Community News
Nearly 100 LGBTQ+ activists challenge board chairman’s comments during county board meeting
Nearly 100 activists gathered Tuesday night at the Macoupin County Jail building prior to and during the monthly meeting of the County Board to condemn online comments made by Board Chairman Larry Schmidt, Gillespie. Three persons addressed the board during the meeting, directing their comments at Schmidt, who acknowledged his comments were inappropriate. About a dozen protesters were able to crowd into the boardroom while the remainder of the group was able to watch the proceedings via closed-circuit television outside the room.
The controversy was ignited when Schmidt posted a comment to a Facebook item posted by St. Louis television station KMOV regarding Anheuser-Busch’s decision to withdraw sponsorship of the annual St. Louis Pride Parade. “Now is a great time to do away with Pride. You can be queer, but you don’t need to march in the streets to show off your disability,” Schmidt posted. Several of those participating in the protest said the post was part of a pattern of bigotry on Schmidt’s part, saying they found more than 30 posts on Schmidt’s personal Facebook page that were hateful or insensitive toward the gay and trans community.
Protestors, many with signs supporting the gay and trans community, began to gather at the meeting venue an hour before the meeting. Schmidt arrived about 5:30 p.m. and walked through the gauntlet without engaging with protestors.
During the meeting, Chelsa Pruden, Staunton, who organized the protest, addressed the board and Schmidt, saying, “It’s not just disappointing, it’s dangerous,” when a board member “makes public statements that spread hate, fear, or misinformation.” She asked the board to “take a real, public stand. Not just with words but with action.”
“This isn’t about one post or one opinion,” said Pruden, who is married but identifies on the LGBTQ+ spectrum. “This is about an ongoing problem. When hateful rhetoric is coming from someone in public office, it doesn’t just stay online. It makes people feel unsafe. It tells queer kids that they don’t belong. It send a message to people like my daughter, who has gay grandparents, that their family isn’t welcome here. It tells people like me. . .that we need to stay quiet because speaking up makes us a target. But I’m not staying quiet anymore.”
Pruden reminded board members they were elected to represent “everyone in the county,” including “kids who are still figuring out who they are.” She asked the board to issue a “clear statement affirming your commitment to the safety, inclusion, and dignity of the LGBTQ+ community in Macoupin County.” Further, she asked the board to adopt a code of ethics updated to include expectations regarding hate speech in person and online. “Board members are held to a higher standard and should not be spreading bigotry on social media or anywhere else.”
“This isn’t just about politics,” Pruden asserted. “It’s about human decency. It’s about the kind of community we want Macoupin County to be.”
Activists in the board room applauded Pruden as she finished her statement. Her young daughter rushed to hug her at the back of the room.
Three current members of the board also expressed concerns about the controversy.
“As a Republican, I believe in the dignity and worth of every individual and in our inalienable right to free speech and expression,” said Holly Klausing, Staunton. “With that being said, recent comments made by the county board chairman regarding members of our community were inappropriate and do not reflect the values of respect and freedom of speech our county should uphold. County officials have a duty to serve all residents fairly and should refrain from making unnecessary, derogatory, and divisive statements on social media. Moving forward, I encourage all public officials to focus on promoting policies that benefit our entire community while maintaining a standard of professionalism, integrity, and respect.”
“I want the people of Macoupin County to know the comments made by the board chairman do not represent my views,” said John Blank, Gillespie, who represents the same County Board District as Schmidt. “I take great pride in making sure everyone feels respected, valued, and included.”
Board member Ryan Kilduff of Staunton criticized Schmidt’s comments and criticized the decision not to move the meeting to the Macoupin County Courthouse to accommodate the crowd. Kilduff said Schmidt’s decision to post his opinion on the social media page of a major television affiliate indicated Schmidt intentionally sought to make the public aware of his thoughts, feelings, and beliefs. “Chairman, you have to own that,” Kilduff said.
