Community News
Carnival, music, food, parade set for June 1-3
Black Diamond Days is approaching
A carnival is coming to town in less than one week, and fun times will definitely be tolerated.
Black Diamond Days, a beloved annual town event thrown in downtown Gillespie, will occupy much of Macoupin Street from Friday, June 1 thru Sunday, June 3. It will feature carnival rides, a parade, games, beer, bands, pageants, and plenty of food.
“We’ll have food… And we moved the beer tent to the south side of Macoupin Street to get it out of the way,” said Tobi Libbra, president of Black Diamond Days for 6 years.
The beer tent this year will be directly in front TwinnCo Real Estate. It was moved because people wanted to bring their kids to see the bands, but didn’t want them under the beer tent. “Now we will have more space and United Community Bank is letting us use their lot for seating,” Libbra said.
The beer tent was moved down by the Civic Center was to bring back tradition, according to the Black Diamond Days Committee. It was supposed to play on with the tradition with the destruction of the Coliseum. The Black Diamond Days Committee will now have double the space they had than the previous location.
“It’s not locked between two buildings, so it will be cooler,” Libbra noted, “It will make the event more family friendly.” It is also convenient because the food court will be on the South end too. The food court was first opened to nonprofit and charity organizations within CUSD #7. According to the Committee, all of these entries were not charged to help raise funds for the community organizations.
Black Diamond Days is Macoupin County’s original festival of coal. It takes place the first weekend in June and always draws a large crowd while providing a fun, safe time for adults and children alike.
Like last year, the festival will open at 5:30 pm on Friday, June 1. Armbands will run from 6-9pm on Friday and also on Sunday from 5-8pm. The Jr. Miss and Miss Black Diamond Days Pageant will also take place on the opening night at the Gillespie Civic Center, according to Libbra.
The pageant is set to start at 6pm. Music on Friday night is provided by Moonracer and the Jr. Miss and Miss Black Diamond Days will be introduced to the audience at 9:15 at the Grand Stand.
Bright and early Saturday morning, fishing tournament registration will begin at 5:30am. The fishing tournament, sponsored by the Masonic Lodge and Black Diamond Days, will take place at Gillespie Lake starting at 6:00pm.
In town, the one mile fun run/ walk will start at 7:30am while the 5K run starts at 8 o’clock sharp. The town will then have some down time until noon. The festival will reopen at 12 noon and washer registration will begin under the beer tent while dog show registration will start at 12:30 at the North side of the Civic Center.
The fun will really begin at 1 o’clock in the afternoon when the dog show and washer tournament begin. The Patty Bernhardt and Festus Memorial dog show will be in front of the grandstand while the Emra Edwards III washer tournament will take place behind the Civic Center’s parking lot.
Music will start at 3 Saturday afternoon and will be provided by B&B Strings. B&B Strings will play until 6pm. Then the Little Miss & Mini Miners Pageant will be at the Civic Center at that time. To close out Saturday night, Runaway Cherry will play from 8-midnight.
The festival will wrap up on Sunday, June 3. The carnival will open at noon again and the parade will begin at 3:00pm. Awards will be announced immediately following the parade at the judge’s tent. Armbands will run from 5-8pm on Sunday and the Southern Blend will be playing music from 4:30-8:30pm.
As always, there will be plenty of non-carnival events such as booths and music. The Black Diamond Days committee would like to remind everyone that beer is available only in the designated area. “Please drink responsibly and enjoy the festival,” Libbra closed, “City ordinances will be enforced.”
To view or print out the flyer, click here!
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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2024
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Pine Street. Jaylen M. Ronald, 22 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 4th Street in Benld in reference to a theft.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Shelby Street in reference to animal neglect.
Walter L. Vester, 30 of Benld, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for domestic battery.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Berry Street in Mt. Clare in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of North Hard Road in Mt. Clare in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Litchfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a home security check.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2024
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with a male in reference to telephone harassment.
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with a male in reference to a child custody issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Hickory Street in Benld in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of North 8th Street in Benld in reference to an unwanted solicitor.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Broadway Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Easton Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was speaking with a female in the 200 block of North Mt. Olive Road in Eagarville in reference to a civil issue.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to harassment by telephone.
An officer was dispatched to the 15000 block of Western Drive at Gillespie Lake in reference to neighborhood trouble.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South 4th Street in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2024
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with a male in reference to a child custody issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Chestnut Street in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer spoke with a subject at Gillespie Police Department in reference to identity theft in the 200 block of Park Avenue.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to spam callers.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Walnut Street in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Henrietta Street in reference to a suspicious circumstance.
An officer was dispatched to the Gillespie bike trail in reference to a suspicious person on a motorized bike.
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a juvenile issue.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2024
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 100 block of Maple Street in Benld.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 900 block of North Hard Road in Mt. Clare in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to criminal trespass to property. Joseph F. Frew, 49 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for littering prohibited.
An officer was dispatched to the 111 South 6th Street in Benld in reference to a civil stand by.
An officer was dispatched to the 10000 Friese Lane at Gillespie Lake in reference to a theft.
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with a male in reference to a civil issue.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2024
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with a male in reference to a theft in Benld.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Francis Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North 8th Street in Benld in reference to a theft.
