Community News
Miss Black Diamond Days Pageant
Seven local girls will vie for the title of Miss Black Diamond Days during the annual Miss Black Diamond Days Pageant at 6 p.m., Friday, June 3, in the Gillespie Civic Center.
In addition, 10 younger girls will compete for the first-ever Junior Miss Black Diamond Days title, according to pageant director Sonja Levie. The pageant coincides with the start of the three-day Black Diamond Days street festival in downtown Gillespie. The annual event features food, entertainment, contests and carnival rides.
Candidates for Miss Black Diamond Days include Bailey Loveless, daughter of Kenneth and Patti Loveless of Henderson; Kylie Frensko, daughter of Brian and Gina Frensko of Benld; Kaci Petri, daughter of Sherry Petri of Benld; Brooklyne Ruckman, daughter of Darrel and Jaime Ruckman of Mount Clare; April Ewin, daughter of Gary and Cindy Ewin of Gillespie; Shelby Watson, granddaughter of Larry and Donna Watson, and daughter of Vicki Watson of Gillespie; and Mikayla Tarro, daughter of Dennis Tarro and Yvonne Pinkerton of Gillespie.
Bailey Loveless and GHS Senior April Ewin are returning to the pageant after participating in last year’s pageant during which Sarah Heyen, then a junior, was named Miss Black Diamond Days 2010. The pageant winner will serve as the official hostess for Black Diamond Days, appearing in the parade on Sunday and participating in numerous other events during the weekend. Heyen, the outgoing Miss Black Diamond Days, will crown the new queen at the conclusion of the pageant.
During the pageant, three out-of-town judges will award points on the basis of a private interview, stage introduction, an appearance in evening gown, an appearance in swimsuit and the candidates’ on-stage response to a randomly selected question.
Though not a requirement, the new queen will be encouraged to represent Black Diamond Days in the Macoupin County Fair Queen pageant in July. “Julie Fischer and Kristen York (pageant directors) do an amazing job at the county level,” Levie said. “Whether they win or not in the Miss Black Diamond Days pageant, I encourage all my girls to go on to the county.”
Throughout the year, the new Miss Black Diamond Days will represent the City of Gillespie at other beauty pageants in the area, and at numerous area festivals and events. “She attends almost every local parade, whether it is Mount Olive, Dorchester or Carlinville,” Levie noted. Miss Black Diamond Days also is a presence for the Coal Country Chamber of Commerce”s Fall Festival, Tour de Coal and Snack with Santa. She also appears in the Gillespie High School Homecoming parade and makes an appearance during the coronation ceremonies for the Homecoming Queen and King.
Judges will choose a new queen, a first and second runner-up, and “most photogenic” designee. The candidates themselves will pick Miss Congeniality. A new feature of the pageant this year will be a People’s Choice award. Audience members can vote for their favorite candidates by depositing money in boxes designated for each of the candidates. The girl who has collected the most money will be named the People”s Choice award winner.
Money collected for the People”s Choice award will be split between the new queen and the People”s Choice winner. The new Miss Black Diamond Days, first runner-up, Miss Congeniality and Most Photogenic will each receive small cash awards. Levie is excited about the introduction of the first-ever Junior Miss Black Diamond Days pageant this year. Ten local girls, ranging in age from 12 to 14 will participate.
Junior Miss candidates are: Candace Conlee, daughter of Darlene Conlee of Benld; Kennedi Whitworth, daughter of Scott and Shelly Whitworth of Gillespie; Reese Marshall, daughter of Suzie and Joe Marshall of Benld; Kirsten Sherman, daughter of Leslie and Todd Sherman of Gillespie; Kaitlyn Henrichs, daughter of Eric and Gina Henrichs of Dorochester; Emily Harszy, daughter of Joe and Diana Harszy of Plainview; Erika Mabus, daughter of Richard and Annette Clark of Dorchester, and the late Chris Mabus of Carlinville; Samantha Vail, daughter of Barbara Kirkwood and John Vail of Wilsonville; Abigail Munos, daughter of Jason Boehmke and Amee Munos of Gillespie; and Baily Hendricks, daughter of Kent and Allison Hendricks of Gillespie.
