Community News
Public Hearing Summary – Tuesday, April 19th
Despite Tuesday night’s threatening weather, a total of 15 people, several of whom are current County Board members attended the first of three public hearings conducted by County Board Chairman Andy Manar at the Macoupin Economic Development Partners Office, Staunton, on the process of redrawing County Board districts.
Districts are redrawn every 10 years after results of the most recent U.S. Census are released. In a meeting that lasted less than an hour, Manar reviewed the state statutes governing the redrawing of county board districts, reviewed the newest census data and discuss the effect of an advisory referendum held in 2008 on the question of reducing the size of the County Board. That measure was overwhelmingly approved by a vote of 12,693 to 7,907.
The measure failed in only four of the county’s 66 precincts, three in Virden and one in Girard. Manar said he supports trimming the board down from its current membership of 27. Three members currently serve from each of the board’s nine districts.
One option for reducing the size of the board would be to reduce representation from three to two, for a total membership of 18.
Deanna Taylor of Staunton, one of those attending the hearing, asked if it would be possible to limit membership to just one member per district.
By statute, the board has the authority to determine the number of members serving on the board. While its possible the size of the board could be reduced to just nine members, Manar said most county’s the size of Macoupin have larger county boards. The 2010 Census puts the county’s population at 47,765, down from 49,019 ten years earlier. If the population were to be evenly distributed among the board’s nine districts, each district would have 5,307 people. Current board districts range in population from 4,992 to 5,795. The closest to the ideal is District 8, which includes Carlinville, with 5,307.
In as much as possible, the statute directs the board to create districts that incorporate entire precincts. In some areas, especially highly populated districts, that is nearly impossible, Manar said. The addition or elimination of a single precinct could skew the population by as much as 1,000 people.
The largest of the county board’s districts is District 6, which encompasses the largely rural northwest side of the county and stretches from the north county line south to past Medora, covering more than half the county’s geographic area. District 1 is the smallest, covering the heavily populated Staunton area.
Manar said he hopes to introduce a resolution to the County Board before June calling for a reduction in the size of the board. By state law, the board has until July to pass a resolution establishing the size of the board; if the board fails to meet that deadline, the issue would go to a “commission” comprised of various county officials. Though unlikely, it is conceivable the districts could be left “as is” because of the marginal variation in population among them.
Manar said the board is not required to hold public hearings on the reapportionment process. “I thought it was a good idea to do this,” he said. “Especially since the referendum in 2008, I thought it was important for us to hear peoples’ thoughts.”
He said one person attending the hearing asked why the 2008 referendum was advisory and not binding. Manar said there is no provision in state law for the County Board to have a binding referendum on the issue of board size. “Otherwise, we would have had a binding referendum,” he said.
Tuesday night’s hearing was the first of three scheduled over the next few weeks in Macoupin County. Upcoming meetings are set for 6 p.m., Monday, April 25, at the Palmyra Village Hall, 114 East State Street, Palmyra; and 6 p.m., Thursday, May 12, in the Macoupin County Board conference room on the second floor of the Macoupin County Jail, 215 S. East Street, Carlinville.
Written by David Ambrose
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SUNDAY, MAY 4, 2025
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Henrietta and Staunton Road. Asa M. Proctor, 46 of Gillespie, was arrested for driving while license revoked.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Illinois Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of North Main Street in Benld in reference to harassment through electronic communication.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to a dog at large. Nathan S. Thornhill, 38 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for dog at large.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Walnut Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
Edgar Olivero, 22 of Gillespie, was arrested on a warrant out of Granite City for failure to appear on illegal possession of ammunition.
Kyle J. Lancaster, 34 of Gillespie, was arrested on a Montgomery County warrant for failure to appear for possession of methamphetamine. He was also given citations for possession of a firearm with a revoked FOID and for possession of ammunition with a revoked FOID.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of South 6th Street in Benld in reference to theft.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Westwood Street in East Gillespie in reference to a medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 8th Street in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 200 block of North Lincoln in Eagarville.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Pine Tree Lane in Eagarville in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Street in Benld in reference to a medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Wilson Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
MONDAY, MAY 5, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Green Street in reference to theft.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South Street in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 1100 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
The school resource officer was called to the Gillespie Middle School in reference to a theft.
An officer was dispatched to the Gillespie Police Department to speak with a female in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 500 block of Broadway Street in reference to a battery.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Pine Street and Macoupin Street. Brian L. Musgrove, 48 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for expired registration.
An officer was dispatched to Western Avenue in reference to suspicious circumstances.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Cloud Street in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South 5th Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
TUESDAY, MAY 6, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Illinois Street in Benld in reference to a battery and criminal damage to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 1000 block of Chestnut Street in Benld in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 1000 block of Chestnut Street in Benld in reference to a stolen vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to the Gillespie Police Department in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to the Gillespie Police Department in reference to juvenile issues at Gillespie High School.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Park Street in Benld in reference to a noise complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of South 6th Street in Benld in reference to theft.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to illegal parking.
An officer was dispatched to Circle Drive at Gillespie Lake in reference to a 911 call.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 7, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Harding Avenue in East Gillespie in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of South 7th Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Park Avenue in Benld in reference to disorderly contact.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 200 block of Southern Street in reference to a stolen vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of West Oak Street in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of West Baker Street in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to child custody issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Green Street in reference to a civil standby.
An officer was dispatched to the Gillespie High School in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer spoke to a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to neighborhood trouble in the 100 block of Green Street.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Oak Street in Benld in reference to a medical assist.
THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Berry Street in Mt. Clare in reference to theft.
