Community News
40 Turn Out for Community Funding Forum
Tom Becker, representing the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, urged more than 40 people attending a Community Funding Forum on Wednesday night in Benld to focus on community development as an avenue toward economic development. The forum was sponsored by the Macoupin County Mayors Association and Macoupin Economic Development Partnership. The purpose, according to Courtney Wood, MEPD, was to bring community leaders and small business owners together with representatives of public agencies and institutions equipped to help with funding issues for various projects.
In addition to DCEO, other agencies represented included the Department of Natural Resources, Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, Illinois Department of Transportation and Illinois Arts Council, Representatives from First National Bank and United Community Bank also were on hand, along with representatives from Ameren, West Central Development Commission, Frank Bertetti Benld Public Library and PGAV Planners.
Becker cited the Build Benld program as an example of how local community efforts can spark economic development. “We talk about community development and economic development as if they are two different things,” Becker said. But, he pointed, community development can take place even in tough economic times, fueled by volunteer efforts and donations. The resulting improvements in the quality of life then stimulates economic development.
Community development, Becker said, involves building and improving parks and other public facilities, improvements to a community’s infrastructure, beautification and other efforts to improve the quality of life in a community. Economic development’s focus is on attracting new residents and new businesses. As such, it requires greater financial commitments, and the outcome of economic development efforts can be contingent upon current market trends and fluctuations in the national economy. “Community development is more independent from the economy,” Becker said. “Community development and economic development efforts feed off each other and they propel each other.”
A common pitfall among those responsible economic development if to focus too much on attracting new businesses at the expense of community development. “It’s more cost effective to focus on the businesses and resources you already have in place,” he said. In lieu of tackling a project to build a new factory, he suggested, it might be more practical to pursue a housing rehabilitation project. “If you make the town better for the people who already live here, then your residents become your biggest cheerleaders,” Becker said. Local residents visiting other towns are likely to tell friends and family members how their own community differs from the one they are visiting.
Becker set three priorities for community leaders involved in community/economic development. The first priority, he said, is to create a plan that clearly defines what the community wants to accomplish and how those goals can be reached. A critical step in the planning stage, he said, is to perform a community assessment gauging the community’s strengths and weaknesses. “Build on the good,” he advised. “Don’t get bogged down with the negatives.”
The Build Benld Committee engaged in such a community assessment early on in its formation. “Build Benld is a great example for other communities to follow,” he said. The development plan created by Build Benld, he noted, is easy to read and understand, and it;s posted on the internet so anyone can review it.
His second priority is to build “organizational cooperation” enlisting civic groups and church groups to work on community improvement projects. “Not everyone will be onboard,” he said. But a community group like Build Benld can build upon its successes to attract more supporters. “As Build Benld gains traction, you’ll see politicians coming on board.”
Third, he said, community development groups have to find or create a funding mechanism. One possibility, he said, is to create a Community Foundation, similar to the many educational foundations that currently supplement the efforts of local school systems. “It creates a mechanism for people to share their wealth with the community,” he said. “We see this in school districts all the time; communities need to do the same thing.”
The final component, Becker said, is leadership. “Someone or even several people have to champion the effort,” he said. “You have to find leaders who are willing to be public about their support.” One of the most difficult aspects of leadership, he said, is for current leaders to consciously groom the next generation of leaders to maintain sustainability of the community development efforts. He urged those attending the meeting to get involved in community development and economic development activities in their communities. “You can have a long-standing impact on your community if you get involved,” he said.
Following Becker’s keynote address, representatives from each of the participating agencies briefly described the types of financial programs they offer communities and, in some cases, small businesses.
- Brian Ury of First National Bank compared the business leaders and entrepreneurs in attendance with golfers on a golf course. “You are the ones on the green hitting the shots,” he said. “As your bank, we are like your caddy. We help you with the next shot, and give you an iron or a driver. We ask a lot of questions because we need to identify what the next shot should be, and how to help you take it.”
- Christine Steelman of the Illinois Arts Council noted that arts grants to individuals, schools and communities can spark economic activity by attracting art patrons to galleries, art shows or performances of community theater groups.
- Macoupin County Chief Financial Officer Gabe Springer briefly described the county’s revolving economic development loan fund, and how it can help small businesses bridge the gap between available resources and traditional forms of financing.
- Carol Kulek with DCEO spoke about the agencies Energy Efficiency program, which pays rebates to public entities for implementing energy conservation measures.
- Jeff Graham with Ameren described a similar program run by the utility, but directed at small businesses and homeowners.
“I think it went well,” Wood said of the gathering after the meeting. “People said the Funding Forum was so beneficial last year, we decided to do it again this year and to add a small business component. We thought this would be a perfect fit for that, and I think it was utilized tonight.” The purpose of the event, she said, was to let community leaders and small business owners learn about financial programs that are available to them. While those attending may not access funding resources immediately, Wood said the Funding Forum gave them to tools for finding financing for future projects. “Down the road, these people will know where to go for help,” she said. “They have a starting point.”
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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.
