Community News
Beleagured board chairman responds to critics as County Board prepares to start budgeting process
Responding to criticism over alleged anti-LGBTQ+ statements he posted on social media, Macoupin County Board Chairman Larry Schmidt read a formal statement regarding the issue during the May 13 meeting of the board.
Schmidt reiterated his intention to remain as Board Chairman, a position he has held for five years.
“I am a peaceful, fair-minded person who tries to make good decisions, but I also have opinions,” Schmidt read from his prepared statement. “I am not mean, spiteful, nor do I seek revenge.” Schmidt also denied that he excluded Democrat board members when he sent a text to board members asking their opinion on whether he should step down from the chairmanship. To the contrary, Schmidt said he was on the road when the controversy erupted and he could not recall the names of three members, two of whom are Republicans.
Chelsa Pruden, who organized a large protest at the board’s April meeting, filed a complaint with the Attorney General’s office alleging Schmidt’s texting board members was a violation of the state’s Open Meetings Act. That complaint remains under investigation, though attorney Pete Drummond has submitted a letter answering the allegations. State’s Attorney Jordan Garrison said the county retained Drummond to avoid potential conflicts of interest.
The full text of Schmidt’s two-page statement appears elsewhere as a Letter to the Editor.
Schmidt was greeted by about 20 protestors before the meeting. They were joined by a half-dozen AFSCME union members who say they have been working for nine months without a contract. A spokesperson for the group said the County Board has halted collective bargaining talks and has not indicated when negotiations will resume.
During a public comment segment of the meeting, Pruden again addressed the board, asking board members to “come together as a body and take a clear stand” regarding the county government’s commitment to the LGBTQ+ community and demonstrating that “Macoupin County is a county where everyone belongs.”
She said she sent an email, that received no response, prior to the April meeting asking that the board take “three clear steps:”
- Issue a written statement affirming your commitment to the LGBTQIA+ community.
- Publicly denounce discriminatory language or behavior by elected officials.
- Formally adopt a resolution that demonstrates a measurable commitment to equity and inclusion.
Pruden said Schmidt’s Facebook post was not a “one time thing.”
“It wasn’t an ‘oopsie’,” she said, adding that other citizens provided her with multiple examples of anti-LGBTQIA+ posts dating back to 2020.
The controversy was sparked by Schmidt’s post on a St. Louis radio stations Facebook page reporting Anneheuser-Busch’s decision to discontinue funding the city’s annual Pride parade. In that post, Schmidt indicated LGBTQIA+ individuals “do not need to march to show off their disability.”
The board also heard from Jena Flores, Granite City, founder and president of the Granite City Liberals Group. Flores offered to provide a workshop on sensitivity and inclusion “if you are at all interested.”
“I wanted to let you guys know that the internet is like permanent ink,” Flores said. “Anything you post is forever and it can come back to haunt you. Whatever you post as a private citizen is going to follow you. You may post something that you think is okay for your family and friends, but if you decide to run for office 10 years later, someone is going to dig into you online activity and find what you said.”
“If you are at all interested in hearing more about our concerns, I’d be more than happy to come up and have a meeting with you,” she said. She said the information she would like to share about inclusion and non-discrimination would benefit office holders who are liberal or conservative. “We’re trying to help you all.”
Flores also addressed House Bill 1304, which would provide a mechanism for citizens to petition a recall of public officials. The bill has been bouncing around the General Assembly for six years and there is a sentiment that it could pass soon. “We’re one of 11 states that doesn’t have a recall bill,” she said.
Diana McGinness, Staunton, briefly addressed the board, confirming that she was the person who researched Schmidt’s anti-LGBTQIA+ comments on Facebook. She also noted that County Board policy directs the board to follow Robert’s Rules of Order, Section 61 of which provides for organizations to remove an official who is judged to have damaged the reputation of organization.
ANNUAL AUDIT
Board members accepted a state-mandated annual audit presented to them by Kara Fuller, an accountant with Scheffel Boyle CPA, Jerseyville, the accounting firm that has performed the audit for the past eight years.
The audit shows the county ending fiscal 2023-24 with cash reserves of $62,719,806, with liabilities of $69,981 as of August 31,2024. Coupled with capital assets and encumbered funds for highways, grants, etc., the county’s total net worth came to $62,719,806.
While the audit gives the county a fairly clean opinion, stating that the financial document provided to auditors “fairly present, in all material respects, the . . . financial position of the government activities.” The report, however, cites several significant deficiencies, defined in internal controls, meaning the deficiencies are less severe than a material weakness but important enough to warrant government attention.
