Court News
County Clerk reopens recorder’s office
Macoupin County Clerk Pete Duncan announced on Wednesday evening the recorder’s office opened back up earlier in the day with new changes.
The temporary closure that started Monday was the result after three county employees working at the Macoupin County Courthouse in Carlinville were exposed to COVID-19 after coming in close contact with a person who has since tested positive for the coronavirus, TheBenGilPost.com published last week.
The new changes to how the recorder’s office will operate include:
- Public access to the office is restricted until further notice and this includes title searches. For those who are not currently using our online access to recorded documents, I would encourage you to review the options allowing for all documents recorded back to 1829 to be searched: http://macoupincountyclerk.com/county_clerk_s_office/online_land_records.php
- If a document is missing or unreadable online, you should call (217) 854-3214 ext. 707 or email recorder@macoupincountyil.gov and we will attempt to find a copy as soon as we are able to do so. The County Archive building is now closed to the public until further notice. For copies of any documents that are the County Clerk’s which are housed at the County Archives building, the public should call or email recorder@macoupincountyil.gov and we will attempt to find it as soon as we are able to do so.
- For documents that need to be recorded, e-recording and mail are still your best option. Until a protective counter can be installed for the Clerk and Recorder’s office, any documents that need to be brought to the Courthouse will be picked up at Court Security checkpoint. During this period, we will only do a quick review of documents and payment. If once we return to the office we find a reason to reject the document, we will return it through the mail. Also, we will not be able to pick up documents at any other location besides the Courthouse.
- We are working with our current vendor to upgrade the online search and access to the 2001 through present records. It will be more user friendly and have more capabilities. I do not have an estimated launch date for that as we are prioritizing getting services currently not online in this upgrade. I will keep you updated.
- Also, I have reached out to the state about implementing MyDec, which would allow for documents requiring real estate stamps to be e-recorded. I will keep you updated on that progress as well.
- For those needing tax redemption estimates or history, our online tax search allows easy access to that information. http://www.macoupincountyclerk.com/macoupin_county_clerk/online_property_tax_search.php
“While none of us like having to take these steps, after consulting with Public Health, these are the steps I feel are necessary for the protection of both the staff of the County Clerk and Recorder’s office as well as the general public,” Pete Duncan concluded.
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MISDEMEANORS
Joshua A. Damm, 41 of Carlinville, is charged with battery/making physical contact in connection with a November 14 incident.
Blake R. Laskach, 25 of Staunton, is charged with obstructing identification in connection with a November 20 incident.
TRAFFIC
Kyle E. Devries, 36 of Staunton, is charged with driving on a revoked license, transporting/carrying alcohol/driver, and disregarding a stop sign in connection with a November 5 incident.
Haider K. Omran, 57 of Saint Louis, MO, is charged with speeding 26-34 MPH over the limit in connection with a November 15 incident.
Michael F. Reeder, 73 of Carlinville, is charged with leaving the scene and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a November 18 incident.
Keith S. Statler, 61 of Hillsboro, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with a November 16 incident.
William T. Overturf, 39 of Benld, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with a November 19 incident.
Gary A. Parker, 47 of Gillespie, is charged with reckless driving in connection with a November 14 incident.
Kelly M. Lyons, 37 of Benld, is charged with reckless driving in connection with a November 14 incident.
Kyle E. Dotson, 59 of Springfield, is charged with driving on a revoked license and transporting/carrying alcohol/driving in connection with a November 16 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Joseph S. A. Evans versus Abby L. Evans
- George D. March versus Taylor R. Brown
- Elijah N. Powell versus Tori Lynn Loyd
MARRIAGE LICENSES
- Caleb Brendan Owens and Kaitlyn Noelle Hargis, both of Mount Olive
- Justin Michael Hart and Sydney Annadale Gray, both of Carlinville
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Community News
Macoupin County Clerk, Recorder & Elections Office temporarily relocating due to courthouse renovations
The Macoupin County Clerk, Recorder, and Elections Office will temporarily relocate across the street to the Macoupin County Voting Center, located at 227 E. First South in Carlinville, beginning Tuesday, November 18, 2025.
The move is necessary to accommodate HVAC system renovations in the Macoupin County Courthouse. The temporary relocation is expected to last until mid-January 2026.
During this time, all regular services — including vital records, recordings, elections, and general clerk functions — will continue to be available at the Voting Center. Office hours and contact information will remain the same.
However, due to limited space during the renovation, public searching and certain in-person services may be restricted. Residents are encouraged to take advantage of the many online services offered through the Clerk’s website, including:
- Searching and ordering vital records
- Accessing property and land records
- Viewing election information and forms
- Checking registration and voter status
“We appreciate everyone’s patience as we make these necessary improvements to the Courthouse,” said Macoupin County Clerk Pete Duncan. “Our goal is to continue serving the public efficiently and safely, whether in person or online.”
