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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FELONIES
Rex J. White, 49 of Mount Olive, is charged with aggravated fleeing police (21 mph over), reckless driving, improper use of registration/title, unlicensed, operating a motor vehicle with registration/suspended , and driving 1-10 mph above the limit in connection with a November 15 incident.
Britteny D M Herr, 30 of Brighton, is charged with violation of an order with a prior violation in connection with a November 17 incident.
Christopher L. Black, 42 of Virden, is charged with aiding/abetting/selling a stolen vehicle and driving on a revoked license in connection with a November 17 incident.
Jesse D. Cimino, 42 of Troy, is charged with possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams) in connection with a September 1 incident.
Jennifer R. Haneline, 39 of Godfrey, is charged with burglary and theft/authorized control (>500<10k) in connection with an August 6 incident.
Simone R. Para, 51 of Girard, is charged with possession of a controlled substance and driving under the influence of drugs in connection with an October 13 incident.
Crystal D. Hoffman, 45 of Staunton, is charged with obstruction of justice/destroying evidence and driving under the influence of alcohol in connection with a November 11 incident.
Andrew P. Hansen, 47 of Carlinville, is charged with received/possession/selling stolen vehicle and possession of meth (<5 grams) in connection with a November 20 incident.
Justin C. Grider, 42 of Carlinville, is charged with two counts of aggravated assault/operating a motor vehicle in connection with a November 21 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Jacqueline B. Jessen, 42 of Girard, is charged with giving/selling liquor to a minor in connection with a November 14 incident.
Perry L. Lair, 62 of Virden, is charged with giving/selling liquor to a minor in connection with a November 14 incident.
Kara E. Estes, 37 of Girard, is charged with giving/selling liquor to a minor in connection with a November 14 incident.
Melissa R. Robinson, 36 of Farmersville, is charged with giving/selling liquor to a minor in connection with a November 14 incident.
Kenneth J. Barker, 38 of Litchfield, is charged with resisting a peace officer/firefighter/corrections employee in connection with a November 19 incident.
Julio Isaias Pedro Felipe, 36 of Springfield, is charged with giving/selling liquor to a minor in connection with a November 14 incident.
TRAFFIC
Amanda J. Eberwein, 27 of Virden, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a November 12 incident.
Katherine F. Fugitt, 33 of Springfield, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with a November 15 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Michael C. Cummings versus Tracy L. Cummings
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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2024
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Pine Street. Michael C. Malone, 59 of Melbourne, Florida, was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and disregarding a stop sign.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South Illinois Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Henry Street in reference to suspicious persons.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Hickory Street in Benld in reference to a suspicious noise.
An officer was dispatched to South Second Street in reference to reckless driving.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Illinois Avenue in East Gillespie. Matthew R. Bowen, 18 of Fairview Heights, was issued a citation for operating an uninsured motor vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Pine Street in reference to a medical assist.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Park Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Chestnut Street in reference to a medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Chestnut Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Elm Street and Clinton Street. Samantha L. Jansen, 53 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for operating an uninsured motor vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to Staunton Road in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to the 200 block of East Locust Street in Benld in reference to trespassing.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Charles Street in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of East Oak Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Broadway Street in reference to a business security check.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Green Street and Easton Street. McKenna N. Kampwerth, 21 of South Roxana, was arrested on multiple warrants. The South Roxana warrant was for failure to appear for traffic leaving the scene, the warrant out of Wood River was for possession of meth, and the warrant out of Collinsville was for possession of meth.
An officer was dispatched to East Gillespie on Route 16 East to Assist an Illinois State trooper with a call.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 300 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to an electrical fire.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Walnut Street in reference to a battery.
Keshawn K. Bush, 40 of Gillespie, was arrested for criminal trespass to state supported property.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Oak Street reference criminal trespass to property.
Brandon L. Smith, 29 of Gillespie, was arrested on a warrant out of Macoupin County for failure to appear on a traffic offense.
Ryan D. Shoger, 37 of Gillespie, was arrested on a warrant out of Macoupin County for failure to appear on possession of methamphetamine.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Elm Street. Jesus E. Cabrera-Ramirez, 33 of Gilbert, AZ, was issued a citation for disregarding a stop sign and operating an uninsured motor vehicle.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Elm Street. Alison M. Whitehead, 29 of Staunton, was issued a citation for expired registration.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Willow Street in Benld in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to an order of protection in the 700 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2024
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Broadway Street and LJ Avenue. Layla R. Eden, 18 of Bunker Hill, was arrested for driving while license was suspended and possession of alcoholic liquor under the age of 21.
