enquirer~Democrat 20 19 18 16 17

Transcription

THE DAILY ENQUIRER~DEMOCRAT FOUND AT ENQUIRERDEMOCRAT.COM
75¢
Macoupin County’s Dominant Newspaper
Enquirer~Democrat
Macoupin County ~ Carlinville
OUR 163ND YEAR NO. 43
THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015
Sixteen PAGES, TWO SECTIONS
Council votes to terminate 2009 TIF, approves new TIFs
Inside
By Jan Dona
Members of Carlinville City Council met for a special meeting Dec. 29
in order to vote on several matters related to tax increment financing (TIF)
districts in the city. Only Alderman
Dick Moddershaw was absent.
The board approved a motion suspending council rules for the consideration of ordinances for passage
without two readings. According to
CITY
city attorney Rick Bertinetti, approval
of the suspension of rules would apply
to all the ordinances voted upon during the meeting.
Attorney Dan Schuering explained
to the board that in order for the new
TIF districts to be considered, steps to
repeal the previous TIF must be put in
place because the new districts cannot
be established while the old district
still exists By approving an ordinance
to terminate the 2009 district by the
end of 2014, the board will ensure that
payments from increased assessments
within the 2009 TIF will not be applied beyond 2014 taxes, which will
be collected in 2015.
Schuering explained that any expenditure that the council approved
prior to the decision to terminate the
2009 TIF will be paid out of that fund,
with any remaining TIF funds to be
disbursed among the taxing bodies at
the established rate.
Approving the two new TIF districts (West Main and Standard Addition), will establish 2015 as the base
year for the new TIFs, with taxes on
increases in assessments beyond the
base going into the new TIF funds for
the next 23 years.
See tIF on 3A.
Taking a look bacK
Artist's renderings of Carlinville Plaza updates
See 3A.
Quick Snip Design
Society
Mr. & Mrs. Rhodes
celebrate 60th
anniversary. See 5A.
Photo by Misty Fritz, MCED
Appearing in the Aug. 07 edition of the Macoupin County Enquirer~Democrat, this photo remains a favorite from 2014. After being banded, a hummingbird sits calmly in the hand of a bird enthusiast who 'adopted' it July 30. About 30 individuals attended a hummingbird
banding event at Elaine Turley's home near Beaver Dam State Park south of Carlinville.
See 1b.
Saturday
01/03
Sunday
01/04
37
30
26
18
Index
Church-------------6A
Classifieds ------------5B
Court ----------------8A
Editorial---------------- 4A
MAC Stats------------4B
Obituaries ------------7A
Shades-----------------5A
Society----------------5A
Sports------------------1B
Trades-----------------2B
©2015 Macoupin County
Enquirer Democrat
By Daniel Winningham
A pre-trial hearing for Regina
Byots has been continued until Jan.
7.
Byots, charged with felony theft
for an alleged incident during her
time with the Macoupin County
Housing Authority, was served
with a warrant for the charge Dec.
8.
Byots’ attorney, Daniel Fultz,
and the prosecuting attorney, Matt
Goetten of the special prosecutor’s office in Springfield, agreed
to continue the hearing earlier in
December.
In his letter requesting a motion
to continue, Fultz said he was unable to attend a previously scheduled Dec. 29 pretrial hearing due to
a scheduling conflict.
The preliminary hearing, along
with arraignment, has been reset for Wednesday, Jan. 7, at 1:30
in courtroom A at the Macoupin
County Courthouse. Judge Kenneth R. Deihl was assigned to the
hearing for Dec. 29, though now
the case is unassigned, according
to judici.com records.
A preliminary hearing establishes probable cause.
Byots, a Carlinville resident, has
been employed with the Carlinville
Park District since early 2014 as its
administrator.
Bell-ringers fall
short of goal
sports
Sports year in review
Motion to
continue agreed
upon in Byots’
felony charge
Macoupin County turns the page on 2014
Perhaps two words that defined 2014 for Macoupin
County were “election” and “projects.”
Democratic challenger Shawn Kahl ousted incumbent Sheriff Don Albrecht in a March primary and
later defeated Republican Dale Volle in the general
election. Kahl and the other newly elected county officials were sworn in Nov. 30.
Voters — in Macoupin County and statewide —
resoundingly said “no” to another term for Gov. Pat
Quinn, while State Senator Andy Manar was able to
secure one for himself.
In the county, voters also rejected the County School
Facilities Tax by just 101 votes; a proposition to have
North Mac School District board members elected atlarge; a road/bridge tax increase in Nilwood; electrical
aggregate programs in Gillespie, Shipman and Medora; and a city-wide trash pickup proposition in Benld.
On the other hand, voters overall were supportive of
raising the minimum wage to $10 per hour, requiring
insurance plans that include prescription drug coverage to also include prescription birth control, an additional 3 percent tax — which would go to school
districts— on income greater than one million dollars
Planning continued on an improved Amtrak station
in Carlinville.
In addition, the city of Carlinville moved closer to
phasing out its Tax Increment Financing district started in late 2009, and a couple of larger-scale projects
Enquirer~Democrat
M C’ D N
OUR 163RD YEAR NO. 5
INSIDE
FOCUS
THURSDAY, APRIL 3, 2014
Be sure to look at our 2014 Spring Improvement
Section in this week's issue! It's packed full of
great articles and helpful tips for spring!
•
•
•
•
•
•
Native Landscaping
Tree Planting Tips
Local Orchards
Home Improvement Tips
Purchasing a New Car
Growing Fruits & Veggies
• Lawn care
The Big Picture
Project helps a
village in Nicaragua.
See 10A.
BLACKBURN
Students practice
negotiation skills.
See 7A.
COMMUNITY
SLF businesses to
offer Easter specials
and bunny photos.
See 2A.
SOCIETY
Photo by Rossana Lopez, of Mateare, Nicaragua, was one of four photography
students to take part in the Big Picture Project. To see and read more from The
Big Picture Project, see page 10A.
Carlinville native
was mass producer
of Lincoln photos
By Tom Emery
Today, presidential and congressional elections saturate mass media, as television, the
Internet and junk mail pound candidates into
the voters’ psyche. It’s no wonder that many
people express relief when the campaigns are
over.
Elections in the nineteenth century were far
different. In that era, most voters had little
idea what their candidates even looked like.
Photography was still in its infancy, and few
people - even the famous -- sat for pictures.
Newspapers offered no help, as their printing
methods were years away from reproducing
photographs on their pages.
The 1860 presidential election helped to
change that, and a studio in Springfield led
the way. The photography partnership of
Preston Butler and John G. Stewart cranked
out up to 450,000 images of the hometown
candidate, Abraham Lincoln, that were distributed nationwide.
“When I first saw that figure, I thought, oh,
my gosh!” laughed Richard Hart, a Springfield attorney and historian who is creating a
book on Butler’s life. “That would have taken
a great deal of work. But it was also one of
the first examples of a Madison Avenue-approach to campaigning, with a mass use of
images of a candidate.”
Many of the images were used on cartesde-viste, small cards that were easily held or
stored in pockets. Others were likely used on
photo pins and handbills. Over a thousand
went to people who had asked for copies of
Lincoln’s autograph.
Thanks to Butler and Stewart, many Americans got their first look at the lanky Illinoisan
who earned the Republican nod for president.
Even though Lincoln had vaulted to national
prominence in the 1858 Senate debates with
Stephen A. Douglas, most had trouble putting
a face to the name, mainly because they had
never seen what Lincoln looked like.
“In America in 1860, there would have
been an insignificant percentage of the population who would have ever seen Lincoln,”
See LINCOLN
See 6A.
SPORTS
GHS Senior wins Rotary
3-point competition.
See 3B.
Saturday
4/5
Sunday
4/6
56
61
35
41
In just a few short weeks,
the 2014 Miss Carlinville,
along with a Junior Miss
and Little Miss, will be
crowned. The pageant will
be held Saturday, April 12, in
the Carlinville High School
gymnasium. Doors will open
to the public at 6 p.m. and
the pageant will begin at 7
p.m. Floor seats may be purchased at the door for $10,
and bleacher seats for $8.
Floor seats will go on sale at
Sun Beach Tan on Monday,
March 31.
This year, the pageant is
proud to celebrate its 10th
anniversary.
“It is hard to believe this
will be our 10th year,” said
pageant director Ashley Vinyard. “The pageant started
practices 10 years ago in the
basement of a local church.
That first year we started the
pageant tradition not knowing where it would take us.
As the director, I am so
proud of the way our community has supported us and
how we have grown into a
large event that people look
forward to each year.”
From 2005-2011 the pageant was held in Bothwell
Auditorium at Blackburn
college.
The pageant was relocated
to Carlinville High School in
2012 to take advantage of a
bigger stage and more seating for the audience.
“We have a diverse group
of contestants this year,”
Vinyard said. “All with different backgrounds and their
own stories.”
These three girls are vying
for this year’s title: Hannah
DeSpain, Bailey Buckner
and Carley Brown.
Each contestant offered
their reason for wanting to
be queen.
“I want to become Miss
Carlinville because I love our
community! I would be honored to represent our town
and be a good role model for
the youth of our community,”
said DeSpain.
“I want to be Miss Carlinville because it would not
only build self-confidence
with myself, but also allow
me to be a positive role model in my community,” Buckner said.
“I would like to become
Miss Carlinville because
of the opportunity to work
closely with my community
the title of Junior Miss Carlinville are Olivia Turley,
Lexie Casey, Desirae Nettleton, Makayla Proctor and
Matilda Mitchell.
Little Miss Contestants
this year are Tollie Goodman, Jocelyn Woffard, Piper
Rives, Reagan Comerford,
Hallee Kaburick and Josie
Thompson.
For questions regarding
the pageant you may contact
pageant director Ashley Vinyard at 217-825-4866.
September 20th & 21st
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
920 Breckenridge St.,
Carlinville
INSIDE
Enquirer~Democrat
2011 - Chloe Walton
Carley Brown
See 2A.
COMMUNITY
Congressman visits County High School
Calendar-----------7A
Church---------------9A
Classifieds -----------6B
Court ----------------5B
Editorial---------------- 4A
Focus-----------------10A
MAC Stats-----------4B
Society-----------------6A
Sports------------------1B
Learning fishing basics
Scott Isringhausen, center, has Sydney Bray, left, and Allie Jordan, right, show how a fish, once
hooked, pulls on the line. Isringhausen taught the basics of fishing during a presentation at the
Carlinville Public Library April 1. Isringhausen is the site interpreter at Pere Marquette State Park.
2534
Earlier this week, and for the second time in less
than a month, Congressman Rodney Davis visited
Macoupin County students.
Davis spoke to students at Greenfield High
School on the final day of March.
In his visit March 31 to GHS, Davis spoke to the
entire student body, about 150 students or so, in the
auditorium.
Davis shared the story of how he got involved
with politics through his parent’s business. He also
provided a message to the high schoolers to always
keep working and later took questions from students about what issues concern them.
Congressman Davis’ spokesman Philip Lasseigne said education funding was discussed and
a student, looking for a part-time job, asked what
Davis could do at the national level to help with the
economy.
Davis, a Republican from Taylorville, encouraged students to “never give up following your
dream,” and provided his personal story of how he
[email protected]
was told he’d never make it to Congress. However,
he believed in himself and wound up in Congress.
Davis reminded students dreams are attainable
and said the kids need to keep working hard to get
where they want to go.
“He was very well received,” said Greenfield
Principal Beth Bettis.
Bettis said the school was aware of Davis’ scheduled visit approximately one week ahead of time.
Teachers were informed of the coming visit and
kids came up with a series of questions, Bettis said.
Davis’ visit, a speech and then a question-andanswer segment, lasted about 30 minutes.
Students asked questions ranging from Common
Core standards, generating opportunities about jobs,
the government’s role or non-role in promoting job
growth, higher education funding and PELL grants
as well as health care and the Affordable Care Act
Bettis said Davis’ overall message was one of encouraging students to have dreams and not to limit
See DAVIS
on 3A.
7790 VOTES NO • 7689
117 VOTES NO • 98 VOTES
See 5A.
SPORTS
181 taken to Carlinville,
Springfield hospitals
CHS Volleyball
wins game against
Litchfield.
See 2B.
Saturday
09/20
84
66
Sunday
09/21
78
55
Early Monday morning, around 9 a.m., a carbon
monoxide leak at North Mac Middle School in Girard
prompted school officials to call in rescue crews to check
students and school staff after it became apparent there
had been a gas leak somewhere in the building.
Many students exhibited symptoms typical of exposure to the gas. “They were dizzy, they had headaches,
some were having some trouble with vision, pretty classic signs,” said North Mac superintendent Marica Cullen.
She was first alerted of the situation by Alan Love, a
health teacher, and also a registered nurse.
The call for emergency response came at 9:13 a.m.
with the dispatcher requesting two crews from Prairieland Ambulance. Later, there was a call for as many
ambulances as possible.
Emergency response technicians from Macoupin,
Montgomery and Sangamon counties all promptly came
to the school, at 525 North Third Street, to help students
and adults.
Those suffering from the symptoms were given oxygen.
“The immediate treatment that we were seeking for them
was oxygen, that’s the most immediate thing to get to them,”
Cullen said. “We had rigs from the tri-county area because
there’s not enough oxygen canisters here. We just kept calling
to get more in. Macoupin County was very helpful in calling
other areas in to bring us more oxygen and more ability to test
vitals on kids.”
Considering the situation, Cullen thought the parents responded respectfully. “When you think about how concerned
they had to be about their children, the parents were great.
They responded to direction. We had a lot of people here to
tell them where to go. We had pretty good lists of where kids
were, and I think that’s your main concern is when something
happens, ‘Where’s my child, and how quickly can I get to
them,’” Cullen said.
Parents were allowed to come and pick up children after
those showing symptoms were checked (for) triage, Cullen
said.
Buses took students to a couple of offsite areas — First
YES
278 VOTES NO • 209 VOTES
YES
ELECTION EDITION
AT FOUND AT ENQUIRER
DEMOCRAT.COM
M  C ’
D  N 
Macoupin County ~
Carlinville
75¢
THURSDAY, NOVEMBE
R 6, 2014
Voter
turnout: More than half of
voters visit polls; Voters secure Macoupin County
convincing win for Kahl.
TWENTY-TWO PAGES,
TWO SECTIONS
Kahl's plan
of action: Sheriff-elect Shawn
Kahl pledges to make substantial
scheduling in Sheriff's office.
changes
Kahl takes sheriff 's race
Shawn Kahl - 10,662 votes
31.9%
Multiple ambulances and emergency responders were called to North Mac Middle School shortly after 9 a.m. on Monday after the school evacuated students due to a carbon monoxide leak. Classes
were cancelled for all North Mac students Sept. 16 and 17. Tests taken Sept. 16 showed a zero reading but the district was scheduled to have air quality testing done Sept. 17 at the middle school to
ensure carbon monoxide levels remained at zero in the building overnight. Maintenance staff will install carbon monoxide detectors in each of the district’s schools before students return, according
to North Mac Superintendent Marica Cullen.
Middle schoolers evacuated after carbon monoxide leak
57.08% NO
Enquirer~Democrat
SPECIAL 2014
Dale Volle - 4,995 votes
Lace It Up 5k raises
funds for SMA.
BENLD TRASH COLLECTI
Should Benld pass an ordinanceON
to mandate citizens
to one trash company?
54.4% NO
VOTES YES
THE DAILY ENQUIRER
~DEMOCR
was condemned by the state, forcing
the district into split class schedules to
get through the remainder of the school
year. Eventually, modular classrooms
were brought in to house the students
until a new school could be built. The
new Ben-Gil Elementary opened in the
fall of 2013.
According to R. Verticchio, it is
uncertain but likely that Union Pacific will file an appeal. If an appeal is
filed, he estimates the process could
take a year to 18 months.
Local resident earns
4-H Hall of Fame title.
KAHL VOWS ADMINISTRATION
Kahl celebrates
decisive win
UPDATED RESULTS
Business-------------6A
Calendar------------10A
Court -----------------11A
Editorial--------------- 4A
Focus----------------12A
MAC Stats-----------5B
WILL BE HELD ACCOUN
TABLE AND TRANSPARENT
TO THE PUBLIC
48th Legislative District
By Jan Dona
Election results slowly started
rolling in just before 8 p.m.
