Team Joey discusses their answers before anything is wrote down. Joey, far right, talks with friends Tre’ and Aidan before writing an answer down.
Organizers were extremely satisfied with the turnout for the first annual trivia night to support the J.O.E.Y. Foundation. With over 150 participants, and another dozen family members and friends helping, the event raised just over $4,500 on Saturday, November 17.
The “Big Daddy’s” won the night with a score of 75. The team consisted of Frank and Shelley Barrett, Bryan and Valerie Jubelt, Brandon Beardon and Vanessa Barrett, and Mike Bellovich and Nicki Barrett. They, along with the 2nd and 3rd place teams (the Geek Squad and the Athenians) and the 50/50 winner (Deb Tiller) were all gracious enough to donate their winnings back to the J.O.E.Y. Foundation.
“We live in a great community that has really come together in support of Joey,” Lanny Ribes said. Many have expressed their gratitude in having the opportunity to take a few steps in Joey’s shoes as well as learn a bit about Spina Bifida along the way. Joey loves to help others, Ribes told us, so the foundation also wanted to help families affected by Spina Bifida by providing information regarding doctors who specialize in the disorder, information on research, and support groups so that these families might interact with others who face their same daily challenges. They are currently working on adding this medical and support information to their website, www.joeyfoundation.com.
The J.O.E.Y. (Jumping Obstacles, Enjoying Youth) Foundation was formed just two months ago, in September of 2012. Lanny and Dena Ribes started the organization for several reasons. “Obviously, first and foremost was to help with Joey Bertetto’s mounting medical bills,” Lanny told us. But along with that, they really wanted to raise awareness for all forms of Spina Bifida at a local level. Joey Bertetto was born with Spina Bifida.
According to Joey in his opening speech, “It is a birth defect that affects your spinal cord and nerves.” Joey explained his left leg doesn’t function the way it is supposed to and his bowel and bladder do not work so great. “So if I pee myself up here, it may not be because I’m nervous,” he laughed.
Lanny Ribes, president of the organization, explained the foundation knows there are national organizations dealing with the disorder. “But,” he added, “You really don’t see the full affects it can have on a family unless you get a glimpse firsthand.” Joey explained that his condition doesn’t allow him to do all the things he would like to, like playing football, baseball, and running. “I bet if I could run, I could run really fast,” he explained. Joey enjoys reading, playing 4 Square, fishing, camping, playing my trumpet and being active in the Cub Scouts.
The foundation currently does not have their next event scheduled, but they have several plans in the works. Current ideas being discussed include a kickball tournament and a children’s trivia night. “Unfortunately we did not get up and running quite soon enough to have an event in October,” Ribes explained. October is Spina Bifida awareness month. In October of 2013, the foundation is planning to throw a masquerade ball for kids and adults shortly before Halloween. One of their goals is to have events that children can attend and participate in, since many of Joey’s young friends have shown to be such strong supporters.
The proceeds from the event are set to be dispersed accordingly by the foundation at their board meeting this week. Ribes did tell us the vast majority of the proceeds will go to Joey Bertetto and his family in order to assist with Joey’s medical bills. A small portion will go back into the J.O.E.Y. Foundation in order to expand their merchandise lines for future fundraising efforts. “We are looking into long sleeve JOEY shirts/hoodies, automobile decals, and plush kangaroos with JOEY tee shirts,” Ribes added. Once the board is able to get together this week and make it official, they will make an announcement on their website and Facebook page.
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Members of the community can donate money to the foundation by mailing it to J.O.E.Y. Foundation, 5 Saracco Drive, Benld, IL 62009. “All donations are greatly appreciated,” Ribes closed.
Cases filed during March 9 through March 15. Visit the “Court News” category under the “Community News” tab for other editions.
FELONIES
Bradley W. Crane, 47 of Brighton, is charged with aiding/abetting/possession of a stolen vehicle in connection with a December 28, 2024 incident.
Donavon M. Holmes, 24 of Benld, is charged with felon in possession of a weapon in connection with a March 11 incident.
Natosha L. Michaelis, 39 of Carlinville, is charged with two counts of forgery/making/altering a document in connection with a February 10 incident.
Bradley S. Watters, 36 of Carlinville, is charged with aggravated battery in a public place in connection with a March 12 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Anita S. Grizzle, 49 of Gillespie, is charged with unlawful possession of a knife in connection with a March 9 incident.
Tonya L. Pfeiler, 43 of Carlinville, is charged with theft control/intent (<$500) in connection with a March 1 incident.
Timothy A. Dugger, 23 of Palmyra, is charged with criminal trespass to land in connection with a January 29 incident.
Dalton W. Branham, 27 of Springfield, is charged with criminal trespass to land in connection with a January 23 and January 29 incident.
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Crystal A. Holland, 50 of Carlinville, is charged with disorderly conduct in connection with a January 18 incident.