Kilduff said Schmidt’s future on the board is between him and his constituents who elected him. However, he said, if the board had an administrative rule that would allow him to do so, he would withdraw his vote to name Schmidt chairman.
“Not only did I find the comments to be wrong, the subsequent conduct regarding the behavior I found reprehensible,” Kilduff said. Kilduff alleged that Schmidt’s staw poll of all but three county board members regarding whether or not he should step down as chairman or resign from the board violated the state’s Open Meetings Act. “I am so thankful you left me off this thread,” Kilduff said. “This was a direct violation of the Open Meetings Act,” involving a quorum with both parties represented.
“Then, as we hear constituents want to be heard and protest the initial conduct. . .you pull a hat trick,” Kilduff said, reading from a prepared statement. “Instead of accommodating their constituents, as we have in the past, with the courthouse or other, larger venues, you decide it best to put them in a building around the corner with only a TV monitor.” Kilduff alleged Schmidt’s failure to relocate the meeting amounted to an effort to avoid a face-to-meeting with his critics.
“We have no place for a 30-year-old bigoted speech about sexuality,” Kilduff noted, “and we definitely don’t need more behavior that calls into question our transparency with the public.”
Residents Christy Lowder and Jordan Bartok joined Pruden in making statements to the board.
Lowder told Schmidt his comments emboldened others to post similar bigotry on social media.
“Shame on you,” Lowder said, noting his Pride post was shared 30 times. “The way you think is simply not good enough to represent this community. If this is your legacy, that’s sad for you, and it’s sad for kids in this county who don’t have a voice. I ask you to do better.”
Lowder suggested she plans to remain active until Schmidt is no longer in public office.
Schmidt said he had apologized and has withdrawn from social media. But Lowder said staying off social media does not mean he has changed his opinion and that Schmidt’s apology was a matter of “giving himself excuses for his behavior.” She suggested he should go to every school district in the county to apologize. “That’s courage,” she said.
Bartok told Schmidt he was “setting an example” that feeds hate and makes LGBTQ+ individuals, especially children, feel more vulnerable.
“I have a child now, so this is more important to me,” she said. “Having someone like you in power can affect my children.”
Prior to hearing from Pruden, Lowder, and Bartok, Schmidt offered a meandering, off-the-cuff statement. He said his comment was sparked by Aneheuser-Busch’s decision to no longer sponsor the St. Louis Pride parade. Viewing past coverage of Pride events, Schmidt said he saw drag queens and flamboyant behavior that he found offensive.
“What I said was totally inappropriate,” he said. “I apologize, and if I could take it back, I would. I’m not a hateful person. I respect everyone.”
“Clearly not!” one of the protestors shouted. County Clerk Pete Duncan admonished spectators that under Open Meetings Act rules, only persons given the floor were allowed to speak and asked them to remain silent.
Schmidt said he has three cousins in their 40s who are gay, as well as a gay 20-year-old niece to whom he is a godfather. He and his wife helped arrange for a gay friend to be baptized into his church, he said.
“I made a comment as a private person,” he said. “I try to make good decisions for the entire community on the board. I understand you are passionate about your cause and I respect that.”
Addressing concerns about how his opinion could affect board decisions, Schmidt said he represents only one vote out of 18 on the board. “I can’t steer things one way or another,” he said.
DERELICT PROPERTIES
The board heard briefly from resident Anne Johnston, Carlinville, who voiced concerns about derelict property in her neighborhood. She specifically cited areas on Northwest Street, Haig Street and at the intersection of North Broad and Loveless Streets. While the properties are Carlinville addresses, they are located outside the city limits and are subject to the county’s jurisdiction.
She asked that the county’s Public Health Department and Illinois EPA be enlisted to help clean up the properties, which she said are strewn with trash and junk, and infested with rats and other vermin. She said she and her husband own a rental house next door and have been unable to sell the property because surrounding properties have suppressed the value. One address was recently damaged by fire. The residents are now living in a camper with no running water and no connection to a sanitary sewer. Someone, she said, climbed a utility pole and plugged in an extension cord for power.
