Staunton Star - Times - Published in the Interest of the Staunton Community for Over 143 Years

Part 2 - July 6, 2022

A Staunton man, Alex L. Ivey, 32, faces child pornography charges.

Staunton American Legion presented a check to VFW Post 1241 to help with repairing the railing at the Post home.

Obituaries: Joseph L. Tervasi (52) of Wilsonville died June 27; Josephine Nimmo (93) of Springfield died June 24; Helen Bledsoe (96), formerly of Staunton, died June 28; Margaret Robbins (83) of Bunker Hill died June 26; Betty Petroline (87) of Florida, formerly of Wilsonville, died June19; Don Byrd, Jr. (57) of Gillespie died June 30.

July 13, 2022

The Tour de Donut was held July 9 in spite of a steady rain.

Rachel Davis was hired as Staunton elementary school principal.

Obituaries: Lynette L. Spudich (95) of Glen Carbon died July 9; Gilbert R. Wayman (73) of Staunton died July 9; John W. Lesich (83), formerly of Staunton, died June 29 in Michigan; Mark W. Neuhaus (70) of Staunton died July 9; Roland E. White (71) of Bunker Hill died July 3; Harry G. Arden (94) of Gillespie died July 6.

July 20, 2022

Obituaries: Harold Hunsinger (90) of Maryville died July 13; Margaret “Peggy” Moore (77) of East Alton died July 12; Lucy Crain (59) of Staunton died July 10; Gerry E. Klenke (71) of New Douglas died July 10; Bernean I. Franke (87) of Litchfield died July 10; Valera D. Schoen (84) of Mt. Olive died July 14; Flora Vlasich (104) of Gillespie died July 12; Roseann A. Tarro (95) of Benld died July 10; Harry R Hawkins Jr. (75) of Mt. Olive died July 16; Richard “Dick” Spencer (87) of Gillespie died July 15; Evelyn L. Martinelli (74) of Texas died July 15; Katherine Battuello (88) of Godfrey died July 13.

July 27, 2022

City Council agreed to proceed with the sidewalk project on Miller Street and approved demolition of a structure at 222 S. Edwards.

School board discussed safety concerns including cameras and emergency locks on classroom doors.

Obituaries: Victor C. Buehler (77), former superintendent of Staunton schools, of Worden died July 18; Terry Slimick (72) of Sorento died July 18; Charles Lindsey (63) of Petersburg died July 10; Gloria Garino (94) of Staunton died July 22; GaryWayne Smith (79) of Gillespie died July 22; Frank Castiglioni (95) of Staunton, formerly of Benld, died July 23; Kevin Pratt (62) of Staunton died July 19; Peggy Sue Peterson (65) of Williamson died July 22.

988 was established as the national crisis hotline for people with suicidal thoughts or going through a mental health crisis.

Aug. 3, 2022

Timothy Ridens (41) of Staunton was killed in a boating accident at Lake of the Ozarks.

Robert Semanik turned his Helping Hands volunteer hours in for matching grant funds from Phillips 66 creating a $1,842 donation for Helping Hands.

Obituaries: Tim Ridens (41) of Staunton died July 30; Helen Marie Allen (92) of Bunker Hill died July 22; Delbert W. Stiegemeier (98) of Staunton died July 25; Mark C. Holubasch (52) of Livingston died July 25; Donald S. Mix (69) of Litchfield died July 30.

Aug. 10, 2022

Staunton City Counil agreed to provide radio dispatch services for the Gillespie-Benld Ambulance Service provided the service carries the proper insurance.

Father Tom Hagstrom blessed the Statue of St. Michael the Archangel at St. Michael’s Church recently erected in memory of Ralph and Josephine Oltmann.

Brian Hart was hired as Dean of students for Staunton grades 6-12 and as middle school athletic director.

