Community News
Freda Eddington: Heritage Health Spotlight
Freda Eddington is among many smiling residents you will see if you walk down the halls at Heritage Health in Gillespie. The 89 year old has been at Heritage Health since April of 2012 and doesn’t want to be anywhere else, although she prefers the warm weather. Freda is one of those people you can talk to for hours. Maybe that is why everyone loves her at Heritage Health.
Born and raised in Shipman, Illinois, Freda was the single child of a loving family. Her father worked for a farmer and raised watermelon while her mother kept house for her family. Her mother was 42 and her father was 58 when Freda was born, but growing up with older parents was fun for her. It was a strict household, but she mastered many card games with the help of her parents.
Freda and her friends loved to play cards. Pitch, pinochle, and euchre were her three favorite games to play. Pitch was by far her favorite. “High low jack in the game,” she laughed. Freda was mostly always victorious in pitch, but she was very humble about her winnings. A simple head nod told us she won far more games than what she spilled to us.
She received all of her education in Shipman. Freda started at Shipman grade school and then elevated up to Shipman High School where she played with the band. With only 18 kids in her graduating class in 1941, it was a small school. Freda would not have liked it any other way though; she liked her classes small. Any number work was her favorite class to attend. She loved bookkeeping, accounting, and math.
She started playing piano in grade school and carried the skill on with her in high school, but played trombone in the high school band. Freda participated in Little 8 contests where she displayed her piano talent. The contest was held between eight small schools just for piano players. A panel of judges critiqued the performance and Freda remembered winning “quite a few” of those contests as well. After winning a couple contests, Freda was asked to play piano at the graduating processional.
Upon graduating, Freda sorted apples outside of Shipman at Mrs. Baxter’s house. “They had an orchard and I sorted their apples,” she explained. Then in the summer, she started working at the general store in Shipman where she checked customers out and washed potatoes. According to her, she was usually stuck with washing potatoes where she washed them in a tub and sent them outside to dry. “Then, I had to sack them up,” she said.
At the same time, she worked at Shipman Telephone Company where she worked as the switchboard operator. She juggled both jobs, but had fun doing it. She was more of a fill-in operator at the telephone company and only worked when they needed her. It turned out to be more than what she was expecting. “People called in and it dropped down, then I had to plug them in to whoever they wanted to talk to,” Freda explained.
In 1944, Freda moved on to her dream job. She worked at the bank in Shipman as a posting machine operator. Freda did do some telling work as well, but she mainly was positioned as the posting machine operator where she posted credits to peoples’ accounts. “I liked working with the people,” she told us. “It was a small bank, but it grew to be a million dollar bank.” Some of the Gillespie’s people such as Paul and Larry Cavallo banked at the Shipman bank, according to Freda.
Freda still worked at the telephone company while working at the bank, but had to quit her job working at the store. In 1950, she stopped working all together for a little while as she had her son. George was born in 1950 and Freda stayed home for some time to care for him. After taking some time off, she went back to the bank and worked for another 20 years or so. Altogether, Freda worked for the bank for about 30 years before she retired she explained.
George was Freda’s only child and is a twinkle in her eye. He went to work at Harmon’s after graduating high school until he went and served in the service, Freda explained. After coming back, he continued to work at the store where he worked for over 35 years. Now, he works at Randy’s Market in Benld.
As George grew up, Freda loved to cook. She cooked just about anything you can imagine, but liked to eat sweets the most so that was probably her most favorite meal to cook. “George liked the cakes, the cookies and some salads,” she laughed. Freda’s favorite would have to be her fried chicken or tomato soup.
She also liked to garden and eat fresh home-grown vegetables. Tomatoes were by far her favorite item to eat from her garden. She enjoyed canning the tomatoes as well. “The large ones make good cans,” she added.
At home, Freda liked to make things out of household items and keep a few flower beds. She explained she loved to make Christmas Trees out of coat hangers and “britches” out of dish clothes. “I made them and gave them all away, sometimes for Christmas presents.” She always maintained a beautiful flower bed too.
Freda is glad her son works close by because he gets to stop in and visit with her nearly every day. “He comes about every day and we get to talk,” Freda explained. Other than her son, she enjoys the “friendly” staff at Heritage Health especially when she is playing Bingo. She has a stuffed animal collection to prove she isn’t an amateur.
“I like the care they give me,” she closed. “They are very, very good to me.” The help is considerate and always friendly to Freda. According to Freda, it is very good care all in general. The only thing she had to complain about was the lack of salt on the food. “They don’t use a lot of salt at all,” she said as she turned her head side to side.
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FELONIES
Austen W. Nieder, 31 of Gillespie, is charged with aggravated battery in a public place in connection with an October 20 incident.
Nathan A. Baker, 47 of Hettick, is charged with obstructing justice/destroying evidence, driving under the influence of alcohol, and illegal stopping/standing/parking in connection with an April 13 incident.
Teresa K. Tucker, 83 of Benld, is charged with aggravated battery/use of a deadly weapon and domestic battery causing bodily harm in connection with an October 26 incident.
Janet L. Andrews, 44 of Gillespie, is charged with possession of a controlled substance, DUI any amount of drug, driving under the influence of alcohol, failure to reduce speed, carrying/displaying license, and transporting/carrying alcohol/driver in connection with an October 31 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Jamie M. Griffiths, 53 of Palmyra, is charged with violation of an order after being served a notice in connection with an October 24 incident.
TRAFFIC
Aiden A. Knodel, 18 of Mount Olive, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit in connection with an October 17 incident.
