Community News
Macoupin Board approves $2 million Hagaman Bridge project
Meeting Tuesday evening, June 10, the Macoupin County Board approved four resolutions paving the way for the replacement of a structurally deficient bridge on Hagaman Road over Solomon Creek about three miles southwest of Hettick. The contractor will remove an existing bridge and replace it with a three-span, 1,700-foot bridge with a concrete deck. The county’s share of the project will be up to $32,000.
The board approved a resolution appropriating up to $32,000 in local funds to support the project. State and federal funds will be used to pay WHKS & Co., Springfield, $35,424 for structural engineering services and environmental studies, and $160,918 to Hampton, Lenin and Renwick, Inc, Springfield, for Phase II construction engineering. Total cost for the project, including engineering costs, is projected at $2,060,000.
In addition to the major bridge project on Hagaman Road, the board approved three 50/50 township petitions to share the cost of replacing culverts on township roads. The approved petitions include:
- Replacing a culvert crossing a feeder stream to Gillespie Lake in Gillespie Township at a cost of $20,000, of which the county will contribute $10,000.
- Replacing a culvert crossing Honey Creek in Honey Point Township at a cost of $20,000, of which the county will cover $10,000.
- Replacing a culvert crossing Fox Branch in Scottville Township at a cost of $10,000, of which the county will cover $5,000.
A routine annual resolution to appropriate $140,300 in Motor Fuel Tax funds to pay the County Engineer for the 2025 calendar year also was approved.
WIND FARM PROJECT
Maggie Shelton, project manager for Scout Clean Energy, briefly discussed the Honeycut Wind Farm project in southwestern Macoupin County. Shelton told the board the company is in the land leasing phase of the project and may be two to three years away from approaching the County Board for permits. The company recently established a business office on Keating Street in Shipman.
Responding to a question from board member Bernie Kiel of Girard, Shelton said the project may encompass 15,000 to 25,000 acres and will support approximately 60 wind turbines. Seventy-five landowners have already committed to leasing 15,000 acres to the company but not all of the acreage is contiguous. Shelton said the company is working now to “fill in the gaps” to create a contiguous parcel.
When completed, the project is expected to generate $85 million in tax revenue for the county. The construction phase is expected to create 200 temporary jobs, and the facility will create 10 full-time operator jobs.
Shelton said she was simply notifying the board to keep board members in the loop going forward.
“I don’t want you to be caught off-guard,” she said. “We have strong landowner support. We have established an office in Shipman and I want you to feel free to come into the office any time you have questions.”
With an estimated completion date of October 2030, the Honeycut project is expected to provide enough electricity to power 120,000 homes.
Board members also heard from Gregory Santoni and Chris Stanford, representing Treatment Alternatives for Safe Communities (TASC). A state-funded statewide program, the regional TASC office serves five counties in southwestern Illinois, including Macoupin.
“Our overall goal is to work through law enforcement to help as many people as possible in our five county area,” Santoni said. “We help people with mental illness issues, drug addiction and, sometimes, homelessness. We try to deflect those people away from involvement with law enforcement. Law enforcement has enough to do with other things.”
Law enforcement agencies in Macoupin County, as well as libraries, public health agencies, and other services, can refer people with mental health, alcoholism or drug addiction to TASC.
“If you know someone with mental health issues or drug abuse issues who don’t know where to go, please contact us,” Santoni said.
Stanford, himself 15 years into recovery, said TASC makes contact with referrals within 24 hours.
“Our services are completely voluntary,” Stanford said. “If they want our help, we will take them by the hand and take them through the process every step of the way.”
For the first time since April, there were no guests on the agenda to lodge complaints against Board Chair Larry Schmidt regarding alleged homophobic comments he made on social media. Meanwhile the Attorney General’s office is continuing to investigate an open meetings violation complaint in connection with Schmidt conducting a text messaging poll to gauge board members’ opinions about whether or not he should step down.
Both Pete Drummond, a private attorney retained on behalf of the board to avoid potential conflicts of interests with the county State’s Attorney, has filed a response to the complaint, as well as a letter from Schmidt himself to the Attorney General’s office.
GRANT AND CONTRACT DEVELOPER
In the committee reports segment of the meeting, board members learned the Economic Development Committee hired Joseph Chirwa as a grant manager for the county. Last month, the board gave the committee power to act in filling the newly created position. The initial contract is for one year with an option to continue based on the monetary value of grants the candidate is able to bring in.
