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Macoupin County Courthouse News

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Date range: May 2 – May 15, 2018. Visit the “Court News” category under the “Community News” tab for other editions.

LAWSUITS

Logan Tauchert, Dupo, is suing Ameren Illinois, USIC Locating Services LLC, and Kinney Contractors Inc. for damages in excess of $50,000, plus court costs, relating to an explosion that completely destroyed the residence he was renting in the 400 block of North West Street, Carlinville, and caused personal injuries while he was residing at the residence at the time of the explosion. The lawsuit says Kinney Contractors struck a natural gas service line while performing a water main replacement for the City of Carlinville. USIC Locating Services LLC marked the location of the natural gas service line near the residence and Ameren owed, installed and maintained the natural gas service line. The plaintiff is represented by Wilkins Schneller Law, LLC.

Rebeka Hoots, individually and as a mother and next friend of Danielle Hoots, a minor, is suing Ameren Illinois, USIC Locating Services LLC, and Kinney Contractors Inc. for damages in excess of $50,000, plus court costs, relating to an explosion that completely destroyed a residence in the 400 block of North West Street, Carlinville, and caused personal injuries to the plaintiff who was residing at a residence near the explosion in the 400 block of North West Street, Carlinville. The lawsuit says Kinney Contractors struck a natural gas service line while performing a water main replacement for the City of Carlinville. USIC Locating Services LLC marked the location of the natural gas service line near the residence and Ameren owed, installed and maintained the natural gas service line. The plaintiff is represented by Denby, Meno, Bloomer & Denby and Vince Moreth and demands a jury trial.

Jake Hanner, is suing Ameren Illinois, USIC Locating Services LLC, and Kinney Contractors Inc. for damages in excess of $50,000, plus court costs, relating to an explosion that completely destroyed a residence in the 400 block of North West Street, Carlinville, and caused personal injuries to the plaintiff who was residing at a residence near the explosion in the 400 block of North West Street, Carlinville. The lawsuit claims Kinney Contractors struck a natural gas service line while performing a water main replacement for the City of Carlinville. USIC Locating Services LLC marked the location of the natural gas service line near the residence and Ameren owed, installed and maintained the natural gas service line. The plaintiff is represented by Denby, Meno, Bloomer & Denby and Vince Moreth and demands a jury trial.

Jeremy Hickman, Carlinville, is suing Ameren Illinois, USIC Locating Services LLC, and Kinney Contractors Inc. for damages in excess of $50,000, plus court costs, relating to an explosion that completely destroyed his residence in the 400 block of North West Street, Carlinville. The plaintiff claims he was renting the residence to Melissa and Charles Tauchert. The lawsuit claims Kinney Contractors struck a natural gas service line while performing a water main replacement for the City of Carlinville. USIC Locating Services LLC marked the location of the natural gas service line near the residence and Ameren owed, installed and maintained the natural gas service line. The plaintiff is represented by Denby, Meno, Bloomer & Denby and Vince Moreth and demands a jury trial.

Melissa Watson is suing Ameren Illinois, USIC Locating Services LLC, and Kinney Contractors Inc. for damages in excess of $50,000, plus court costs, relating to an explosion that completely destroyed a residence in the 400 block of North West Street, Carlinville. The plaintiff claims she was residing inside the residence at the time of explosion and the explosion caused extensive personal injuries and extension damage to the plaintiffs personal property. The lawsuit claims Kinney Contractors struck a natural gas service line while performing a water main replacement for the City of Carlinville. USIC Locating Services LLC marked the location of the natural gas service line near the residence and Ameren owed, installed and maintained the natural gas service line. The plaintiff is represented by Denby, Meno, Bloomer & Denby and Vince Moreth and demands a jury trial.

Roger Goodman is suing Ameren Illinois, USIC Locating Services LLC, and Kinney Contractors Inc. for damages in excess of $50,000, plus court costs, relating to an explosion that completely destroyed a residence in the 400 block of North West Street, Carlinville. The plaintiff claims the explosion caused extensive damage to the surrounding properties owned by the plaintiff. The lawsuit claims Kinney Contractors struck a natural gas service line while performing a water main replacement for the City of Carlinville. USIC Locating Services LLC marked the location of the natural gas service line near the residence and Ameren owed, installed and maintained the natural gas service line. The plaintiff is represented by Denby, Meno, Bloomer & Denby and Vince Moreth and demands a jury trial.

