Community News
Macoupin County Primary voters support Pritzker, Ives as voter turnout falls dramatically
(L-R) Bruce Rauner and JB Pritzker win their respected primary to face off in November’s general election.
(Rauner photo/facebook.com/BruceRauner/)
(Pritzker photo/facebook.com/jbpritzker/)
With incumbent Republican Governor Bruce Rauner narrowly defeating a primary challenger by a mere three percentage points (51.6 percent to 48.4 percent) in the statewide balloting, Macoupin County Republican voters demonstrated a preference in Rauner’s opponent in primary election balloting on Tuesday. Macoupin voters casting Republican ballots gave 1,507 (53.88 percent) votes to State Rep. Jeanne Ives, a rare primary challenger to a sitting governor, compared with 1,290 votes (46.12 percent) cast for the Rauner.
According to data from the Macoupin County Clerk’s Election Office website, support for Ives was concentrated in the southwest and northeast corners of the county, with Rauner garnering support in the less populated northwest corner and east side of the county. Overall, Rauner carried only 15 of the county’s 61 precincts.
In 2014, Republican primary voters in Macoupin County favored Kirk Dillard with 1,118 votes (40.43 percent) over Rauner, who garnered 906 (32.77 percent) of the vote. For the general election, however, county voters went with Rauner over incumbent Democrat Pat Quinn, 60 percent to 33 percent.
On the Democrat side, Macoupin voters showed a clear preference for gubernatorial candidate J.B. Pritzker and running mate Julianna Stratton, who won the statewide nomination with more than 45 percent of the vote in a six-way race. Macoupin County Democrats gave Prtizker 2,254 votes (61.22 percent), compared with 620 votes (16.84 percent) for Chris Kennedy and 475 votes (12.9 percent) for Daniel Bliss, both of whom were Pritzker’s nearest competitors. Kennedy carried only one precinct – Barr Township on the west side of the county.
ATTORNEY GENERAL
In the Democrat race to choose a nominee for Attorney General, Macoupin voters followed the lead of voters in other downstate voters, casting 1,872 votes (53.24 percent) for Pat Quinn, who was ousted from the Governor’s seat in 2014 in a narrow loss to Rauner. In statewide balloting, Kawme Raoul, who succeeded Barack Obama in the Illinois Senate, took 30 percent of the vote in an eight-way race, compared with Quinn’s 28 percent. In Macoupin County, Raoul placed a distant second to Quinn with 377 votes (10.72 percent).
Among Republican voters in Macoupin County, Erika Horald, a Champaign County attorney strongly supported by the State GOP and Gov. Rauner, was favored with 1,512 votes (59.76 percent), compared with 1,018 votes (40.24 percent) cast for challenger Gary Grasso. The Macoupin County results reflected statewide balloting, which gave Howard the nomination with 60 percent of the vote, compared with Grasso’s 40 percent.
While Grasso prevailed in Mount Olive 5, Hilyard, Polk, Shipman 2 and South Otter, and tied with Howard in Gillespie 6, Dorchester 1 and Nilwood 2, Howard’s overwhelming support in the county’s remaining 53 precincts gave her the race.
CONGRESSIONAL SEAT
Macoupin Democrats were in agreement with other voters in the 13th Congressional District, favoring Springfield Democrat Betsy Londrigan as the nominee with 1,768 votes (51 percent). Erik Jones of Edwards was second in the five-way contest, capturing 912 (26.31 percent) of the votes cast in Macoupin County. David Gill of Bloomington, who has previously sought the nomination, garnered 387 votes (11.16 percent) in the county. Londrigan won the race district-wide with 46 percent of the vote, compared with 22 percent for Jones and 14 percent for Gill.
Londrigan dominated all but three of the county’s precincts.
In November, Londrigan will face incumbent Republican Congressman Rodney Davis, who ran unopposed for the nomination. In Macoupin County, Davis earned 2,498 votes.
STATE SEATS
Incumbent Democrat Andy Manar was unopposed in his bid to be nominated to run for State Senator in the 48th Senate District. He will face Republican Seth McMillan of Taylorville in November who also was unopposed for the nomination. Manar gathered 3,143 votes in Macoupin County, while McMillan gathered support from 1,845 Republican voters.
Democrat Dillon Clark of Montgomery County, also unopposed, garnered 2,837 votes in Macoupin County to face Republican incumbent Avery Bourne, who gathered 1,955 Republican votes, to seek election in November as State Representative from the 95th District.
