Community News
Decision time approaches for Canna Theater
An ad hoc committee appointed by Gillespie Mayor John Hicks to investigate whether or not the city should accept donation of the 100-year-old Canna Theater building is expected to recommend taking ownership of the building when the full council meets Monday night. Even if the full council concurs, however, what the city does with the building remains to be determined.
Ald. Wendy Rolando and Ald. Larry Green, the two aldermen appointed to the temporary committee, reportedly reached a consensus on recommending the acquisition of the building after meeting Monday night with about 25 city residents, most of whom seemed to favor accepting the donation of the building from the First Assembly of God church organization. A majority of those attending the meeting also appeared to favor using the building as a performance venue in lieu of razing the deteriorating building.
“The big question is: does the city accept this building,” Rolando told the group, “and if we accept the building, what do we do with it?”
Rolando outlined a fairly detailed plan to facilitate development of the theater as a performance arts center but emphasized the plan is only one possible outcome for the building’s future. While she and Green reportedly plan to recommend taking possession of the Canna, they do not plan to immediately offer a recommendation about what the city should do with it.
Gillespie native Jim Allan, himself a musician, has spearheaded efforts to save the building. A small group of supporters organized by Allan are advocating for restoring and using the building as a performance venue tentatively named the Lyric Theater Performance Center. The Lyric was the former name of the theater before it was rechristened as the Canna Theater about 50 years ago. Allan told the group his vision is to operate the facility as a performing arts center similar to the popular Wildy Theater in Edwardsville which frequently hosts big-name bands and performing artists.
“If we accept the building, our opinion is the city should not keep it for more than 24 months,” Rolando said. If the city chooses to pursue converting the building for use as a performance center, Rolando said the current thinking is that the city should invest no more than $75,000 to $100,000 in TIF money before turning the building over to a non-profit organization after 24 or fewer months. “That sounds like a lot of money and it is,” Rolando said, “but it may not be that much and it may not come out all at once.” The cost of demolishing the building reportedly is estimated at about $168,000.
Rolando said a structural engineer has looked at the building and deemed it salvageable but the cost of stabilizing and securing the building is expected to cost $100,000 for materials alone. That estimate does not include labor and would only render the building safe and usable; aesthetic considerations and other amenities would add to the overall cost. Allan has insisted he has people lined up who are willing to donate labor to stabilize and restore the structure. Rolando said she is trying to find another engineer to provide a second opinion on the viability of saving the theater.
Fire Chief Larry Norville also examined the building and deemed it unsafe for public gatherings at this time. Monday night’s meeting originally was scheduled for the theater but was moved to the Civic Center because of safety concerns. The $100,000 materials estimate, she said, would be adequate to address the following issues:
- Stabilize the southeast wall.
- Replace gutters on the entire building.
- Upgrade the heating plant.
- Install insulation.
- Make bathrooms ADA-compliant.
- Reinforce the backstage wooden floor.
Rolando confirmed there is no mold in the building that would necessitate an expensive abatement project. Answering a question from the group, she said no city employees would be used to work on the building.
One of the primary advantages of having the city take ownership of the building initially, Rolando said, would be maximizing the opportunity to apply for matching grants—essentially doubling the impact of whatever investment the city chooses to make. As a municipality, the city would be able to apply for larger grants than those for which a not-for-profit organization would be eligible. Among the grants for which the city could apply, Rolando said, are tourism funds and grants to upgrade the heating system. A two-year period, she said, would give the city time to apply for and receive grant funds for rehabilitating the building.
If Allan’s vision of creating a performance venue was realized, Rolando said, the city could recoup some or all of its investment in tax revenue.
“If there are families looking to move into an area and they have kids who are interested in the performing arts, then having that opportunity could be a boon to bringing new families here,” she said. “There are volunteers willing to come in and use that space for (music and voice) lessons.” Out of town visitors coming to Gillespie to attend concerts would be likely to patronize restaurants and gas stations, generating sales tax revenues for the city. With no performing arts venues in the area, Rolando said local residents must leave the community to take advantage of those opportunities.
Gillespie High School senior Maci Smith agreed. “I know kids who drive 45 minutes or an hour to St. Louis or Springfield for an event that lasts 15 minutes,” she said. Smith also asked about the possibility the city would acquire the building only to quickly opt for demolition. Rolando said that would be a decision for the full council to make but a first step toward saving or razing the building would be for the city to acquire ownership. She encouraged those supporting the performance center concept to attend the council meeting to voice their opinion.