Carol Weik is suing Tilleys Tavern and Matthew Schwab for damages in excess of $50,000, plus court costs, for injuries she allegedly sustained on May 9, 2016, after suffering a right heel fracture and a dislocation after falling off part of a ledge that is about eight inches off of the ground. The plaintiff claims she had surgery on May 10, 2016, to correct said fracture and dislocation, but now wears customized orthotics for her heel and suffers daily pain relating to the injury. The plaintiff is represented by Denby, Meno, Bloomer & Denby and Vince Moreth and demands a jury trial.

Ruth Loveless and Home Options Company, Gillespie, has filed a forcible entry and detainer complaint against Tony Mull, Gillespie, seeking unpaid rent of $1,422, plus court costs, filing fee, a service fee and possession of a residential property located in the 400 block of Montgomery Street, Gillespie.

Central Illinois Realty Company has filed a forcible entry and detainer complaint against Teresa Brown, Auburn, seeking unpaid rent of $1,650, plus court costs, and possession of a residential property located at 8 Whispering Pines, Virden.

Central Illinois Realty Company has filed a forcible entry and detainer complaint against Rebecca Simmons, Springfield, seeking unpaid rent of $1,045, plus court costs, and possession of a residential property located at 14 Whispering Pines, Virden.

Central Illinois Realty Company has filed a forcible entry and detainer complaint against Brianna Noltin and Josh Sanders, seeking unpaid rent of $1,760, plus court costs, and possession of a residential property located at 2 Whispering Pines, Virden.

Macoupin County Housing Authority has filed a forcible entry and detainer complaint against Jessica Maurer, seeking possession of residential property located in the 200 block of Sunset Court, Staunton, plus rent, late charges, and other monies due, plus reasonable attorney fees and court costs.

Pamela Billings, Staunton, has filed a forcible entry and detainer complaint against Richard Konecy seeking unpaid rent of $470, plus court costs, and possession of a residential property located in the 200 block of Irene Street, Staunton.

Larry Karns, Gillespie, has filed a complaint in replevin against Bryan Wagoner seeking possession of $11,000 worth of property including a Rheem 1999,000 BTU H/E tankless water heater and 11,000 square feet of mahogany flooring.

SMALL CLAIMS

1st MidAmerica Credit Union is suing Sheila Katich, Gillespie, for $9,065.41, plus interest at the rate of 3.49% plus court costs for an unpaid balance of a $30,465.00 contract executed in March 2016 to finance a 2015 Ford Fusion.

Midland Funding LLC is suing Justin Havron, Staunton, for $4,886.02, plus court costs, that the plaintiff claims is owed for a defaulted Citibank/Home Depot Consumer card.

Consumer Collection Management is suing Joseph Scoggins, Virden, for $7,509.40, plus court costs, for failure to medical services by St. John’s Hospital of $282.75, Carlinville Area Hospital of $6,856.79, and St. Francis Hospital of $369.86.

Carlinville Area Hospital is suing William Sprague, Alton, for $4334.44, plus court costs, the plaintiff claims is owed for medical services.

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Carlinville Area Hospital is suing William and Erika Thompson, Carlinville, for $1,373.75, plus court costs, the plaintiff claims is owed for medical services.

Carlinville Area Hospital is suing William Anderson, Chatham, for $2,349, plus court costs, the plaintiff claims is owed for medical services.

Capital One Bank is suing Daniel Williams, Green Solutions Now Inc, Carlinville, for $3,125.88, plus court costs, the plaintiff claims is owed on a defaulted credit card account.

Capital One Bank is suing Janet Hull, Waggoner, for $3,141.14, plus court costs, the plaintiff claims is owed on a defaulted credit card account.

Capital One Bank is suing Jodi Alexander, Virden, for $1,193.64, plus court costs, the plaintiff claims is owed on a defaulted credit card account.

Capital One Bank is suing Jodi Alexander, Virden, for $1,107.56, plus court costs, the plaintiff claims is owed on a defaulted credit card account.

Ally Financial, Inc., is suing Christine Wendt, Carlinville, for $5,677.99, plus court costs, the plaintiff claims is still owed relating to a 2013 contract to finance a 2010 Chevrolet Malibu purchased from Bruckert Daley, Inc, Carlinville.

Capital One Bank is suing Danielle Shelton, Mt. Olive, for $2,779.62, plus court costs, the plaintiff claims is owed on a defaulted credit card account.

Portfolio Recovery Associates, LLC, is suing Timothy Bono, Mt. Olive, for $9,322.11, plus court costs, the plaintiff claims is owed on a defaulted U.S. Bank credit card.

