Local Government
Voters have choice to receive automatic mail ballot each election
Published
3 years agoon
By
BenGil Staff

Macoupin County Clerk Pete Duncan recently announced that the state had approved giving voters the choice of receiving a mail ballot each election without applying each time.
Voters wanting to be placed on the permanent vote by mail list are required to apply for that list. Once they apply, they will remain on the list and have a ballot mailed to them each election going forward. If the voter requests to be removed from the list, there is a change to their registration, or they move out of county, they will be removed from the list and no longer receive a ballot in future elections.
Those wanting to apply can choose to just apply to receive a ballot at general elections and consolidated elections or they can choose to also receive a primary ballot for the party they put on their application each primary, as well as general elections and consolidated elections.
“I’m very happy that voters who have been voting by mail for years and years will now have the option of requesting a ballot automatically if they so choose,” Duncan said. “I’m all for giving voters more choices on how they want to vote. For those who only want to vote at their polling place on Election Day, they can still do that. For those who do apply to vote by mail each election, this is an option that may make sense for you.”
Duncan said this will be more cost-effective and efficient for elections going forward. “There are quite a few voters in Macoupin who have voted by mail each election since I’ve become County Clerk and some longer. Each Election, we have probably mailed them an application, and they’ve mailed it back to get their ballot.
While it’s not a lot of postage and costs, eliminating that step by that voter going on the permanent mail ballot list does save money. It also helps our Election office since we will have a head start on vote by mail ballot mailing since we will know going in how many permanent mail ballots are going out, and can get them to voters right away.”
Duncan said those wishing to apply to vote by mail for just the June 28th Primary Election can begin applying on March 30th. Ballots will begin being mailed to voters on mid-May. Duncan said, “Applying now is the first step towards being able to vote from your own home at your convenience.”
Duncan also reminded voters that since 2020, all vote by mail ballots have the US Post Office Intelligent Barcode tracking on them, so voters can receive texts or emails of their ballots being sent to them and mailed back to the office. This also sends a notification once the ballot is counted or rejected.
Those wishing to apply can call the Election Office at (217) 854-3214 ext 918 or apply online at http://www.macoupinvotes.gov/ and click ‘Apply for Vote by Mail Ballot’ under ‘What’s New.”
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Community News
County board finalizes lotus wind farm agreement, formalizes public transportation grant application
Published
3 days agoon
February 14, 2025By
Dave A

Members of the Macoupin County Board on Tuesday night approved a construction/engineering agreement with Cummings Engineering in regard to the Lotus Wind Farm generating project near Girard. Action on the agreement was tabled from the board’s January meeting after board members voiced concerns about who would foot the $1 million tab for the agreement.
County Engineer Tom Reinhardt told the board Tuesday evening those concerns had been addressed. Under the agreement, project owner Apex Energy will post a $1 million escrow with the County Highway Department, which will be responsible for drawing down on the account to pay Cummings Engineering as the construction proceeds. No county money will be involved.
Under terms of the agreement, Cummings Engineering, Springfield, will observe and monitor road and bridge work done in connection with the project to ensure they conform to standards.
“They will be our eyes in the field to make sure Apex builds roads and installs culverts according to plans,” Reinhardt said.
Apex plans to build a wind farm consisting of about 52 turbines capable of producing 200 megawatts of electricity—enough to power 77,500 homes—on land located west of Girard in North Otter and North Palmyra townships. Apex says the project will provide “hundreds” of local jobs during construction, and at least nine permanent jobs when the project is complete.
Project construction has begun with road work and culvert replacement within the project area. Daily updates on road closures is available at https://www.lotuswindpower.com/construction.
In other action, the board approved several routine items to facilitate the Macoupin County Public Health Department’s annual grant application for funds to operate the Macoupin County Public Transportation system, but tabled a measure to require two signatures on all checks issued by the county.
RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF MACOUPIN COUNTY AGRICULTURE
The board voted unanimously to approve a resolution in support of Macoupin County agriculture. Basically a commemorative resolution, the document commits the board to supporting agriculture in Macoupin County. The resolution recognizes jobs created and taxes generated by agricultural activities, and pledges the support of county government to promote agriculture for the benefit of the county and its residents.
In a press release distributed by Macoupin County Farm Bureau Manager Mark Dugger, said Macoupin County farm property provides 31.4 percent of taxable value to support services throughout the county. Annual sales of ag products in the county exceed $443 million, and about 2,750 jobs are supported by agriculture—about 17 percent of the county’s total jobs.
“Our farming community would like to thank members of the Macoupin County Board for showing their support by adopting this resolution,” according to David Heusing, Macoupin County Farm Bureau President. “Agriculture is a major economic driver in Macoupin County, and this resolution shows our elected officials have our backs when making important decisions affecting our farms and livelihoods.”
