Community News
Macoupin County Courthouse News
Date range: February 20 – February 27, 2018. Visit the “Court News” category under the “Community News” tab for other editions.
LAWSUITS
Leone Lumber Co., Benld, has filed a forcible entry and detainer complaint against Charles McGrady, claiming McGrady defaulted on a sales agreement to purchase property at 160 West Central Avenue in Benld. The property, the former location of Leone Lumber, now houses C & M Studios. The two-count lawsuit seeks a court order granting possession of the property to the plaintiff, along with monetary damages in the amount of $20,520, plus court costs. The suit alleges McGrady entered into an agreement to purchase the property in 2003. Later, in 2005, the defendant allegedly entered into a supplemental sales agreement acknowledging $22,000 remaining on the debt and pledging to pay $2,000 per year for 11 years to complete the purchase. The agreement also obligated the defendant to assume responsibility for property taxes and insurance, according to the suit. The suit alleges the defendant defaulted on terms of the agreement and now owes the plaintiff $20,502.
CACH, LLC, is suing Kit L. Stoecker, Gillespie, for $10,698.14, plus court costs, that the plaintiff claims is owed on an allegedly defaulted $9,930.47 loan from One Main Financial that was executed April 4, 2015, at an interest rate of 35.99 percent.
SMALL CLAIMS
Eugene and Christin Allen, Royal Lakes, are suing the Village of Royal Lakes for $300, claiming the municipality disconnected sewer service from their home without explanation, resulting in human waste running into the backyard and down a slope toward the lake.
Kerri Frensko, Gillespie, is suing Selena Lyons, Benld, for $2,144 that the plaintiff claims is owed for two months’ rent, unpaid water bills, damage to the rental home, late fees and one month of trash service.
Eagle Recovery Associates is suing John and Dawn D. Claro, Gillespie, for $2,481.30, plus court costs, that the plaintiff claims is owed for medical services provided by Community Memorial Hospital, Staunton.
Eagle Recovery Associates is suing Michelle J. Novack, Staunton, for $1,587.94, plus court costs, that the plaintiff claims is owed for medical services provided by Community Memorial Hospital, Staunton.
Eagle Recovery Associates is suing Daniel J. Dragovich, Mount Olive, for $2,287.60, plus court costs, that the plaintiff claims is owed for medical services provided by Community Memorial Hospital, Staunton.
Eagle Recovery Associates is suing Noel M. and James Malone, Bunker Hill, for $954.62, plus court costs, that the plaintiff claims is owed for medical services provided by Community Memorial Hospital, Staunton.
Eagle Recovery Associates is suing Joshua and Keely N. Rucker, Staunton, for $1,165.88, plus court costs, that the plaintiff claims is owed for medical services provided by Community Memorial Hospital, Staunton.
Consumer Collection Management is suing Shasta McClary, Staunton, for $4,678.10, plus court costs, that the plaintiff claims is owed for medical services provided by St. Francis Hospital, Litchfield.
Lou Budke’s Arrow Finance Co., as assignee of Cottage Hills Auto Credit, is suing Alex Phipps and Amy K. Minner, Alton, for $4,517.31, plus $641.40 in interest, $677.59 in attorney fees, and unspecified amounts for additional interest and court costs. The suit alleges the defendants defaulted on a $4,714.89 auto loan executed with Cottage Hills Auto Credit in June 2017 at an interest rate of 32 percent for the purchase of a 2002 GMC Envoy.
SLM Private Education Loan Trust is suing Justin D. Jenkins, Benld, and Samantha J. Irvin, Gillespie, for $6,386.31, plus court costs and interest of nine percent from Feb. 2 to the date of judgment. The plaintiff claims the defendants defaulted on a $7,000 education loan executed May 10,2008.
Midland Funding, LLC, is suing Marilyn Harbison, Gillespie, for $869.80, plus court costs, that the plaintiff claims is owed on an allegedly defaulted Synchrony Bank/Walmart credit card account.
H & R Accounts, as assignee of Springfield Clinic, is suing Steve and Kim West, Virden, for $1,103, plus court costs, that the plaintiff claims is owed for medical services.
FELONIES
Aaron A. Damm, 47, Girard, is charged with possession of less than five grams of methamphetamine in connection with a Feb. 18 incident in Girard.
Anthony S. Zumwalt, 23, Gillespie, is charged with possession of less than five grams of methamphetamine in connection with a Feb. 18 incident.
