Community News
Sound & Light Videography Speak to Rotary about Coliesum Documentary
Despite a devastating fire that brought to an end the 90-year history of the Coliseum Ballroom in Benld, Jim Marcacci and Bruce Logsdon of Sound and Light Videography plan to complete the video documentary they were working on when the fire broke out last month. The partners showed a 14-minute preview of the documentary to members of the Benld Area Rotary Club on Tuesday during the club’s regular meeting at Toni’s Family Restaurant in Benld.
Marcacci, a former Gillespie High School Teacher, and Logsdon, a former Litchfield teacher now living in Springfield, were close to putting the finishing touches on the documentary when word reached them that the Coliseum was burning. Logsdon was out of state and Marcacci was recording a wedding in Springfield. Neither was able to get to the scene while the building was burning. Marcacci visited the site the next day to film the remains of the building and the procession of cars and people passing by the smoldering ruins.
“It looked like a funeral procession,” Marcacci said. Tracking down sources to interview, photos and snippets of film to produce the documentary, Logsdon said, was a difficult process. “If it was complicated before, it’s even more complicated now,” he said. “Fortunately we had shot about 80 percent of the interior footage we needed.”
But there are some aspects of the Coliseum’s interior that escaped the camera, only to be consumed by the flames. “Jim had found the infamous wall behind the stage,” he said. The wall bore the signatures of many of the performers who had played on the Coliseum Ballroom’s stage. “It was deteriorated, but it was still there.”
The pair also found shower stalls in the basement that were used by the ‘working girls’ to freshen up between customers. Marcacci said the two men have completed most of the interviews they need for the project, but are still hoping to land interviews with Bo Diddely, Fats Domino and Chuck BerryÐall of whom played at the Coliseum. Berry, who still performs occasionally in St. Louis has a reputation for demanding cash for interviews with him.
“If he wants $500, we’ll get it somehow,” Logsdon said. Originally planned as a celebration of the Coliseum’s storied past, the documentary is now taking on aspects of a memorium. Several years ago, Logsdon said, the two men decided to pursue the project when they were driving by the building on the way to Staunton one day. Logsdon was filming at the time, capturing a sequence during which the Coliseum looms into view as the car passes by. “I told Jim that if we’re going to do this, we need to get serious about and get it done, because someday it’s going to burn down,” Logsdon recalled.
The revamped version of the documentary now opens with the footage Logsdon shot a couple of years ago, and image dissolves into what remains of the Coliseum today. The pair also has obtained footage of the fire itself to use in the production. But the bulk of the film will be devoted to the Coliseum’s history and the performers who played their in its heydey. The 14-minute teaser Marcacci and Logsdon screened on Tuesday is available for viewing on YouTube.com.
After the fire, Marcacci said the number of “hits” on the YouTube video increased dramatically. Marcacci said watching the procession of cars and talking to people on Sunday after the fire “was a defining moment” for him that exemplified what the Coliseum meant to thousands of people throughout the Midwest.
Before the fire, Marcacci had made arrangements to interview an 81-year-old musician from Granite City who performed with three different bands that played the Coliseum between 1947 and 1957. The plan was to film the interview inside the Coliseum, but the fire dashed those plans.”I really felt sorry for him,” Marcacci said. “He wanted to see it one last time. The last time he was there was in 1957. He almost had tears in his eyes.”
The pair also found a taped interview with former owner Joyce Tarro, who was murdered in the 1970s. Portions for the interview will find their way into the finished film. Logsdon said the finished doumentary will differ from most documentary projects in that it is not about a person or an event. “It’s about a building,” he said. “It’s a building that is part of the collective memory.”
Despite the setback, Logsdon and Marcacci said they plan to finish the documentary before Christmas. They hope to produce about 2,000 copies, which will retail for about $25 each. The finished piece will run 60 to 90 minutes. Of course, initial plans to premier the film at the Coliseum have had to be scrapped. “Like everyone, we grieved when it burned,” Logsdon said. “It will never be rebuilt and it shouldn’t be. It was more than just a dance hall. I think she went out in a blaze of glory and thatÕs how it should be.”
Comments
FELONIES
Christopher L. Black, 43 of Virden, is charged with home invasion/causing injury and two counts of aggravated battery of a peace officer in connection with a January 4 incident.
Casey W. Sobberi, 40 of Wilsonville, is charged with burglary in connection with a January 3 incident.
Eugene Arnold, 62 of Royal Lakes, is charged with aggravated battery/great bodily harm, aggravated battery/use of a deadly weapon, and domestic battery/bodily harm in connection with a January 6 incident.
Michael A. Upton, 34 of Palmyra, is charged with twelve counts of child pornography and possession of methamphetamine (5 grams) in connection with multiple dates in 2025.
Bryer D. Greff, 31 of Virden, is charged with aggravated battery/public place, resisting a peace officer/firefighter/corrections employee, and two counts of disorderly conduct in connection with a January 7 incident.
Shayne W. Dugger, 26 of Palmyra, is charged with possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams) in connection with a September 28 incident.
Sarah L. Winston, 36 of Carlinville, is charged with possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams) in connection with a November 4 incident.
TRAFFIC
Austin D. Courier, 30 of Vriden, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a December 30 incident.
Courtney N. Lomelino, 23 of Virden, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit in connection with a December 25 incident.
William R. Dyer, 55 of Carlinville, is charged with leaving the scene, driver failing to give notice of a crash, transporting/carrying alcohol/driver, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, improper traffic lane usage, seat belt required/driver, and failure to reduce speed in connection with a January 4 incident.
