A year in review: From the Star-Times

Jan. 4, 2023

Candidates listed on the ballot for Staunton’s city alderman in the 2023 Consolidated Election: David Dias; Kristy Berg; Terry Tipler; and Matthew McKee.

Four positions on the Staunton Community Unit School District No. 6 Board of Education will be filled at the Consolidated Election on April 4: David L. Lamore; candidates who have filed petitions and will be on the ballot include: Bradley Best, Clayton Green, and Dori Rhodes.

Staunton Education Foundation (SEF) donates interactive white boards to third and fourth grade classes.

Community Hospital of Staunton honored for excellence in quality of care.

The fifth grade junior Lady Bulldogs took home first place in the Maryville Christian Academy Hoops for Missions tournament.

SHS varsity girls basketball team competed in the CORL (Christ Our Rock Lutheran) Winterfest Tournament in Centralia and came home with second-place honors after losing a hard-fought overtime game to Father McGivney.

Obituaries: Donna Jean Guild (61) of Mt. Olive died on Dec. 27; John “Jack” Varcho (86) of Gillespie died on Dec. 23; Linda Jean Carrigan (70) of Bunker Hill died on Dec. 25; Paul “Puda” Vuckovich (96) of White City died on Dec. 27; Lois Marie Miller (80) of Bunker Hill died on Dec. 21; Clayola Gay Meffert (78) of Shipman died on Dec. 29; Roleen Marie Kirkwood (87) died on Dec. 28; and David Wayne Slifka (67) died on Dec. 30.

Jan. 11, 2023

During the city council meeting, the property adjacent to residential properties on Walnut St. in Staunton is now up for bid.

Early CPR helps save lives as well as a new strategy from area EMS.

The Illinois National Guard to celebrate its 300th year in 2023.

Both Terrier squads, seventh and eighth grade, secured conference titles in boys basketball.

Area students included on SIU Carbondale Dean’s list are as follows: Connor Cooper of Alhambra; Maggie McMullen of Alhambra; Jack Jarman* of Benld; Tessa Koonce of Bunker Hill; Drake Scroggins* of Bunker Hill; Kaleigh Ziglar* of Staunton. The star (*) denotes straight A grades for the semester.

Jeffrey Vaughn, Bob Jones University in Greenville, S.C., a sophomore chemistry major from Bunker Hill.

Obituaries: Helen Joan “Jody” Zarr (86) of Mt. Olive died on Jan. 3; Randall Herman Caldwell (88) of Bunker HIll died on Jan. 3; Janice Marie Kern (67) of Gillespie died on Dec. 25; William Steven Meyer (75) of Hamel died on Jan. 6; Arthur Michael Mriscin (57) of New Douglas died on Dec. 24; Anita Mae Vaughn (79) of Bunker Hill died on Dec. 17; Helen M. Maedge (95) of Staunton died on Jan. 1; and Flora L. “Flo” Clark (96) of Gillespie died on Jan. 5.

Jan. 18, 2023

Obituaries: Adam David Thomason (33) of Bethalto died on Jan. 13; Jeffrey Scott Timmermeier (60) of Litchfield died on Jan. 11; Franklin Junie Basden (94) of Mt. Olive died on Jan. 10; Jim Thomas Duncan (75) of Gillespie died on Jan. 5; Marietta M. Welborn (87) of Staunton died on Jan. 10; Margaret McGrady (97) of Gillespie died on Jan. 6; Mary Ann, nee Pickerill, Cherry Scopel (83) of Benld died on Jan. 10; Aaron Tytus Robbins (74) of Benld died on Jan. 12; Clara Marie Mansholt (94) of Staunton died on Jan. 9; Vivian Lee, nee Martintoni Martin (76) of Opdyke, Ill., died on Jan. 10; Mary Ann Haase Buel (85) of Tampa, Fla., died on Jan. 2; Maridel Lee Fowler (88) of Gillespie died on Jan. 11; and Jeanne Yvonne Townsend (64) of Staunton died on Jan. 14.