Junior Miss candidates also will be judged on the basis of a personal interview and their response to a randomly selected question on stage. They also will appear in sportswear and in partywear.
For both groups of candidates, the pageant experience helps to instill a greater sense of self confidence, Levie noted.
“What I try to teach the girls in the eight weeks I”m working with them is how to walk, how to talk and how to project self confidence,” she said. “It’s a huge self esteem booster.”
When she first started working with the Junior Miss candidates, some of them were too shy to speak, she said. “I had some that wouldn’t smile; I had some that looked at the floor if you talked to them,” she said. “Now, they stand up with their heads held high. Their self-esteem has done a 180 degree turnaround.”
A major part of the experience for Junior Miss candidates is learning how to write a resume. For younger girls in sixth, seventh or eighth grade, the resume may include school activities, church activities and so on. Levie said she plans to keep those resumes on file so they will be available six years from now when some of the younger girls return to run for Miss Black Diamond Days. “I’ll be able to pull out their resume and say, “Look how far you’ve come”,” Levie commented.
For both Miss Black Diamond Days and Junior Miss candidates, the experience teaches “life skills they will use the rest of their lives,” Levie said. “We help them on how to prepare for a job interview,” she said. “We teach them to think on their feet, which is something you have to do the rest of your life.”
The pageant also will feature appearances by visiting queens from surrounding communities, and past Miss Black Diamond Days winners.
-Written and Contributed by David Ambrose
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FELONIES
Austin C. Drake, 30 of Girard, is charged with theft/unauthorized control (>$500<$10k) and bad checks/obtaining control of property in connection with a September 22 and an October 7 incident.
William C. Cooper, 41 of Gillespie, is charged with burglary in connection with a November 1 incident.
Joseph L. Schnurr, 63 of De Soto, Mo, is charged with aggravated fleeing in connection with a November 26 incident.
Derek J. Bultema, 40 of Gillespie, is charged with possession of methamphetamine in connection with a November 26 incident.
Brandon A. Martin, 26 of Wood River, is charged with aiding/abetting/possession/selling a stolen vehicle and aggravated fleeing in connection with a November 26 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Richard J. Williams, 44 of Staunton, is charged with criminal trespass to a vehicle in connection with a November 14 incident.
Ryne L. Manion, 41 of Mt. Olive, is charged with criminal trespass to a building in connection with a November 20 incident.
TRAFFIC
Terence L. Binion, 51 of University City, MO, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with a November 22 incident.
Andrew J. Goewey, 34 of Sawyerville, is charged with driving on a revoked license and driving 21-25 mph above the limit in connection with a November 22 incident.
Teresa J. Niewiadomski, 47 of Bethalto, is charged with driving on a suspended license, expired registration, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a November 19 incident.
Keona D. Roos, 22 of Freeburg, is charged with driving on a suspended license, improper use of registration/title, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and no valid registration in connection with a November 21 incident.
Zachary A. Johnston, 44 of Gillespie, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with a November 23 incident.
Alexis R. Spann, 32 of Auburn, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a November 19 incident.
Alicia N. Tamosaitis, 29 of Girard, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with a November 19 incident.
Justin A. Collins, 37 of Gillespie, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with a November 20 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Allan L. Petit versus Teresa M. Pettit
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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of West Wilson Street in reference to a domestic battery. Ashley A. Esmon, 39 of Staunton, was arrested for domestic battery.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Calcari Street in East Gillespie. Angel L. Bricker, 22 of East Alton, was cited for operating an uninsured vehicle and driving while registration was suspended.
An officer was dispatched to Spruce Street and Laura Street in reference to a noise complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Elm Street in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of East Elm Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Charles Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Elm Street. Zachary A. Johnston, 44 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for driving while license was revoked.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Chestnut Street in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 400 block of East Central in Benld in reference to suspicious activity.
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Cloud Street in reference to a domestic dispute. Steven O. Smith, 36 of Chicago, was arrested on a warrant out of Chicago on a weapons charge.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Abba Street in reference to theft and criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 300 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 300 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to criminal damage to property and criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Charles Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 900 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a 911 call.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of West Wilson Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of East Locust Street in Benld in reference to the removal of a subject.
