Community News
2011 Mini Miner & Mini Miss Candidates
The Mini Miner and Mini Miss pageant is for children ages 3-5 who reside in School District #7. One girl and one boy, along with Miss Black Diamond Days and Jr. Miss Black Diamond Days, will represent the Gillespie community at other area pageants, parades, and community events. Mini Miner and Mini Miss winners will be chosen based on a penny-per-vote concept. Canisters have been placed in local businesses and will remain there until June 1st. Winners will be announced at the Mini Miner and Mini Miss pageant on June 4th at the Gillespie Civic Center at 6:00pm. Everyone is welcome to attend! Here are the candidates for 2011..
Keaton Bertoldi
Keaton Jacob Bertoldi is the four-year-old son of Billy and Megan Bertoldi of Wilsonville and the grandson of Bill Bertoldi, Janine Bertoldi, Lisa White, Willam F. Bertoldi, Joyce Bertoldi, and Wanda Boerkel. His mom works for Illinois Buisness Card Directory and his dad is self-employed. He has on brother, Billy(five). Keaton attends pre-school at Benld Macoupin County Head Start and has three pit-bulls names Diesal, Buddy, and Abby. His favorite color is red. When Keaton grows up, he wants to be a kindergarten teacher like his brother’s teacher Ms. Jubelt. His canister is located at the Workplace Bar in Gillespie.
Kenton Brown
Kenton Brown is the five-year-old son of Ryan and Jamie Brown of Gillespie, the grandson of Brad and Linda Miller and Brian and Monica Brown, and the great-grandson of Mitch and Sue Bryant. His mom works for American Medical Software and his dad farms. He has one brother, Gavin (10). Kenton attends Education Station pre-school and has one cat named Baylee, a cat named Thomas, and a rabbit named Pepper. His favorite color is red. When Kenton grows up, he wants to be a fireman and fight fires. His canister is located at TJ’s in Benld.
Mason Cerentano
Mason Cerentano is the three-year-old son of Cody and Michelle Cerentano and the grandson of Rick and Tena Cerentano and Curt and Reva Bowen. His dad works at Daley-Bruckert Chevrolet in Staunton and her mom works at McDonald’s in Edwardsville. He has one sister, Reagan(two). Mason attends Education Station pre-school and has two dogs named Mikko and Coco. His favorite color is red. When Mason grows up, he wants to be a fireman. His canister is located at Shell in Gillespie.
Austin Klose
Austin Klose is the four-year-old son of Jessica Shaw and Erich Klose and the grandson of Paul and Linda Shaw and Mike and Sherry Klose. His mom works at Randy’s Market in Benld. Austin attends Benld Elementary Pre-K and has two dogs named Wall-E and Baby and a rabbit named Buz. His favorite color is orange. When Austin grows up, he wants to be a farmer. His canister is located at Miner’s Restaurant in Gillespie.
Marcus Reno
Marcus Reno is the three-year-old son of Samantha Cuevas and Andrew Reno of Benld and the grandson of Angel and Angie Cuevas and David and Debbie Reno. His mom works at Schutt Manufacturing and his dad works at Toni’s Restaurant. Marcus attends Benld Elementary Pre-K and has two dogs named Baby and Marley. His favorite color is blue. When Marcus grows up, he wants to be Spiderman. His canister is located at Family Dollar in Benld.
Kaden Rieffer
Kaden Rieffer is the four-year-old son of Ed and Jessica Bearden-Rieffer of Gillespie and the grandson of Kent and Nancy Bearden and Bill Riefer. His dad works at AAA Construction Services and his mom works at Michelle’s Pharmacy. Kaden has 2 brothers, Bryce (9 years) and Zander (5 years). He is in Mrs. Niehaus’ class at Benld Elementary Pre-K and has chickens, roosters, and ducks for pets. His favorite color is blue. When Kaden grows up, he wants to be a baseball player and drive trains. His can is located at Michelle’s pharmacy in Gillespie.
Austin Schehl
Austin Schehl is the three-year-old son of Amanda Cairns and Andrew Schehl III of Benld and the grandson of Randy Cairns Sr., Michelle Pocklington, Dawn Maxville, and Andy Schehl. His dad works at Cooper B-Line in Highland and his mom is a stylist at Cairns Creations Home Salon. Austin has one brother Zachary and is expecting another brother soon. He has two Great Danes named Roxy and Apollo, and a Miniature Pinscher named Princess. His favorite color is Blue. When Austin grows up, he wants to be a mechanic. His canister is located at Jumpin’ Jimmy’s in Gillespie.
Andrew Sellers
Andrew Sellers is the four-year-old son of Brian and Dale Sellers of Benld and the grandson of Gordon and Irene Nessl, Rosalie King, and Eldred Sellers. His mom works at Gillespie Family Practice and his dad works for Metrolink. He has two sisters, April and Ashley, and a brother Brian. Andrew attends Education Station pre-school and has one dog named Chleo. His favorite color is green. When Andrew grows up, he wants to be a baseball player. His canister is at Casey’s in Benld.
