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.
Comments
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
Comments
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.
Comments
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.