Jan. 25, 2023

Obituaries: Wendy Kay Looser (43) of Staunton died on Jan. 12; John Harold KleKamp (76) of Litchfield died on Jan. 19; Kenneth Charles Kay (87) of Benld died on Jan. 18; Harold D. Smith, Sr. (85) of Gillespie died on Jan. 23; John Edward Pickett (70) of Gillespie died on Jan. 18; Gail Hainut (66) of Granite City died on Jan. 13; and Janet F. Brown (81) of Gillespie died on Jan. 16.

Feb. 1, 2023

Obituaries: Charles Edward “Dundee” Dragovich (86) of Gillespie died on Jan. 21; Janet Lorene Valent (86) of Staunton died on Jan. 26; Bandy M. Eller (70) of Staunton died on Jan. 27; Thelma A., nee Crites, Dannis (94) of Staunton died on Jan. 24; John Harold Klekamp (76) of Litchfield died on Jan. 19; Debra Lynn Gillespie (65) of Bunker Hill died on Jan. 24; Carol Fern Schoeneweis (78) of Plainview died on Jan. 17; Ruth Naomi Sifford (87) of Carlinville died on Jan. 22.

Feb. 8, 2023

The Zion Lutheran Church’s drive-thru sausage supper handed out lots of sausage and side dishes.

Life lost in mobile home fire near Mt. Olive; firefighters discovered a body in the ruins.

The 2023 Illinois Music Educator’s Association All-State Festival selected four SHS students: sophomore, Nicholas Monahan (all-state orchestra); junior, Katie Cook (all-state choir, senior Johnathan Baker (all-state choir); and sophomore Taylor Sorrell (all-state honors choir).

Staunton’s Fire Department presented a promotion to three junior firefighters: Noah Partridge; Caleb Partridge; and Luke Crosley.

Obituaries: Lisa Ann Heyen (64) of Staunton died on Feb. 3; Patricia L. Bellman (67) of Bunker Hill died on Jan. 30; Robin M. Rosenthal (65) of New Douglas died on Feb. 4; Adrienne Ellen Butler (83) of Bunker Hill died on Jan. 30; Joyce L. Noe (77) of Gillespie died on Feb. 5; and Dorothy M. (Albrecht) Braasch (92) of Dorsey died on Feb. 3.

Feb. 15, 2023

Staunton’s city council wants to establish a business district.

No clemency for Robert Turner, who is the killer of 16-year old girl Bridget Drobney that occurred on July 13, 1985.

Staunton High School hosts and finds success at Section 15 Job Interview and Vet Science career development events

Obituaries: Thelma M. King (79) of Highland died on Feb. 5; Loretta Mildred Kulash (96) of Staunton died on Feb. 11; Shirley Jean Rull (89) of Litchfield died on Feb. 7; Betty A. Emrich (90) of Worden died on Feb. 12; James J. “Jimmy” Boyer (52) of Chattanooga, Tenn., formerly of Staunton, died on Feb. 8; Olga E. Wentler (79) of Wilsonville died on Feb. 9.

Feb. 22, 2023

Staunton PTO’s School of Rock raises $5,000 for students.

It’s time for a voting plan: Local election is April 4 and register to vote by March 7.

Wordi Gras parade on Saturday, Feb. 18 on Wall St. in Worden had an enthusiastic crowd.

Staunton high school’s Lady Bulldogs varsity basketball team accomplished a feat never achieved in the history of SHS by becoming regional champs.

Obituaries: Mark W. Leckrone (73) of Edwardsville died on Feb. 13; Sandra J. Salvatti (81) of Staunton died on Feb. 16; and Betty J. Sauerwein (78) of Plainview died on Feb. 16.

March 1, 2023

Staunton city council accepted a bid for $1,797,239.70 from Kamodulski Excavating and Grading for the Gensing Creek box culvert project.

Private company, Menta Group, shows interest in district property: Leasing arrangement being explored by the Staunton School Board.

Worden teen, Blake A. Jones, gets 17-year sentence for driving drunk resulting in three deaths in fatal crash.

Staunton high school’s Lady Bulldogs’ varsity basketball team loses at Sectional: Final game score was an impressive 62-26 in favor of Camp Point. With that being said, it was the first season and team in school history to win their Regional Title and the Macoupin County Championship.

Livingston/Williamson Fire Department will be having their cabbage roll dinner on March 4.

The SHS Student Council held a food drive that was to be given to the Staunton Helping Hands Center.