“One lady has pot-bellied pigs that go in and out,” she said.
Derelict vehicles and trash, she said, were allowed to accumulate before the fire. Children of parents living on the properties are allowed to roam the streets, knocking on doors looking for food, or getting into sheds and garages without permission. She said she was especially concerned for elderly neighbors who report being harrassed by the residents and children.
Johnston said county board representatives from her district are aware of the issues and have visited the neighborhood. She supplied photo documentation of the conditions for board members to review during the meeting.
LIQUOR LICENSE AMENDMENT
The board voted unanimously to adopt the Liquor Commission’s recommendation to amend the county’s liquor ordinance to allow the County Fair Board to have a year-round liquor license instead of requiring separate licensing for each of the events held at the fairgrounds where alcohol is served. The Fair Board requested the change because it will reduce their expense for dram shop insurance. Private caterers who cater events at the fairgrounds can still get their own licenses and insurance, in lieu of piggy-backing on the Fair Board’s license and insurance, with a maximum of 15 events per year.
In response to a question, State’s Attorney Jordan Garrison said the amendment would not increase the county’s liability.
BUDGET CONCERNS
As the board prepares to draft a new budget for fiscal 2026, County Clerk Duncan reported that revenue projects for the coming fiscal year are down by about $252,265—from $10,084,363 this year to $9,832,098 for fiscal 2026. Revenue for the current fiscal year (excluding property) taxes stands at $4,622,441, or about 58 percent of what the county expected to receive by the end of April. Meanwhile, sales tax revenue is lagging by about $52,000 from what the county anticipated by the end of April.
The board is expected to begin the budgeting process in the next few weeks, a process that will take the rest of the summer before final approval in September. Based on current projections, Duncan predicted the budget will be extremely tight.
“It probably isn’t going to be a pleasant summer,” he said, “but we will get through.”
PROPERTY SALE
The board unanimously voted to accept a bid of $121,000 from Calcari Properties for the sale of 40 acres of county-owned land located south of Carlinville. Since property taxes on the property were delinquent, Duncan said the county would have to reimburse all the taxing bodies involved for their share of the delinquent taxes, leaving $91,012.50 for the county’s General Fund.
While no final decision has been made, Duncan said there has been discussion about using the money to pay for the first-year salary for a yet-to-be hired Grant Writer/Adminsitrator, which will “hopefully help that money grow into more money.”
The Finance Committee is expected to conduct hearings on departmental budget requests next month.
U of I EXTENSION RESOLUTION
County board members voted unanimously to transfer $83,000 from the General Fund to the Macoupin County University of Illinois Extension Service as of July 1 to help fund Extension work for the next 12 months. Duncan said the board levied the amount on behalf of the Extension last December. The resolution is a formality to authorize the transfer of funds previously levied.
MFT RESOLUTION
By a unanimous vote, the board approved a resolution granting power to act to the board chairman and Road and Bridge Committee to award contracts to successful bidders for oil and patch materials for the county’s Motor Fuel Tax maintenance program. County Engineer Thomas Reinhardt said the bids were opened April 3, which did not leave enough time to present a formal resolution to the full board. The bids, however, “were lower than last year across the board,” Reinhardt said.
INTERNET SURVEY
Duncan reported that only 200 residents had completed an internet survey to collect information about internet availability and reliability in the county. The data will be used to apply for funding to develop better broadband access in the county. Duncan said he needs at least one percent of the county’s population to complete the survey, meaning at least 250 more surveys are needed. The deadline for completing the survey is April 11.
APPOINTMENTS
In other action, the board approved the appointment of Jerry Osmoe, Mt. Olive, to finish the unexpired term of Willard Scheller, Mt. Olive, on the Mt. Olive Fire Protection District board, and appointed John Earley, Girard, to a three-year term on the Girard Fire Protection District Board of Trustees.
