Community News
Gillespie Council approves conditional use permit for 57-acre solar energy field
With a new mayor and a newly appointed alderman in place, the Gillespie City Council on Monday night voted 5-1 to approve the city Zoning Board’s recommendation to issue a conditional use permit for Sol Source Power to develop a 57.5-acre solar energy field located southwest of the city.
Sol Source Power, with offices in Troy, New York, and Chicago, plans to build solar field on land leased from property owners Larry and Susan Willis at 16678 Three Mile Road. Willis Solar 1 will have 10,416 solar modules and generate 10,400,000 kilowatt hours every year—enough to power more than 866 homes.
Margaret Blum, representing Willis Solar 1, LCC, briefly addressed the council, generally describing the scope of the project and reporting that the company’s request for a conditional use permit had been recommended by the Zoning Board. Though the property is technically located outside the city limits, it is within a 1.5-mile buffer zone subject to municipal zoning codes.
Construction on the project is expected to begin in October and continue through February 2026. It’s anticipated the facility will go online in March 2026. The company says the project will provide local construction jobs during the construction phase and will facilitate the county collecting increased property tax revenue from the acreage for as long as the solar field remains in operation. Additionally, the company will assume the cost of required infrastructure improvements such as improving township roads to support additional traffic during the construction phase.
Like most solar fields, Willis Solar 1 will operate with remote monitoring. On-site equipment checks will occur about once a month and vegetation management will be done two to three times a year. While the risks of fire or explosion are small, the company will provide specialized training to Gillespie Unit 7 Fire Protection District firefighters for combatting fire at the facility.
Once the project is online, local consumers can “subscribe” get a portion of their electrical service from the new solar field. Subscribers will receive credits on their regular utility bill for their share of solar power generated by the field. Savings typically amount to about 10 percent of a household’s monthly electric bill.
The Willis project marks the third community solar project the council has green-lighted in the past two years. In October 2023, the council approved a conditional use permit for a 45-acre solar field Cypress Creek Renewables plans to build on a site just off Washer Road. The $10 million project is expected to generate enough power to run 1,100 homes. In March this year, the council approved a conditional use permit for an 18-acre solar field at the north end of the Coal Country Sports Complex, the former site of the Little Dog Coal Mine.
Ald. Janet Odell-Mueller casted the sole negative vote against granting the conditional use permit for Willis Solar 1. Ald. Bob Fritz, Ald. Frank Barrett, Ald. Dona Rauzi, Ald. Bill Hayes, and newly appointed Ald. J.Q. Halteman all voted “yes.” Ald. Wendy Rolando and Ald. Dave Link were absent.
NEW MAYOR, NEW CLERK
Monday night’s meeting was convened by Mayor Pro Tem Rauzi, acting in the absence of outgoing Mayor John Hicks. The outgoing city government heard from citizens who wanted to address the council, accepted city reports and approved bills falling under the jurisdiction of the outgoing city officials before adjourning the meeting “sine die,” officially ending the outgoing council’s authority.
City Attorney Rick Verticchio administered the oath of office to Ald. Barrett, Ald.Odell-Mueller and Ald. Fritz, all of whom were re-elected to four-year terms during the April 1 Consolidated Election. Verticchio also administered the oath to Tammy Beechler who was elected City Clerk, replacing three-term Clerk Frances Smith.
Former Ward 3 Ald. Landon Pettit was sworn in as the city’s newly elected Mayor, stepping into the shoes of John Hicks who chose not to seek re-election after serving four terms. Pettit, who was sworn in upon a Bible given to him after the death of his grandfather two years ago, called for a 40-minute executive session to discuss personnel, legal issues and collective bargaining as his first official act as mayor.
Upon returning to open session, the council approved Pettit’s appointment of J.Q. Halteman to serve as Ward 3 alderman, filling the vacancy created by Pettit’s election to the Mayor’s seat. No one filed for election to the aldermanic seat for the April 1 election, necessitating an appointment. Halteman will serve a truncated two-year term, after which he can chose to seek election to the seat or step down.