“Agriculture is the state’s largest industry, and passage of these Pro-Agriculture Resolutions show that our elected officials understand the agriculture goes far beyond providing food and fuel,” said Illinois Farm Bureau President Brian Duncan. “ When county boards pass these resolutions, they are showing their commitment to work with farm leaders so they can confidently be champions of agriculture.”
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION GRANT
Board members approved a resolution and an applicant ordinance authorizing board chair Larry Schmidt to apply for a matching grant of $156,169 in federal transportation funds to underwrite the Macoupin County Public Health Department’s Public Transit program. The county applies for the grant on an annual basis. Grant funds are administered at the state level by the Department of Transportation and are drawn from about $760 million allotted at the federal level.
Additionally, the board approved a certification of intent, a special warranty acceptance and a certification of restrictions on lobbying. The documents are technical requirements in support of the grant application.
COUNTY BUDGET UPDATE
Five months into the current fiscal year, County Clerk Pete Duncan reported that county revenue is generally flat while expenses, as expected, are increasing. At this point, the General Fund has taken in $3,151,452, compared with $3,149,154 at this time a year ago. Despite being $2,298 ahead of last year, Duncan said the numbers show revenue from property tax, sales tax and other sources is generally flat.
“We are not bringing in a lot of new revenue,” he said.
At this time a year ago, the county had received $4,085,462 for the budget year and expended $3,578,451, leaving a surplus of $507,011. This year, the county is showing a budget deficit of $134,365, with revenue of $3,857,013 against expenditures of $3,991,378. Duncan said the figures are slightly skewed because a final distribution of property tax revenue has not yet been received. Still, the numbers leave very little margin for the fiscal year.
“It’s not a ‘break glass’ emergency,” Duncan said, “but it’s going to be a very tight budget year.”
In a related matter, members of the Budget Committee complained it was not receiving timely monthly financial reports form some county departments. The departments that are tardy vary from month to month, but committee members said having incomplete information hampers efforts to monitor the county’s financial status.
DUAL SIGNATORIES FOR CHECKS
After an extended discussion, the board tabled a measure to require both the County Clerk and County Treasurer to sign checks issued by departments that do not already require two signatures.
State’s Attorney Jordan Garrison said requiring dual signatures could be burdensome in some instances. He said the State’s Attorney’s Office maintains a separate account to reimburse bad check victims when his office recovers the funds.
“I could take it upstairs for the Treasurer’s signature, but we don’t do that now,” he said.
Board member Molly Rosentreter said there may be valid reasons why some departments do not require dual signatures. Other board members suggested consulting with the county’s auditors for an opinion. Finance Chair Jon Payne acknowledged the committee had not consulted Treasurer Amber McGartland before recommending the policy change.
Ultimately the board voted to refer the issue back to committee to make a recommendation in March.
“I’m comfortable with tabling this,” said committee member Todd Armour, “but I feel pretty strongly about it.”
GRANT ADMINISTRATOR POSITION
By a unanimous vote, the board voted to create a new position for a grant writer who will be responsible for researching available grants, writing grant applications and other duties. The initial salary is set at $60,000 per year, plus benefits, which will be covered by an economic development grant the county received earlier.
Economic Development Chair Holly Klausing said whoever is hired will be made aware that the job may not be available after one year if the county cannot secure an additional grant. Salary after the first year, however, might be covered by capturing five percent of the grants obtained by the new employee.
SURPLUS PROPERTIES
Duncan briefly reported on the status of two county owned properties being offered for sale as surplus property. A small parcel south of Carlinville near the former city dump is being offered via the tax trustee, according to Duncan. Bids are due by Feb. 21 but no bids have been received at this time. The tax liability is about $800 and the property conceivably could sell for that price depending upon the bids received.
A second parcel consists of 2.5 acres north of Macoupin County Animal Control Shelter. Bids are due by Feb. 28 but no one has submitted a bid as of Tuesday night. That property must be sold for at least 80 percent of the assessed value.
According to Duncan, the full board may be able to vote on selling one or both properties at its March meeting if qualified buyers submit bids by the deadline.
50/50 PETITION
The board approved a 50/50 petition to replace a 60-inch culvert on Keller Road in Western Mound Township. The 60-foot culvert will carries the roadway over Hodges Creek.
County Engineer Reinhardt said the total estimated cost is $12,000, which the county will share equally with the township.