Obituaries: Barbara A. Cox (88) of Benld died Aug. 3; Carole M. Durbin (83) of Gillespie died Aug. 2; Robert “Bob”Weber (80) of Staunton died Aug. 1; Rodney E. Ellis (73) of Benld died July 27; Richard J. Gausepohl (79) of Staunton died July 30; Beth (Heyen) Rull (44) of Bunker Hill died July 31; John Rogers Peterson (92) of Bunker Hill died Aug. 1; Visitation for Ned R. Newingham (77) of Gillespie was held Aug. 13; Patrick “Pat” Cunningham (45) of New Douglas died July 29; Kate (Hopley) Cordani (95) of Staunton died Aug. 5; Shirley A. Stearns (90) of Bethalto died Aug. 5.

Aug. 17, 2022

Blake Streeb, age 30, of Granite City, formerly of Mt. Olive, has been charged with first degree murder in the death of Michael Reay, age 25.

Aug. 17 was first day of school in Staunton.

At a special meeting of the Staunton Board of Education, Brian Lotter was transferred to the position of part-time jr. high rotation teacher/part-time elementary dean of students after serving the district as band director for 10 years. Charles Prager was hired as 5th-12th grade band teacher. They also approved an increase in daily compensation for substitute teachers and paraprofessionals.

Obituaries: Karen Heyen (86) of Dorchester died Aug. 11; Mary E. Kuruc (85) of Gillespie died Aug. 8; Nancy A. Christians (77) of Dorsey died Aug. 10; Nancy Machuga (72) of Staunton died Aug. 9; Ronald Jackson (64) of Williamson died July 23.

Aug. 24, 2022

Staunton’s Balloon glow went on as planned - but without balloons due to threatening weather.

Obituaries: Larry E. Altermott (74) of Benld died Aug. 16; Denise Dun (64) of Dorchester died Aug 14; Mary V. Bartulis (93) of Benld died Aug. 15; Jason “Meathead” Collins (45) of Collinsville died Aug. 17; Renata Hamilton (79) of Bunker Hill died Aug. 14; Thelma “Poodle” Roberts (93) of Bunker Hill died Aug. 20; Kenneth Kunz (97) formerly of New Douglas. died Aug 16; Rose Anne Rubis (94) of Bunker Hill died Aug. 14; Doyle A. Heim (87) of Staunton died Aug. 19; Louis J. Sawyer (92) died Aug. 16; Ronald R. Jackson (63) of Livingston died July 23.

Aug. 31, 2022

Crowds enjoyed Ribfest in Staunton. Meat Machines won first place; M & K BBQ 2nd; Smokin Drum BBQ 3rd, Rusty Knickle BBQ 4th, 1113Q 5th.

FFA Alumni held their annual tractor ride.

Obituaries: Edna L. Torimino (76) of Benld died Aug. 17; Ruth Ann (Brauer) Ficker (80) of Jerseyville died Aug. 18; Steven W. Dever (62) of Benld died Aug. 24; Verlene C. Urekar (89) of Springfield died Aug. 21; Gary Matevey (82) of Gillespie died Aug. 23; Charlene J. Keffer (83) of Wilsonville died Aug 26; Shirley Ann Motto (90) of Gillespie died Aug. 27; Earl “Blue” Stoops (84) of Shipman died Aug. 27; Norma J. Rensing (66) of Alhambra died Aug. 25.

Staunton Public Library celebrated their birthday with activities for the kids.

Sept. 7, 2022

Staunton High School Homecoming king and queen candidates were introduced.

St. Michaels in Staunton held an online auction for items no longer used or needed by the parish.

Haris Legendre and Coach Jenene Lucykow were named small school volleyball player and coach of the year by the Alton Telegraph.

Obituaries: Amanda “Suzy” Schoonmaker (84), formerly of Benld, died July 25; James A. Bianco Sr. (79) of Staunton died Aug. 23; Christopher E. Ewing (55) of Staunton died Aug. 23; Sherrilyn J.Tatum (71) of Mt. Olive died Aug. 28.

Sept. 14, 2022

As part of National Preparedness Month, The Staunton Area Emergency Management Council sponsored a Staunton Safety Fair, held at Net Community Church.

Ray and Anita Duda of Staunton celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary.

