Community News
Holiday Sparkle returning to downtown Gillespie; Council approves $410,000 ARPA spending plan
Holiday Sparkle, an annual Christmas season tradition until the Coal Country Chamber of Commerce dissolved about five years ago, is returning to downtown Gillespie this year through the efforts of several local business owners. During the regular monthly meeting of the Gillespie City Council Monday night, city aldermen agreed to waive the rental and cleaning fees for the Gillespie Civic Center to host Holiday Sparkle activities, and gave permission for the group to use the gazebo at Pomatto Memorial Park adjacent to City Hall, use city streets for a 5K Holiday Sparkle run, and hold a lighted parade on Macoupin Street.
Local citizens Tammy Beecher and Jennifer Parker told council members idea to revive the Holiday Sparkle resulted from a recent conversation with business owners. Because of the brief window of time for planning, the women said the past couple of weeks has been a whirlwind of activity as ideas and plans for the event came together.
“Well, this is your first year,” Mayor John Hicks commented. “This will give you something to build on next year.”
The reimagined Holiday Sparkle is set for Saturday, Dec. 17. Despite the truncated planning time, event organizers have put together a full day of activities, beginning with the arrival of Santa Claus that morning. Santa and Mrs. Claus will greet children and hear Christmas wishes at the Pomatto Park gazebo. Children also will receive a small treat from Santa to take home.
Beechler arrangements have been made to purchase Christmas tree ornaments for BenGil Elementary students to decorate, which will then adorn a community Christmas tree on the corner of Pine and Macoupin Streets in the empty lot next to United Community Bank. A lighting ceremony is being planned for Sunday, November 27 at 6 p.m. Crafts for children to complete will be available at the Civic Center on the day of the event.
“We’ve had a lot of people volunteer to help,” Beechler said. The Masonic Lodge, for example, has agreed to donate hams for a giveaway. Costumed characters will be roaming the downtown business districts and children will be given punch cards to punch when they have their picture taken with the characters. Completed punch cards will be entered in a drawing for prizes at the end of the day.
Organizers also plan to sponsor a Christmas lighting contest for local homeowners. Addresses for homes in the running will be published so residents can vote for their favorites.
The Holiday Sparkle 5K run is set to start on Chestnut Street near the former Canna Theatre, proceed south on Montgomery Street to the bike trail and back. At the nearby Giving Garden, a firepit will be available for visitors to make s’mores.
Other features planned or confirmed for the event include a story hour at the Gillespie Library, a petting zoo, craft and food vendors, face painting, an indoor movie, and a train operating through downtown. Downtown businesses plan to decorate their stores for Christmas along with the planters along Macoupin Street. Donation boxes will be available to collect food for underprivileged families. Food vendors, including kettle corn, will be located downtown as well.
The Holiday Sparkle was an annual event under the sponsorship of the Coal Country Chamber of Commerce until that organization dissolved about five years ago. Beechler said Grow Gillespie is sponsoring the event this year in order to buy insurance coverage for the day.
“I think it’s a wonderful idea,” said Ald. Dona Rauzi, whose motion to allow the group to use the Civic Center free of charge was unanimously approved. The council also approved Rauzi’s motion to allow the organizers to use city streets for the 5K run and to donate $500 to help subsidize the event.
ARPA SPENDING PLAN
After a brief presentation by City Treasurer Dan Fisher, the council unanimously approved a proposed spending plan for $410,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds received by the city. The spending plan is subject to approval by the federal government.
Fisher said the funds are intended to be used for permanent infrastructure that municipalities probably would not be able to undertake without the funding. The tentative spending plan includes money to upgrade an existing lift station for the city sewer system and build a new one to service an area of vacant lots near the water treatment plant where the city hopes to encourage developers to build new homes. The plan also includes $100,000 for ADA-compliant playground equipment and other improvements at Big Brick Park and $25,000 for improvements at Welfare Park. The plan also allocates $25,000 for campground improvements at Gillespie Lake.
“There’s supposed to be an economic development component to some of what we do,” Fisher said, noting that some communities are setting aside money for grant programs to help civic organizations undertake projects resulting in permanent capital improvements.
Ald. Rauzi asked if some of the money could be used to help pay for remodeling costs associated with moving the Police Department to space being vacated by the Fire Department at the Civic Center.
