Community News
Macoupin County Courthouse News
Date range: March 14-20, 2017. Visit the “Court News” category under the “Community News” tab for other editions.
LAWSUITS
Hebenstreit Family Limited Partnership has filed a forcible entry and detainer complaint against Angel Cram, Carlinville, seeking possession of an apartment located in the 1100 block of East Main Street in Carlinville. The suit alleges the plaintiff opted to not renew the defendant’s lease, which ended March 4, and that the defendant failed to vacate the premises after being given notice of the lease cancellation on Jan. 24.
David Masinelli, Staunton, has filed a forcible entry and detainer complaint against Tim and Grace Davidson, Wilsonville, seeking $1,406 in alleged unpaid rent, plus an unspecified amount for damages and possession of residential premises located in the 100 block of Marcia Street in Wilsonville.
Sue Pirok and Doug Kessinger, Staunton, have filed a forcible entry and detainer complaint against Jackie Hoppes, Gillespie, seeking $470 in alleged unpaid rent and possession of a residential apartment located in the 100 block of Shelby Street in Gillespie.
SMALL CLAIMS
SLU-Care, St. Louis, Mo., is suing Marisa Hendren, Staunton, for $4,960, plus court costs, that the plaintiff claims is owed for medical services.
Credit Acceptance Corp. is suing John G. Pile, Springfield, for $2,719.87, plus court costs, that the plaintiff claims is owed on an allegedly defaulted $7,250 auto loan executed Jan. 9, 2004, to purchase a 2005 Buick LeSabre from Freedom Chevrolet, Virden.
Credit Acceptance Corp. is suing Cynthia D. Taylor, Litchfield, for $4,046.48, plus court costs, that the plaintiff claims is owed on an allegedly defaulted $11,512 auto loan executed in June 2012 to purchase a 2002 GMC Envoy from Freedom Chevrolet, Virden.
Credit Acceptance Corp. is suing Theresa Hanel, Taylorville, for $6,337.52, plus court costs, that the plaintiff claims is owed on an allegedly defaulted $6,263 auto loan executed March 1, 2013, to purchase a 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan from Freedom Chevrolet, Virden.
Midland Funding is suing Donelda Bray, Greenfield, for $836.46, plus court cost, that the plaintiff claims is owed on an allegedly defaulted Synchrony Bank/Care Credit credit account.
Midland Funding is suing Jaime Naecker, Staunton, for $5,271.43, plus court costs, that the plaintiff claims is owed on an allegedly defaulted Citibank/Best Buy credit card account.
Portfolio Recovery Associates, LLC, is suing Denise R. Bettis, Palmyra, for $1,073.66, plus court costs, that the plaintiff claims is owed on an allegedly defaulted WFNNB/Comenity Bank/The Limited credit card account.
Portfolio Recovery Associates. LLC, is suing Freda L. Payne, Wilsonville, for $5,420.24, plus court costs, that the plaintiff claims is owned on an allegedly defaulted CIT Online Bank/Dell Financial Services credit account.
Midland Funding is suing Annetta Haas, Staunton, for $1,588.06, plus court costs, that the plaintiff claims is owed on an allegedly defaulted Credit One Bank credit card account.
Midland Funding is suing Lacie Davis, Mount Olive, for $1,288.22, plus court costs, that the plaintiff claims is owed on an allegedly defaulted Synchrony Bank/Walmart credit card account.
Portfolio Recovery Associates, LLC, is suing Coltan A. Milton, Gillespie, for $1,216.53, plus court costs that the plaintiff claims is owed on an allegedly defaulted Citibank/Zales credit card account.
Portfolio Recovery Associates, LLC, is suing Angela Griffith, Girard, for $6,891.96, plus court costs, that the plaintiff claims is owed on an allegedly defaulted Synchronby Bank/R Us credit card account.
Portfolio Recovery Associates, LLC, is suing Lisa Barnett, Mount Olive, for $886.07, plus court costs, that the plaintiff claims is owed on an allegedly defaulted Credit One Bank credit card account.
Portfolio Recovery Associates, LLC, is suing Vicki Rowe, Mount Olive, for $1,164.87, plus court costs, that the plaintiff claims is owed on an allegedly defaulted Citibank/Sears credit card account.
Discover Bank is suing Barbara Ashby, Girard, for $1,841, plus court costs, that the plaintiff claims is owed on an allegedly defaulted credit card account.
