Dear residents of Macoupin County,

I am writing to offer my strong and wholehearted recommendation for Quinn Reiher as the next Macoupin County Sheriff. Quinn has proudly served our community as Chief Deputy with the Macoupin County Sheriff’s Department for the past 11 years, bringing a total of 21 years of law enforcement experience.

Throughout his career, Quinn has demonstrated unwavering dedication to public service, professional integrity, and a deep commitment to the safety and well-being of Macoupin County residents. His experience has given him a thorough understanding of county operations, community needs, and the importance of accountability and transparency in public service.

As Chief Deputy, Quinn has consistently shown sound judgement, steady leadership, and the ability to work collaboratively with employees, county officials, and community members alike. His service reflects not only experience, but trust earned through reliability, fairness, and respect for the rule of law.

Together, we have provided stead leadership while carefully managing county resources. Quinn has played an active role in overseeing departmental operations while ensuring expenditures remained within the approved county budget.

His leadership style is grounded in planning, transparency, and respect for public funds – maintaining effective services without unnecessary financial strain on the county.

Quinn’s commitment to Macoupin County is evident in both his professional conduct and his dedication to serving residents with honesty and integrity. I am confident he will continue to serve our county with the same professionalism and care he has demonstrated throughout his career.

I respectfully encourage the residents of Macoupin County to place their confidence and trust in candidate Quinn Reiher for Sheriff.

Shawn Kahl
Macoupin County Sheriff

In every election cycle, there are positions that attract the headlines and national debates. But here in Macoupin County, there’s one role that directly impacts our daily lives in a way few others do — the sheriff. The decisions made by that office determine how effectively we respond to crime, how we protect our neighborhoods, and how we maintain the trust between law enforcement and the people they serve.

Right now, the challenges facing law enforcement are complex. Rural counties like ours are not immune to the increase in drug trafficking, property crimes, and scams that often target our most vulnerable residents. These problems require more than just a uniform and a patrol car — they require seasoned leadership and the ability to make the right call under pressure.

Ryan Dixon has spent decades building that skill set. Much of his career has been in investigations, where success depends on patience, thoroughness, and an unwavering commitment to justice. Investigative work is rarely glamorous; it’s hours of interviews, evidence gathering, and coordination between multiple agencies. Ryan has done that work, and he’s done it well.

What sets Ryan apart is his ability to balance decisiveness with fairness. He understands that in a county like ours, public trust isn’t given automatically — it’s earned. He’s not the type to make decisions based on politics or popularity; he makes them based on facts, law, and what’s best for the community. That’s the kind of leadership we need in a time when respect for the law and those who enforce it is being tested.

The sheriff’s office is more than an enforcement agency. It’s a symbol of our community’s commitment to safety, fairness, and accountability. We can’t afford to treat this position as an afterthought in the upcoming election. Experience matters, and proven service matters even more.

Macoupin County deserves a sheriff who can step in on day one and lead with confidence. In my view, Ryan Dixon has already demonstrated that he’s up to the task. His years of service, his deep understanding of our communities, and his record of investigative excellence make him a strong choice to guide our sheriff’s department into the future.

We have a lot at stake this year. Let’s make sure the person leading our law enforcement efforts is ready to meet today’s challenges — and tomorrow.

Aaron Stayton

When people think of protests, especially in small, conservative towns, they often imagine tension, anger, or conflict. But what I’ve experienced at our local protests is something else entirely. 

There’s music playing. People are smiling, waving, and offering encouragement. Cars pass by and honk in support. There’s laughter, conversations, and a shared sense of purpose. It’s not chaotic. It’s not hostile. It’s community. 

These protests have become a place where people come together to feel connected and hopeful. We don’t just hold signs. We bring canned goods for food pantries. We share resources. We check in on each other. Many of us also make a point to support local small businesses before and after the protests , grabbing coffee, dinner, or doing some shopping…. because we know they’re part of this community too. 

For many of us, especially those who’ve felt isolated in our beliefs, these gatherings are a lifeline. 

I’ve had countless people tell me how much this helps them. They say coming out to protest gets them off their phones, away from the news, and back into the world with purpose. They feel less alone. Less hopeless. I see it in myself too. Being around like-minded people, standing for something that matters, has improved my own mental health. Protesting reminds us that we can still make a difference. 

This isn’t about causing division. It’s about connection. It’s about choosing to take action instead of watching history repeat itself while we sit by in silence. For many of us, this is about making sure our kids, neighbors, and future generations know we tried. 

When I first had the idea to bring protests to Macoupin County, I reached out to Andi Smith in February. She had already taken the brave first step of standing with a sign in Edwardsville, and her quiet courage lit the way for so many of us. Andi has been a lighthouse of support, not just for me, but for others who are learning how to use their voice. She didn’t do it for attention. She did it because it was the right thing to do. And that kind of leadership matters. 

Now, we have weekly protests across the region. And it all started with someone deciding to show up. That’s how movements begin. That’s how change starts. Not all at once, but with one person and then another. 

I invite you to join us at our weekly protest every Tuesday from 5:00–7:00 p.m. at the Macoupin County Courthouse in Carlinville. We are building this movement with love, hope, and action.  I’m proud to be working alongside Kelley Hatlee and organizations like The 50501 Movement, Macoupin Pride, Macoupin County Action Alliance, and Indivisible. 

Weekly protests take place rain or shine every Sunday in Alton from 12 noon to 2 p.m. at the Lincoln Douglas Square, every Tuesday in Carlinville from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Macoupin County Courthouse, and every Friday from 12 noon to 2 p.m. in Edwardsville at the City Park. I encourage others to show up to one near them. You don’t need a crowd to begin. You don’t need permission to care. Just show up. Bring a sign. Start the conversation. You might be surprised how many people were waiting for someone else to take the first step. 

Because when we show up, we remember who we are. And when we come together, we realize we were never alone. 

Chelsa Pruden