Community News
Macoupin County Courthouse News
Date range: October 17-23, 2017. Visit the “Court News” category under the “Community News” tab for other editions.
LAWSUITS
Deer Creek Condominium Campground, located in Montgomery County, is suing Mark and Kathryn Nold, St. Louis, Mo., for $23,710.89, plus attorney fees and court costs, that the plaintiff claims the couple owes for grass and weed cutting assessments and late fees for allegedly failing to pay the assessments.
CHS, Inc., Shipman, is suing John Hamilton, Bethalto, for $29,060.18, plus late fees of two percent per month, that the plaintiff claims is owed for agricultural products and services allegedly purchased on credit.
SMALL CLAIMS
In separate filings, Deer Creek Condominium Campground is suing multiple defendants, claiming the defendants owe money for unpaid grass and weed cutting assessments and late fees. The defendants include: William and Virginia French, Cahokia, being sued for $4,098.54, plus attorney fees and court costs; John and Mary Beatty, Martinsville, being sued for $2,568, plus attorney fees and court costs; Robert and Charlene Behrens, Princeton, being sued for $1,616, plus attorney fees and court costs; Robbie Moultrie, Broadview, being sued for $1,616, plus attorney fees and court costs; and Virgil and Tamara Spencer, Clinton, being sued for $8,801.26, plus attorney fees and court costs.
General Credit Acceptance Co., LLC, is suing Darrel D. Vandygriff, Brighton, for $3,089.30, plus interest from July 6, attorney fees and court costs. The plaintiff claims the judgment sought is owed on an allegedly defaulted retail installment contract executed Dec. 15, 2012, for $14,595 at an interest rate of 19.84 percent for the purchase of a vehicle.
CHS, Inc., Shipman, is suing Cory Gordon, McClean, for $2,777.87, plus late fees of two percent per month, attorney fees, and court costs, that the plaintiff claims is owed for agricultural products and services allegedly purchased on credit.
The Law Firm of Brandenburg-Rees & Rees, Carlinville, is suing several defendants for legal fees the plaintiff claims are owed. Those being sued and the judgments sought are: Sean Chalmers, Vienna, Ohio, and Michelle Chalmers, now known as Michelle Larose, Staunton, $2,646.93; Richard Jamieson, Gillespie, $2,886.01; Mark Moyer, Giard, $1,398.29; Christopher Anders, Bunker Hill, $10,000; and Jessica Bradley, formerly known as Jessica Bricker, Clark, Mo., $4,528.85.
Rhonda L. McIlwrath, Nilwood, is suing Brent and Michele Stratton, Virden, for $2,400 the plaintiff claims is owed on a $3,900 loan she made to the couple to pay for truck driving school.
FELONIES
Timothy R. Woodrome, 37, Granite City, is charged with possession of less than five grams of methamphetamine in connection with an Oct. 17 incident at about 12:40 p.m. on Main Street at Center Street in Brighton. In addition, Woodrome faces a civil law charge for alleged possession of drug paraphernalia, and traffic charges for alleged driving on a suspended driver’s license, improper lane usage and using an electronic communication device while driving.
MISDEMEANORS
Donald W. King, 39, Carlinville, is charged with domestic battery in connection with an Oct. 16 incident during which he allegedly caused bodily harm by throwing his girlfriend to the ground.
Heather L. Clark, 22, Carlinville, is charged with retail theft in connection with a Sept. 22 incident during which she allegedly shop-lifted diapers valued at less than $300 from the Dollar General Store in Carlinville.
Jason R. Hoyt, 37, Girard, is charged with domestic battery in connection with an Oct. 16 incident during which he allegedly caused bodily harm by pushing his brother in the chest.
Corey L. Gorsich, 46, Mount Olive, is charged with criminal damage to property in connection with an Oct. 16 incident during which he allegedly caused less than $500 in damage to a sign belonging to another Mount Olive resident.
Reese G. Borror, 18, Staunton, is charged with unlawful possession of alcohol by a person under the age of 21 in connection with an Oct. 5 incident in Staunton.
Roger D. Roach, 62, Mount Olive, is charged with domestic battery in connection with an Oct. 19 incident during which he allegedly caused bodily harm by kicking his girlfriend in her abdomen.
TRAFFIC
Michael J. Puccetti, 35, Girard, is charged with driving under the influence of alcohol in connection with an Oct. 13 incident. In addition, Puccetti faces a traffic charge for allegedly driving a vehicle with an expired registration.
