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Manar Shows Strong Financial Support from Individual Small Donors

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More than half of all contributions have come from small donations

Staunton, IL – Macoupin County Board Chairman and candidate for the State Senate Andy Manar filed a second quarter campaign finance report demonstrating a positive trend from individual donors. Over half of his contributions came from small donations made by individuals from all six counties comprising the 48th Senate District.

“From day one, our volunteer organization has focused on building a solid grassroots campaign in the rural towns and urban neighborhoods in the 48th Senate District,” said Manar.

“Many campaigns concentrate on fundraising from large donors and overlook who they are seeking to represent in the State Senate. Our recent fundraising report confirms that our support is broad and continues to grow on a daily basis.”

According to Manar, 53% of contributions reported came from small donations from individuals who contributed between $5 and $100. The latest quarterly report continues the momentum that Manar has set from the beginning of his campaign in September 2011.

“My first goal is to continue to rebuild the trust of individual taxpayers that have become cynical of the ability of State government to work for them,” said Manar. “Our campaign could not be possible without the support of the individual retired teacher, the auto mechanic, the electrician, the stay-at-home Mom, the small business owner, the banker, or the nurse who believe that we can work to make our towns and communities better.”

The 48th Senate District is comprised of all or parts of the Central Illinois counties of Macon, Sangamon, Christian, Montgomery, Macoupin and Madison.

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Court News

Macoupin County Courthouse News

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Cases filed during January 4 through January 10. Visit the “Court News” category under the “Community News” tab for other editions.

Cases filed during January 4 through January 10. Visit the “Court News” category under the “Community News” tab for other editions.
Cases filed during January 4 through January 10. Visit the “Court News” category under the “Community News” tab for other editions.

FELONIES

Christopher L. Black, 43 of Virden, is charged with home invasion/causing injury and two counts of aggravated battery of a peace officer in connection with a January 4 incident.

Casey W. Sobberi, 40 of Wilsonville, is charged with burglary in connection with a January 3 incident.

Eugene Arnold, 62 of Royal Lakes, is charged with aggravated battery/great bodily harm, aggravated battery/use of a deadly weapon, and domestic battery/bodily harm in connection with a January 6 incident.

Michael A. Upton, 34 of Palmyra, is charged with twelve counts of child pornography and possession of methamphetamine (5 grams) in connection with multiple dates in 2025.

Bryer D. Greff, 31 of Virden, is charged with aggravated battery/public place, resisting a peace officer/firefighter/corrections employee, and two counts of disorderly conduct in connection with a January 7 incident.

Shayne W. Dugger, 26 of Palmyra, is charged with possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams) in connection with a September 28 incident.

Sarah L. Winston, 36 of Carlinville, is charged with possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams) in connection with a November 4 incident.

TRAFFIC

Austin D. Courier, 30 of Vriden, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a December 30 incident.

Courtney N. Lomelino, 23 of Virden, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit in connection with a December 25 incident.

William R. Dyer, 55 of Carlinville, is charged with leaving the scene, driver failing to give notice of a crash, transporting/carrying alcohol/driver, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, improper traffic lane usage, seat belt required/driver, and failure to reduce speed in connection with a January 4 incident.

Billy R. Austin, 44 of Modesto, is charged with expired registration, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and being unlicensed in connection with a January 4 incident.

Richard W. Wallis, 63 of Nilwood, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a January 5 incident.

Stephanie E. Jennings, 34 of Girard, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration in connection with a January 6 incident.

Bruce A. Day, 60 of Carlinville, is charged with driving on a revoked license and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a January 5 incident.

Clayton R. Sampson, 19 of Palmyra, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit in connection with a January 6 incident.

Dakota R. Lavely, 20 of Troy, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a January 5 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 December 30 incident.

Monty M. Gardner, 55 of Brighton, is charged with driving on a suspended license and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a January 2 incident.

DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED

  • Catherine Harrison versus David Breen
  • Margaret Putman versus Justin S. Putman
  • Taunia R. Moore versus Blake A. Moore

MARRIAGE LICENSES

  • Wade Logan Yates of Brighton and Anna Catherine Marcy of Riverton.
  • Douglas Guennewig and Buffy Riddens, both of Staunton.

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Police News

Gillespie Police Report January 4 – January 10, 2026

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SUNDAY, JANUARY 4, 2026

An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South 4th Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.

An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Charles Street in reference to a 911 call.

An officer was dispatched to South Hard Road in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.

An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of East Walnut Street in reference to a 911 call.

An officer was spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to harassment.

MONDAY, JANUARY 5, 2026

An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to neighbor trouble.

Jiles R. Lyons, 36 of Benld, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for possession of another’s credit/debit card.

An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to an animal complaint in the 600 block of North 7th Street in Benld.

An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of East Burton Street in reference to an animal complaint.

An officer was dispatched to Osie Street and Handy Street in reference to a security check.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2026

An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South Hard Road in Benld in reference to juvenile issues.

An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Burton Street in reference to a 911 call.

