Community News
Skinner falls to Ashby as Republicans capture a second county office
With a commanding two-to-one tally, Republican Amy J. Ashby became the second Republican to capture a county executive office in Macoupin County in General Election balloting Tuesday.
Ashby, a resident of Carlinville, defeated Democrat Dana Carr Skinner, Gillespie, to succeed Democrat Lee Ross, also of Gillespie, as Macoupin County Circuit Clerk––an office held by Democrats since 1948 when Democrat Philip Brown defeated Republican incumbent Elery Hardin.
Republican L. Amber McGartland defeated appointed incumbent in 2022, becoming the first Republican County Treasurer since A.C. “Junie” Bartulis, Benld, held the office from 1966 to 1970.
Unofficial results with all precincts reporting, Ashby captured 14,892 votes (65.44 percent) to Skinner’s 7,863 votes (34.56 percent). Ashby took commanding leads in 43 of the county’s 45 precincts. Skinner tallied 294 votes to Ashby’s 274 in Gillespie 1. In Gillespie 2, the candidates tied with 372 votes each.
A total of 22,755 votes were cast in the Circuit Clerk’s race. Countywide, 23,574 of the county’s 31,516 registered voters cast ballots for a voter turnout of 74.8 percent, meaning more than 800 voters did not express a preference in the Circuit Clerk’s race.
Ashby, a native of Palmyra and graduate of Northwestern High School, touted her legal experience in her bid for the Circuit Clerk’s office. A resident of Carlinville for the past 25 years, Ashby told voters she had 30 years of experience working for various law firms in Macoupin and Sangamon counties. She earned an associates degree in 1994 from Robert Morris University in Springfield.
Skinner holds a paralegal degree and has 25 years of legal experience with 15 of those years directly in the courtroom.
The Circuit Clerk is responsible for establishing, maintaining and keeping all records of the court, as well as several administrative, financial and public services.
DISTRICT 13 CONGRESSIONAL RACE
As of 10:30 p.m., Tuesday night, incumbent Democrat Congressional member Nikki Budzinski, Champaign, was locked in a remarkably tight race for a second term against Republican challenger Joshua Loyd of Virden. Budzinski held a lead with 57.6 percent to Loyd’s 42.4 percent in the 13th Congressional District, which includes Champaign, Springfield, much of Decatur, Metro East St. Louis and Macoupin County. Associated Press and NBC projected Budzinski as the winner.
Macoupin voters heavily favored Loyd with 14,309 votes (62.65 percent) to Budzinski’s 8,532 votes (37.35 percent).
Budzinki is seeking a second term after being elected two years ago. Loyd is a West Point graduate and transplant to Central Illinois where he was a precinct committee person in Southern Illinois but has never held an elective office.
PRESIDENTIAL RACE
In the presidential race between Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Kamala Harris, Macoupin voters again heavily favored Trump. Macoupin voters cast 16,023 ballots (68.67 percent) for Trump, compared with 6,867 votes (29.43 percent) for Harris.
Moreover, Tuesday night’s results demonstrated no softening of support for Trump in Macoupin County. In 2016, with a voter turnout of 71.55 percent, county voters favored Trump over Hilary Clinton 64.46 percent to 30.11 percent. In 2020, when Joe Biden captured the Presidency, Macoupin voters favored Trump 67.24 percent to 30.66 percent.
Nationally, Associated Press declared Donald Trump as the 47th president of the U.S. around 4:30 a.m. Wednesday with Maine, Michigan, Nevada, Arizona, and Alaska not called.
STAUNTON BOND ISSUE
Voters in the Staunton School District decisively authorized the Board of Education to issue $26.1 million in bonds to finance construction of a new school. A total of 1,674 votes (56.53 percent) were cast in favor of the measure, compared with 1,287 votes (43.47 percent) opposed.
Voters in all six precincts included in the district favored the bond issue.
NONBINDING QUESTIONS
Macoupin voters favored all three non-binding statewide questions on the ballot, reflecting results from throughout the rest of the state.
A total of 12,114 voters (53.84 percent) favored a measure to impose a three percent tax on incomes in excess of $1 million with the revenue generated earmarked for property tax relief. A total of 10,388 (46.16 percent) voted against the measure.
A mesure to impose civil penalties against any candidate who interferes with the official duties of election officials was favored by 19,746 voters (87.78 percent), while 2,749 voters (12.22 percent) opposed the measure.
