Community News
McGartland captures County Treasurer office, Incumbent re-elected as County Sheriff
For the first time in 50 years a Republican will hold an executive office in the Macoupin County courthouse. Lilian Amber McGartland, Republican candidate for County Treasurer, toppled Democrat Roger Anderson’s bid to be elected to the office to which he was appointed following the retirement of long-serving treasurer Ann Boehm, also a Democrat.
McGartland captured 10,948 votes (62.12 percent) in Tuesday’s midterm, compared with Anderson’s 6,675 votes (37.88 percent). Anderson carried only three of the county’s 45 precincts—Shaw’s Point, and Carlinville 1 and 2—while McGartland substantially outdistanced her opponent in remaining precincts countywide, including former Democrat strongholds in the south half of the county. McGartland’s victory reflects a burgeoning Republican presence that has been growing over the past several years in the county.
When she is sworn into office, McGartland will be the first Republican to hold a county executive office since A.C. “Julie” Bartulis served as County Treasurer from 1967 to 1971.
In addition to McGartland, Macoupin voters favored Republican candidates for state and federal offices, and added more Republican members to the Macoupin County Board, which was flipped to a Republican majority after the 2020 Presidential election.
Incumbent Democrat Sheriff Shawn Kahl, however, bucked the trend and retained his office for a third term over Republican candidate Jared DePoppe. DePoppe, currently Gillespie’s Chief of Police, pulled 8,203 votes (46.02 percent) to Kahl’s 9,621 votes (53.98 percent).
Kahl said he appreciated the support he received for his re-election and pledged to continue protecting public safety.
“Our entire department will strive to keep getting better, keep working hard like we’ve been doing and do everything we can to keep the public safe,” Kahl said.
In a statement issued late Tuesday night on Facebook, DePoppe thanked his supporters and those who voted for him, and extended his congratulations to Kahl.
“I want to thank all of my supporters and all of this who voted for me,” DePoppe said. “Your faith in me is truly humbling. The voters of Macoupin County have spoken and I respect their decision. We worked very hard, and it was a close race. Congratulations to Sheriff Kahl on his win.”
Neither McGartland nor Anderson had issued public statements as of mid-day Wednesday.
COUNTY BOARD
In three three-way races for County Board, voters favored Republicans to defeat one Democrat incumbent, flip a former Democrat seat to the GOP, and retain two Republican members over a Democrat challenger.
In District 4, voters retained Democrat Mark Dragovich with 918 votes (36.82 percent) but chose Republican Ross R. Adden over retired Gillespie school teacher Kellie Vesper, a Democrat, with 965 votes (38.71 percent) to 610 votes (24.47 percent).
In District 6, voters re-elected Aaron Stayton with 1,468 votes (47.51 percent) and elected Republican Leann Barr with 898 votes (29.06 percent), adding another County Board seat for Republicans. Democrat incumbent Robert Quarton failed in his bid for re-election, garnering 724 votes (23.43 percent).
In District 7, Republican incumbents Bernard C. Kiel and James Ibberson easily retained a strong Republican influence. Klausing captured 1,172 votes (55.62 percent), compared with Kilduff’s 925 votes (44.38 percent).
Voters cast 1,385 votes (55.14 percent) for incumbent Republican Jon C. Payne, and 1,327 (44.86 percent) for incumbent Republican Gordon Heuer, both running without opposition.
District 3 voters re-elected Republican incumbents Kristi Dunnagan and Matthew Accord with 1,315 votes (58.08 percent) and 949 votes (41.92 percent), respectively.
In District 5, voters re-elected County Board Chair Larry Schmidt with 1,259 votes (57.05 percent). Republican John J. Blank was elected to the seat formerly held by Democrat Ruth Ann Pomatto (who did not run for re-election) with 948 votes (42.95 percent).
Incumbent Democrat Robert “Tony” Wiggins and incumbent Republican Harry Starr IV retained their seats without opposition in District 8 without opposition. Wiggins grand 879 votes (42.1 percent) and Starr landed 1,205 votes (57.82 percent).
In District 9, incumbent Republicans Todd Armour and Charles A. Siegel retained their seats without opposition. Armour landed 1,505 votes (56.66 percent), while Siegel scored 1,151 votes (43.34 percent).
With the results of Tuesday’s election, the political composition of the 18-member board shifts to 15 Republicans and three Democrats. Republicans established a 13-6 majority for the first time in about five decades two years ago.