“Who wins?” asked one of the residents attending Monday night’s meeting. If the choice is between demolition or creating a performance arts center, how would that decision be made? She proposed a referendum to guide the council in its decisions regarding the Canna’s future.
City Treasurer Dan Fisher said such a referendum would be an advisory referendum only. The first opportunity for an advisory referendum would be the 2022 primary next spring, which means the building would continue to deteriorate in the interim. He said the city’s goal is to have buildings, especially downtown structures, either occupied or gone.
“Any structure, the longer you leave it vacant, is going to deteriorate,” he said. “You have to be willing at some point to pull the plug on it.”
Whether the city pursues plans to create a performing arts center or ultimately decides to demolish the building, a first step is to acquire ownership.
“Whether you want to save it or tear it down, the common thread is that the city has to own it,” Fisher said. “We’d rather have someone give it to us rather than get to court to condemn it.”
At least two residents expressed opposition, citing the city’s tight financial situation and the questionable wisdom of taking on an expensive project on the heels of the recent water infrastructure replacement project.
Julie Fisher noted that some aspects of the water project have not yet been completed. Tiring of waiting for the city, she said she had her son repair damage to her yard from installing new water lines.
Resident Tom Ottersburg also questioned the Canna project, saying the city doesn’t have the money to spend on it and should be wary of taking the risk.
Fisher said the city does have money “in some accounts that can only be spent for capital expenses.” The city has to be careful with expenditures, he agreed, because of restrictions on how money in specific accounts can be used.
Ottersburg asked why the church couldn’t give the building to Allan directly instead of passing ownership through the city.
Fisher responded that such an arrangement would cause Allan to become responsible personally for the Canna. He would be required to buy insurance and pay property taxes in addition to marshaling repairs. Fisher noted the proposed 24-month period of city ownership would not only facilitate grant applications but also provide time for supporters to organize a legal not-for-profit organization to take possession of the building.
“I’m just concerned the city is biting off more than it can chew,” Ottersburg said.
Fisher said city ownership of buildings and recreational facilities is not unusual in Gillespie or elsewhere in the United States.
“Almost any multi-purpose facility in the U.S. is owned by the government,” he said, referencing such things as major sports arenas. “We have a long, good history of accepting old buildings and making something of them.” The former school that now serves as Maple Street Clinic originally was given to the city by the local school district, he said. “The city has owned the Canna at least twice in the past,” he said, noting that the Canna Anna’s gave the facility to the city when the organization disbanded and the city continued to operate it as a theater until selling it to the Eisentraut family from Hillsboro. Eisentrauts later sold the building to the Assembly of God church. Organizers of that congregation have since moved their operation to the Quincy area and recently proposed giving the building to the city.
Fisher said he and others interested in revitalizing downtown Gillespie have surveyed city residents about what they want in a downtown commercial area.
“One of the things we hear from young people especially is they have to go to Springfield or St. Louis to find things that appeal to them,” he said. “They want a wider and more varied range of recreation opportunities here.”
Rolando said her personal desire for the Canna would be for a not-for-profit to take it over in 24 months or less. In the end, however, it will be a matter of weighing investment versus benefits and the odds for success.
“It’s a gamble,” she acknowledged.
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FELONIES
Justine D. Pocklington, 27 of Standard City, possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams), aggravated feeling police/21 mph over, no valid registration, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a February 2 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Katlyn N. Pilger, 21 of Benld, is charged with theft/unauthorized control (<$500) in connection with a March 28 incident.
Donald L. Lloyd, 46 of Staunton, is charged with criminal trespass to land in connection with an April 5 incident.
TRAFFIC
Tarina S. Slaughter, 47 of Girard, is charged with improper use of registration/title, unlicensed, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with an April 4 incident.
William C. Geiser, 60 of Gillespie, is charged with reckless driving in connection with an April 6 incident.
Lauren E. Wolfe, 21 of Granite City, is charged with improper use of registration/title and expiration of registration in connection with an April 3 incident.
Jim T. Wahl, 53 of Cottage Hills, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with an April 8 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Nora Washington versus Joseph D. Washington
- Samantha Lehnen versus Chad Wallace
MARRIAGE LICENSES
- Colton D. West of Hettick and Alina M. Carver of Scottville.
- Devin J. Martin and Mariah P. Crane, both of Bunker Hill.
- Jonathon E. Swisher of Shipman and Mackenzie P. Calvin of Saint Charles, MO.