Timothy D. Bruhn, 25, Sawyerville, is charged with two counts of driving under the influence of alcohol in connection with an Oct. 13 incident at about 10:26 p.m. on Illinois Route 4 at Fisher Street. Additionally, Bruhn faces traffic charges for alleged operation of an uninsured motor vehicle and failure to reduce the speed of his vehicle to avoid an accident.
Matthew S. Yost, 35, Brighton, is charged with driving under the influence of alcohol in connection with an Oct. 15 incident at about 1:32 a.m. at the intersection of Shipman Cutoff Road and Miles Station Road. Yost also faces traffic charges for alleged illegal transportation of alcohol by a driver and speeding 11 to 14 miles per hour in excess of the posted speed limit.
Noah M. Niehaus, 20, Litchfield, is charged with two counts of driving under the influence of alcohol in connection with an Oct. 17 incident at about 12:09 a.m. on East Countyline Road at Illinois Route 16. Niehaus also faces traffic charges for alleged unlawful transportation of alcohol by a driver and disregarding a stop sign.
Christopher Zachary Jodkiewicz, 27, Girard, is charged with driving under the influence of alcohol in connection with an Oct. 12 incident at about 12:26 p.m. on Illinois Route 4 north of Mack Road. In addition, Jodkiewicz faces traffic charges for alleged driving on a revoked driver’s license, improper traffic lane usage and failure to wear a seatbelt.
Erick J. Tackes, 27, Elmhurst, is charged with two counts of driving under the influence of alcohol in connection with an Oct. 14 incident at about 1:25 a.m. on Meissner Street at Warren Street in Bunker Hill. Tackes also faces traffic charges for alleged illegal transportation of alcohol by a driver and changing lanes without signaling.
Ashley R. Sellers, 23, Staunton, is charged with two counts of driving under the influence of alcohol in connection with an Oct. 18 incident at about 12:15 a.m. on Illinois Route 4 about one-half mile south of Gypsy Lane. In addition, Sellers faces a traffic charge for alleged failure to reduce the speed of her vehicle to avoid an accident.
DISSOLUTIONS OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Carrie Fenton, Mount Olive, vs. Ian Fenton, Bethalto.
- Stacy Lynn Bruhn, Gillespie, vs. Matthew Curtis Bruhn, Gillespie.
- Robin Neal Allen, Bunker Hill, vs. Juliet N. Allen, Murfreesboro, Tenn.
- Jill M. Yates, Staunton, vs. Bradley E. Yates, Staunton.
- Leslie James Chapman, Bunker Hill, vs. Tawny Nicole Chapman, Sawyerville.
DISSOLUTIONS OF MARRIAGE GRANTED
- Robin Neal Allen, Bunker Hill, vs. Juliet N. Allen, Murfreesboro, Tenn.
- Jill M. Yates, Staunton, vs. Bradley E. Yates, Staunton.
MARRIAGE LICENSES
- Nicholas E. Brown and Whitney N. Niehaus, both of Gillespie.
- Phillip E. Taylor of Illiopolis and Theresa L. Pennington-Taylor of Auburn.
- Bradley Larson Clark and Hayley Marie Painter, both of Waukesha, Wis.
- Troy Adam Stone and Deanne Lynn Berrey, both of Carlinville.
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FELONIES
Justine D. Pocklington, 27 of Standard City, possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams), aggravated feeling police/21 mph over, no valid registration, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a February 2 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Katlyn N. Pilger, 21 of Benld, is charged with theft/unauthorized control (<$500) in connection with a March 28 incident.
Donald L. Lloyd, 46 of Staunton, is charged with criminal trespass to land in connection with an April 5 incident.
TRAFFIC
Tarina S. Slaughter, 47 of Girard, is charged with improper use of registration/title, unlicensed, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with an April 4 incident.
William C. Geiser, 60 of Gillespie, is charged with reckless driving in connection with an April 6 incident.
Lauren E. Wolfe, 21 of Granite City, is charged with improper use of registration/title and expiration of registration in connection with an April 3 incident.
Jim T. Wahl, 53 of Cottage Hills, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with an April 8 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Nora Washington versus Joseph D. Washington
- Samantha Lehnen versus Chad Wallace
MARRIAGE LICENSES
- Colton D. West of Hettick and Alina M. Carver of Scottville.
- Devin J. Martin and Mariah P. Crane, both of Bunker Hill.
- Jonathon E. Swisher of Shipman and Mackenzie P. Calvin of Saint Charles, MO.