An officer was dispatched to Frey Lane at Gillespie Lake in reference to suspicious circumstances.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Osie Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Dona Road in Eagarville in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Jersey in reference to a medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Walnut Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 200 block of North Illinois Street in Benld.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to criminal damage to property in the 300 block of Dona Road in Eagarville.
FRIDAY, MAY 9, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Charles Street in reference to a missing child.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Henry Street in East Gillespie in reference to a golf cart on fire.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to a juvenile issue. A 12-year-old male from Gillespie was issued a citation for disorderly conduct.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to criminal damage to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Illinois Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of West Central Avenue in Benld in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Gillespie Street in reference to a noise complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the Gillespie High School in reference to illegal parking.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Walnut Street in Benld in reference to neighborhood trouble.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Henrietta Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer responded with the school resource officer to a medical call at the Gillespie High School track.
SATURDAY, MAY 10, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Henrietta Street in reference to a theft.
An officer was out with a suspicious person on East Maple Street.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Rose Street in Benld in reference to a security check.
An officer was dispatched to West Walnut Street and Kentucky Street in Benld in reference to a suspicious noise.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of North 6th Street in Benld in reference to a dog bite.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Cloud Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to 4th Street and Oak Street in Benld in reference to theft and possession of stolen property.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to criminal trespass and criminal damage to property on Fries Lane at Gillespie Lake.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Hickory Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 6th Street in Benld in reference to disorderly conduct.
An officer initiated a traffic stop in the 7500 block of Staunton Road in Mt. Clare. Kyrstyn J. Kordish, 33 of Gillespie, was arrested for driving while license was suspended.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Avenue and 2nd Street in Benld. Brennden D. Cobine, 21 of Gillespie, was issued citations for possession of paraphernalia and possession of alcoholic liquor.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of East Chestnut Street in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of West Charles Street in reference to a medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Park Avenue in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Central in Benld in reference to an ordinance issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Henrietta Street in reference to a theft.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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Appointments are encouraged to ensure a smooth donation process, but walk-ins are also welcome. To save time on the day of the drive, donors are encouraged to complete RapidPass online on the day of the event.
The American Red Cross invites community members to participate, share, and help spread the word about this vital event. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit RedCrossBlood.org.
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SUNDAY, APRIL 27, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 8th Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespass to property, criminal trespass to residence, and theft.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 8th Street in Benld in reference to an assault.
Anita S. Northcutt, 49 of Gillespie, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for unlawful use of possession of weapons by a felon.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Green Street in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 100 block of South Main Street in Benld.
An officer was dispatched to Hard Road in Benld in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to an animal complaint.
MONDAY, APRIL 28, 2025
An officer initiated a traffic stop at East Elm and Springfield Road in East Gillespie. Nathaniel D. Ward, 33 of Sawyerville, was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and illegal transportation of alcohol.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South 5th Street in Benld in reference to a domestic battery. Cody A. Barksdale, 28 of Benld, was arrested for domestic battery.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South Illinois Street in Benld in reference to a violation of an order of protection.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of South Second Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
TUESDAY, APRIL 29, 2025
William T. Overturf, 38 of Benld, was arrested on a warrant out of Macoupin County for failure to appear for criminal trespass to a vehicle.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to harassment through electronic communication.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of North Main Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Henrietta Street in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
An officer was asked to check out a suspicious vehicle that was parked in the 200 block of North Hard Road in Mt. Clare.
An officer was dispatched to Spruce Street and Second Street in reference to vehicles blocking the intersection.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Park Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Dorsey Road in Mt. Clare in reference to neighborhood trouble.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Park Avenue in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Park Street in Benld in reference to a medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Baker Street in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Litchfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to an alarm call.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30, 2025
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 200 block of Southern Street in reference to a medical assist.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a violation of an order of protection.
Robert M. Keffer, 37 of Benld, was arrested on an Edwardsville warrant for driving while license was suspended.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Main Street in Benld in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Green Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Park Avenue in reference to a neighbor dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Broadway Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue on South 5th Street in Benld.
THURSDAY, MAY 1, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 8th Street in Benld in reference to a dog at large. Ryan K. Horn, 42 of Benld, was issued a citation for dog at large.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 8th Street in Benld in reference to criminal damage to property.
An officer spoke with a male subject at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block to speak with a male in reference to a report of reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Dorsey Road in Mt. Clare in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Broadway Street and Kelly Street. Caleb D. Fraley, 19 of Jerseyville, was issued a citation for operating an uninsured vehicle.
FRIDAY, MAY 2, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of North Main Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Cedar Street in reference to a medical 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to East Locust and North 4th Street in reference to suspicious circumstances.
An officer was dispatched to Mt. Clare Drive in Mt. Clare in reference to a suicidal subject.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Richard Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to Dorsey Road in Mt. Clare in reference to an alarm sounding.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Park Street in Benld in reference to a medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to Benld City Park in Benld in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North 6th Street in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to neighborhood trouble.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to criminal trespass in the 200 block of West Walnut Street.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 8th Street in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Central Avenue in Benld in reference to suspicious circumstances.
SATURDAY, MAY 3, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 900 block of First Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Oak Street in Benld in reference to a suicidal subject.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Shelby Street in reference to a medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie City Cemetery in reference to a suicidal subject.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Walnut Street in Benld in reference to a domestic battery. Cynthia E. Randle, 64 of Benld, was arrested for domestic battery.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Chestnut Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Madison Street in reference to a suspicious noise.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Montgomery Street in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Walnut Street in Benld in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Berry Street in Mt. Clare in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Green Street in reference to a neighborhood trouble.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of North Main Street in Benld in reference to a civil standby.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Francis Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Walnut Street in Benld in reference to a fight. Kelly M. Lyons, 36 of Benld, was arrested for battery.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