- Lucas Boschelli and Danielle J. Boatman, both of Carlinville.
- Todd R. Leverton and Jennifer L. Bowman, both of Carlinville.
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SUNDAY, APRIL 5, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Oak Street in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Oak Street in reference to harassment.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South Main Street in Benld in reference to a civil standby.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Park Avenue in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Elm Street in reference to a civil standby.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
MONDAY, APRIL 6, 2026
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
Jonathan M. Kirkwood, 29 of Benld, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for traffic.
An officer was dispatched to Maple Street and Adams Street in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was out with a female at Trolley Street and Central Avenue in Benld in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the Gillespie Police Department to speak with a male in reference to a civil issue in the 200 block of South Main Street in Benld.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Henry Street in East Gillespie. Camden G. Zumwalt, 18 of Staunton, was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a well-being check.
TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2026
Cory D. Norton, 33 of Columbus, NC, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for driving while driver’s license was suspended. He also has a warrant out of Montgomery County for failure to appear while driver’s license was suspended.
An officer was dispatched to the intersection of Madison Street and Wilson Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was out with a male at Staunton Road and Charles Street in reference to a traffic crash. Tanner E. Moore, 28 of Gillespie, was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol, improper lane usage, using an electronic communication device, and failure to change address.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Frey Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Staunton Road in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South 4th Street in Benld in reference to unwanted solicitors.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Maple Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Richards Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was out in the 100 block of South Main Street in Benld. Amanda L. Broderick, 37 of Benld, was issued citations for unlawful possession of traffic signs and obstruction. Luther C. Welch, 31 of Shipman, was issued a citation for obstruction.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Berry Street in Mt. Clare in reference to a death investigation.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 300 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to illegal dumping and criminal trespass.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 6th Street in Benld in reference to criminal damage to property.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to identity theft in the 1200 block of Second Street.
An officer initiated a traffic stop in the 400 block of South Macoupin Street. Andrea M. Hulsey, 30 of Mt. Clare, was issued a citation for her minor child not wearing a seatbelt.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Broadway in reference to a neighbor dispute.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 900 block of Springfield Road in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Abba Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was dispatched to Ben-Gil Elementary School in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Elm Street in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to Kentucky Street and Hickory Street in Benld in reference to a noise complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Walnut Street to assist the Macoupin County Sheriff Department in serving an eviction notice.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Dorsey Road in Mt. Clare in reference to a well-being check.
THURSDAY, APRIL 9, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Dorsey Street in Benld in reference to a medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Donaldson Street in reference to criminal damage to property.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Avenue and Main Street in Benld. Trinity A. Pruitt, 22 of Benld, was issued citations for speeding and for illegal transportation of cannabis.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a civil issue.
The school resource officer brought a child to the Gillespie Police Department in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 200 block of West Spruce Street.
An officer was dispatched to the 2300 block of Staunton Road in Mt. Clare in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Clay Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of East Central Avenue in Benld in reference to suspicious activity.
FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2026
An officer was dispatched near the water plant in reference to juveniles fighting.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South Second Street in Benld in reference to assisting the Litchfield Police Department with a case.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Wilson Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Charles Street in reference to a civil issue.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Henry Street in East Gillespie. Leonard J. Schwartz, 55 of Edwardsville, was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Pine Street. Scott A. Byrd, 49 of Wilsonville, was issued a citation for expired registration.
SATURDAY, APRIL 11, 2026
Larry E. Conlee, 42 of Mt. Clare, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for dangerous drugs. He was also arrested for resisting a peace officer and aggravated battery.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to an animal complaint on Bishop Drive at Gillespie Lake.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South Hard Road in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of East Walnut Street in reference to solicitation.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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Community News
“History Belongs to All of Us”: Focus of Carlinville Community Conversation Series starting May 4
“History Belongs to All of Us,” a three-month series of events and activities commemorating the 250th anniversary of American independence and emphasizing Illinois’ role in seizing liberty for the American people will kick off Monday, May 4, and continue through July 16, 2026.
The series is project of Carlinville Winning Communities funded by a grant from Illinois Humanities. The events will encourage participants to examine and discuss the Declaration of Independence and other primary historical documents through facilitated conversations, according to Mary Tinder, a Macoupin County Historical Society & Carlinville Winning Communities board member.
Carlinville Winning Communities was one of only 13 entities statewide to receive an Illinois Humanities grant to support the Community Conversations Series.