Portfolio Recovery Associates, LLC, is suing Corey Yeager, Carlinville, for $1,001.35, plus court costs, the plaintiff claims is owed on a defaulted U.S. Bank credit card.

Capital One Bank is suing Cori Borror, Mt. Olive, for $3,576.09, plus court costs, the plaintiff claims is owed on a defaulted credit card.

Capital One Bank is suing Karrie Markezich, Mt. Olive, for $1,900.22, plus court costs, the plaintiff claims is owed on a defaulted credit card.

Portfolio Recovery Associates, LLC, is suing Marylin Harbison, Gillespie, for $1,195.01, plus court costs, the plaintiff claims is owed on a defaulted Capital One Bank credit card.

Portfoilio Recovery Associates, LLC, is suing Michael Crane, Alton, for $1,031.78, plus court costs, the plaintiff claims is owed on a defaulted Comenity Bank/ The Buckle credit card.

Capital One Bank is suing William Garrison, Gillespie, for $1,152.14, plus court costs, the plaintiff claims is owed on a defaulted credit card account.

Capital One Bank is suing Shawn Tanksley, Mt. Olive, for $2,586.04, plus court costs, the plaintiff claims is owed on a defaulted credit card account.

Capital One Bank is suing Kenneth Terry, Staunton, for $7,553.65, plus court costs, the plaintiff claims is owed on a defaulted credit card account.

Ally Financial Inc, is suing Whitney Nutgrass, Divernon, for $2,919.21, plus court costs, the plaintiff claims is still owed relating to a 2014 contract to finance a 2008 Chevrolet Impala purchased from Kruse Enterprises, Girard.

Capital One Bank is suing Shawn Tanksley, Mt. Olive, for $2,935.30, plus court costs, the plaintiff claims is owed on a defaulted credit card account.

Capital One Bank is suing Michael Ruffner, Hettick, for $4,894.29, plus court costs, the plaintiff claims is owed on a defaulted credit card account.

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Unifund CCR, LLC, is suing Brett Behl, Shipman, for $1,374.98, plus court costs, the plaintiff claims is owed on a defaulted Citibank credit card account.

Unifund CCR, LLC, is suing Robert Heyen, Gillespie, for $2,475.25, plus court costs, the plaintiff claims is owed on a defaulted First National Bank of Omaha credit card account.

Unifund CCR, LLC, is suing Robert Heyen, Gillespie, for $1,215.77, plus court costs, the plaintiff claims is owed on a defaulted First National Bank of Omaha credit card account.

Midland Funding LLC is suing John Claro, Benld, for $573.63, plus court costs, the plaintiff claims is owed on a defaulted GE Capital Retail Bank account.

Midland Funding LLC is suing Candace Wood, formerly of Commerce, GA, but now residing in Macoupin County, for $1,239.40, plus court costs, the plaintiff claims is owed on a defaulted Synchrony Bank/Walmart account.

Midland Funding LLC is suing Amanda Merkel, Virden, for $1,292.34, plus court costs, the plaintiff claims is owed on a defaulted Comenity Bank/Gordman’s account.

Midland Funding LLC is suing Tommie Eichen, Carlinville, for $1,399.73, plus court costs, the plaintiff claims is owed on a defaulted Citibank/Best Buy account.

Midland Funding LLC is suing Jerry Davis, Shipman, for $1,086.29, plus court costs, the plaintiff claims is owed on a defaulted Citibank/Sears account.

JH Portfolio Debt Equities LLC is suing Edward Butler, Virden, for $1,689.33, plus court costs, the plaintiff claims is owed on a defaulted Citibank/Sears account.

Jefferson Capital Systems LLC is suing Kaylin Hardwick, Plainview, for $7,020.41, plus court costs, the plaintiff claims is owed on a defaulted 2013 contract to purchase a 2010 Ford Fusion from Drivetime.

Jefferson Capital Systems LLC is suing Michelle Grove, Mt. Olive, for $639.06, plus court costs, the plaintiff claims is owed on a defaulted Metabank credit card.

LVNV Funding LLC is suing Diana Hayes, Girard, for $768.09, plus court costs, the plaintiff claims is owed on a defaulted Credit One Bank credit card.

Midland Funding LLC is suing Coretta Anderson, Carlinville, for $1,493.26, plus court costs, the plaintiff claims is owed on a defaulted Comenity Bank/ Gordmans account.

