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
Christopher L. Black, 43 of Virden, is charged with home invasion/causing injury and two counts of aggravated battery of a peace officer in connection with a January 4 incident.
Casey W. Sobberi, 40 of Wilsonville, is charged with burglary in connection with a January 3 incident.
Eugene Arnold, 62 of Royal Lakes, is charged with aggravated battery/great bodily harm, aggravated battery/use of a deadly weapon, and domestic battery/bodily harm in connection with a January 6 incident.
Michael A. Upton, 34 of Palmyra, is charged with twelve counts of child pornography and possession of methamphetamine (5 grams) in connection with multiple dates in 2025.
Bryer D. Greff, 31 of Virden, is charged with aggravated battery/public place, resisting a peace officer/firefighter/corrections employee, and two counts of disorderly conduct in connection with a January 7 incident.
Shayne W. Dugger, 26 of Palmyra, is charged with possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams) in connection with a September 28 incident.
Sarah L. Winston, 36 of Carlinville, is charged with possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams) in connection with a November 4 incident.
TRAFFIC
Austin D. Courier, 30 of Vriden, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a December 30 incident.
Courtney N. Lomelino, 23 of Virden, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit in connection with a December 25 incident.
William R. Dyer, 55 of Carlinville, is charged with leaving the scene, driver failing to give notice of a crash, transporting/carrying alcohol/driver, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, improper traffic lane usage, seat belt required/driver, and failure to reduce speed in connection with a January 4 incident.
Billy R. Austin, 44 of Modesto, is charged with expired registration, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and being unlicensed in connection with a January 4 incident.
Richard W. Wallis, 63 of Nilwood, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a January 5 incident.
Stephanie E. Jennings, 34 of Girard, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration in connection with a January 6 incident.
Bruce A. Day, 60 of Carlinville, is charged with driving on a revoked license and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a January 5 incident.
Clayton R. Sampson, 19 of Palmyra, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit in connection with a January 6 incident.
Dakota R. Lavely, 20 of Troy, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a January 5 incident.
Wayne E. Mitchell, 46 of Brighton, is charged with driving on a revoked license, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and expired registration in connection with a December 30 incident.
Monty M. Gardner, 55 of Brighton, is charged with driving on a suspended license and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a January 2 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Catherine Harrison versus David Breen
- Margaret Putman versus Justin S. Putman
- Taunia R. Moore versus Blake A. Moore
MARRIAGE LICENSES
- Wade Logan Yates of Brighton and Anna Catherine Marcy of Riverton.
- Douglas Guennewig and Buffy Riddens, both of Staunton.
Comments
SUNDAY, JANUARY 4, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South 4th Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Charles Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to South Hard Road in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of East Walnut Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to harassment.
MONDAY, JANUARY 5, 2026
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to neighbor trouble.
Jiles R. Lyons, 36 of Benld, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for possession of another’s credit/debit card.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to an animal complaint in the 600 block of North 7th Street in Benld.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of East Burton Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to Osie Street and Handy Street in reference to a security check.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South Hard Road in Benld in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Burton Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to harassment.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Walnut Street in reference to a neighborhood dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of North Francis Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Elm Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to Macoupin Street and Walnut Street in reference to suspicious activity.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of South 5th Street in Benld in reference to a burglary.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Virginia Street in East Gillespie. Debra A. Brooks, 65 of Carlinville, was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Adams Street in reference to ordinance issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of South Illinois Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Osie Street. Kylee P. Cothern, 18 of Benld, was issued a citation for expired registration and operating uninsured vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a hit and run traffic crash.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Virginia Street in East Gillespie. Tiana F. McFarland, 28 of Staunton, was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Virginia Street in East Gillespie. Debra A. Brooks, 65 of Carlinville, was issued a citation for speeding.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026
The School Resource Officer was dispatched to the High School office in reference to a fight.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Illinois Street in East Gillespie. Darlene Karns, 70 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at 7th Street and Pine Street in Benld. Dylan S. Richards, 32 of Staunton, was issued a citation for suspended registration.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of South Illinois Street in Benld in reference to a security check.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Spruce Street in reference to criminal damage.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South Montgomery Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a theft in the 500 block of South Jersey Street.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to an animal complaint in the 200 block of West Maple Street.
The School Resource Officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Oak Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 10, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Frey Street in reference to criminal damage.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Pine Street. Racheal A. Aleshire, 47 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for driving while her license was revoked.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Hard Road and Central Avenue in Benld. Amber R. Brackett, 31 of Gillespie, was issued citations for suspended registration and for no insurance.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Elm Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to an intoxicated pedestrian.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of West Virginia Street in East Gillespie in reference to stalking.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Comments
FELONIES
Micah J. Ramsey, 39 of Carlinville, is charged with aiding/abetting/selling a stolen vehicle and driving on a revoked license in connection with a December 27 incident.
Shawn M. McBride, 38 of Staunton, is charged with obstructing justice/destroying evidence in connection with a December 18 incident.
Riley G. Rhodes, 18 of Carlinville, is charged with possession/displaying an altered ID card in connection with a December 18 incident.
Shane S. Bell, 35 of Girard, is charged with possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams) in connection with a November 6 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Ted. E. Hanner, 50 of Bunker Hill, is charged with obstructing identification in connection with a December 3 incident.
Brittany M. Lyons, 35 of Benld, is charged with criminal trespass to a building in connection with a December 19 incident.
Betty J. Jamieson, 75 of Carlinville, is charged with violating the animal control act in connection with a December 29 incident.
James J. Denby, 27 of Carlinville, is charged with criminal trespass to land in connection with a December 8 incident.
Tricia J. Pfeiler, 37 of Carlinville, is charged with battery/cause bodily harm and cruelty to animals in connection with a January 1 incident.
Rodney J. Rosentreter, 60 of Gillespie, is charged with criminal damage to property (<$500) and resisting a peace officer/firefighter/corrections employee in connection with a January 1 incident.
TRAFFIC
Rustin L. Reed, 19 of Springfield, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit in connection with a December 27 incident.
Passion M. Kinzey, 33 of Chicago, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration in connection with a December 27 incident.
Ella R. Robinson, 20 of Bonne Terre, MO, is charged with speeding 35 mph over the limit in connection with a December 30 incident.
Julie B. Kruse, 55 of Staunton, is charged with driving on a suspended license and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a December 18 incident.
Gregory A. Knezic, 60 of Staunton, is charged with driving on a suspended license and improper use of registration/title in connection with a December 23 incident.
Dixie L. Moffitt, 73 of Worden, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration in connection with a December 22 incident.
Dakota L. Schoondyke, 28 of Virden, is charged with driving on a suspended license and operating a motor vehicle with suspended registration in connection with a December 26 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Debra E. Seago versus Carl L. Seago Jr.
MARRIAGE LICENSES
- David L. Ehlers and Shirley Marie Lee Haines, both of Bunker Hill.
- Steven D. Clattenburg and Billie Jo Croll, both of Virden.
- Robert J. Halpin and Chelsea L. Kirkover, both of Gillespie.
