Court News
Macoupin County Courthouse News
Date range: January 31-February 6, 2017. Visit the “Court News” category under the “Community News” tab for other editions.
LAWSUITS
David Porter, Staunton, is suing Murlin and Eula Hawkins, Staunton, for damages in excess of $50,000 for injuries he allegedly sustained as a result of a breach of contract. The plaintiff claims he entered into a 12-month lease agreement with the Hawkinses on July 6, 2016, for residential premises located in the 300 block of North Easton Street in Staunton. Porter claims he notified the defendants about a damaged threshold and that the defendants attempted to repair the damaged area with duct tape in lieu of making a proper repair. Failure to properly repair the damage when notified, Porter claims, violated terms of the lease contract. He claims he became stuck in the duct tape when walking through the doorway, causing injury to his knee. The suit claims he has sought medical attention and will continue to seek medical care for the injury, including doctor visits, emergency room visits, x-rays and cortisone injections, for which he seeks a judgment in excess of $50,000. A separate count seeks $8,000 in damages, alleging the Hawkinses breached the contract when they allegedly gave Porter a 30-day notice to vacate the premises on Oct. 14, 2016, noting “you have done nothing but complain since you moved in. I have no problems with the house from former tenants.” Porter claims he sustained $8,000 in damages by being required to move out before the 12-month expiration of the lease and rent premises of lesser quality.
Mark Caudle, Carlinville, is suing Shirley Sanner, Bunker Hill, for $1.4 million, claiming Sanner unlawfully sold property belonging to him that was stored at Caudle’s father’s residence on Robinson Lane, Bunker Hill. In addition, the plaintiff claims the defendant committed fraud and defamed his character. Caudle filed the suit pro se and is representing himself in the suit. Circuit Judge Kenneth Deihl signed off on Caudle’s petition to sue as an indigent, but ruled that Caudle must pay court fees if he is successful in winning a judgment. According to the suit, Sanner arranged for an auction of all of Caudle’s assets, including four vehicles and a boat.
Max B. Mullins, Mount Olive, has filed a forcible entry and detainer complaint against Abbie McCollum, Mount Olive, seeking $3,042.17 in alleged unpaid rent, along with possession of residential premises located in the 22800 block of Warren Road, Mount Olive.
Midland Funding is suing Kerri Ferguson, Brighton, for $11,607.06, plus court costs, that the plaintiff claims is owed on an allegedly defaulted Citibank credit card account.
Douglas A. Daugherty has filed a forcible entry and detainer complaint against Benjamin Raymond, Girard, seeking $2,000 in alleged unpaid rent, plus court costs and possession of residential premises located in the 100 block of Mound Street in Girard.
SMALL CLAIMS
Midland Funding, LLC, is suing Mandy Prose, Girard, for $3,378.71, plus court costs, that the plaintiff claims is owed on an allegedly defaulted Synchrony Bank credit card account.
Midland Funding, LLC, is suing Lawrence David, Bunker Hill, for $3,724.03, plus court costs, that the plaintiff claims is owed on an allegedly defaulted Citibank credit card account.
Midland Funding, LLC, is suing Crystal Taylor, Brighton, for $1,973.80, plus court costs, that the plaintiff claims is owed on an allegedly defaulted WebBank credit account.
Credit Acceptance Corp is suing John D. and Corina Smith, Carlinville, for $8,006.36, plus court costs, that the plaintiff claims is owed on an allegedly defaulted $9,375.27 auto loan executed June 23, 2015, to purchase a 2007 Dodge hatchback from Freedom Chevrolet, Virden.
Credit Acceptance Corp is suing Kelly D. Stainback, DuQuoin, for $4,162.74, plus court costs. that the plaintiff claims is owed on an allegedly defaulted $6,924 auto loan executed Feb. 24, 2014, to purchase a 2005 Pontiac sedan from Freedom Chevrolet, Virden.
Washington University and Carlinville Area Hospital are suing Tracy Hopper, Gillespie, for allegedly unpaid medical bills totaling $2,464.90, plus court costs.
TD Auto Finance is suing Stacey Cody, Girard, for $5,970.59, plus court costs, that the plaintiff claims is owed on an allegedly defaulted $16,137 auto loan executed in 2012 to purchase a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu sedan.
United Community Bank is suing Cotey J. McAllister and Lyndle McAllister for $2,701.51, interest and court costs, that the plaintiff claims is owed on an allegedly defaulted $3,760 promissory note executed Oct. 21, 2015.
FELONIES
Alexander J. Worland, 27, Livingston, is charged with two counts of aggravated fleeing or attempting to elude in connection with a Jan. 28 incident in Staunton during which he allegedly refused or failed to pull over his vehicle and after being given audible or visual signals by a police officer to stop. The complaint alleges Worland ran two stop signs and drove at speeds greater than 21 miles per hour in excess of the speed limit while attempt to elude police.
David Kierbach, 42, Mount Olive, is charged with possession of a controlled substance and possession of a weapon by a felon in connection with a Jan. 30 incident in Mount Olive. Kierbach is accused of possessing less than 15 grams of a substance containing heroin and a quantity of 7.62x39mm round ammunition after being convicted on a controlled substance charge in 2015.