WORKERS RIGHTS AMENDMENT
County voters narrowly voted against a workers rights amendment to the Illinois Constitution. A total of 8,401 votes (50.52 percent) were cast against the measure, which among other things would guarantee workers a right to collective bargaining). A total of 8,228 voters (49.48 percent), however, favored the amendment.
Those results are in sharp contrast to statewide results in which more than 2 million voters favored the amendment over 1.4 million opposing with 80 percent of the ballots reported.
Whether or not the amendment is added to the constitution, however, remained unclear as of Wednesday. The vote for constitutional amendments requires either 60 percent of votes cast on the ballot measure itself or a simple majority of all of those voting in the election.
Many Republicans opposed the amendment, claiming it would cause taxes to increase, give unions too much power and discourage businesses and industries from locating or staying in Illinois.
STATEWIDE RACES
While Democrat candidates for statewide offices fared well in statewide balloting, Macoupin County results leaned heavily toward the Republican side of the ballot.
Democrat incumbent Gov. JB Pritzker, a pariah among downstate Republicans, handily won re-election with more than 2.1 million votes (54 percent), compared with Republican challenger Darren Bailey’s 1.7 million votes (43.2 percent). The Libertarian candidate, Scott Schluter captured 2.8 percent of the statewide vote.
As expected, Pritzker carried Cook County and the populous collar counties, but also carried Champaign and Peoria counties downstate.
Macoupin voters favored Bailey and running mate Stephanie Trussell nearly two-to-one over Pritzker and incumbent Lt. Gov. Julianna Stratton. County voters cast 11,986 votes (66.47 percent) for Bailey/Trussell, compared with 5,529 for Pritzker/Stratton.
Macoupin County voters also favored Republican Thomas DeVore, the Greenville attorney who sued Pritzker to end COVID-19 emergency executive orders, over incumbent Democrat Kwame Raoul by a similar margin. County voters cast 11,841 votes (66.44 percent) for DeVore, compared with 5,439 votes (30.62 percent) for Raoul.
Statewide, Raoul reportedly captured 54 percent of the vote compared with DeVore’s 43 percent to easily coast to re-election to a second term.
Macoupin voters also toed the partisan line in balloting for Secretary of State, State Treasurer and State Comptroller. In the closely watched race to choose a successor to long-time Secretary of State Jesse White, county voters supported Republican Dan Brady with 11,772 votes (65.99 percent) to Democrat Alexi Giannoulias’ 5,563 votes (31.18 percent). In statewide balloting, however, Giannoulias easily captured election to a first term with 54 percent of the vote, compared with 44 percent for Brady.
County voters gave 11,080 votes (62.14 percent) to Republican challenger Shannon L. Trees, compared with 6,343 (35.57 percent) for Democrat incumbent Susana Mendoza. Statewide, however, Mendoza easily won a second term with nearly 57 percent of the vote, compared with Teresi’s 42 percent.
Similarly, county voters supported Republican challenger Tom Demmer against incumbent Democrat Michael Frerich for State Treasurer. Demmer garnered 11,383 votes (64.05 percent) to Frerich’s 5,966 votes (33.57 percent).
In statewide balloting, however, Frerichs sailed to re-election with 54 percent of the vote to Demmer’s 44 percent.
Republican voters in Macoupin County also appeared eager to oust U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth, casting 10,972 votes (62.13 percent) for Republican challenger Kathy Salvi. Duckworth captured only 6,323 votes (35.8 percent). Statewide, however, Duckworth handily won re-election with 56 percent of the vote, compared with Salvi’s 43 percent.
VOTER TURNOUT
Nearly 58 percent of the county’s 31,162 voters turned out for the midterm election, which traditionally draws less voter interest than elections held during Presidential years. Voter turnout in 2020, for example, was 76 percent. For 2018, the last midterm election, voter turnout was 57.46 percent. In 2016, the Presidential election in which Donald Trump was elected, voter turnout in Macoupin County totaled 77.5 percent of registered voters.
Voter turnout exceeded 70 percent in five Macoupin precincts on Tuesday—Scottville, North Otter South Otter, Bird, and North Otter. The lowest voter turnout was in Staunton 2, where 48.09 percent of registered voters cast ballots.
The election results suggest limited cross-balloting with approximately two-thirds of ballots solidly cast for Republican candidates. A complete report of election results, including precinct breakdowns, can be viewed at macoupinvotes.com.
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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.
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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.
