Community News
County board under scrutiny for possible Open Meetings Act violation
The Public Access Bureau of the Illinois Attorney General’s office has agreed to investigate whether or not Macoupin County Board Chairman Larry Schmidt and 15 of the board’s 18 members violated provisions of the state’s Open Meetings Act when Schmidt polled board members by phone to weigh in on whether or not he should step down from the chairmanship or resign from the board in response to controversy in connection with a social media post he made denigrating the LGBTV+ community.
The investigation stems from a complaint filed by Chelsa Pruden, Staunton, who organized a sizable protest against Schmidt at the board’s April 8 monthly meeting in Carlinville. During that meeting, board member Ryan Kilduff, also of Staunton, read a prepared statement criticizing Schmidt’s social media comments and disclosing that Schmidt may have violated the Open Meetings Act by polling members of the board by phone. Kilduff said he was one of three board members not contacted by Schmidt.
Schmidt, a Republican, reportedly phoned 15 board members to elicit their opinions about his future tenure. The board is comprised of 15 Republicans and three Democrats.
In a letter dated April 16 to Schmidt from Public Access Attorney Matt Goodman, the Attorney General’s Office demands a response from the board or its representatives within seven days of receiving the letter.
“This office has determined that further action is warranted,” Goodman wrote in his letter to Schmidt.
Goodman’s letter directs the board to provide a written response “to the allegation that the Board held an improper private meeting by engaging in contemporaneous and interactive communication concerning the Board chairman’s tenure, whether electronically or in person.” The letter also directs the board to provide detailed documentation of all communication between and among board members concerning whether or not Schmidt should resign from the board or step down from the chairmanship. The letter further requested the total number of board members and the total number of board members who participated in the communications.
The Attorney General’s investigation was sparked by a letter of complaint Pruden filed the day after the April 8 board meeting in which she alleged Schmidt “conducted a secret meeting and held a ‘straw vote’ involving only elect board members.”
“This incident raise serious concerns of noncompliance with he Open Meetings Act, which exists to ensure transparency and accountability in the actions of public officials,” Pruden wrote. “Any private decision-making process that impacts the functioning or direction of the board is a matter of public concern, especially when it excludes other elected officials and the public.”
Pruden organized a protest involving about 100 people prior the April 8 board meeting and was among those making public statements during the meeting calling Schmidt’s comments regarding LGBQTV+ persons into question.
The controversy was ignited when Schmidt posted a comment to a Facebook item posted by St. Louis television station KMOV regarding Anheuser-Busch’s decision to withdraw sponsorship of the annual St. Louis Pride Parade. “Now is a great time to do away with Pride. You can be queer, but you don’t need to march in the streets to show off your disability,” Schmidt posted. Schmidt later acknowledged his comment was inappropriate and has since withdrawn his presence from social media.
Pruden is organizing another protest before the County Board’s upcoming May 13 meeting.
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FELONIES
Andrew K. Ridens, 37 of Staunton, is charged with possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams) in connection with a November 28 incident.
William T. Overturf, 39 of Benld, is charged with unlawful possession of a credit/debit card and theft/unauthorized control (<$500) in connection with a December 2 incident.
Justin A. Collins, 37 of Gillespie, is charged with aggravated fleeing police (21 mph over the limit) and aggravated fleeing (disregarding two or more traffic control devices) in connection with a November 20 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Bradyn W. Blum, 23 of Gillespie, is charged with criminal trespass to a building in connection with a November 30 incident.
Joseph L. Schnurr, 63 of De Soto, MO, is charged with criminal trespass to a vehicle/physical control and criminal trespass to a building in connection with a November 2 incident.
Noel J. Kennon, 47 of Benld, is charged with criminal trespass to a residence in connection with a December 4 incident.
Aaron M. Slifka, 33 of Livingston, is charged with violation of an order of protection in connection with a November 18 incident.
TRAFFIC
Anna R. Wallace, 41 of Staunton, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration and driving 21-25 mph above the limit in connection with a November 22 incident.
Jonah L. Rogers, 46 of Gillespie, is charged with driving while never issued a license, improper passing of an emergency vehicle, and transporting/carrying alcohol/driver.
Joseph M. Holt, 19 of Milwaukee, WI, is charged with driving while never issued a license and not driving on the right side of the road in connection with a November 28 incident.
Dylan T. Baker, 26 of Gillespie, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit in connection with a November 27 incident.
Micah D. Cooper, 25 of Saint Louis, MO, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit in connection with a November 27 incident.
Brian L. Breeden Jr, 41 of Carlinville, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a November 21 incident.
