Community News
Where is Chris Haddad at now?
Chris Haddad
Chris Haddad is an interesting fellow with a very bright future full of loads of potential. The BenGil Post was able to catch up with Chris at the airport before he departed to the Caribbean, wow.. we can now claim we have interviewed one of the most successful entrepreneurs to come from the BenGil area.
After Chris graduated a semester early from Gillespie High School in 1994, he started life as a soldier. He did miss out on his final Prom and “a few other things” by graduating early, but he joined the Army National Guard after being influenced by Mr. Jack Burns, history teacher at Gillespie High School. Mr. Burns was Chris’s favorite teacher throughout high school as well as his football coach during his star football days and then later became his sergeant in the Army.
After basic training in Fort Benning, Georgia, Chris went away to start his college life at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. College was a fun time, but there was more on the horizon for Chris and he was edging to figure out what it was. He later graduated in December of 1998 with a bachelor’s degree in Science. A half of a year rolled by and Chris decided to pack of life and move to Florida. In Florida, Chris first lived in Orlando temporarily until he settled down in the Tampa Bay area. With income being a high priority at the time, he decided to start supporting himself like many other college graduates.. working in beach bars. The beach bar work was great, but after 6 months passed – he knew it was time for a change.
During his stay in Tampa Bay, he met a new friend from Australia who had always influenced him to expand my travels. Before the final goodbye, Chris packed up the Florida life and drove back to Gillespie to work for relatives at Broom’s Orchard in Carlinville. Broom’s Orchard lasted 2 months and once again, he was on the move – this time to Austria! Chris jumped on a plane and was off to Sydney, Australia to celebrate the millinieum.
In Australia, Chris had to make a living so he acquired a one year working visa and supported himself once again in the hospitality business working in pubs and restaurants. After traveling all over Australia, Chris landed a job bartending at an outdoor 18 day party venue at Sussex Lane for the Sydney Olympics in 2000. According to Chris, “This one of the best experiences in my life at the time and I definitely starting to hear my calling.” Shortly after the Sussez Lane gig, one of his Aussie working peers asked him if he would like to set stake in Australia and open up their very own bar/restaurant. Chris said they both had very similar ideas and of course they were also filled with the same passion – so the first restaurant was in the works.
Chris's first import.
After finishing his travels in Australia, it was time for a change of pace. Chris headed to Southeast Asia (Thailand & Indonesia) for a short amount of time before his visa expired and then he was then back in the United States. Chris decided to set up fort in the States for about one year. During that year, Chris worked at many different styles of restaurants, pubs, nightclubs, hotels, and lounge bars – just trying to educate himself with a variety of different styles of hospitality establishment. After being in the United States for 14 months, he received a call from his new business partner saying it was time to come back to Oz. Chris and his business partner had set up their companies and registered their business name via emails, fax and phone since Chris was no longer an Australian resident. Chris’s partner requested his presence was needed within 2 weeks back in Austria for their business.
A little shy of 3 weeks, Chris was back. In February of 2002, Chris arrived in Cairns, Australia and then drove south six hours to a little place called Airlie Beach. Airlie Beach is the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands and is up close to the Great Barrier Reef in North Queensland, Australia. In May of 2002, Chris and his partner had opened a small trendy lounge bar in this area called Armada. For five “amazing years”, they built up the business and operated the day-to-day operation. After those five years, they sold the establishment and became the “richest poor guys in town.”
Chris and his friend then headed 3 hours north to a city called Townsville and opened up another restaurant/bar in 2007 called Jamaica Joe’s. By that time, Chris had acquired permanent Australian residency at this stage. But later in 2008, Chris felt the need to become a true blue Aussie and he applied and later received his citizenship. Presently, his passport wallet included an American passport accompanied by an Australian passport.
Chris at the Carribbean participating in the Carnival in Trinidad & Tobago.
Jamaica Joe’s has been extremely successful after 4 years of hard work and dedication. In the time being, Chris opened up two other new restaurants for friends, but his main focus was always concentrating on his work in Townsville. Jamaica Joe’s has allowed him to still travel, since that is his number one passion. After feeling the need to have a good time, Chris just went to the Caribbean to participate in Carnival in Trinidad & Tobago.
