Upcoming Events
Post Prom will Host Ford Drive One for Your School
Who?
Drew Ford and Gillespie Post Prom are sponsoring the Ford Drive One
4UR School.
When?
Saturday, September 24.
Time?
8a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where?
The Gillespie High School parking lot behind Dairy Queen.
More Information:
For each valid test drive Ford will donate $20 to the Gillespie Post Prom. Advance registration is not required. Participants can test drive new Ford vehicles, but must be 18 to participate. This is a great opportunity to test drive a new Ford and help Post Prom. Additional information can be obtained at Drew Ford in Gillespie or by calling Patty Semplowski at 839-3972.
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Bunker Hill – Zion Lutheran Church in Bunker Hill is excited to announce a rummage sale taking place on Thursday, March 20, Friday, March 21, and Saturday, March 22. The sale will be held at the church located at 609 East Warren Street in Bunker Hill. All proceeds from the sale will be donated to Illinois Valley Meals on Wheels in Macoupin County, a vital program that prepares and delivers over 1,500 meals daily to those in need across three counties.
Donations for the rummage sale are warmly welcomed and can be dropped off at the church’s north entrance starting Monday, March 17. Items of all kinds are appreciated, and your contributions will directly support the dedicated efforts of volunteers who ensure that nutritious meals reach our community members.
The sale will run from 4 to 8 PM on Thursday and then 8 AM to 4 PM on Friday and Saturday, making it convenient for everyone to stop by and find great deals while supporting a crucial service in our area.
For more information about the rummage sale or how to donate, please contact Jane Baker at 618-973-2666.
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CARLINVILLE, ILL. – Blackburn College’s Department of Music and Theatre is thrilled to announce an exciting lineup of performances for the spring 2025 season. From student recitals to musical productions and choral collaborations, these events will showcase the exceptional talent and dedication of Blackburn’s most melodic students and faculty. These events are open to the public and audiences of all ages.
Studio Recital | Clegg Chapel, Hudson Hall
Sunday, March 9 at 2:00 pm
The spring season kicks off with the Studio Recital, an opportunity for students in applied voice and piano lessons to share their growth and artistry. Featuring an eclectic mix of genres—including classical, showtunes, and pop—the recital highlights the dedication of students as they present their work from the past academic year. Voice students will be accompanied by Professor of Music Dr. Joseph Welch.
Spring Musical: Once | Bothwell Auditorium
April 4 at 7:00 pm, April 5 at 7:00 pm, April 6 at 2:00 pm
Blackburn proudly presents “Once” as this year’s spring musical. Performances will take place on Friday, April 4, and Saturday, April 5, at 7:00 pm, with a matinee on Sunday, April 6, at 2:00 pm.
A heartfelt story of love and music, “Once” follows two singer-songwriters who meet on the streets of Dublin and collaborate, recording an album together. The production will feature a live, integrated band comprised of student musicians. Visiting Professor of Theatre Adam Flores will direct, with musical direction by Dr. Welch.
Choir Concert: Schubert’s Mass in G Major | Bothwell Auditorium
Sunday, May 4 at 2:00 pm
The season concludes with a significant choral event as Blackburn College’s three choirs—College Choir, Conservatory Choir, and Community Choir—join forces to perform Schubert’s Mass in G Major in collaboration with the Edwardsville Symphony.
This concert represents the culmination of the Music program’s renewed commitment to fostering community connections. With funding from the Illinois Arts Council, Blackburn launched the Conservatory Choir in the fall, offering high school students from districts without music programs a choral experience. Additionally, the College reintroduced the Community Choir, a reimagined version of the previously established community ensemble that had been inactive since the pandemic. While each choir performed separately last semester, this concert marks the first time all three ensembles will unite for a major work.
Adding to the evening’s significance, Blackburn’s music majors will premiere their original compositions, developed through mentorship with award-winning Nashville songwriter Dr. Kim McLean. Students composed and arranged their works for choir and orchestra, and each will perform as the soloist on their own piece—an unparalleled opportunity to gain real-world experience in songwriting and performance.
For additional details, ticket reservations, or inquiries, please contact music@blackburn.edu.
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Opened Play in 1926; One of Oldest H.S. Conferences in Illinois
By Tom Emery
The South Central Conference is gearing up for a special anniversary.
The 2025-26 season will mark the 100th year of competition for the South Central, one of the oldest high school sports conferences in the state of Illinois. Founded in 1926, the SCC has spawned countless star players and coaches, as well as a myriad of state-level highlights.
Carlinville is the only school to be a member of the South Central for its entire existence. Gillespie and Staunton have been members for all but three years, from 2009-12.
Other members through the decades include Hillsboro (1926-44, 1997-present), Litchfield (1926-34, 1980-present), Pana (1926-44, 1997-present), Greenville (1997-present), Southwestern (1970-present), Vandalia (1997-present), Roxana (1997-2021), East Alton-Wood River (1997-2012), Mt. Olive (1926-1980), Nokomis (1926-44, 1955-1985), Taylorville (1926-44), Shelbyville (1926-32), Benld (1935-61), Springfield Feitshans (1963-67), Virden (1966-85), North Greene (1980-85), Triad (1985-93), Alton Marquette (1997-2012), and North Mac (2022-present).
SCC schools have produced numerous team and individual state titlists, including the legendary Taylorville boys’ basketball team of 1943-44, which rolled to a 45-0 mark and a state championship under head coach Dolph Stanley, who led five schools to the IHSA state tournament in his sparkling career.
Other IHSA team championships from SCC members include the 1993 Staunton boys’ basketball team, the 1996 Carlinville boys’ track team, the 2006 Hillsboro girls’ basketball team, the 2011 Marquette girls’ soccer team, and the 2022 Vandalia boys golf team.
Student-athletes from SCC member schools have also collected a number of state track and field titles, including Kelsey Card, Tunde Ridley, Cassie Lamar, and Jack Denby (Carlinville), Marcus Sitko and Becky Coyne (Staunton), Jodi Ottersburg, Amber Lewis, and Matt Rush (Gillespie), Jamie Nurnberger (Southwestern), and many others, not to mention state-champion relay teams from various schools.
State runners-up from SCC members include Gillespie football (1976, 1990), Gillespie girls track (1996), Gillespie softball (1995), Carlinville football (1978, 1993, 2016), Carlinville boys track (1995, 2008), Carlinville girls cross country (1996), Carlinville girls track (2004, 2005), Litchfield baseball (1985), Marquette girls soccer (2009), Southwestern softball (2003, 2009), Staunton football (2013), and Vandalia boys wrestling (2007, 2017).
Tom Emery is a freelance writer and historical researcher from Carlinville, Ill. He may be reached at 217-710-8392 or ilcivilwar@yahoo.com.