The Council also approved Pettit’s appointment of current City Treasurer Dan Fisher to continue his role temporarily until the council’s regular June meeting, when Rusty Fredericks, a former city alderman, will be sworn in as permanent City Treasurer. Also approved was Ald. Rauzi’s appointment as Police Commissioner and Mayor Pro Tem. Ald. Odell-Mueller was appointed as Public Works Commissioner, while Colin Mussatto was re-appointed as ESDA Administrator, Verticchio reappointed as City Attorney, and Jared DePoppe reappointed as Police Chief.
Committee assignments will remain virtually the same except that Halteman will take Pettit’s place on the committees on which he served:
- STREET AND SEWER: Fritz, chair; Halteman; Odell-Mueller.
- WATER DEPARTMENT: Hayes, chair; Fritz; Odell-Mueller.
- POLICE: Rauzi, chair; Hayes; Halteman.
- LAKE: Barrett, chair; Halteman; Odell-Mueller.
- ESDA: Fritz, chair; Rauzi; Halteman.
- FINANCE & INSURANCE: Rolando, chair; Hayes; Rauzi.
- PARKS & RECREATION: Rolando, chair; Odell-Mueller; Barrett.
- BUILDINGS & GROUNDS: Fritz, chair; Rolando; Barrett.
- PERSONNEL & SAFETY: Raust, chair; Odell-Mueller; Halteman.
- BAND: Rolando, chair; Hayes; Barrett.
TRASH TALK
A discussion about whether or not to sponsor a Citywide Clean-Up led to a larger discussion about trash pick-up in general. Pettit said he and city aldermen had heard from a number of constituents who are upset that the city no longer sponsors clean-up efforts. The last Citywide Clean-Up was 14 years ago, according to Pettit. In the meantime, the estimated cost of providing dumpsters at City Hall for residents to use for disposing of debris has increased to $15,000 to $20,000.
In addition to the cost of providing dumpsters for two days, the city would have to pay city workers to work on Friday and for a half-day on Saturday.
“I don’t think we have $15,000 available to pay for this,” Treasurer Fisher admonished.
“We don’t really need to spend the money, but when you get that much pushback, you kind of have to take a step back and listen to the people,” Pettit said.
Ultimately the issue was referred to committee with the expectation the committee will make a recommendation to the full council next month.
Ald. Rauzi, who last month introduced the idea of contracting with a one trash hauler to provide residential service citywide, said such a contract would include a Citywide Clean-Up program twice each year. “That would save the city at least $30,000 a year,” she noted.
Earlier in the meeting, during a public comment segment, resident Mike Bertolis took issue with Rauzi’s proposal, claiming the program would negate citizens’ freedom to choose their own trash hauler. Rauzi told Bertolis she was the one who raised the issue and pointed out it was only a suggestion for further discussion. “Nothing is set in stone,” she said.
Bertolis said persons on fixed incomes would find it difficult to pay a trash hauling surcharge on their monthly water bill.
Based on Benld’s program to provide citywide trash services, the city would contract with the lowest bidder to provide trash hauling services to all Gillespie households. A monthly surcharge would be added to water bills to pay for the service. Because the trash hauler would collect its fee from the city in a lump sum, the bulk contract generally is lower per household than residents could negotiate on their own.
City Attorney Verticchio, who also serves as Benld’s city attorney, agreed there was some resistance when Benld first introduced to the program, but most residents have since come to embrace the concept. He told Bertolis residents could still contract with a separate trash hauler but they would still be responsible for the monthly water bill surcharge—essentially paying double for trash hauling services.
In related matter, the council referred to committee an exploration on how the city could recoup the cost of damages to alleyway culverts caused primarily by trash hauling trucks cutting corners to short when entering and exiting alleys. Ald. Fritz said trash trucks have collapsed a number of culverts by cutting corners too close.
