Historian and author Tom Emery will discuss his most recent book, Illinois in the Revolutionary War, at 7 p.m., Monday, May 4, at the Ruyle Genealogy Building on the Macoupin County Historical Society grounds, 920 W. Breckenridge St., Carlinville.

The program is open to the public and the Ruyle Building is handicapped accessible.

Honoring America’s 250 anniversary, Emery’s book focuses on the overlooked history linking Illinois with the Revolution some four decades before statehood.

“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.”                                 

Among other topics, the book describes George Rogers Clark’s capture of Kaskaskia and his subsequent march to the British stronghold at Vincennes. Emery also provides information on many of Clark’s lieutenants, including Capt. Joseph Bowman and others.

There are numerous place names in Illinois that are derived from Revolutionary figures, Emery noted, and there are hundreds of Revolutionary veterans buried in Illinois.

Emery, a resident of Carlinville, has created 44 book and booklet titles. He is a recipient of 16 awards from the Illinois State Historical Society, and has lectured on his work to audiences around the Midwest.

SPRINGFIELD, IL, – Macoupin County has been issued a final property assessment equalization factor of 1.0000, according to David Harris, director of the Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR).

The property assessment equalization factor, often called the “multiplier,” is the method used to achieve uniform property assessments among counties, as required by law. This equalization is particularly important because some of the state’s 6,600 local taxing districts overlap into two or more counties (e.g., school districts, junior college districts, fire protection districts). If there was no equalization among counties, substantial inequities among taxpayers with comparable properties would result.

Under a law passed in 1975, property in Illinois should be assessed at one-third (1/3) of its market value. Farm property is assessed differently with farm homesites and dwellings subject to regular assessing and equalization procedures. Farmland is assessed at one-third of its agriculture economic value and not subject to the state equalization factor. 

Assessments in Macoupin County are at 33.17% of market value, based on sales of properties in 2022, 2023, and 2024.

The equalization factor currently being assigned is for 2025 taxes, payable in 2026.

Last year’s equalization factor for the county was 1.0000.

The final assessment equalization factor was issued after a public hearing on the tentative factor. The tentative factor issued on 08-Jan-2026 was 1.0000.

The equalization factor is determined annually for each county by comparing the price of individual properties sold over the past three years to the assessed value placed on those properties by the county supervisor of assessments/county assessor.

If the three-year average level of assessment is one-third of the market value, the equalization factor will be one (1). If the average level of assessment is greater than one-third of market value, the equalization factor will be less than one (1). And if the average level of assessment is less than one-third of market value, the equalization factor will be greater than one (1).

A change in the equalization factor does not mean total property tax bills will increase or decrease. Tax bills are determined by local taxing bodies when they request money each year to provide services to local citizens. If the amount requested by local taxing districts is not greater than the amount received in the previous year, then total property taxes will not increase even if assessments increase.

The assessed value of an individual property determines what portion of the tax burden a specific taxpayer will assume. That individual’s portion of tax responsibility is not changed by the multiplier.

The Benld Public Library will host two Illinois state service events, providing convenient access to essential resources for area residents.

On Tuesday, May 5, the Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias Mobile Driver Services Unit will be on-site at the library. Services available will include written and road tests, driver’s license renewals, issuance and renewal of state identification cards, and the purchase of license plate stickers. No reservations are required. Please note that payment will be accepted by credit card or check only; cash will not be accepted.

Additionally, on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., staff from Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs’ Office will be available to assist residents through the I-Cash program. This service helps individuals locate and claim unclaimed property or missing money.

Both events will take place at the Benld Public Library, located at 308 East Central Avenue. The facility is accessible from both the parking lot and street parking.

For more information, please contact the Benld Public Library at 217-835-4045. Reservations are not required for either event.