The deficiencies include funds which were either not budgeted or under budgeted. Expenditures that were not budgeted or which exceeded budget include $332,301 in General Fund expenditures for the Sheriff’s Department, $3,864 unbudgeted expenditures from the State’s Attorney’s Bad Check Diversion Fund, $97 in expenditures from the Sheriff’s Drug Fund, $58,217 from the Sheriff’s LEADS Account fund, $25,000 in expenditures from the Public Safety Fund, and expenditures of $115 from the Public Defender’s Automation Fund.
The county raised more than $250,000 in property tax revenue in 2023 than the previous year, even though the tax rate fell from .67225 to .65030.
Fuller said performing the audit required some journal adjustments but those adjustments were mutually agreed to between the auditors and public officials.
Total expenditures for the county were about $500,000 over the previous year, which Fuller said was “pretty good” for a county with an annual budget exceeding $26 million.
GEARING UP FOR BUDGET PROCESS
County Clerk Pete Duncan admonished board members that this summer’s process of developing a budget for fiscal 2026 is likely to be more arduous than past years. With shrinking revenues and rising costs, the board anticipates a lean budget that will require some tough negotiations with department heads.
For the current fiscal year, which ends Aug. 31, the county has received about 67 percent of anticipated revenue as of the end of April.
Sheriff Sgt. Roger Dively who has been the retiring dog’s handler for the past nine years.
“We’re two-thirds of the way through the fiscal year, so we’re right on target,” Duncan said. The $5,339,267 is slightly more than what the county had received by the end of April last year.
Moving onto the fiscal 2026 budget, Duncan painted a less rosy picture.
“If we use the same conservation projections we used for this fiscal year, we’re actually going to be short by about $65,000,” Duncan. With budget hearings already underway, expenditure requests for the coming fiscal year already exceed last year’s requests by about $500,000. “It doesn’t take a math genius to know those numbers aren’t jibing.”
One of the looming factors is uncertainty about fund disbursement from the state.
“We are kind of at the mercy of the state,” Duncan noted, adding that revenue from state resources will not be known until the General Assembly completes a state budget. “I think the best we can hope for is that they will leave us alone, but I don’t think we get any additional funds.”
“It’s going to be a tough summer trying to figure that all out,” Duncan predicted.
HVAC FUNDING
The board unanimously approved a resolution leaving $1.5 million in American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA) funds, and $447,000 in accrued interest in the General Fund to complete a heating, ventilation and air conditioning project underway at the courthouse.
County Clerk Duncan said the ARPA funds were erroneously deposited in the General Fund instead of the ARPA fund. The resolution simply allows the county to leave the money in the General Fund so it can be spent on the HVAC project. The $1,947,000 should be should put the county closer to meeting the $3 million mark for the project. Any additional expenses will be subsequently authorized from the General Fund.
K9 UNIT TRANSFER
By a unanimous vote, the board transferred ownership of a retiring law enforcement dog to Macoupin County Sheriff Sergeant Roger Dively, who has been the dog’s handler for the past nine years.
Dively said he named the dog “Mac,” which was short for Macoupin.
Macoupin County Sheriff Shawn Kahl told the board Mac had been a good dog for his department. “He will be sorely missed,” Kahl said.
PERSONNEL
Following a 35-minute executive session to discuss personnel, the board acted unanimously to approve a three-year contract with the Teamsters Union, which represents Highway Department employees. Board member Todd Armour declined to discuss details of the contract, noting that the contract has been approved by both parties but remains to be signed.
The board also took action to grant the Economic Development Committee power-to-act in the hiring of a Grant Manager. Earlier in the meeting, the committee reported it had interviewed several candidates for the newly created position at its most recent committee meeting.
50/50 PROJECTS
In separate actions, the board approved two 50/50 road projects allowing the county to share the cost of each project equally with the respective townships.
Board members agreed to subsidize 50 percent of a $20,000 project to completely replace a 70-foot culvert on Terpening Road in Brighton Township. Highway Engineer Tom Reinhardt told the board the culvert was washed out during recent heavy rains.
The board also agreed to pay half of the cost for $6,000 project to replace a culvert on Prairietown Road in Dorchester Township.
APPOINTMENTS
The board approved the appointment of District 6 Board Member Leann Barr, Carlinville, to chair the board’s Public Safety Committee.
Also approved was the appointment of Tom Stoecker and Tony Wiggins to the county Board of Review for two year terms ending May 31, 2027.
The appointment of Harold Gregory to the Carlinville Fire Protection District for a three-year term ending April 30, 2026.
WATSON RECOGNITION
Before adjourning, the board took a moment to recognize the death of Julia Watson, who served on the board for 33 years.