An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to harassment.

An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Walnut Street in reference to a neighborhood dispute.

An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of North Francis Street in reference to a 911 call.

An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Elm Street in reference to an animal complaint.

An officer was dispatched to Macoupin Street and Walnut Street in reference to suspicious activity.

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2026

An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of South 5th Street in Benld in reference to a burglary.

An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Virginia Street in East Gillespie. Debra A. Brooks, 65 of Carlinville, was issued a citation for speeding.

An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Adams Street in reference to ordinance issues.

An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of South Illinois Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespass to property.

An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Osie Street. Kylee P. Cothern, 18 of Benld, was issued a citation for expired registration and operating uninsured vehicle.

An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a hit and run traffic crash.

An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Virginia Street in East Gillespie. Tiana F. McFarland, 28 of Staunton, was issued a citation for speeding.

An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Virginia Street in East Gillespie. Debra A. Brooks, 65 of Carlinville, was issued a citation for speeding.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026

The School Resource Officer was dispatched to the High School office in reference to a fight.

An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Illinois Street in East Gillespie. Darlene Karns, 70 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for speeding.

An officer initiated a traffic stop at 7th Street and Pine Street in Benld. Dylan S. Richards, 32 of Staunton, was issued a citation for suspended registration.

An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of South Illinois Street in Benld in reference to a security check.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2026

An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to criminal trespass.

An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Spruce Street in reference to criminal damage.

An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South Montgomery Street in reference to a 911 call.

An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a theft in the 500 block of South Jersey Street.

An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to an animal complaint in the 200 block of West Maple Street.

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The School Resource Officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Oak Street in reference to a juvenile issue.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 10, 2026

An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Frey Street in reference to criminal damage.

An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Pine Street. Racheal A. Aleshire, 47 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for driving while her license was revoked.

An officer initiated a traffic stop at Hard Road and Central Avenue in Benld. Amber R. Brackett, 31 of Gillespie, was issued citations for suspended registration and for no insurance.

An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a well-being check.

An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Elm Street in reference to an animal complaint.

An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to an intoxicated pedestrian.

An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of West Virginia Street in East Gillespie in reference to stalking. 

All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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Court News

Macoupin County Courthouse News

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Cases filed during January 4 through January 10. Visit the “Court News” category under the “Community News” tab for other editions.
Cases filed during December 28 through January 3. Visit the “Court News” category under the “Community News” tab for other editions.
Cases filed during December 28 through January 3. Visit the “Court News” category under the “Community News” tab for other editions.

FELONIES

Micah J. Ramsey, 39 of Carlinville, is charged with aiding/abetting/selling a stolen vehicle and driving on a revoked license in connection with a December 27 incident.

Shawn M. McBride, 38 of Staunton, is charged with obstructing justice/destroying evidence in connection with a December 18 incident.

Riley G. Rhodes, 18 of Carlinville, is charged with possession/displaying an altered ID card in connection with a December 18 incident.

Shane S. Bell, 35 of Girard, is charged with possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams) in connection with a November 6 incident.

MISDEMEANORS

Ted. E. Hanner, 50 of Bunker Hill, is charged with obstructing identification in connection with a December 3 incident.

Brittany M. Lyons, 35 of Benld, is charged with criminal trespass to a building in connection with a December 19 incident.

Betty J. Jamieson, 75 of Carlinville, is charged with violating the animal control act in connection with a December 29 incident.

James J. Denby, 27 of Carlinville, is charged with criminal trespass to land in connection with a December 8 incident.

Tricia J. Pfeiler, 37 of Carlinville, is charged with battery/cause bodily harm and cruelty to animals in connection with a January 1 incident.

Rodney J. Rosentreter, 60 of Gillespie, is charged with criminal damage to property (<$500) and resisting a peace officer/firefighter/corrections employee in connection with a January 1 incident.

TRAFFIC

Rustin L. Reed, 19 of Springfield, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit in connection with a December 27 incident.

Passion M. Kinzey, 33 of Chicago, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration in connection with a December 27 incident.

Ella R. Robinson, 20 of Bonne Terre, MO, is charged with speeding 35 mph over the limit in connection with a December 30 incident.

Julie B. Kruse, 55 of Staunton, is charged with driving on a suspended license and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a December 18 incident.

Gregory A. Knezic, 60 of Staunton, is charged with driving on a suspended license and improper use of registration/title in connection with a December 23 incident.

Dixie L. Moffitt, 73 of Worden, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration in connection with a December 22 incident.

Dakota L. Schoondyke, 28 of Virden, is charged with driving on a suspended license and operating a motor vehicle with suspended registration in connection with a December 26 incident.

DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED

  • Debra E. Seago versus Carl L. Seago Jr.

MARRIAGE LICENSES

  • David L. Ehlers and Shirley Marie Lee Haines, both of Bunker Hill.
  • Steven D. Clattenburg and Billie Jo Croll, both of Virden.
  • Robert J. Halpin and Chelsea L. Kirkover, both of Gillespie.

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