Community News
County Bans Synthetic Drugs
County becomes first in state known to mandate counseling for synthetic drug offenders
Carlinville – Just more than two weeks ago, Macoupin County Board Chairman Andy Manar was joined by the Macoupin County State’s Attorney, Sheriff, local Police Chiefs, and representatives from the Anti-Meth Coalition to describe the effect synthetic drugs can have on an individual, a family, and a community.
Manar said that there was no time to sit and wait for others to take care of the problem for Macoupin County; rather, it was important that the County take action soon to do whatever was possible to criminalize the sale and use of these drugs locally. The County Board did just that when it unanimously approved the adoption of a comprehensive county-wide synthetic drug ban on Tuesday.
“Today the county board took action that no other county in the state has taken,” said Manar following the Board meeting. “We are aiming to be a part of the solution that attacks the sale and use of synthetic drugs in our communities. We are doing so not only by criminalizing those acts, but also by focusing on prevention through mandating counseling for offenders.” Manar was referring to the fact that Macoupin County has become the first county in the state known to mandate counseling for all offenders with the adoption of the ordinance on Tuesday.
The County Board complimented State’s Attorney Jennifer Watson, Sheriff Don Albrecht, and the Anti-Meth Coalition for their continued advocacy of the issue and dedication in searching for solutions.
The Coalition has been holding monthly meetings that in part have focused on how to bring forth a solution to fight back against use and sale of these drugs. “We are very fortunate to have a wide base of interested parties working together to fight these types of issues in our local communities,” said Manar.
The adopted ordinance which bans the sale, delivery, and possession of synthetic drugs also provides serious fines and penalties to those in violation in addition to the court-ordered drug counseling. The ordinance carries fines between $500 and $750 for sale or delivery of the synthetic drugs defined.
In addition, court costs and at least 20 hours of community service will be present for all offenders with the possibility of up to six months in jail in some cases. Possession of all defined synthetic drugs will carry the penalty of fines between $100 and $750 and will impose court costs and the possibility of up to 30 days in jail.
State’s Attorney Jennifer Watson, who drafted the county ordinance, explained to the board many of the ill-effects of synthetic drugs and said that typically those in their late teens and early 20s are often the most frequent users. Watson said that it is obvious that many of these addicting drug products are being marketed by businesses toward youth with decorated packaging labels and names like ‘Scooby Snax,’ ‘Mad Hatter,’ and ‘Jersey Shore.’ “I believe we have to take a serious approach in fighting back against these crimes on the local level through stiff fines and required counseling,” said Watson. “By adopting our own ordinance, we are taking a proactive step to minimize these crimes.”
“Chairman Manar exhibited the leadership to work with law enforcement in Macoupin County to ensure we are and remain ahead of the curve in protecting our communities from these harmful drugs,” said Sheriff Don Albrecht. “I want to thank both he and the State’s Attorney for arming my agency with tools to crack down on the sale and possession of these drugs.” Sheriff Albrecht also noted that several surrounding counties have already reached out to his office to see how they can follow Macoupin County’s lead on this issue and the adoption of a like ordinance.
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FELONIES
Jamie L. Whitford, 49 of Alton, is charged with violation of an order of protection in connection with an August 17 incident.
Sarah J. Crays, 39 of Virden, is charged with aggravated fleeing/damage to property (>$300), aggravated fleeing police/21 mph over the limit, and driving on a suspended license in connection with an August 18 incident.
Eric J. Trump, 33 of Carlinville, is charged with aggravated battery/great bodily harm in connection with an August 17 incident.
Henry D. Wilson, 37 of Mt. Olive, is charged with possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams) in connection with an August 19 incident.
Nicholas A. Williams, 31 of Staunton, is charged with possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams) in connection with a May 19 incident.
Holly A. Messerly, 38 of Bunker Hill, is charged with possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams)in connection with a May 5 incident.
Garret A. Brown, 22 of Springfield, is charged with aggravated battery/peace officer, criminal damage to government property (<$500), possession of a controlled substance, driving under the influence of alcohol, and canceled/revoked/suspended registration in connection with an August 19 incident.
Andrew K. Ridens, 36 of Staunton, is charged with possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams), driving on a revoked license, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a July 21 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Tarina S. Slaughter, 46 of Girard, is charged with resisting a peace officer/firefighter/corrections employee in connection with an August 17 incident.
Joseph W. Reiniesch, 40 of Gillespie, is charged with aggravated assault/public property in connection with an August 16 incident.
TRAFFIC
Dallis E. Houseman, 56 of Modesto, is charged with drivers license expired more than a year and failure to obey police officer in connection with an August 18 incident.
Jameson E. Anderson, 35 of Shipman, is charged with improper use of registration/title, unlicensed, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with an August 11 incident.
Jordan A. Abner, 18 of Godfrey, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit in connection with an August 13 incident.
Amanda R. Bianco, 44 of Staunton, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit in connection with an August 7 incident.
Hunter J. Kapp, 18 of Highland, is charged with speeding 35+ mph over the limit in connection with an August 15 incident.
