Community News
Where are they now – Devon Largio
11 years ago, Devon Largio was sitting through her last few classes at GHS, imagining what life would be like after high school. Even then, she probably wouldn’t have guessed her undergraduate work at U of I would have been 
featured on James Carville’s Crossfire or that she’d be working for one of the top law firms in Chicago.
Devon, born and raised in Gillespie, graduated from Gillespie High School in 2000. Her success in academics during her high school career followed her to U of I where she graduated in 2004 with a B.A. in Political Science with honors: summa cum laude, Highest Distinction in Politcal Science, and Bronze Tablet, which denotes the top 3% of graduating students. Her senior thesis about the rationales for the war in Iraq — what people in the White House, Congress and the media were saying about why we needed to go to war leading up to when the war resolution was signed in the fall of 2002 – was featured on James Carville’s Crossfire, published in Foreign Policy magazine, and featured in the Washington Post. John Kerry also referenced her work during one of his presidential campaign speeches.
After graduating from U of I and still riding her success from her senior thesis, Devon decided to pursue a career in law. She went to Vanderbilt University Law School. She was a member of the Vanderbilt Law Review, where she also had an article published in the journal. She also served as a research assistant for the Dean of the law school during her third year. She graduated in 2007 with honors, Order of the Coif, which denotes the top 10% of graduating students.
After graduation, she accepted a position at Kirkland & Ellis LLP in Chicago, a top tier law firm. She is now a fourth-year associate at the firm, and works on complex litigation for major clients. Her work focuses on defense-side civil commercial litigation — contract disputes, securities fraud, and auditor malpractice.
Even with all of her early success and the bustling life of the city, she still smiles when she reflects about her days growing up in Gillespie. Her fondest memory is when she played Laurie Williams in the high school’s production of Oklahoma. When she can find time, she tries to make it few times a year to visit her parents and hopefully see some of her high school classmates.
If you know someone who is no longer in the area, but would be a good candidate for “Where are they now”, please e-mail us at news@thebengilpost.com
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Mt. Olive, IL — The vibrant community of Mt. Olive is proud to host the 4th Annual International Mother Jones Festival on Sunday, May 4th, celebrating the life and legacy of the legendary labor leader and activist, Mother Jones. The festival runs from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and will feature a variety of live music, engaging programs, and historic tours, culminating in a special tribute at Union Miners’ Cemetery, where Mother Jones is laid to rest.
Highlights of the Festival Include:
- Live Music: Enjoy performances by Casting Runes, Wildflower Conspiracy, and Piasa Canyon.
- Family Activities: Kids and the young at heart can participate in a magic and medicine show by Dr. Longhair, as well as a hands-on shoe-making activity inspired by Mother Jones’ famous footwear used in her miners’ strikes.
- Historical Reenactments: Loretta Williams, the only actress to portray Mother Jones in both her native Ireland (City Cork) and at her final resting place, will perform a special program at the library, bringing Jones’ story to life for audiences of all ages.
Special Events & Tours:
- A shuttle bus will be available to transport visitors between downtown and Union Miners’ Cemetery.
- Guided tours will be offered by docents at the cemetery and the Friends of Mother Jones Museum, providing insight into her life and enduring impact.
Food & Refreshments:
Kazoo Coffee will serve their signature Hell Raiser blend—created in honor of Mother Jones—along with B&K Bakery cookies, as well as a variety of food and beverages to keep festival-goers energized.
In Case of Weather Changes:
All downtown activities will relocate indoors to City Hall and the library, ensuring the celebration continues rain or shine.
Come celebrate the spirit of activism, history, and community at this meaningful event honoring one of America’s most influential labor leaders. Everyone is welcome to join the festivities!
For more information, contact the Mother Jones Museum at 618-659-8759 or email friendsofmotherjonesmuseum@gmail.com.
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The Friends of the Library are excited to invite the community to an exclusive “Snap-On Jewelry” demonstration hosted by jewelry artist Jodi Flack. The event will take place on Monday, May 5th, at 6 p.m. in the Gillespie Public Library.
During this engaging program, Jodi will showcase her beautiful collection of snap-on jewelry, featuring versatile necklaces and bracelets with interchangeable pendants. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore the various styles and options available, making it a perfect occasion to find a special gift or add a unique piece to their jewelry collection.
Jewelry will be available for purchase at the event, making it an ideal opportunity to find a thoughtful Mother’s Day gift or a special treat for yourself.
Don’t miss this chance to discover stylish, customizable jewelry and support the Friends of the Library. All are welcome!
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The Illinois Department of Transportation announced that a 14-mile patching and resurfacing project on Interstate 55 from Litchfield to the Macoupin/Madison County line begins Monday, April 21. Work is expected to be completed by the end of September.
Additionally, ramps for Litchfield (exit 52), Mount Olive (exit 44) and Staunton (exit 41) will be resurfaced. Most of the work is expected to take place between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. Sunday nights through Friday mornings.
Lane closures are expected, and message boards will be used to direct traffic through the work zones. Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area. Benefits of this project include a smoother driving surface.
To avoid the work area, when feasible, use of alternate routes should be considered. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to changed conditions and signs in the work zones, obey the posted speed limits, refrain from using mobile devices and be alert for workers and equipment.