For the 100th State Representative District, which covers the northwest quadrant of Macoupin County, Republican incumbent Christopher Davidsmeyer gathered 437 votes to challenger Jonas Hicks Petty’s 112 votes for the Republican nomination. There were no Democrat candidates for the seat. Outgoing Republican State Senator Sam McCann, Plainview, who has announced he will not seek re-election to his seat, endorsed Hicks in the final days leading up to the primary election.
VOTER TURNOUT
Illinois news outlets reported a substantial increase in voter turnout statewide, driven by as much as a 300 percent increase in voter participation among Democrats. Voter turnout in Macoupin County, however, did not reflect that trend. With 6,672 voters casting ballots in the county on Tuesday, voter turnout was about 20.45 percent of the county’s 33,632 registered voters. Roughly 3,500 Democrat ballots were cast, and Republicans cast approximately 2,800 ballots.
Two years ago for the 2016 Presidential primary election, voter turnout was nearly 47 percent, with about 6,500 Democrats and upward of 7,400 ballots cast by Republicans, nearly 50 percent of whom supported the nomination of Donald Trump. Even compared with the last gubernatorial primary in 2014, turnout for this year’s primary was substandard in Macoupin County. That year, roughly 8,100 voters—about 5,300 Democrats and 2,800 Republicans—cast ballots for a turnout of about 24 percent.
OTHER RACES
There were no contested races for the Democratic nomination for countywide executive offices. Incumbent County Clerk Pete Duncan, County Treasurer Anne Boehm, County Sheriff Shawn Kahl and Regional Supt. of Schools Michelle Mueller were all unopposed in the bids to secure the nomination for the November general election, gathering vote totals ranging from 3,200 to 3,400.
For County Board District 1, Democrat incumbents Roberta Vojas and Michael Tranter won the nomination over challenger Donald Brown. Vojas gathered 345 votes (39.25 percent), and Tranter secured 278 votes (31.63 percent), while Brown secured 256 votes (29.12 percent).
Democrat incumbents Mark Dragovich, who currently serves as County Board Chairman, and David P. Thomas won the nomination over challenger John Goldacker in County Board District 4. Dragovich secured 428 votes (44.49 percent), and Thomas gathered 282 votes (29.31 percent), while Goldacker took 252 votes (26.20 percent).
Running as a write-in candidate, Christopher Hicks, a Republican from Sawyerville, apparently will challenge Dragovich and Thomas for one of the District 4 County Board seats, though results of write-in balloting will not be available until Friday.
Nominations for County Board seats in Districts 3, 5, 6 and 8 were unopposed among Democrat candidates. Democrats Stephen Reed and Ruth (McGuire) White were nominated in District 3. Cathy Petrak of Benld was nominated as a Democrat to run for a two-year unexpired term in District 5, a seat to which she was appointed last year after long-time board member Jim Zirkelbach resigned. Incumbent Democrats Robert Quarton and Robert “Tony” Wiggins both were nominated without opposition in Districts 6 and 8, respectively.
Christopher Cozad was unopposed in his bid to run as a Republican for the District 1 seat, opposing Vojas and Tranter in November.
A proposition to establish a Northwestern Fire Protection District in the northwest portion of the county was approved 203 (69.52 percent) to 89 (30.48 percent). The measure also will establish an aggregate property tax extension not to exceed $110,000 to support the district.
A proposition to create a Special Service Area for ambulance service for the Medora/Shipman area with a property tax rate of .3 percent to support the service was defeated with 276 (62.44 percent) against the measure and 116 votes (37.56 percent) in favor.
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The Wilsonville Progressive Club will celebrate and host a 90 year Anniversary Party on Saturday, May 11. The party will include a catered dinner, a live band, and fireworks.
Doors will open at 2 pm with a catered dinner being served at 4 pm. The Shane Kessinger Experience (live band) will play at 5 pm, and a grand fireworks display will be held at dusk.
The Progressive Club was originally established in 1934 by the Progressive Miners and was located on the northwest side of Wilsonville’s main street. The Club moved to their new building in January of 1949 and today this is still the current location at 212 Wilson Street in Wilsonville.
Wilsonville was founded in 1917 when Superior Coal Co. Mine No. 4 was sunk and this was the most modern mine in the Superior field. At that time, the little settlement which grew up around the mine was called Wilson. One day a worker paused and asked, “What are we going to name this town?” President Wilson was in office, thus the town was then and there named Wilson until 1919 when it was incorporated and the name expanded to Wilsonville.
The Wilsonville Progressive Club is operated and maintained by an elected panel of trustees and loyal members. The Club is open to the public and membership is always welcome. The large outdoor covered pavilion and manicured grassy side lot offer an attractive and convenient venue for any event along with inside facilities.
