2:18 Missions, a nonprofit focused on home repair projects in the Gillespie area and humanitarian efforts at Henderson Settlement in Frakes, Kentucky, has launched a spring food drive to support families served by the Henderson Settlement Food Pantry. The pantry assists low-income families across five counties in the Appalachian region, where a steady supply of nourishing food is essential.

The organization emphasizes that no donation is too small or too large. Right now, all contributions received from now through the first week of April will directly fund food for families in need. It costs roughly $35 to provide food for a family of four for an entire month, a goal that this drive aims to meet for as many families as possible.

Donations can be made in several convenient ways. Checks or cash may be given to any 2:18 Missions team member. For those who prefer digital options, donations are accepted via Venmo or PayPal at 2:18 Missions Nfp. Community members are also encouraged to follow and engage with updates on the 2:18 Missions Facebook page.

2:18 Missions stresses that every contribution, regardless of size, makes a tangible difference in the lives of families working to make ends meet in the mountains of Kentucky and the residents of Gillespie who support their neighbors in need. The organization invites the public to join in this effort and to help spread the word through social media and word of mouth.

The Gillespie Public Library invites the community to its 13th annual Night of Trivia and Games, a popular evening of competition, camaraderie, and cash prizes. The event is set for Saturday, March 28, 2025, with doors opening at 6:15 p.m. and play beginning at 7 p.m. at the Gillespie Civic Center.

Attendees can expect a safe, social night out as organizers have arranged tables to accommodate social distancing, ensuring guests can enjoy the fun in a comfortable setting. The evening features prizes for first, second, and third place, along with a 50-50 drawing and other assorted cash games and prizes.

In keeping with the event’s lighthearted spirit, there will be no silent auction. Organizers emphasize that the goal is “Only laughs and fun,” with a chance to win money while enjoying a friendly competition format.

Entry is a $100 team fee, with a maximum of 10 players per team. Participants are encouraged to pre-register by March 25 to guarantee a table. Registration options include mailing a form to Gillespie Public Library, 201 W Chestnut, Gillespie, IL 62033; calling the library at 217-839-3614; or contacting Steve Joyce at 217-839-2839.

For those interested in joining or learning more, team captains should designate a contact person and provide a reachable phone number during registration.

Benld resident Geonnah Johnson has been named to the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) Dean’s Honor Roll for their work in the fall 2025 semester, a distinction given to those who achieve the university’s highest academic standards.

To be included on the President’s or Dean’s Honor Roll, a student must be enrolled full time. For the President’s Honor Roll, a student must record a “straight-A” or 4.0 GPA, while Dean’s Honor Roll must earn a 3.5 GPA or better for the semester and no grade lower than a B.

The university recognized 1,924 students on the President’s Honor Roll and 1,574 students were named to the Dean’s Honor Roll from throughout Oklahoma, the country and world.

UCO is a campus community in motion—leading, innovating and creating transformative learning opportunities that foster success for students. As Oklahoma’s largest metropolitan university, UCO provides high-quality, nationally recognized programs that are always evolving and adapting to the needs of students and the community. This commitment is rooted in its founding in 1890 as the state’s teacher’s college, training those who would educate the next generation of leaders and innovators.

Guided by the motto “ubi motus est” – which translates to “where movement is” – UCO continues to evolve and grow, offering 120 undergraduate and 79 graduate programs to our more than 12,000 students from its main campus in Edmond, Oklahoma, and facilities throughout the Oklahoma City metro. The university is governed by the Regional University System of Oklahoma Board of Regents and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

For more information about UCO, visit www.uco.edu.