He suggested imposing a fee on trash haulers to operate in the city to offset the cost of damages. Other options would be imposing a wheel tax citywide or citing trash haulers for damages when they are observed causing damage to culverts. Rauzi’s proposal to adopt a citywide trash hauling service would have the added advantage of reducing the number of trashing hauling trucks using city alleyways to pick up trash.
“Keep in mind that a wheel tax would also affect people who are truck drivers,” Pettit advised the committee.
MUNICIPAL BUILDING CHANGE ORDER
The council voted 4-2 to approve a $15,364 change order for an improvement project at the city’s Municipal Building contingent upon the availability of funds. Ald. Fritz, who is overseeing the project, said the change order includes cabinet replacement, taking part of the existing Mayor’s Office to create a larger room to house the building’s mechanical systems including a furnace and electric water heater, and replacing hallway doors in City Hall. The furnace, currently located on a second floor, will be brought down to the first floor. With the addition of an electric water heater, there will be no gas-fired mechanical systems in the building.
Treasurer Dan Fisher voiced concerns about where the money would come from to pay for the change order. The council originally committed Tax Increment Financing funds and American Recovery Plan Act funds to pay for the Civic Center project.
“We allocated every penny of those funds,” Fisher said. The council was required to commit federal ARPA funds before the end of the 2024 calendar year or risk losing the money. In addition to the Civic Center project, the council committed funds for park improvements and remodeling an existing building for use as a Police Station. “You can approve this, but the money may have to come from another fund.”
Fisher pointed out the council already had approved several change orders involving thousands of dollars for completing the police station project.
Mayor Pettit commented that the parks improvement projects, though not yet completed, was under budget. Fisher, however, said the savings on the parks projects were not enough to cover the $15,364 change order.
Brought to a vote on a motion by Ald. Fritz, the council voted 4-2 to approve the change order contingent upon the availability of funds. Ald. Rauzi and Ald. Odell-Mueller both voted “no.” Ald. Barrett, Ald. Hayes, Ald. Fritz and Ald. Halteman voted “yes.”
MOTOR FUEL TAX REVISION
On a motion by Ald. Fritz, the council voted unanimously to approve a revised estimate for the city’s 2025 Motor Fuel Tax Street Maintenance Program in the amount of $665,000—up $56,300 from the $608,700 estimate approved by the council last month. The new proposal includes the 30 streets originally scheduled for oiling and chipping, plus eight streets the city anticipates grinding and resurfacing. In addition, the new proposal includes $21,200 to replace culverts Francis and Western Streets.
Mayor Pettit said the culvert replacement “is not a want, it’s a need.”
The new estimate also includes money to rent a combination street sweeper/vacuum unit for street sweeping and vacuuming out inlets. Mayor Pettit said renting the equipment in lieu of leasing would allow the city to reimburse itself from the Motor Fuel Tax Fund. Monday night’s approval of the MFT Estimate is contingent upon verifying the cost of renting the sweeper/vacuum unit.
Fritz said one reason the city needs to rent a street sweeper because a number of residents throw grass clippings toward the street when they mow. He urged the city to enforce a state law against throwing grass clippings onto the street to reduce the amount of debris that washes into ditches and eventually block storm sewer drains.
As part of the discussion, council members also focused on repairs and improvements to Plum Street between Kelly and Francis streets, which has seen significant damage due to school bus traffic this year. Community Unit School District 7 officials decided this year to use Plum Street to route buses for student pick-up and discharge to facilitate synchronizing starting and ending times for all three attendance centers. As a result, Plum Street has deteriorated at the intersections with Kelly and Francis where buses make turns onto and off the street.
“I’d have no problem with sending buses down that road if it was built up enough to withstand the traffic,” Pettit said. He said the city needs to have engineers from Henneghan and Associates to look at the project and draw up plans and cost estimates for repairing the damage. “We’re not going to do anything until after school’s out. I think we may have to do it as a MFT project.”