MISDEMEANORS
Robert A. Hartman, 23, Gillespie, is charged with violating an order of protection in connection with a Jan. 22 incident in Gillespie during which called and left a voicemail message for a Gillespie female subject to an Aug. 3, 2016, court order of protection against him.
Austin J. Fanning, 23, Carlinville, is charged with domestic battery in connection with a Feb. 1 incident during which he allegedly made contact of an insulting or provoking nature by throwing his girlfriend to the ground.
Several area residents have been charged with deceptive practice for allegedly writing checks to local businesses while knowing their banks would not honor the drafts. Those charged include: Annie L. Johnson, 38, Benld, accused of writing a bad check for $51.74 on June 14, 2016, to Mt. Olive Enterprises; Kevin J. Black, 30, Sawyerville, accused of writing a bad check for $38.21 on Aug. 21, 2016, to Mt. Olive Enterprises; Leeann C. Bennington, 21, Brighton, accused of writing a bad check for $15.89 to Joseph F. Boente Sons; Candace A. Force, 34, Gillespie, accused of writing a bad check on Nov. 2, 2016, to Tj’s, Benld; and Judith Davenport, 54, Girard, accused of writing two bad checks for $55.19 on Oct. 28, 2016, and $45.72 on Oct. 29, 2016, both to DiCarlo’s Pizza, Virden.
TRAFFIC
Kara M. Burrow, 31, Gillespie, is charged with two counts of driving under the influence of alcohol in connection with a Jan. 30 incident at 3:17 a.m. on Illinois Route 4 at Spring Road. She also faces a traffic charge for alleged improper lane usage.
Edward C. Heidenreich, 33, Springfield, is charged with two counts of driving under the influence of alcohol in connection with a Jan. 29 incident at about 12:24 a.m. on North Broad Street at West First North Street in Carlinville. Heidenreich also faces a traffic charge for allegedly driving a vehicle with a faulty registration light.
Shannon M. Coleman, 31, Girard, is charged with two counts of driving under the influence of alcohol in connection with a Feb. 3 incident on East First South Street at High Street in Carlinville.
DISSOLUTIONS OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Mary T. Houser, Staunton, vs. Thomas Houser, Jerseyville.
- Dillon Kenneth Robert Turner, Wilsonville, vs. Katie Nicole Workman Turner, Wilsonville.
- Tory D. Holman, Wilsonville, vs. Kevin Chad Holman, Sawyerville.
MARRIAGE LICENSE
- Dean W. Holliday and Teri J. Smith, both of Carlinville.
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MISDEMEANORS
Joshua A. Damm, 41 of Carlinville, is charged with battery/making physical contact in connection with a November 14 incident.
Blake R. Laskach, 25 of Staunton, is charged with obstructing identification in connection with a November 20 incident.
TRAFFIC
Kyle E. Devries, 36 of Staunton, is charged with driving on a revoked license, transporting/carrying alcohol/driver, and disregarding a stop sign in connection with a November 5 incident.
Haider K. Omran, 57 of Saint Louis, MO, is charged with speeding 26-34 MPH over the limit in connection with a November 15 incident.
Michael F. Reeder, 73 of Carlinville, is charged with leaving the scene and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a November 18 incident.
Keith S. Statler, 61 of Hillsboro, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with a November 16 incident.
William T. Overturf, 39 of Benld, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with a November 19 incident.
Gary A. Parker, 47 of Gillespie, is charged with reckless driving in connection with a November 14 incident.
Kelly M. Lyons, 37 of Benld, is charged with reckless driving in connection with a November 14 incident.
Kyle E. Dotson, 59 of Springfield, is charged with driving on a revoked license and transporting/carrying alcohol/driving in connection with a November 16 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Joseph S. A. Evans versus Abby L. Evans
- George D. March versus Taylor R. Brown
- Elijah N. Powell versus Tori Lynn Loyd
MARRIAGE LICENSES
- Caleb Brendan Owens and Kaitlyn Noelle Hargis, both of Mount Olive
- Justin Michael Hart and Sydney Annadale Gray, both of Carlinville
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Community News
Macoupin County Clerk, Recorder & Elections Office temporarily relocating due to courthouse renovations
The Macoupin County Clerk, Recorder, and Elections Office will temporarily relocate across the street to the Macoupin County Voting Center, located at 227 E. First South in Carlinville, beginning Tuesday, November 18, 2025.
The move is necessary to accommodate HVAC system renovations in the Macoupin County Courthouse. The temporary relocation is expected to last until mid-January 2026.
During this time, all regular services — including vital records, recordings, elections, and general clerk functions — will continue to be available at the Voting Center. Office hours and contact information will remain the same.
However, due to limited space during the renovation, public searching and certain in-person services may be restricted. Residents are encouraged to take advantage of the many online services offered through the Clerk’s website, including:
- Searching and ordering vital records
- Accessing property and land records
- Viewing election information and forms
- Checking registration and voter status
“We appreciate everyone’s patience as we make these necessary improvements to the Courthouse,” said Macoupin County Clerk Pete Duncan. “Our goal is to continue serving the public efficiently and safely, whether in person or online.”