Midland Funding LLC is suing Robert Heyen, Gillespie, for $2,484.62, plus court costs, the plaintiff claims is owed on a defaulted Citibank account.

SL Enclave West Apartments Master Tenant, LLC, is suing Darah Bandy, Staunton, for $1,670, plus court costs, the plaintiff claims is owed for breach of contract and specifically outstanding rent, early termination fees, notice fees, penalties and relet fees relating to a 2016 contract to rent an apartment at Axis Edwardsville Luxe Student Apartments.

American Express National Bank is suing Darryll Clark, Benld, for $3,243.04, plus court costs, the plaintiff claims is owed on a defaulted Amex EveryDay Card.

FELONIES

Michael Foster, 19, Carlinville, is charged with burglary in connection with a May 2 incident in Carlinville where he entered a building at Loveless Park without authority with the intent to commit a theft.

Dawn Shales, 49, Carlinville, is charged with retail theft in connection with a May 2 incident in Carlinville when she stole less than $150 of clothing from WalMart. The offense was upgraded to a felony after she was convicted of burglary in November 2011.

Joshua Nurdin, 26, Lake Kaho, is charged with defrauding a drug and alcohol screening test in connection with a May 2 incident after he possessed a substitute sample with the intent of attempting to foil or defeat a drug screening test.

Gregory Rothe, 40, Staunton, is charged with possession of less than 5 grams of methamphetamine and resisting a peace officer in connection with a May 2 incident in Staunton.

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Douglas Manns, 40, Alton, is charged with possession of more than 5 grams, but less than 15 grams of methamphetamine and unlawful possession of less than 15 grams of a substance containing cocaine in connection with a May 3 incident in Brighton.

Bryan Nowman, 54, Virden, is charged with forgery after changing a credit application and agreement with Hendricks Home Furnishing in connection with a April 20 incident in Virden.

Danny Kline, 34, Carlinville, is charged with grooming in connection with incidents that took place between December 2017 and February 2018 when he used a cell phone in an attempt to seduce a minor. Kline was also charged with aggravated criminal sexual abuse after committing an act of penetration with a minor between the ages of 13 and 17.

Carl Stauffer, 48, Nebo, IL, is charged with unlawful possession of less than 5 grams of methamphetamine and unlawful possession of a controlled substance containing hydrocodone in connection with a May 8.

Erica Logsdon, 33, Springfield, is charged with theft after being in control of a laptop, c-pap machine, and sunglasses having a total value in excess of $500 but not in excess of $10,000 in connection with a March 18 incident in Virden.

Daniel Gooding, 29, Carlinville, is charged with unlawful delivery of methamphetamine in connection with an April 11 incident.

Daniel Gooding, 29, Carlinville, is charged with theft after having control of an Apple MacBook Pro and Apple iPad in connection with an April 3 incident in Carlinville.

Laura Waters, 57, Affton, MO, is charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance in connection with a November 2017 incident in Staunton when she was in possession of less than 15 grams of a substance containing codeine.

Travis McCoy, 20, Staunton, is charged with theft, in connection with an April 27 incident when he was in possession of an ATV and UTV with the intent to deprive the owner of use and benefit of the property.

Dustin Ivey, 20, Mt. Olive, is charged with theft after having control of an ATV and UTV in connection with an April 27 incident in Carlinville.

Dustin Blum, 28, Carlinville, is charged with possession of less than 5 grams of methamphetamine in connection with a March 11 incident in Carlinville.

MISDEMEANORS

Amy Hartman, 32, Mt. Olive, is charged with criminal damage to property in connection with a May 1 incident when she kicked the front left fender of a 2001 Chevrolet Monte Carlo.

Cody Ikerman, 28, Gillespie, is charged with domestic battery in connection with a May 1 incident in Gillespie when he grabbed his girlfriend by the arm leaving marks.

Nicholas Finn, Florissant, MO, 19, is charged with criminal trespassing in connection with an April 30 incident in Carlinville when he remained at Blackburn College after receiving notice that entry was forbidden.

Russell Loudermilk, 47, Staunton, is charged with domestic battery in connection with a May 4 incident in Staunton when he threw an object at his boyfriend striking him in the shoulder.

Jeffrey Cox, 38, Gillespie, is charged with domestic battery in connection with a May 6 incident in Gillespie when he spit in his girlfriend’s face.

Christopher Davis, 37, Peoria, is charged with domestic battery in connection with a May 7 incident in Mt. Olive when he struck his ex-girlfriend in the face with his fist.

