‘WHAT’S HAPPENING’ THIS WEEKEND (05/09/2025-05/11/2025)

“Stamp Out Hunger” Food Drive – Saturday

Residents in Olney and Newton are encouraged to participate in the 12th Annual “Stamp Out Hunger” Food Drive tomorrow during regular mail delivery.

  • How to Help: Place nonperishable food items in a bag and set it by your mailbox, porch, or steps.
  • Leave a note in the mailbox with the red flag up to indicate the food location.
  • Donations will be delivered to local food pantries.
    Most other area post offices are also participating.

Olney Central College Graduation – Friday at 7:00 PM

Olney Central College will host its 61st Commencement Ceremony tonight at 7:00 PM in the OCC Gymnasium.

  • Friends and family are welcome.
  • Live stream available at iecc.edu/occ
    Other IECC colleges (Lincoln Trail, Wabash Valley, Frontier) will also hold ceremonies at 7:00 PM, live-streamed via their respective sites.

Olney Bulk Trash Drop-Off Event – Saturday, May 10

The City of Olney will host a free Bulk Trash Drop-Off this Saturday from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM (or until dumpsters are full) at the Municipal Parking Lot (217 N. Fair St., east of the Eagles Lodge).

Accepted Items Include:

  • Furniture, large toys, grills, metal items
  • Small appliances (no CFCs), household goods
  • Mattresses/foundations (must be wrapped & sealed)
  • Carpet (cut into 4-foot sections)
  • Tires (max 4 per household – light truck, passenger car, motorcycle)

Not Accepted:

  • Electronics, batteries, liquids, light bulbs, flammable/hazardous materials
  • Construction debris (drywall, insulation, shingles, etc.)
  • Yard waste (use city Brush Dump)

At the Olney Public Library – Wednesday, May 14

The next SPARK program is for children in 2nd grade and older, starting at 4:00 PM.

  • Topic: History of First Aid Kits – each child will make one to take home.
  • Limited space – sign up soon via the Olney Public Library website or on Facebook.

Other Community Events

  • Richland County TB Board Meeting
    Tuesday, May 13 at 5:00 PM
    New Location: 208 E. Main St., Olney
  • Olney VFW Queen of Hearts Drawing
    Sunday at 4:00 PM (tickets sold until 3:55 PM)
    Current Jackpot: Over $7,000 – open to the public

Mother’s Day Events – Sunday, May 12

  • Newton American Legion Post 20 Brunch Buffet
    Serving 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
    108 E. Jourdan St., Newton
    Includes wings, ribs, salad bar, breakfast/lunch items, bottomless mimosas for moms
    $20/adult | $7/ages 5–10 | Free/under 4
  • Ste. Marie American Legion Mother’s Day Breakfast
    Serving 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM
    105 S. Main St., Ste. Marie
    Biscuits & gravy, sausage, eggs, toast, coffee, milk & OJ

Community Events – Saturday, May 10

  • A.B.A.T.E. “Bike Blessing”
    Olney City Park, 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
    Blessing for motorcycles, Jeeps, side-by-sides, etc.
    Freewill donation meal: pulled pork sandwiches, chips & water
  • Richland County Rotary Pork Cookout
    Big R Store, 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
    Pork burgers, brats, hot dogs, chips & drinks – all to support local projects

Friday Night Taco Night – Olney VFW

Tonight, 5:30–7:30 PM (or until sold out)
Call-ahead orders start at 4:00 PM: 618-392-4226
Includes a bake sale and 50/50 raffle to support the local PEO group.