Community News
Rotary hears from State Rep. Wayne Rosenthal
“The State is broke”
The Area Rotary met in a regular meeting on Tuesday, January 24th at Toni’s Restaurant in Benld. Wayne Rosenthal, the 98th district representative for the State of Illinois, updated the Rotary on what is going on at the state level and answered all of the questions thrown at him by numerous Rotarians.
Rosenthal, who resides in Morrisonville, attempted to keep it short until questions exploded from the fifteen people in the audience. Getting elected just last year, republican Rosenthal has not spent much time in the general assembly.
To start the discussion, Wayne started on a soft note and explained to everyone that the state is broke. “I do not expect that to change any time soon,” Rosenthal started, “Last year our budget was pretty tight and this year we are still 4-8 billion dollars behind in paying our bills.” The State of Illinois expects another 4-6 billion dollars worth of bills and no more revenue, according to comptroller Topinka.
He went on to say that he expects the House to craft a budget on projected revenues as done for the 2011 year. “If we would have been doing that the last 10 years, we would not be in this mess we are currently in,” Rosenthal said as he chuckled.
Pensions could be brought up again, according to Rosenthal, because the plan is to make the pensions sustainable in the future for all state workers, teachers, and everyone else concerned. “We need to make sure they are there, but figure out how we are going to fund them,” Wayne explained, “It is an ongoing battle.” He went on to say he anticipates changes with the teachers union and he believes the teachers should represent themselves in the argument because “it isn’t right for legislatures to dictate how it is going to be without proper representation from the IEA and IFT.”
Wayne explained further of why there is no money in the pension fund. New legislation is introduced and, regardless of what it is, it is hard to vote against it and say it is not true when the facts are there and it is true. Legislators don’t think about paying for it before hand and just assume the general fund will cover these programs whether it be for the elderly or the veterans. Then, at the end of the year, the general fund is out of money. “Now what?” Wayne questioned, “They borrow from the pension funds and after they consistently did that, the pension fund is broke. Now, those guys are gone and the problem lies with us.”
After being questioned how to stop the Chicago influence, Wayne answered the best way would be to continue have people from downstate represented. Speaker Madigan has majority of the control, Rosenthal explained, and Madigan basically controls the agenda. During the last session, Wayne explained he was sitting in the back of the chambers and was wondering why the talk of paying bills was never brought up. The reason why the bills weren’t brought up was because the meeting is speaker driven and the only discussion items are from Madigan.
“The State of Illinois is controlled by only two or three individuals,” Rosenthal established, “They are President Cullerton, Speaker Madigan, and the governor.” Those three just control the whole thing and Wayne has no clue how the state will get out of it.
“So we will continue to be the second most corrupt State in the U.S.,” questioned an individual from the audience. “I mean, yes. I don’t know what we can do to get out of it,” Wayne responded hesitatingly, “Everyone heard we got downgraded on our bond rating again. One of the things discussed in Springfield is: as long as we can borrow money, we aren’t broke.” Rosenthal went on to say this shocked him, but explained that is how it is viewed up there.
Rosenthal went on to say that Illinois has the worst bond rating out of all the states. “We are down to almost nothing,” he explained, “And back to the old picture, their feeling is if we can sell bonds – we are not broke. They just don’t get it.”
He then went on to explain that Illinois lies in heart of the United States and has great resources to our advantage. “We just need to get the government out of our way and start taking advantage of the resources we are bless with. Then we can create jobs and put people back to work!”
Another problem Rosenthal explained about the government is there is a big line separating how we grew up and the folks in Chicago grew up. “We look around and prefer to take care of ourself without the government. We would survive very well and be very efficient while they [leaders from Chicago] look around and see big buildings while living in the rat race. They see the corporations and want them to pay for everything, but they don’t realize that the people are different when they come down here.”
The biggest disconnection Rosenthal sees is: the State thinks if the rates are raised it equates to more revenue. He went on to explain that it is not always the case and is not necessarily true. If we gain money, we lose jobs because people exit the state. “Until we can create a better business environment and attract businesses, we will not gain the revenue to pay for the programs we want and desire,” Wayne pushed, “We cannot make enough cuts right now.” The state would not have enough money even if the people were taxed to death, according to Wayne.
The problem is a trickle down thing that affects counties and municipalities. “Every place you go, water systems are in need of repair or sewer systems are in need of repair,” Rosenthal explained. The state does not have any money to help the villages or cities repair these problems because “we are essentially broke.”
Rosenthal went on to explain that the governor, Pat Quinn, cut 9% on each departments budgets. The question now stuck with Rosenthal is what do you do now? “One of things I have done and the first piece of legislation that was passed was the baths salts last year,” Rosenthal stated, “And we have found that the synthetic drugs are just changed a tiny bit and pushed back on the market.” Rosenthal said he has talked to Larry Pfeiffer, who is the ROE for the 98th district, and Wayne is going to continue to pass legislation to ban synthetic drugs.
In the spring session, he expects concealed carry to be brought up again. That State Sportsman Caucus told NRA if the lawsuit does not get settled in Chicago, the State will pass some type of legislation that will exempt Cook County or the City of Chicago and “[I] would be pretty optimistic that we would pass concealed carry that way.”
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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.
