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Mary Fulton: Heritage Health Spotlight

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In the “good ole’ USA”

 

Born and raised in Scotland, this lady was destined to be in the United States. If you ask her, she will tell you. This is the first woman I have heard brag about the Illinois weather. “It is absolutely wonderful,” she said. Everything from the weather, to a simple tree, to Heritage Health, Mary Fulton is grateful for everything and that is why she is the spotlight at Heritage Health for June.

Mary (Stevenson) Fulton visited Gillespie in 1948 with a girlfriend. Her friend, Agnus, had an aunt that the pair stayed with. It was just a short getaway from Scotland, but that is all it took. She fell in love, for the first time. Mary loved the weather and the sunshine because, according to her, it is always gloomy and damp in Scotland.

A few weeks passed and her aunt finally got ahold of them by telephone. “I got you two visas, you can come back now,” Mary explained as she recalled the telephone call. In no time at all, the two were back in the Gillespie area and ready to start their second life. They both immediately got jobs at a local dress shop owned by Agnus’s uncle.

The two then got very homesick as Mary recalled. So, they went back to visit Scotland for weeks at a time sometimes. “It was back and forth, back and forth,” Mary noted. Finally, Mary’s father put an end to that. He was strict, she added, and he told us, “You either stay or you go, you have to choose.”

Well, their decision unfortunately left behind their families. The two were back for good now. Still working at the dress shop, Mary and Agnus found out that two good looking hunks lived next door to the shop. Put two and two together and you get two marriages. Both Mary and Agnus joined in marriage. Mary married Bill Fulton. She went on to say that she probably would not have stayed here if she did not meet Bill.

“We moved over here because of the nice sunny weather,” Mary added. The rainy climate in Scotland is just simply incomparable to “beautiful sunshine” here. She kept insisting to appreciate the wonderful weather here. In Scotland, you don’t get any of the heat you get here.

It wasn’t until after high school Mary and Agnus made the move. The two were childhood friends and attended kindergarten through high school together. They both got all of their schooling in Scotland. “It was very strict,” Mary referred to the schooling. She loved school and loved learning. Instead of college, the two made the voyage to Gillespie for the first time.

Upon arriving to Gillespie, she said she did not like the area at all. Don’t hold this against her, but it was very different for her. There was no dancing here for them and that was Mary’s number one passion in Scotland. Just call her the dancing queen. She made do though and finally settled in after 3 trips back home.

The pair went home to get back to the dancing again, Mary pointed out. “When we got to Gillespie, there was nothing,” she said. Nothing to do, no place to dance, and she felt left out. She loved ballroom dancing and, according to her, there wasn’t any where to dance. They were able to shake out the jives when they returned home.

Her husband’s parents and family lived in Scotland. In fact, oddly enough, very close to where she grew up: Ayrshire, Scotland. Her and her husband had one son, Robert Fulton. “He was very, very good,” Mary bragged.

Mary promised her husband she would take him to Scotland to see his family. He thought she was kidding. “You would do that,” he questioned. “Of course I would do that for him,” she laughed. The two finally went back and met his cousins and family that he was never able to see before. “He appreciated it and they have actually came back here to visit since then, in the good ole’ USA.”

She happily calls Heritage Health her home now, she loves it. “The company is great and the people are really nice,” she added. Mary loves to play bingo and enjoys coffee hour at Heritage Health. Although, she suggested that they get dancing so she can dance back to her youth.

 

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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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