Well, now we are in the year 2011 and Chris made his first visit to Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) Vietnam for a 4 day business trip. Chris later came back to Australia in April and started the construction of a new bar/restaurant concept called Hog’s Head Tavern & Wine Bar which is situated in the infamous Bitexco Financial Tower in Saigon. Presently, Chris is one week from the opening day of Hog’s Head and is involved in some intense staff training. This has been his biggest business challenge yet, he told us. However, Chris spoke highly of the citizens, “The people and the country are amazing.” As of now, Chris is between Australia and Vietnam at the moment balancing his businesses, but still visiting them to make sure operation is running smoothly.
Gillespie will always be home to Chris, but Australia has taken him “in like an adopted son. I do feel a bit more Aussie these days, but I will always have a bit of of the red, white and blue still running through the veins.” Chris expects to return to Gillespie within 2 years for a visit, he misses his family and close friends the most. His motivation to travel and see the world has led him to where he is now and he would not trade it for the world. In 5 years, Chris sees himself possibly still is Austria, but the Caribbean is in his eye for the future. His next stop: the little beach bar in the Caribbean with the dive shack and the beach volleyball net set up at the front.
We, The BenGil Post, give Chris a huge thank-you for being halfway around the world and responding to our questions in 6 hours!
Comments
FELONIES
Christopher L. Black, 43 of Virden, is charged with home invasion/causing injury and two counts of aggravated battery of a peace officer in connection with a January 4 incident.
Casey W. Sobberi, 40 of Wilsonville, is charged with burglary in connection with a January 3 incident.
Eugene Arnold, 62 of Royal Lakes, is charged with aggravated battery/great bodily harm, aggravated battery/use of a deadly weapon, and domestic battery/bodily harm in connection with a January 6 incident.
Michael A. Upton, 34 of Palmyra, is charged with twelve counts of child pornography and possession of methamphetamine (5 grams) in connection with multiple dates in 2025.
Bryer D. Greff, 31 of Virden, is charged with aggravated battery/public place, resisting a peace officer/firefighter/corrections employee, and two counts of disorderly conduct in connection with a January 7 incident.
Shayne W. Dugger, 26 of Palmyra, is charged with possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams) in connection with a September 28 incident.
Sarah L. Winston, 36 of Carlinville, is charged with possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams) in connection with a November 4 incident.
TRAFFIC
Austin D. Courier, 30 of Vriden, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a December 30 incident.
Courtney N. Lomelino, 23 of Virden, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit in connection with a December 25 incident.
William R. Dyer, 55 of Carlinville, is charged with leaving the scene, driver failing to give notice of a crash, transporting/carrying alcohol/driver, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, improper traffic lane usage, seat belt required/driver, and failure to reduce speed in connection with a January 4 incident.
Billy R. Austin, 44 of Modesto, is charged with expired registration, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and being unlicensed in connection with a January 4 incident.
Richard W. Wallis, 63 of Nilwood, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a January 5 incident.
Stephanie E. Jennings, 34 of Girard, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration in connection with a January 6 incident.
Bruce A. Day, 60 of Carlinville, is charged with driving on a revoked license and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a January 5 incident.
Clayton R. Sampson, 19 of Palmyra, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit in connection with a January 6 incident.
Dakota R. Lavely, 20 of Troy, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a January 5 incident.
Wayne E. Mitchell, 46 of Brighton, is charged with driving on a revoked license, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and expired registration in connection with a December 30 incident.
Monty M. Gardner, 55 of Brighton, is charged with driving on a suspended license and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a January 2 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Catherine Harrison versus David Breen
- Margaret Putman versus Justin S. Putman
- Taunia R. Moore versus Blake A. Moore
MARRIAGE LICENSES
- Wade Logan Yates of Brighton and Anna Catherine Marcy of Riverton.
- Douglas Guennewig and Buffy Riddens, both of Staunton.
Comments
SUNDAY, JANUARY 4, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South 4th Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Charles Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to South Hard Road in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of East Walnut Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to harassment.
MONDAY, JANUARY 5, 2026
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to neighbor trouble.
