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
Christopher L. Black, 43 of Virden, is charged with home invasion/causing injury and two counts of aggravated battery of a peace officer in connection with a January 4 incident.
Casey W. Sobberi, 40 of Wilsonville, is charged with burglary in connection with a January 3 incident.
Eugene Arnold, 62 of Royal Lakes, is charged with aggravated battery/great bodily harm, aggravated battery/use of a deadly weapon, and domestic battery/bodily harm in connection with a January 6 incident.
Michael A. Upton, 34 of Palmyra, is charged with twelve counts of child pornography and possession of methamphetamine (5 grams) in connection with multiple dates in 2025.
Bryer D. Greff, 31 of Virden, is charged with aggravated battery/public place, resisting a peace officer/firefighter/corrections employee, and two counts of disorderly conduct in connection with a January 7 incident.
Shayne W. Dugger, 26 of Palmyra, is charged with possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams) in connection with a September 28 incident.
Sarah L. Winston, 36 of Carlinville, is charged with possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams) in connection with a November 4 incident.
TRAFFIC
Austin D. Courier, 30 of Vriden, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a December 30 incident.
Courtney N. Lomelino, 23 of Virden, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit in connection with a December 25 incident.
William R. Dyer, 55 of Carlinville, is charged with leaving the scene, driver failing to give notice of a crash, transporting/carrying alcohol/driver, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, improper traffic lane usage, seat belt required/driver, and failure to reduce speed in connection with a January 4 incident.
Billy R. Austin, 44 of Modesto, is charged with expired registration, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and being unlicensed in connection with a January 4 incident.
Richard W. Wallis, 63 of Nilwood, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a January 5 incident.
Stephanie E. Jennings, 34 of Girard, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration in connection with a January 6 incident.
Bruce A. Day, 60 of Carlinville, is charged with driving on a revoked license and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a January 5 incident.
Clayton R. Sampson, 19 of Palmyra, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit in connection with a January 6 incident.
Dakota R. Lavely, 20 of Troy, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a January 5 incident.
Wayne E. Mitchell, 46 of Brighton, is charged with driving on a revoked license, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and expired registration in connection with a December 30 incident.
Monty M. Gardner, 55 of Brighton, is charged with driving on a suspended license and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a January 2 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Catherine Harrison versus David Breen
- Margaret Putman versus Justin S. Putman
- Taunia R. Moore versus Blake A. Moore
MARRIAGE LICENSES
- Wade Logan Yates of Brighton and Anna Catherine Marcy of Riverton.
- Douglas Guennewig and Buffy Riddens, both of Staunton.
Comments
SUNDAY, JANUARY 4, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South 4th Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Charles Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to South Hard Road in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of East Walnut Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to harassment.
MONDAY, JANUARY 5, 2026
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to neighbor trouble.
Jiles R. Lyons, 36 of Benld, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for possession of another’s credit/debit card.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to an animal complaint in the 600 block of North 7th Street in Benld.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of East Burton Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to Osie Street and Handy Street in reference to a security check.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South Hard Road in Benld in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Burton Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to harassment.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Walnut Street in reference to a neighborhood dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of North Francis Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Elm Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to Macoupin Street and Walnut Street in reference to suspicious activity.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of South 5th Street in Benld in reference to a burglary.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Virginia Street in East Gillespie. Debra A. Brooks, 65 of Carlinville, was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Adams Street in reference to ordinance issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of South Illinois Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Osie Street. Kylee P. Cothern, 18 of Benld, was issued a citation for expired registration and operating uninsured vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a hit and run traffic crash.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Virginia Street in East Gillespie. Tiana F. McFarland, 28 of Staunton, was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Virginia Street in East Gillespie. Debra A. Brooks, 65 of Carlinville, was issued a citation for speeding.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026
The School Resource Officer was dispatched to the High School office in reference to a fight.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Illinois Street in East Gillespie. Darlene Karns, 70 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at 7th Street and Pine Street in Benld. Dylan S. Richards, 32 of Staunton, was issued a citation for suspended registration.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of South Illinois Street in Benld in reference to a security check.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Spruce Street in reference to criminal damage.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South Montgomery Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a theft in the 500 block of South Jersey Street.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to an animal complaint in the 200 block of West Maple Street.
The School Resource Officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Oak Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 10, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Frey Street in reference to criminal damage.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Pine Street. Racheal A. Aleshire, 47 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for driving while her license was revoked.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Hard Road and Central Avenue in Benld. Amber R. Brackett, 31 of Gillespie, was issued citations for suspended registration and for no insurance.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Elm Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to an intoxicated pedestrian.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of West Virginia Street in East Gillespie in reference to stalking.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Comments
FELONIES
Micah J. Ramsey, 39 of Carlinville, is charged with aiding/abetting/selling a stolen vehicle and driving on a revoked license in connection with a December 27 incident.
Shawn M. McBride, 38 of Staunton, is charged with obstructing justice/destroying evidence in connection with a December 18 incident.
Riley G. Rhodes, 18 of Carlinville, is charged with possession/displaying an altered ID card in connection with a December 18 incident.
Shane S. Bell, 35 of Girard, is charged with possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams) in connection with a November 6 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Ted. E. Hanner, 50 of Bunker Hill, is charged with obstructing identification in connection with a December 3 incident.
Brittany M. Lyons, 35 of Benld, is charged with criminal trespass to a building in connection with a December 19 incident.
Betty J. Jamieson, 75 of Carlinville, is charged with violating the animal control act in connection with a December 29 incident.
James J. Denby, 27 of Carlinville, is charged with criminal trespass to land in connection with a December 8 incident.
Tricia J. Pfeiler, 37 of Carlinville, is charged with battery/cause bodily harm and cruelty to animals in connection with a January 1 incident.
Rodney J. Rosentreter, 60 of Gillespie, is charged with criminal damage to property (<$500) and resisting a peace officer/firefighter/corrections employee in connection with a January 1 incident.
TRAFFIC
Rustin L. Reed, 19 of Springfield, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit in connection with a December 27 incident.
Passion M. Kinzey, 33 of Chicago, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration in connection with a December 27 incident.
Ella R. Robinson, 20 of Bonne Terre, MO, is charged with speeding 35 mph over the limit in connection with a December 30 incident.
Julie B. Kruse, 55 of Staunton, is charged with driving on a suspended license and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a December 18 incident.
Gregory A. Knezic, 60 of Staunton, is charged with driving on a suspended license and improper use of registration/title in connection with a December 23 incident.
Dixie L. Moffitt, 73 of Worden, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration in connection with a December 22 incident.
Dakota L. Schoondyke, 28 of Virden, is charged with driving on a suspended license and operating a motor vehicle with suspended registration in connection with a December 26 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Debra E. Seago versus Carl L. Seago Jr.
MARRIAGE LICENSES
- David L. Ehlers and Shirley Marie Lee Haines, both of Bunker Hill.
- Steven D. Clattenburg and Billie Jo Croll, both of Virden.
- Robert J. Halpin and Chelsea L. Kirkover, both of Gillespie.