Residents can visit www.macoupincountyclerk.com, call 217-854-3214, text 217-439-4499, or email elections@macoupincountyil.gov or recorder@macoupincountyil.gov for updates, online resources, and additional information.
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FELONIES
Christy M. Thornhill, 54 of Gillespie, is charged with theft/unauthorized control (>500<10k) in connection with a December 14, 2024, incident.
Eugene Arnold, 62 of Royal Lakes, is charged with aggravated battery/use of a deadly weapon in connection with a November 11 incident.
Andrew N. Gregory, 36 of Gillespie, is charged with obstructing justice/destroying evidence, driving under the influence of alcohol, and disregarding a stop sign in connection with a November 13 incident.
Jared E. Gibbs, 38 of Palmyra, is charged with aggravated DUI, driving under the influence of alcohol, transporting/carrying alcohol/driver, and stopping/standing/parking/business in connection with a July 8 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Thor S. Barnes, 45 of Benld, is charged with criminal trespass to land in connection with an October 31 incident.
Juan F. Molina Fuentes, 43 of Glen Carbon, is charged with assault in connection with a November 12 incident.
Frederic J. Skinner. 22 of Carlinville, is charged with criminal trespass to a building in connection with a November 11 incident.
Harold A. Wood, 79 of Staunton, is charged with criminal trespass to land with a November 11 incident.
William L. Hartman, 44 of Benld, is charged with theft/unauthorized control (<$500) in connection with an October 4 incident.
William D. Friesland, 20 of Mount Olive, is charged with unlawful possession of blackjack/knife in connection with an October 27 incident.
Jakota M. Emery of Gillespie is charged with resisting/peace officer/firefighter/corrections employee in connection with an October 22 incident.
Crystal J. Webb, 50 of Staunton, is charged with animal owner duties violation in connection with an October 21 incident.
James J. Hamilton, 18 of Brighton, is charged with disorderly conduct in connection with an October 30 incident.
Joshua T. Reese, 19 of Jerseyville, is charged with disorderly conduct in connection with an October 30 incident.
Kyle T. Yate, 19 of Wood River, is charged with disorderly conduct in connection with an October 30 incident.
TRAFFIC
Frederick Devone Jones, 28 of Columbia, SC, is charged with driving on a suspended license and driving 15-20 mph above the limit in connection with a November 8 incident.
Eileen M. Chavez, 19 of Mount Prospect, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit in connection with a November 9 incident.
Carla R. Franklin, 54 of Florissant, MO, is charged with driving on a suspended license, headlight violation, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a November 1 incident.
Cheri L. Bagwell, 48 of Carlinville, 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 an October 26 incident.
Jessica M. McCoy, 27 of Eagarville, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with an October 30 incident.
Jenna M. Forrest, 43 of Alton, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit in connection with a November 11 incident.
Michael T. Chrystal, 26 of Carlinville, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with an October 31 incident.
Shane C. Chance, 29 of Carlinville, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a November 1 incident.
Tameka S. Turner, 35 of Waverly, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with an October 29 incident.
Christian A. Darush, 25 of Hettick, is charged with expired registration in connection with a November 12 incident.
Cade W. Thoron, 19 of Carlinville, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit in connection with a November 12 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 November 1 incident.
Tabitha M. Pratt, 39 of Benld, is charged with driving on a suspended license, expired registration, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a November 9 incident.
Carter R. Hood, 19 of Springfield, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit in connection with a November 12 incident.
Timothy C. Hokenson, 39 of Mount Olive, is charged with reckless driving and failure to reduce speed in connection with a November 11 incident.
Angela M. Sparling, 60 of Litchfield, is charged with driving on a suspended license, expired registration, disregarding an official traffic control device, and no notice of address/name change in connection with an October 30 incident.
William K. Kampmann III, 37 of Cottage Hills, is charged with driving on a suspended license, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and operating a motor vehicle in connection with a November 4 incident.
Christopher L. Vesper, 50 of Staunton, is charged with driving on a suspended license and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with an October 28 incident.
Christopher L. Paul, 62 of Bunker Hill, is charged with improper use of registration/title and operating a motor vehicle with suspended registration in connection with a November 10 incident.
Payge L. Masters, 20 of Mechanicsburg, is charged with driving on a suspended license and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a November 3 incident.
Matthew L. Hauter, 46 of Carlinville, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with an October 28 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Ryan P. Williams versus Naomi N. Williams
MARRIAGE LICENSES
- Joseph Edward Hinch and Brittany Allen, both of Wilsonville
- Steven Caleb Hunter Wise and Christina Ann Seals, both of Carlinville
- Andrew Michael Bounds and Tamara Ann Cunningham, both of Virden
- Steve Jameson and Troi Gibbs-Petrie, both of Girard
