Community News
Black Diamond Days pageant set for Friday evening
The Black Diamond Days Committee invites the community to the Miss Black Diamond Days Pageant on Friday, June 1 from 6:00-7:30 p.m. at the Gillespie Civic Center in downtown Gillespie. Let’s meet the junior miss contestants first.
Junior Miss Contestants
Candace Conlee (Jr. Miss Contestant #1)
Junior Miss contestant number one is Candace Conlee. Candace is the daughter of Darlene Conlee. She recently received at first at solo contest at Illinois State. Her hobbies include choir, band and swimming. She enjoys animals, church family and singing. Candace dislikes bugs, celery and scary movies. Her career plans to finish Gillespie High School and become an artist, singer or youth pastor.
Kirsten Sherman (Jr. Miss Contestant #2)
Junior Miss contestant number two is Kirsten Sherman. Kirsten is the daughter of Leslie and Todd Sherman. Kirsten dislikes animal cruelty and wants to become a veterinarian. But, she loves playing a variety of different sports and adores being around her friends and family. She loves being outdoors and riding four wheelers with her family. She also loves the summer time.
McKenzie Whitworth (Jr. Miss Contestant #3)
Contestant number three is McKenzie Whitworth. McKenzie is the daughter of Shelly and Scott Whitworth. She plans to become a veterinarian when she gets older. She enjoys singing and music. She has been on honor roll every quarter in middle school. She plays basketball, softball, volleyball and cheerleading. She is very social and enjoys spending time with people. She attended the Impact Youth Group and plans to never have a spider as a pet.
Eryka Mabus (Jr. Miss Contestant #4)
Contestant number four is Eryka Mabus. Eryka is the daughter of Richard and Annette Clark She wants to persue a career as a pediatric nurse. Eryka is a member of her 7tha dn 8th grade Scholarbowl Team and enjoys working with young children. Eryka has been a high honor student throughout middle school and received 1st place for her piano and drum solo at IESA contest in 7th and 8th grade. She loves to read and learn new things and is working towards going on a mission trip to Jamaica later this year. Eryka is an active member of the Berean Baptist Church.
Abigail Barber (Jr. Miss Contestant #5)
Contestant number five is Abigail Barber. Abigail is the daughter of Andrew and Melinda Barber. She is on honor roll and loves to play basketball. She is on the volleyball and track team. Abigail loves to vacation with her family and she also loves to go swimming in her pool during the summer months. She wants to attend college to become a marine biologist and is a saxophone player in the band.
Nina Moutrie (Jr. Miss Contestant #6)
Contestant number six is Nina Moutrie. Nina is the daughter of Donna and Eric Valdes. She enjoys attending church and volunteering when needed. Her achievements are being a member of student council and she has been an honor roll student for the last two years. Soccer is one her favorite sports, of which she has been playing for three years. Nina enjoyed cheerleading her 7th grade year and likes spending time with her family and going to the lake on the weekends. Her hobbies are boating, swimming and outdoor activities. Nina wants to attend college to pursue a career as a lawyer.
Maya Marcacci (Jr. Miss Contestant #7)
Contestant number seven is Maya Marcacci. Maya is the daughter of Michael and Susan Marcacci. She is currently in 7th grade. Her favorite color is orange and she enjoys being outdoors. She loves to tumble and likes to play with her little brother name Michael. Maya’s lifelong goal is to contribute to the cure for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia and also other types of cancer.
Reese Marshall (Jr. Miss Contestant #8)
Contestant eight is Reese Marshall. Reese is the daughter of Suzie and Joe Marshall. Reese loves volleyball and water skiing. She is a member of the Gillespie High School Dance Team and wants to become a cosmetologist. She loves spending time with her friends and family. She attended the 2012 Honors Banquet for 11 consecutive quarters of being on honor roll. She is an active member of the IMPACT Youth Group of Gillespie. Reese won first runner up in both the 2011 Jr. Miss Black Diamond Days Pageant and the 2011 Jr. Miss Macoupin County Pageant.
Miss Contestants
Kortney Carr (Contestant #1)
Contestant number one is Kortney Carr. Kortney Carr is the daughter of Bobby and Dana Carr. She was chosen as an All-American cheerleader and traveled to London to cheer in the New Year’s Day Parade. She is a member of the National Honor Society and loves to cheer and tumble. She likes the St. Louis Cardinals especially David Freese. She dislikes feet, cold weather, driving and the Cubs. She enjoys boating with her humongous family, reading and sleeping. Kortney loves all types of shoes.