Adam L. Bray, 43 of Carlinville, is charged with driving on a revoked license, canceled/revoked/suspended registration, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with an August 16 incident.
Kaelan N. Ramos, 34 of Shiloh, is charged with speeding 35+ mph over the limit and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with an August 15 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Justin Robert Bickel versus Melissa Ann Bickel
- Jennifer Miller versus Matthew Miller
- Ryan T. Bloomfield versus Cheyenne M. Bloomfield
- Angela K. Greenwalt versus Jay A. Greenwalt
- Val Leffers versus Karen Leffers
MARRIAGE LICENSES
- Jeremy Wayne Pride and Brandi Marie Hatzel, both of Shipman
- Jacob Patrick Millard and Jenna Frances Wernsing, both of Carlinville
- Dustin Eugene Bauman and Miriam Susan Jenkins, both of Virden
- Jeremy Dale Canoy and Samantha Elaine Goyke, both of Girard
- Bryan Edward Woodward and Jake Marie Cain, both of Shipman
- Glen Alexander Mcelyea and Candice Dawn Herin, both of Shipman
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FELONIES
Jacob R. Morgan, 38 of Staunton, is charged with burglary and theft/control/intent ($500<10k) in connection with a July 28 incident.
TRAFFIC
Justin C. Grider, 41 of Carlinville, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with an August 14 incident.
Chynasyl B. Chynybaev, 38 of Kent, WA, is charged with CDL not obtained and no fee paid/over registration weight in connection with an August 20 incident.
Clinton D. Coleman, 34 of Springfield, is charged with driving on a suspended license and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with an August 22 incident.
Gary L. Cunningham, 61 of Staunton, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with an August 23 incident.
Christopher J. Moreland, 38 of Staunton, is charged with DL expired more than a year, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and driving/operating a non-highway vehicle.
Matthew W. Stoops, 32 of Bunker Hill, is charged with DL expired more than a year and no valid registration in connection with an August 19 incident.
Jordan T. Trimm, 33 of Benld, is charged with improper use of registration/title, unlicensed, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle.
Cole Y. Waugh, 41 of Gillespie, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with an August 16 incident.
Jessie J. Waugh, 44 of Gillespie, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with an August 15 incident.
Austin D. Guiliacci, 25 of Staunton, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration in connection with an August 20 incident.
Matthew D. Knick, 20 of Mount Olive, is charged with driving on a suspended license and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with an August 25 incident.
Kirstain S. Harris, 29 of Memphis, TN, is charged with driving on a suspended license and speeding 26-34 mph over the limit in connection with an August 24 incident.
Devin Berry, 36 of Blue Island, is charged with driving on a suspended license and driving 15-20 mph above the limit in connection with an August 24 incident.
Rudolph H. Jackson, 60 of Gillespie, is charged with driving on a revoked license, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and no valid registration in connection with an August 24 incident.
Sean M. Rogerson, 50 of Palmyra, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with an August 27 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Peggy Wells versus Jason E. Wells
- Cheri Woodson versus Alan Woodson
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Community News
Football, parade, and GHS Athletic Hall of Fame induction highlight Gillespie homecoming
A football game pitting the Gillespie Miners against the Staunton Bulldogs, a parade and the second annual induction ceremony for newly named members of the Gillespie High School Athletic Hall of Fame will highlight Homecoming next month.
The theme of this year’s celebration is The Roaring Twenties.
The parade will kick off on South Macoupin Street at 6 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 25. The parade will march to the high school where a pep rally is scheduled for 7 p.m., followed by the coronation of the Homecoming King and Queen at 7:15 p.m. There will be a Powder Puff Game/Cheer Section competition at 7:30 p.m., also on Wednesday, Sept. 25.
There will be a meet and greet with newly named members of the Athletic Hall of Fame at 6 p.m., Friday, Sept. 27, followed by the Homecoming football game at 7 p.m. Hall of Fame inductees include Mike Viano, Jack Genet, Dennis Best, Barbella Magus, Sam Stewart, William & Florence Schmidt and Family, and Deb Olson and the ’93, ’94 and ’95 GHS softball teams. New members will be inducted during a 2 p.m. reception on Sunday, Sept. 29, in the high school gym.
The annual Homecoming dance is set for 7-9 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 28 at the high school gym.
For GHS students, Homecoming activities will start well in advance of the Homecoming weekend festivities. Students from all four high school classes will work on building parade floats from 6-9 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 19, Monday, Sept. 23, and Tuesday, Sept. 24. Students will decorate hallways for Homecoming from 3-5 p.m., Friday, Sept. 20, and 9 a.m.-12 p.m., Saturday, Sept 21.
Monday, Sept. 23 will kick off a week of “dress-up” days for students. For Monday, the theme is Boas and Bowties. Tuesday, Sept. 24 will feature Glitz and Glitter. Wednesday, Sept. 25 is Rhyme Without Reason Day, and Thursday, Sept. 26, will feature Gangsters vs. Flappers. The dress-up theme for Friday, Sept. 27 will be School Spirit.
In addition to Wednesday’s pep rally following the parade, there will be a game-day pep rally at 1:15 p.m., Friday, Sept. 27.