Obituaries: Barbara “Barb” Lettie, nee Lassen, Milam (78) of Granite City died on Feb. 18; Brian Allen Scheller (62) of Mt. Olive died on Feb. 20; Kari Katuramu (40) of Mt. Olive died on Feb. 10; Jacqueline L. Yakos (86) of Staunton died on Feb. 21; Peggy Ann (Penrod) Penrose (64) of Staunton died on Feb. 19; Ellen Irene Paitz (80) of Edwardsville died on Feb. 18.

March 8, 2023

The Staunton Chamber of Commerce is hosting Casino Night this Saturday, March 11, at Concordia Hall located at 709 South Union St. in Staunton.

Blake Streeb (30) of Mt. Olive was sentenced to 40 years in prison for first-degree murder; He will be required to serve 100 percent of the sentence.

The City of Benld in Macoupin County will build build a park on the site of former Benld Elementary School, which was destroyed by underground mine subsidence in 2009. The city will receive a $600,000 OSLAD grant to develop that park.

The City of Staunton and Staunton Township each donated $5,000 to the Staunton VFW Post 1241.

Obituaries: Victoria “Toni” Jenkins (69) of McKenzie, Tenn. died on Feb. 28; Peter Strohbehn (83) of Gillespie died on Feb. 23; Dr. Philip Herman Dennis, Sr. (97) of Bunkerhill died on Feb. 25; Joy M., nee Fraker, Mishance (88) of Staunton died on March 2; Estella Mae, nee Mead, Wood (84) formerly of Bunker Hill died on Feb. 22; Kevin Scott Knezik (60) of Edwardsville died on March. 4; Dr. William G. Miller (76) of Worden died on March 2; Ellsworth Daniel Parish, Jr. (76) of Alhambra died on Feb.27; Shiela Joan Sander (50) of Bunker Hill died on March 4; and Edward O. Hormann, Jr. (61) of Staunton died on March 3.

March 15, 2023

Staunton’s city council meeting did the first reading for the Ordinance establishing the Staunton business district.

Staunton high school’s Post-Prom Committee is gearing up for prom.

The seventh grade volleyball team ended their season with possession of the Illinois State Second Place trophy and a 27-2 overall season record; Results of the rounds are as follows: In the first round the Lady Terriers defeated Peru Parkside in two sets, (25-18) and (25-16); in the semifinals they defeated Pleasant Plains in two sets, (25-18) and (25-19); in the championship round is where the Lady Bulldogs would face Eureka and lose to Eureka in two sets, (25-14) and (25-18).

Obituaries: Nelda Irene Bierbaum (88) of Staunton died on March 6; Ricky Dean Gaston, Sr. (61) of Staunton died on March 8; Sharyn Kay Kline (82) of Spring, Texas and formerly of Hamel, died on March 6; Francis “Red” Paul Gibbons (88) of Gillespie died on March 7; Jo Ellia Mary Alderson (86) of Gillespie died on March 11; Connie Jean Reiniesch (79) of Gillespie died on March 10; Barbara Jean Battuello (86) of Bunker Hill died on March 9; and Gladys Rose, nee Smith, Sauerwein (85) of Bethalto died on March 4.

March 22, 2023

Pritzker signs a law guaranteeing five days of paid leave.

The Addams Family is the spring musical at Staunton high school which will be Friday and Saturday performances.

March 29 has been designated as Vietnam Veterans Day.

Gillespie man, Brian T. Gray (60), was sentenced to a decade in prison on a meth delivery case.

Staunton eighth grade Lady Terriers girls volleyball team in the Illinois Class 3A State Tournament on March 18, beat New Athens to advance to the final four, then lost to Morris Saratoga, however they managed to beat Westville for the Third Place win.

Obituaries: Merry L. Callouini (66) of Staunton died on March 15; James R. Wright (82) of Gillespie died on March 5; William Nolan Logue, Jr. (75) of Hamel died on March 15; Carol Fern Schoeneweis (78) of Plainview died on Jan. 17; Rose M. McCrady (97) of Litchfield died on March 13; James Edward Mitchell (76) of Earlville died on March 16; Jacqueline C. Coyne (80) of Staunton died on March 18; Dale Eugene “Geno” Hughes (61) of Illinois died on Feb. 25; Roger D. Quarton (66) of Findlay died on March 17; Mary Catherine Legge (62) of Gillespie died on March 16; and Linda Gayle Cortesi (71) of Springfield, Mo. died on March 13.