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FELONIES
Rusty S. Menge, 54 of Hettick, is charged with reckless discharging of a firearm in connection with an April 12 incident.
Brandon L. Allen, 41 of Port Orange, FL, is charged with two counts of unlawful commercial use of game ($500+), two counts of outfitting service without a permit, hunting on others land without permission, five counts of obtain license/revoked in a another state, using license issued to another, and loan/transfer license in connection to an April 16 incident.
Michelle D. Heaton, 51 of East Alton, is charged with possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams) in connection with a December 14, 2025 incident.
Tanner L. Wolff, 24 of Litchfield, is charged with possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams) in connection with a December 13, 2025 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Larry E. Conlee, 42 of Mount Clare, is charged with resisting a peace officer/firefighter/corrections employee in connection with an April 11 incident.
Kenneth W. Bennett, 69 of Carlinville, is charged with violating an order of protection in connection with an April 14 incident.
Gregory A. Swift, 43 of Virden, is charged with heft of lost/mislaid property (<$500) in connection with an October 18, 2025 incident.
Brandon P. Bellm, 33 of Carlinville, is charged with battery/causing bodily harm in connection with a March 18 incident.
Joseph S. Augustine, 50 of Staunton, is charged with tossing/throwing a jackrock on property in connection with an April 14 incident.
TRAFFIC
Casey C. Trebing, 28 of Worden, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with an April 10 incident.
Ayman Y. Omar, 51 of Lake Saint Louis, MO, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit in connection with an April 12 incident.
John M. Steward, 29 of Springfield, is charged with speeding 35+ mph over the limit in connection with an April 12 incident.
Kylie T. Hunter, 29 of Springfield, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit in connection with an April 12 incident.
Diana C. Hardison, 60 of Bunker Hill, is charged with driving on a revoked license and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with an April 12 incident.
Jimmy Monroe, 75 of Carlinville, is charged with driving on a revoked license and improper traffic lane usage.
Richard A. Stuckey, 70 of Brighton, is charged with failure to notify of damage to an unattended vehicle in connection with an April 9 incident.
Camden G. Zumwalt, 18 of Staunton, is charged with speeding 35+ mph over the limit in connection with an April 14 incident.
Trinity A. Pruitt, 22 of Benld, is charged with unlawful possession of cannabis/driver and driving 1-10 mph above the limit.
Keith M. Steele, 27 of Auburn, is charged with speeding 35+ mph over the limit in connection with an April 11 incident.
Joshua D. Strode, 48 of Chatham, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with an April 10 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Marshall Emery versus Maurissa Emery
- Coltan Milton versus Chelsea Milton
- Micah Gotter versus Pamela Gotter
- Katie Ritter versus Thomas Ritter
- James A. Donaldson versus Cheryl A. Donaldson
MARRIAGE LICENSES
- Cristopher C. Miller and Yvonne M. Rendon, both of Carlinville.
- Earl W. Tiepelman and Maria J. Goth, both of Mount Olive
- Phillip L. Randazzo and Trisden M. Haggett, both of Gillespie.
- Christopher T. Bertolis and Jordan R. Ryan, both of Mount Olive.
- Robert A. Lee and Dawn M. Hilderbrand, both of Maryville.
- Jason T. Daube and Jamie M. Goble, both of Brighton.
- Gabriel E. Bliss and Grace A. Hobson, both of Virden.
- Matthew G. Weidner of Bunker Hill and Claire A. Wilton of Carlinville
- Michelle L. Dettwiler of Litchfield and Heather N. Geary of Vine Grove, Kentucky
- Hunter Gl. Niemann of Litchfield and Hannah M. Ward of Pawnee
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SUNDAY, APRIL 12, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Spruce Street in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Elm Street in reference to found property.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of South Street in Benld in reference to a noise complaint.