Obituaries: Tracey Yaeger Boyd (61) formerly of Staunton, died Aug. 23; Tammy Lee Muffly (55) of Carlinville died Sept. 6; Carolyn (Hochmuth) Kohlmeier (82) of Belleville died Sept. 2; Terry Mosser (73) of Staunton died Sept. 3; Melvin L. Knetzer (90) of Gillespie died Sept 5; Richard R. Katich (76) of Gillespie died Sept. 7; Claudell F. Warren (87) of Livingston died Sept. 9; Timothy Dove Cruthis (87) of Sorento died Sept. 7; Virgil L. Jones, Jr. (56) of Staunton died Sept. 4; James R. Dannis (54) of Mt. Olive died Sept. 8.

Sept. 21, 2022

Staunton held their first Strasenfest.

Blake Streeb, formerly of Mt. Olive, was indicted for first-degree murder

Staunton Fire Department is seeking a new logo design to celebrate their centennial year in 2023.

Joseph Best and Samantha Schnefke were crowned Homecoming King and Queen.

The Staunton Soccer Club thanked Bank of Springfield for their donation of a back net system and the City of Staunton for their help in installing the system at the Staunton soccer fields.

Obituaries: Bernean R. Lovejoy (97) of Staunton died Sept. 14; Terry J. Brawley (64) of Gillespie died Sept. 14; Dennis R. Satterlee (80) of Gillespie died Sept. 15; James L.Cox Jr. (70) of Mt. Olive died Sept. 12; William B.Bomkamp (92) of Gillespie died Sept. 18; Larry W. Elvers (79) of Litchfield died Sept. 15.

Sept. 28, 2022

City announced plans for a new park to be located on East Mill St.

Obituaries: Reinhard John Schuster (79) of Staunton died Sept. 22; Dorothy (Bahn) Bertagnolli (96) of Highland, IN died Sept. 17; Helen I. McKechan (96) of Gillespie died Sept. 22.

Oct. 5, 2022

School board discussed possible plans for donated church property.

Riley Kesler and Lucy Taylor were honored at the School board meeting. Riley is the Section 15 FFA President and Lucy excelled on her PSAT assessment.

Obituaries: Barbara Ann Resnik Madden Sawyer (83) of Gillespie died Sept. 20; Adlene E. Kinnikin (95) of Staunton died Sept. 28; Randolph P. Anderson (92) of Gillespie died Sept. 25; Darlene Conlee (74) of Gillespie died Sept. 29; Jessie M. Dixon (81) of Bunker Hill died Sept 30; Robert A. Badstebner (89) of Benld died Sept 27.

Oct. 12, 2022

Two people were declared dead at the scene of a crash at the intersection of State Routes 4 and 140 where a Freightliner truck - tractor semi-trailer combination hit the passenger side of a Nissan Rogue. The truck driver was issued a citation for disobeying a stop sign.

Tori Carroll Memorial 5K donated $15,000 to the Staunton Community School Dist. The funds are to be used in resurfacing the floor of the multipurpose building.

Lady Bulldogs were Volleyball County Champs.

SHS golfers Preston Denny and Luke DeWitt advanced to sectional competition.

Obituaries: Robert Bruhn (71) of Bunker Hill died Sept. 26; Melissa A. Schrumpf (55) of New Douglas died Oct. 4; Randolph Anderson (92) of Gillespie died Sept 25; Albert Loftis, Jr. (66) of Gillespie died Oct. 5; Joyce Kalvin (93) of Sawyerville died Oct. 4; Mary Lou Fiori (77) of Staunton died Oct. 7; James “Al” Crider (91) of Alton died Sept. 7; Marilyn Taylor (69) of Benld died Oct. 1.

Oct. 19, 2022

Star-Times owner John Galer was named as the new National Newspaper Association Chairman.

Three area agencies (Staunton Helping Hands, Regional Office of Education and LCCC) cooperate to support GED progam in Staunton.

Stormy Ray (36) of Staunton was sentenced to nine years for delivery of methamphetamine.

Cross Country girls team placed 3rd and the boys team placed 4th at the SCC meet. Rhyse Rucker, Nicholas Monahan, Lexi Pfeiffer and Troy Abertina also placed in the top 10 at the meet earning them All Conference Honors.