Mikayla Tarro (Contestant #2)
Contestant number two is Mikayla Tarro. Mikayla is the daughter of Dennis Tarro and Yvonne Pinkerton. She graduated high school as a National Honor Society Member and plans on becoming a dentist and own her own dentist office. She plays on the SIUE intramural soccer team and loves to travel with both sides of her family. She likes to run and spend time in the gym. Mikayla is a huge fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and Chicago Bears. She likes making memories with her close friends that she has made throughout high school and college.
Kaci Petri (Contestant #3)
Contestant number three is Kaci Petri. Kaci is the daughter of Sherry Petri. She is involved in choir, cheerleading, soccer and National Honor Society. Her hobbies include reading and playing soccer with her friends as well as learning about history. She likes watching movies, sleeping and hanging out friends. Kaci dislikes skiing, frogs and thunderstorms. She wants to attend McKendree College and become a High School History Educator.
Samantha Ranger (Contestant #4)
Contestant number four is Samantha Ranger. Samantha is the daughter of Mark and Jody Ranger. She is involved with cheerleading and soccer. She like hangout with her friends and having a good time with her family. She dislikes cold weather and foreign foods. Samantha LOVES the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team. On hot summer days she enjoys laying out in the pool. She is terrified of thunderstorms, spiders, and snakes. She also loves to go boating with her best friend.
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The American Red Cross is proud to partner with the Mt. Olive VFW to host an upcoming blood drive on Thursday, May 29th, from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. This important community event aims to help save lives and provide critical blood supplies.
Presenting donors will receive an exclusive American Red Cross solar lantern, available while supplies last. Additionally, all donors will be automatically entered for a chance to win a U.S. trip of their choice for two — an exciting opportunity to explore new destinations.
Appointments are encouraged to ensure a smooth donation process, but walk-ins are also welcome. To save time on the day of the drive, donors are encouraged to complete RapidPass online on the day of the event.
The American Red Cross invites community members to participate, share, and help spread the word about this vital event. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit RedCrossBlood.org.
Help make a difference in our community — donate blood and help save lives!
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SUNDAY, APRIL 27, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 8th Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespass to property, criminal trespass to residence, and theft.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 8th Street in Benld in reference to an assault.
Anita S. Northcutt, 49 of Gillespie, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for unlawful use of possession of weapons by a felon.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Green Street in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 100 block of South Main Street in Benld.
An officer was dispatched to Hard Road in Benld in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to an animal complaint.
MONDAY, APRIL 28, 2025
An officer initiated a traffic stop at East Elm and Springfield Road in East Gillespie. Nathaniel D. Ward, 33 of Sawyerville, was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and illegal transportation of alcohol.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South 5th Street in Benld in reference to a domestic battery. Cody A. Barksdale, 28 of Benld, was arrested for domestic battery.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South Illinois Street in Benld in reference to a violation of an order of protection.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of South Second Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
TUESDAY, APRIL 29, 2025
William T. Overturf, 38 of Benld, was arrested on a warrant out of Macoupin County for failure to appear for criminal trespass to a vehicle.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to harassment through electronic communication.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of North Main Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Henrietta Street in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
An officer was asked to check out a suspicious vehicle that was parked in the 200 block of North Hard Road in Mt. Clare.
An officer was dispatched to Spruce Street and Second Street in reference to vehicles blocking the intersection.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Park Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Dorsey Road in Mt. Clare in reference to neighborhood trouble.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Park Avenue in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Park Street in Benld in reference to a medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Baker Street in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Litchfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to an alarm call.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30, 2025
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 200 block of Southern Street in reference to a medical assist.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a violation of an order of protection.
Robert M. Keffer, 37 of Benld, was arrested on an Edwardsville warrant for driving while license was suspended.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Main Street in Benld in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Green Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Park Avenue in reference to a neighbor dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Broadway Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue on South 5th Street in Benld.
THURSDAY, MAY 1, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 8th Street in Benld in reference to a dog at large. Ryan K. Horn, 42 of Benld, was issued a citation for dog at large.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 8th Street in Benld in reference to criminal damage to property.
An officer spoke with a male subject at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block to speak with a male in reference to a report of reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Dorsey Road in Mt. Clare in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Broadway Street and Kelly Street. Caleb D. Fraley, 19 of Jerseyville, was issued a citation for operating an uninsured vehicle.
FRIDAY, MAY 2, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of North Main Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Cedar Street in reference to a medical 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to East Locust and North 4th Street in reference to suspicious circumstances.