Tuesday, and
it took less than an hour
before supporters of Shawn Kahl
started celebrating. By 9 p.m., the
sheriff-elect
had microphone in hand
and stood
before a large crowd at
Carlinville’s
A firefighter assists students in front of North Mac Middle School MonElks Club to show his
See NORTH MAC on 9A. day morning.
appreciation
See 10A. for all
those who worked his
campaign and voted for him
Andy Manar
BLACKBURN
Linda Little
at the polls.
Neurofibromatosis
Organizers reflect on country’s
“Thanks to everybody here.
Withspiritual condition at Cry Out rally Awareness Day set out you people, this would have been
possible. We don’t have
for Sept. 27
the final
34,223 Votes
can soil.
27,345 Votes
totals, but obviously I’ve
By Joe Healy
It was an event to prayerfully reCunningham hoped the rain
won this
At Monday evening’s meeting
thing and I could not have
flect on what occurred more than a would hold off a little longer,
ever done
of the Carlinville City Council, the
decade ago in New York City, as though she added, “This day is in
it without everyone in
council passed a resolution declarwell as near the Pentagon and in your hands.”
this
building
ing Saturday, Sept. 27, as Neurofirural Pennsylvania. On Sept. 11,
There was a light drizzle but by
and everyone standing
13th Congressional
behind
bromatosis (NF) Awareness Day in
2014, a group gathered for its an- the time the event concluded, the
I’ve thanked them and thanked me.
the city of Carlinville.
nual Cry Out America! rally on the rain clouds appeared to have gone
them
District
NF is a set of genetic disorders
north steps of the Macoupin Coun- away.
and thanked them,
that causes tumors to form on nerves
ty Courthouse.
Prayers were offered for the
and I’m gonna
in the brain and body. Cases of NF
Despite the dreary outdoor con- Macoupin County Board, plus
are numerous enough to make it thank
ditions and below-average tem- other elected officials, including
them again,”
common than cystic fibroCNN more
peratures, more than 40 individu- the county clerk, treasurer, cirhighlights
sis, hereditary muscular dystrophy, said Kahl.
als — many wearing jackets and cuit court clerk, sheriff, state’s
Blackburn
Huntington’s
disease, and Tay Sachs
toting umbrellas — attended the attorney and coroner. In addition,
College.
Kahl attributed
e did this thing when people
combined.
nearly hour-long event.
prayers were offered on behalf of
Sam Oswald, who has battled his
Following the saying of the the cities, towns and villages in
campaign’s
Seewas6A.
NF for his entire life,
the spepledge of allegiance, organizer Macoupin County, plus the uninsaid we couldn’t do it.
cial guest at the meeting. Mayor success to one simJoyce Cunningham said the focus corporated areas and for the local
Deanna Demuzio presented the ple thing:
SPORTS
was on a “Christ-centered awak- schools.
work.
► Shawn
resolution to Oswald, who received
ening” for the country on the anniToward the end of the proKahl
hearty applause from the alderman “We did this thing
versary of “that horrendous day,” gram, Sally Kates read a poem she
when terrorists struck on AmeriSee COUNCIL on 11A. when people said
See CRY OUT on 9A.
we couldn’t do it. We didn’t
do it the
right way. We didn’t ask
Rodney Davis
for permisAnn Callis
sion. We did this in the old-fashione
d
way: We worked our asses
off, and
we got this.”
122,661 Votes
Some of the work to which
86,126 Votes
Kahl
referred includes the effort
his campaign put into handing out
more than
22,000 walk pieces over
CHS girls' volleyball
Voter Turnout
the course
of two trips throughout
win regional title.
the county.
“We did it the right way.
We earned
Macoupin County
See 1B. it,” said
Kahl.
Voter Turnout
Kahl does not consider
a politician. “The emotionalhimself
roller
Saturday
coaster you go through
in this type
11/08
of situation is unbelievable
.
consider myself a politician I don’t
-- I nevSunday
er have. A lot of people
Voter turn-out in 2012 was
say, ‘You are Sheriff-elec t
66.41%.
11/09
Shawn Kahl shows
now,’ but you know what?
The
county turnout at the last
Photo by Jan Dona, Macoupin
his gratitude to one
I’m going 4 at Carlinville
County Enquirer~Democ
of his many supporters
Elk's Club.
to be a sheriff first.”
term election in 2010 was midrat
at his campaign party
48.7%
Nov.
Following his speech, Kahl
made
his way around the room,
showing
Carlinville
his gratitude by shaking
hands and
Voter Turnout
embracing all who came
up
to
offer
Blackburn Connects-their congratulations.
6A
One excited supporter
Long received 926 voters
Calendar-- ----------9A
All six incumbents seeking
said, “I’m
while by Macoupin County
not surprised. He’s a great
Central
tion to the Macoupin Countyre-elec- Democratic Julia Watson garnered
Church----- -----------9A
mittee Chairman Terri Koyne. Comwho will make an outstandingdeputy did
Board 784 votes. “I walked
so in Tuesday’s general
Long
sherdoor to door in knows
election. Brighton,” Long
iff.” Among Kahl’s supporters
the county faces challenges
2,279 Votes Cast and 4,216
Macoupin County Board
said of his effort to the
is
State Senator Andy Manar,
incum- gain another
near future, as recent mine in
term.
who won bents in District 3, which
Registered Voters
includes portions of Shipman.He also walked sure have negatively affected cloCourt -----------------11A
the Brighton area, will
local
return for a
revenue.
See KAHL on 12A. four-year
Long was told he was
Editorial--------------- 4A
term. Republican Frank
re-elected
During the Mayoral election
shortly after 10 p.m. via
a phone call
(2013) voter turn-out in Carlinville
See COUNTY BOARD
MAC Stats--------
44.41%
School Zone--------9B
Society----------------7A
Sports------------------1B
Trades-----------------8B
A few of the individuals at the Cry Out America! rally listen to a speaker at the
Sept. 11 event, held at the Macoupin County Courthouse.
2534
58.75%
— a new Amtrak station plus a controversial electricity transmission line — will move forward in 2015.
There also will be four spots on the Carlinville City
Council up for election as the council takes its final
step toward reducing from 10 to eight members.
Updates continue to be made to the Carlinville
Plaza in the hope that an anchor store will soon open
up.
See Year in Review on 2A.
48
51
41.25%
51.54%
30
36
County Board incumbents
INDEX
---4B
Society----- -----------7A
48th District:
Manar defeats
Little to retain
Senate seat for a
second term.
Sports------------------1B
Trades------ -----------3B
Honoring Veterans---10
A
©2014 Macoupin County
Enquirer Democrat
See page 12A
TWO PAGES OF ELECTI
ON COVERAGE INSIDE
County
Propositions:
Communities vote
on local issues
throughout the county.
See page 2A
Results:
Contested race
results for local and
statewide elections.
See page 2A
2534
re-elected
on 2A.
54.06%
was 39.0% with 1,700 votes
ON PAGES 2A AND 12A
Voter Turnout: A
glance at election
polling places
throughout Macoupin
County.
Narrow Margin:
School facilities tax
rejected by margin
of just 101 votes.
See page 12A
See page 12A
TOP HEADLINES OF 2014
19
20
Area hit with more than six
inches of rainfall
Oct 9
Former medical director sues
county health department
18
ONLINE
FOR MORE STORIES AND
PHOTOS, VISIT US ONLINE.
W
Carlinville sales tax
goes into effect
Jan 2
to
www.enquirerdemocrat.
com
68.1%
55.59%
INDEX
2013 - Kate Warma
Hannah Despain
TWENTY-TWO PAGES, TWO SECTIONS
extremely pleased with the favorable
judgment. We plan to use the funds
recovered in the lawsuit to provide
tax relief to the district’s property
owners and to continue improving the
quality of education for the students
in CUSD 7.”
Benld Elementary suffered a catastrophic subsidence event over a single
weekend in March 2009 when Superior Coal Mine No. 2 in Sawyerville collapsed. The school, which had only be
in use for seven years, opening in 2002,
INSIDE
2012 - Hannah Ruffatto
Bailey Buckner
history of the county and one of the
largest verdicts ever in the history of
the county. We’re proud of ourselves
and happy for the school district,” said
CUSD 7 attorney Rick Verticchio.
R. Verticchio, who has law offices
in Gillespie and Carlinville, represented the district with his brother,
Thomas Verticchio of Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP, of Chicago.
In a press release provided by R.
Verticchio, CUSD 7 Superintendent
Joe Tieman said, “The school board is
Honoring our
2008 - Ali Broom
2010 - Katie Kirk
By Jan Dona
In one of the largest judgments Macoupin County has ever seen, CUSD
7 has been awarded nearly $10 million in the district’s lawsuit against
Union Pacific Railroad.
On Sept. 10 in Macoupin County
Circuit Court, Judge Patrick Londrigan entered the judgment in favor of
CUSD 7 in the amount of $9,850,000.
The award came following a July
2014 decision that found the railroad
liable in the March 2009 subsidence
and eventual condemnation of Benld
Elementary.
“We’re extremely pleased that we
were able to receive such a substantial recovery for the school district.
We’re confident that if there’s any
appeal filed we will prevail. This has
been a long struggle -- it’s been the
most complicated litigations in the
OUR 163RD YEAR
NO. 35
2007 - Kali Crane
2009 - Jennifer Jo Costello
Decision is
subject to appeal
Macoupin County
Veterans.
Past Miss Carlinville
pageant winners
2006 - Lindsey Chism
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2014
2A for story
CUSD 7 awarded nearly $10 million in lawsuit
COUNTY
► See page 8B for 2014
Junior Miss Candidate and
2014 Little Miss Candidate
photos.
2005 - Jamie Brockmeier
INDEX
Trades-----------------3B
in order to better it for generations to come,” Brown
said. “The involvement in
the city of Carlinville would
allow opportunities to meet
new
people,
volunteer,
and show leadership for other young women both in our
community and those surrounding.”
Contestants competing for
MCHS
Fall Fest
on 3A.
2014 Carlinville queen pageant set for April 12
Mr. George Eichen
celebrates 90 years.
OUR 163RD YEAR NO. 29
Should Nilwood township
increase the maximum rate
from .5604 to .9400 for road
purposes?
50.3% NO
PROPOSITIONS
See page
NILWOOD ROAD/BRIDGE
Should a 1% sales tax be
imposed in
Macoupin County for school
facility purposes?
¢
ELECTI
75
ON 2014
M C’ D N
EIGHTTEEN PAGES, TWO SECTIONS
Sprin� i� i� th� air...
SCHOOL FACILITIES TAX
75¢
cast.
By Jan Dona
Carlinville’s Salvation Army bellringers went silent Dec. 24, wrapping up the area’s Red Kettle Campaign. According to organizer Larry
Rogers, this year’s effort fell slightly
short of its goal of $33,000, bringing
in $32,486.
“It was a good year. I think we did
better than a lot of other communities just by the fact that we were very
close to our goal,” said Rogers.
This year’s goal was set at $33,000
because last year’s goal of $30,000
was surpassed by $3,000. “We set the
goal at what they took in last year,”
said Rogers, adding, “We came within about $500, but we surpassed last
year’s goal by almost $2,500.”
Eighty-five percent of the funds
collected will be used locally through
the Good Samaritans. The group uses
the money to help those in need with
funding for utility bills, emergency
medications and temporary shelter in
domestic situations, as well as other
needs.
Rogers explained that money
raised through the Red Kettle Campaign is sent to the Salvation Army’s
district office in St. Louis where an
account is set up. Vouchers are used
to disburse the money as needed
through the Good Samaritans.
“I want to thank all the volunteers
who rang bells and all the individuals
and businesses who made a donation
to the buckets or with a check. It’s
very amazing and gratifying to see
people make a contribution. I know
these are people who are giving from
their needs, not from their excess.”
16
17
City's TIF district
likely to be
replaced by
end of year
CAH holds groundbreaking
for medical office building
Oct 16
See 2A.
July 17
JAN
FEB
2345
Sept 25
MAR APRIL MAY JUNE JULY
AUG
[email protected]
SEPT
OCT
NOV
DEC
Year in Review: 2014
CITY
In early January, the city of Carlinville received initial design plans for a new Amtrak
station. Those early plans included a tunnel
to allow travelers to safely cross to the opposite side of the tracks, but when IDOT officials
presented updated plans to the Carlinville City
Council in December, the underpass had been
nixed because its construction wasn’t considered feasible for the project.
Mayor Deanna Demuzio was pleased with
the building’s design, saying she liked the
building’s peak roof with stone pillars similar
to the architecture at the Loomis House and
Macoupin County Courthouse. The structure,
which will be heated and cooled, will have
men’s and women’s restrooms, a waiting area
and an area for tourism information. Plans also
show a covered area on the west side of the
structure. It is expected that the city of Carlinville will contribute two percent of the cost of
the structure with the remaining 98 percent being funded by the state of Illinois and the federal government. Construction on the project is
expected to begin in 2015.
Work on the railroad crossing on West Main
took longer than expected following the discovery of contaminated soil at the worksite. The
discovery was just another in a string of events
that delayed construction at the site. Work was
eventually completed and West Main was open
to through traffic again in July.
The Carlinville City Council voted to annex
approximately 65 acres of land near the lake
into the city limits during their September meeting. They plan to explore selling some 14 acres
of that land to businessman Mark Strawn for
the purpose of building a medical marijuana
production facility.
The state’s Department of Agriculture plans
to award cultivation centers in each of the Illinois State Police Districts across the state.
Carlinville Mayor Deanna Demuzio said the investor is looking for about 13.75 acres for the
facility, though there’s no guarantee the site will
be approved by the state.
No decision has been reached regarding the
placement of medical marijuana production facilities in the state.
The city is looking at two major street projects in the coming months. Major repairs will
be made to Plum Street from West Main to Orange Street at an estimated cost of just over
$2 million dollars. Repairs will also be made
to Nicholas Street between Chiles and Anderson, although there has been some discussion
to extend the work farther west on Chiles. This
project is expected to cost around $100,000, a
portion of which is expected to be paid by the
railroad.
The city is still considering different ways to
pay for the projects. It’s likely the city’s portion
of the work will be paid for through a combination of state Surface Transportation funds and
local financing.
TIF district action
Following months of discussion between the
city and the Carlinville School District regarding
the legalities of the city’s Tax Increment Financing district, the city agreed to repeal the current
district and establish a pair of new districts.
The first district, referred to as the West Main
TIF, includes properties around the square and
the Courthouse as well as an area one block
south of East 1st South. The West Main TIF
also includes properties along West Main to the
railroad tracks. The second district is referred
to the Standard Addition TIF and includes the
Standard Addition, Carlinville Plaza and Prairie
Farms.
Money raised by these TIF districts will be
used for the redevelopment of commercial and
residential properties in those areas as well as
improvements to the infrastructure.
City officials
Mayor Deanna Demuzio was appointed
to the Illinois Municipal League’s Legislative
Committee. The work of the new legislative
committee will be supported by six new policy
committees that will assist with issue analysis
and the development of an annual legislative
agenda.
Mark Staerk presented the council with a
letter of resignation to the council on May 16.
Richard Mottershaw was appointed by Demuzio to fill his seat.
City awarded over $1 million in grants
In 2014, the city of Carlinville was awarded
over $1 million in various grants. The first was
a $243,700 grant for Emergency Public Infrastructure from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. The money
will fund upgrades to the city’s combined storm
water/sewer overflow to bring it up to standards
set by the Illinois Environmental Protection
Agency.
The city received $450,000 by way of an Illinois Community Development Assistance Program grant for infrastructure work in the Standard Addition area.
The city was awarded $111,029.08 in a Safe
Route to School Infrastructure Award, which
was submitted by the Winning Communities
organization. The funds will likely be used for
signage and a permanent or stationary speed
control device to track how fast vehicles are
traveling.
The City of Carlinville will enter into Phase
II of their Carlinville Lake watershed work as
the city council voted to approve and sign the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) grant
which will amount to $501,000, split 60/40 between the state and the city. The Phase II work
is expected to include silt dam construction and
some in-field Best Management Practices, such
as the use of wider filter strips next to ditches
and incorporating cover crops in farming plans.
The approval of the grant will fund a $20,000
salary for Watershed Coordinator Bob Caveny.
