Community News
Macoupin voters overwhelmingly support Trump, Republicans take control of Macoupin County Board
With the outcome of the Presidential election still in doubt, Macoupin County voters overwhelmingly supported Donald Trump in yesterday’s general election balloting. Additionally, Macoupin County voters ousted three incumbent Democrats and one Independent on the Macoupin County Board, replacing them with Republicans and giving the GOP a majority on the 18-member board.
County voters cast 16,058 votes (67.27 percent) for Trump and Vice President Mike Pence, compared with 7,313 (30.64 percent) for the Joe Biden/Kamala Harris team. Trump captured a slightly higher percentage of the votes in Macoupin County than he did in 2016 when he defied the polls and conventional wisdom by capturing the Presidency. Trump took 64.46 percent of the Macoupin County vote in 2016, compared with 30.11 cast for the Hillary Clinton/Tim Kaine ticker.
Not surprisingly, voter turnout for the 2020 general election was higher than 2016 when 71.55 of the county’s 31,700 registered voters went to the polls. For 2020, the county added 182 voters to the list of registered voters, 75.43 percent of whom cast ballots this year. For the 2018 midterm election, only 57.41 percent of the county’s then 32,151 registered voters cast ballots.
While the focus of most observers was on the Trump/Biden race, third party candidates took a substantial percentage of Macoupin County votes for 2020. Libertarian Jo Jorgenson took 346 votes, equivalent to 1.45 percent of the vote, and Howie Hawkins of the Green Party took 110 votes, equivalent to .48 percent.
In a major upset, voters in County Board District 2 ousted incumbent Democrats Francis Wieseman and Gary Rull. Republicans Jon C. Payne and Gordon L. Heuer captured 1,550 votes (32.21 percent) and 1,345 votes (27.95 percent), respectively. Long-time board member Wieseman garnered 974 votes (20.24 percent) and Gary Rull, also an incumbent, captured 943 votes (19.6 percent).
In County Board District 1, voters rejected recently appointed Democrat Chi Ebert Pelo in favor of Republican Lyndel Klausing, 1,824 (66.18 percent) to (32.82 percent).
Republican incumbent Larry Schmidt and Democrat Ruth Ann Pomatto retained their County Board seats in District 5 over challenger John J. Blank, a Republican. Schmidt took 1,360 votes (36.69 percent) with Pomatto closely followed with 1,336 votes (36.04 percent). Blank captured 1,011 votes (27.27 percent).
District 7 voters ousted the board’s only Independent, Sheila K. Lewis, replacing her with Republican James Ibberson. Incumbent Republican Bernard C. Kiel won re-election with 1,451 votes (41.99) with Ibberson capturing 1,089 (31.30 percent). Lewis trailed with 929 votes (26.7 percent).
As expected, Macoupin County voters also voted overwhelmingly against a proposed constitutional amendment to end the state’s “flat tax” system and replace it with a progressive tax structure to impose higher taxes on upper level incomes. A total of 16,563 (72.38 percent) Macoupin County voters cast ballots against the measure, while 6,319 (27.62 percent) voted in favor. The amendment fared better statewide but still failed to pass muster. With 97 percent of the votes counted, the measure was losing 55 percent to 45 percent.
Republican Avery Bourne retained her seat as State Representative in the 95th District, capturing 74 percent of the vote in her district, compared with 26 percent for challenger Democrat Chase Wilhelm. In Macoupin County, Bourne collected 13,999 votes (68.10 percent), compared with 6,511 (31 percent) for Wilhelm.
Wilhelm offered a Facebook post shortly after midnight Wednesday morning saying, “The will of the people have spoken. My sincere congratulation to Rep. Avery Bourne.”
Macoupin County voting also reflected district-wide results in the race for the 13th District Congressional seat. Incumbent Republican Rodney Davis scored 16,266 votes (69.26 percent) over challenger Democrat Betsey Dirksen Londrigan’s 7,219 votes (30.74 percent). District-wide, with 62 percent of precincts reporting, Londrigan trailed Davis 60 percent to 40 percent. Those results stand in stark contrast to two years ago when Londrigan came within one percentage point of defeating Davis.
For U.S. Senate, Macoupin County voters favored Republican challenger Mark C. Curran over incumbent Richard J. Durbin. Macoupin voters cast 14,468 votes (61.49 percent) for Curran, compared with 8,279 votes (35.19 percent for Durbin. Statewide, Durbin easily won re-election, however. With 70 percent of the vote tallied, Durbin took 53.6 percent of the vote vs. Curran’s 39.7 percent. Independent Willie Wilson siphoned away 4.5 percent statewide.
Public questions to create taxing districts for the Gillespie-Benld Ambulance Service within the Carlinville and Unit 7 Fire Protection Districts were overwhelmingly approved. In the Carlinville area, voters approved the measure 2,557 (60.9 percent) to 1,642 (39.10 percent). Voters in the Community Unit School District 7 area approved the measure 2,021 (58.70 percent) to 1,422 (41.30 percent).
Likewise, public questions to established taxing districts for the Prairieland Ambulance Service in the Virden and Girard fire protection districts were approved by similar margins. Girard area voters approved 1,261 (69.75 percent) to 547 (30.25 percent). In the Virden area, voters approved the measure by 1,145 (69.66 percent) to 494 (30.14 percent).
An MTAD property tax proposition in North Otter and North Palmyra townships fared less well, losing 833 to 139.
Several county officials, all Democrats, were on the ballot without opposition. Jordan Garrison, who will replace retiring Macoupin County State’s Attorney Jennifer Watson, earned 17,241 votes. Anthony Kravanya, who will replace retiring Macoupin County Coroner Brad Targhetta, was elected with 18,150 votes, and incumbent Lee Ross was re-elected as Circuit Clerk with 17,249 votes.
