Community News
County board approves long-awaited AFSCME contract
After 14 months of negotiations, the Macoupin County Board approved a new contract Thursday night with the Association of Federal, State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) affecting about 20 clerical works who have been working without a contract since the previous contract expired in September 2024. The meeting was moved from regular Tuesday night to Thursday because of the Veterans Day holiday.
On motion by board member Todd Armour, who participated in the meeting by phone, the 14 members present voted unanimously to approve the contract, pending ratification by the union members.
County officials declined to discuss details of the contract, pending the union’s acceptance of the document. When the information becomes available, this story will be updated. The newly approved contract is retroactive to last September when the previous contract expired.
The lack of a contract had been the subject of several public protests in recent months in front of the Macoupin County Courthouse and Macoupin County Jail, where monthly board and committee members are held.
The action followed a 25-minute executive session during which board members discussed the proposed AFSCME contract, along with personnel issues at the Macoupin County Animal Control
Following the closed-door session, the board acted unanimously to hire former Animal Control Office Buzie Bertagnolli to work 25 hours a week at $40 per hour until a replacement for outgoing Animal Control Officer Emily Gerl. Gerl submitted her resignation effective immediately, on Tuesday, exactly one week after the Public Safety Committee voted to recommend Bertagnolli as a consultant for a six week period to help train Gerl on the Animal Control budget, properly administering the personnel at the department, how to properly handle the bills and payroll paperwork and to also help write a procedure manual for the Animal Control Department. That action followed a 13-minute executive after Gerl reported to the committee that she was having a budget issue due to her underbudgeting how many hours her part-time people could work and working them significantly more hours.
An hour later, also on Nov. 4, Gerl reported to the Finance Committee that she was “way over budget” because excessive hours put in by part-time workers, and ask the committee to recommend approving additional funds. The committee declined due to the Public Safety’s recommendation to hire Bertagnolli “to try and show Gerl how to run the department for efficiency,” according to committee meeting minutes.
Also during the Finance Committee meeting, Gerl questioned the starting salary for Animal Control Officers. She was offered the job at a salary of $34,000—the same wage paid to her predecessor. The union, however, indicated the starting salary was set at $28,101. Committee member Armour told Gerl the union was correct and that her salary would be reduced upon approval of the new AFSCME contract.
Committee members told the full board that applications for the Animal Control Officer’s position would be accepted through Dec. 5 with the expectation of hiring a candidate before the start of the New Year.
In a related matter, the board approved a resolution to transfer $2,527.38 received as a donation from the Pet Population Control Fund to the General Fund where it could be used to help defray the budget overruns in the appropriation for Temporary Animal Control personnel.
HVAC FINANCING
The board unanimously approved a resolution transferring $1,250,000 from the General Fund to the COVID Grant fund, which is being used to pay for a $4.1 million HVAC upgrade in the County Courthouse. According to a report provided to the board Thursday night, the county has spend $2,127,605 toward the project to date, and expects to spend another $2,020,019 before the project is completed. The $1,250,000 transfer should “cover the rest of the project,” County Clerk Pete Duncan told the board.
Work has been completed on the ground floor of the courthouse and workers are moving on to the main floor which houses the Treasurer’s office, County Clerk, Circuit Clerk, Assessor’s office, a courtroom and one courtroom. County Clerk Duncan said his office is moving temporarily to the Voting Center across the street. During that time recently hired Grant Manager Joseph Chirwa will be allowed to work from home, Economic Development Chair Holly Klausing reported.
On the recommendation of the Economic Development Committee, the board voted to approve a measure directing Chirwa to focus only on applications for grants benefitting the county. Klausing said Chirwa has received requests from municipalities for held in writing grant applications.
“When he’s comfortable with (focusing on grants for county government), we can look at opening it up to local communities,” Klausing said. In the meantime, Chirwa plans to produce a fact sheet with resources for local communities to consult when writing grant applications for themselves.
Klausing said Chirwa has submitted grant applications that could net the county about $750,000 in revenue if the grants are approved. The grant applications include a grant application to the National Archives for assistance in digitizing county records, a law enforcement grant, and the second round of Energy Transition grant money.
The Energy Transition grant falls under a program to help compensate communities affected by recent coal mine closures. Klausing said the grant money can be used for economic development projects in the county.
A public hearing is set for 5 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 3, to collect input from the public regarding potential grant fund expenditures. Klausing said the hearing will be held at the Voting Center to accommodate more people.
For the first round of Energy Transition grants, the county received about $800,000. For the second round, the county will receive less than $200,000. Klausing said the federal appropriation for the program has not been reduced but the number of applicants has increased, meaning a smaller piece of the pie for each successful applicant.
The board also approved a “chain of command” for signing grant applications in the event Chirwa is unavailable. In Chirwa’s absence, Board Chair Larry Schmidt, County Clerk Duncan or Committee Chair Klausing is now authorized to sign grant applications.
TAX LEVY HEARING
Finance Committee Chair John Payne reminded board members that a public hearing on next year’s property tax levy will be held at the beginning of the board’s regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 2, at 6 p.m. in the board’s meeting room. Duncan told the committee during its Nov. 4 meeting that the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law (tax caps) precludes the county from increasing the levy by more than 2.9 percent, which limits the potential increase in the levy to $169,529.
OTHER ACTION
In other action, the board:
• Approved the appointment of Kasse Newberry, Marsha Dorr, Elliott Challandes, Leann Bowman and Shelba Palmer to the Pulliam Cemetery Board for six-year terms ending Dec. 31, 2032.
• Approved the appointment of Jason Waters to the Northwestern Fire Protection District board for a three-year term ending May 1,2028.
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.