Midland Funding is suing Carol Baggerly, Virden, for $1,586.84, plus court costs, that the plaintiff claims is owed on an allegedly defaulted Credit One Bank credit card account.
Portfolio Recovery Associates, LLC, is suing Christine Ingrum, Girard, for $905.82, plus court costs, that the plaintiff claims is owed on an allegedly defaulted GE Capital Bank/Care Credit credit account.
Heights Financial Corp. is suing Michael and Ashley Sawyers, Staunton, for $4,135.19, plus court costs, that the plaintiff claims is owed an allegedly defaulted Federal Disclosure Statement executed on Aug. 12, 2016, to borrow $3,869.38 at 34.39 percent interest.
Flooring America, Decatur, is suing Danny Abbott, Palmyra, for $323.54, plus court costs, allegedly owed for goods purchased on credit.
Heights Financial Corp. is suing Raymond L. Shade, Carlinville, for $2,716.60, plus court costs, allegedly owed on a Federal Disclosure Statement executed March 13, 2015, to borrow $3,389.26 at an interest rate of 34.49 percent.
Eagle Recovery Associates, Inc. is suing Sheryl L. and John Popek, Staunton, for $1,265.40, plus court costs, allegedly owed for medical services provided by Community Memorial Hospital, Staunton.
Portfolio Recovery Associates, LLC, is suing Wayne E. Spicer, Carlinville, for $2,638.28, plus court costs, that the plaintiff claims is owed on an allegedly defaulted Capital One Bank credit card account.
FELONIES
Tina K. Schmidgall, 50, Bartonville, is charged with theft in connection with a Nov. 16, 2016, incident in Carlinville during which she allegedly exercised unauthorized control over more than $500 in cash with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of the use of the property.
James Iles, 43, Brighton, is charged with aggravated driving under the influence of alcohol and driving on a revoked driver’s license in connection with a March 12 incident duirng which he allegedly operated a 2000 Ford Crown Victoria on North Street at Ransom Street in Brighton while intoxicated and while his license to drive was revoked. The DUI charge was elevated to a felony due to previous convictions on Iles’ record for the same or similar offense from Sept. 28, 2002, in Utah County, Utah, Jan. 4, 2010, in Tazewell County, Jan. 8, 2011 and Sept. 7, 2012 in Madison County, and March 6 in Macoupin County. The driving on a revoked driver’s license charge was elevated to a felony due to previous convictions for the same or similar offense from Dec. 15, 2015, in Jersey County and March 6 in Macoupin County. In addition to the felonies, Iles faces a traffic charge for allegedly driving the wrong way on a one-way street.
Justin M. Martin, 27, Pocahontas, is charged with possession of a controlled substance in connection with a Nov. 27, 2016, incident in Gillespie during which he allegedly possessed a substance containing Fentanyl.
David S. Tallman, 35, Donnellson, is charged with driving on a revoked drivers license in connection with a Feb. 22 incident during which he allegedly operated a 2003 Volkswagen passenger car on Fosterburg Road at Brown Road at a time when his license to drive was revoked. The charge was elevated to a felony due to previous convictions on Tallman’s record for the same or similar offense from Jan. 30, 2013, May 16, 2013, Feb. 2, 2015, and Oct. 28, 2016, in Madison County, Aug. 12, 2014 in Macoupin County, and Sept. 17, 2014, in Jersey County.
Christian J. Wills, 20, St. Louis, Mo., is charged with possession of a controlled substance in connection with a Jan. 31 incident during which he allegedly possessed a substance containing Alprazolam.
Eric S. Damm, 28, Palmyra, is charged with possession of less than five grams of methamphetamine in connection with a Jan. 16 incident in Palmyra.
Austin M. Weatherford, 19, Carlinville, is charged with possession of a controlled substance in connection with a Dec. 18, 2016, incident in Carlinville during which he allegedly possessed a substance containing FUB-AMB, a synthetic designer drug.
Larry Pendleton, 51, Riverview Gardens, Mo., is charged with possession of a controlled substance in connection with a March 14 incident during which he allegedly possessed less than 15 grams of a substance containing cocaine. Pendleton also faces a traffic charge for allegedly speeding 15 to 20 miles per hour in excess of the posted speed limit in the northbound lanes of Interstate 55 near mile marker 46.
