Community News
County board finalizes lotus wind farm agreement, formalizes public transportation grant application
Members of the Macoupin County Board on Tuesday night approved a construction/engineering agreement with Cummings Engineering in regard to the Lotus Wind Farm generating project near Girard. Action on the agreement was tabled from the board’s January meeting after board members voiced concerns about who would foot the $1 million tab for the agreement.
County Engineer Tom Reinhardt told the board Tuesday evening those concerns had been addressed. Under the agreement, project owner Apex Energy will post a $1 million escrow with the County Highway Department, which will be responsible for drawing down on the account to pay Cummings Engineering as the construction proceeds. No county money will be involved.
Under terms of the agreement, Cummings Engineering, Springfield, will observe and monitor road and bridge work done in connection with the project to ensure they conform to standards.
“They will be our eyes in the field to make sure Apex builds roads and installs culverts according to plans,” Reinhardt said.
Apex plans to build a wind farm consisting of about 52 turbines capable of producing 200 megawatts of electricity—enough to power 77,500 homes—on land located west of Girard in North Otter and North Palmyra townships. Apex says the project will provide “hundreds” of local jobs during construction, and at least nine permanent jobs when the project is complete.
Project construction has begun with road work and culvert replacement within the project area. Daily updates on road closures is available at https://www.lotuswindpower.com/construction.
In other action, the board approved several routine items to facilitate the Macoupin County Public Health Department’s annual grant application for funds to operate the Macoupin County Public Transportation system, but tabled a measure to require two signatures on all checks issued by the county.
RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF MACOUPIN COUNTY AGRICULTURE
The board voted unanimously to approve a resolution in support of Macoupin County agriculture. Basically a commemorative resolution, the document commits the board to supporting agriculture in Macoupin County. The resolution recognizes jobs created and taxes generated by agricultural activities, and pledges the support of county government to promote agriculture for the benefit of the county and its residents.
In a press release distributed by Macoupin County Farm Bureau Manager Mark Dugger, said Macoupin County farm property provides 31.4 percent of taxable value to support services throughout the county. Annual sales of ag products in the county exceed $443 million, and about 2,750 jobs are supported by agriculture—about 17 percent of the county’s total jobs.
“Our farming community would like to thank members of the Macoupin County Board for showing their support by adopting this resolution,” according to David Heusing, Macoupin County Farm Bureau President. “Agriculture is a major economic driver in Macoupin County, and this resolution shows our elected officials have our backs when making important decisions affecting our farms and livelihoods.”
“Agriculture is the state’s largest industry, and passage of these Pro-Agriculture Resolutions show that our elected officials understand the agriculture goes far beyond providing food and fuel,” said Illinois Farm Bureau President Brian Duncan. “ When county boards pass these resolutions, they are showing their commitment to work with farm leaders so they can confidently be champions of agriculture.”
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION GRANT
Board members approved a resolution and an applicant ordinance authorizing board chair Larry Schmidt to apply for a matching grant of $156,169 in federal transportation funds to underwrite the Macoupin County Public Health Department’s Public Transit program. The county applies for the grant on an annual basis. Grant funds are administered at the state level by the Department of Transportation and are drawn from about $760 million allotted at the federal level.
Additionally, the board approved a certification of intent, a special warranty acceptance and a certification of restrictions on lobbying. The documents are technical requirements in support of the grant application.
COUNTY BUDGET UPDATE
Five months into the current fiscal year, County Clerk Pete Duncan reported that county revenue is generally flat while expenses, as expected, are increasing. At this point, the General Fund has taken in $3,151,452, compared with $3,149,154 at this time a year ago. Despite being $2,298 ahead of last year, Duncan said the numbers show revenue from property tax, sales tax and other sources is generally flat.
“We are not bringing in a lot of new revenue,” he said.
At this time a year ago, the county had received $4,085,462 for the budget year and expended $3,578,451, leaving a surplus of $507,011. This year, the county is showing a budget deficit of $134,365, with revenue of $3,857,013 against expenditures of $3,991,378. Duncan said the figures are slightly skewed because a final distribution of property tax revenue has not yet been received. Still, the numbers leave very little margin for the fiscal year.
“It’s not a ‘break glass’ emergency,” Duncan said, “but it’s going to be a very tight budget year.”