She was the wife of Robert Watson, who died in January. Her husband was an attorney who was blind. Watson gained a working knowledge of the law by reading law books aloud to her husband to help him through law school.
“She was like having a second State’s Attorney on the board,” one board member commented.
Watson and her husband were parents of former Macoupin County State’s Attorney Jennifer Watson.
Watson died May 5 at her home in Brighton. She was 90 years old.
Comments
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2026
Edwin L. Rhodes, 68 of Gillespie, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for dangerous drugs/methamphetamine delivery.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Elm Street and Fulton Street. Sebastian S. Nessl, 31 of Gillespie, was issued citations for suspended registration due to no insurance, operating an uninsured vehicle, and expired registration.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Avenue and Hard Road in Benld. Ricky L. Murphy of Fillmore, was issued a citation for failure to change address and suspended registration.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Cottage Avenue in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Francis Street in reference to a child custody issue.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Pine Street. Adam M. Wagner, 33 of Benld, was issued citations for suspended registration and expired registration.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Avenue and Hard Road in Benld. April R. McNealy, 39 of Mt. Olive, was issued citations for disobeying a stop sign and expired registration.
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to a battery. Eric M. Streeb, 37 of Staunton, was arrested for aggravated battery.
Timothy J. Dalpozzo, 58 of Benld, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear on larceny.
An officer was out in the 200 block of East Locust Street in Benld in reference to a security check.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Oak Street in reference to a 911 call.
Kourtney K. Claro, 34 of Benld, was arrested on a Madison County Warrant for failure to appear on unlawful possession.
An officer was dispatched to the Gillespie Police Department to speak with a male in reference to identity theft.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to Clay Street and Park Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of West Burton Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to fraud.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of East Walnut Street in reference to an alarm sounding.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of North Main Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a stolen vehicle from the 200 block of North Kentucky in Benld.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Elm Street in East Gillespie. Hannah E. Naugle, 25 of Gillespie, was given a citation for expired registration.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Elm Street and Macoupin Street. Ruthie J. Kahl, 35 of Carlinville, was issued a citation for expired registration.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Illinois Avenue and Springfield Road in East Gillespie. Christopher T. Brickey, 30 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for driving while his license was suspended.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Illinois Avenue. Jess P. Barker, 69 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of South Hard Road in Benld in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to criminal trespass to property in the 400 block of Broadway Street.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 300 block of Park Avenue.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Francis Street in reference to a 911 call.
Anita S. Grizzle, 49 of Gillespie, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for possession of a controlled substance, dangerous drugs, and a Madison County warrant for failure to appear on dangerous drugs.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer recovered a vehicle that was reported stolen from the 200 block of North Kentucky Street in Benld.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of West Wilson Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Francis Street in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Oak Street in reference to a civil issue.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to fraud in the 200 block of North Kentucky Street in Benld.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of North 6th Street in Benld in reference to a civil issue.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Staunton Road and Hard Road in Mt. Clare. Chandler M. Hayes, 26 of Thayer, was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Avenue and 5th Street in Benld. Amanda L. Martinek, 35 of Mt. Olive, was issued a citation for operating uninsured vehicle.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2026
Cody R. Ikerman, 35 of Gillespie, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for driving while license was suspended.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to harassment in the 600 block of Broadway Street.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 200 block of North Hard Road in Mt. Clare in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Dorsey Street in Benld in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Oak Street in reference to criminal trespass.
The School Recourse Officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Horizon Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Street in reference to unwanted solicitors.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South 5th Street in Benld to assist DCFS.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of West Wilson Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at South Street and Macoupin Street. Claudette N. Cruse, 48 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for improper use of registration.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to harassment.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of North 2nd Street, 400 block of West Oak Street, and the 200 block of South 4th Street in Benld in reference to criminal defacement of property. The juvenile suspects were located.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Walnut Street in Benld in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of North 5th Street in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of West Oak Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to Schmidt Street in East Gillespie in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to suspicious activity.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Comments
Stacy L. Marshall, 59 of Wilsonville, is charged with stalking/cause fear of safety and driving under the influence of alcohol in connection with a January 23 incident.
Jarod A. Fagan, 41 of Carlinville, is charged with aggravated use of a communications device/death, two counts of aggravated DUI/crash/death, driving under the influence of alcohol, registration expiration, improper traffic lane usage, transporting/carrying alcohol, and seat belt required in connection with a December 9 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Frederic J. Skinner, 22 of Carlinville, is charged with criminal damage to property (<$500) in connection with a December 30 incident.
Noel J. Kennon, 47 of Benld, is charged with criminal trespass to a building in connection with a January 12 incident.
