2021 Year in Review

Jan. 6, 2021

Sen. Andy Manar of Bunker Hill announced he was resigning from the Illinois Senate on Jan 17 and would be accepting a position as senior advisor to Illinois Gov. Pritzker.

Girl Scout Camp Chan Ya Ta located near Worden was sold by the Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois.

Macoupin County Public Health Dept. started providing COVID-19 vaccine in phases designated by the Center for Disease Control and the IL Dept. of Public Health.

Obituaries: Alan D. Best (71) of Staunton died Jan. 1; Edna Mae Cook (79) of Staunton died Dec. 20; Merle F. Randle (82) of Staunton died Dec. 29; Terri Marie Peterson (66) of Raymond, died Jan. 3; Paul Lee Eller (89) of Manassas,Va., died Dec 17; Will Robert Sprague, infant son of Jacob and Christine Sprague, died Dec. 22 just 9 days after his birth in Philadelphia, Pa.; Ruth M. Yakos (89) of Hazelwood, Mo., formerly of Staunton, died Dec. 27; Wanda Mae Striegel (91) of Staunton died Dec.29; Mary Prevedel (91) of Florissant, Mo., formerly of Staunton, died Dec. 31; Larry Russ Ahrens (76) formerly of Mt. Olive, died Dec. 21; Roleen June (Ernst) Stierwalt (84) of Gillespie died Dec. 27; Bruce J. Scopel (81) of Benld died Dec. 27; Loretta A. Sminchak (75) of Staunton died Dec. 25.

Jan. 13, 2021

A new mural brightened the MAC building on Staunton Main Street.

Kelly Susan Photography studio opened on Main Street.

Obituaries: Larry E. Graves (85) of Staunton died Jan. 8; Michel Alan Fahey Sr (75) of Bunker Hill died Jan. 6; Charles E. Hall (80) of Gillespie died Jan.7; Virginia Kloss (91) of Mt. Olive died Jan 7; Shelby Jean Masinelli (84) of Staunton died Jan 11.

Jan. 20, 2021

Obituaries: Dana L. Baggio (67) of Gillespie died Jan14; Sharon K. Ridens (66) of Livingston died Dec. 29, 2020; James W. Glasco (78) of Livingston died Jan. 14; Julia L. Perrine (48) of Worden died Jan. 11; Mary Alice “Becky” Wieseman (84) of Bunker Hill died Jan. 16; Gary Wayne White (69) died Jan. 15.

Jan. 27, 2021

Macoupin County was cleared for sports amid lessened COVID-19 restrictions.

Obituaries: Joshua Thorn (40) of Staunton died Jan. 21; Richard Schmitt (70) of Staunton died Jan. 18; Mary Kathleen Cox Michel (88) of Hillsboro died Jan. 21; Mildred Lietz (92) of Staunton died Jan. 23; Elizabeth Jean (Peacock) Leeper (89) of Coulterville died Jan. 18; Mary Ellen Weeks (80) of Staunton died Jan. 20.

Feb. 3, 2021

Russell Furniture and Amazon worked together to help Staunton Helping Hands Center.

FFA Alumni Auction went virtual.

Pat Long was honored for her Hall of Fame designation as an outstanding educator.

Staunton prepared for an abbreviated basketball season.

Katie Baima was named Staunton Education Foundation Teacher of the Year.

Obituaries: Mary B. Jones (85) formerly of Benld, died Jan. 27; Phyllis Ann (Shriver) Gibson (86) of Sawyerville died Jan. 25; Dorothy Louise Martinelli (90) of Bloomsdale, Mo., died Jan. 5; Thomas Robert Blevins (72) of Gillespie died Jan. 26; Patricia “Patsy” Showalter Richards (72) of Litchfield died Jan. 26; Joshua Daniel Rives (39) of Sawyerville died Jan. 29; Paula Denise Smith (55) of Gillespie died Jan. 26.

Birth - Lacona Anne Fortney and Travis Wayne Darland are parents of a daughter, Leia Marie Darland born Jan.25, 2021.

Feb. 10, 2021

Doris Turner of Springfield will fill the Senate seat formerly occupied by Andy Manar.

Former State Senator McCann has been indicted. Charges include wire fraud, money laundering and tax evasion.

Obituaries: Ken Hinkley died Jan. 28; Steven D. Goodman (70) of Godfrey died Feb. 2; Karen Sue Meyer (71) of Prairietown died Feb. 2; Betty June Ford (87) of Bunker Hill died Feb 3; Donald Porter of Bunker Hill died Feb.3; Shirley Star (74) of Staunton died Jan. 28; JoLene Henehan (83) of Staunton died Feb. 7; Delores Montoro (89) of Wilsonville died Jan. 30; Randall Naylor (64) of Bunker Hill died Feb. 4; Theresa Traban (91) of Wilsonville died Feb. 2.