Elissa M. Cline
Elissa M. Cline is the four-year-old daughter of Kellyn and Justin Peoples of Gillespie and Justin Plasters of Litchfield. She is also the granddaughter of Dennis and Brenda Cline, Dee and Brian Marit and Shirley Lovell. Her mom works at First Community Bank of Hillsboro and her dads work at Wright Automotive and IGA in Litchfield. Elissa has a cat named Smoky and two dogs named Jackson and Vista. Her favorite colors are blue and yellow. When Elissa grows up, she wants to be a doctor. Her canister is located at Randy’s Market in Gillespie.
Kylee Means
Kylee Means is the four-year-old daughter of Dillon and Jami Davis of Gillespie and the granddaughter of Arthur and Diana Means. Her dad works at Cooper B-Line in Highland and her mom is a stylist at House of Hair and Nails in Gillespie. Kylee has one sister named Camrynn (7 months). She has one pet crab named Mr. Crabs. Her favorite color is blue. When Kylee grows up, she wants to be a stylist liker her mom. Her canister is located at Casey’s in Gillespie.
Lillianna Patterson
Lillianna Patterson is the three-year-old daughter of Maranda Patterson and granddaughter of Jenine and Cliff Cook, the great-granddaughter of Judy and Chuck Macaby, and the great-great-granddaughter of Lillian Hoerig and the late Melvin Hoerig. Her mom works at Vito’s Italian Pizzeria in Chatham. Lillianna has 1 brother (Raymond Clayton, 7) and 1 sister (MaKynleigh Patterson, 6 months). She has a cat named Meow Meow and her favorite colors are pink and purple. Lillianna says she wants to be a doctor when she grows up so she can “help little kids like me.” Her canister is located at Sullivan’s Drugstore in Gillespie.
Wrigley Releford
Wrigley Releford is the four-year-old daughter of Chris and Jennifer Releford of Gillespie and the granddaughter of Gary and Jamie Michalik, Robin Smith, and the late Gary Releford. She is also the great-granddaughter of Joan Davis and Edna Releford. Her mom works at Georgia Pacific and her dad works for the Gillespie/Benld Area Ambulance Service. Wrigley attends Education Station Pre-School and has three pets; a dog named Splendor, a rabbit named Sunny, and a turtle names Surtle. Her favorite color is purple. When Wrigley grows up, she wants to be a cheerleader. Her canister is located at MotoMart in Gillespie.
Brooklynn Whaley
Brooklynn Whaley is the four-year-old daughter of Michelle and Chad Whaley of Gillespie and the granddaughter of Rhoda and Alfred Vaniter and Bruce and Sherry Sands. Her mom works at Randy’s Market in Benld and her dad works in HVAC. She has one sister anmed Madyx (10). She attends Education Station Preschool and has a cat named Miss Kitty and a dog named Poopydog. Brooklynn’s favorite color is pink. When Brooklynn grows up, she wants to be a princess. Her canister is located at Randy’s Market in Benld.
Comments
FELONIES
Austin C. Drake, 30 of Girard, is charged with theft/unauthorized control (>$500<$10k) and bad checks/obtaining control of property in connection with a September 22 and an October 7 incident.
William C. Cooper, 41 of Gillespie, is charged with burglary in connection with a November 1 incident.
Joseph L. Schnurr, 63 of De Soto, Mo, is charged with aggravated fleeing in connection with a November 26 incident.
Derek J. Bultema, 40 of Gillespie, is charged with possession of methamphetamine in connection with a November 26 incident.
Brandon A. Martin, 26 of Wood River, is charged with aiding/abetting/possession/selling a stolen vehicle and aggravated fleeing in connection with a November 26 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Richard J. Williams, 44 of Staunton, is charged with criminal trespass to a vehicle in connection with a November 14 incident.
Ryne L. Manion, 41 of Mt. Olive, is charged with criminal trespass to a building in connection with a November 20 incident.
TRAFFIC
Terence L. Binion, 51 of University City, MO, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with a November 22 incident.
Andrew J. Goewey, 34 of Sawyerville, is charged with driving on a revoked license and driving 21-25 mph above the limit in connection with a November 22 incident.
Teresa J. Niewiadomski, 47 of Bethalto, is charged with driving on a suspended license, expired registration, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a November 19 incident.
Keona D. Roos, 22 of Freeburg, is charged with driving on a suspended license, improper use of registration/title, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and no valid registration in connection with a November 21 incident.
Zachary A. Johnston, 44 of Gillespie, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with a November 23 incident.
Alexis R. Spann, 32 of Auburn, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a November 19 incident.
Alicia N. Tamosaitis, 29 of Girard, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with a November 19 incident.