An officer was dispatched to Easton Street and Macoupin Street in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to Oak Street and South 1st Street in Benld in reference to a fire. The officer discovered it was a control burn.
An officer was dispatched to a business at East Central Avenue in Benld in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the 1100 block of Abba Street in reference to an alarm.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Broadway Street in reference to a medical assist.
An officer spoke with a male in the 200 block of Hickory Street in Benld in reference to a civil issue.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Illinois Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
Ashleigh K. Bethel, 40 of Benld, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear while driving while license are revoked.
The school resource officer was contacted by the high school counselor and advised him of a sexual assault.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie Street reference a burglary.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to retail theft. David A. Orear, 33 of Gillespie, was arrested for retail theft.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Illinois Street in Benld in reference to a domestic. Donald E. Ruyle, 51 of Benld, was arrested for domestic battery.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South Jersey Street in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Easton Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer spoke with a male in the 300 block of East Spruce Street in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to Pine Street and Shelby Street in reference to an ordinance issue.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 500 block of East Elm Street in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to 6th Street in Benld in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Illinois Avenue in East Gillespie. Bruce E. Jackson, 64 of Benld, was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Broadway Street in reference to a suspicious person.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Charles Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Broadway Street and LJ Avenue. Joseph W. Webb, 37 of Gillespie, was arrested for no valid driver’s license and driving while license was suspended.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Park Avenue in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to Route 16 East in East Gillespie in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of East Elm Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 700 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie.
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with a female in reference to a civil issue in the 300 block of Park Avenue.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Oak Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of South 8th Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Chestnut Street in reference to a death investigation.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Henry Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 100 block of South Hard Road in Mt. Clare reference a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Plum Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to Grace Street and Clinton Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Walnut Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a civil standby.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a business check.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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FELONIES
Levi T. Kroll, 35 of Eagarville, is charged with aggravated battery of a peace officer in connection with a November 10 incident.
David J. Karrick, 44 of Virden, is charged with residential burglary and criminal trespass to residence in connection with a November 10 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Jason H. Rells, 50 of Virden, is charged with resisting a peace officer/ firefighter/corrections employee in connection with a November 13 incident.
TRAFFIC
Justin H. Bodine, 42 of Springfield, is charged with driving on a suspended license and canceled/revoked/suspended registration in connection with an October 26 incident.
Christopher L. Black, 42 of Virden, is charged with driving on a suspended license, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and no valid registration in connection with an October 30 incident.
Christopher R. Lott, 47 of Carlinville, is charged with failure to notify of damage to an unattended vehicle in connection with a November 2 incident.
Stephanie K. Short, 59 of Bunker Hill, is charged with reckless driving, fleeing/attempting to elude officer, and disregarding a stop sign in connection with an October 31 incident.
Stacey L. Hart, 54 of Gillespie, is charged with reckless driving and leaving the scene in connection with an October 27 incident.
Troy J. Camerer, 52 of Gillespie, is charged with reckless driving, leaving the scene, failure to give notice of crash, and improper traffic lane usage in connection with an October 30 incident.
Lucas J. Edwards, 22 of Caledonia, is charged with reckless driving, fleeing/attempting to elude officers, speeding 26-34 mph over the limit, and being unlicensed in connection with a November 11 incident.
Allen D. James Jr, 62 of Virden, is charged with reckless driving in connection with an October 30 incident.
Zachary S. Hoffstot, 44 of Mount Olive, is charged with driving on a revoked license, operating a motor vehicle with suspended registration, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a November 6 incident.
Dustin P. Cunningham, 33 of Greenfield, is charged with driving on a suspended license and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a November 11 incident.
Courtney R. Coonce, 31 of Carlinville, is charged with driving on a revoked license and transporting/carrying alcohol in connection with a November 8 incident.
Ashley R. Winters, 38 of Kane, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration in connection with a November 12 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Jennifer M. Bushue versus Jesse J. Bushue
MARRIAGE LICENSES
- Daniel Robert Dobrino of Benld and Hannah Marie Pritchett of Edwardsville
