Community News
Andy Manar Begins Senate Campaign with Regional Tour
BUNKER HILL, IL- Macoupin County Board Chairman Andy Manar today announced his candidacy for State Senate in Illinois’ 48th Legislative District. This morning Manar begins a tour that will take him throughout the district including stops in Decatur, Springfield, Taylorville, Hillsboro and his hometown of Bunker Hill.
“Over the past month, I’ve taken time to speak with family, friends, community leaders, business owners and residents about the need for strong and effective representation for our region in Springfield,” said Manar. “I’ve done far more listening than talking and the message is clear and consistent; we need someone who will stand up and demand more from our State government.”
“I have proven that elected officials can provide for their constituents while holding the line on spending,” Manar said. “I’ve helped pave sidewalks, build bridges and held county spending levels to what they were 10 years ago. In our county, we decided long ago we’re all in this together – so I led the effort to expand job creation by working with local business in partnership with the county government, establishing a public/private economic development agency. It’s that type of thinking and fiscal discipline I’ll bring to Springfield. Creating jobs in Downstate should be the highest priority of State government.”
Following the wishes of a county-wide advisory referendum, Andy has worked to reduce the county board from 27 to 18 members. Manar took the cutbacks a step further by working on a bipartisan effort to cut the pay of existing board members by 5% and repealed a costly pension plan for county elected officials. The results include saving the county tens of thousands of dollars annually.
Manar’s background spans all levels of government. First elected to the Bunker Hill City Council at age 21, Andy went on to serve as mayor of the city and has continued to serve as Chairman of the Macoupin County Board for the last seven years.
Andy also has extensive experience in state government working on state budget issues and currently serves as Chief of Staff for the Illinois Senate President John Cullerton. He continues to live three blocks from where he grew up in Bunker Hill with his wife, Trista, and their three children.
“I firmly believe I have the skills and experience to be an effective Downstate voice in Springfield,” said Manar. “I want to continue serving the public and ensuring our region remains a great place to raise a family.”
About Andy:
Born and raised in Macoupin County, Andy Manar and his wife Trista reside three blocks from where Andy grew up in Bunker Hill. Together they have three children Abbie (6), Will (4) and Ben (2). Andy holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville in History. He also maintains Illinois teacher certification and in addition to being a member of numerous civic and charitable organizations, Andy is a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Bunker Hill.
Andy’s most important values centered on keeping his family in Bunker Hill and eventually led to his desire to become dedicated to and involved in public service. In 1997, Manar was elected to the Bunker Hill City Council. In 2001, following his first term in elective office, he defeated a long-time incumbent at the age of 25 to become the Mayor of the City of Bunker Hill. Andy’s tenure as Mayor was marked by the construction of an 18-acre city park, the city’s largest sidewalk replacement project, and housing rehabilitation for low income and senior citizens.
In 2003, Andy left the Mayor’s post in Bunker Hill to join the Macoupin County Board. After serving just over a year on the 27-member County Board as its youngest member,he was elected Chairman by his peers in 2004. He is currently serving his fourth term in the position.
As Chairman, Andy worked to get the County’s budget under control citing that the County’s fiscal path at the time was unsustainable. Prior to being elected Chairman, the county was experiencing record deficits on an annual basis for several years.
Macoupin County lost hundreds of jobs and a significant amount of its tax revenue when two of the county’s three active coal mines closed in 2007 and early 2008. Citing a fiscal crisis, Andy demanded that the Board become more disciplined and put a priority on the balancing the county’s checkbook. Perhaps just as important, he pushed for an end to partisanship and political bickering among Board members and worked to ensure cooperation and open lines of communication between county elected officials and Board members to find effective budget solutions. As a result, the Board in 2011 voted unanimously to cut their own pay and reduced the size of the Macoupin County Board by one-third, saving taxpayers more than $40,000 annually.
Under Andy’s leadership, the Board also repealed a costly pension plan that had been in place for elected officials, again at a significant annual savings in the county’s budget. While the Board cut spending, it also preserved services by mandating efficiencies in each Department yet avoided layoffs of county employees. Investment in economic development grew. After shutting down a county-run economic development office, Andy helped create a new collaborative public-private partnership run equally by private business and municipal and county government together – an innovative approach that looked to gain the valuable perspective of local private business leaders in order to make government more efficient.
Newspapers have consistently recognized Andy for his efforts to balance the County’s budget. In 2008, the Alton Telegraph referred to his stewardship through the budget crisis brought on by the multiple mine closures as “awe-inspiring” for a county that had a reputation of closed-door government. Recently, the Macoupin County Enquirer Democrat wrote that Andy has made “excellent financial decisions” as Chairman.
Andy’s strong roots in public service come from the late Senator Vince Demuzio. He met Demuzio during his senior year of high school in 1993, when he enrolled in a college course taught by Demuzio who quickly became a mentor. Andy’s first position with the Illinois Senate was an unpaid internship working for the Senator in Carlinville focusing on constituent services for Macoupin and surrounding counties. Just over a decade later, recognizing the need for a downstate perspective in his new administration, Illinois Senate President John Cullerton named Andy as his Chief of Staff. Cullerton noted at the time that along with the respect he had earned among democrats and republicans in the Legislature, Andy’s patient demeanor, knowledge of the State budget and proven ability to work closely with members of a diverse Caucus would suit the role well. Andy continues to commute daily to Springfield from Bunker Hill, an hour drive in each direction.
Together with his proven ability to lead Macoupin County along with his knowledge of State government, Andy now wants to be an effective voice in the General Assembly for the 48th Senate District and Downstate Illinois.
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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
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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.
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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.
