Community News
Macoupin County Courthouse News
Date range: May 16 – May 22, 2018. Visit the “Court News” category under the “Community News” tab for other editions.
LAWSUITS
Benjamin Jackson, on behalf of Luke Jackson, a minor, is suing Thomas McBee, Godfrey, and Skylar Harbaugh, a minor of Palmyra, in excess of $50,000, plus court costs, following a July 2016 “t-bone”-like collision. The plaintiff claims McBee failed to stop at a stop sign while heading south on Ash Street in Palmyra near the intersection of Ash and Oak Streets and collided with the vehicle occupied by the plaintiff. As a result of the defendant’s actions, the plaintiff became bodily injured, suffered pain and will in the future suffer pain, disability, and loss of normal life, has been permanently scarred and disabled and had become obligated for large sums of money for medical care.
Gerald Breitweiser and Alice Breitweiser, of Jersey County, are suing Edric Heindricks, formerly of Chesterfield, now deceased, in excess of $50,000, plus court costs, following a June 2016 accident on Illinois Route 111 near the intersection of Summerville Road in Macoupin County. The plaintiffs claim Heindricks failed to operate his vehicle with ordinary and reasonable care when he attempted to turn left onto Summerville Road without yielding to the right-of-way of a vehicle approaching from the opposite direction. The plaintiffs claim the accident caused them to suffer and incur severe injuries, pain and suffering, medical treatment and expenses, and loss of enjoyment of a normal life and disability.
Amy Heyen is suing Eddie Heyen, Shipman, in excess of $50,000, plus court costs, following a May 2016 incident when the plaintiff claims Eddie “carelessly kicked” her in the right ankle causing her to suffer a fracture, great medical expenses including surgery, future medical expenses, and permanent disability and loss of normal life. The lawsuit calls for a jury of at least 12 people.
Central Illinois Realty Company has filed a forcible entry and detainer complaint against Nathaniel Black and Courtney Ferguson, seeking unpaid rent of $2,287, plus court costs, and possession of residential property located in the 900 block of West Jones Street, Virden.
Steven Turner, Florida, has filed a forcible entry and detainer complaint against Johnathon Burns, Brighton, seeking possession of a residential property located in the 2500 block of Old Glory Lane, Brighton.
Consumer Collection Management is suing Kyle and Lynda Hood, Girard, for $11,251.47, plus court costs, the plaintiff claims is owed for medical services rendered by Girard Family Health Care and Carlinville Area Hospital.
SMALL CLAIMS
Midland Funding LLC is suing Lisa Jarrett, Gillespie, for $801.00, plus court costs, the plaintiff claims is owed on a defaulted Citibank/Best Buy credit card account.
Midland Funding LLC is suing Nicole Bounds, Girard, for $2,378.36, plus court costs, the plaintiff claims is owed on a defaulted Comenity Capital Bank/HSN credit card account.
Midland Funding LLC is suing Britteny Cox, formerly of Fort Carson, CO, but currently residing in Macoupin County, for $511.95, plus court costs, the plaintiff claims is owed on a defaulted Comenity Bank/Victoria’s Secret credit card account.
Midland Funding LLC is suing Syde Williams, formerly of Alton, but currently residing in Macoupin County, for $1,504.39, plus court costs, the plaintiff claims is owed on a defaulted Comenity Bank/Torrid credit card account.
Cavalry SPV I, LLC, is suing Brittany Eads for $1,732.79, plus court costs, the plaintiff claims is owed on a defaulted Synchrony Bank/Care Credit credit card account.
Collection Professionals, Inc., is suing Justin Spencer, Modesto, for $354.66, plus court costs, the plaintiff claims is owed for medical services rendered by Passavant Area Hospital.
Credit Corp Solutions Inc. is suing Amanda King, Gillespie, for $5,865.50, plus court costs, the plaintiff claims is owed on a defaulted Synchrony Bank/GE Capital Retail Bank account.
FELONIES
Shanna Kuntzman, 36, Virden, is charged with unlawful possession with intent to deliver cannabis in connection with a March 15 incident when she possessed between 500 and 2000 grams of a substance containing cannabis with the intent to deliver.
Eric Foster, 53, Carlinville, is charged with unlawful possession of methamphetamine in connection with an April 22 incident in Carlinville when he was in possession of less than five grams of a substance containing methamphetamine.
Amanda Neel, 31, Carlinville, is charged with possession of less than five grams of methamphetamine in connection with an April 22 incident in Carlinville.
MISDEMEANORS
Stacy Manley, 40, Staunton, is charged with escape after failing to report to the Macoupin County Jail on May 4 following a jail order entered on May 2.
Jai Savange, 50, Springfield, is charged with battery in connection with a February 9 incident when he spit in the face of a female
Jennifer Lopez, 38, Auburn, is charged with theft in connection with a January 18 incident in Girard when she had unauthorized control of cash belonging to Quentin Drew, doing business as BB & K Repair.
Frank Innis Jr., 24, Thayer, IL, is charged with obstructing identification in connection with a May 14 incident in Carlinville when he provided a false name to a peace officer.
Harold Martin, 35, is charged with unlawful use of weapons in connection with a May 17 incident in Girard when he possessed metal knuckles.
TRAFFIC
Kristin Cox, 19, Brighton, is charged with two counts of driving under the influence and possession of less than 10 grams of cannabis in connection with an April 27 incident in Brighton around 10:30 p.m.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Julia Cox, Waverly, vs. James Cox, Modesto.
- Carolyn Landers vs. Dalton Landers, both of Virden.
- William Raymond, Brighton, vs. Melissa Lavin, Granite City.
MARRIAGE LICENSES
- Derek Hauser and Deborah Rule, both of Carlinville.
- Jeremy Lievers and Kimberly Wiltshire, both of Bunker Hill.
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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.