A measure to enact a law requiring all insurance plans that provide pregnancy benefits to also cover assisted reproductive treatments such as in vitro fertilization was favored by 14,185 Macoupin voters (63.71 percent), compared with 8,079 (36.29 percent) opposed.
UNOPPOSED RACES
Incumbent State’s Attorney Jordan Garrison and incumbent Coroner Anthony Kravanya, both Democrats, were returned to office with 16,371 votes and 17,724 votes, respectively. Both totals suggest that upward of 4,000 voters withheld their votes when provided with no choice on the ballot.
Likewise incumbent County Board members were returned to office as follows: Jon C. Payne (R) and Gordon Heuer (R) in District 2, Ross Adden (R) and Mark Dragovich (D) in District 4, and Todd Armour (R) and Molly Rosentreter (R) in District 9. Republican John Trevino was elected to a two-year unexpired term in District 3, also without opposition.
Republican Thomas Denny was elected without opposition as resident Seventh Judicial Circuit Judge, replacing retiring Circuit Judge Kenneth Deihl, a Democrat.
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Mt. Olive, IL — The vibrant community of Mt. Olive is proud to host the 4th Annual International Mother Jones Festival on Sunday, May 4th, celebrating the life and legacy of the legendary labor leader and activist, Mother Jones. The festival runs from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and will feature a variety of live music, engaging programs, and historic tours, culminating in a special tribute at Union Miners’ Cemetery, where Mother Jones is laid to rest.
Highlights of the Festival Include:
- Live Music: Enjoy performances by Casting Runes, Wildflower Conspiracy, and Piasa Canyon.
- Family Activities: Kids and the young at heart can participate in a magic and medicine show by Dr. Longhair, as well as a hands-on shoe-making activity inspired by Mother Jones’ famous footwear used in her miners’ strikes.
- Historical Reenactments: Loretta Williams, the only actress to portray Mother Jones in both her native Ireland (City Cork) and at her final resting place, will perform a special program at the library, bringing Jones’ story to life for audiences of all ages.
Special Events & Tours:
- A shuttle bus will be available to transport visitors between downtown and Union Miners’ Cemetery.
- Guided tours will be offered by docents at the cemetery and the Friends of Mother Jones Museum, providing insight into her life and enduring impact.
Food & Refreshments:
Kazoo Coffee will serve their signature Hell Raiser blend—created in honor of Mother Jones—along with B&K Bakery cookies, as well as a variety of food and beverages to keep festival-goers energized.
In Case of Weather Changes:
All downtown activities will relocate indoors to City Hall and the library, ensuring the celebration continues rain or shine.
Come celebrate the spirit of activism, history, and community at this meaningful event honoring one of America’s most influential labor leaders. Everyone is welcome to join the festivities!
For more information, contact the Mother Jones Museum at 618-659-8759 or email friendsofmotherjonesmuseum@gmail.com.
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The Friends of the Library are excited to invite the community to an exclusive “Snap-On Jewelry” demonstration hosted by jewelry artist Jodi Flack. The event will take place on Monday, May 5th, at 6 p.m. in the Gillespie Public Library.
During this engaging program, Jodi will showcase her beautiful collection of snap-on jewelry, featuring versatile necklaces and bracelets with interchangeable pendants. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore the various styles and options available, making it a perfect occasion to find a special gift or add a unique piece to their jewelry collection.
Jewelry will be available for purchase at the event, making it an ideal opportunity to find a thoughtful Mother’s Day gift or a special treat for yourself.
Don’t miss this chance to discover stylish, customizable jewelry and support the Friends of the Library. All are welcome!
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The Illinois Department of Transportation announced that a 14-mile patching and resurfacing project on Interstate 55 from Litchfield to the Macoupin/Madison County line begins Monday, April 21. Work is expected to be completed by the end of September.
Additionally, ramps for Litchfield (exit 52), Mount Olive (exit 44) and Staunton (exit 41) will be resurfaced. Most of the work is expected to take place between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. Sunday nights through Friday mornings.
Lane closures are expected, and message boards will be used to direct traffic through the work zones. Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area. Benefits of this project include a smoother driving surface.
To avoid the work area, when feasible, use of alternate routes should be considered. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to changed conditions and signs in the work zones, obey the posted speed limits, refrain from using mobile devices and be alert for workers and equipment.