March 29, 2023

The city council read over an Ordinance that states that properties in the business district region are blighted and not prone to growth or development and therefore, an economic liability to the city.

Former church property on Franklin St. in Staunton now being owned by the school district, the board will be moving forward on plans with Menta Group.

St. Michael’s Easter egg hunt was held on the church grounds on Sunday, March 26, following the 8 a.m. Mass.

Drive-thru spaghetti dinner fundraiser to be held by Girl Scout Troop 6106 on April 2 from noon to 6 p.m. at the Oltman Community Center located within Staunton.

Students of Staunton High School presented the Addams Family musical for members of the community on Friday and Saturday nights in the auditorium; under the direction of choral director Laura Hollingsworth.

Obituaries: Wanda Lee Tormino (81) of Benld died on March 18; Levi “Earnest” Forrester (76) of Litchfield died on March 20; Addelena, nee Stieglitz, Willis (83) of Springfield, Tenn. formerly of Bunker Hill, died on March 23; and Lucinda Mae Taylor (62) of Carlinville died on March 21.

April 5, 2023

Two Staunton police officers resign: Adam Durbin and Tim Smiddy.

A 21-gun salute and Taps preceded the service honoring Vietnam veterans at VFW Post 1241 on Wednesday evening: Special tribute was given to honor Staunton’s first casualty in the war, George Oehler, Jr.

The springtime SJHS tradition, 5K Challenge day, was rescheduled twice due to weather concerns but the 5K was run on Thursday, March 30.

Staunton Lions Club Easter egg hunt is Saturday, April 8.

The Livingston Park Association welomes children to egg hunt event on Saturday, April 8 at Veterans Memorial Park in Livingston.

Obituaries: Lois Alma Nieman (90) of South Litchfield died on March 29; Kimberlie Janell Miller (46) of Staunton died on March 25; Myrna Ann Throne (84) of Gillespie died on March 25; Betty June Peterson (96) of Livingston, formerly of New Douglas, died on March 30; Diane Marie Dustmann Oberkfell (61) of Roxanna died on March 24; Marilyn K. “Lyn” Kuttin (58) of Worden died on March 27; Dorothy M. Kovaly (99) of Livingston died on March 28; Joan Marie Libbra (61) of Benld died on March 19; Donald A. Gusewelle (85) of Gillespie died on March 30; and Robert Brown (92) of Gillespie died on March 30.

April 12, 2023

Zoning/code enforcement officer resigns: letter of resignation dated April 4 was receieved from zoning administrator/code enforcement officer Brad Miller and was effective immediately.

The Staunton Helping Hands Center received a huge donation of over 7,500 items from the Staunton Elementary and Junior High School March Madness food drive.

The Staunton Helping Hands Center celebrated their sixth anniversary on Main Street this month.

Macoupin County Sheriff’s Department deputy, Nate Albracht, was injured on April 8 while responding to an emergency call when his vehicle struck a tree off the roadway.

Elbon Shrine Club of Staunton is hosting a spaghetti dinner this Saturday, April 15.

Local Firefighters extinguish brush fires along Interstate 55 and the frontage road from East Spangle Road to High Cafe Road: Staunton and Mt. Olive Fire Departments responded to multiple burning sections along the road.

Obituaries: George “Rollie” Lorenz (82) of Worden died on March 31; Larry “Watty” Watson (72) of Gillespie died on April 3; and Herbert Hadley “Jay” Frohock, Jr. (81) of Bunker Hill died on April 5.

April 19, 2023

The Board of Trustees for Community Hospital of Staunton and Anderson Hospital administration are happy to announce that Larry Spour has been selected as the new president for the hospital as Susie Campbell prepares for her retirement in mid-May.

A Macoupin County woman, Ashley N. Bottoms (34), pleads guilty in child’s death to involuntary manslaughter.

By end of 2022, the Land of Lincoln Honor Flight had brought 5, 119 central Illinois veterans on 64 flights to visit our national memorials in Washington D.C.