Justin A. Collins, 37 of Gillespie, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with a November 20 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Allan L. Petit versus Teresa M. Pettit
Comments
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of West Wilson Street in reference to a domestic battery. Ashley A. Esmon, 39 of Staunton, was arrested for domestic battery.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Calcari Street in East Gillespie. Angel L. Bricker, 22 of East Alton, was cited for operating an uninsured vehicle and driving while registration was suspended.
An officer was dispatched to Spruce Street and Laura Street in reference to a noise complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Elm Street in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of East Elm Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Charles Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Elm Street. Zachary A. Johnston, 44 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for driving while license was revoked.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Chestnut Street in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 400 block of East Central in Benld in reference to suspicious activity.
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Cloud Street in reference to a domestic dispute. Steven O. Smith, 36 of Chicago, was arrested on a warrant out of Chicago on a weapons charge.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Abba Street in reference to theft and criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 300 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 300 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to criminal damage to property and criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Charles Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 900 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a 911 call.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of West Wilson Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of East Locust Street in Benld in reference to the removal of a subject.
An officer was dispatched to Circle Drive at Gillespie Lake in reference to an alarm sounding.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Penny Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to South 2nd Street in Benld in reference to unwanted solicitors.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2025
An Officer was dispatched to the 900 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Easton Street. Joseph L. Schnurr, 63 of Eagarville, was arrested for reckless driving, fleeing/eluding a peace officer, squealing tires, failing to obey a stop sign, improper use of registration, and operating an uninsured vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Chestnut Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of East Chestnut Street in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 300 block of South Illinois Street in Benld.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Elm Street in reference to a suicidal subject.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Broadway Street in reference to a fire alarm sounding.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Horizon Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Henry Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Cedar Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Francis Street in reference to a 911 call
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Henrietta Street in reference to an animal complaint.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Walnut Street in Benld in reference to a theft.
An officer was dispatched to the 900 block of North Hard Road in Mt. Clare in reference to disorderly conduct.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Central in Benld in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to a reckless driver.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Elm Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 900 block of North Hard Road in Mt. Clare in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Central Avenue in Benld in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 300 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer spoke with a male on Dorsey Road in Mt. Clare in reference to a vehicle that was parked on the lot for a few days.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2025
An officer was dispatched to West Central Street and North Trolley Street in Benld in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Lynn Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Broadway Street at Gillespie High School in reference to the fire alarm sounding.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Comments
Ye Olde Christmas is the theme of the Macoupin County Historical Society’s annual Christmas Show, which will be held Friday through Sunday, December 5–7, at the John C. Anderson Home and Museum, 920 West Breckenridge in Carlinville.
“The Christmas Show is one of the most magical times to visit the Anderson Home,” said MCHS Board Member and House Manager Brandy England. “Some families make it an annual Christmas tradition to visit the Anderson Home when it is decorated for Christmas. It’s a great opportunity to get into the Christmas spirit and pick up some ideas for decorating your own home for the holidays.”
MCHS member Kendra Mize, of Bunker Hill, who has coordinated the decorating effort for more than two decades, has again marshalled a small army of volunteers to decorate all 13 rooms of the home. Each room features a themed Christmas tree, along with mantle pieces, centerpieces, tabletop decor, garlands and florals, and other special touches.
The home will be open for self-guided tours from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, December 5; from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, December 6; and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, December 7.
“We’re very excited to offer for the first time candlelight tours from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday,” said Shawna Ashby, who serves as a co-manager with England. “Viewing the decorated home by candlelight promises to be a magical experience.”
The final candlelight tours on Friday and Saturday start at 7:30 p.m. Admission to the home is five dollars for adults and one dollar for children ages five to 12, with four-year-olds and younger admitted free of charge.
The Anderson Home Gift Shop will be open during tour hours, offering one-of-a-kind gift items and stocking stuffers. Santa Claus will be on hand in the downstairs parlor to greet children and listen to their Christmas wishes from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, December 6.
While the decorated home is the centerpiece of the Christmas Show, several other features on the Historical Society’s grounds will be open. The Red Barn will be open and serving hearty beef stew, chili, homemade pies, and warming holiday beverages such as wassail and hot chocolate on Friday and Saturday.
The General Store and Print Shop will be decorated and open to the public, with the Print Shop offering its popular handmade Christmas cards and other items produced in the shop; kids can print their own blank “Santa List” to keep track of their Christmas wishes.
“The General Store offers unique gift items, including some small antiques, for shoppers to peruse,” England noted.
Local blacksmiths will demonstrate their craft in the MCHS Blacksmith Shop located on the north side of the Historical Society Grounds, with wrought iron gift items, including stocking hooks and decorative pieces, available for purchase.
The Macoupin County Historical Society’s Christmas Show runs concurrently with the Carlinville Christmas Market and Downtown Christmas events, and a free trolley and shuttle buses include the Anderson Home as a regular stop during the festivals, enabling visitors to ride from the square or the Macoupin County Fairgrounds to the Historical Society grounds.