Other grants include upgrades to the fire station and city hall.
City’s legal woes
In its lawsuit against the city, the Macoupin
County Enquirer~Democrat through its attorney, Donald Craven, requested from the Macoupin County Circuit Court a summary judgment against the City of Carlinville on the basis
that the City of Carlinville violated the Open
Meetings Act (OMA) during an executive session held on Feb. 3. Although a hearing on the
matter was set for July 8, the council approved
a settlement offer on July 7.
Mary Beth Bellm, the city of Carlinville’s
former director of public works, was awarded
$247,500 following a settlement agreement
COUNTY
Upgrades
Heneghan and Associates finalized plans
for construction to begin mid-January on the
Henderson Rural Water District’s Phase IV
project, which includes 76 miles of new water
main and related appurtenances to serve approximately 200 users.
The areas contained within the district’s
expansion include the following: 1) generally
north of Route 108, west of Route 4, south
of Hettick and east of Route 111; 2) gener-
15
14
reached with the city of Carlinville and
its insurer, Charter Oak Fire Insurance Company. The settlement was
announced at an Oct. 7 city council
meeting.
Bellm filed a charge of discrimination with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) on
Aug. 14, 2013. The charge alleges
discrimination based on both retaliation and sex for the discrimination
ally north of Gillespie and south of Route 108
along a three-mile wide (east-west) corridor
along Route 4; and 3) north of Route 108,
east of Standard City, south of Waggoner and
west of I-55.
Medical cannabis
Both Macoupin County and city of Carlinville officials are awaiting the announcement
from the state of Illinois regarding who will be
awarded medical cannabis cultivation centers.
TOP HEADLINES OF 2014
Carlinville schools out
of emergency days
13
Bellm alleged took place between
May 1, 2005, until October 25, 2012.
The insurance company settled
the matter on the city’s behalf, said
Carlinville alderman Joe Direso, noting the award amount was negotiated during the mediation process.
Direso explained that after a $10,000
deductible, the city’s insurance company will cover the remainder of the
settlement.
The County Board reached an agreement
with investors over the summer. If selected,
the medical cannabis cultivation center would
be located in the county’s business park
property north of Carlinville along Route 4.
The city applied for a growing center south of
Carlinville near its lake property.
It was thought that an announcement would
be made before the end of the year. County
See County on 6A.
12
Christmas
Market won’t
use tents
Feb 13
Unknown contaminant holds
up Carlinville railroad work
more Year in Review on page 10A
11
Aug 21
Alderman resigns
July 10
June 26
County, medical
cannabis investors
reach agreement
Aug 14
JAN
2A
FEB
MAR APRIL MAY JUNE JULY
AUG
Macoupin County Enquirer~Democrat
SEPT
OCT
NOV
DEC
Thursday, JANUARY 1, 2015
news
New Year’s Resolutions from local officials
We took the opportunity to ask a
few elected officials and those holding important positions in the community for what their New Year’s
Resolution would be for the citizens of Carlinville and Macoupin
County this Christmas.
Deanna Demuzio,
Carlinville Mayor
“As mayor, I and all of us from
the city will continue
to work hard to make
Carlinville an even
better place to live,
work and raise your
families. Happy New
Year.”
Brian Mitchell,
Carlinville Alderman
“I’d like to see us move forward
faster on some projects. Now that we’ve
got some money
coming in, I’d like to
see some new ideas
on how to improve
the city.”
George Cerar,
“To put out a referendum to do away
with the city primary
elections.”
John Comerford, president,
Blackburn College
“I resolve to be
more accessible on
and off campus. Sometimes that work
piling on the desk is
not as important as
the relationships that need to be
built and maintained.”
Mike Kirk,
Carlinville Fire Chief
“Going forward for 2015, that the
city’s staff and members of city government continue to look
for ways to restore
and repair and add
to our local economy
and our infrastructure.”
Shawn Kahl,
Macoupin County Sheriff
“To be more efficient and to provide better services
for not only all Macoupin County residents and all visitors
to the county.”
Carla Brockmeier,
Carlinville City Clerk
“My New Year’s
resolution is to continue to strive to
bring efficiency and
professionalism
to
city hall.”
Mike Kelly,
district superintendent
Carlinville Community Unit
School District No. 1
“As far as a New
Year’s resolution is
concerned, “I resolve
to work with the Carlinville community
to improve the educational services our community’s
children receive.” Joe Direso,
Alderman, Ward 4,
City of Carlinville
“I will continue
to work hard and do
what it takes to get the job done for
those I represent.”
Two individuals
TIF
(Continued from 1A)
file as independents Following a detailed explanation
by Schuering on the importance of
for Council seats
taking the proper steps to repeal the
Three of the four alderman positions on the Carlinville City
Council will have contested races
in April. The deadline for filing for
non-partisan candidates was Dec.
22. The consolidated election for
the city of Carlinville and other
municipalities is set for Tuesday,
April 7.
Kimberly Heigert, Ward 1, and
Brian Mitchell, incumbent for
Ward 3, filed as independent candidates for aldermanic spots on
the Carlinville City Council in December.
Candidates that already filed in
late November for Council seats
were as follows:
Ward 1: Josef Konneker filed as
a Republican. The seat is now held
by Dick Mottershaw, who was
appointed by Carlinville Mayor
Deanna Demuzio. Konneker will
face Heigert for a Council seat.
Ward 2: Jan Best and David
Steiner both filed as Democratic
candidates. Both are currently
serving, though just one spot is
available as Steiner is now serving
as an alderman-at-large. A primary,
to be held Tuesday, Feb. 24, will
be needed to determine the Democratic candidate for the seat.
Randy Bilbruck filed as a Republican in Ward 2 and will face
off against the winner between
Best and Steiner.
Ward 3: Beth Toon filed as a
Democratic candidate, which
means Toon will face Mitchell in
April.
Ward 4: Joe Direso has filed as
a Republican candidate. He is the
incumbent.
The 2015 consolidated election
is the final step of the process to
get Carlinville reduced from 10
aldermen to eight aldermen. An
earlier court ruling determined the
city was in violation by having too
many aldermen and required Carlinville to decrease the number of
elected representatives.
Carlinville School Board
candidates
Four seats on the Carlinville
Community Unit School District
Board of Education are up for election next April.
All four incumbents presently
serving have filed. They include
Martha Armour, Bobbi Bates, David Rathgeb and Charles Siegel.
2009 TIF, the board unanimously
approved an ordinance to terminate
the previous redevelopment plan
and project for the redevelopment
project area.
Each of the two new TIF districts
(West Main and Standard Addition) required approval of three ordinances: an ordinance approving a
redevelopment plan and project for
a redevelopment project area within the city of Carlinville, Macoupin
County, Illinois; an ordinance designating a redevelopment project
area; and an ordinance adopting
a tax increment financing with
respect to the tax increment redevelopment plan and project for the
Sara Oswald,
Alderman, Ward 4,
City of Carlinville
“I resolve to serve
the city of Carlinville
to the best of my abilities in 2015. Happy
New Year.”
Elise Schwartz,
Principal, Carlinville Primary
School
“My New Year’s Resolution
for 2015 in my role
as CPS Principal is
to keep my focus always on serving students.”
Mike Mathis
Macoupin County Circuit Clerk
“My new year’s resolution for
us is to put probate
records out for bid
and to enter into a
contract with someone that can get more
genealogy records up
online. It’s real cost
prohibitive, but I’d like to get that
started.”
Josh Meyer
Macoupin County Judge
“My New Year’s resolution is
to enjoy work, my
family, friends and
watching the Green
Bay Packers win the
Super Bowl.”
Doug Downey,
Carlinville
Alderman, Ward 3
“To send out more
emails and texts than
Joe Direso.”
redevelopment project area.
Although all three ordinances
passed for each of the proposed
TIF districts, Alderman Jan Best
voted “present” on all six ordinances although she was assured her association with the school district
would not be considered a conflict
of interest.
Alderman George Cerar voted
“present” on the ordinances relevant to the West Main TIF, but voted “yes” on the ordinances related
to the Standard Addition TIF.
Following the second vote, Bertinetti explained that a “present”
or “abstain” vote is a vote with the
majority, whatever the majority
vote may be. In this case, a “present” vote is the same as a “yes”
vote.
Kent Tarro,
Macoupin County
Department of Public
Health Administrator
“Working smarter
and more efficiently
every day.”
Wayne Rosenthal,
State Representative, 95th District
“As an Illinois Legislator, my resolution
is to work for a better
business climate and
adequate funding for education in
Illinois.”
Dave Steiner,
“I just hope that all
the entities of Carlinville can work together for the betterment
of Carlinville.”
Dick Mottershaw,
I’m very interested
in the city pursuing
a reliable source of
clean water.
Tim Coonrod,
“I want to work on
bringing in new jobs
and getting the plaza
going.”
Becky Schuchman,
Intermediate School
Principal
“That we continue
to provide an excellent education to our
students.”
Andy Manar,
State Senator, 48th district
“Looking ahead to beginning my
second term in the
Senate in 2015, it’s
my hope and resolution that the General
Assembly and Governor will work together
to solve the state’s problems starting with school funding reform.”
Peg Barkley,
Macoupin County
Housing Authority
Administrator
“For all the county
to prosper in the new
year.”
Roy Kulenkamp,
Carlinville Middle School
Principal
“I hope we have a
very successful year
in helping our students to grow academically, to prepare
and be productive members of society.”
Larry Smith,
Carlinville Park
District president
“To upgrade the
playground facilities
and complete the renovation of CNB Field
at Loveless Park.”
Pat Drew,
Carlinville High School
Principal
“My New Year’s
resolution is to focus
on the positives and
work to provide the
best educational experience possible to
the students served in the Carlinville School District.”
Jan Best,
“I resolve to keep trying to serve
Ward 2 by getting it--the largest
Ward by area in the
city—represented
by at least one of its
elected alderman in
each of the City’s
Major
Committees. Currently there is no Ward
2 Representation on the Finance/
Public Lands Committee and the
Annexation
Committee—much
less the newly-formed Economic
Development Ad Hoc Committee. It saddens me that, in spite of my
many requests to Mayor Demuzio
to serve on more than one committee, she continues to shut both me
and the voice of Ward 2 out.”
Dave Haley,
Carlinville Police
Chief
“To keep our town
safe for our families
to live and grow.”
Anne Boehm,
Macoupin County
treasurer
“My resolution is
to be better organized
within the office.”
Larry Pfeiffer,
Regional Office of Education
Superintendent
“I’m going to try to
spend some time to
really just tell people
thank you for doing
a good job, whether
they’re friends, family or staff.”
In other action
Also on the agenda was a request for emergency authorization
to replace a backwash pump for
the city’s public works department.
The board gave its approval to purchase the new pump at a cost of approximately $18,000, with installation of the pump not to exceed
$20,000.
At right is a pair of artist’s renderings of possible new signage
to be placed at the plaza. Central
Reality, the management company developing the plaza, is
actively seeking an anchor store
for the property.
Pictured below is an aerial view
of Carlinville Plaza, which is part
of the Standard Addition TIF district.
3A
Editorial Page
Enquirer~Democrat
FOUNDED 1852
Questions about the Editorial Page may be directed to the Newsroom, 217-854-2534, ext. 24.
Enjoy driving while gas prices are good talk to us
THE ISSUE
For almost a decade,
high gas prices kept
people close to home.
OUR VIEW
Winter aside, time to
travel while it is
affordable to do so.
The price of gas this morning was
$2.08. It’s difficult to remember the last
time the price of gas was below $2, but
word is, those who cross the Mississippi
into Missouri can fill up for as low as
$1.93. Hopefully, the same will happen
in Illinois soon.
Summer is usually considered the
most opportune time to hit the road, but
it might not be a bad idea to strike while
the iron is hot. Who knows what gas
prices will be six months from now.
The idea of a country cruise is famil-
iar to anyone who came of age in Macoupin County. Driving around on both
familiar and unfamiliar country roads is
an activity usually reserved for the fairweather seasons of spring, summer and
fall, but with gas prices where they are,
a winter drive might be in order. After
all, it’s not unusual these days to find
young adults who know nothing about
our area’s back roads. They grew up in
an era when the route taken was always
the one that was the most direct.
There’s no doubt the notion of casual driving is a foreign one to many
people. With fuel close to $4 a gallon
for the last several years, most people
only made trips that were necessary.
More reasonably priced gas means
more opportunity to venture out for a
leisurely drive. This year, many people
were able to take drives simply to view
homes lit with Christmas decorations,
an activity prohibited to many people
when gas prices were high.
As long as the weather is good, winter road trips give a different perspective to those back roads and the coun-
editorial
tryside that surrounds them. Most of
the year, tree foliage blocks nearly everything except the road ahead, leaving
those traveling through the area with
skewed views of their surroundings. A
drive through an area when the trees are
bare can reveal all sorts of structures
and landscape features that are hidden
most of the year.
With tourism being at its lowest this
time of year, low gas prices and decent
weather conditions might create a welcome opportunity for people to get out
and take advantage of some of the sites
this area has to offer.
The Macoupin County Courthouse and
the Historical Society are still decked out
in their seasonal flair, and business districts in nearly every Macoupin County
town are still glowing with Christmas
lights. There really isn’t a better time
to capture the lit beauty of some of this
county’s historic architecture.
If transportation is your thing, there
are a couple of touring options. One can
easily track the path of historic Route 66
through the area, as well as the route of
the old Illinois Traction System that also
traversed the county.
While it’s no secret that it’s better for
the county if people spend their time and
money within the county, there’s nothing
wrong with taking those day trips outside
the county, but we think Macoupin County
has a lot to offer in its own right, even if
your trip is just a jaunt across the county to
see your local team wrestle or play basketball. The idea is to get out -- to do something you may not otherwise consider.
There’s no doubt that snow and ice
will soon come our way, but, for now,
the weather is relatively mild and the
roads are clear. We encourage everyone
to travel while now because by the time
the weather warms, affording to leave
the house may be an impossibility once
again.
–The Editorial Board
Macoupin County Enquirer-Democrat
letters to the editor
Dear Editor,
Dec. 14 was a great day. If
one happened to be at the Federated Church, friendliness,
helpfulness and joy abounded. Friends and neighbors
turned out to help children
purchase clothing and Christmas goodies. Parents shared
their children with strangers
for an afternoon of giving.
The children, from preschool
through high school, were
excited with anticipation and
then pleased with their purchases.
The Spree typifies the spirit
of giving that is so common in
our community. As organizers,
we are always anxious about
having enough donations to
meet the needs of the children and about having enough
volunteers to accompany the
children. With the help of
the Enquirer-Democrat and
friends who spread the word,
our goals were met.
Thank you to everyone who
donated to the Children’s
Christmas Spree. Thank you
to everyone who helped with
crafts, church arrangements,
shopping, child care and support. Thank you to the store
owners and employees who
made this a special day for
the children. The gift of time
and energy by so many people
made the Spree a very special
day for 126 children.
Merry Christmas!
Mary Beasley
Mary Loveless
Martha Young
Dear Editor:
We, the Carlinville Fire
Department and Help the Elf
Committee, would like to
take this opportunity to say
thank you to the businesses,
churches and public who attended our annual fundraiser
for your donation in making
this holiday season bright and
for another successful fundraising year.
As the Help the Elf project
comes to an end, it touches
all of our hearts, as it is a
big part of bringing joy to so
many children in our small
town. Most of all, it’s the
knowledge that such a caring community, especially
in these difficult economic
times, always seems to make
the magic of Christmas a possibility.
Once again, a very huge
thank you to everyone involved.
CarlinvIlle Fire Department
POSTMASTER: Send address
changes to Macoupin County
Enquirer~Democrat
P.O. Box 200 Carlinville, Illinois 62626
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Carlinville, Illinois 62626
Publication No. 324460
4A
Dear Editor:
In last week’s Enquirer-Democrat, a local politician had two
quotes that are typical of elected representatives. Number one
was “We’ve got some stores in
there that pay taxes” and number two the school district was
being “ridiculous” about the
entire situation, referring to the
proposed TIF district.
As I have said many times, a
politician’s primary job description is “spending other people’s
hard-earned money.” Their insatiable appetite to want more
and more out of everyone’s
wallet never ceases. In addition,
many of these same politicians
have never held a job in the private sector or signed the front
of a paycheck, but instead have
been on the government doles
their entire life, many times
double- and triple-dipping with
multiple pensions from different public agencies.