- Lucas Boschelli and Danielle J. Boatman, both of Carlinville.
- Todd R. Leverton and Jennifer L. Bowman, both of Carlinville.
Comments
SUNDAY, APRIL 5, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Oak Street in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Oak Street in reference to harassment.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South Main Street in Benld in reference to a civil standby.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Park Avenue in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Elm Street in reference to a civil standby.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
MONDAY, APRIL 6, 2026
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
Jonathan M. Kirkwood, 29 of Benld, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for traffic.
An officer was dispatched to Maple Street and Adams Street in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was out with a female at Trolley Street and Central Avenue in Benld in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the Gillespie Police Department to speak with a male in reference to a civil issue in the 200 block of South Main Street in Benld.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Henry Street in East Gillespie. Camden G. Zumwalt, 18 of Staunton, was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a well-being check.
TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2026
Cory D. Norton, 33 of Columbus, NC, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for driving while driver’s license was suspended. He also has a warrant out of Montgomery County for failure to appear while driver’s license was suspended.
An officer was dispatched to the intersection of Madison Street and Wilson Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was out with a male at Staunton Road and Charles Street in reference to a traffic crash. Tanner E. Moore, 28 of Gillespie, was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol, improper lane usage, using an electronic communication device, and failure to change address.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Frey Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Staunton Road in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South 4th Street in Benld in reference to unwanted solicitors.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Maple Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Richards Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was out in the 100 block of South Main Street in Benld. Amanda L. Broderick, 37 of Benld, was issued citations for unlawful possession of traffic signs and obstruction. Luther C. Welch, 31 of Shipman, was issued a citation for obstruction.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Berry Street in Mt. Clare in reference to a death investigation.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 300 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to illegal dumping and criminal trespass.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 6th Street in Benld in reference to criminal damage to property.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to identity theft in the 1200 block of Second Street.
An officer initiated a traffic stop in the 400 block of South Macoupin Street. Andrea M. Hulsey, 30 of Mt. Clare, was issued a citation for her minor child not wearing a seatbelt.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Broadway in reference to a neighbor dispute.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 900 block of Springfield Road in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Abba Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was dispatched to Ben-Gil Elementary School in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Elm Street in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to Kentucky Street and Hickory Street in Benld in reference to a noise complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Walnut Street to assist the Macoupin County Sheriff Department in serving an eviction notice.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Dorsey Road in Mt. Clare in reference to a well-being check.
THURSDAY, APRIL 9, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Dorsey Street in Benld in reference to a medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Donaldson Street in reference to criminal damage to property.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Avenue and Main Street in Benld. Trinity A. Pruitt, 22 of Benld, was issued citations for speeding and for illegal transportation of cannabis.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a civil issue.
The school resource officer brought a child to the Gillespie Police Department in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 200 block of West Spruce Street.
An officer was dispatched to the 2300 block of Staunton Road in Mt. Clare in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Clay Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of East Central Avenue in Benld in reference to suspicious activity.
FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2026
An officer was dispatched near the water plant in reference to juveniles fighting.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South Second Street in Benld in reference to assisting the Litchfield Police Department with a case.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Wilson Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Charles Street in reference to a civil issue.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Henry Street in East Gillespie. Leonard J. Schwartz, 55 of Edwardsville, was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Pine Street. Scott A. Byrd, 49 of Wilsonville, was issued a citation for expired registration.
SATURDAY, APRIL 11, 2026
Larry E. Conlee, 42 of Mt. Clare, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for dangerous drugs. He was also arrested for resisting a peace officer and aggravated battery.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to an animal complaint on Bishop Drive at Gillespie Lake.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South Hard Road in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of East Walnut Street in reference to solicitation.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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Community News
“History Belongs to All of Us”: Focus of Carlinville Community Conversation Series starting May 4
“History Belongs to All of Us,” a three-month series of events and activities commemorating the 250th anniversary of American independence and emphasizing Illinois’ role in seizing liberty for the American people will kick off Monday, May 4, and continue through July 16, 2026.
The series is project of Carlinville Winning Communities funded by a grant from Illinois Humanities. The events will encourage participants to examine and discuss the Declaration of Independence and other primary historical documents through facilitated conversations, according to Mary Tinder, a Macoupin County Historical Society & Carlinville Winning Communities board member.
Carlinville Winning Communities was one of only 13 entities statewide to receive an Illinois Humanities grant to support the Community Conversations Series.