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Community News
Gillespie Council authorizes payment for police department renovation, gives mayor power to act on hiring full-time lake employee
Published
4 days agoon
February 13, 2025By
Dave A

The Gillespie City Council on Monday night pre-approved payment of $59,200 to Watson Contracting for work being done on remodeling 124 N. Macoupin St. to serve as Gillespie Police Department headquarters. Ald. Dona Rauzi reported that the contractor is about to start on drywalling work and expects to finish the project before the next council meeting in March. The action Monday night will allow the city to pay the invoice upon completion of the work, rather than waiting for the next meeting for approval.
The payment represents the second half of the total contract awarded to Watson. The council approved payment of the first half during its January meeting.
The city purchased the building in August for $69,000. There has been no announcement regarding when the Police Department will move into the new facility.
LAKE POSITION
The council voted unanimously to give Mayor John Hicks power to act on hiring a full-time lake employee. The new employee ostensibly will replace Lake Supervisor Gary Thornhill but may not have that title.
“You don’t have to call him a supervisor,” City Attorney Rick Verticchio said. “You can, but you don’t have to.”
Lake Chair Frank Barrett initially recommended Austin Loftis, a part-time lake employee who has been taking care of Thornhill’s duties since Thornhill’s resignation. City Treasurer Dan Fisher, however, pointed out the city had received five applications for Thornhill’s vacated position.
Ald. Landon Pettit asserted that hiring someone other than Loftus could put the city in a “really bad spot” if it considers layoffs in the near future. The lake has two permanent employees, one full-time and one part-time, plus occasional seasonal employees. Hiring another employee for the full-time spot, while leaving Loftis in his part-time job, could force the city to layoff the more senior employee in the event of layoffs.
“He’s already doing the job,” Pettit said, recommending the mayor hire Loftis at least on a trial basis.
“We have talked about downsizing,” Ald. Rauzi said. “To me the most reasonable thing would be” to promote Loftis to full-time.
Barrett acknowledged the five applications the city received for the job but suggested they be considered a pool from which to hire a replacement for Loftis, adding he would like to have someone hired son.
Fisher suggested referring the issue back to committee to make a recommendation to Hicks with power to act. “You could have it done in seven days,” he said.
PAY INCREASES
By unanimous vote, the council approved a resolution increasing wages for non-union city employees.
Under terms of the resolution, wages are increased to $16 per hour for part-time and seasonal workers for the street, sewer and water departments workers, as well as part-time and seasonal workers at Gillespie Lake. Within the City Clerk’s Office, the deputy city clerk will be paid $24.69 per hour, and the deputy collector will be paid $19.35 per hour, while an extra clerk and janitorial workers will earn $16 per hour. Wages for the building inspector increases to $49.69 per hour when conducting occupancy inspections, and $18.47 when administering building permit inspections. The resolution sets the Chief of Police’s annual salary at $73,040.
STREETSCAPE PROJECT
Treasurer Dan Fisher reported the council should be able to take action on accepting a contract next month for the long-awaited downtown Streetscape Project introduced in 2019. He said he and other city officials have met with engineers from Curry and Associates to finalize plans for the project, and the project is now out for bids. A pre-bid conference is expected in about two weeks, and bids will be due before the council’s next meeting in March.
Jointly initiated by Grow Gillespie, a civic improvement group, and the City of Gillespie, the $4.5 million streetscape project includes lighting, landscaping and parking improvements in the downtown commercial area with an eye toward stimulating economic growth.
Ald. Bob Fritz briefly questioned whether electrical outlets on new light poles will be capable of being locked.
“You know how kids are,” Fritz said. “I don’t want to be responsible for some kid getting electrocuted.”
Fisher said the outlets are GFI outlets with covers, though the covers are not lockable. He said the outlets comply with current safety standards and can be turned on or off by the city.
DERELICT PROPERTY
Upon the City Attorney’s advice, the council voted to sell a nuisance property at 301 E. Maple St. to Kevin and Kayla Thornhill with the provision the couple will abate the nuisance. Verticchio said the city discovered it could acquire the property for resale for less than what it would cost to pursue the nuisance in court. Because the property is involved in litigation, Verticchio said the city was free to sell the house without seeking bids.
UNITY BAPTIST CHURCH
Pastors Jared DePoppe and Dane Solari, of Trinity Baptist Church and First Baptist Church, respectively, appeared before the council to announce the two churches have merged to form Unity Baptist Church. Solari said the move mends a split between two local Baptist congregations dating back 55 years. Since the change represents a reunification, he said the new congregation chose the new name, Unity.
Going forward, worship services will be held at the former Trinity Baptist Church, 502 S. Macoupin St. The First Baptist Church, 820 Broadway, will be used for other ministries sponsored by the church.