Feb. 17, 2021

Ground breaking for Bank of Hillsboro was held at 227 E. Main, Staunton.

Obituaries: Judith Diane Rigg (62), formerly of Mt. Olive died Dec. 24; John David Easton (61) of Gillespie died Feb 7; Justin P. Krueger (32) of Staunton died Feb. 11; Eugene J. Rosenthal (87) of Mt. Olive died Feb. 6; Dorothy Stearns (89) of Staunton died Feb. 10; Bill Sanks (64) of Staunton died Feb. 8.

The Illinois Dept. of Agriculture announced the launch of Illinois Product Online Marketplace.

Feb. 24, 2021

School board discussed ways to increase classroom space.

Frank Wargo of Benld was killed in a one-car crash.

Obituaries: Cynthia “Sue” West (86) of Bunker Hill died Feb. 18; Harlon Adams (74) of Gillespie died Feb. 14; James Hazelip (87) of Bunker Hill died Feb. 13; Gilbert “Gib” Dealey, Sr. (79) of Staunton died Feb 14; Dolores (Rill) Simburger (89) of Hillsboro, formerly of Mt. Olive died Feb. 13; Viola D. Fey-Vesper (98) of Staunton died Feb. 14; Michael Anthony Kovaly (70) of Williamson, originally Livingston, died Feb. 14; Walter “Mick” Stieglitz (86) formerly of Bunker Hill, died Feb. 12; Raymond Fritz (68) of Gillespie died Feb. 18.

March 3, 2021

Staunton Girls Scout Troops 6145 and 6229 received Presiddent’s Volunteer Service Award.

Obituaries: Cynthia Ann (Byots) LaRosa (73) of Staunton died Feb. 23; Frank Wargo (67) of Benld died Feb.22; Peter Greg Visintin Sr. (71) of Gillespie died Feb. 25; James R. Sauerwein (76) of Glen Carbon died Feb. 28; Charles Joseph Dees (67) of Litchfield died Feb. 18; Linda Sue Janssen (73) of Gillespie died Feb. 27; Kent David Henke (64) of Staunton died Feb. 23.

Thanks to Macoupin’s low positivity rate, the Staunton Public Library is fully open. Masks and social distancing are still required inside.

March 10, 2021

Obituaries: Daniel Schmidt (63) of Benld died March 7; Barbara Jean Niehaus (88) of New Douglas died March 2; John Q. Halteman (96) of Gillespie died Feb. 26; Marie Wilma Ferguson (95) died on Mar. 3; Lt.Col.William John Zwartjes (98) formerly of Staunton died Feb. 4; Arthur Raymond Stoecker (91) of Springfield died March 4.

March 17, 2021

Staunton 7th grade girls won the volleyball regional championship.

Dr. Patrick Shelton, formerly a teacher at Staunton, was named Edwardsville School District superintendent.

Obituaries: Jeffrey Soapes (65) of Mt. Olive died March 10; Rodger Best (71) of Litchfield died March 9; William “Gus” Hopper (95) of Gillespie died March 10; Norma Jean “Sally”Cummings (91) of Staunton died March 14; Charlene Baugh (64) of Bunker Hill died March 6.

March 24, 2021

Vaccine eligibility will be open to all Illinoisans 16 and over on April 12.

Staunton School Board planned to tour the First United Baptist Church property on Franklin St. after the church offered to donate the property to the school district.

Obituaries: Phyllis R. Stephens (78) of Walshville died March 19; Robert G. Allen Jr. (68) of Walshville died Feb. 2; Virginia Mae (Mriscin) Kelso (65) of Sorento died March 13; James W. Early (92) of New Douglas died March 14; Kathryn “Kitty” F. Daley (95) of Litchfield died March 18; David Lee Heim (63) of Benld died March 19; Donald T. McNaughton (47) of Moro died March 16; Glenn E. Cole (70) of Wilsonville died March 18.

March 31, 2021

The Staunton Soccer Club, Staunton High School, City of Staunton, Staunton Township and Bank of Hillsboro, in a joint effort erected a new scoreboard at the Staunton Soccer Complex.

A new business, Mercantile on Main, opened in Staunton.

Obituaries: Clay Frank Luttman (76) of Benld died March 22; Randy Klenke (62) of Hamel died March 19; Candace Ann Bruckert (68) of Bunker Hill died March 24.

April 7, 2021

County schools were to receive nearly $25 million in funding to help address the challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic. Staunton was to receive $1,831,770.