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The Wilsonville Progressive Club will celebrate and host a 90 year Anniversary Party on Saturday, May 11. The party will include a catered dinner, a live band, and fireworks.
Doors will open at 2 pm with a catered dinner being served at 4 pm. The Shane Kessinger Experience (live band) will play at 5 pm, and a grand fireworks display will be held at dusk.
The Progressive Club was originally established in 1934 by the Progressive Miners and was located on the northwest side of Wilsonville’s main street. The Club moved to their new building in January of 1949 and today this is still the current location at 212 Wilson Street in Wilsonville.
Wilsonville was founded in 1917 when Superior Coal Co. Mine No. 4 was sunk and this was the most modern mine in the Superior field. At that time, the little settlement which grew up around the mine was called Wilson. One day a worker paused and asked, “What are we going to name this town?” President Wilson was in office, thus the town was then and there named Wilson until 1919 when it was incorporated and the name expanded to Wilsonville.
The Wilsonville Progressive Club is operated and maintained by an elected panel of trustees and loyal members. The Club is open to the public and membership is always welcome. The large outdoor covered pavilion and manicured grassy side lot offer an attractive and convenient venue for any event along with inside facilities.
If you are interested in renting for any kind of event, call 217-835-3122 during open hours which are Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 4 pm to close, and Sunday doors open at 2 pm. Every Sunday afternoon at 4 pm is the Queen of Hearts drawing and the Club is on Facebook as well.
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SUNDAY, APRIL 14, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Oak Street in reference to a dog bite.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Abba Street to pick up a found item.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Chestnut Street in reference to a burglary.
An officer was out in the 200 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to a motorist assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Schmidt Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South 1st Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Broadway Street in reference to a medical call.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of South Illinois Street in Benld in reference to illegal burning.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South 5th Street in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Horizon Street in reference to a 911 call.
MONDAY, APRIL 15, 2024
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with a male in reference to a theft in the 100 block of South Main Street in Benld.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of West Osie Street in reference to a violation of an order of protection.
Nicholas O. Landolt, 36, of Gillespie was arrested on multiple warrants including one out of St. Clair County for possession for methamphetamine, a second one out of Montgomery County for failure to appear for driving while license was revoked, and a third out of Macoupin County for failure to appear for methamphetamine.
An officer was dispatched to East Walnut Street in reference to a suspicious noise.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Abba Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Broadway Street in reference to a medical alarm.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a theft in the 200 block of West Oak Street.
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to criminal damage to her property.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to identity theft.
An officer spoke with a female in the 100 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a neighbor dispute.
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a violation of an order of protection.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Southern Street in reference to a suspicious person.
TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 1100 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to criminal damage to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 900 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of East Walnut Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespass to property. Melissa J. Hughes, 49, of Benld was arrested on a Montgomery County warrant for theft/larceny.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Francis Street in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 700 block of Rose Street in Benld.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South 5th Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Pine Street to assist the Department of Children and Family Services.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Broadway Street in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Central Avenue in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17, 2024
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to fraud in the 200 block of South Macoupin.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 500 block of East Elm Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to Route 4 and Staunton Road in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Gillespie Street in reference to unwanted solicitors.
An officer was dispatched to High Street and Gillespie Street in reference to a suspicious noise.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of High Street in reference to unwanted solicitors.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil standby.
An officer was flagged down at Elm Street and Clinton Street and spoke with an individual in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Mt. Olive Road in Eagarville in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a suspicious circumstance.
THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2024
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a panic alarm sounding.
An officer was dispatched to the 1300 block of South Second Street in reference to a civil standby.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Osie Street in reference to a dog bite. Heather L. Kimberlin, 47, of Gillespie was issued a citation for dog at large.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Baker Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was out with a suspicious vehicle in the alley in the 500 block of Park Avenue.
An officer was dispatched to East Walnut and South Main Street in Benld in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the Veterans Memorial Park in Benld in reference to a suspicious vehicle that had been parked there for a couple of days.
Gillespie Police Department was requested for traffic control by the Gillespie Fire Department for a fire on Eagarville Road.
FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of East Walnut Street in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South Street in Gillespie in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Litchfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a suspicious person at the storage units. Kathy J. Henderson, 49, of Sawyerville was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for bad checks
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Maple Street and Macoupin Street. Kenny L. Fults, 18, of Belleville was issued a citation for possession of cannabis.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Mt. Olive Road in Eagarville in reference to civil standby.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of West Burton Street in reference to an animal complaint.
SATURDAY, APRIL 20, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Abba Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespassing. Timothy J. Dalpozzo, 57, of Benld was arrested for criminal trespassing to residence and a Macoupin County warrant for criminal trespassing to a residence.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at South Street and Chestnut Street and charges are pending crime lab results.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to Macoupin Street and Elm Street in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Osie Street in reference to a dog at large.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of North 8th Street in Benld in reference to medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Spruce Street in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Baker Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Street in Benld in reference to a medical call.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to an ordinance issue.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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LITCHFIELD, Ill. — HSHS St. Francis Hospital is offering service opportunities to area teens this summer through the 2024 Junior Volunteer Program. Applications are being accepted now through May 1.
Applicants must be high school students maintaining at least a “C” average, be a minimum of 14 years of age by June 1 and be willing to volunteer at least two hours per week during the summer program. Junior volunteers will perform a variety of duties in various hospital departments.
Registration materials are available on the hospital’s website volunteer page at https://www.hshs.org/st-francis/community/volunteer.
All participants in the program will be required to present proof of immunizations for MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella), and Varicella (chicken pox). An additional requirement includes attendance at a hospital orientation.
A limited number of positions will be available. For more information, contact HSHS St. Francis Hospital at 217-324-8200.
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