Yes, we need economic development. May I suggest these
same career public sector workers and politicians risk their
capital, labor and expertise and
open this anchor store at the
Plaza. They will soon find out
meeting payroll; utilities; property taxes; sales taxes; comprehensive and liability insurance;
building maintenance; health
insurance; federal, state and local taxes is sometimes a herculean effort just to keep the doors
open. Then the city increases
the sales tax 1 percent to 7 1/4
percent and the state of Illinois
raised the corporate income tax
from 5 to 9.5 percent just four
years ago. In addition, the federal government has many new
payroll taxes and tax increases
on capital gains, interest, Medicare and dividends.
The United States is over $18
TRILLION in debt, and Illinois
is one of the highest debtor states
in the nation, with hundreds of
billions of dollars in promised
pensions and little money in the
bank to fund them. Politicians
(federal, state and local) will
continue full steam ahead to
worm their way into businesses
and their employees’ wallets
with ever-increasing ferocity.
The business owner and employees who work 52 weeks a
year have to pay the public sector workers’ salary and generous
benefits, consisting of numerous vacation and holidays, plus
very generous early retirement
options. Selling enough product
or services with adequate margin to pay all the bills is difficult for established businesses
What was one
of your favorite
memories
of 2014?
“I went to Destin,
Fla., on vacation. I
loved going to the
beach and jetskiing.”
- Sydney Cania
“I bought musical equipment in
October and have
enjoyed playing
my newly acquired
guitars.”
- Howard Nelson
“Going to prom
with all of my
friends that were
seniors.”
- Mary Ann
Rasmussen
“Buying a house
this past April.”
letters to the editor
and nearly impossible for new
business ventures.
With regards to the TIF district, in mid-2009 the city of
Carlinville passed the TIF plan,
retroactive to Jan. 1, 2009. To
keep it simple for everyone to
understand, the Carlinville Car
Quest store on North Broad was
built around February 2009. The
property taxes on the ground the
store was built on will continue
to go to various taxing entities,
i.e. school district, park district,
library, junior college, road and
bridge, and township. However,
the property taxes on the new
Car Quest building for the next
23 years would go towards the
TIF district, leaving those taxing
bodies short of their fair share of
the local property taxes on the
new development and increased
assessed values.
Saying the local school district was being “ridiculous”
about the entire situation seems
unfair. How are these taxing
bodies supposed to operate for
the next 23 year when possible
significant revenue shortfalls
could occur? Yes, the 2009 TIF
has been declared illegal and the
city wants to now form two new
TIFs. The public must know for
the next 23 years all increased
assessed value including all new
development would go into the
TIF and not to the local taxing
bodies. If, say, the park district
or school district had the power
to grab a percentage of the city
of Carlinville’s sales tax, with
the city unable to object, how
devastating would that be to the
city’s budget? If the city objected, would this same politician
call the city’s objection “ridiculous”?
For full disclosure, I am on
the Carlinville School Board,
but in no way speak for them
or the school district. I speak
as a taxpayer, property owner
in the TIF, and former business
owner who, with my employees,
worked hard every day to keep
the bills paid, including all taxes, and the customers served.
Dave Rathgeb
Carlinville City Council Meetings
City Council meets at 7:00 pm at City Hall on the
1st and 3rd Mondays of every month.
- April VanDyke
“Getting to see my
sister when she
came to visit after
joining the
National Guard.”
- Sydney Bates
“We finally decided
to build a home on
our property. We’ve
been thinking about
it for several years.”
- Lorraine
Strutner
Carlinville Committee Meetings
Finance/Public Lands Committee meets at 5:30 pm at City Hall on Monday
between 1st and 2nd Council Meeting.
Planning/Zoning Commission Committee meets at 7:00 pm at City Hall on Monday
between 1st and 2nd Council Meeting or as needed.
Public Works Committee meets at 6:00 pm at City Hall on Tuesday
Public Safety Committee meets at 6:30 pm at City Hall on Wednesday
Lake Recreation Committee Committee meets at 5:30 pm at City Hall on Thursday
Annexation, Tree City USA, and Lake Adhoc committees meet as needed.
Macoupin County
~Democrat
Published Every Thursday
Editorial Deadline: Mondays at 2 p.m.
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125 East Main, Carlinville, Illinois 62626
phone: 217-854-2534 • fax: 217-854-2535
website: enquirerdemocrat.com
e-mail: [email protected]
“Playing middle
school basketball
with my friends.”
- Logan
Rosentreter
Each week we ask people on the
street a different question. If you
want a question asked, let us
know, we will ask it for you.
1. The Macoupin County Enquirer~Democrat
welcomes letters to the editor.
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will be published. Please include your address and
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© Copyright 2014. All rights reserved. No portion of the Macoupin County Enquirer~Democrat may be reproduced, copied or used without the express written permission of the publisher.
Thursday, january 1, 2015
society
senior menu
28
meetings
days gone by
A front-page story in
The Carlinville Democrat dated Jan. 27, 1915:
Thursday, January 1
Rotary Club Meeting: Demuzio Center Auxiliary Dining Room,
noon.
Living Free - Celebrate Recovery: The Refuge Student
Center, 1030 W. Main, 7 p.m.
Recycling Center Board: Public Library, 7 p.m.
Mt. Nebo #76 Meeting: 257 N. Broad, 7:30 p.m.
CAH Bereavement: CAH Glass Conference Room, 2 p.m.
Macoupin County 911 Board: Conference Room, Sheriff’s
Department, 7 p.m.
Friday, January 2
AA Sobriety Society: St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 8 p.m.
Sunday, January 4
Boy Scout Troop 63: Carlinville United Methodist Church
basement, 7 p.m.
Monday, January 5
Narcotics Anonymous: St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 415
South Broad, 7 p.m.
Carlinville Public Library Board: Library, 4 p.m.
Loren and Rosemarie Rhodes
celebrate 60th wedding anniversary
Tuesday, January 6
TOPS: Public Library, 6 p.m.
Free Hearing Test for Seniors: 209 N. East St., 11 a.m.-3
p.m.
Emotions Anonymous: Locust Street Resource Center, 6
p.m.
Carlinville Public Schools Foundation: Primary School,
5:30 p.m.
Carlinville Band Boosters Club: CHS Band Room, 7 p.m.
Grief Support Group: First Baptist Church of Litchfield,
Harrison Street entrance, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Mr. and Mrs. Loren Rhodes of
Carlinville will celebrate their
60th wedding anniversary Jan. 15,
2015.
Father E.A. Heinrich married
Loren Rhodes and the former
Rosemarie Paylo Jan. 15, 1955, at
Nativity Catholic Church in Pittsburgh, Pa. Attendants were Thomas
and Patricia Poljak.
Loren is a retired farmer from
the Carlinville-Gillespie area.
Rosemarie is retired from the Carlinville School District, where she
served as West School secretary for
20 years.
They are the parents of five chil-
Wednesday, January 7
TOPS 2613: First United Methodist Church, Mt. Olive, 9-10
a.m.
Macoupin County Amateur Radio Club: Conference Room,
Sheriff’s Department, 7 p.m.
calendar of events
dren, Lori Dailey of Manhattan,
Lonny W. Rhodes (wife, Kim) of
Carlinville, Larry D. (wife, Suzy)
of Carlinville, Linda Golmolka of
Lockport and Lisa Connolley of
Springfield. There are seven grandsons, Anthony Rhodes, Grant E.
Rhodes, Reid A. Rhodes, Riley
G. Rhodes, Mitchell F. Connolley,
Carter R. Connolley and Jacob L.
Gomolka.
The couple will celebrate with a
mass at Ss. Mary and Joseph Catholic Church, Carlinville, on Jan.
10. A family dinner will follow at
Crabby’s Supper Club, also in Carlinville.
Macoupin County Veterans Assistance Commission: Cahokia Township Office, Benld, 9-11:30 a.m. To help veterans
and their families with claim work and assistance.
Friday, Jan. 9
Wednesday, Jan. 14
Thursday, Jan. 15
Saturday, January 17
Carlinville Writers Guild: 9:15 - 10:45 am. Carlinville Public
Library. Writers of all genres, towns, and experience are welcome. Ages 16 & up. Contact 217-412-9409 or writer53@live.
com for additional information.
Macoupin Center for Developmentally Disabled Root
Beer and Brats Dinner: Carlinville Elks Lodge, 6 p.m. with
silent auction.
Art Special Interest (SPIN) Club: Macoupin County University of Illinois Extension Office, 60 Carlinville Plaza, 10-11:30
a.m. six-week program. To register, call 217-854-9604.
Carlinville American Legion
•Destinations for 2015
•Bring a “NEW” friend receive a gift •Refreshments
•Bring this card and your name
will be put into a drawing for a
door prize.
•Group Leaders Welcome
Where?
Magnus Grand Hotel
19067 West Frontage Rd
I-55 & Rte. 108 at Exit 60
Carlinville, IL
R.S.V.P. to 800.621.6100 or
[email protected]
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Macoupin County Veterans Assistance Commission: Girard City Hall, Girard, 9-11:30 a.m. To help veterans and their
families with claim work and assistance.
C
2:00 pm
FEATURING:
Our Services
Macoupin County Veterans Assistance Commission:
American Legion Hall, Bunker Hill, 9-11:30 a.m. To help veterans and their families with claim work and assistance.
Elisabeth R. Evans, Michaela
R. Huff and Ellen R. Young, all of
Carlinville, and Kaleigh S. Eastep
of Virden were named to the dean’s
list at Illinois State University in
Bloomington for the fall 2014 semester.
*****
Ashley Heyen of Gillespie was
named to the fall 2014 dean’s list at
Belmont University in Nashville,
Tenn. To qualify, she had to have a
grade point average of at least 3.5.
When?
SUNDAY, JANUARY 11
we have such corroborative evidence of unlawful sales of liquor,
that we will be justified in asking
indictments for perjury, in case of
false testimony.
We wish also to say that the
names of patrons of these places
will continue to be taken and kept
to be called as witnesses in other
prosecutions and litigation which
we shall institute and push as vigorously as possible, and will continue until those who violate such
laws are punished as certainly as
are common petty thieves and others guilty of like misdemeanors.
We appeal to all good citizens,
and the vast majority of our people
are the best of good citizens, to cooperate for the enforcement of law
and order in our city by declaring
themselves on this single question
without regard to their opinion as
to the wisdom or desirability of
these laws.
Much has been accomplished already. One year ago we had some
sixteen places selling liquor with
electric lights and gaudy show
of prosperity. Today these eight
gloomy, dismal holes and a refrigerator (which we also believe is
doing an illegal business) stand in
defiance of the expressed will of
our citizens.
Are you for or against the liquor
business obeying the laws of this
state the same as you have to obey
those laws? Is there one law for
you and another for the saloon?
The Citizens’ Law and Order
League of Carlinville
Irene Slagel celebrated her
102nd birthday on Thursday, Dec.
11, with family and friends at
Lott’s Landing Activity Center in
Carlinivlle.
She was born in Springfield in
1912 and has filled her life with
work and volunteer service.
Blood Drive: Brighton Municipal Building, 206 S. Main,
Brighton, 2-7 p.m. Call 800-RED-CROSS to make an appointment. Walk-ins welcome.
Fish Fry: KC Hall, Carlinville, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and 4-7 p.m.
Sponsored by St. Vincent de Paul.
students in
the news
INVITED!
TRAVEL SHOW
Slagel celebrates
102nd birthday
Thursday, Jan. 8
YOU’RE
Presley Tours cordially
invites you to our 2015
birthday
Tuesday, Jan. 6
Macoupin County Veterans Assistance Commission: Cahokia Township Office, Benld, 9-11:30 a.m. To help veterans
and their families with claim work and assistance.
The Carlinville Law and Order
League is this week presenting,
through the state’s attorney, a part
of the evidence it has secured during the past fall, of the habitual and
almost open violation of the dram
shop laws and anti-saloon laws of
the state.
Retail liquor dealer special tax
receipts have been issued since
May 1st last by the U.S. revenue
collector and are now in force in the
hands of Charles Meiners, Hoch &
Meiners, C.H. Tiefenbruch, Ferd
W. Meiners, Ross Baldwin, Hall &
Slagel, John Link, Nicholas Gallagher, who, we understand, has recently sold out to a Mr. McDonald,
and we will present the testimony
of numerous witnesses who have
bought from each of these men personally and from their bartenders,
both whiskey and beer, usually under the names of “ginger ale,” “ginger,” “New Brew,” “Temp Brew,”
“Alpon Bran,” etc.
Many known patrons of these
various places who have not made
any statements to us or our agents
and do not suspect they will be
called, will be called as witnesses.
They are, we believe, law-abiding
citizens, whose right to use liquor
we recognize, but we believe,
notwithstanding the intimidation
which has already in some cases,
been attempted against them by
these unlawful dealers in liquor,
they will refuse to perjure themselves in the interest of an unlawful
traffic and against law and order.
We believe, too, in many instances,
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5A
Community
COUNTY
(Continued from 10A)
(Continued from 2A)
Brian Mitchell, the final portion of his
work to achieve the Eagle Scout rank
was in completing a service project
demonstrating his leadership ability.
The project he chose was the installation of smoke detectors in a number
of area residences.
Boy Scouts from Troops 62 and
63 and Cub Scouts from Pack 65 collected food for the Scouting for Food
drive in Carlinville. Scouts, siblings,
parents and leaders canvassed Carlinville’s neighborhoods picking up
donated items for the Food Pantry.
Three thousand pounds of canned
and dry goods along with personal
hygiene items were donated to the
Carlinville Food Pantry. Members of
the Good Samaritan Ministries were
pleased with the Scouts’ efforts. “This
helps out the pantry so much. The extra items such as Jell-O and baking
supplies provide variety in a family’s
meals,” said Donna Eiffert of the Carlinville Food Pantry.
The Salvation Army’s 2014 Red
Kettle Campaign fell slightly short of
their lofty goal. The effort, which is
organized locally through the Good
Samaritans, collected $32,486, $514
shy of their $33,000 goal.
According to organizer Larry Rogers, this year’s goal was set at what
was collected last year. In 2013,
the group’s goal was $30,000, but
$33,000 was collected. Rogers was
pleased with this year’s take. “We surpassed last year’s goal by more than
$2,500.” Eighty-five percent of the
money collected will be used locally.
Groups and organizations
The Carlinville Lions Club held its
70th carnival and parade Sept. 5-6.
Friday night’s festivities were both delayed and cut off early due to inclement weather. As a result, games and
rides were opened earlier on Saturday and ran later.
Madeline Albertine was named this
year’s Lions Carnival queen
A festival brought together the community for a 12-hour musical event,
SamJam, at the Macoupin County
Fairgrounds north of Carlinville. The
event was tabbed as a long journey
for a man, Sam Oswald of Carlinville,
who wants to give back.
A Carlinville fall tradition celebrated
its 75th anniversary as the local Rotary Club hosted its annual Halloween
parade Oct. 25. Participants in the parade gathered in the Carlinville Plaza
at 5 p.m. or earlier to await the start
of this year’s edition. Onlookers lined
both sides of Route 4 south of the Plaza. Many wore costumes and brought
along their lawn chairs or blankets.
Arrests of note
A Carlinville dentist faced multiple
charges following an investigation by
the Illinois State Police which began
June 13. Rodney L. Bailey, 41, of
Medora, was charged by the Jersey
County State’s Attorney on Friday,
Aug. 1, with three counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse of a victim under 13 years of age which are
alleged to have occurred June 20,
1997. For each count, Bailey could
face a penalty of three to seven years
in prison, two years mandatory supervised release and a fine not to exceed
$25,000.
Bond on the arrest warrant was set
at $250,000. Bailey turned himself
in on Monday, Aug. 4, posted bond
at the Jersey County Jail and was
released. Bailey pled not guilty at a
preliminary hearing held Aug. 19. A
pretrial is scheduled for 9 a.m., Thursday, Jan. 8, in Jerseyville.
Carlinville’s Sol De Mexico restaurant, located at 207 N. Broad St., was
the subject of an ongoing U.S. immigration investigation that resulted in
the arrests of two individuals Aug. 8.