PARK UPDATE
Ald. Pettit informed the council that city crews have removed old playground equipment from Big Brick Park and prepared the site to install new playground equipment. The new equipment should be installed by the end of March. The older equipment removed from Big Brick, he said, will probably be installed at Welfare Park.
Electrical work, park benches and other work at Big Brick should be completed by May, Pettit reported.
OTHER ACTION
In other action, the council:
- Authorized the Police Department to spend $1,200 from its DUI fund to acquire two new handheld radar units. Police Chief Jared DePoppe said the city’s radar units are certified every six months, The last certification cycle revealed that three existing units are no longer effective and had to be removed from service.
- Voted to spend $1,509 for a computer, software and printer to be used at the Lake Store.
- Voted to donate $200 to the Partnership for Educational Excellence.
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Community News
Illinois Gaming Board reported $1.7 billion in gaming tax revenue for 2024
Published
1 week agoon
February 9, 2025By
BenGil Staff
CHICAGO— At the Illinois Gaming Board’s (IGB’s) first meeting of the year, it reported that the State and local governments earned more than $1.7 billion in tax revenue (excluding December sports wagering numbers) from Illinois’ 16 licensed casinos, approximately 8,700 video gaming terminals, and 14 operating sportsbooks in 2024.
The total revenue from January 1, 2024, through December 31, 2024, is outlined below:
- State taxes – $1,458,074,226
- Local taxes -$269,982,126
- Total taxes – $1,728,056,352
“As we approach the Super Bowl, here are two reminders to help Illinois fans enjoy the game in a safe, responsible, and legal manner,” said IGB Administrator Marcus D. Fruchter. “For those who intend to bet on the Super Bowl or any sports, please gamble responsibly by staying within your limits and be sure to only wager with approved Illinois licensees. Take care to stay away from unlicensed actors who inaccurately portray their sports wagering contests, casino games or slot machine products as something other than gambling. Don’t be fooled or scammed by these unregulated operators.”
The IGB website provides information about responsible gambling and how to enroll in the IGB’s voluntary self-exclusion program. Patrons can visit the IGB’s website for a list of legal Illinois sportsbook operators. Anyone who believes they or a loved one has a gambling problem should visit the IGB website for information about the IGB’s Self-Exclusion Program and Are You Really Winning – Illinois Helpline (helplineil.org) for information about the Illinois Department of Human Services Division. Problem gambling counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (800-426-2537) or by texting GAMB to 833234.
During today’s IGB meeting, the Board also acted under Sports Wagering Rule 1130 to permanently prohibit certain bets at the request of the National Football League (NFL). A copy of the final Board order is availablehere. Rule 1130 allows sports leagues, governing bodies, teams, and colleges to petition the Board to prohibit certain wager types that are contrary to public policy, unfair to consumers, or negatively affect the integrity of a particular sport or Illinois sports wagering.
“Protecting sports integrity, match integrity, and the integrity of sports wagering are overlapping and interconnected responsibilities among leagues, teams, sports wagering operators, regulators, and law enforcement,” IGB Administrator Fruchter continued. “I urge any sport governing body, association, league, or team to avail itself of the IGB’s Rule 1130 process – as Major League Soccer and the NFL have done – if you believe certain wagering poses risks to your sport, your athletes or consumers.”
Additionally, the Board took other official actions during the meeting, including renewal of the casino owners’ license for Southern Illinois Riverboat/Casino Cruises LLC d/b/a Harrah’s Metropolis Casino in Metropolis, and approval of casino ownership transfers related to the merger between Bally’s Corporation and Standard General L.P. These ownership transfers involved three Illinois casino licensees – DraftKings at Casino in East St. Louis, Bally’s Chicago Casino, and Bally’s Quad Cities Casino & Hotel in Rock Island.
The Board also took the following regulatory actions:
Issued casino approvals for:
- 97 Level 2, and 180 Level 3 occupational licenses
- 5 level 1 license approvals
Denied occupational licenses for:
- 6 occupational licenses
Approved video gaming licenses for:
- 96 video gaming locations
- 117 terminal handlers and 5 technicians
- 2 terminal operator licenses
Denied video gaming licenses for:
- One video gaming location applicant
And, in video gaming, the IGB took the following actions:
- One recission of a prior video gaming location denial
- One Economic Disassociation Order
Approved sports wagering licenses for:
- One Level 1 sports wagering occupational license
- 112 Level 2 sports wagering occupational licenses
- One Management Services Provider License and one Supplier License for American Wagering, Inc. d/b/a Caesars Sportsbook
The IGB will conduct its next scheduled regular meeting on March 13, 2025. To view agendas, minutes, recorded meetings and other information, visit the IGB website.
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