Community News
Commemorating the Coliseum Ballroom is Underway
A small group of local residents began last week to explore possible options for commemorating Benld’s Coliseum Ballroom, which was destroyed by fire on Saturday, July 30.
Mickey Robinson described Wednesday night’s meeting in Benld as a “brainstorming, exploratory” session. Those attending included Jim Marcacci, who has been working on a video documentary about the Coliseum; former Coliseum employee Bob Badstebner; Route 66 enthusiast Ollie Schwallenstecker; Cathy Petrak of Benld; and Nelson Grman of Staunton.
“This area has lost enough,” Badstebner told the group. “We can’t afford to lose any more.”
“If there’s ever been a time for the community to gather around an effort, this may be a last chance,” said Marcacci.
Marcacci said a “teaser” video posted on YouTube to promote the documentary he and his partner are producing has had more than 25,000 hits since the fire.”There are volumes of people talking about this on the internet,” he said. “Many people have very good memories about the Coliseum. If we are able to do something, I think we ought to do it grand, because it was a grand old building.”
“Ideas for commemorating the iconic Route 66 structure ranged from creating a park on the property, installing an interpretive kiosk, preserving a portion of the remaining structure and even the possibility of rebuilding the once popular entertainment venue. But whatever happens at the site is contingent upon what property owner Danny Picarelli decides to do with the property once he secures a settlement from his insurance carrier. Petrak said her understanding was that Picarelli “wants nothing to do with it once the insurance is done.” She said she had been told the owner wants to dispose of the property on which the Coliseum sat, but he wants to retain ownership to a parcel located to the west of the building and that he will want an easement through the Coliseum site to have access to that property.
Group members tentatively planned another meeting for Saturday, Sept. 3, in the hopes Picarelli can attend. Those attending agreed something should be done not only to commemorate the history of the building but also to retain some of the tourism traffic the building generated before the fire.
“People traveled from all over to the Coliseum,” said Petrak. “Now, Benld has nothing left.” “We can’t just let it die,” said Badstebner.
Marcacci mused about the possibility of preserving the facade, installing a stage behind it and using the remaining structural steel to support a canvas covering similar to some public concert venues. Grman wondered about the possibility of rebuilding the structure on a smaller scale, “miniature Coliseum” with exhibits of memorabilia and concession stand for visitors. “I think we need to look at all our ideas,” he said. “Plan several different options, find out how much the cost would be and where in the heck you’re going to get the money.” Regarding fund-raising for any such project, Grman said the community will have to “reach out in a big way.” “There’s no way you can do what you want to do with local resources,” he said.
He suggested contacting various musicians unions, as well as some of the big name acts that once performed at the Coliseum. Badstebner said Mama’s Pride, a band that used to perform at the Coliseum, has already agreed to do a benefit concert at the site of the Coliseum if the project gets to the point of fund raising.
It was reported that Picarelli has removed the iconic neon sign from the front of the building and has placed it in storage. “He wants to keep it in Benld is what he told us,” Robinson said. Picarelli reportedly has started to sell commemorative bricks from the structure himself to raise money to replace equipment lost by Shadow of a Doubt, the band that was playing on the night the building caught fire. The band reportedly lost $45,000 worth of instruments and electronic equipment, none of which was insured.
Schwallenstecker noted that the Route 66 Heritage Project and Illinois Tourism Bureau have made interpretive kiosks available at minimal cost to be located at Route 66 icons. Such kiosks have already been installed, he said, in Carlinville and Virden, as well as at the Ariston Restaurant in Litchfield and the Sky View Drive-In. “The Coliseum was a tremendously important icon on the Mother Road,” he said. “There needs to be some kind of physical presence for the Coliseum.” Without the Coliseum or anything to commemorate it, Schwallenstecker said most Route 66 tourists, especially those from foreign countries, are likely to travel alternative alignments when they come through the area. There are four Route 66 alignments in Macoupin County, including Illinois Route 4. Without an icon to attract them, tourists are more likely to gravitate toward alignments through Litchfield and Mount Olive, he said.
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.