TRAFFIC
Jessica D. Jackson, 37 of Girard, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a January 27 incident.
Mason C. Marquette, 18 of Virden, is charged with speeding 35+ mph over the limit and transporting/carrying alcohol in connection with a January 21 incident.
Joshua D. Strode, 48 of Chatham, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a January 18 incident.
Rhiannon P. Ewin, 26 of Carlinville, is charged with speeding 35+ mph over the limit and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a January 28 incident.
Denae L. Clements, 32 of Gillespie, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration and expired registration in connection with a January 27 incident.
Anna M. Bearup, 44 of Auburn, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a January 27 incident.
Amanda M. McDowell, 43 of Staunton, is charged with driving on a suspended license, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and expired registration in connection with a January 27 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Ellie J. Ondrey versus Zachary C. Ondrey
- Lillyan Hawkins versus Drew M. Hawkins
MARRIAGE LICENSES
- John Louis Osborne and Melissa Jeannine Harbaugh, both of Hettick
Comments
SUNDAY, JANUARY 25, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Pine Street in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer spoke with the female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a child custody issue.
An officer was dispatched to Staunton Road and Southern Street in reference to a motorist assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Oak Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Abba Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of South Main Street in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South 5th Street in Benld in reference to a civil issue.
MONDAY, JANUARY 26, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Park Avenue in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Central in Benld by the Illinois Department of Transportation in reference to a vehicle that had been parked on their snow route, and they needed to be moved. Amy J. Arnold, 34 of Benld, was issued a citation for illegal parking.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Avenue and 5th Street in Benld. Dakota N. Lytle, 27 of Staunton, was issued a citation for operating an uninsured vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of South 5th Street in Benld in reference to a security check.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Park Street and Illinois Street in Benld. Alexander C. Richardson, 29 of Benld, was issued a citation for expired registration.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Dorsey Road in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North 4th Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was out in the 100 block of West Pine with a subject riding an ATV on the roadway.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Oak Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Elm Street, Chelsa R. Pruden, 36 of Staunton, was issued a citation for operating an uninsured vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of West Maple Street in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Hickory Street in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of North Kentucky Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Walnut Street. Denae L. Clements, 32 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for suspended registration for no insurance and expired registration.
The school resource officer assisted the Department of Children and Family Services in reference to a juvenile issue at Ben-Gil Elementary School.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Illinois Street in East Gillespie. Christian M. Garrison, 25 of Girard, was issued a citation for failure to change address.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to criminal trespass in the 300 block of North Kentucky Street in Benld.
The school resource officer was dispatched for a student who fled from school. The child was located and returned to her residence.
An officer was dispatched to Mt. Clare Drive in Mt. Clare in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was out with a vehicle in the ditch in the 300 block of Kelly Street, assisting until a tow truck could arrive.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Oak Street in reference to a 911 call.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
The school resource officer was dispatched to Gillespie High School in reference to a fight between two juveniles.
An officer was dispatched to the Gillespie High School in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a fight.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Staunton Road and Division Street in Mt. Clare. Donald E. Ruyle, 52 of Benld, was arrested for driving while license was suspended.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Dorsey Road in Mt. Clare in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was out at Francis Street and South Street in reference to a motorist assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Oak Street in reference to an animal complaint.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2026
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue on West Oak Street in Benld.
An officer was out in the 200 block of Locust Street in Benld in reference to a security check.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 30, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of North 6th Street in Benld in reference to theft. Tabitha M. Pratt, 39 of Benld, was arrested for theft, possession of another credit/debit card, and possession of a lost or mislaid credit/debit card.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Walnut Street in Benld in reference to a burglary.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Green Street in reference to criminal damage.
An officer was dispatched to North 8th Street in Benld in reference to a motorist assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Park Avenue in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a theft in Benld.
The school resource officer took a report of an assault on a juvenile and reported it to the Department of Children and Family Services.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 31, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Oak Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at 3rd Street and Dorsey Road in Mt. Clare. Gregory A. Boaz, 32 of Mt. Clare, was issued citations for expired registration and operating an uninsured vehicle.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Elm Street in East Gillespie. Isabelle G. Manning, 21 of Edwardsville, was issued citations for expired registration and operating an uninsured vehicle.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Broadway Street and LJ Ave. Jynnafer E. Marin, 44 of Coffeen, was issued a citation for driving on a suspended registration.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 300 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Broadway Street and Macoupin Street. Kerri D. Felchlin, 43 of Edwardsville, was issued citations for expired registration and operating an uninsured vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Easton Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South Street in reference to a civil standby.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