An officer was out in the 100 block of South Hard Road in Mt. Clare with a suspicious vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to Macoupin Street and Walnut Street in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Litchfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a 911 call.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2024
Juan A. Cortez, 40 of Danville, was arrested on multiple warrants. Cortez had warrants out of Collinsville for possession of methamphetamine, Sangamon County for failure to appear for drugs, and Coles County for failure to appear for traffic.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Southern Street to speak with a male in reference to a civil issue
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 7th street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Park Street in Benld in reference o a medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 1100 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Hickory Street in Benld in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North 8th Street in Benld in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of West Elm Street in reference to an alarm call.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 4th Street in Benld in reference to a civil issue.
An officer met with a female at Gillespie Police Department to collect an item that she found.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to an alarm sounding.
An officer was dispatched to Staunton Road and Heritage Health in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to South 4th Street and East Spruce Street in Benld in reference to recovered stolen property.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of North Jersey Street in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of West Walnut Street in reference to a hit and run traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to Maple Street and Oregon Street in reference to found property.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Hard Road in Mt. Clare in reference to a suspicious female in a vehicle. Kourtney K. Claro, 33 of Benld, was issued citation for no valid driver’s license.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 900 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to an alarm sounding.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to an alarm sounding,
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of North 4th Street in Benld in reference to a fire call.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to an alarm sounding.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Hickory Street in Benld in reference to a medical assist.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Comments
FELONIES
Kyle W. Bennett, 37 of Carlinville, is charged with a felon failure to return from furlough in connection with a November 8 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Dewey E. Morgan, 66 of Carlinville, is charged with retail theft (<$300) in connection with an August 29 incident.
Elizabeth A. Marfell, 35 of Gillespie, is charged with disorderly conduct in connection with an October 8 incident.
Dorothy J. Anderson, 40 of Staunton, is charged with criminal trespass to residence and resisting a peace officer/firefighter/corrections employee in connection with a November 27 incident.
TRAFFIC
Matthew D. Knick, 20 of Gillespie, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a November 7 incident.
Jennifer L. Arnotti, 34 of Staunton, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration in connection with a November 11 incident.
Kelan J. Stevenson, 27 of Gillespie, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration in connection with a November 17 incident.
Ernest L. Stevenson, 21 of Benld, is charged with improper use registration/title, unlicensed, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a November 16 incident.
Joshua T. Koniak, 43 of Gillespie, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a November 16 incident.
Casey R. Ness, 48 of Greenville, is charged with driving on a suspended license and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a November 18 incident.
Gary R. Priddle, 46 of Benld, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a November 19 incident.
Travis J. Bramley, 42 of Virden, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a November 19 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Matthew Diamond versus Stephanie Diamond
- Marilyn K. Loveless versus Jerel D. Loveless Sr.
MARRIAGE LICENSES
- Timothy H. Johnson and Jennifer Kay Woolsey, both of Staunton
- Daniel Allen Balai of Bunker Hill and Chloe Renee Yinger of Alton
Comments
FELONIES
Rex J. White, 49 of Mount Olive, is charged with aggravated fleeing police (21 mph over), reckless driving, improper use of registration/title, unlicensed, operating a motor vehicle with registration/suspended , and driving 1-10 mph above the limit in connection with a November 15 incident.
Britteny D M Herr, 30 of Brighton, is charged with violation of an order with a prior violation in connection with a November 17 incident.
Christopher L. Black, 42 of Virden, is charged with aiding/abetting/selling a stolen vehicle and driving on a revoked license in connection with a November 17 incident.
Jesse D. Cimino, 42 of Troy, is charged with possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams) in connection with a September 1 incident.
Jennifer R. Haneline, 39 of Godfrey, is charged with burglary and theft/authorized control (>500<10k) in connection with an August 6 incident.
Simone R. Para, 51 of Girard, is charged with possession of a controlled substance and driving under the influence of drugs in connection with an October 13 incident.
Crystal D. Hoffman, 45 of Staunton, is charged with obstruction of justice/destroying evidence and driving under the influence of alcohol in connection with a November 11 incident.
Andrew P. Hansen, 47 of Carlinville, is charged with received/possession/selling stolen vehicle and possession of meth (<5 grams) in connection with a November 20 incident.
Justin C. Grider, 42 of Carlinville, is charged with two counts of aggravated assault/operating a motor vehicle in connection with a November 21 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Jacqueline B. Jessen, 42 of Girard, is charged with giving/selling liquor to a minor in connection with a November 14 incident.
Perry L. Lair, 62 of Virden, is charged with giving/selling liquor to a minor in connection with a November 14 incident.
Kara E. Estes, 37 of Girard, is charged with giving/selling liquor to a minor in connection with a November 14 incident.
Melissa R. Robinson, 36 of Farmersville, is charged with giving/selling liquor to a minor in connection with a November 14 incident.
Kenneth J. Barker, 38 of Litchfield, is charged with resisting a peace officer/firefighter/corrections employee in connection with a November 19 incident.
Julio Isaias Pedro Felipe, 36 of Springfield, is charged with giving/selling liquor to a minor in connection with a November 14 incident.
TRAFFIC
Amanda J. Eberwein, 27 of Virden, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a November 12 incident.
Katherine F. Fugitt, 33 of Springfield, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with a November 15 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Michael C. Cummings versus Tracy L. Cummings
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