Jiles R. Lyons, 36 of Benld, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for possession of another’s credit/debit card.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to an animal complaint in the 600 block of North 7th Street in Benld.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of East Burton Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to Osie Street and Handy Street in reference to a security check.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South Hard Road in Benld in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Burton Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to harassment.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Walnut Street in reference to a neighborhood dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of North Francis Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Elm Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to Macoupin Street and Walnut Street in reference to suspicious activity.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of South 5th Street in Benld in reference to a burglary.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Virginia Street in East Gillespie. Debra A. Brooks, 65 of Carlinville, was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Adams Street in reference to ordinance issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of South Illinois Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Osie Street. Kylee P. Cothern, 18 of Benld, was issued a citation for expired registration and operating uninsured vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a hit and run traffic crash.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Virginia Street in East Gillespie. Tiana F. McFarland, 28 of Staunton, was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Virginia Street in East Gillespie. Debra A. Brooks, 65 of Carlinville, was issued a citation for speeding.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026
The School Resource Officer was dispatched to the High School office in reference to a fight.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Illinois Street in East Gillespie. Darlene Karns, 70 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at 7th Street and Pine Street in Benld. Dylan S. Richards, 32 of Staunton, was issued a citation for suspended registration.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of South Illinois Street in Benld in reference to a security check.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Spruce Street in reference to criminal damage.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South Montgomery Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a theft in the 500 block of South Jersey Street.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to an animal complaint in the 200 block of West Maple Street.
The School Resource Officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Oak Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 10, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Frey Street in reference to criminal damage.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Pine Street. Racheal A. Aleshire, 47 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for driving while her license was revoked.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Hard Road and Central Avenue in Benld. Amber R. Brackett, 31 of Gillespie, was issued citations for suspended registration and for no insurance.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Elm Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to an intoxicated pedestrian.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of West Virginia Street in East Gillespie in reference to stalking.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Comments
FELONIES
Micah J. Ramsey, 39 of Carlinville, is charged with aiding/abetting/selling a stolen vehicle and driving on a revoked license in connection with a December 27 incident.
Shawn M. McBride, 38 of Staunton, is charged with obstructing justice/destroying evidence in connection with a December 18 incident.
Riley G. Rhodes, 18 of Carlinville, is charged with possession/displaying an altered ID card in connection with a December 18 incident.
Shane S. Bell, 35 of Girard, is charged with possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams) in connection with a November 6 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Ted. E. Hanner, 50 of Bunker Hill, is charged with obstructing identification in connection with a December 3 incident.
Brittany M. Lyons, 35 of Benld, is charged with criminal trespass to a building in connection with a December 19 incident.
Betty J. Jamieson, 75 of Carlinville, is charged with violating the animal control act in connection with a December 29 incident.
James J. Denby, 27 of Carlinville, is charged with criminal trespass to land in connection with a December 8 incident.
Tricia J. Pfeiler, 37 of Carlinville, is charged with battery/cause bodily harm and cruelty to animals in connection with a January 1 incident.
Rodney J. Rosentreter, 60 of Gillespie, is charged with criminal damage to property (<$500) and resisting a peace officer/firefighter/corrections employee in connection with a January 1 incident.
TRAFFIC
Rustin L. Reed, 19 of Springfield, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit in connection with a December 27 incident.
Passion M. Kinzey, 33 of Chicago, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration in connection with a December 27 incident.
Ella R. Robinson, 20 of Bonne Terre, MO, is charged with speeding 35 mph over the limit in connection with a December 30 incident.
Julie B. Kruse, 55 of Staunton, is charged with driving on a suspended license and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a December 18 incident.
Gregory A. Knezic, 60 of Staunton, is charged with driving on a suspended license and improper use of registration/title in connection with a December 23 incident.
Dixie L. Moffitt, 73 of Worden, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration in connection with a December 22 incident.
Dakota L. Schoondyke, 28 of Virden, is charged with driving on a suspended license and operating a motor vehicle with suspended registration in connection with a December 26 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Debra E. Seago versus Carl L. Seago Jr.
MARRIAGE LICENSES
- David L. Ehlers and Shirley Marie Lee Haines, both of Bunker Hill.
- Steven D. Clattenburg and Billie Jo Croll, both of Virden.
- Robert J. Halpin and Chelsea L. Kirkover, both of Gillespie.