One person was arrested on immigration violations which are considered
administrative charges. Due to the fact
that the charges facing this individual
are administrative and not criminal,
their identity was not released by the
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security
Investigations (HSI). However, it is
suspected that the individual is Marco
Xolo-Xolio due to information found in
the criminal complaint filed against his
brother, Oscar Xolo-Xolio, the other
person arrested during the August 8
incident.
A former employee with the Macoupin County Housing Authority
(MCHA) is facing felony theft charges.
Regina G. Byots, 43, of Carlinville has
been charged with theft after she allegedly took more than $500 but less
than $10,000 from MCHA during a
45-month span.
The alleged theft occurred between
Oct. 1, 2009, and June 30, 2014,
according to the criminal complaint
which indicated that Byots took U.S.
currency from MCHA without permission. The exact amount taken was not
listed on the criminal complaint. Byots had her role with the park district
restricted, after the five Park Board
members met in December. Her role
will no longer include duties regarding
financial transactions or access to accounts and funds.
officials think that may not take
place until after governor-elect
Bruce Rauner is sworn in later this
month.
More than 350 applications were
submitted statewide for medical
cannabis cultivation centers and
dispensaries, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health.
Those interested in submitting an
application had until early October
to do so. There will be 22 licensed
cultivation centers and 60 dispensary centers awarded as part of
the state’s Compassionate Use of
Medical Cannabis Pilot Program
Act.
Plans are for one licensed cultivation center to be located in each
of the Illinois State Police districts.
Elections
Results of the March Primary
Election were a sign of things to
come in November with regard to
races of importance to voters in
Macoupin County
Shawn Kahl defeated incumbent
Don Albrecht for the Democratic
candidate for Macoupin County
Sheriff. Kahl went on to win the November election, defeating Republican candidate Dale Volle.
Another race of note to area voters was that of Regional Superintendent of Schools. Incumbent
Larry Pfeiffer defeated Democratic
challenger David Schwartz in the
March Primary. Pfeiffer ran unopposed in the November election.
State Senator Andy Manar was
able to fend off a challenge from
Republican Linda Little of Decatur.
Manar held his seat with 55.59 percent of the vote.
County voters defeated a 1-percent School Facilities Tax by a
small 101 vote margin.
Financials
The Macoupin County Board
looked at the county’s financial picture and saw that entering into the
fourth quarter of the fiscal year, the
county remained in the black. At the
May 10 meeting, County Clerk Pete
Duncan said, “Although the income
anticipated was $7,659,468.00
and we only show $5,251,603.80,
spending also slowed down more
than anticipated, and the county
remains in the black.” Duncan encouraged members of the board to
review the percentages of budget
spent and if there were any questions regarding the ones that were
out of line, they should address
those questions to the department
heads responsible.
Duncan also pointed out there
was $102,000 coal royalty and that
will be missing in the next fiscal
year. There are also a favorable
number of tax distributions working
in the county’s favor.
Macoupin County Fair
Carlinville’s Madalyn “Madi” Rogers was named the 2014 Miss Macoupin County at the annual queen
pageant June 24. This year’s Junior Miss crown went to Carlinville’s
Stasia Nejmanowski.
The Little Mister title went to
Cade Vinyard and Sami Schneider
earned the Little Miss crown.
The switch to a $5 admission
price that covered both parking
and unlimited rides went over well
with Macoupin County Fairgoers,
according to Fair Board President
Mark Dugger.
Dugger said last year’s decision
to hold the fair in June instead of
later in the summer has proven
beneficial again this year, and
there were no major issues at this
year’s fair.
County departments
The Macoupin County Housing Authority (MCHA) is one of
13 statewide entities approved
through the Illinois Housing Development Agency (IHDA) for affordable housing tax credits that
will be used to construct 38 two-,
three- and four-bedroom homes in
southern Macoupin County. IHDA’s
approval was given on June 27,
and construction is set to begin in
early 2015.
A former Medical Director of the
Macoupin County Health Department filed suit against the health
department for alleged improper
discharge for religious beliefs and
breach of employment contract.
Daniel T. O’Connor filed the lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Springfield, seeking $100,000 in compensation and a trial by jury. O’Connor
was hired by the health department
in November 2012 as a physician
and medical director, working a
minimum of 38 hours per week with
a total salary and benefit package
valued at $275,233.
O’Connor alleged his employment was terminated by Kent Tarro,
director of the health department,
on April 4, 2013, because of his
Roman Catholic faith and his refusal to prescribe certain medications.
The health department claims that
it did not breach the contract; rath-
er, O’Connor did for failing to properly perform his duties as required
by the contract.
The Macoupin County Economic Development Partnership
did not receive county funding for
the 2014-15 fiscal year from the
Macoupin County Board. Shari
Albrecht, MEDP’s only executive
director since its formation, was
notified of the county’s decision to
strip funding in a July letter signed
by County Board Chairman Mark
Dragovich.
The decision to notify Albrecht
of MEDP no longer receiving funding stemmed from a finance committee discussion earlier this summer. The county board allows the
finance committee to hold budget
hearings for individual departments
in preparation of the upcoming fiscal year.
Courthouse news
An elderly, wheelchair-bound
woman was taken into custody
Sept. 3 for trying to enter the Macoupin County Courthouse with a
loaded .22 caliber semi-automatic
pistol.
Donna D. Simpson, 75, of Lake
Ka-ho was taken into custody when
a deputy spotted a suspicious item
in her purse as it passed through
security’s x-ray machine.
According to a press release issued by Sheriff Don Albrecht, when
the deputy asked Simpson if she
had a gun in her purse, she replied
that she did not, at which point the
deputy retrieved the weapon from
the purse. Although a pre-trial hearing was set for January, the court
was notified that Simpson passed
away on Oct. 25, 2014.
Girard native and Blackburn College graduate Kenneth Deihl was
chosen to serve as chief judge of
the Seventh Judicial Circuit. The
chief judge position is voted upon
by other judges in the circuit, and
the term lasts two years. The circuit is comprised of Sangamon,
Macoupin, Morgan, Scott, Greene
and Jersey counties.
Deihl replaces Judge Leslie
Graves, whose current term as the
district’s chief judge is expiring. The
appointment was effective Dec. 1.
Circuit Judge Patrick J. Londrigan planned to retire, effective Dec.
8. Londrigan, who resides in Rochester, notified Illinois Supreme
Court Chief Justice Rita Garman
and Seventh Judicial Circuit Chief
Judge Leslie Graves of his intent
to resign via letters dated Nov. 1.
Londrigan was first elected in 2004
and retained in 2010 when he was
on the ballot.
The judicial opening will be up
for election again in November
2016. Besides Macoupin County,
the Seventh Judicial Circuit also
includes Sangamon, Jersey, Morgan, Greene and Scott counties.
There are 23 judges in the district,
and 11 are circuit judges.
Carlinville Church of Christ
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SHOWTIMES
Friday – 4:30, 7:00, 9:30
Saturday – 2:00, 4:30, 7:00, 9:30
Sunday – 2:00, 4:30, 7:00
Monday thru Thursday – 4:30, 7:00
church listings
Bank &
Trust Company
751 N. Oak Carlinville, 217-854-2511
Bethlehem Baptist Church
6975 Shaw Road, Shipman
618-372-3639
Rev. Ray Robinson
9:30 a.m., Sunday School; 10: 30 a.m.,
Sunday Worship.
Blooming Grove Christian Church
29207 Quarton Road, Palmyra
217-436-2554
9:30 a.m., Sunday School; 10:30 a.m.,
Sunday Worship; 6 p.m., Youth Group.
Boston Chapel Christian Church
Girard
217-627-2795
Pastor, Larry Brandon
9:30 a.m., Sunday School; 10:30 a.m., Worship Service.
Bunker Hill Baptist Church
503 South Clinton, Bunker Hill
618-585-3295 Pastor Darrell Molen
Sunday Worship.
Carlinville Calvary United
Pentecostal Church
704 East First South, Carlinville
217-854-8724 Pastor Larry Mouser
10 a.m. and 6 p.m., Sunday Worship; 10:30
a.m., Sunday School.
Carlinville Church of Christ
110 Rice Street, Carlinville
217-854-8550 Joe Dunn Jr.
9 a.m., Bible Study; 10 a.m., Worship
Service.
Carlinville Church of the Nazarene
318 East Nicholas, Carlinville
217-854-8849 Pastor Don Harrison
Sunday Worship.
Carlinville United Methodist Church
201 South Broad Street, Carlinville
217-854-4446 Rev. Robert R. Taylor
9 a.m., Sunday Worship; 10:15 a.m.,
Sunday School.
Charity Baptist Church
21964 Charity Church Road, Carlinville
217-854-8763
Pastor Curtis Ebert
9:30 a.m., Sunday School; 10:30 a.m. and
6:30 p.m., Sunday Worship.
208 W. Main
Carlinville
217-854-3184
6A
900 W. Main St. • Carlinville, IL
217-854-3554
Member FDIC
Banking at www.bank-and-trust.com
Chesterfield Bible Church
106 Dunn Street, Chesterfield
618-753-3128 Pastor Dave Carlson
9 a.m., Sunday School; 10:10 a.m., Sunday
Worship.
Concord Primitive Church
27260 Concord Road, Palmyra
217-854-6094
9:15 a.m., Sunday Bible Study; 10:30 a.m.,
Sunday Worship.
Cross Church
19453 Hurricane Drive, Carlinville
217-854-2837 Pastor Tim Rhodus
9 a.m., Sunday Worship.
Emmanuel Baptist Church
117 West 2nd South St., Carlinville
217-854-4473
Pastor Rev. Cliff Woodman
Children’s Church Coordinator Nikki Totsch
9 a.m., Sunday School; 10:15 a.m., Sunday
Worship.
First Assembly of God Church
18772 Route 4, Carlinville
217-854-8924 Pastor Joshua Franklin
9 a.m., Sunday School; 10 a.m. Sunday
Worship; 10 a.m., Kids Clubhouse.
First Baptist Church
310 W. Madison, Girard - 217-627-2633
10:30 Sunday Morning
HEINZ
217-854-3157
110 Rice St., Carlinville - Joe Dunn, Jr.
Do you have Bible Questions?
Please call 217-854-6737,
217-854-8550 or 217-556-7479
www.carlinvillechurchofchrist.org
Memorial Christian Church
410 East First North Street, Carlinville
217-854-2639 Pastor Gary Farthing
9 a.m., Sunday School; 10 a.m., Sunday
Worship; 5 p.m., Youth.
St. Paul United Church of Christ
202 East Main Street, Carlinville
217-854-4046 Pastor Kevin L. Strope
9 a.m., Sunday School; 10 a.m. Worship
Service.
New Beginnings Community Church
142 West Center, Girard
217-627-3534 Pastor Kenneth Lovely
9 a.m., Sunday Bible Study; 10 a.m., Sunday
Worship; 6 p.m.; Sunday Discipleship.
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
217-854-6431 Reverend John Henry
9:15 a.m., Sunday Holy Eucharist.
St. Peter’s Episcopal Church
110 East Lincoln Avenue, Chesterfield
217-854-6431 Reverend John Henry
5 p.m., Saturday evening, no Sunday
service.
Funeral Home
Since 1854
Nilwood Baptist Church
38 Judd St., Nilwood
217-627-3313 Pastor Floyd Hendrix
9:30 a.m. Sunday School; 10:30 a.m.
Sunday Worship.
Piasa United Methodist Church
Route 16, Piasa
Pastor Dean Blackburn
Sunday Worship.
Plainview Baptist Church
11365 Shipman Road, Plainview
Pastor William Baughman
Worship.
First Christian Church of Girard
700 West Center Street, Girard
217-627-2529
Worship.
Pleasant Hill Christian Church
19433 West Frontage Road, Raymond
217-229-3074
Preaching Minister Dave Ziegenbein
Sunday Worship, 8 a.m. & 10:15 a.m.;
Sunday School, 9:15 a.m.; Youth Groups
(ages 4-12th grade), 6 p.m.
Gilead Baptist Church
679 Boy Scout Road, Hettick
217-741-4174 Pastor Gary Harding
Sunday School.
Rural United Methodist Church
19789 South Standard City Rd., Carlinville
217-854-5137 Rev. John R. Curtis Jr.
Sunday School.
Holy Dormition Russian
Orthodox Church
300 North Fourth Street, Benld
217-835-2202
Very Reverend Father Paul Waters
9:30 a.m., Sunday Liturgy.
Ss. Mary and Joseph Catholic Church
2010 East First South Street, Carlinville
217-854-7151 Rev. Angel Sierra
5 p.m., Saturday Mass; 8 and 10 a.m.,
Sunday Mass.
Medora United Methodist Church
309-369-3137 Pastor Dean Blackburn
8:15 a.m., Sunday Worship; 9:30 a.m.,
Sunday School.
Dairy Queen
724 W. Main - Carlinville
217-854-8212
510 Broadway - Gillespie
217-839-2215
St. John’s Lutheran Church
110 West Water St, Dorchester
618-362-6375 Pastor Gary Voss
Sunday Worship
Carlinville
Area Hospital
20733 North Broad Street
217-854-3141
The Federated Church: American,
Baptist/Presbyterian USA
122 East Second South Street, Carlinville
217-854-3031 Rev. Betty Lynn Jordan
9 a.m., Sunday Worship; 10 a.m. Sunday
Fellowship; 10:30 a.m., Sunday School.
United Methodist Church of Shipman
278 Keating Street, Shipman
618-836-5804 Pastor Dennis Doane
Sunday Worship.
Victory World Outreach
at CarlinVilla, Route 4, Carlinville
618-610-5802 Pastor Don Garland
10:30 a.m., Sunday
Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church
107 West Elm Street, Gillespie
217-839-2500 Rev. Christine E. Erdmann
8 a.m., Sunday Traditional Worship; 10:30
a.m., Sunday Contemporary.
Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church
238 Virginia Street, Shipman
618-836-5575 Pastor Kara Shaw
8:45 a.m., Sunday Worship.
Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church LC–MS
501 Nobbe St., Farmersville
217-725-1717 Rev. Micheal Strong
9 a.m., Sunday School, 10 a.m. Divine
Service.
Zion Lutheran Church
217-854-8514 Rev. Dustin Anderson
9:15 a.m., Sunday School & Bible Study;
10:30 a.m., Sunday Worship.
North on University
Carlinville, IL 62626
217-854-4758
Carlinville Monument Co.
State Route 4
christ following 101
All last month, much of the world God’s love toward you. The most
was focused on one event – Christ- famous verse in the Bible, John
mas. It only makes sense. Two thou- 3:16, says, “God so loved the
sand years later, Christmas can still world that he gave his one and
stop traffic -- uh, well, and create only Son, that whoever believes in
traffic, too. It is the most significant him should not perish but have evevent in the history of mankind.
erlasting life.” That’s good news.
Christmas should be the greatest God so loved the world. And that’s
celebration we have all year. We why he sent Jesus. He was on a
have tons of parties during the holi- mission of love
day season. Sometimes it feels as if
Like the innkeeper, we tend
we’re going to a different Christmas put up a sign that reads, “No
party every other day in December. room!” God wants to be involved
But what is missing from most of in the simple, ordinary happenings
those parties? The true guest of of daily life: where we go, what we
honor… Jesus!
do, the smile we give the stranger,
But, despite the busyness and the patience we wear in the crowd
chaos that often characterizes our of impatient shoppers, the love
Christmas season, God wants it to that prompts the secret gift, the
be a time of celebration. He wants heart that constantly celebrates
us to celebrate the birth of Jesus. his birth through every sparkling
Remember what the angel said to light, every beautifully wrapped
the shepherds when he announced gift, each special meal, every card,
the birth of Jesus? “I bring you every phone call. Christmas is a
good news of great joy, and it’s for time to celebrate the very preseverybody.”
ence of Emmanuel, God with us.
Jesus could have been born into And when God is with us, life bea palace. His first home on earth comes a precious gift of obedience
could have been a mansion because we can give back to him.
he was, after all, a king. Instead, he
Maybe today is the perfect time
came to a dirty smelly manger in to close out this Christmas season
a common barn and his birth was by revisiting the manger to celannounced by shepherds instead of ebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.
kings – the greatest of all miracles Together, let’s end this Christmas
in the midst of total simplicity. season, and start the new year with
He could have come to us in a right focus, and right hearts. You
many ways, but he chose to inter- can celebrate! Jesus’ birth was,
rupt the very ordinary with the most and still is, good news of great joy
extraordinary. The simplicity of his for all people because God says, “I
birth is one of his most precious love you, I’m with you, and I’m
gifts and one of my most
profound for you.”