Charlene M. Giles, 43, Kane, is charged with possession of less than five grams of methamphetamine in connection with a March 15 incident in Gillespie.
MISDEMEANORS
Jill S. Busby, 22, Gillespie, is charged with domestic battery in connection with a March 12 incident in Gillespie during which she allegedly caused bodily harm by grabbing her husband’s scrotum, causing a laceration.
Ross J. Gulley, 28, Columbia, is charged with violating an order of protection in connection with a March 4 incident in Staunton during which he allegedly called a female subject to an court order of protection issued Jan. 10.
Natosha L. Peck, 35, Greenville, is charged with escaped for allegedly failing to report to Macoupin County Jail on Feb. 16 to begin serving a jail sentence imposed Feb. 10.
Haley R. McMurray, 18, Carlinville, is charged with retail theft in connection with a Feb. 15 incident during which she allegedly shop-lifted jerky, candy, popcorn and hair color remover with a total value of less than $300 from Walmart in Carlinville.
Gregory W. Valdez, 22, Troy, is charged with retail theft in connection with a Feb. 22 incident during which he allegedly shop-lifted a phone charger valued at less than $300 from Circle K in Staunton.
Precious A. Bradshaw, 18, Carliville, is charged with retail theft in connection with a Jan. 25 incident during which she allegedly shop-lifted a cell phone charger and speaker with a total value of less than $300 from Walmart in Carlinville.
Sara J. Campbell, 23, Staunton, is charged with criminal damage to property in connection with a Feb. 27 incident during which she allegedly caused less than $500 in damage to property owned by Mount Olive Township by spray painting park pavilion concrete and a picnic table.
Dana M. McMurray, 18, Carlinville, is charged with retail theft in connection with a Feb. 15 incident during which she allegedly shop-lifted jerky, candy, popcorn and hair color remover with a total value of less than $300 from Walmart in Carlinville.
Darrell T. Pocklington, 50, Carlinville, is charged with theft in connection with a Feb. 8 incident in Palmyra during which he allegedly exerted unauthorized control over less than $500 worth of property by means of deception with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of the use of the property.
Anthony P. Lomelino, 23, Virden, is charged with theft in connection with a Feb. 1 incident during which he allegedly exerted unauthorized control over a debit card valued at less than $300 with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of the use of the property.
Rebecca L. McGown, 26, Virden, is charged with violating an order of protection in connection with a March 14 incident in Virden during which he allegedly entered onto property in the 800 block of Jones Street in Virden in violation of a court order of protection issued on Jan. 31.
Nathan A. Peeler, 24, Virden, is charged with violating an order of protection in connection with a March 16 incident during which he allegedly made contact with a female subject to a court order of protection issued Jan. 3.
Devonta D. Steward, 23, Alton, is charged with obstructing identification in connection with a March 18 incident during which she allegedly provided a false name to an Illinois State Police trooper who had lawfully detained her.
TRAFFIC
Robert L. Servente, 55, Virden, is charged with driving under the influence of alcohol in connection with a March 10 incident at about 8:50 p.m. on Third Street at Monroe Street in Girard. Servente also faces traffic charges for allegedly driving on a revoked driver’s license, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, disregarding a stop sign, operating a vehicle with an expired registration, improper use of evidence of registration or certificate of title, and improper lane usage.
Ronald C. Smith, 43, Roodhouse, is charged with two counts of dirivng under the influence of alcohol in connection with a March 13 incident at about 1:37 p.m. in the 400 block of Linn Street in Hettick.
DISSOLUTIONS OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Christy Ann Stryker, Medora, vs. Steven Scott Stryker, Waterloo.
- Johanna Carmela Fios Juwes, Mount Olive, vs. Jonathon Wesley Juwes, St. Louis, Mo.
MARRIAGE LICENSES
- Eric Douglas Pitchford and Christine Dawn Bradley, both of Girard.
- Steven Alan Kopp and Maraci L. Osborn, both of Carlinville.
- Michael D. Ahrens and Nakita R. McMillin, both of Staunton.
- Sean E. Rees and Ashley A. Winters, both of Carlinville.
- Kyle L. Conlee and Sarah M. Dyer, both of Carlinville.
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A former Carlinville High School football standout has signed as an undrafted free agent with the New England Patriots.