Justin Yunker, 24, Palmyra, is charged with criminal damage to property in connection with an April 29 incident in Palmyra when he caused over $500 of damage to a car.

Ryan Lindgens, 29, Williamson, is charged with unlawful use of a weapon in connection with an April 27 incident in Staunton when he was in possession of brass knuckles.

Mallory Ellis, 28, Gillespie, is charged with battery in connection with a May 4 incident in Mt. Olive when she grabbed another female by the hair and caused bodily harm.

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Jeremy Stroud, 33, Troy, is charged with domestic battery in connection with a May 8 incident in Staunton when he grabbed his girlfriend and threw her to the ground.

Samantha Dailey, 31, Godfrey, is charged with theft in connection with an April 3 incident when she exerted unauthorized control of a title to a vehicle.

Curtis Raab, 48, Carlinville, is charged with battery in connection with an April 7 incident in Carlinville when he struck a minor in the face.

Gerald Gillespie, 33, Shipman, is charged with deceptive practice in connection with a March 1 incident after he wrote a check to Joseph F. Boente & Sons for $25.05 knowing his bank would not honor the draft.

Jessica Gibbs, 34, Palmyra, is charged with disorderly conduct in connection with a May 10 incident in Palmyra after she provided a false report to the Macoupin County 911 dispatch.

Monica Carmel, 32, Carlinville, is charged with battery in connection with a May 10 incident when she punched another female in the face with a closed fist.

Destiny Weller, 35, Carlinville, is charged with 11 counts of deceptive practice in connection with events taking place between March 19 and March 20 after writing 11 different checks totaling $262.18 to Joseph F. Boente & Sons knowing her back would not honor her drafts.

Jerad Grady, 30, Decatur, is charged with reckless conduct in connection with a May 12 incident in Virden when he pulled out of the parking lot of Showtime Lanes in Virden and ran over the foot of another individual.

Mark McGhee, 31, Staunton, is charged with domestic battery in connection with a May 12 incident in Mt. Olive when he threw his girlfriend into a bath tub.

TRAFFIC

Jena Gonzalez, 35, Brighton, is charged with two counts of driving under the influence in connection with an May 3 incident on Shipman Cutoff Road at Mile Station Road around 12:30 a.m.

Marvin Darrah, 49, Mt. Olive, is charged with two counts of driving under the influence of alcohol and disregarding a stop sign in connection with an April 28 incident in Mt. Olive around 9:30 p.m.

Logan Blevins, 22, Benld, is charged with two counts of driving under the influence, illegal transportation by the driver, failure to reduce speed, and failure to wear a seatbelt in connection with a May 2 incident on Staunton Bunker Hill Road around 9:15 p.m.

Rajeev Goswami, 45, Naperville, is charged with two counts of driving under the influence and illegal transportation by the driver in connection with a May 8 incident at Route 138 Café Parking Lot around 4:38 p.m.

DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED

  • Sheryl Popek vs. John Popek Jr., both of Staunton.
  • Rolla Bell Jr., Chesterfield, vs. Crystal Bell, Roodhouse.
  • Kayla Shaw vs. Justin Shaw, both of Staunton.
  • John Weffenstette, Farmersville, vs. Tammy Weffenstette, Virden.
  • Angela Hawkins vs. Vern Hawkins, both of Plainview.
  • Samantha Kahl vs. Jesse Kahl, both of Wilsonville.
  • Georgia Reedy vs. Kendall Reedy, both of Benld.
  • David Hammann vs. Andrea Hammann, both of Carlinville.

MARRIAGE LICENSES

  • Trenton Harden and Cassandra Crader, both of Jerseyville.
  • Corey Lynch and Teresa Swisher, both of Shipman.
  • David Serrano and Kimberly Stufflebean, both of Carlinville.
  • Olaniyi Ajenifuja and Adetoun Adenipebi, both of Springfield.
  • Noah Daum and Jessica Cramer, both of Arlington Heights.
  • Nicholas Smith and Kaila Claro, both of Gillespie.
  • Cole Law and Deanna Landreth, both of Benld.

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County marks 250th Anniversary of Declaration with reading and archive projects at Spring Festival on May 23

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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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Benld prepares to celebrate 72nd annual Italian American Days over Memorial Day weekend

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Bingo will be held nightly at 7:00 p.m. (photo/Italian American Days)

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 to host blood drive with ImpactLife on May 11

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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.

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