Chirwa earned Masters and PhD from Northern Arizona University and was previously employed as a grants specialist for Terros Health in Phoenix, Arizona.
Participating by phone, Committee Chair Holly Klausing said he hopes to have Chirwa attend the next board meeting to introduce him to board members.
COURTHOUSE ROOF SAFETY
On the recommendation of the Building and Grounds Committee, the board unanimously approved a resolution establishing safety protocols for access to the courthouse roof. Committee Chair Harry Starr said the new roofing material on the roof poses a hazard for persons accessing roof for maintenance and other purposes. He said the policy establishes safety practices and can be updated in the future as the board sees fit.
The policy limits access to the roof to employees and contractors who have been trained, possess fall safety certification, and wear properly tested and tethered safety harnesses. Employees who access the roof must notify the Sheriff in advance, and all tools must be secured to reduce hazards for persons on the ground.
CORONERS MUTUAL AID AGREEMENT
Board members voted unanimously to join the state’s Coroners and Medical Examines Mutual Aid network. County Coroner Anthony Kravanya told the board the agreement will enable his office to lend assistance to other counties in the event of a disaster or incident involving mutiple fatalities such as the Illinois-55 traffic pile-up two years ago resulting from a dust storm in Montgomery County. By the same token, coroners and medical examiners from other counties are obligated to respond to Macoupin County in the event of a disaster.
“It’s something you hope you never need,” Kravanya said, “but you want it on file in case something happens.”
PROPERTY FRAUD
The board approved a new ordinance aimed at empowering the County Recorder to pursue and refer to the Circuit Court instances of property fraud or illegal clouding of title, and to pursue judgment in the court. According to the ordinance, property fraud, including fraudulent filings intended to cloud or fraudulently transfer title to real property by recording false or altered documents and deeds is a growing problem throughout the state.
While empowering the County Recorder to seek legal remedies, the ordinance does not preclude the State’s Attorney from filing criminal charges nor does it restrain property owners from filing civil lawsuits against the offender. If the court agrees with the Recorder’s allegations of fraud or title clouding, the defendant will be held responsible for court costs and filing fees.
BUDGET ISSUES
The Finance Committee reported it has received budget requests from county office holders and program managers. While most government entities requested modest increases of two to three percent, primarily to cover salary increases, the total increase approaches $480,000.
Meanwhile, County Clerk Pete Duncan is projecting flat revenues for the fiscal year starting starting Sept. 1. The annual budget averages about $20 million. At this point in the current fiscal year, Duncan said the county has taken in $10,084,363 for the General Fund and spent $7,386,718 which is keeping with projections made last year. The board projects General Fund revenues for next year of $10,065,452—$18,911 less that this year’s receipts.
The Finance Committee expects to hammer out a lean budget over the next few weeks with an eye toward presenting the final budget for board approval in August.
EXECUTIVE SESSION MINUTES
Following a 15-minute executive session, the board voted to keep the following executive session minutes sealed: an executive session from the Jan. 14 meeting remains sealed due to ongoing potential litigation. Executive session minutes from the May 13 board meeting, and the April 29, May 27 and June 9 meetings of the Economic Development Committee remain sealed for ongoing personnel issues.
Tuesday night’s executive session may also have included conversations about contract negotiations. County employees working under the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) reportedly have been working without a new contract for 10 months and remains the only bargaining unit with which the county has not reached a resolution.
A handful of AFSCME members protested their lack of a contract outside the courthouse prior to meeting.
COUNTY LIQUOR LICENSES
Following the recommendation of the County Liquor Commission, the board approved renewing the following licenses:
- Timber Lakes Golf Course, Staunton.
- Plainview Vineyard, Plainview.
- Wild Pickens Winery, Chesterfield.
- Bucks Crossing, Medora.
- The Topp Hatt, Inc. Girard.
- Staunton Country Club.
- Darr’s Truck Stop, Medora.
- The Rustic Venues, LLC, Standard City.
- Macoupin County Fair.
OTHER ACTION
In other action, the board:
- Appointed Tammy Dugan to a five-year term on the Henderson Water District Board of Directors ending June 30, 2030.
- Gave the Economic Development Committee power to act in regard to writing letters of support for an application for a 2025 Energy Transition Community Grant.
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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.