Obituaries: Arthur Manea (77) of Staunton died Oct. 10; Kelsey Lee Cox (27) of Litchfield died Oct. 10; Linda L. Langford (75) of Mt. Olive died Oct. 13; Lisa K. Boden (62) of Litchfield died Oct. 11; Charles L. Dey (83) of Bunker Hill died Oct. 12; Leland A. Klopmeier (86) of Bethalto died Oct. 15.

Oct. 26, 2022

Staunton Chamber of Commerce held their first Chili Cook-off in Duda Park on Saturday, Oct. 22.

Staunton City Council approved an ordinance opening the way for a new truck stop to be constructed by Meyer Oil Company on I-55 West Frontage Road.

Staunton School Board voted to join the CTE program in Litchfield.

Obituaries: Bernice Hemann (84) of Staunton died Oct. 17; George “Dave” Redenius (82) of Staunton died Oct.18; Claire Ann Lienard (59) of Gillespie died Oct. 15; Sharon Dann (75) of Gillespie died Oct. 14; Debrah Barber (74) of Benld died Oct. 18; Carolyn Duncan (70) of Bunker Hill died Oct. 17; Edward A. Bertrand (64) of Worden died Oct. 19; Orville Franke (92) of Litchfield died Oct 18; Katherine (Leadbetter) Robinson (65) of Staunton died Oct. 21; Michael J.Reiniesch (71) of Gillespie died Oct. 22.

Nov. 2, 2022

Staunton Lions Club held their Halloween Parade Oct. 30.

Three alderman resigned from the Staunton City Council; Rick Johnson for health reasons; Chad Plenske and Randy Hanks submitted letters of resignation at the end of the meeting.

Obituaries: Elmer “Bert Moehle (97) of Worden died Oct. 20; Christopher Whitlock (49) of Gillespie died Oct. 22; Theresa Kelley (78) of Gillespie died Oct. 22; Mary Anglin (68) of Benld died Oct. 21; Frederick (Ted) Behrens (77) of Gillespie died Oct. 28; Alice Schaller (85) of Bunker Hill died Oct. 26; Edward Schmidt, Jr. (71) of Livingston died Oct. 22.

Nov. 9, 2022

South Central Illinois Training and Innovation Center is planned in Litchfield. Macoupin County schools will take classes there.

Staunton FFA attended the 95th National Convention and Expo.

Obituaries: Julia Ann Heise (85) of Litchfield died Nov. 2; Michael S. Hankins (53) of Mt. Olive died Oct. 24; Diane J. Hon (85) of Bunker Hill died Nov. 2; Mark W. Robinson (47) of Staunton died Nov. 4; Cleo M. Novak (75) of Gillespie died Nov. 2; Andrew C. Smith (56) of Mt. Olive died Nov. 4.

Nov. 16, 2022

Local FFA agriculture sales team advanced to state competition.

Election results showed Democrats had maintained control of state government.

Obituaries: Kathy Lee Schultz (65) of Staunton died Nov. 7; Eugene M. Hildebrand (93) of Gillespie died Nov. 8; Elmer John Milcic, Jr. (89) of Mt. Olive died Nov. 6; Herman E.Smith (85) of Worden died Nov. 9; Delores Naglich (94) of Worden died Nov. 10; William “Woody” Woodruff (83)of Gillespie died Nov. 13; Nancy Pearl Potter )90) of New Douglas died Nov. 11; James “Sonny Sandretto (91) of Gillespie died Nov. 11.

Nov. 23, 2022

Staunton Scouts held their “Scouting for Food” drive with donations going to the Staunton Food Pantry.

Staunton City and Chamber began putting up lights to decorate Duda Park for the holidays.

7th Grade Lady Terriers basketball team completed their season undefeated.

Obituaries: David Leroy Brown (74) of Mt. Olive died Nov. 13; Betty Jo Oltmann (70) of Worden died Nov. 15; Luther Dean Barnes (92) of Bunker Hill died Nov. 12; Norma Mahanay (87) of East Alton died Nov. 18; Billie Jean Mullink (86) of Bunker Hill died Nov. 14; James Ditch (67) of Gillespie died Nov 14.