In a related matter, members of the Budget Committee complained it was not receiving timely monthly financial reports form some county departments. The departments that are tardy vary from month to month, but committee members said having incomplete information hampers efforts to monitor the county’s financial status.
DUAL SIGNATORIES FOR CHECKS
After an extended discussion, the board tabled a measure to require both the County Clerk and County Treasurer to sign checks issued by departments that do not already require two signatures.
State’s Attorney Jordan Garrison said requiring dual signatures could be burdensome in some instances. He said the State’s Attorney’s Office maintains a separate account to reimburse bad check victims when his office recovers the funds.
“I could take it upstairs for the Treasurer’s signature, but we don’t do that now,” he said.
Board member Molly Rosentreter said there may be valid reasons why some departments do not require dual signatures. Other board members suggested consulting with the county’s auditors for an opinion. Finance Chair Jon Payne acknowledged the committee had not consulted Treasurer Amber McGartland before recommending the policy change.
Ultimately the board voted to refer the issue back to committee to make a recommendation in March.
“I’m comfortable with tabling this,” said committee member Todd Armour, “but I feel pretty strongly about it.”
GRANT ADMINISTRATOR POSITION
By a unanimous vote, the board voted to create a new position for a grant writer who will be responsible for researching available grants, writing grant applications and other duties. The initial salary is set at $60,000 per year, plus benefits, which will be covered by an economic development grant the county received earlier.
Economic Development Chair Holly Klausing said whoever is hired will be made aware that the job may not be available after one year if the county cannot secure an additional grant. Salary after the first year, however, might be covered by capturing five percent of the grants obtained by the new employee.
SURPLUS PROPERTIES
Duncan briefly reported on the status of two county owned properties being offered for sale as surplus property. A small parcel south of Carlinville near the former city dump is being offered via the tax trustee, according to Duncan. Bids are due by Feb. 21 but no bids have been received at this time. The tax liability is about $800 and the property conceivably could sell for that price depending upon the bids received.
A second parcel consists of 2.5 acres north of Macoupin County Animal Control Shelter. Bids are due by Feb. 28 but no one has submitted a bid as of Tuesday night. That property must be sold for at least 80 percent of the assessed value.
According to Duncan, the full board may be able to vote on selling one or both properties at its March meeting if qualified buyers submit bids by the deadline.
50/50 PETITION
The board approved a 50/50 petition to replace a 60-inch culvert on Keller Road in Western Mound Township. The 60-foot culvert will carries the roadway over Hodges Creek.
County Engineer Reinhardt said the total estimated cost is $12,000, which the county will share equally with the township.
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FELONIES
Justine D. Pocklington, 27 of Standard City, possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams), aggravated feeling police/21 mph over, no valid registration, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a February 2 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Katlyn N. Pilger, 21 of Benld, is charged with theft/unauthorized control (<$500) in connection with a March 28 incident.
Donald L. Lloyd, 46 of Staunton, is charged with criminal trespass to land in connection with an April 5 incident.
TRAFFIC
Tarina S. Slaughter, 47 of Girard, is charged with improper use of registration/title, unlicensed, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with an April 4 incident.
William C. Geiser, 60 of Gillespie, is charged with reckless driving in connection with an April 6 incident.
Lauren E. Wolfe, 21 of Granite City, is charged with improper use of registration/title and expiration of registration in connection with an April 3 incident.
Jim T. Wahl, 53 of Cottage Hills, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with an April 8 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Nora Washington versus Joseph D. Washington
- Samantha Lehnen versus Chad Wallace
MARRIAGE LICENSES
- Colton D. West of Hettick and Alina M. Carver of Scottville.
- Devin J. Martin and Mariah P. Crane, both of Bunker Hill.
- Jonathon E. Swisher of Shipman and Mackenzie P. Calvin of Saint Charles, MO.
- Lucas Boschelli and Danielle J. Boatman, both of Carlinville.
- Todd R. Leverton and Jennifer L. Bowman, both of Carlinville.
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SUNDAY, APRIL 5, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Oak Street in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Oak Street in reference to harassment.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South Main Street in Benld in reference to a civil standby.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Park Avenue in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Elm Street in reference to a civil standby.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
MONDAY, APRIL 6, 2026
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
Jonathan M. Kirkwood, 29 of Benld, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for traffic.
