Jr. Miss Hannah Ruffatto tearfully struggled through her speech as she thanked many supporters and many people who have dedicated countless hours for her to hold up her position as Jr. Miss. Hannah thanked the community, “Thank you Macoupin County for letting me represent you this past year. This title means the world to me and I have created memories that will last a lifetime. I was always proud to promote our fair and community, and look forward to handing this great title to the next queen!” 2010 Queen Megan Broom followed. Megan based her speech on one simple quote. This quote has led her to who she is today and has had a huge impact on the accomplishments she has won. “Be yourself, be who you are! I have learned a lot about myself this past year,” Megan said, “I found who I am and who I am not and who I will not be. I will forever miss the parades, carnivals, and great times I have spent with Braley, Jake, and Hannah.” Megan was cheerful about her reign and was proud to hand the crown to the next deservable contestant.
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 mud racing Thursday night, the tractor pull Friday night, and the demolition derby Saturday night, which is always the ultimate crowd pleaser.
To see pictures of the pageant, click here! (You have to be a Facebook user and a fan of The BenGil Post!)
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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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