We are fortunate to have received Illinois Humanities funding for this unique project, With 2026 being the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the 100th anniversary of Route 66, it is altogether fitting to explore where we’ve been and where we’re going, as well as to reflect on both and the cultural impact of our independence, Tinder said.
In keeping with the “History Belongs to All of Us” theme, several of the presentations and discussions will emphasize the role of Native Americans and the impact of American independence on Native American and other cultures.
Program topics will be explored through presentations by Illinois Humanities Road Scholars, live readings of historic documents, art, music and discussions. The programs are free to attend and all venues are handicapped accessible.
The series kicks off with “Illinois in the Revolutionary War,” a presentation by local historian and author Tom Emery, at 7 p.m., Monday, May 4, at the Macoupin County Historical Society’s Ruyle Genealogy Building, 920 W. Breckenridge St., Carlinville. Emery will lead a discussion of information included in his most recently published book, Illinois in the Revolutionary War.
“There was more to the war in Illinois than most people realize,” said Emery. “Revolutionary action took place in many parts of the state, and it was a struggle for all involved. It shows how hard many Americans worked for liberty.”
A discussion of Nicholas Welch’s 1812 Land Grant and the Autobiography of Ma-Ka-Tai-Me-She-Kia-Kiak, better known as Black Hawk, leader of the Sauk/Sac Indian tribes, is set for 7 p.m., Monday, June 1, in the Anderson Home parlor on the Macoupin County Historical Society grounds. Under the Land Grant program, the government set aside more than five million acres in western Illinois to compensate American war veterans with large tracts of land. Though Welch never set foot in Illinois, the granting of land to him displaced Black Hawk from his home in the area of present-day Rock Island. The facilitated discussion will focus on original historic documents, juxtaposing Welch’s land grant with Black Hawk’s experience.
Because of the smaller, more intimate venue, reservations are required. RSVP to marytinder1@gmail.com to reserve a seat.
“Relive the Mother Road: The Edwards Trace,” a collective analysis of documents and a look at contemporary research will be led by Illinois Humanities Road Scholar Anna Sielaff, Friday afternoon, June 26, during an Old Fashioned Route 66 Jubilee on the Macoupin County Courthouse lawn. Sielaff will discuss the 3,000-year-old Edwards Trace, used by Native Americans and early Illinois settlers, that stretched from Cahokia to Peoria. Portions of the trace run through Macoupin County, and some sections lay along the original alignment of Route 66. Imagine Rural Arts also will lead an art project in connection with how the trail was marked.
The Old Fashioned Route 66 Jubilee event runs from noon into the evening with food, musical performances, literary presentations, games, food and other activities.
The date is significant for Carlinville and Route 66 since 6/26/26 happens to be our zip code! The Jubilee offers a variety of experiences and taking a deeper look at the Edwards Trace and the Mother Road is an interesting way to explore local history on this unique date and location, Tinder noted.
Continuing on to the July 4th holiday, Macoupin County high school and college students will read the Declaration of Independence aloud in the main courtroom of the historic Macoupin County Courthouse in Carlinville at 10 a.m. The event also will feature a display of more than 30 historic flags provided by the George Rogers Clark Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution. A facilitated discussion will follow the reading and participants will be invited to sign the “Macoupin County America @ 250 Time Capsule” book. The book will then be on display at the Macoupin County Historical Society, said Andrea Duncan, one of the organizers.
A unique and somewhat mysterious artifact from Macoupin County will be the subject of a presentation at 7 p.m., Monday, July 6, at the Historical Society’s Ruyle Genealogy Building. Sharon Breyden and husband Tommy Breyden will display and discuss the Black Hawk Tablet, uncovered in the 1940s on a farm near Hettick. The odd inscriptions on the lead medallion suggests Black Hawk and an early Macoupin settler formalized an agreement to peacefully coexist in central Illinois.
For the final program of the Carlinville Community Conversations series, Illinois Humanities Road Scholar Kim Sigafus, a member of the Ojibwa Native American tribe, will present “We the Native People” at 7 p.m., Thursday, July 16, at the Historical Society’s Ruyle Genealogy Building. The focus is on Native Americans at the time the Declaration of Independence was signed. The interactive program will use traditional story-telling and music to help audience members understand the groundswell changes in Native American culture and lifestyle resulting from American independence and subsequent western expansion.
For more information and details about the “History Belongs to All of Us” series, contact Carlinville Winning Communities Board members, Andrea Duncan, (217) 204-1446, or Mary Tinder, (217) 825-9699.