Obituaries: Annette Callovini (92) of Staunton died April 1; Mark Hansen Dietiker (65)of Staunton died March 27; Anna “Lou” Ballard (83) died Feb. 16; Kenneth W. Weidler (89) of Mt. Olive died March 28; Mary E. Schulze (69) of Eagarville died March 30; Karen Joanne Carpenter (65) of Bunker Hill died March 29; Ruthmary Eleanor Zubal (95) of Mt. Olive died March 30; Kenneth Eugene Hopper (57) of Mt. Olive died March 24.

April 14, 2021

Craig Neuhaus was re-elected as Mayor of Staunton. Others elected include City Clerk Dennis Stiegemeier, City Treasurer Cynthia Pirok; aldermen David Manning, Ryan Machota, Jeffrey Scanzoni, John Moore;

Staunton Township - Supervisor Raymond “Joe” Spudich; Clerk Beverly Beyer; Assessor, Marianna Scheiter; Highway Commissioner, Ronald Maedge; Trustees, Tom Allen, Greg Herbeck, Ronald Dustman and Michael Hemphill;

School Board members (2 yr. term) Clayton Green; (4 yr. terms) Poonam Jain, John Renner and Michael Kessler.

City Council announced that city parks are now open.

Obituaries: Charlotte M. Werner (88) of Staunton died April 6; Kathy Ann Davis (66) of Gillespie died April 8; Kenneth B. Darte (94) of Mt. Clare died April 5; Timothy J. Planz (65) of Staunton died April 5; Bryan K. Noel (55) of Jacksonville died April 7; David “D.J.” Winfree (25) of Williamson died April 3.

April 21, 2021

Staunton High School held a shortened version of their Homecoming Parade.

A daughter was born toTamara Sanders and Michael Robinson of Staunton on April 15th.

Obituaries: Phyllis Parmentier (85) of Benld died April 12; Susan Jean Dewitt (75) of Gillespie died April 18; David W. Fleming (58) of Litchfield, formerly of Williamson died April 16; Joseph J. Early (98) of New Jersey, formerly of this area, died April 8.

April 28, 2021

CUSD #6 accepted a donation of property from First United Baptist Church on Franklin St. including the church and parsonage on a large lot.

Staunton teachers presented a letter of “No Confidence” in Superintendent Cynthia Tolbert saying her actions have led to a hostile work environment.

Parents and community members circulated a petition they plan to present to the school board asking them to seek the resignation of Supt. Tolbert.

Friends of Community Hospital Foundation sponsored contruction of a new mammography suite at the hospital.

Obituaries: Barbara Anne Hazelwood (74) of Staunton died April 13; Marlene Kay Ferrero (75) of Benld died April 15; Sandra Kay Lindsey (68) of Litchfield, died April 18; Richard Hamlin (66), formerly of Highland and Edwardsville, died March 11 in Texas; Jerry Michael Madden (82) of Gillespie died Dec. 15, 2020.

May 5, 2021

A Gillespie man was charged in a pedestrian’s death.

John Renner, Poonan Jain, Mike Kessler and Clayton Green were sworn in as board of education members. The vacant seat for a 2-year term will be filled by appointment.

Staunton firemen held a carry-out, drive-thru pork steak dinner at the fire hall on May 8.

Obituaries: Loren Knop (89) of Chatham died April 29; John Martin Cooper (69) of Gillespie died April 24; Ina Woodrene Bondy (77) of Staunton died April 18; Michael Best (68) of Livingston died April 27; Daniel Wayne Hufstedler (51) of Benld died April 30; Rosette M. Gasperson (98) died April 27; Judith Faye Fortin (76) of Carlinville died April 26; Gerald Wayne Schoenemann (62) of Bunker Hill died April 24; Gerald “Jerry” Werner (64) of Prairietown died April 30.

May 12, 2021

Chase Allen, Analise Best, Emilee Birdsell, Cylis Cox, Hanah Dustman, Maximilian Fairman, Jacob Futrell, Joseph Haenel, Blake Miersch, Grace Pfeiffer, Payton Redeker, Lydia Roller and William Ury were named Illinois State Scholars.

Obituaries: Kevin Stanley (39)of Litchfield died April 28; Alice Marie Pinkston (84) of Gillespie died May 4; Richard Lee Fanning (83) of Granite City died May 2; John Halavonich (97) of Staunton died May 7; Rolene Kraigher (97) of New Douglas died May 4; Carl “Scrap” Kaulen (84) of Bethalto died May 5; Charles Edgar Royer (85) of Livingston died May 8; Barbara Ann Ulrich (59) of Mt. Olive died May 8.

May 19, 2021

A class of 85 graduated from Staunton High School in ceremonies held on the football field.

SHS valedictorians were Hannah Dustman, Analise Best, Jacob Futrell, Joseph Haenel, Blake Miersch, Grace Pfeiffer, Lydia Roller, Emily Stanton and Jacob Ury. Salutatorian was Payton Redeker.