Matthew T. Troeckler, 38 of Mount Olive, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with an October 18 incident.
James C. Fitzwater, 54 of Mount Olive, is charged with driving on a revoked license and disregarding a stop sign in connection with an October 18 incident.
John E. Tisdale, 43 of Modesto, is charged with headlight violation and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with an October 27 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Jacquelyn Simons versus Jason Simons
- Ashline L. M. Harris versus Jeffrey Harris
- Jennifer L. Parker versus Darrin C. Parker
- Heather R. Elliot versus Ray K. Elliot III
MARRIAGE LICENSES
- Jesse Clay Wright and Rebecca Lyn Mouser, both of Gillespie
- Colin David Robertson and Earl Reah Pastidio Sacabin, both of Staunton
- Gary Eugene Bellm and Micky Sue Cody, both of Virden
- Michael David Pratt and Bailey Ann Schmidt, both of Staunton
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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2025
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Litchfield Road in East Gillespie. Cheri L. Bagwell, 48 of Carlinville, was arrested for operating a vehicle with a suspended driver’s license, improper use of title, operating an uninsured vehicle, and operating a vehicle without valid registration.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Street in Benld in reference to a domestic battery. Teresa K. Tucker, 83 of Benld, was arrested for aggravated domestic battery.
An officer was dispatched to the 900 block of South Madison Street in reference to a death investigation.
Skylar A. Stewart, 33 of Gillespie, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for methamphetamine delivery.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 500 block of East Central Avenue in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 300 block of North Kentucky in Benld.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a juvenile issue that took place in the 100 block of North Macoupin Street.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Illinois Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of West Wilson Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Spruce Street in reference to illegal burning.
An officer was dispatched to Fillmore Street and Burton Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of East Burton Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to 6th Street in Benld in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Oak Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of North 8th Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of North 5th Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute. Peyton R. Pehrson, 26 of Benld, was issued a citation for disorderly conduct.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Olive Street in reference to a death investigation.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of East Easton Street in reference to an ordinance issue. Richard D. Grove, 76 of Gillespie ,was issued a citation for nuisance prohibited-obstructed alleyway.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Avenue and Hard Road in Benld. Summer J. Blevins, 24 of Gillespie, was issued citations for uninsured vehicle and suspended registration.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South 1st Street in Benld in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to Burton Street and Fillmore Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South 5th Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute. Lucas I. Smith, 35, of Benld was arrested for domestic battery.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Henrietta Street in reference to a medical call.
An officer initiated a traffic stop in the 2300 block of Staunton Road in Benld. Jessica M. Brackman, 34 of Gillespie, was arrested on a Madison County warrant for fraud/bad checks. She was also issued a citation for expired registration.
Douglas D. Davis, 58 of Pekin, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for driving while license was revoked.
Melissa J. Hughes, 50 of Benld, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for theft.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Central in Benld, in reference to an animal complaint
An officer was out on North Main Street in Benld in reference to a motorist assist.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to reckless driving in the 300 block of North 6th Street in Benld.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to assisting Animal Control with a call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Henrietta Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Central Avenue in Benld in reference to a medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Avenue and Walnut in Benld. Donald E. Bruhn, 66 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for driving while license was revoked.
An officer assisted the City Alderman at Gillespie Lake on a call in the 15000 block of Oak Ln.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Broadway Street in reference to a battery. James J. Hamilton, 19 of Brighton, was issued citations for battery and illegal consumption by a minor. Joshua T. Reese, 19 of Jerseyville, was issued citations for battery and illegal consumption by a minor. Kyle T. Yate, 19 of Wood River, was issued citations for battery and illegal consumption by a minor.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Berry Street in Mt. Clare in reference to an altercation and a suspicious vehicle.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Elm Street. Jessica M. McCoy, 27 of Eagarville was issued a citation for driving while license was suspended.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Mor Street in East Gillespie. Teresa C. Dickerson, 45 of Mt. Olive ,was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Harding Avenue in East Gillespie in reference to an ordinance issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Shelby Street in reference to a violation of an order of protection.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of South 6th Street in Benld in reference to an assault.
An officer was dispatched to South 2nd Street in Benld in reference to an alarm sounding.
An officer was dispatched to Kentucky Street in Benld in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Elm Street to speak with a female in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer was dispatched to Big Brick Park in reference to juvenile issues.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Gillespie Street in reference to a neighbor dispute.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 300 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to a criminal trespass warning.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie. Thor S. Barnes, 45 of Benld, was arrested for criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Chestnut Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Broadway Street in reference to a dog running at large.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 300 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of South 4th Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to East Chestnut Street and 2nd Street in Benld in reference to a suspicious noise.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South Illinois Street in Benld in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to South Macoupin Street and West Burton Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 200 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie.
An Officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Walnut in reference to an unwanted solicitor.
An Officer was dispatched to 5th Street in Benld in reference to reckless driving.
An Officer was dispatched to the 400 block of East Maple Street in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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Believed to be First Work Solely Dedicated to Illinois in the Revolution
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Information on many of Clark’s lieutenants, including Capt. Joseph Bowman and others, is included, as is a balanced look at the state’s American Indians during the conflict.
Illinois in the Revolutionary War also discusses the 1780 expedition that carried all the way to the present-day Quad Cities, as well as clashes at St. Louis and present-day Michigan that affected Illinois.
The legacy of the war in Illinois, including the celebrated visit of the heroic Marquis de Lafayette to Illinois, the many place names for Revolutionary figures in the state, and the hundreds of Revolutionary veterans buried in Illinois, are also detailed.
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