Bruce A. Day, 59 of Carlinville, is charged with criminal trespass to a building in connection with a February 13 incident.
Mark B. Bersch, 68 of Carlinville, is charged with criminal trespass to a building in connection with February 4 incident.
Robert D. Lindsey, 36 of Carlinville, is charged with criminal damage to property (<$500) in connection with a March 3 incident.
Thomas W. Gray, 35 of Carlinville, is charged with disorderly conduct in connection with a February 26 incident.
Ronnie E. Reyes, 40 of Carlinville, is charged with criminal trespass to land in connection with a March 13 incident.
TRAFFIC
Bethany E. Robinson, 27 of Carlinville, is charged with drivers license expired more than a year, passing a school bus while loading/unloading, and improper traffic lane usage in connection with a February 27 incident.
Timothy R. Galston, 46 of Harvey, is charged with driving on a revoked license and driving 11-14 mph above the limit in connection with a March 2 incident.
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Hector R. Herrera Pena, 39 of Guadalupe, NL, is charged with CDL not obtained in connection with a March 4 incident.
Stephen L. Barrick, 50 of Virden, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a March 2 incident.
Kyle L. Stiltz, 32 of Virden, is charged with leaving the scene of an accident, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and no valid registration in connection with a February 28 incident.
Bunker Hill – Zion Lutheran Church in Bunker Hill is excited to announce a rummage sale taking place on Thursday, March 20, Friday, March 21, and Saturday, March 22. The sale will be held at the church located at 609 East Warren Street in Bunker Hill. All proceeds from the sale will be donated to Illinois Valley Meals on Wheels in Macoupin County, a vital program that prepares and delivers over 1,500 meals daily to those in need across three counties.
Donations for the rummage sale are warmly welcomed and can be dropped off at the church’s north entrance starting Monday, March 17. Items of all kinds are appreciated, and your contributions will directly support the dedicated efforts of volunteers who ensure that nutritious meals reach our community members.
The sale will run from 4 to 8 PM on Thursday and then 8 AM to 4 PM on Friday and Saturday, making it convenient for everyone to stop by and find great deals while supporting a crucial service in our area.
For more information about the rummage sale or how to donate, please contact Jane Baker at 618-973-2666.
Cases filed during March 2 through March 8. Visit the “Court News” category under the “Community News” tab for other editions.
FELONIES
Bryer D. Greff, 30 of Virden, is charged with retail theft (<$300) with a previous conviction in connection to a March 1 incident.
Michael J. Weaver, 34 of Carlinville, is charged with methamphetamine delivery (400<900 grams), possession of methamphetamine (400<900 grams), and felon in possession of a weapon in connection with a March 3 incident.
Patrick D. Greer, 39 of Mount Olive, is charged with burglary and theft/unauthorized control (>500<10k) in connection with a January 23 and March 3 incident .
Brian H. Duff, 50 of Alton, is charged with theft/unauthorized control (>500<10k) in connection with a January 30 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Allison S. Cisco, 18 of Carlinville, is charged with battery/causing bodily harm in connection with a March 1 incident.
Andrew C. London, 19 of Wilsonville, is charged with retail theft (<$300) in connection with a March 5 incident.
Shelby L. Veach, 23 of Staunton, is charged with resisting a peace officer/firefighter/corrections employee and criminal damage to property in connection with a December 16 and December 21 incident.
Robert J. Zumwalt, 43 of Livingston, is charged with resisting a peace officer/firefighter/corrections employee in connection with a December 21 incident.
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TRAFFIC
Andrew J. McDaniel, 56 of Littleton, CO, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit in connection with a February 23 incident.
Connor E. O’Brien, 25 of Riverside, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit in connection with a February 24 incident.
Anthony M. Reed, 29 of Fayette, MS, is charged with driving on a suspended license and driving 15-20 mph above the limit in connection with a February 22 incident.
Patrick M. Nejmanowski, 58 of Carlinville, is charged with driving on a revoked license and driving 21-25 mph above the limit in connection with a February 25 incident.
Michael A. Coates, 49 of Staunton, is charged with driving on a revoked license and operating a motor vehicle with suspended registration in connection with a February 16 incident.
Carl R. Albracht, 50 of Palmyra, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration in connection with a February 25 incident.
Jessica M. Jenkins, 40 of Gillespie, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration in connection with a February 24 incident.
Jason L. Peter, 48 of Carlinville, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration in connection with a February 22 incident.
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Matthew D. Knick, 21 of Mount Olive, is charged with driving on suspended license in connection with a February 27 incident.
Julia A. Schall, 68 of Shipman, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with a February 27 incdient.
Amy N. Gomer, 39 of Shipman, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a March 4 incident.
Dalton C. Bunyard, 32 of Wood River, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit in connection with a February 28 incident.
Edward Tumpach III, 33 of Hillsboro, is charged with reckless driving, improper traffic lane usage, and disregarding a traffic control device in connection with a March 5 incident.