A Mt. Olive man was charged with 10 counts of child pornograpy.

Gov. Pritzker recinded the mask mandate for those fully vaccinated.

Obituaries: Eugene “Gene” Boff (66) of Staunton died May 12; Ronald James Kuruc (78) of Gillespie died May 9; John Thomas Hagans (77) of Livingston died May 12; Ronald L.Vidmar (78) of Gillespie died May 12; Janice (Schulmeister) Maxwell (83) of Staunton died May 14; Patricia Dean David (71) of Benld died May 13; Bertha Minnie Proffer (76) of Bunker Hill died May 8.

May 26, 2021

Obituaries: Grace Louise Herschelman (9) of Hillsboro died May 19; C J. Michuda (42) of Staunton died May 18; Carol Lynn Pitts (61) of Livingston died May 15; Cynthia Denise Gibson (55) of Bunker Hill died May 18; Sandra J. Thompson (86) of Alton died May 19; Marlene E. Mihelcic (85) formerly of Staunton died May 14; Ion Ray Hawkins (85) of Mt. Olive died May 11; Leonard R.Wayman (75) of Gillespie died May 22; Lucille Irene (Conroy) Lambert (83) of Elgin, formerly of Staunton, died May 26; Johnny August Dona died Feb. 1.; Teri G. Mostajo (58) of Livingston died May 22

June 2, 2021

Obituaries: Patrick K. O’Dowd (63) of Granite City died May 24; Daisy Mae Lancaster (81) of Gillespie died May 25; Mike Mendenhall (70) of Benld died May 22; Robert Lee Basso (77) of Carlinville died May 27; Robert C. Campbell (80) of Mt. Olive died May 25; Kathleen Thompson (63) of Gillespie died May 21.

June 9, 2021

The Macoupin Art Collective (MAC) building, formerly the Mancell Music Building, got a new artistic facade.

SHS class of 1970 held their class reunion.

Lydia Roller qualified to compete in the 3200-meter event at State with her #1 finish at Wood River.

Obituaries: Jessica Lynn Smith (43) of Mt. Olive, died May 23; Beulah Jean Grejtak (94) of Mt. Olive died May 28; Glenna R. Young (77) of Staunton died June 4; Arthur “Buzz” Bazzarone (93) of Gillespie died May 30; Rose Ann Chapman (67) of Benld died May 31; Mildred P. Behme (91) of O’Fallon, Mo., Mathew Stephen Franks (31) died May 31; Bertha Grindstff (85) of New Douglas died May 29; Pamela Sue Ripplinger (72) of Belvidere died June 2.

June 16, 2021

Illinois fully reopened after being shut down during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Fighting at the park was a concern addressed at the City Council meeting.

The Girl Scout Troop 6145 chose the Eastern Redbud as Staunton’s city tree.

Obituaries: James Carl Ridall (76) of New Douglas died June 6; Gertraud Annamarie Emilie (Blokscha) Howald (92) of Woodburn died June 7; Anthony (Tony) Dutton (51) of Staunton died June 8; Ronald L.Vidmar (78) of Gillespie died May 12; Theresa M. Rhoads (95) of Litchfield died June 10.

June 23, 2021

Father George Radosevich, priest to St. Michael’s Church in Staunton, announced he would retire on July 1, 2021, after serving Staunton/Livingston for the past 36 years.

Savannah Billings and Whitney Weller were named to the SCC All-Conference softball team and Sam Best and Zach Ury were named to the All-Conference baseball team.

Obituaries: Rachel Marie Streeb (41) of Springfield died June 11; Toni R. Fagan (79) of Edwardsville died June 17; Robert J. Zumwalt (67) of Nevada, Mo., died June 16; Robert “Mike” Ladendorf (56) of Staunton died June 17; Joan C. Heizer (84) of Bethalto died June 19.

June 30, 2021

Jr. High Principal Ryan McGowen resigned.

The school board voted to return to a traditional school day.

Darrell and Donna Faulkner of Staunton celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.

Glade “Goose” Barth (75) of Bunker Hill died June 12; Sharon Lynn Overstreet (67) of Gillespie died June 21; Dorothy (Frinsko) Mages (88) of Cincinnati, Ohio, died June 20; Raymond Dale Henke (70) of Staunton died June 21; John M. Koehne (53) of Staunton died June 22; Bernice (Murphy) Miller (90) of Staunton died Dec. 5, 2020; Todd Michael Savant (53) of Benld died June 25; Raymond Joseph Slapak Jr.(62) of Mt. Olive died June 24; Cynthia Denise Gibson (55) of Bunker Hill died May 18; Donald L. Bertagnolli (74) of Benld died June 23; Thurman Douglas “Doc” Chapman (86) of Gillespie died June 20.