Community News
Hundreds support Democrat Party at Vince Demuzio Dinner
The second annual Vince Demuzio took place Saturday, November 5 at Gillespie Civic Center. Hundreds of supports packed the center and enjoyed a catered meal by Fema’s before listening to former US Congressman and Southern Illinois University of Carbondale President Glenn Poshard.
Supporters give Poshard a standing ovation. (Photo by: Tim Dudley)
Before Poshard took the podium, former Senator Deanna Demuzio thanked supporters for contributing their “continuous support” for the Democratic Party. Deanna is the widow of the late Vince Demuzio, who the dinner is named after.
“I want to say thank you to each and every one of you for the support that has been shown to the Demuzio family over the past years,” Deanna said, “We miss [Vince] dearly.” Support that Democratic ticket top to the bottom, Deanna went on to say.
Deanna Demuzio thanks everyone for attending. (Photo by: Tim Dudley)
The dinner would not be possible without the corporate sponsors. The Democratic party thanked corporate sponsors: Plumbers & Pipefitters, Local 553, Peyton Bernot, Friends of Andy Manar, Citizens for John Cullerton, Foresight Energy LLP, and IBEW Local 309.
The Vince Demuzio Dinner was started last year in honor of Vince, but to support the Democratic Party. “We are here to honor and remember Vince Demuzio,” Andy Manar stated, “Vince was an influence on myself and countless others here tonight.” Andy Manar is running for State Senate in 2012. The primaries will be on March 20 and the general election will be on November 6.
“Vince was a trustworthy man,” Mike Mathis noted. Vince Demuzio was an Illinois State Senator who died while in office. At the time, he was the most senior member of the Illinois Senate. He had once been chair of the Illinois Democratic Party. Demuzio died after a battle with colon cancer which included surgery in early 2004. Demuzio resided in Carlinville, Illinois, and after his death, his seat was filled by wife Deanna. A section of I-55 south of Springfield is named after him.
Glenn Poshard was the guest speaker of the evening. Poshard is the president at SIU-C and has brought over 40 years of service to the university. Poshard is a veteran, a three-degree graduate, a former senator, former congressman, a past recipient of the Lindell W. Sturgis Memorial Public Service Award (2003), a recipient of the SIU Distringusihed Alumni Award, and also a member of the SIUC College of Education and Human Services Hall of Fame.
Andy Manar states Vince was an influence on his life. (Photo by: Tim Dudley)
“I will never forget what Deanna and Vince did for me,” Poshard began. Poshard went on to share an amusing story as well as his most embarrasing story about himself having to wear womens bell bottom “hippy” pants after his wife did not pack him any other pants to wear. After the stories, Poshard recalls his first encounter with Vince. “President Barack was showing me around the dome when we came across Senator Vince Demuzio,” Poshard said, “Barack introduced me to Vince as the next Senator. Vince replied with, I know him.” With a confused look on Poshard’s face, he questioned Vince and said I do not think you do. Vince went on to say, “Oh yes I do, you were the guy up here 3 years ago testifying that bill for transvestidites.”
It never ended with Vince, according to Poshard. Poshard recalled countless stories where Vince and himself shared laughs. “He was a classic,” as Poshard referred to him.
Vince was what we call a throwback, Poshard noted. Vince connected us to our roots. “Whether the friendship was personal or political, friendship always meant uncompromising loyalty to Vince,” Poshard said. Friendship meant family to Vince.
“Because of Vince, the democrat, we can all appreciate it because he brought us back to the roots of the democratic party,” Poshard hammered. Vince simply believed in the basic philosophy of the Democratic party.
Vince taught us four principles while he was in office, according to Poshard. The number one principal was: balance the budget. “Don’t spend more than you take in,” Poshard noted. “Say what you want, but we still have General Motors and we don’t have Osama Bin Laden,” Poshard said of the United States. If Vince were alive today, he would have balanced our budget and cleaned up Springfield.
The second principle we learned from Vince was: Democrats believe in equal educational opportunites for every one of the students. It is the only way we build the middle class, Poshard said. “The quality of the a child’s education in this state today is based upon the unfair principal I have ever seen and that is: the property tax.” Educational opportunity for all kids, no matter where they live, is a sign of equality of a nation.
Glen Poshard was the guest speaker at the 2nd annual Vince Demuzio Dinner. (Photo by: Tim Dudley)
Vince’s third principle: stand up for the working men and women in America. Poshard traced back to where his parents were coal miners. No safety standards in the mind and overtime was nonexistent, Poshard recalled.
The fourth and final principal stated by the noble stateman Vince Demuzio was: protect those most vulnerable among us. “As a principal of our Democratic party, it says there will come a day when the master will be before us,” Poshard noted.
