Community News
Macoupin County Courthouse News
Date range: March 20 – March 26, 2018. Visit the “Court News” category under the “Community News” tab for other editions.
LAWSUITS
Stephen Webster, Carlinville, has filed a forcible entry and detainer complaint against Barbara Pingleton, Carlinville, seeking $625 for alleged unpaid rent, plus other costs and damages, along with possession of residential premises located in the 500 block of Anderson Street in Carlinville.
SMALL CLAIMS
Carl’s IGA, Carlinville, is suing Kendra Nix, Carlinville, for $138.79, plus court costs, allegedly owed for merchandise.
Andrea Branson, Carlinville, is suing Eric Guyer, Elsberry, Mo., for $5,345 that the plaintiff claims she is owed for the defendants alleged “failure to make auto loan payments” and “failure to cooperate with insurance related to a wreck while in possession of the vehicle.”
FELONIES
Bruce O. Zollicoffer, 43, Royal Lakes, is charged with possession of a controlled substance in connection with a March 16 incident in Gillespie during which he allegedly possessed less than 15 grams of a substance containing cocaine.
Chase R. Clark, 21, is charged with burglary and theft in connection with a March 19 incident in Carlinville during which he allegedly entered a 2000 Oldsmobile Alero without authority and with the intent to commit a theft, and stole darts with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of the property.
Atlantis K. Davis, 31, Aurora, Colorado, is charged with possession of cannabis in connection with a June 24 incident during which he allegedly possessed more than 100 grams but less than 500 grams of a substance containing cannabis.
Jessie D. Walker, 46, Royal Lakes, is charged with aggravated fleeing or attempting to elude in connection with a March 9 incident during which Walker allegedly fled after being given audible and visual signals by a Greenfield Police Officer to stop, causing more than $300 in damage to a Greenfield Police Department squad car as a result of the flight.
James L. Ditch, 62, Gillespie, is charged with possession of a controlled substance in connection with a Feb. 14 incident in Gillespie during which he allegedly possessed an unspecified quantity of a substance containing FUB-AMB, a synthetic cannabis substitute.
Tracy M. Price, 32, Girard, is charged with possession of less than five grams of methamphetamine in connection with a Jan. 13 incident in Carlinville.
Laura L. Doolittle, 52, Alton, is charged with driving on a revoked driver’s license in connection with a Feb. 17 incident in Brighton during which she allegedly operated a 2007 Dodge Sport Utility at the intersection of Maple and Vine streets in Brighton at time when her driver’s license was revoked. The charge was elevated to a felony due to six previous convictions on her record for the same or similar offense in Jersey and Madison counties.
MISDEMEANORS
Richard Hartsoe, 23, Granite City, is charged with domestic battery in connection with a March 16 incident in Staunton during which he allegedly made physical contact of an insulting or provoking manner by throwing his girlfriend to the ground.
John T. Tanner, 29, Alton, is charged with obstructing a peace officer in connection with a March 17 incident in Brighton during which he allegedly fled after being given a lawful command by a Brighton police officer to stop.
Christopher J. Smith, 30, Carlinville, is charged with obstructing a peace officer in connection with a March 19 incident in Carlinville during which he allegedly fled from a traffic stop after being commanded by a Carlinville police officer to stop. Smith also faces a traffic charge for allegedly driving on a suspended driver’s license in connection with the same incident.
Jamie J. Lowrance, 41, Carlinville, is charged with deceptive practice for allegedly writing a check for $189 on Nov. 29, 2017, to the Carlinville Band Boosters while knowing the check would not be honored by the bank.
Rebecca R. Welsh, 43, Girard, is charged with deceptive practice for allegedly writing a check for $54.87 on Sept. 18, 2017, to Joseph Boente & Sons, Carlinville, while knowing her bank would not honor the draft.
Trisha L. Kester, 29, Benld, is charged with retail theft in connection with a Feb. 21 incident in Benld during which she allegedly shoplifted batteries with a retail value of less than $300 from the Family Dollar Store.
Christy E. Siar, 31, Carlinville, is charged with criminal trespass to property in connection with a Jan. 25 incident during which she allegedly entered onto property in the 400 block of North West Street in Carlinville after being notified by a Carlinville police officer that she was not allowed on the property.
Alexandra P. Burleson, 19, Carlinville, is charged with possession of cannabis in connection with a Feb. 6 incident in Carlinville during which she allegedly possessed more than 10 grams but less than 30 grams of a substance containing cannabis.
Kyle J. Ditch, 29, Carlinville, is charged with possession of cannabis in connection with a Feb. 14 incident in Carlinville during which he allegedly possessed more than 30 grams but less than 100 grams of a substance containing cannabis.
Jade N. Donaldson, 27, Girard, is charged with criminal trespass to property in connection with a Feb. 25 incident during which she allegedly entered onto property in the 200 block of West Carter Street in Girard after being told by the property owner that she was not allowed to enter.
Craig A. Swift, 34, Carlinville, is charged with criminal trespass to property in connection with a Feb. 25 incident during which she allegedly entered onto property in the 1000 block of Crittendon Street in Carlinville after being notified by the property owner that he was not allowed to enter.
Pamela A. Hausman, 48, Plainview, is charged with violating a stalking/no contact order in connection with a March 18 incident during which she allegedly sent a Facebook friend request to a female subject to a stalking/no contact order issued by Macoupin County Circuit Court on March 14.
TRAFFIC
Jospeh L. Brackett, 52, Taylor Springs, is charged driving under the influence of alcohol in connection with a March 17 incident at about 9:15 p.m. on Illinois Route 138 at Stemme Street, Wilsonville.
Evangelina M. Garcia, 27, Gillespie, is charged with two counts of driving under the influence of alcohol in connection with a March 16 incident at about 10:33 p.m. on Illinois Route 16 near Henderson Road. Additionally, Garcia faces traffic charges for alleged improper lane usage, following too closely and failing to dim headlights when required.
Blake K. Streeb, 25, Mount Olive, is charged with two counts of driving under the influence of alcohol in connection with a March 21 incident at about 12:11 a.m. in the northbound lanes of Interstate 55 near milepost 47.5. Streeb also faces traffic charges for alleged illegal transportation of alcohol by a driver and speeding 21 to 25 miles per hour in excess of the posted speed limit.
DISSOLUTIONS OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Corey B. Hayes, Bunker Hill, vs. Ruth A. Allen, Staunton.
- Konner Fair, Gillespie, vs. Corbin Fair, Mount Olive.
- Rosa Lee Stufflebean, Carlinville, vs. Jeffrey E. Stufflebean, Carlinville.
- Peggy A. Ward, Litchfield, vs. Joseph A. Ward, Carlinville.
- Penny Cathorall, Plainview, vs. Tim Cathorall, Staunton.
- Chelsea Anne Davis, Gillespie, vs. Matthew Scott Davis, II, Gillespie.
- Nathan A. Baker, Hettick, vs. Tracy L. Baker, Springfield.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE GRANTED
- Konner Fair, Gillespie, vs. Corbin Fair, Mount Olive.
MARRIAGE LICENSES
- Mitchell E. Munchalfen and Michelle Marie Howlett, both of Girard.
- George P. Halteman and Kimberly M. Selander, both of Mount Olive.
- James Austin Andress of Fort Riley, Kansas, and Chelsey Rene Feazel of Bunker Hill.
- Dennis T. Parish and Nichole M. Roach, both of Mount Olive.
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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.