Nov. 30, 2022

The clemency hearing for Robert Turner (the killer of 16-year-old Bridget Drobney in Gillespie) has been scheduled for Jan. 10, 2023, at the Sadie Forum in Chicago.

Kristy Berg was appointed to fill the position of Ward 2 alderman following the resignation of Rick Johnson.

Obituaries: Geraldine Wright (81) of Benld died Nov. 24; Roleen Gregory (94) of Gillespie died Nov. 21; Sarah M. Chestnut (96) of Bunker Hill died Nov. 24; Penny (Crowder) Pulley (65) of Staunton died Nov. 19; Gayle M. Weichbrodt (76) of Bunker Hill died Nov. 23; Gary Ray Lilley (71) of Livingston died Nov. 24; Betty Ann Sherman (70) of Gillespie died Nov. 31; Luther Dean Barnes (92) of Bunker Hill died Nov. 12.

Dec. 7, 2022

Nancy and Lynn Neuhaus were named Staunton Citizens of the Year.

Shane M. Boston (41) of Eagarville died from wounds in Litchfield shooting.

Obituraries: Robert Eickmeyer (74) of St. Louis died Nov. 19; Thomas Schulze (65) of Jerseyville died Nov. 27; Lois Kay Bidwell (72) of Bunker Hill died Nov. 25; Milton James Bray (69) of Gillespie died Nov. 24; Jeffrey A. Buzick (47) of Mt. Olive died Nov. 24; John W. Ulakey (77) of Glasgow, KY died Nov. 30; Shane M. Boston (41) of Eagarville died Nov. 24; Rosemary T. Messner (86) of Gillespie died Nov. 30; Betty A. McKinney (82) of Livingston died Dec. 2.

Dec. 14, 2022

Staunton Girl Scouts won the “Core Values Award” while participating in the first ever Lego League Robotics Skills qualifier in Peoria.

Obituaries: Billy Probst (81) of Mt. Olive died Dec. 4; Darla Jean Haustein Kasten, formerly of Livingston, died in November; Larry Dean Keffer Sr.(63) of Wilsonville died Dec. 2nd.

Dec. 21, 2022

Staunton Knights of Columbus Council 2197 presented a check for $1,760 to South Macoupin Special Education from funds raised during the annual Tootsie Roll Drive.

Community Choir and St. Paul Bell Choir presented their annual Christmas concert.

Obituaries: Kent Tallman (71) of New Douglas died Dec. 14; Carol Ann (Hoog) DeClerqe died Dec. 14; Mark K.Spudic (66) of Mt. Olive died Dec. 14; Patrick J.Whitehead (58) of Litchfield died Dec. 14; Linda Lou Wiersma (76) of Springfield died Dec. 15; Elizabeth Koval (48) of Ballwin, Mo. died Dec. 16; LeRoy T. Fahnestock (82) of Bunker Hill died Dec. 12; Marian E. Slaznik (91) of Staunton died Dec. 11; Patrick J. Magill (56) of Staunton died Dec. 16.

Dec. 28, 2022

Steffan A. Davidson, 29, of Staunton was charged with 11 counts of child pornography.

A second dentist, Becky Coalson, joined John Caldieraro in his dental practice, Caldieraro Dental, in Staunton.

A winter storm brought a couple of inches of snow and below-zero temperatures on Dec. 22.

Ed Saracco retired after 19 years on the Community Hospital of Staunton board of trustees.

Obituaries: Wayne F. Stewart (65) of Worden died Dec. 18; Delisa A. Allen-Hartman (59) of Clevelend, Tenn., died Dec. 17; Rosemary Tallman (89), Staunton, died Dec. 21; David C. Barton (85) of Annadale, Va., formerly of Staunton, died Dec. 15; Arthur Michael Mriscin (58) of rural New Douglas died as a result of an automobile accident near his home on Dec. 24. Joice M. Tweeedy (76), Hamel, died Dec. 23; Mary Ann Davidson (97), Benld, died Dec. 18.