An officer was dispatched to Maple Street and Adams Street in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was out with a female at Trolley Street and Central Avenue in Benld in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the Gillespie Police Department to speak with a male in reference to a civil issue in the 200 block of South Main Street in Benld.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Henry Street in East Gillespie. Camden G. Zumwalt, 18 of Staunton, was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a well-being check.
TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2026
Cory D. Norton, 33 of Columbus, NC, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for driving while driver’s license was suspended. He also has a warrant out of Montgomery County for failure to appear while driver’s license was suspended.
An officer was dispatched to the intersection of Madison Street and Wilson Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was out with a male at Staunton Road and Charles Street in reference to a traffic crash. Tanner E. Moore, 28 of Gillespie, was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol, improper lane usage, using an electronic communication device, and failure to change address.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Frey Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Staunton Road in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South 4th Street in Benld in reference to unwanted solicitors.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Maple Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Richards Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was out in the 100 block of South Main Street in Benld. Amanda L. Broderick, 37 of Benld, was issued citations for unlawful possession of traffic signs and obstruction. Luther C. Welch, 31 of Shipman, was issued a citation for obstruction.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Berry Street in Mt. Clare in reference to a death investigation.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 300 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to illegal dumping and criminal trespass.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 6th Street in Benld in reference to criminal damage to property.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to identity theft in the 1200 block of Second Street.
An officer initiated a traffic stop in the 400 block of South Macoupin Street. Andrea M. Hulsey, 30 of Mt. Clare, was issued a citation for her minor child not wearing a seatbelt.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Broadway in reference to a neighbor dispute.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 900 block of Springfield Road in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Abba Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was dispatched to Ben-Gil Elementary School in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Elm Street in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to Kentucky Street and Hickory Street in Benld in reference to a noise complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Walnut Street to assist the Macoupin County Sheriff Department in serving an eviction notice.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Dorsey Road in Mt. Clare in reference to a well-being check.
THURSDAY, APRIL 9, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Dorsey Street in Benld in reference to a medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Donaldson Street in reference to criminal damage to property.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Avenue and Main Street in Benld. Trinity A. Pruitt, 22 of Benld, was issued citations for speeding and for illegal transportation of cannabis.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a civil issue.
The school resource officer brought a child to the Gillespie Police Department in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 200 block of West Spruce Street.
An officer was dispatched to the 2300 block of Staunton Road in Mt. Clare in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Clay Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of East Central Avenue in Benld in reference to suspicious activity.
FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2026
An officer was dispatched near the water plant in reference to juveniles fighting.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South Second Street in Benld in reference to assisting the Litchfield Police Department with a case.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Wilson Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Charles Street in reference to a civil issue.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Henry Street in East Gillespie. Leonard J. Schwartz, 55 of Edwardsville, was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Pine Street. Scott A. Byrd, 49 of Wilsonville, was issued a citation for expired registration.
SATURDAY, APRIL 11, 2026
Larry E. Conlee, 42 of Mt. Clare, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for dangerous drugs. He was also arrested for resisting a peace officer and aggravated battery.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to an animal complaint on Bishop Drive at Gillespie Lake.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South Hard Road in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of East Walnut Street in reference to solicitation.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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Community News
“History Belongs to All of Us”: Focus of Carlinville Community Conversation Series starting May 4
“History Belongs to All of Us,” a three-month series of events and activities commemorating the 250th anniversary of American independence and emphasizing Illinois’ role in seizing liberty for the American people will kick off Monday, May 4, and continue through July 16, 2026.
The series is project of Carlinville Winning Communities funded by a grant from Illinois Humanities. The events will encourage participants to examine and discuss the Declaration of Independence and other primary historical documents through facilitated conversations, according to Mary Tinder, a Macoupin County Historical Society & Carlinville Winning Communities board member.
Carlinville Winning Communities was one of only 13 entities statewide to receive an Illinois Humanities grant to support the Community Conversations Series.
We are fortunate to have received Illinois Humanities funding for this unique project, With 2026 being the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the 100th anniversary of Route 66, it is altogether fitting to explore where we’ve been and where we’re going, as well as to reflect on both and the cultural impact of our independence, Tinder said.