Pettit said he wants Henneghan engineers to compare the costs of stabilizing the intersections with concrete versus asphalt. “It might actually be cheaper to go with concrete,” he said.
Newly appointed Ald. Halteman suggested looking into the cost of milling down the intersections and repaving with a three-inch thickness of asphalt. “Three inches of asphalt will hold anything,” he said.
The council conducted a lengthy discussion about the Plum Street issue last month during which CUSD 7 Transportation Director said the school would be forced to return to staggered start times and dismissals if bus traffic is banned from Plum Street. At that time, City Treasurer Fisher estimated excavating the intersections and replacing soil with compacted dirt or concrete, plus resurfacing, could cost upward of $350,000. He said the city does not have funds to undertake such a project and could only consider it if the school district was willing to enter into a cost-sharing agreement.
NUISANCE PROPERTIES
The council voted unanimously to approve resolutions declaring a burned out property at 414 West Walnut Street and a property at 308 West Walnut Street when abandoned vehicles and trash have allegedly been allowed to accumulate as public nuisances. The action authorizes Verticchio to send letters to the owners of the properties citing their properties as public nuisances with a demand to abate the nuisance within 30 days.
Additionally, the council declared as a nuisance a property in the 500 block of Park Avenue where the roof has failed and exposed soffits are rotting away. “The attic is exposed and the front porch fell off a couple of years ago,” Ald. Rauzi said.
A fourth property on Elm Street also was declared a nuisance with the same vote.
Verticchio acknowledged that actually getting the nuisances abated can be a long process but noted the nuisance declaration is a necessary first step.
“It doesn’t cost much of anything to send them a letter,” he said. “You never have to proceed to court” if the property owner voluntarily abates the nuisance. If the property owner fails to comply, however, it can take months for the issue to work its way through the court.
BURNING ORDINANCE
Pettit provided council members with copies of a proposed ordinance to govern burning yard waste within the city limits. The new ordinance will establish specific times during which burning is permitted and defines what constitutes a “recreational fire,” such as patio fire pits.
Pettit asked the aldermen to review the ordinance, make notes and discuss the ordinance provisions in committee with an expectation of taking action on adopting the ordinance next month.
He said the new ordinance incorporates provisions from several burning ordinances currently on the books and standardizes the rules on burning in one ordinance. The current ordinances, he said, “are all over the place and they overlap” with one another.
POLICE COMPUTERS
The council approved Police Chief DePoppe’s request to purchase two new laptop computers for police officers to use at a total cost of $1,098 from Carpani Computers.
“Would one of the old ones you’re replacing be good enough for the Street Department to use for files and so forth?” Pettit asked.
As part of the council’s action, DePoppe was directed to “pick out the best one” for transfer to the Street Department.
OTHER ACTION
In other action, the council:
• Adopted a new ordinance governing dumpsters at residences in the city. Under provisions of the ordinance, no dumpsters can be placed on city property. Dumpsters of three-yards or smaller can be maintained indefinitely. Dumpsters larger than three yards can remain in place for a maximum of 30 days without permission of the council.
• Adopted an ordinance to place stop signs at the intersection of Oak and Fulton streets.
• Approved expenditure of $36,755.50 in Tax Increment Financing funds for the first installment of work completed by Watson Contracting at the Civic Center.
• Approved expenditure of $22,500 in Tax Increment Financing funds for work completed by the Glass Cutters, Carlinville, for work completed at the Civic Center.
• Approved the expenditure of $3,000 in Tax Increment Financing funds for work completed by Bauer Electric.
• Approved expenditure of $2,658 in Tax Increment Financing funds for work completed by Watson Contracting at the new Police Station.
• Approved a change order of $172 submitted by Watson Contracting for additional epoxy needed to seal a crack in the basement of the new Police Station.
• Approved expenditure of $2,520 for two performances by the Municipal Band scheduled for Memorial Day, May 26, and an ice cream social at the United Methodist Church on July 20.
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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.