Poshard’s favorite person in the Democratic party when he was growing up stated, “The test of a free people is to protect those in the dawn of their life as a child, the dusk in their life as elderly, and those in the shadows of life: the vulnerable, the sick and disabled. This is what we stand for as Democrats,” Poshard hammered.
“Vince Demuzio, the Democrat, balanced the budget, stood up for the working people and insisted on equal opportunities of our children and stood up for the most vulnerable,” Poshard closed, “That is what being a Democrat is!
“Thank you to everyone that attended the 2nd Annual Vince Demuzio Dinner. A very special thank you to our family’s long time friend, Glenn Poshard, the guest speaker. In his usual awesome manner, he reminded us why we are Democrats. Thanks to all,” Deanna Demuzio ended.
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FELONIES
Rex J. White, 49 of Mount Olive, is charged with aggravated fleeing police (21 mph over), reckless driving, improper use of registration/title, unlicensed, operating a motor vehicle with registration/suspended , and driving 1-10 mph above the limit in connection with a November 15 incident.
Britteny D M Herr, 30 of Brighton, is charged with violation of an order with a prior violation in connection with a November 17 incident.
Christopher L. Black, 42 of Virden, is charged with aiding/abetting/selling a stolen vehicle and driving on a revoked license in connection with a November 17 incident.
Jesse D. Cimino, 42 of Troy, is charged with possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams) in connection with a September 1 incident.
Jennifer R. Haneline, 39 of Godfrey, is charged with burglary and theft/authorized control (>500<10k) in connection with an August 6 incident.
Simone R. Para, 51 of Girard, is charged with possession of a controlled substance and driving under the influence of drugs in connection with an October 13 incident.
Crystal D. Hoffman, 45 of Staunton, is charged with obstruction of justice/destroying evidence and driving under the influence of alcohol in connection with a November 11 incident.
Andrew P. Hansen, 47 of Carlinville, is charged with received/possession/selling stolen vehicle and possession of meth (<5 grams) in connection with a November 20 incident.
Justin C. Grider, 42 of Carlinville, is charged with two counts of aggravated assault/operating a motor vehicle in connection with a November 21 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Jacqueline B. Jessen, 42 of Girard, is charged with giving/selling liquor to a minor in connection with a November 14 incident.
Perry L. Lair, 62 of Virden, is charged with giving/selling liquor to a minor in connection with a November 14 incident.
Kara E. Estes, 37 of Girard, is charged with giving/selling liquor to a minor in connection with a November 14 incident.
Melissa R. Robinson, 36 of Farmersville, is charged with giving/selling liquor to a minor in connection with a November 14 incident.
Kenneth J. Barker, 38 of Litchfield, is charged with resisting a peace officer/firefighter/corrections employee in connection with a November 19 incident.
Julio Isaias Pedro Felipe, 36 of Springfield, is charged with giving/selling liquor to a minor in connection with a November 14 incident.
TRAFFIC
Amanda J. Eberwein, 27 of Virden, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a November 12 incident.
Katherine F. Fugitt, 33 of Springfield, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with a November 15 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Michael C. Cummings versus Tracy L. Cummings
Comments
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2024
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Pine Street. Michael C. Malone, 59 of Melbourne, Florida, was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and disregarding a stop sign.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South Illinois Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Henry Street in reference to suspicious persons.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Hickory Street in Benld in reference to a suspicious noise.
An officer was dispatched to South Second Street in reference to reckless driving.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Illinois Avenue in East Gillespie. Matthew R. Bowen, 18 of Fairview Heights, was issued a citation for operating an uninsured motor vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Pine Street in reference to a medical assist.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Park Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Chestnut Street in reference to a medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Chestnut Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Elm Street and Clinton Street. Samantha L. Jansen, 53 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for operating an uninsured motor vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to Staunton Road in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to the 200 block of East Locust Street in Benld in reference to trespassing.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Charles Street in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of East Oak Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Broadway Street in reference to a business security check.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Green Street and Easton Street. McKenna N. Kampwerth, 21 of South Roxana, was arrested on multiple warrants. The South Roxana warrant was for failure to appear for traffic leaving the scene, the warrant out of Wood River was for possession of meth, and the warrant out of Collinsville was for possession of meth.
An officer was dispatched to East Gillespie on Route 16 East to Assist an Illinois State trooper with a call.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 300 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to an electrical fire.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Walnut Street in reference to a battery.
Keshawn K. Bush, 40 of Gillespie, was arrested for criminal trespass to state supported property.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Oak Street reference criminal trespass to property.
Brandon L. Smith, 29 of Gillespie, was arrested on a warrant out of Macoupin County for failure to appear on a traffic offense.