“It’s difficult to use this money for an existing building,” Fisher said. “It can be done, though.”
The spending plan presumably will be subject to review by individual committees, which could suggest further refinements. Once finalized, the city is obligated to conduct a public hearing on the spending plan before submitting it to federal authorities.
Fisher said getting information about the ARPA program has been difficult because the federal administration for ARPA is understaffed. Administration of the program has largely been relegated to individual states. Fisher said he has been working primarily with a liaison to the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity in the Governor’s office.
Though unrelated to the ARPA program, the council also unanimously approved Ald. Wendy Rolando’s to file a pre-application with the U.S. Department of Agriculture with an eye toward obtaining funds through the Rural Development program to replace the raw water intake at Gillespie Lake. The intake reportedly was temporarily upgraded several years ago to raise the intake above the level of sedimentation on the lake bottom. A permanent upgrade apparently would ensure the intake is high enough to prevent sediment from entering the water treatment plant.
CREDIT CARD FEE
After several minutes of discussion and debate, the council voted 7-1 to impose a three percent fee credit card and debit card purchases. The fee will not only impact water customers, but also persons who buy rock or pay for other goods and services with a credit card or debit card.
Fisher said the city is incurring considerable expense for fees paid to credit card companies for using their services, and that some customers, especially at the lake, are using cards to make unacceptably small purchases.
“Standard practice would be to set a minimum purchase,” Fisher said.
Ald. Landon Pettit said the lake concession already has a minimum purchase policy for $5
“Even $5 is pretty low,” said Fisher, adding that he had seen credit card purchases as small as $1.25 at the lake.
“I that we were going to put an ATM out there,” Pettit said, adding that an ATM would alleviate the city from paying credit card fees at the lake.
Fisher argued that city needs to recoup its cost and that charging a fee for using a credit card is not unusual.
“Last month we had $200 in credit card fees on water bills,” Fisher said. “That’s not an insignificant amount. My recommendation would be to have a minimum purchase amount and a credit card fee.”
A motion to impose a three percent surcharge on credit card purchase was approved 7-1 with Pettit voting no.
“I think we’re looking at a whole lot of headaches and complaining over something I would call the cost of doing business,” Pettit said.
AMBULANCE DISPATCH CONTRACT
On a motion by Ald. Rauzi, the council voted unanimously to direct City Attorney Rick Verticchio to contact the Gillespie-Benld Area Ambulance Service to advise the organization the city will increase it’s fee for providing dispatching services to $1,500 per month as of Jan. 1.
Rauzi said the city previously reached an agreement with the ambulance service to provide dispatching services for $1,000 per month on the condition the service found another dispatching service. The former contract was extended to August after ambulance officials assured the city the ambulance service would contract with Staunton Community Hospital to provide dispatching services for $750 per month. To date, however, the ambulance service has not ended its relationship with the Gillespie Police Department.
NUISANCE PROPERTIES
On a motion by Ald. Rauzi, the council voted to declare the long-vacant building at 300 South Macoupin Street a nuisance property, authorizing Verticchio to contact the owner to abate the nuisance. Rauzi said the neighboring business shares a common wall with the derelict building and fears his property could be impacted by further deterioration of the two-story brick structure next door.
The council also took action to declare the former Dollar General Store location at 109 S. Macoupin Street a nuisance property.
Verticchio said the court is ready to give permission for the city to raze or clean-up five residential properties previously declared public nuisances. He asked council members to give him the names of neighboring property owners who might be interested in acquiring the condemned properties, in which case arrangements might be made for the interested parties to initiate the abatement at no cost to the city.
STOP SIGNS
Council members approved the installation of four-way stop signs at the intersection of Osie and Green Streets but deferred approval of stop signs in the 500 block of Plum Street, pending the recommendation of the Police Chief.
A group of mothers who live on Plum appeared before the council to say they feared for the safety of their families on Plum Street due primarily to traffic congestion before and after school hours at Community Unit School District 7. One said she had seen school buses using Plum Street in violation of an agreement between the city and the school district.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Residents George Schardan and Terrell Ford appeared before the council to complain about conditions on South Street and an ordinance citation, respectively.