life lessons. Jesus still wants to
Christ-Following 101 is writ
meet us in the midst of our simple ten by Tim Rhodus, Lead Pastor of
  
daily lives. It seems too easy and Cross Church, Carlinville-Staun  
too good to be true, doesn’t it? ton, thecrossmatters.org, timrho
Christmas is a time to celebrate dus.com.
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
Thursday, january
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     
1, 2015
obituaries
Gregory Wayne Allen, 60, of
Montgomery, Ala., formerly of
Carlinville, passed away Thursday, Dec. 25, 2014, at Jackson
Hospital in Montgomery.
He was born Oct. 31,
1954, at Elmendorf
Air Force Base,
Alaska, to Herschel Gene and
Dorothy
Mae
(Woods) Allen.
He married Lisa
Morehead
on
Feb. 16, 1977;
she
preceded
him in death on
Aug. 14, 1996. He
then married Debbie
(Caveny) Still on Oct.
15, 1999, in Lake Tahoe,
Nev.; she survives.
Mr. Allen worked at Freeman
United Coal Mine for 31 years, retiring in 2006. He then moved to
Florida, Germany and Alabama in
conjunction with his wife’s job. He
loved playing golf, and as his passion for golf grew, he began playing
in tournaments in Germany. While
overseas, he traveled extensively,
going to The Netherlands, Switzer-
land, Germany, Luxembourg and
France.
In addition to his wife, surviving
are five sons, Jason (Meghan)
Allen, Matt (Kim) Allen, Seth (Keira) Allen, Zachary (Devon)
Allen, all of Carlinville, and Tim
(Christa) Still of
Staunton;
one
daughter, Christina Still (Karin) of
Fort Myers, Fla.;
his mother, Dorothy Allen of Alton;
two grandchildren,
Rori and Pierce Allen; two brothers,
Gary (Earlene) Allen
and Bruce (Teri) Allen;
two sisters, Dawn (Michael)
Belangee and Starr Allen; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his
father.
No funeral services are planned
at this time.
Memorials may be made to United Service Organizations (USO).
Online condolences may be given at alabamaheritagefh.com.
Frances L. Laird
Frances Louise “Weeze” Laird, 88,
of Litchfield passed away Tuesday,
Oct. 21, 2014, at Heritage Manor in
Litchfield.
She was born April 10,
1926, in Litchfield to
the late Theodore and
Ruby Pearl Cavinder Nail. She
married Maynard
Boedecker; that
marriage ended
in divorce. She
later married Levi
Laird; he preceded her in death in
May 1964.
Over the years,
Mrs. Laird world at
the Brown Shoe Factory, Wepco, Sierra and
the Litchfield Koffee Katch.
She was a member of the Christian
Church of Litchfield and enjoyed
word search puzzles, working jigsaw
puzzles and baking cookies.
Surviving are two daughters, Judith Ann Ragland Sneed of Litchfield and Linda (John) Stewart of
Gillespie; eight grandchildren; 15
great-grandchildren; three greatgreat-grandchildren; a brother, Floyd
(Edna) Nail; and two sisters-inlaw, Regina Nail and Irma
Nail of Litchfield.
In addition to her
parents and second
husband, she was
preceded in death
by a daughter,
Phyllis Ann Boedecker-Ballinger;
a granddaughter,
Tina Lyn Ferrando; three brothers, Lee Nail, Oran
Nail and Leonard
Nail; and a son-inlaw, Doug Sneed.
Visitation was held
from 3 p.m. until time of service, Sunday, Dec. 28, at Christian
Church of Litchfield. A memorial
service followed at 5 p.m. Sunday.
Per her wishes, her body has been
donated to science.
Hough Funeral Homes of Raymond is assisting the family.
Carolyn J. Janssen
Carolyn J. Janssen, 73, of Girard
passed away Saturday morning,
Dec. 20, 2014, at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield.
Carolyn was born on
June 30, 1941, to Oran
and Esther (Ize) Edwards in Carlinville. She was a
1958 graduate of
Carlinville High
School and received her LPN
from
Capital
Area
Nursing
in 1972 and her
RN from Lincoln Land in 1983.
On Feb. 14, 1959,
Carolyn married Jack
Wallace in Chesterfield,
and they later divorced. On
April 26, 1996, she married Laurance “L.J.” Janssen at Union Chapel Church, rural Girard, and he
preceded her in death on Jan. 7,
2014.
Carolyn was a registered nurse
at Memorial Medical Center in
Springfield for over 40 years. She
loved sewing and shopping and
was a beautiful seamstress. She
enjoyed horses and riding with her
husband on their Harley Davidson.
Most of all, Carolyn loved spending time with her grand-babies and
great-grand-babies.
Carolyn is survived by three
daughters, Jane Morrison of Auburn, Pam Wallace of Girard and
Marsha Spoon of Girard; son, Michael (Kayla) Strader of Chatham;
four step sons, Dennis “Jelly”
(Shawn) Janssen of Gillespie,
Laurance “Scootie” (Kris) Janssen of Carlinville, Michael (Patti)
Janssen of Carlinville and
Patrick Janssen of Carlinville; step daughter,
Joyce (Terry) Hermann of Elwood
City, Pa.; five
grandchildren; 11
step-grandchildren; six great
grandchildren;
five step-greatgrandchildren;
and several nieces and nephews.
Carolyn
was
preceded in death
by her parents; husband “L.J.” Janssen;
brothers, James Joseph and
Robert Lee Edwards; as well as
a step-son, Gordan Janssen and a
son-in-law, Ron Morrison.
Visitation was held on Monday,
Dec. 22, from 4-7 p.m. at DavisAnderson Funeral Home in Girard.
Funeral services were held on
Tuesday, Dec. 23, at 10 a.m. at
the funeral home in Girard, with
Deacon Denny Baker officiating.
Burial took place in Union Chapel
Cemetery, rural Girard.
Memorials are suggested to the
Girard Fire and Rescue Squad.
Online condolences can be given at davisandersonfuneralhome.
com.
Davis-Anderson Funeral Home,
Girard, is in charge of arrangements.
Poggenpohl
REDI-Mix
217-854-3428
Visit us online!
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enquirerdemocrat.com
Thursday, January 1, 2015
James G. Dirksen Sr.
James G. Dirksen Sr., 81, of
Carlinville passed away Saturday
morning, Dec. 20, 2014, at Heritage
Health Care in Carlinville.
Jim was born July 6,
1933, to George and
Alvina (Mauer) Dirksen in Springfield.
He served in the
U.S. Army during the Korean
War and honorably discharged.
On March 29,
1984, he married
Betty L. Smith in
Springfield.
Jim started his
sales career working for his parents’
furniture store, Dirksen
and Sons’ Furniture Store
in Springfield. He also worked
for Myers Brothers in Springfield
in their furniture department before moving to North Carolina as
a buyer for several different furniture stores. Jim retired from Havertys Furniture in Tallahassee, Fla.,
in 2006, and he and Betty moved
to Carlinville. Working was Jim’s
hobby. He attended Ss. Mary and
Joseph Catholic Church in Carlinville, but most of all, Jim enjoyed
spending time with his family and
loved his toy poodle, Sassy.
James is survived by his wife,
Betty L. Smith-Dirksen of Carlinville; son, James G. (Carri) Dirks-
Wanda L. Hopper
en Jr. of Madison, Ind.; two daughters, Joan (Rob) Miller of Granger,
Ind., and Clare (Mark) Boggess of
Murray, Ky.; three step-sons,
Dennis (Debbie) Smith
of Dora, Mo., David
(Joyce) Smith of
Virden and Danny
(Beth) Smith of
Wyoming, Minn.;
step-daughter,
Kimberly
(Russ) Hall of
Carlinville; six
grandchildren;
several
stepgrandchildren;
several step-greatgrandchildren; two
d a u g h t e r s - i n - l a w,
Donna and Karla Smith;
and a sister, Mary (Rich)
Flynn of Queen Creek, Ariz.
Jim was preceded in death by
his parents; former wife, Marcia
(Purpus) Dirksen; daughter, Barbara Bos; two step-sons, Larry and
Gary Smith; his brother, David
Dirksen; and one sister, Julianne
Dirksen.
Funeral Mass was held on Tuesday, Dec. 23, at 10 a.m. at Ss.
Mary and Joseph Catholic Church
in Carlinville, with Rev. Angel
Sierra officiating. Burial will take
place at Gunter Cemetery in Dora,
Mo., at a later date.
Memorials are suggested to Ss.
Mary and Joseph Catholic Church.
Robert J. Broderick
Robert J. Broderick, 85, of Litchfield passed away at 11:19 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 20, 2014, at St. John’s
Hospital, Springfield.
He was born July 6,
1929, in Litchfield, a
son of Richard and
Julia (Koski) Broderick. He married
the former Beverly Dillinger on
June 24, 1961, in
Greenville; she
survives.
Mr. Broderick
worked in the
Monterey
Coal
Mine and was a factory worker at Roller
Derby in Litchfield.
He retired as a security
guard for Pinkerton, working
at Echlin. He was a member of Cornerstone Church in Litchfield.
In addition to his wife, surviving
are a son, Michael (Kelly) Broderick of Carlinville; three daughters,
Lisa Tyrrell of Litchfield, Audra
Wilson of Machesney Park and
Iona Wickens of Gillespie; and six
grandchildren, Casey Broderick,
Brian Tyrrell, Randy Tyrrell, Mark
Wilson, Ashley Rowe and Tabitha
Conlee.
He was preceded in death
by his parents; a daughter, Roberta Broderick; three brothers,
Leonard Broderick,
Charles Broderick and Richard
Broderick; and
two sisters, Pauline Plovich and
Iona Link.
Visitation was
held from 4 p.m.
until time of service, Tuesday, Dec.
23, at Cornerstone
Church in Litchfield.
Funeral services followed at 6 p.m. Tuesday
at the church. Litchfield Family
Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements.
Memorials may be made to AdoptA-Pet Shelter in Benld or the Montgomery County Cancer Association.
To view the online obituary, share
memories or leave condolences,
visit litchfieldffs.com.
Melba M. Reeve
Melba M. Reeve, 92, of Anderson, S.C., formerly of Jacksonville, passed away Sunday, Dec.
21, 2014, at Rainey Hospice
House in Anderson.
She was born May
3, 1922, in Gillespie,
the daughter of
Lloyd and Mildred Gooch Leefers. She married
Robert M. “Bob”
Reeve on Aug.
21, 1949, in Carlinville, and he
preceded her in
death on Jan. 15,
2001.
Mrs. Reeve graduated from Carlinville
High School. Along with
her husband, she served as
caretaker of the Jacksonville Boat
Club on Lake Mauvisterre for more
than 10 years. She was an active
volunteer at the Laborer’s Home
Development in South Jacksonville, serving as treasurer of the
residents’ association. She was an
accomplished seamstress and a devoted mother and grandmother.
Surviving are two daughters,
Janice Micetic (husband, Rick) of
Alpharetta, Ga., and Sandra Reeve
(husband, Timothy Harris) of Anderson, S.C.; two grandsons, Jeff
Micetic of Alpharetta, Ga.,
and Scott Micetic of
Springfield; a sister-inlaw, Marjorie Leefers of Carlinville;
and several nieces
and nephews.
In addition to
her parents and
husband,
she
was
preceded
in death by five
brothers,
John
Dale
Leefers,
Robert Dean Leefers, Erloyd Leefers,
James Leefers and
one in infancy.
Funeral services were
held Monday, Dec. 29, at St. Paul’s
United Church of Christ, Carlinville, with burial at Moore Cemetery in rural Carlinville. Buchanan
and Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville was in charge of arrangements.
Memorials may be made to the
family or to Hospice of the Upstate.
Condolences may be sent to the
family online at buchanancody.com.
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Gregory W. Allen
Wanda Lee Hopper, 79, of
Gillespie passed away at 4:22 a.m.,
Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2014, at St. Francis Hospital, Litchfield.
She was born May 11,
1935, to Byron Ray
and Lillie M. (Gray)
Rusher. She married
Harry W. Hopper on April 14,
1959, in Decatur;
he preceded her
in death on May
18, 2011.
Mrs. Hopper
was a homemaker and a former
member of the
Gillespie Ski Club
and Good Times Club.
She also enjoyed helping
with the concession stand at
Gillespie High School girls’ softball games.
Surviving are a daughter, Brenda
(Dan) Smith of Gillespie; a son,
Steven Hopper of Mt. Clare; grandchildren, Jeremy (Michelle) Smith
and Jessica (Billy) Katava, all of
Gillespie;
great-grandchildren,
Gillian Smith and Levi Katava;
Jennie Harris
Jennie Gucciardo Harris, 90,
of Houston, Texas, formerly of
Gillespie, passed away Monday,
Dec. 22, 2014, at Solana Vintage Park.
She was born May
29, 1924, in Wilsonville to Frank Gucciardo and Catherine (Palazzola)
Gucciardo. She
married James
W. Harris on
May 26, 1943, in
Bunker Hill; he
preceded her in
death in 1957.
Mrs. Harris had
lived in Houston,
Texas, since 1970 and
retired from Foley’s Department Store in 1987 as a
sales clerk. She had been living at
the Solana Assisted Living, where
she continued to make a difference
in the lives of the staff and residence, who shared memories with
her family of how she was always
blessing them with cards and notes
of encouragement.
Surviving are a daughter, Alberta
H. Nickelson (Cecil); a son, Frank
R. Harris Sr. (Deborah); grandchildren, James Nickelson (Becky
Anderson), Susan N. Jeantete (Gabriel) and Frank R. Harris Jr. (Margaret); great-grandchildren, Eliza
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Nickelson, Frank Corbin Harris
and Isabella Harris; step-greatgrandchildren, Colby and Tyler
Henderson; great-great-grandchild, Kinlee Henderson;
sisters-in-law, Violet
Gucciardo and Mary
Halpin; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
In addition to
her parents and
husband,
she
was preceded in
death by a brother, Antone Gucciardo.
Visitation was
held from 11 a.m.
until time of service,
Saturday, Dec. 27, at
Kravanya Funeral Home,
Gillespie. Funeral services followed at 1 p.m. Saturday at the
funeral home, with Pastor David
Summerlin, founder and former
pastor of The River Assembly of
God in Conroe, Texas, officiating.
Burial was at Holy Cross Cemetery, Gillespie.
Memorials may be made to
Gillespie Volunteer Fire Department or the charity of the donor’s
choice.
Anyone wishing to send an online condolence may do so at kravanyafuneral.com.
Mary J. Broaddus
Mary Jeanette Broaddus, 91,
of Raymond passed away at 8:05
p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 17, at Missouri Baptist Medical Center in St.
Louis, Mo.
She was born May 17, 1923,
near Raymond, the daughter of the
late Clarence C. and Clara C. Weitekamp Kelmel. She married William H. Broaddus on Oct. 8, 1947,
at St. Raymond Catholic Church
in Raymond; he preceded her in
death on Nov. 7, 2006.
Mrs. Broaddus was a dedicated
farmwife and homemaker. She
was a member of St. Raymond
Catholic Church, the St. Raymond
CCW and the Raymond American
Legion Triple Star Post 299 Ladies’ Auxiliary. She and her husband were proud sponsors of the
FFA and Montgomery Count Farm
Bureau.
Surviving are a son, William
Paul (Kathy) Broaddus of St. Louis; daughters, Barbara Stephenson
of Raymond, Patricia (Kevin) Olson of Harvel and Pamela (Rob)
Bloome of Carlinville; 10 grandchildren, Amy (Shawn) Bethard
of Morrisonville, Kate (Jason)
Mayer of Springfield, Michael
Stephenson, Robert Olson of Fort
Worth, Texas, Lita, Victoria and
Dillion Broaddus, all of St. Louis,
Kayla (Duy) Le of Raleigh, N.C.,
Kristie (Ryan) Virden of Marshfield, Wis., and Kelli (Kyle) Snyder of Houston, Texas; two greatgrandchildren, Carter and Cooper
Bethard of Morrisonville; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and
husband, she was preceded in
death by a son, James Charles
Broaddus; and a granddaughter,
Rachel Jeanette Broaddus.