Billy R. Austin, 44 of Modesto, is charged with expired registration, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and being unlicensed in connection with a January 4 incident.
Richard W. Wallis, 63 of Nilwood, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a January 5 incident.
Stephanie E. Jennings, 34 of Girard, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration in connection with a January 6 incident.
Bruce A. Day, 60 of Carlinville, is charged with driving on a revoked license and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a January 5 incident.
Clayton R. Sampson, 19 of Palmyra, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit in connection with a January 6 incident.
Dakota R. Lavely, 20 of Troy, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a January 5 incident.
Wayne E. Mitchell, 46 of Brighton, is charged with driving on a revoked license, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and expired registration in connection with a December 30 incident.
Monty M. Gardner, 55 of Brighton, is charged with driving on a suspended license and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a January 2 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Catherine Harrison versus David Breen
- Margaret Putman versus Justin S. Putman
- Taunia R. Moore versus Blake A. Moore
MARRIAGE LICENSES
- Wade Logan Yates of Brighton and Anna Catherine Marcy of Riverton.
- Douglas Guennewig and Buffy Riddens, both of Staunton.
Comments
SUNDAY, JANUARY 4, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South 4th Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Charles Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to South Hard Road in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of East Walnut Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to harassment.
MONDAY, JANUARY 5, 2026
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to neighbor trouble.
Jiles R. Lyons, 36 of Benld, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for possession of another’s credit/debit card.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to an animal complaint in the 600 block of North 7th Street in Benld.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of East Burton Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to Osie Street and Handy Street in reference to a security check.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South Hard Road in Benld in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Burton Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to harassment.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Walnut Street in reference to a neighborhood dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of North Francis Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Elm Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to Macoupin Street and Walnut Street in reference to suspicious activity.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of South 5th Street in Benld in reference to a burglary.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Virginia Street in East Gillespie. Debra A. Brooks, 65 of Carlinville, was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Adams Street in reference to ordinance issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of South Illinois Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Osie Street. Kylee P. Cothern, 18 of Benld, was issued a citation for expired registration and operating uninsured vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a hit and run traffic crash.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Virginia Street in East Gillespie. Tiana F. McFarland, 28 of Staunton, was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Virginia Street in East Gillespie. Debra A. Brooks, 65 of Carlinville, was issued a citation for speeding.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026
The School Resource Officer was dispatched to the High School office in reference to a fight.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Illinois Street in East Gillespie. Darlene Karns, 70 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at 7th Street and Pine Street in Benld. Dylan S. Richards, 32 of Staunton, was issued a citation for suspended registration.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of South Illinois Street in Benld in reference to a security check.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Spruce Street in reference to criminal damage.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South Montgomery Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a theft in the 500 block of South Jersey Street.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to an animal complaint in the 200 block of West Maple Street.
The School Resource Officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Oak Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 10, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Frey Street in reference to criminal damage.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Pine Street. Racheal A. Aleshire, 47 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for driving while her license was revoked.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Hard Road and Central Avenue in Benld. Amber R. Brackett, 31 of Gillespie, was issued citations for suspended registration and for no insurance.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Elm Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to an intoxicated pedestrian.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of West Virginia Street in East Gillespie in reference to stalking.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Comments
FELONIES
Micah J. Ramsey, 39 of Carlinville, is charged with aiding/abetting/selling a stolen vehicle and driving on a revoked license in connection with a December 27 incident.
Shawn M. McBride, 38 of Staunton, is charged with obstructing justice/destroying evidence in connection with a December 18 incident.
Riley G. Rhodes, 18 of Carlinville, is charged with possession/displaying an altered ID card in connection with a December 18 incident.
Shane S. Bell, 35 of Girard, is charged with possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams) in connection with a November 6 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Ted. E. Hanner, 50 of Bunker Hill, is charged with obstructing identification in connection with a December 3 incident.
Brittany M. Lyons, 35 of Benld, is charged with criminal trespass to a building in connection with a December 19 incident.
Betty J. Jamieson, 75 of Carlinville, is charged with violating the animal control act in connection with a December 29 incident.
James J. Denby, 27 of Carlinville, is charged with criminal trespass to land in connection with a December 8 incident.
Tricia J. Pfeiler, 37 of Carlinville, is charged with battery/cause bodily harm and cruelty to animals in connection with a January 1 incident.
Rodney J. Rosentreter, 60 of Gillespie, is charged with criminal damage to property (<$500) and resisting a peace officer/firefighter/corrections employee in connection with a January 1 incident.
TRAFFIC
Rustin L. Reed, 19 of Springfield, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit in connection with a December 27 incident.
Passion M. Kinzey, 33 of Chicago, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration in connection with a December 27 incident.
Ella R. Robinson, 20 of Bonne Terre, MO, is charged with speeding 35 mph over the limit in connection with a December 30 incident.
Julie B. Kruse, 55 of Staunton, is charged with driving on a suspended license and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a December 18 incident.
Gregory A. Knezic, 60 of Staunton, is charged with driving on a suspended license and improper use of registration/title in connection with a December 23 incident.
Dixie L. Moffitt, 73 of Worden, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration in connection with a December 22 incident.
Dakota L. Schoondyke, 28 of Virden, is charged with driving on a suspended license and operating a motor vehicle with suspended registration in connection with a December 26 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Debra E. Seago versus Carl L. Seago Jr.
MARRIAGE LICENSES
- David L. Ehlers and Shirley Marie Lee Haines, both of Bunker Hill.
- Steven D. Clattenburg and Billie Jo Croll, both of Virden.
- Robert J. Halpin and Chelsea L. Kirkover, both of Gillespie.