Schardan said contractors used an inferior grade of rock chips for a motor fuel tax maintenance project on South Street, resulting in excessive amounts of dust in the neighborhood. Additionally, the roadway “rippled” after traffic resumed on the street.
Fisher told Schardan that Street Department workers have been focused on other projects and have not been able to tend to the South Street situation.
“The ripple usually isn’t solid,” Fisher told Schardan. “The usual procedure is to sweep up rock” to over the ripples.
“We’ll talk to our street guys,” Ald. Rolando said. “They aren’t here tonight so it won’t be rectified tonight.”
Schardan continued to press his complaint, saying he was prepared to take further steps if the situation was not resolved.
“We’ll talk to the Street Department and see if it can be fixed,” Verticchio commented. “If they can’t fix it, I’m sure we’ll see you back here in December.”
The council took no action on Ford’s request to dismiss an ordinance citation and refund a fine he already paid. Ford said he was cited for the illegal discharge of a firearm on the basis of a complaint from his neighbor. He said he paid the fine because he was told fighting the citation in court would cost him more than the fine.
Ford alleged the citation was invalid because neither alderman from his ward had signed it. Further, he alleged another neighbor was willing to sign a statement saying the complaining witnesses complaint was untrue. Under questioning by the mayor, Ford said he had used a pellet gun to shoot a squirrels on his property.
Ford said squirrels had caused considerable property damage, including chewing through the fuel lines on his vehicle. He presented a nuisance animal permit he had obtained from the Department of Natural Resources.
Mayor Hicks read the permit and reported the permit was for live trapping only. When Ford argued his pellet gun was not technically a firearm, both Hicks and Verticchio said the ordinance defined it as a firearm because it fires projectiles that could pose a hazard to neighbors.
“I don’t know what you expect us to do,” Verticchio said. “You say you want to appeal, but nothing was filed with the court. There’s nothing for you to appeal. You pled guilty.”
Ford said he paid the fine but did not plead guilty.
“That’s what pleading guilty is,” Verticchio said.
Hicks advised Ford to confine his squirrel control efforts to trapping only in the future. “Go to Rural King, get a couple of traps and trap them,” Hicks said.
DAMAGE COMPLAINT FORM
Verticchio presented a form for city residents can use to file claims for damage done to their property during a recently completed water infrastructure project. Several residents have complained that workers for Haier Plumbing and Heating caused damage to their property which has not been resolved. The city’s contract with Haier required the company to restore residential properties disturbed during the project to the original condition.
Verticchio said the city is making no guarantee that property owners’ complaints will be resolved. The form simply gives the city a standard format for submitting multiple claims to Haier’s insurance company for reimbursement to residents for damage allegedly caused by the company. Verticchio said paying the claims will be in the hands of the insurance company.
Residential claims for damage are due to the city by Dec. 31. Forms are available at City Hall.
OTHER ACTION
In other action, the council:
- Hired Christian Abner as a full-time police officer on the recommendation of Police Chief Jared DePoppe. Abner had been on the part-time roster and recently completed full-time Police Academy training. The council previously approved sending two other candidates for Academy training with an eye toward hiring them as full-time officers when they complete training.
- On the recommendation of Mayor Hicks, approved installing a water meter at a water line terminal on the Lake Road before the line crosses an agricultural field to service a rural residence. Hicks said the meter will allow the city to monitor for possible leaks in the line crossing the field.
- Authorized payment of $251,701.45 to Korte & Luitjohan Contractors for work completed on an extensive renovation at the city water treatment plant. Fisher noted the city is holding about $12,000 due on the contract pending acceptance of the project.
- Approved a reimbursement to the city from Tax Increment Finance funds in the amount of about $19,000 for payments previously made to Shade Solutions, Ind., Patrick Riley Farm & Industrial Painting, and Young’s Roofing for work completed at the Civic Center.
- Agreed to contract with Clean Uniforms to provide clean entry rugs every two weeks at four entrances to the Civic Center at a cost of $620 per month.
- Authorized a final payment of $812.04 from the TIF fund to Shade Solutions, Inc.
- Authorized payment of $258 from TIF funds to Moran Economic Development.
- Authorized payment of $690 from TIF funds to Young’s Roofing.
- Authorized a payment of $19,981 from TIF funds to United Community Bank, part of a multi-year agreement for the city to acquire property from UCB.
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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.