Visitation was held from 4-7
p.m., Friday, Dec. 19, at St. Raymond Catholic Church, Raymond.
Funeral services were held at 10
a.m., Saturday, Dec. 20, at the
church, with Father Bunse officiating.
Condolences to the family may
be left at houghfuneralhome.com.
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a brother, Robert Rusher of Shipman; and four sisters, Patty Page,
Sharon Hankins, Judy Miller and
Nancy Wasylenko.
In addition to her parents and husband, she
was preceded in
death by five sisters, Leona Busse,
Ann
Folkerts,
Clarine Allen,
Sandra Niemisto
and Betty Hicks.
Visitation was
held from 5-8
p.m., Friday, Dec.
26, at Kravanya
Funeral
Home,
Gillespie. Funeral
services were held at
10 a.m., Saturday, Dec.
27, at First Christian Church
in Gillespie, with Arthur Roemer
officiating. Burial was in Gillespie
City Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the
Gillespie High School baseball or
softball teams.
Anyone wishing to send an online condolence may do so at kravanyafuneral.com.
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Phone: 618-753-3181
Lobby Hours: Monday – Saturday 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
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7A
Marriages
Matthew L. Dufner, and Hetra I.
Ballowe, both of Carlinville.
Scott A. Stallard and Nicole M.
Rhoades, both of Wilsonville.
Divorces filed
Katelynn K. McCutcheon, Carlinville, and John B. McCutcheon,
Warrenton.
Wesley N. Robbins, Wilsonville,
and Dana B. Robbins, Bunker Hill.
Richard H. Levi, Springfield, and
Agnes E. Levi, Springfield.
Lawsuits
Calvary SPV I LLC filed a complaint against James T. Rawlins of
Carlinville. Due demand has been
made and the plaintiff is seeking a
judgment in its favor of $17,303.92
plus court costs.
Felonies
Matthew L. Hauter, 35, of Carlinville has been charged with unlawful possession of less than five
grams of a substance containing
methamphetamine in connection
with a Dec. 12 incident.
Kyle E. De Vries, 25, of Staunton has been charged with unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia and unlawful possession of a
controlled substance in connection
with a Dec. 13 incident in which
the defendant allegedly knowingly
possessed less than 15 grams of a
substance containing cannabis and
also possessed a white pipe, an
item of drug paraphernalia, with
the intent to use the device to inhale cannabis into his body.
John T. McDonald, 18, of Carlinville has been charged with possession of methamphetamine manufacturing material in connection
possessed salt, liquid fire and coffee filters, all methamphetamine
manufacturing materials.
Dustin M. Thompson, 20, of
Carlinville has been charged with
participation in methamphetamine
manufacturing and possession of
methamphetamine manufacturing
material in connection with a Dec.
13 incident in which the defendant
allegedly knowingly participated
in the manufacture of more than
100 but less than 400 grams of
a substance containing methamphetamine and also possessed salt,
liquid fire and coffee filters, all
methamphetamine manufacturing
materials.
Elmer W. Vanderpoel, 28, of
Staunton has been charged with
residential burglary in connection
the defendant allegedly knowingly entered a dwelling place in the
700 block of West Mill Street in
Staunton with the intent to commit
a theft.
Misdemeanors
Katelynn M. Smith, 21, of Carlinville has been charged with harassment through electronic communication in connection with a
Dec. 18 incident in which the defendant allegedly knowingly sent
a text message stating a threat of
bodily harm. The defendant threatened to slap an individual.
Lisa A. Ezell, 43, of Brighton
has been charged with domestic
battery in connection with a Dec.
allegedly knowingly made contact
of an insulting or provoking nature
in which the defendant allegedly
knowingly struck an individual in
the head with a shoe. As a condition of bond, the defendant was
ordered to have no contact — written, electronic or otherwise — with
the victim.
Dustin M. Blum, 25, of Worden
has been charged with unlawful
possession of cannabis in connection with a Dec. 21 incident
knowingly had more than 2.5 but
less than 10 grams of a substance
containing cannabis.
Mendy S. Turner, 35, of Virden
has been charged with battery in
connection with a Dec. 16 incident in which the defendant allegedly knowingly made contact of
an insulting or provoking nature in
connection with a Dec. 16 incident
knowingly pushed an individual.
Ashley N. Pickens, 18, of Troy
has been charged with criminal trespass to real property in connection
with a Nov. 28 incident in which
entered James A. Bertagnolli Park
in Bunker Hill without legal or
lawful authority.
DUIs
Matthew L. Hauter, 35, of Carlinville has been charged with driving
under the influence in connection
drove a 1999 black Mitsubishi in
the vicinity of Loveless Parkway
at approximately 8:20 p.m. Hauter
was arrested by an individual with
the Carlinville Police Department.
Chad N. Roberson, 43, of Glen
Carbon has been charged with
driving under the influence of alcohol in connection with a Dec.
allegedly knowingly drove a 1994
maroon Dodge southbound on I-55
at milemarker 45. The defendant
also was issued citations for improper traffic lane usage, operating
an uninsured motor vehicle and a
seat belt violation.
crimes &
accidents
Jeffrey Y. Bates, 17, of Virden
was involved in a single-vehicle accident at the intersection of Emmerson Airline and Blooming Grove
Road in North Palmyra Township at
approximately 5:40 p.m., Tuesday,
Dec. 16. Bates, eastbound in a 1998
Dodge Ram 2500, reported a deer
entered the roadway from the north.
The vehicle struck the deer with its
front bumper. No injuries were reported, and no citations were issued.
The vehicle, which sustained minor
damage to its front, was towed from
the scene.
Michael A. Greenwalt, 50, of
Shipman was involved in a singlevehicle accident on Shipman Road
an estimated quarter-mile north of
Kelly Road in Hilyard Township at
approximately 5:41 a.m., Thursday,
Dec. 18. Greenwalt, northbound in
a 1999 Ford Ranger, struck a deer
in the roadway. No injuries were reported and no citations were issued.
The vehicle, which sustained damage to its front, was towed from the
scene.
Donna L. Carty, 72, of Carlinville
was involved in a single-vehicle accident on Moore Cemetery Road an
estimated 500 feet west of Claremont Road in Carlinville Township
at approximately 8:02 p.m. Carty,
eastbound in a 2009 Ford Expedition, struck a deer in the roadway.
No injuries were reported, and no
citations were issued. The vehicle,
which sustained damage to its front,
was driven from the scene.
James E. Siemer, 46, of Greenfield was involved in a single-vehicle accident Dec. 22 on Palmyra
Road an estimated half-mile east
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of Rabbit Road in Barr Township
at approximately 8:37 a.m. Siemer,
eastbound in a 2002 Ford E-350,
lost control and began to slide on
the wet pavement, according to
the accident report. The vehicle
crossed the roadway, went down
an embankment and rolled onto its
passenger’s side. No injuries were
reported, and no citations were issued. The vehicle, which sustained
major damage, was towed from the
scene.
Alexander F. Walters, 19, of
Virden was involved in a two-vehicle accident Dec. 22 on Nine Mile
Road an estimated eighth-mile east
of Lead Line Road in Virden Township at approximately 7:17 p.m.
Walters, driving a 2000 Chevrolet
Silverado, was westbound when
another vehicle was approaching
him heading eastbound. According
to Walters, the driver of the other
vehicle crossed the center line and
came into his lane. Walters further
advised that he steered his vehicle
to the right, leaving the roadway
and going into the ditch. Walters
said that he struck a culvert which
led into a field road. The approaching vehicle did not have any contact with Walters’ Chevrolet, but
forced him from the roadway. The
vehicle was described as a green
pickup with possible tinted windows. There is no further description. The Chevrolet Silverado,
which sustained front end damage,
was towed from the scene. No injuries were reported, and no injuries
were reported.
Lacey M. Crays, 34, of Carlinville was involved in a single-vehicle accident Dec. 22 on Litchfield
Road an estimated quarter-mile
west of Bierman Road in Honey
Point Township at approximately
11:05 p.m. Crays was westbound
in a 2000 Dodge Dakota when
she lost control on the wet roadway, according to the accident
report. Crays’ vehicle skidded off
the roadway to the left and went
through the ditch and out into a
field, according to the accident report. Both front air bags did deploy,
and the front and driver’s side of
the vehicle sustained damage. The
driver did complain of soreness in
her chest due to airbag deployment
but refused medical treatment. No
citations were issued. The vehicle
was towed from the scene by Davis
Towing.
Incidents
Dec. 6
An officer was dispatched to the
intersection of Sunset and Frank
roads in regards to a hit-and-run accident with property damage. It was
reported to the responding officer
that a semi-truck trailer had struck
a telephone pedestal at the location
and continued toward Gillespie, according to the incident report. The
responding officer, a sergeant, along
with another deputy, immediately
responded. While en route, the responding officer contacted the witness. She could only describe the
semi-truck trailer as being marked
as an oversized load and hauling a
large, light green structure. The witness said she stopped the semi-truck
and informed the driver of what he
did. The woman further stated the
driver, a white male subject with
a ponytail, shrugged his shoulders
and continued westbound toward
Gillespie. After attempting to locate
the semi-truck trailer and requesting
an ISPERN broadcast, the responding officer went to the scene and
photographed the telephone pedestal, which was owned by Frontier
Communications. Upon photographing the scene, the responding
officer then requested dispatch to
contact Frontier Communication to
report the damaged pedestal.
Dec. 10
A deputy received a call from a
woman on Route 111 in reference to
a possible case of fraud/con games
at approximately 1:42 p.m. The
woman stated a man with a Middle
Eastern accent called saying he was
from the IRS. The man never told
her she owed money and kept insisting on talking to her husband. When
she said no, he would hang up. She
stated the individual called back
twice, and when she answered, he
would hang up. The deputy advised
it was a scam and not to give any
money. The woman stated she just
wanted to make the police aware of
the report. No arrests were made.
There are no suspects.
A deputy was advised to make
contact with a woman on South
Dorchester Road in Bunker Hill
at approximately 5:43 p.m. The
woman stated she received a phone
call from a collection agency stating that she owes $1,600 to Comcast. The woman stated she doesn’t
have Comcast as a television provider. The woman further stated she
called Comcast and they stated they
would call her back and haven’t yet.
She stated that she told the collection agency this and they stated they
would investigate and let Comcast
know. The woman said when she
spoke to Comcast they stated they
had her name and Social Security
number and a place where the service was provided. The address
listed was an apartment in the 1000
block of West Thorndale Avenue
in Chicago. The deputy advised a
report would be done and that she
should check her credit report to
make sure no other accounts had
any fraud issues. No arrests were
made. There are no suspects.
Dec. 15
A deputy spoke with a woman on
the phone at approximately 12:46
p.m. The woman advised she received a letter postmarked from
Ontario, Canada. The woman further advised the letter said she may
be the heir of a large sum of money
left from a family member and the
letter requested that she call them.
The deputy informed the woman it
was a scam, advised her not to call
them back and advised her she may
want to call the Illinois Attorney
General’s office and its office of
postal inspections. No arrests were
made. There are no suspects.
Firearm deer harvest
numbers down slightly
Muzzleloader counts
County
Macoupin
Montgomery
Jersey
Madison
Statewide
Firearm counts
County
Macoupin
Montgomery
Madison
Jersey
Statewide
2013
54
21
31
26
3,444
Second Season
426
275
196
241
24,717
Totals
2013
1,222
831
655
650
74318
Total 1,201
862
593
647
76,547
2012
1,815
1,047
924
932
ETSB waiting for more
information on FirstNet
The county’s Emergency Telephone Services Board (ETSB) is
preparing for the implementation
of FirstNet, a program approved
in February 2012 by the Middle
Class Tax Relief and Job Creation
Act in Congress. ETSB members
are awaiting additional information which will likely come in
February.
The program, which eventually
will set up a nationwide 700 MHz
spectrum, outlines a series of processes and guidelines in building
the network. In approving the act,
Congress set aside up to $7 billion to fund the program for all 56
U.S. states and territories.
The state government opted into
the program, according to board
member Brandon Oxley, who
says the intent is to have the federal program in place by 2018.
FirstNet is governed by a
15-member board which consists
of the Attorney General, Secretary
of Homeland Security, Director
of the Office of Management and
Budget and 12 individuals appointed by the Secretary of Commerce. FirstNet is the last remaining recommendation provided by
the 9/11 Commission, according
to the program’s official web site.
Two public meetings have been
scheduled for early February in
Carlinville. The meetings will
take place Thursday, Feb. 5, at the
Macoupin County Farm Bureau
Building, 220 North Broad Street,
in Carlinville at 2 and 7 p.m.
For additional information about
FirstNet, visit firstnet.gov/about.
Budget overview
First quarter expense and income reports were presented and
approved at the Dec. 23 meeting.
The first four months of the fiscal year — September, October,
November and December — are
in the books and an estimated
$406,000 has been spent out of
the department’s $1.2 million
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39
22
20
15
3,485
Firearm counts
County
First season
Macoupin
775
Montgomery 587
Madison
397
Jersey
406
Statewide
51,830
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year ago. Both Morgan (702) and
Greene (1,036) had several hundred deer taken, though both numbers were down from 2013. During the 2013 season, there were
770 deer harvested in Morgan
and 1,103 deer killed in Greene
County. The 2014 figures represent an 8.8 percent decrease in
Morgan and a 6 percent decrease
in Greene, respectively.
Another 39 deer were shot during the muzzleloader season Dec.
12-14 within Macoupin County,
down from 54 in 2013.
A youth firearm season took
place Oct. 11-13. A late-winter
anterless season for those using
handguns, muzzleloaders and
shotguns takes place Jan. 1-4 and
again Jan. 16-18.
Counts for the archery deer season are unknown at this time. The
archery season runs from Oct. 1
to Nov 20, Nov. 24 to Dec. 3 and
Dec. 8 to Jan. 18, 2015.
Initial figures for the two firearm
deer seasons in Illinois have the
total number of deer taken down
slightly from 2014. A total of 775
were shot in Macoupin County
during the first season from Nov.
21-23 while another 426 were shot
Dec. 4-7, according to data from
the Illinois Department of Natural
Resources.
The year-to-date total for the
first two firearm weekends was
1,201, down slightly from 1,222
in 2013. This year’s harvest was
down 1.7 percent from the previous year.
In nearby Montgomery County,
there was a 3.7 percent increase in
the number of deer taken, as this
year’s initial report was 862, up
from 831 in 2013. South of Macoupin in Madison County, there
were 593 year killed in the two
weekend shot gun seasons, which
was down 9.4 percent from 655 a
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budget.
Significant amounts remain
available to spend in several accounts, including 911 Equipment,
$166,676.14 (94.2 percent); Telephone Services, $156,889.86
(78.4 percent); Public Safety
Fund, $140,587.50 (51.5 percent); maintenance agreements,
$44,233 (88.5 percent); and salaries, $64,615.38 (76.9 percent).
The next ETSB meeting will
take place Tuesday, Jan. 27, at 7
p.m.
CRIME OF THE WEEK
The Macoupin County Sheriff’s Office is seeking information to help solve a rash of vehicle
burglaries in the southern part of
the county.
There have been more than six
incidents reported in the areas of
Brighton, Shipman and Bunker
Hill, most occurring after 11 p.m.
In each case, the vehicles were
left unlocked and burglars stole
personal items and cash. The
Sheriff’s Office reminds everyone to make sure all vehicles are
locked.
Anyone with information that
would help solve this, or any
other, crime may call Crime
Stoppers at (800) 352,0136, submit an anonymous tip online at
macmontcrimestoppers.com or
use a cell phone to text the code
TIP722 and the tip to CRIMES
(274637). Anyone who does so
could be eligible to receive a cash
reward of up to $1,000.
1-800-352-0136
www.macmontcrimestoppers.com
Text A Tip Tip722
CARLINVILLE COMMUNITY UNIT SCHOOLS
Board of Education (Finance Committee) Meeting
Carlinville High School, 829 West Main Street, CarlinvilleJanuary 5, 2015
MEETING TIME 9:30 A.M.
COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA
I. Roll Call
II. Discussion
• HVAC contractors will be given an opportunity to present
their HVAC System and Energy Performance Evaluation proposals to the committee.