An officer was dispatched to Circle Drive at Gillespie Lake in reference to an alarm sounding.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Penny Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to South 2nd Street in Benld in reference to unwanted solicitors.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2025
An Officer was dispatched to the 900 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Easton Street. Joseph L. Schnurr, 63 of Eagarville, was arrested for reckless driving, fleeing/eluding a peace officer, squealing tires, failing to obey a stop sign, improper use of registration, and operating an uninsured vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Chestnut Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of East Chestnut Street in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 300 block of South Illinois Street in Benld.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Elm Street in reference to a suicidal subject.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Broadway Street in reference to a fire alarm sounding.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Horizon Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Henry Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Cedar Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Francis Street in reference to a 911 call
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Henrietta Street in reference to an animal complaint.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Walnut Street in Benld in reference to a theft.
An officer was dispatched to the 900 block of North Hard Road in Mt. Clare in reference to disorderly conduct.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Central in Benld in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to a reckless driver.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Elm Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 900 block of North Hard Road in Mt. Clare in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Central Avenue in Benld in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 300 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer spoke with a male on Dorsey Road in Mt. Clare in reference to a vehicle that was parked on the lot for a few days.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2025
An officer was dispatched to West Central Street and North Trolley Street in Benld in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Lynn Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Broadway Street at Gillespie High School in reference to the fire alarm sounding.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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Ye Olde Christmas is the theme of the Macoupin County Historical Society’s annual Christmas Show, which will be held Friday through Sunday, December 5–7, at the John C. Anderson Home and Museum, 920 West Breckenridge in Carlinville.
“The Christmas Show is one of the most magical times to visit the Anderson Home,” said MCHS Board Member and House Manager Brandy England. “Some families make it an annual Christmas tradition to visit the Anderson Home when it is decorated for Christmas. It’s a great opportunity to get into the Christmas spirit and pick up some ideas for decorating your own home for the holidays.”
MCHS member Kendra Mize, of Bunker Hill, who has coordinated the decorating effort for more than two decades, has again marshalled a small army of volunteers to decorate all 13 rooms of the home. Each room features a themed Christmas tree, along with mantle pieces, centerpieces, tabletop decor, garlands and florals, and other special touches.
The home will be open for self-guided tours from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, December 5; from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, December 6; and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, December 7.
“We’re very excited to offer for the first time candlelight tours from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday,” said Shawna Ashby, who serves as a co-manager with England. “Viewing the decorated home by candlelight promises to be a magical experience.”
The final candlelight tours on Friday and Saturday start at 7:30 p.m. Admission to the home is five dollars for adults and one dollar for children ages five to 12, with four-year-olds and younger admitted free of charge.
The Anderson Home Gift Shop will be open during tour hours, offering one-of-a-kind gift items and stocking stuffers. Santa Claus will be on hand in the downstairs parlor to greet children and listen to their Christmas wishes from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, December 6.
While the decorated home is the centerpiece of the Christmas Show, several other features on the Historical Society’s grounds will be open. The Red Barn will be open and serving hearty beef stew, chili, homemade pies, and warming holiday beverages such as wassail and hot chocolate on Friday and Saturday.
The General Store and Print Shop will be decorated and open to the public, with the Print Shop offering its popular handmade Christmas cards and other items produced in the shop; kids can print their own blank “Santa List” to keep track of their Christmas wishes.
“The General Store offers unique gift items, including some small antiques, for shoppers to peruse,” England noted.
Local blacksmiths will demonstrate their craft in the MCHS Blacksmith Shop located on the north side of the Historical Society Grounds, with wrought iron gift items, including stocking hooks and decorative pieces, available for purchase.
The Macoupin County Historical Society’s Christmas Show runs concurrently with the Carlinville Christmas Market and Downtown Christmas events, and a free trolley and shuttle buses include the Anderson Home as a regular stop during the festivals, enabling visitors to ride from the square or the Macoupin County Fairgrounds to the Historical Society grounds.