Michael D. Samuels, 29, Maywood, is charged with driving on a suspended driver’s license in connection with a Jan. 30 incident during which he allegedly drove a 2010 Mazda northbound on Interstate 55 nearly mile marker 47 at a time when his license was suspended. The charge was elevated to a felony due to previous convictions for the same offense on Samuels’ record from Oct. 15, 2016, and April 24, 2017, in Cook County.
Andrew W. Rice, 26, Carlinville, is charged with possession of less than five grams of methamphetamine in connection with a Feb. 23 incident in Carlinville.
Kimberly L. Nicaise, 27, Carlinville, is charged with possession of less than five grams of methamphetamine with the intent to deliver in connection with a Feb. 23 incident at about 7:50 p.m. on North Broad Street at East Nicholas Street in Carlinville.
MISDEMEANORS
Lamont C. Alberty, 18, Hillsboro, pled guilty to a charge of unlawful purchase or possession of alcohol by a person under the age of 21 on Feb. 16 in connection with a Feb. 15 incident in Carlinville.
Vernon E. Haustein, 30, Staunton, is charged with domestic battery in connection with a Feb. 17 incident in Staunton during which he allegedly caused bodily harm by striking his girlfriend in the face with his fist.
Milburn J. Lindsey, Jr., 36, Carlinville, is charged with domestic battery in connection with a Feb. 20 incident in Carlinville during which he allegedly caused bodily harm by striking his girlfriend in the face with his hand.
Anthony C. Harris, 47, Nilwood, is charged with violating a court order of protection in connection with a Feb. 23 incident during which he allegedly came within 500 feet of a female subject to a Dec. 15, 2017, order of protection against him.
Tyler X. Daube, 28, Gillespie, is charged with domestic battery in connection with a Feb. 25 incident during which he allegedly caused bodily harm by grabbing his girlfriend by her throat and squeezing.
TRAFFIC
Donald M. Brister, 58, Staunton, is charged with driving under the influence of alcohol in connection with a Feb. 18 incident. Brister also faces two counts for allegedly disregarding traffic control devices and one count of improper lane usage.
Erin K. McGartland, 37, Carlinville, is charged with two counts of driving under the influence of alcohol, along with a traffic charge for allegedly failing to reduce the speed of her vehicle to avoid an accident, in connection with a Feb. 21 incident.
Terry R. Hall, 40, Benld, is charged with two counts of driving under the influence of alcohol in connection with a Feb. 25 incident. He also faces traffic charges for allegedly driving on a suspended driver’s license and operating an uninsured motor vehicle.
DISSOLUTIONS OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Theresa Jane Eyer, Nilwood, vs. Joseph Leland Eyer, Nilwood.
- Jamie M. Fite, Brighton, vs. Eric D. Fite, Bunker Hill.
- Lorne K. Langston, Virden, vs. Lori S. Langston, Lake City, Arkansas.
- Tacy Greff, Thayer, vs. Phillip Greff, Virden.
- Kristie Mitchell, Carlinville, vs. Philip D. Mitchell, Carlinville.
DISSOLUTIONS OF MARRIAGE GRANTED
- Jamie M. Fite, Brighton, vs. Eric D. Fite, Bunker Hill.
MARRIAGE LICENSES
- John E. Dunsenbery and Deborah K. Snow, both of Carlinville.
- Christian J. Novack and Cheyene M. Sander, both of Staunton.
- James W. Garrett and Schae M Weller-Hyman, both of Carlinville.
- Benjamin L. Pruitt and Nichole M. Mitchell, both of Gillespie.
- Nicholas A. Thiebaud and Kierstan R. Elledge, both of Virden.
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Community News
County marks 250th Anniversary of Declaration with reading and archive projects at Spring Festival on May 23
The Macoupin County Historical Society (MCHS) is hosting the first in a series of local celebrations & activities on May 23, 2026, 11:00 a.m. at the Spring festival highlighting the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The public is encouraged to attend a reading of the Declaration aloud at the Red Barn Pavillion.
Following the reading, participants and the public will be encouraged to have a conversation about what’s important to them, their families and to America examining the past and looking at the future.
Attendees may also enter a Birthday Wish for America & sign the America @ 250 Macoupin County Time Capsule book. The book will become a permanent archive of the Macoupin County Historical Society.
Individuals, families, & friends can also be a part of “Community Conversations” recorded by Illinois Voices 250, a Story Telling group affiliated with Illinois Humanities. The recordings will take place in all 102 counties in Illinois. Illinois Voices 250 will be on site most of the day at the Historical Society Spring Festival. The stores recorded will be digitalized and become a permanent part of the Library of Congress.