• Bond underwriters will be given an opportunity to present
their proposals on the potential issuance of Health/Life/Safety
bonds.
III. Action
• Committee members will decide if they will recommend a
proposal for an Energy Performance Contract to the Carlinville
CUSD #1 Board of Education for approval.
• Committee members will decide if they will recommend a
proposal for an underwriter to assist in the sale of Health/Life/
Safety bonds to the Carlinville CUSD #1 Board of Education for
approval.
IV. Adjournment
Thursday, january 1, 2015
Thursday, January 1, 2015
9A
initial concerns that
ic structure (known
as “the pit”) could
ved, the gym is set
mpleted sometime in
e remaining work on
is primarily interior
eacher construction,
n-up,” said Assistant
ndent Joe Tieman.
nately, the gym will
mpleted in time for
n, which will be held
mentary school gym
y, May 18, at 2 p.m.
mnasium wasn’t the
ture damaged by the
he concession stand
hmidt Sports Comdestroyed, and there
us damage done to
oom and television
hard in recent years, which
has left some in the community with questions about how
the repairs are being funded.
Insurance covered the cost of
tornado repairs throughout
the district. While there was
some concern about putting
such extensive repairs into
an 80-year-old building, Tieman pointed out that, since the
building could be saved, the
insurance would cover restoration, not a new gym.
Some in the community
have questioned whether or
not it’s wise to restore a building on ground that could be
undermined. Tieman confirmed the gymnasium, as
was the case with the old high
Schools
See REPAIRS on 6A.
Before: A May 31, 2013, tornado destroyed a portion of the roof and facade of the Gillespie
High School gymnasium.
After: Repairs to the gymnasium are nearly finished, but the gym will not be able to be used
until they are 100 percent complete.
linville City Council approves budget for busy year ahead
Heather DeNeve, business manager at CUSD mencement exercises, the first with new presiIn January, the CUSD 1 Board of Education
dent of
John
Comerford
Retiring
Board of Education with a de-number
approved a motion to spend $570,000 in im- 1, presented
By Danthe
McCandless
work
projects presiding
currently May
being17.
planned
sets a
Graham,
holdingforward.
a heavy mace,
tailed enrollment
projection which
wherenewprofessor
provements to the district’s aging Intermediate
Mayor Deanna
Demuzio congratulated
andshows
thanked
precedentRoy
for the
city moving
leadcouncil
the contingent
of graduates
a long prothe district’s
areyear’s
expected
School, which houses fourth-grade, fifth-grade
Carlinville City
Councilenrollment
members levels
on their
workto be The
invoked the
emergencyonstipulation
in orwalk.
The commencement
was profive years.
pre-kindergarten
students.
big in
Monday
night’s
meeting May 5. She also thanked der cessional
to carry out
the replacement
of an important
piece
onday’s city and
council
meeting, Mayor
De-Amongatthe
vided by 1950
graduate
Edwin
“Ed”The
to DeNeve,
areCarla
relativelyof equipment
ticket
items are new
fan coil units
City and
TreasurerAccording
Jodi Reichmann
andprojections
City Clerk
at theBlackburn
wastewater
treatment
plant.
made committee
assignments
forventilators,
the upcomJaenke.
isolation valves, as well as single-pane Brockmeier.
windows flat, with the average annual decrease from 2014-input
pump/grinder that needs to be replaced will cost
Blackburn College had 45 percent more first17
at
just
four
students
per
year,
which
is
about
and
a
web-based
control
system.
Brockmeier
agreed
it
had
been
an
interesting
year.
$3,621.32.
ce committee chairman Dave Steiner will
year, full-time
students
enrolled
this fall was
thanatone
percent.
This
comes
after a decline
about 39 Neither
and Intermediate
Reichmann .2said,
“It has
been
interesting.
We areofmakJoe Direso
nor Doug
Downey
Monew co-chair inThe
SarahCarlinville
Oswald. Primary
Other memyear ago. Adding in returning students, the official
students
annually
from
2001-05,
or
2.4
percent,
School Parent Teachers Organization launched
a
ing some baby steps adding to my job. It’s been interest- day night’s meeting. Direso had put an Executive SesMark Staerk, Brian Mitchell and George
new fundraising initiative. Rather than using out- and a slight uptick of nine students per year, .6 10-day count shows a total student body of 591
ing, and I’ve enjoyed it.”
sion on the agenda specifying “Personnel/performance/
students, up from 548 last year, according to figside fundraising companies, the group plans to percent, from 2006-11.
The city’s annual budget was passed. The $7.7 mil- discipline/dismissal – Litigation” as the reason for that
ublic works committee is chaired by Joe
Students at Carlinville High School spent many ures provided by the college on Sept. 10.
use local businesses to achieve the same goals.
lion dollar budget was honed close to spending the closed session. Since Direso wasn’t present, the session
with co-chairman Doug Downey. Also on
Oct. 23 marked the premiere of Blackburn ColAt the same time, they hope their efforts educate hours in rehearsals for their production of “The
amount of income anticipated, and in many cases it is was not held. Tim Hasara stepped in for Direso, exmmittee are Brian
Mitchell,
Sarah
Oswald
children on the importance of supporting and pro- Pajama Game,” a 1950s musical dealing with the lege’s production of Verdigris, the first time the
the amount
of money on hand, which keeps a deficit plaining a number of public works items on the agenda,
Coonrod. moting the community to foster a thriving,
self- plight of factory workers at the Sleep Tite pajama play has been fully performed in 29 years. Verfrom
occurring
in various
areas.
exception
thatmusical
is including
the need
increase
the number
of hours
ublic safety committee
consists
of
Chairman
digris was
writtentoby
playwright,
author, and
ac- a
factory
in their bid
for An
higher
wages.to
The
reliant community atmosphere.
the
police
department
budget,
showing
a
$1.2
million
summer
employee
would
be
permitted
to
work.
itchell, co-chair
Tim
Coonrod,
Joe
Direso,
in
As of Feb. 6, the Carlinville School district had is based on the novel “7 1/2 Cents,” written by tor Jim Beaver, which was originally produced When
according
toBissal.
the numbers
approved. The
motionBeaver
was made
to Blackburn
hire 11 summer
workers
and Doug Downey.
visited
to see the
play at
Richard
The performances
wereCarlheld Fri-the 1985.
used six snow or emergency days due todeficit
extreme
inville
Fire day
Department
budgetMarch
shows21aand
much
previous council meeting, their hours were limake ad hoc weather.
committee
be start
chaired
by2013-14
and Saturday,
22,smaller
in the highthe performed.
Priorwill
to the
of the
school
deficit,
the money generated by that de- ited toWorld-renowned
29 hours per week.
When it was
pointed
aerk, co-chaired
Bob
Caveny
broadcasting
station
CNN out
re- the
schoolwith
gymnasium.
year,bythe
district
builtand
in contain
five emergency
days,although,
figure
could very
well increase
as workers
nota stop
full-time
but onlytotemporary
and the
s Joe Direso,which
KeithisGraham,
Glen number
Krupica,requiredpartment,
centlywere
made
in Carlinville
feature BlackMore than
80 seniors
received
their diplomas
the minimum
by the the revenue
themade
year goes
was College
not needed
to keep
them news
from requiring
odman and Cindy
Campbell.
in an
upcoming
segment. any
ason.
part of the Carlinville High School Class oflimitburn
state. Any
used emergency day must be
The
budget
officer’s
salary
took
a
$6,500
jump
in
the
health
insurance
benefit,
the
number
of
hours
ake committee
will
continue
to
be
chaired
in the
2014 in the schools 131st commencement cer- Blackburn College is one of seven colleges requested
up prior to the end of each school year.
new only
budgetemony
to $19,800.
Two25.
years ago that salary was wasU.S.
raised.
The acouncil
increase
thethepermitted
Staerk, with Doug
Downey
as co-chair
to offer
studentvoted
work to
program
and
only
held May
Districts
may apply
for Act and
of God days
$4,522.50;
$12,324.95
later.
With
fortosummer
to 35.work program managed
one
feature ahelp
student
CHS was to
recognized
witha ayear
silver
medal
in thehours
after all of the emergency days have been
used it increased
atrazinelatest
settlement
account
and Report’s
the anticipated
inby students.
U.S. News
& World
“Best Schools”
up.COMMITTEE
Act of God is defined on
as a6A.
“conditionthe
beyond
See
CNN’s trip to the campus
included reporter
crease in city
revenue
due to At
a sales
tax increase,
the
study
this spring.
the Carlinville
Community
the control of the district that poses a hazardous
See COUNCIL
on 6A.
threat to the health and safety of the students.” Unit School District (CUSD) Board of Education’s Christine Roman and a film crew touring the
[email protected]
CHS principal Patrick Drew pro- campus grounds speaking to staff, professors,
Such days must be approved by the Regional June 16 meeting,
Superintendent along with the state’s Superin- vided a presentation of the recent achievement and students about the student work program at
tendent of Education. Any “Act of God” days used at the board’s spotlight portion. CHS was ranked Blackburn. Blackburn Director of Public Relations
and Marketing, Peter Oswald, stated that CNN
by a school district reduces the required number No. 56 in the study among Illinois high schools.
contacted the college after researching “mushBlackburn College
of student attendance days in the school calenMore than 100 graduates were presented with rooming student debt” and “trying to find colleges
dar, but do not negatively affect general state aid
diplomas at Blackburn College’s 145th com- that do things a little differently.”
payments.
mmittee assignments
and shotgun. Youth will
compete as individuals,
with the top four individual
scores composing 4-H club/
county teams. Trophies,
plaques, medals and ribbons
will be awarded to individuals or teams.
Safety will be prime consideration during the state
shoot, said Dan Dawson,
University of Illinois Extension state shooting sports
educator. Participants are
responsible for providing their own ammunition,
shooting equipment and
safety equipment.
“The focus of all 4-H programs is the development
of youth as individuals and
as responsible, productive
citizens,” said Dawson.
“The Illinois 4-H Shooting
Sports program stands out
as an example. Youth learn
marksmanship, the safe and
responsible use of firearms,
the principles of shooting
and archery and much more.
The activities of the program and support of caring
adult leaders provide young
people with opportunities
to develop life skills, selfworth and conservation ethics.
“We wish to encourage
any eligible youth to attend and try, regardless of
their skill level,” Dawson
said. “Everyone started as
a beginner, and this shoot
will be great experience for
youth of all levels of mastery.”
Registration is required
by May 16. All registration
materials are available on
web.extension.illinois.edu/
shootinsports or from local Extension/4-H offices.
In Macoupin County, call
(217) 854-9604.
COMMUNITY
First class mail rates went up three cents
as of Jan. 26, 2014. The cost of a first class
stamp went from 46 to 49 cents. The increase
is only to be in effect long enough to recover
the $2.8 billion loss caused by a substandard
drop in mail volume between 2008 and 2011.
The Postal Regulatory Commission plans to
phase out the increase sometime in 2016.
Business milestones
The Marvel Theatre ceased operations at
the end of February. In a Facebook post on
March 1, manager Steve Dougherty acknowledged shows at the long-time cinema would
cease.
Members of the MJM Electric Cooperative
were reminded March 15 they had 75 years
of history to celebrate and announced at their
annual meeting that Chief Executive Officer
Chris Spears was leaving to pursue a job opportunity in South Carolina. Laura Cutler took
over the position of chief executive officer of
the cooperative on July 17.
MJM also announced plans to move its
headquarters a few hundred yards to the Farm
Credit Association building on North Broad.
Farm Credit vacated the building at the end of
February.
The Carlinville Area Hospital (CAH) Association board of directors hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for a $7.5 million medical office
building.
Jim Salske retired from a job he’s held for
the past 25 years. The last day for the owner/
operator of the Carlinville McDonald’s was Friday, Oct. 31. Salske, who also owns the McDonald’s restaurants in Jerseyville and Hillsboro, took over the Carlinville location, which
was built in 1981, as of Jan. 1, 1989.
Area Churches
Elizabeth “Betty” Lynn Jordan was ordained
as a Presbyterian minister on Sunday, Feb. 9,
at the Federated Church. In the Presbyterian
Assembly, ministers are not ordained until they
are appointed to a church. Following her ordination, Jordan was installed as pastor at the
church.
The Federated Church was honored in the
fall with a nomination for its Take it to Town
program. The church was one of only of only
five to receive Governor’s Hometown Award
10A
nominations.
Concord Primitive Baptist Church celebrated
185 years June 8. The church, which is located
between Hettick and Palmyra, was constituted
in 1829 and is the oldest in Macoupin County.
Chamber of Commerce
Carlinville’s Chamber of Commerce held
its annual breakfast held Feb. 25 at Lake Williamson’s banquet hall. Among those speaking at the event included Chamber President
Tim Rhodus who spoke of the groups’ website,
carlinviille.com, which is currently being developed; Scott Stinson of Central Realty, the developers of Carlinville Plaza, who spoke of the
redevelopment plan for the property; Chairman
Richard Oswald of Winning Communities who
spoke of his groups effort to work with the city
on several projects; Mayor Deanna Demuzio
who spoke of the city’s support of the plaza’s
redevelopment plan; and PTO President Kara
Harris, who spoke about the partnership that
has developed between the PTO and the
chamber’s Shop Carlinville First team.
As part of the Carlinville Chamber of Commerce’s “Better Together” campaign, the 2014
Christmas Market was one of the projects undertaken by the Chamber’s team structure.
According to Rhodus, an effort was put forth to
make the market less costly through the use of
existing buildings in town rather than tents.
The Market was supported with funds raised
from the community. Additional funds for an
advertising budget were to come through a
tourism grant, but the paperwork for that grant
was not completed and the Market missed its
chance at about $10,000 in advertising funds.
As a result, the Market ran at a loss of between
$2,000 and $12,000 of its $54,500 budget.
Fundraising earlier in the year raised $15,000
from the community.
The Carlinville Chamber of Commerce
honored select local residents during its annual dinner Dec. 4 at Blackburn College. The
Chamber distributed a series of awards, and
five individuals provided updates to various
events and community happenings.
Awards presented included: Person of Year,
Jim Salske; Meeting the Challenge Award,
Macoupin County Public Transportation;
Transformation Award, Panda Chinese, Xiuy-
ing Yang (Ivy); Transformation Award, Wall
Street Financial, Carl Zeidler; Flavor of Carlinville Award, Nicole Gaines of Plaza Cafe;
Cornerstone Award, WSMI; Renewed Vision
Award, Angus Bailey’s; the Miller Family Generosity Award, the Carlinville Fire Department
for its annual Help the Elf campaign. The program began 22 years ago when a Carlinville
family lost their home. Don Koster and Don
Wieties accepted the award on behalf of the
fire department. The program raises an estimated $7,000 to spend on toys for needy children. Leadership Award, Richard Schien and
Ken Reid; Organization of the Year, Carlinville
Rotary Club, Paula Robinson; New Business
of the Year, Epic Entertainment, J.R. Levora;
and Business of the Year, My Sister’s Closet,
Cindy Geninatti.
Individuals recognized
Fourteen girls vied for either the Miss Carlinville, Junior Miss or Little Miss titles April 12
at Carlinville High School. Carley Brown was
named 2014 Miss Carlinville, with Olivia Turley earning the Junior Miss crown and Reagan
Comerford winning the Little Miss competition.
With only three girls in the Miss Carlinville
competition, no first runner-up was named.
According to pageant director Ashley Vinyard,
“We didn’t want to leave one girl without getting something.” The girls spent the summer
representing Carlinville in area festivals and
parades.
Judy Minster was recognized for her years of
dedication to a number of community causes
at a luncheon held Thursday, May 5. Minster
was the 2014 Illinois state winner of the Salute
to Senior Service award. She was read a proclamation by Mayor Deanna Demuzio, received
the big presentation check from Amy and Jerry
Best, franchise owners of Home Instead Senior Care, and then passed the actual check
along to the Carlinville Hospital Auxiliary.
Scouts and Samaritans
Boy Scout Driston Mitchell was personally
congratulated for achieving the rank of Eagle
Scout by Mayor Deanna Demuzio. According
to Mitchell, who is the grandson of Alderman
See COMMUNITY on 6A.

enquirer~Democrat 20 19 18 16 17

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