An officer was dispatched to Mt. Clare Drive in Mt. Clare in reference to a suicidal subject.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Richard Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to Dorsey Road in Mt. Clare in reference to an alarm sounding.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Park Street in Benld in reference to a medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to Benld City Park in Benld in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North 6th Street in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to neighborhood trouble.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to criminal trespass in the 200 block of West Walnut Street.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 8th Street in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Central Avenue in Benld in reference to suspicious circumstances.
SATURDAY, MAY 3, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 900 block of First Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Oak Street in Benld in reference to a suicidal subject.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Shelby Street in reference to a medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie City Cemetery in reference to a suicidal subject.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Walnut Street in Benld in reference to a domestic battery. Cynthia E. Randle, 64 of Benld, was arrested for domestic battery.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Chestnut Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Madison Street in reference to a suspicious noise.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Montgomery Street in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Walnut Street in Benld in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Berry Street in Mt. Clare in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Green Street in reference to a neighborhood trouble.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of North Main Street in Benld in reference to a civil standby.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Francis Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Walnut Street in Benld in reference to a fight. Kelly M. Lyons, 36 of Benld, was arrested for battery.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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FELONIES
Britteny D. M. Herr, 31 of Brighton, is charged with violation of a protection order in connection with an April 27 incident.
Camilla D. Cox, 29 of Carlinville, is charged with failure to return from furlough in connection with an April 21 incident.
Emily H. Eckhardt, 33 of Staunton, is charged with aggravated assault/use of a firearm/peace officer in connection with an April 30 incident.
Jacklyn M. Wichman, 30 of Decatur, is charged with possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams) in connection with an October 13, 2024 incident.
Matthew C. Tibbs, 32 of Virden, is charged with possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams) in connection with an April 19 incident.
Amy J. Williamson, 50 of Tovey, is charged with possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams) in connection with an April 19 incident.
Dominique M. Kierbach, 27 of Benld, is charged with possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams) in connection with an April 13 incident.
Brendan M. Stamper, 27 of Jerseyville, is charged with aggravated battery to someone pregnant or handicapped, criminal trespass to residence/person present, and battery/causing bodily harm in connection with an April 29 incident.
Rebecca L. Loker, 45 of Benld, is charged with possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams) in connection with an April 12 incident.
Christian A. Lyerla, 28 of Girard, is charged with aggravated battery of a peace officer in connection with an April 30 incident.
Elijah B. Deffenbaugh, 18 of Hillsboro, is charged with unlawful possession of a credit/debit card in connection with a March 29 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Bradyn A. Striplin, 18 of Carlinville, is charged with theft/unauthorized control (<$500) in connection with a February 5 incident.
Joseph D. Washington, 42 of Palmyra, is charged with possession of cannabis (>30<100 grams) in connection with an April 9 incident.
Eric M. Streeb, 36 of Staunton, is charged with disorderly conduct in connection with an April 30 incident.
Nicholas O. Landolt, 37 of Gillespie, is charged with resisting a peace officer/firefighter/corrections employee in connection with a March 24 incident.
TRAFFIC
Kyli K. Jackson, 21 of Jacksonville, is charged with driving on a suspended license and driving 15-20 mph above the limit in connection with an April 25 incident.
Randy L. Dean, 67 of Hillsboro, is charged with driving on a revoked license and driving 21-25 mph above the limit in connection with an April 23 incident.
Johnelle B. Crawford, 53 of Gillespie, is charged with driving on a suspended license, canceled/revoked/suspended registration, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with an April 25 incident.
Amy M. Hart, 41 of Granite City, is charged with reckless driving, disregarding official traffic control device, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and being unlicensed in connection with an April 23 incident.
Carl R. Albracht, 50 of Plamyra, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with an April 29 incident.
Jessica R. M. Green, 37 of Carlinville, is charged with driving on a suspended license and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with an April 29 incident.
Antonio C. Yorke, 25 of Des Plaines, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with an April 27 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Adam Priester versus Danielle Priester
- John Contratto versus Frankie Giles-Contratto
MARRIAGE LICENSES
- Grace Jenny Van Doren and Brandy Isabelle Lasko, both of Gillespie
- Brett Michael Lacy and Cambria Faye Admire, both of Virden
- Keith James Moreland and ELizabeth Ann Morgan, both of Mount Olive
- Kane Michael Sneed and Daphne Lynalexa Smith, both of WIlsonville
- Chandler McDaniel and Lilly Booth, both of Gillespie
- Dylan Reed Releford and ALyssa Marie Hermes, both of Carlinville