Those interested in participating are welcome to bring family and friends into a casual conversation about their life story. Both projects were made possible through a grant from Illinois Humanities to Carlinville Winning Communities, a local non profit organization that supports activities in the community. It’s a very successful partnership between Carlinville Winning Communities, Illinois Humanities and the Macoupin County Historical Society, said Mary Tinder, who is coordinating the activities.
This year, 2026, is also a time to “Bring Back the Strawberries”, a specialty desert from the Red Barn Kitchen. For many years, strawberry shortcake was the signature desert at the festivals. The MCHS Board of Directors and Red Barn Kitchen Crew chose this historic occasion to put them back on the menu.
“Fifty Years of Festivals” has helped finance operations for MCHS and we are working towards another fifty years, said board member Patty Ambrose, Vendor and Outreach Coordinator for MCHS. These activities are free, open to the public and accessible. The two-day festival is May 23, 24, 2026 at the Macoupin County Historical Society, 900 West Breckenridge Street, Carlinville, Il.
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Community News
Benld prepares to celebrate 72nd annual Italian American Days over Memorial Day weekend
A beloved community tradition returns this Memorial Day weekend as the 72nd Annual Benld Italian-American Days brings three days of food, music, and family fun to Benld City Park from Friday, May 22 through Sunday, May 24.
Hosted by the Italian Club of Benld, the long-running festival celebrates the area’s rich Italian heritage while welcoming visitors from across the region for a full slate of activities.
Festivalgoers can expect a wide variety of homemade Italian favorites served throughout the weekend, including salami and meatball sandwiches, tortellini soup, bagna cauda, and cannoli. A daily fish fry featuring cod and whiting will also be available, along with classic festival fare such as hamburgers, hot dogs, Italian beef, and carnival treats. Beer, wine, and soda will be available for purchase.
In addition to the food, the event will feature carnival rides provided by Conner Family Amusement, Inc., with unlimited ride sessions offered throughout the weekend. Bingo will be held nightly at 7:00 p.m., and festival-themed shirts will be available for purchase.
Live music and dancing will take center stage each evening. Friday night entertainment includes a performance by Flip the Frog from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m., with the park open from 4:00 to 11:00 p.m.
Saturday highlights include the Italian Club Car Show, with registration from 8:00 a.m. to noon and judging beginning at noon. The park opens at 11:00 a.m., and live music will feature Pat Jones in the afternoon followed by Borderline in the evening.
Sunday kicks off with the “Meatballs on the Run” 5K at 9:00 a.m., sponsored by the Gillespie Cross Country Boosters. You can sign-up to participate online here. The day continues with free spaghetti served from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., a bocce ball tournament beginning at noon, and a full lineup of live music throughout the day, including performances by Unbroken, Syner-Gee, and B&B Strings.
Connors Family Amusements will provide carnival armbands for $30. Armbands will be valid Friday (May 22) from 6:00 to 10 :00 p.m. and again on Saturday (May 23rd) and Sunday (May 24th) from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. and again from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m, Advanced armband sales will be available from May 4th through May 21st at the Frank Bertetti Public Library and Benld City Hall for $25. Debit and Credit Cards will NOT be accepted.
Organizers note that no outside beverages are permitted in the park or at club events.
With its mix of tradition, entertainment, and community spirit, the 72nd Annual Benld Italian-American Days promises to once again be a highlight of the summer season in Macoupin County. For more information and updates, follow the festival on Facebook at Benld Italian American Days.
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Gillespie will host a Community Blood Drive with ImpactLife, the provider of blood components for local hospitals. The blood drive will be from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm on Monday, May 11 at 900 Broadway, inside Gillespie Methodist Church Gym.
To donate, please contact Brenda Lowe at (217) 7101336 or visit www.bloodcenter.org and use code 60020 to locate the drive. Appointments are requested. You may also call ImpactLife at 800-747-5401 to schedule.
Potential donors must be at least 17 years of age (16 with parental permission form available
through www.bloodcenter.org) and weigh more than 110 pounds. A photo I.D. is required to donate.
For questions about eligibility, please call ImpactLife at (800) 7475401. Donors who last gave blood on or before March 16, 2026, are eligible to give at this drive.
Blood donation is a safe, simple procedure that takes about 45 minutes to one hour. Individuals with diabetes or controlled high blood pressure may be accepted as eligible donors.
ImpactLife is a nonprofit community organization providing blood products and services to more than 100 hospitals and emergency medical service providers in Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, and Wisconsin, as well as researchers and resource sharing partners across the country.