We are fortunate to have received Illinois Humanities funding for this unique project, With 2026 being the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the 100th anniversary of Route 66, it is altogether fitting to explore where we’ve been and where we’re going, as well as to reflect on both and the cultural impact of our independence, Tinder said.
In keeping with the “History Belongs to All of Us” theme, several of the presentations and discussions will emphasize the role of Native Americans and the impact of American independence on Native American and other cultures.
Program topics will be explored through presentations by Illinois Humanities Road Scholars, live readings of historic documents, art, music and discussions. The programs are free to attend and all venues are handicapped accessible.
The series kicks off with “Illinois in the Revolutionary War,” a presentation by local historian and author Tom Emery, at 7 p.m., Monday, May 4, at the Macoupin County Historical Society’s Ruyle Genealogy Building, 920 W. Breckenridge St., Carlinville. Emery will lead a discussion of information included in his most recently published book, Illinois in the Revolutionary War.
“There was more to the war in Illinois than most people realize,” said Emery. “Revolutionary action took place in many parts of the state, and it was a struggle for all involved. It shows how hard many Americans worked for liberty.”
A discussion of Nicholas Welch’s 1812 Land Grant and the Autobiography of Ma-Ka-Tai-Me-She-Kia-Kiak, better known as Black Hawk, leader of the Sauk/Sac Indian tribes, is set for 7 p.m., Monday, June 1, in the Anderson Home parlor on the Macoupin County Historical Society grounds. Under the Land Grant program, the government set aside more than five million acres in western Illinois to compensate American war veterans with large tracts of land. Though Welch never set foot in Illinois, the granting of land to him displaced Black Hawk from his home in the area of present-day Rock Island. The facilitated discussion will focus on original historic documents, juxtaposing Welch’s land grant with Black Hawk’s experience.
Because of the smaller, more intimate venue, reservations are required. RSVP to marytinder1@gmail.com to reserve a seat.
“Relive the Mother Road: The Edwards Trace,” a collective analysis of documents and a look at contemporary research will be led by Illinois Humanities Road Scholar Anna Sielaff, Friday afternoon, June 26, during an Old Fashioned Route 66 Jubilee on the Macoupin County Courthouse lawn. Sielaff will discuss the 3,000-year-old Edwards Trace, used by Native Americans and early Illinois settlers, that stretched from Cahokia to Peoria. Portions of the trace run through Macoupin County, and some sections lay along the original alignment of Route 66. Imagine Rural Arts also will lead an art project in connection with how the trail was marked.
The Old Fashioned Route 66 Jubilee event runs from noon into the evening with food, musical performances, literary presentations, games, food and other activities.
The date is significant for Carlinville and Route 66 since 6/26/26 happens to be our zip code! The Jubilee offers a variety of experiences and taking a deeper look at the Edwards Trace and the Mother Road is an interesting way to explore local history on this unique date and location, Tinder noted.
Continuing on to the July 4th holiday, Macoupin County high school and college students will read the Declaration of Independence aloud in the main courtroom of the historic Macoupin County Courthouse in Carlinville at 10 a.m. The event also will feature a display of more than 30 historic flags provided by the George Rogers Clark Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution. A facilitated discussion will follow the reading and participants will be invited to sign the “Macoupin County America @ 250 Time Capsule” book. The book will then be on display at the Macoupin County Historical Society, said Andrea Duncan, one of the organizers.
A unique and somewhat mysterious artifact from Macoupin County will be the subject of a presentation at 7 p.m., Monday, July 6, at the Historical Society’s Ruyle Genealogy Building. Sharon Breyden and husband Tommy Breyden will display and discuss the Black Hawk Tablet, uncovered in the 1940s on a farm near Hettick. The odd inscriptions on the lead medallion suggests Black Hawk and an early Macoupin settler formalized an agreement to peacefully coexist in central Illinois.
For the final program of the Carlinville Community Conversations series, Illinois Humanities Road Scholar Kim Sigafus, a member of the Ojibwa Native American tribe, will present “We the Native People” at 7 p.m., Thursday, July 16, at the Historical Society’s Ruyle Genealogy Building. The focus is on Native Americans at the time the Declaration of Independence was signed. The interactive program will use traditional story-telling and music to help audience members understand the groundswell changes in Native American culture and lifestyle resulting from American independence and subsequent western expansion.
For more information and details about the “History Belongs to All of Us” series, contact Carlinville Winning Communities Board members, Andrea Duncan, (217) 204-1446, or Mary Tinder, (217) 825-9699.