Ryan D. Shoger, 37 of Gillespie, was arrested on a warrant out of Macoupin County for failure to appear on possession of methamphetamine.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Elm Street. Jesus E. Cabrera-Ramirez, 33 of Gilbert, AZ, was issued a citation for disregarding a stop sign and operating an uninsured motor vehicle.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Elm Street. Alison M. Whitehead, 29 of Staunton, was issued a citation for expired registration.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Willow Street in Benld in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to an order of protection in the 700 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2024
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Broadway Street and LJ Avenue. Layla R. Eden, 18 of Bunker Hill, was arrested for driving while license was suspended and possession of alcoholic liquor under the age of 21.
An officer was dispatched to Easton Street and Macoupin Street in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to Oak Street and South 1st Street in Benld in reference to a fire. The officer discovered it was a control burn.
An officer was dispatched to a business at East Central Avenue in Benld in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the 1100 block of Abba Street in reference to an alarm.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Broadway Street in reference to a medical assist.
An officer spoke with a male in the 200 block of Hickory Street in Benld in reference to a civil issue.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Illinois Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
Ashleigh K. Bethel, 40 of Benld, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear while driving while license are revoked.
The school resource officer was contacted by the high school counselor and advised him of a sexual assault.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie Street reference a burglary.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to retail theft. David A. Orear, 33 of Gillespie, was arrested for retail theft.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Illinois Street in Benld in reference to a domestic. Donald E. Ruyle, 51 of Benld, was arrested for domestic battery.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South Jersey Street in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Easton Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer spoke with a male in the 300 block of East Spruce Street in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to Pine Street and Shelby Street in reference to an ordinance issue.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 500 block of East Elm Street in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to 6th Street in Benld in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Illinois Avenue in East Gillespie. Bruce E. Jackson, 64 of Benld, was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Broadway Street in reference to a suspicious person.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Charles Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Broadway Street and LJ Avenue. Joseph W. Webb, 37 of Gillespie, was arrested for no valid driver’s license and driving while license was suspended.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Park Avenue in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to Route 16 East in East Gillespie in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of East Elm Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 700 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie.
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with a female in reference to a civil issue in the 300 block of Park Avenue.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Oak Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of South 8th Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Chestnut Street in reference to a death investigation.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Henry Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 100 block of South Hard Road in Mt. Clare reference a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Plum Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to Grace Street and Clinton Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Walnut Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a civil standby.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a business check.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Comments
FELONIES
Levi T. Kroll, 35 of Eagarville, is charged with aggravated battery of a peace officer in connection with a November 10 incident.
David J. Karrick, 44 of Virden, is charged with residential burglary and criminal trespass to residence in connection with a November 10 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Jason H. Rells, 50 of Virden, is charged with resisting a peace officer/ firefighter/corrections employee in connection with a November 13 incident.
TRAFFIC
Justin H. Bodine, 42 of Springfield, is charged with driving on a suspended license and canceled/revoked/suspended registration in connection with an October 26 incident.
Christopher L. Black, 42 of Virden, is charged with driving on a suspended license, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and no valid registration in connection with an October 30 incident.
Christopher R. Lott, 47 of Carlinville, is charged with failure to notify of damage to an unattended vehicle in connection with a November 2 incident.
Stephanie K. Short, 59 of Bunker Hill, is charged with reckless driving, fleeing/attempting to elude officer, and disregarding a stop sign in connection with an October 31 incident.
Stacey L. Hart, 54 of Gillespie, is charged with reckless driving and leaving the scene in connection with an October 27 incident.
Troy J. Camerer, 52 of Gillespie, is charged with reckless driving, leaving the scene, failure to give notice of crash, and improper traffic lane usage in connection with an October 30 incident.
Lucas J. Edwards, 22 of Caledonia, is charged with reckless driving, fleeing/attempting to elude officers, speeding 26-34 mph over the limit, and being unlicensed in connection with a November 11 incident.
Allen D. James Jr, 62 of Virden, is charged with reckless driving in connection with an October 30 incident.
Zachary S. Hoffstot, 44 of Mount Olive, is charged with driving on a revoked license, operating a motor vehicle with suspended registration, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a November 6 incident.
Dustin P. Cunningham, 33 of Greenfield, is charged with driving on a suspended license and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a November 11 incident.
Courtney R. Coonce, 31 of Carlinville, is charged with driving on a revoked license and transporting/carrying alcohol in connection with a November 8 incident.
Ashley R. Winters, 38 of Kane, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration in connection with a November 12 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Jennifer M. Bushue versus Jesse J. Bushue
MARRIAGE LICENSES
- Daniel Robert Dobrino of Benld and Hannah Marie Pritchett of Edwardsville