Obituaries: Mary Lee Brown (88) of Staunton died on April 11; Sarah Alice Laura Degler Hochmuth (97) died on March 24; Steven D. Cain (71) of New Douglas died on April 12; Lawrence R. Schneck (85) of Litchfield died on April 16; Rose Ann Fox (83) of Mt. Olive died on April 15; Margaret L., nee Allen, Lebeter (96) of Boca Raton, Fla. died on April 5; Nona Lue Adams (83) of Staunton died on April 14; Ruby R. McCarty (71) of Livingston died on April 15; and Diana I. Smith (59) of Bunker Hill died on April 15.

April 26, 2023

School security is top priority: A request for proposal for an updated security monitoring system was posted publicly on March 29

Livingston Post Office making steady progress on the relocation of their post office.

Box culvert funding changed from the previously approved amount of $3.296,000 to the lowered amount of $1,900,000.

Gillespie Police Department has received multiple reports of suspicious structure fires within Gillespie and the department has requested assistance from the Illinois State Fire Marshal to help them investigate.

Long-time board chairman, Don Kasubke, rretires from hospital board.

Obituaries: Nancy Faye Schmidt (81) of Gillespie died on April 17; Roy E. Conlee (57) of Benld died on April 16; Richard “Russ/Rick” Allen Russell (76) of Monticello died on April 17; Emily R. Laughlin (20) of Gillespie died on April 18; Beverly Ann Smith (82) of Livingsto died on April 19; Robert “Bob” Philip Petroline (66) of Staunton died on April 18; Nannette Lee Robinson (68) of Gllespie died on April 21; and the celebration of life memorial service for Lawrence Schneck (85) of Litchfield will be held on April 30.

May 3, 2023

Brian T. Gray (60) of Staunton was sentenced to 12-years in the Illinois Department of Corrections for the offense of methamphetamine delivery, a Class one felony.

SHS Prom 2023: the dance was followed by post prom activities at the school that lasted until 4 a.m.

The Illinois Basketball Coaches Association (IBCA) named its coaches of the year last week: Corrie Allan, coach of the Staunton High School girls team, was named the Class 2A Girls Coach of the Year in District 17.

The Livingston-Williamson Fire Department will hold their annual chicken dinner on May 6 in Livingston.

The Staunton City Council approved an ordinance at their last meeting approving an Ordinance for making appropriations for the fiscal year beginning May 1, 2023 and ending April 30, 2024.

Southern Illinois judge temporarily blocks assault weapons ban; court finds ‘likely’ second amendment violation days after diffrent federal judge declined a similar action.

Obituaries: Christy (Lynn Santel (63) of Bunker Hill died on April 21; Robert Fisher Johnessee (88) of Bunker Hill died on April 24; Betsy Aguano Ruff (78) of Gillespie died on April 20; Frank Makler (87) died on April 4; and Joe A. Johnson (84) of Bunker Hill died on April 24.

May 10, 2023

Four aldermen were sworn in: David Dias, Wart One alderman; Kristy Berg, Ward Two alderman (two-year unexpired term); Matthew McKee, Ward Four alderman (two-year unexpired term); and Terry Tipler, Ward Four alderman. A total of 295 volters came out to vote for the four open aldermanic positions.

The massive multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 55 north of Farmersville on May 8, killed seven people and sent 37 to area hospitals.

Letter carriers and the U.S. Postal Service to deliver non-perishable food donations to the Staunton Food Pantry.

The Staunton Volunteer Fire Department will be having their annual Fireman’s Pork Steak Dinner on May 13 and they will hold their 82nd annual Homecoming Celebration on June 23, 24 and 25; which marks the department’s 100th anniversary.

Obituaries: Wilbert Frederick Ondes (92) of Glen Carbon died on May 6; Dwight Claude Goodrick (80) of Bunker Hill died on April 30; Donna Charlene, nee Parker, Kerrich (72) of Mt. Olive died on May 5; Bonnie S., nee Vezzoli, Brimer (69) of Dayton, Texas, formerly of Staunton, died on May 1; Iris Mae Jubelt (94) of Mt. Olive died on May 7; Anna Marie Keck (85) of Benld died on May 1; Glenn R. Sillman III (56) died on March 19 and celebration of life is on May 13.