Zackarie A. McDuffie, 30 of Nilwood, is charged with driving on a revoked license, unlawful possession of cannabis/driver, and no window treatment/adjacent/driver in connection with a December 2 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Cindy Cozad versus Christopher Cozad
MARRIAGE LICENSES
- Zachary V. Sutton and Christine M. Burley Hill, both of Virden.
Comments
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of South Second Street in reference to criminal trespass to a residence.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Baker Street in reference to a motorist assist.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2025
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
Jessie J. Waugh, 27 of Gillespie, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear on a traffic offense.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Berry Street in Mt. Clare in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Lincoln Avenue in Eagarville in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Broadway Street in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of South 6th Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of West Elm Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Lincoln in Eagarville in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of East Elm Street in reference to a theft.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 1100 block of Abba Street in reference to neighborhood trouble.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of North 8th Street in Benld in reference to security check.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Elm Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Oak Street in reference to a 911 call.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of West Pine Street in reference toa vehicle theft. Joseph L. Schnurr, 63 of Eagarville, was arrested for criminal trespass to state-supported property and motor vehicle theft.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a theft. William T. Overturf, 39 of Benld, was arrested for theft.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of North 2nd Street in Benld in reference to a keep the peace.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Shelby Street in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Locust Street in Benld in reference to a security check.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Park Avenue in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
The School Resource Officer was dispatched to a juvenile issue that took place at Gillespie High School.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of LJ Avenue in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Western Street in reference to a theft.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to a 911 call.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Gillespie Street in reference to a residential burglary and criminal damage to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of East Locust Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespass. Noel J. Kennon, 47 of Benld, was arrested for criminal trespass to a residence and resisting a peace officer.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to child custody issues.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of 7th Street in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Avenue and Main Street in Benld. Jammie L. Tomblingson, 45 of Shipman, was issued a citation for driving on a suspended registration.
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 North Hard Road in Mt. Clare in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 1100 block of Abba Street in reference to neighborhood trouble.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of North Kentucky Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 200 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 300 block of East Oak Street.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to East Maple Street and North Macoupin Street in reference to reckless driving.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2025
An officer was out with a suspicious vehicle in the 100 block of South Main Street in Benld, blocking traffic.
Officers were dispatched to a fully engulfed structure fire in the 100 block of South Lincoln in Eagarville. Illinois State Fire Marshals were contacted.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Hard Road in Benld in reference to a suicidal subject.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 600 block of Broadway Street in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to disorderly conduct.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of East Chestnut Street in reference to illegal burning.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Walnut Street in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer made contact with a female in the 100 block of East Oak Street in reference to recovered property.
An officer was dispatched to the 2300 block of Staunton Road in Mt. Clare in reference to a civil issue
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Broadway Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to a 911 call.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Comments
FELONIES
Austin C. Drake, 30 of Girard, is charged with theft/unauthorized control (>$500<$10k) and bad checks/obtaining control of property in connection with a September 22 and an October 7 incident.
William C. Cooper, 41 of Gillespie, is charged with burglary in connection with a November 1 incident.
Joseph L. Schnurr, 63 of De Soto, Mo, is charged with aggravated fleeing in connection with a November 26 incident.
Derek J. Bultema, 40 of Gillespie, is charged with possession of methamphetamine in connection with a November 26 incident.
Brandon A. Martin, 26 of Wood River, is charged with aiding/abetting/possession/selling a stolen vehicle and aggravated fleeing in connection with a November 26 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Richard J. Williams, 44 of Staunton, is charged with criminal trespass to a vehicle in connection with a November 14 incident.
Ryne L. Manion, 41 of Mt. Olive, is charged with criminal trespass to a building in connection with a November 20 incident.
TRAFFIC
Terence L. Binion, 51 of University City, MO, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with a November 22 incident.
Andrew J. Goewey, 34 of Sawyerville, is charged with driving on a revoked license and driving 21-25 mph above the limit in connection with a November 22 incident.
Teresa J. Niewiadomski, 47 of Bethalto, is charged with driving on a suspended license, expired registration, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a November 19 incident.
Keona D. Roos, 22 of Freeburg, is charged with driving on a suspended license, improper use of registration/title, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and no valid registration in connection with a November 21 incident.
Zachary A. Johnston, 44 of Gillespie, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with a November 23 incident.
Alexis R. Spann, 32 of Auburn, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a November 19 incident.
Alicia N. Tamosaitis, 29 of Girard, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with a November 19 incident.
Justin A. Collins, 37 of Gillespie, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with a November 20 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Allan L. Petit versus Teresa M. Pettit