Residents can visit www.macoupincountyclerk.com, call 217-854-3214, text 217-439-4499, or email elections@macoupincountyil.gov or recorder@macoupincountyil.gov for updates, online resources, and additional information.
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FELONIES
Christy M. Thornhill, 54 of Gillespie, is charged with theft/unauthorized control (>500<10k) in connection with a December 14, 2024, incident.
Eugene Arnold, 62 of Royal Lakes, is charged with aggravated battery/use of a deadly weapon in connection with a November 11 incident.
Andrew N. Gregory, 36 of Gillespie, is charged with obstructing justice/destroying evidence, driving under the influence of alcohol, and disregarding a stop sign in connection with a November 13 incident.
Jared E. Gibbs, 38 of Palmyra, is charged with aggravated DUI, driving under the influence of alcohol, transporting/carrying alcohol/driver, and stopping/standing/parking/business in connection with a July 8 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Thor S. Barnes, 45 of Benld, is charged with criminal trespass to land in connection with an October 31 incident.
Juan F. Molina Fuentes, 43 of Glen Carbon, is charged with assault in connection with a November 12 incident.
Frederic J. Skinner. 22 of Carlinville, is charged with criminal trespass to a building in connection with a November 11 incident.
Harold A. Wood, 79 of Staunton, is charged with criminal trespass to land with a November 11 incident.
William L. Hartman, 44 of Benld, is charged with theft/unauthorized control (<$500) in connection with an October 4 incident.
William D. Friesland, 20 of Mount Olive, is charged with unlawful possession of blackjack/knife in connection with an October 27 incident.
Jakota M. Emery of Gillespie is charged with resisting/peace officer/firefighter/corrections employee in connection with an October 22 incident.
Crystal J. Webb, 50 of Staunton, is charged with animal owner duties violation in connection with an October 21 incident.
James J. Hamilton, 18 of Brighton, is charged with disorderly conduct in connection with an October 30 incident.
Joshua T. Reese, 19 of Jerseyville, is charged with disorderly conduct in connection with an October 30 incident.
Kyle T. Yate, 19 of Wood River, is charged with disorderly conduct in connection with an October 30 incident.
TRAFFIC
Frederick Devone Jones, 28 of Columbia, SC, is charged with driving on a suspended license and driving 15-20 mph above the limit in connection with a November 8 incident.
Eileen M. Chavez, 19 of Mount Prospect, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit in connection with a November 9 incident.
Carla R. Franklin, 54 of Florissant, MO, is charged with driving on a suspended license, headlight violation, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a November 1 incident.
Cheri L. Bagwell, 48 of Carlinville, is charged with driving on a suspended license, improper use of registration/title, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and no valid registration in connection with an October 26 incident.
Jessica M. McCoy, 27 of Eagarville, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with an October 30 incident.
Jenna M. Forrest, 43 of Alton, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit in connection with a November 11 incident.
Michael T. Chrystal, 26 of Carlinville, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with an October 31 incident.
Shane C. Chance, 29 of Carlinville, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a November 1 incident.
Tameka S. Turner, 35 of Waverly, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with an October 29 incident.
Christian A. Darush, 25 of Hettick, is charged with expired registration in connection with a November 12 incident.
Cade W. Thoron, 19 of Carlinville, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit in connection with a November 12 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 November 1 incident.
Tabitha M. Pratt, 39 of Benld, is charged with driving on a suspended license, expired registration, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a November 9 incident.
Carter R. Hood, 19 of Springfield, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit in connection with a November 12 incident.
Timothy C. Hokenson, 39 of Mount Olive, is charged with reckless driving and failure to reduce speed in connection with a November 11 incident.
Angela M. Sparling, 60 of Litchfield, is charged with driving on a suspended license, expired registration, disregarding an official traffic control device, and no notice of address/name change in connection with an October 30 incident.
William K. Kampmann III, 37 of Cottage Hills, is charged with driving on a suspended license, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and operating a motor vehicle in connection with a November 4 incident.
Christopher L. Vesper, 50 of Staunton, is charged with driving on a suspended license and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with an October 28 incident.
Christopher L. Paul, 62 of Bunker Hill, is charged with improper use of registration/title and operating a motor vehicle with suspended registration in connection with a November 10 incident.
Payge L. Masters, 20 of Mechanicsburg, is charged with driving on a suspended license and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a November 3 incident.
Matthew L. Hauter, 46 of Carlinville, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with an October 28 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Ryan P. Williams versus Naomi N. Williams
MARRIAGE LICENSES
- Joseph Edward Hinch and Brittany Allen, both of Wilsonville
- Steven Caleb Hunter Wise and Christina Ann Seals, both of Carlinville
- Andrew Michael Bounds and Tamara Ann Cunningham, both of Virden
- Steve Jameson and Troi Gibbs-Petrie, both of Girard