In keeping with the “History Belongs to All of Us” theme, several of the presentations and discussions will emphasize the role of Native Americans and the impact of American independence on Native American and other cultures.
Program topics will be explored through presentations by Illinois Humanities Road Scholars, live readings of historic documents, art, music and discussions. The programs are free to attend and all venues are handicapped accessible.
The series kicks off with “Illinois in the Revolutionary War,” a presentation by local historian and author Tom Emery, at 7 p.m., Monday, May 4, at the Macoupin County Historical Society’s Ruyle Genealogy Building, 920 W. Breckenridge St., Carlinville. Emery will lead a discussion of information included in his most recently published book, Illinois in the Revolutionary War.
“There was more to the war in Illinois than most people realize,” said Emery. “Revolutionary action took place in many parts of the state, and it was a struggle for all involved. It shows how hard many Americans worked for liberty.”
A discussion of Nicholas Welch’s 1812 Land Grant and the Autobiography of Ma-Ka-Tai-Me-She-Kia-Kiak, better known as Black Hawk, leader of the Sauk/Sac Indian tribes, is set for 7 p.m., Monday, June 1, in the Anderson Home parlor on the Macoupin County Historical Society grounds. Under the Land Grant program, the government set aside more than five million acres in western Illinois to compensate American war veterans with large tracts of land. Though Welch never set foot in Illinois, the granting of land to him displaced Black Hawk from his home in the area of present-day Rock Island. The facilitated discussion will focus on original historic documents, juxtaposing Welch’s land grant with Black Hawk’s experience.
Because of the smaller, more intimate venue, reservations are required. RSVP to marytinder1@gmail.com to reserve a seat.
“Relive the Mother Road: The Edwards Trace,” a collective analysis of documents and a look at contemporary research will be led by Illinois Humanities Road Scholar Anna Sielaff, Friday afternoon, June 26, during an Old Fashioned Route 66 Jubilee on the Macoupin County Courthouse lawn. Sielaff will discuss the 3,000-year-old Edwards Trace, used by Native Americans and early Illinois settlers, that stretched from Cahokia to Peoria. Portions of the trace run through Macoupin County, and some sections lay along the original alignment of Route 66. Imagine Rural Arts also will lead an art project in connection with how the trail was marked.
The Old Fashioned Route 66 Jubilee event runs from noon into the evening with food, musical performances, literary presentations, games, food and other activities.
The date is significant for Carlinville and Route 66 since 6/26/26 happens to be our zip code! The Jubilee offers a variety of experiences and taking a deeper look at the Edwards Trace and the Mother Road is an interesting way to explore local history on this unique date and location, Tinder noted.
Continuing on to the July 4th holiday, Macoupin County high school and college students will read the Declaration of Independence aloud in the main courtroom of the historic Macoupin County Courthouse in Carlinville at 10 a.m. The event also will feature a display of more than 30 historic flags provided by the George Rogers Clark Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution. A facilitated discussion will follow the reading and participants will be invited to sign the “Macoupin County America @ 250 Time Capsule” book. The book will then be on display at the Macoupin County Historical Society, said Andrea Duncan, one of the organizers.
A unique and somewhat mysterious artifact from Macoupin County will be the subject of a presentation at 7 p.m., Monday, July 6, at the Historical Society’s Ruyle Genealogy Building. Sharon Breyden and husband Tommy Breyden will display and discuss the Black Hawk Tablet, uncovered in the 1940s on a farm near Hettick. The odd inscriptions on the lead medallion suggests Black Hawk and an early Macoupin settler formalized an agreement to peacefully coexist in central Illinois.
For the final program of the Carlinville Community Conversations series, Illinois Humanities Road Scholar Kim Sigafus, a member of the Ojibwa Native American tribe, will present “We the Native People” at 7 p.m., Thursday, July 16, at the Historical Society’s Ruyle Genealogy Building. The focus is on Native Americans at the time the Declaration of Independence was signed. The interactive program will use traditional story-telling and music to help audience members understand the groundswell changes in Native American culture and lifestyle resulting from American independence and subsequent western expansion.
For more information and details about the “History Belongs to All of Us” series, contact Carlinville Winning Communities Board members, Andrea Duncan, (217) 204-1446, or Mary Tinder, (217) 825-9699.