An officer was dispatched to Park Street and South Trolley Street in Benld in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to Fillmore Street and Burton Street in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Shelby Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Central in Benld in reference to a medical issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South 1st Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 2300 block of Staunton Road in Mt. Clare in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of 2nd Street in Benld in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of West Central in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of South Mt. Olive Road in Eagarville in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Walnut Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to Spruce Street and 5th Street in Benld in reference to a well-being check.
MONDAY, APRIL 13, 2026
The school resource officer was dispatched to the Gillespie High School Office in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was dispatched to the Gillespie High School in the 600 block of Broadway Street in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Litchfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to illegal dumping.
Douglas D. Davis, 59 of Benld, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for driving while license revoked.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Francis Street in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Central Avenue in Benld in reference to a battery.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of East Elm Street in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Kentucky Street and Central Avenue in Benld. A 16 year old male from Benld was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of North Francis Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to fraud in the 600 block of Gillespie Street.
TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2026
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Hard Road and Dorsey Road in Benld. Camden G. Zumwalt, 18 of Staunton, was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer was dispatched to the 1400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Charles Street in reference to harassment.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to illegal parking.
An officer was dispatched to Dorsey Street and Hard Road in Benld in reference to a well-being check.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to to harassment in the 300 block of East Maple Street.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Central Avenue in Benld in reference to a security check.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of North Main Street in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of West Pine Street in reference to a well-being check.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Park Street in Benld in reference to a well-being check.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Staunton Road and Henrietta Street. Lester W. Harvill, 56 of Benld, was arrested for improper lane usage and driving under the influence.
Catherine A. Brister, 50 of Staunton, was arrested on a Calhoun County warrant for failure to appear for violation of a court order.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to to harassment.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Harding Avenue in East Gillespie in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Stemmi Street in Wilsonville to assist the Macoupin County Sheriff Department.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to juvenile issue on Dorsey Road in Mt. Clare.
An officer spoke with an officer at Gillespie Police Department in reference to harassment on Fries Lane at Gillespie Lake.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Harding Avenue in East Gillespie in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Litchfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to illegal dumping
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of North 6th Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 2026
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with a female in reference to child abuse.
An officer was dispatched to the Gillespie Police Department to speak with a female in reference to a child custody issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of West Osie Street in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer was dispatched to Staunton Road and Illinois Avenue in East Gillespie in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Harding Avenue in East Gillespie in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of LJ Avenue in reference to a wellbeing check.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Maple Street and Jersey Street. Amy L. Vollintine, 31 of Sorento, was issued a citation for suspended registration.
An officer was dispatched to Benld City Garage in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer was dispatched to Walnut Street and Kentucky Street in Benld in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of East Central in Benld in reference to criminal trespass.
FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of East Chestnut Street in Benld in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Harding Avenue in East Gillespie in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Henrietta Street in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Harding Avenue in East Gillespie in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Berry Street in Mt. Clare in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of North 5th Street in Benld in reference to a civil issue.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Broadway Street and Oregon Street. Daniel L. Harpole, 31 of Brighton, was issued a citation for speeding.
The school resource officer was dispatched to Ben-Gil Elementary School in reference to an issue with a parent.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of East Elm Street with an Alderman in reference to an ordinance issue.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 600 block of West Osie Street.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Harding Avenue in East Gillespie in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was out at a business in the 400 block of East Central in Benld speaking with a male in reference to suspended registration.
SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 2026
John E. Wenzel, 74 of Mt. Clare, was issued citations for driving under the influence and leaving the scene of an accident in the 300 block of North Macoupin Street.
An officer assisted Macoupin County Sheriff Department at South 4th Street and East Spruce Street in Benld.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Hard Road in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of East Locust Street in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to Meadowlark Drive in Benld in reference to unwanted solicitors.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of North 5th Street in Benld in reference to neighborhood issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a security check.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Western Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South 5th Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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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.