If you are interested in renting for any kind of event, call 217-835-3122 during open hours which are Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 4 pm to close, and Sunday doors open at 2 pm. Every Sunday afternoon at 4 pm is the Queen of Hearts drawing and the Club is on Facebook as well.
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SUNDAY, APRIL 14, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Oak Street in reference to a dog bite.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Abba Street to pick up a found item.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Chestnut Street in reference to a burglary.
An officer was out in the 200 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to a motorist assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Schmidt Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South 1st Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Broadway Street in reference to a medical call.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of South Illinois Street in Benld in reference to illegal burning.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South 5th Street in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Horizon Street in reference to a 911 call.
MONDAY, APRIL 15, 2024
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with a male in reference to a theft in the 100 block of South Main Street in Benld.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of West Osie Street in reference to a violation of an order of protection.
Nicholas O. Landolt, 36, of Gillespie was arrested on multiple warrants including one out of St. Clair County for possession for methamphetamine, a second one out of Montgomery County for failure to appear for driving while license was revoked, and a third out of Macoupin County for failure to appear for methamphetamine.
An officer was dispatched to East Walnut Street in reference to a suspicious noise.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Abba Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Broadway Street in reference to a medical alarm.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a theft in the 200 block of West Oak Street.
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to criminal damage to her property.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to identity theft.
An officer spoke with a female in the 100 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a neighbor dispute.
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a violation of an order of protection.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Southern Street in reference to a suspicious person.
TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 1100 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to criminal damage to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 900 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of East Walnut Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespass to property. Melissa J. Hughes, 49, of Benld was arrested on a Montgomery County warrant for theft/larceny.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Francis Street in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 700 block of Rose Street in Benld.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South 5th Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Pine Street to assist the Department of Children and Family Services.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Broadway Street in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Central Avenue in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17, 2024
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to fraud in the 200 block of South Macoupin.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 500 block of East Elm Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to Route 4 and Staunton Road in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Gillespie Street in reference to unwanted solicitors.
An officer was dispatched to High Street and Gillespie Street in reference to a suspicious noise.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of High Street in reference to unwanted solicitors.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil standby.
An officer was flagged down at Elm Street and Clinton Street and spoke with an individual in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Mt. Olive Road in Eagarville in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a suspicious circumstance.
THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2024
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a panic alarm sounding.
An officer was dispatched to the 1300 block of South Second Street in reference to a civil standby.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Osie Street in reference to a dog bite. Heather L. Kimberlin, 47, of Gillespie was issued a citation for dog at large.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Baker Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was out with a suspicious vehicle in the alley in the 500 block of Park Avenue.
An officer was dispatched to East Walnut and South Main Street in Benld in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the Veterans Memorial Park in Benld in reference to a suspicious vehicle that had been parked there for a couple of days.
Gillespie Police Department was requested for traffic control by the Gillespie Fire Department for a fire on Eagarville Road.
FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of East Walnut Street in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South Street in Gillespie in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Litchfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a suspicious person at the storage units. Kathy J. Henderson, 49, of Sawyerville was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for bad checks
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Maple Street and Macoupin Street. Kenny L. Fults, 18, of Belleville was issued a citation for possession of cannabis.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Mt. Olive Road in Eagarville in reference to civil standby.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of West Burton Street in reference to an animal complaint.
SATURDAY, APRIL 20, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Abba Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespassing. Timothy J. Dalpozzo, 57, of Benld was arrested for criminal trespassing to residence and a Macoupin County warrant for criminal trespassing to a residence.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at South Street and Chestnut Street and charges are pending crime lab results.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to Macoupin Street and Elm Street in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Osie Street in reference to a dog at large.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of North 8th Street in Benld in reference to medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Spruce Street in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Baker Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Street in Benld in reference to a medical call.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to an ordinance issue.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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LITCHFIELD, Ill. — HSHS St. Francis Hospital is offering service opportunities to area teens this summer through the 2024 Junior Volunteer Program. Applications are being accepted now through May 1.
Applicants must be high school students maintaining at least a “C” average, be a minimum of 14 years of age by June 1 and be willing to volunteer at least two hours per week during the summer program. Junior volunteers will perform a variety of duties in various hospital departments.
Registration materials are available on the hospital’s website volunteer page at https://www.hshs.org/st-francis/community/volunteer.
All participants in the program will be required to present proof of immunizations for MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella), and Varicella (chicken pox). An additional requirement includes attendance at a hospital orientation.
A limited number of positions will be available. For more information, contact HSHS St. Francis Hospital at 217-324-8200.
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