Kyle Dixon, a record-setting receiver at Culver-Stockton, an NAIA program in Canton, Missouri, inked the deal with New England after being passed over in the NFL Draft April 23-25.
Dixon was seen as an outside shot at being selected in the draft. He reportedly had visited at least one team, including Indianapolis, and was the subject of Internet speculation from various writers on his potential.
At Culver-Stockton, Dixon named to the American Football Coaches Association – NAIA All-American team. He was also a Heart of America Athletic Conference first team pick for the second straight year.
The 6-4, 216-pound Dixon was fourth in the NAIA with 83 receptions and third with 1,282 receiving yards in 2025.
New England advanced to last February’s Super Bowl, losing to Seattle.
It was the tenth Super Bowl appearance in the last 25 seasons for the Patriots, one of the NFL’s marquee teams over the last quarter-century.
New England won six Super Bowl titles in that span. The Patriots also played in the Super Bowl after the 1985 and 1996 seasons.
Though most undrafted free agents have an outside chance of sticking on NFL rosters, some future superstars began that way. Notable UDFAs include NFL Hall of Famers Kurt Warner, Warren Moon, Antonio Gates, Adam Vinatieri, and John Randle.
In 2025, eight NFL teams had at least three starters who had been UDFAs coming out of college.
The Patriots are known for their development of UDFAs. The franchise has had sixty starting players who were undrafted free agents from 2011-25, more than any other team in the NFL.
At Carlinville High School from 2015-18, Dixon finished in the top 20 in Illinois High School Association history in single-season receiving yards and touchdowns, career touchdowns, receptions, and receiving yards, and career interceptions on defense.
An all-state selection as a defensive back, Dixon was an all-South Central Conference pick as a receiver. He was also a two-time all-SCC pick in baseball.
Prior to Culver-Stockton, Dixon played baseball at SIU-Carbondale, SIU-Edwardsville, and Georgia Gwinnett College.
Dixon will try to become just the third Carlinville product to play in the NFL.
The others were Leland “Tiny” Lewis, who appeared in 14 games over the 1930-31 seasons with Portsmouth (now the Detroit Lions) and a now-defunct Cleveland franchise, and Mike Seyfrit, who played in 13 games for now-defunct franchises in Toledo and Hammond in 1923-24.
(Tom Emery may be reached at ilcivilwar@yahoo.com or 217-710-8392).
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Community News
Illinois treasurer to help Macoupin County residents reclaim $8.6 million in unclaimed funds on May 13 at Gillespie Library
Staff from Treasurer Michael Frerichs’ office will be at the Gillespie Public Library on Wednesday, May 13, to assist residents in reclaiming money through the I-Cash program. The state estimates that about 64,700 people and businesses in Macoupin County have unclaimed cash or property totaling $8.6 million, with statewide totals reaching $5 billion dollars.
A spokesperson noted that many people may not realize they’ve overlooked an investment account or a final paycheck, and that the thousands of names in the state’s database show it happens more often than people might think. The message emphasizes that this money belongs to Illinois residents and should be in their bank accounts rather than the state’s. The planned event will run from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Gillespie Public Library, located at 201 W Chestnut Street, Gillespie, IL.
Attendees can expect on-site assistance with the I-Cash process, which helps residents search for unclaimed funds and pursue claims through official channels. The I-Cash program is described as a state-level initiative designed to reunite Illinois residents and businesses with unclaimed funds such as lost wages, refunds, or insurance benefits.
Individuals can search the state’s database for their name, name of business, or nonprofit online as well: https://icash.illinoistreasurer.gov/
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The Macoupin County Historical Society will host a drive-through chicken fried chicken dinner starting at 4 p.m., Wednesday, May 13, at the MCHS grounds located at 920 W. Breckenridge, Carlinville.
Serving will continue until 7 p.m. or until food is sold out.
Meals are $12 each and include a chicken fried chicken breast, mashed potatoes and gravy, corn and a roll.
“We offered a chicken dinner last year and were sold out within a couple of hours,” said Dan Hauter, MCHS President. “My advice is to come as early as possible to make sure you can buy a meal.”
Serving will be drive-through only. No walk-up orders will be taken.
Persons who wish to dine on the grounds may park their vehicle after getting their order and dine in the pavilion adjacent to the Red Barn. Water and soda will be available for purchase or customers may bring their own non-alcoholic beverage.
Proceeds will benefit the Macoupin County Historical Society.
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