Community News
Benld Council debates time clocks for employees issue, approves $1.7 million appropriation
Members of the Benld City Council on Monday night unanimously approved an appropriations ordinance totaling $1,171,337–nearly $117,000 less than last year’s appropriation–for the fiscal year that began June 1.
After several minutes of sometimes heated discussion, the council also agreed to purchase time clocks to monitor the amount of time city employees are on the job, but stopped short of recommending the type of time clocks to purchase. The issue of whether to buy standard mechanical time clocks using paper punch cards or “biometric” time clocks that use fingerprints for employees to clock in and clock out was referred to committee to return to the full council with a recommendation next month.
In other action, the council authorized Build Benld to pursue several specific civic improvement projects, took under advisement the possibility of using a realtor to sell a piece of city-owned property on Central Avenue and approved partial payment for the recently completed Shehorn Lift Station project.
TIME CLOCK CONTROVERSY
By a vote of 4-2, the council approved the purchase of time clocks to track the amount of time spent city employees spent on the job, but took no action regarding the type of time clocks the city should purchase. The city currently uses handwritten time sheets that are approved by employee supervisors. The issue has been the focus of debate in Benld for several months.
“A few years ago, I would not have been in favor of time clocks because you expect people to be trustworthy,” said Ald. Jim Tilashalski. But, he continued, there has been at least one instance when the veracity of an employee’s timesheet was called into question, prompting him to change his position on the issue.
We had a problem, we took care of it and I don’t think we’ve had a problem since then
“I think we’re doing something about a problem that may or may not exist, and, if it does exist, we have the means to take care of it,” Kelly added.
Mayor Gloria Sidar said she had contacted neighboring municipalities to see how many of them use time clocks.
“Gillespie uses time clocks for Public Works employees only and only because the number of employees; Staunton uses time clocks for Public Works employees only and only because of the number of employees,” she said. “Mount Olive does not use time clocks. Bunker Hill does not use time clocks and said, ‘Why do you want time clocks? It sounds like micro-managing’.”
Sidar noted that the city would have to buy a total of three time clocks to service all of its employees and she indicated she opposed using a “biometric” time clock that uses employee thumbprints to clock in and clock out and stores data in the internet cloud. She said she especially was concerned about the system’s capability for GPS tracking to monitor employee whereabouts. Ald. Bernot, however, said GPS tracking would only be possible if employees used a remote device to clock in and the Finance Committee was recommending an onsite device for clocking in and clocking out. The biometric aspect of the system, he said, would preclude the possibility of “buddy clocking in,” having someone clock in for an employee who was not on the job.
Ald. Kelly noted that the city’s union contract may preclude use of a biometric system. Unions, he said, while not opposed to time clocks, have been opposed to biometric systems due to privacy concerns.
A motion by Ald. Mickey Robinson to table the issue died for want of a second.
Ald. Tilashalski then moved to purchase three mechanical time clocks.
“I think we’re getting ahead of ourselves,” Sidar commented. “Let’s find out if we even want time clocks first.”
Tilashalksi then amended his motion to remove references to the type of time clock the city purchases, and Ald. Teressa Tucker seconded. Brought to a vote, Ald. Tilashalski, Bernot, Tucker and Brian Frensko voted in favor of the measure, while Kelly and Robinson cast dissenting votes.
Sidar then directed the Finance Committee to collect information about both types of timekeeping devices and report back to the council next month.
“I don’t have a problem with time clocks, but I want a lot more information,” she said.
APPROVAL OF NEW APPROPRIATIONS ORDINANCE
Finance Committee Chair Peyton Bernot said the new appropriations ordinance is nearly identical to last year’s ordinance. Though not technically a budget, the ordinance sets spending limits for specific city funds that cannot be exceeded without special action to amend the appropriation.
“We’ll revisit this in December and see if we have to make any amendments,” Bernot said.
Last year’s appropriation of $1,288,188, approved on July 20, 2015, was adjusted upward to $1,294,195 in the middle of fiscal 2015.
Bernot’s presentation included a recapitulation projecting that the city will end the current fiscal year with a total of $940,811.75 cash on hand in all funds, compared with the $884,326.05 cash reserves the city had on hand at the end of fiscal 2015
- Administrative $ 45,236
- Audit $ 3,780
- Legal Fees $ 19,000
- Band $ 1,260
- Cemetery $ 1,400
- Parks $ 7,000
- Unemployment $ 600
- City Property $ 62,868
- Maintenance $ 89,928
- Police $265,931
- Water $304,741
- Sewer $238,233
- Trash $101,400
- Motor Fuel Tax $ 30,000
Bernot’s presentation included a recapitulation projecting that the city will end the current fiscal year with a total of $940,811.75 cash on hand in all funds, compared with the $884,326.05 cash reserves the city had on hand at the end of fiscal 2015.
BUILD BENLD PROJECTS
Council members voted to authorize the Build Benld organization to pursue any of several projects the organization outlined for the council. The action essentially means the city is willing to accept the projects as donations from the organization if the organization has the funding and chooses to pursue them.
“It’s stuff we are considering doing if the city is okay with it,” said Norm Emmons, who appeared before the council as a Build Benld representative. He said the group may not do all of the projects, depending upon available funds, but group members wanted to get started on securing estimates for the projects the city would accept as donations from Build Benld.
On a motion by Ald. Frensko, seconded by Robinson, the council agreed to accept a diaper-changing station the group already has purchased for the women’s restroom in the City Park, and a second identical diaper changing station for the Civic Center women’s room if there is room to install it. The council also agreed to accept two metal picnic tables with at least one to be located at Veterans Park and one possibly to be located at the ball diamond. Additionally, the council agreed to accept two to four new trees, each three inches in diameter, to be planted at Veterans Park and at the ball diamond.
The council deferred action on accepting an eight-foot playground merry-go-round and a metal Christmas tree for the community.
Emmons said the group planned to have the same vendor build the merry-go-round that it is using for the picnic tables, but Ald. Tucker and Mayor Sidar expressed concerns about whether or not the equipment would meet mandatory safety requirements. The council also deferred action on the Christmas tree proposal pending confirmation of details regarding the size, design and type of metal.
Emmons said he would gather additional information on those specific items for the council’s consideration at a later date.
SHEHORN LIFT STATION PAYMENT
On motion by Ald. Kelly, the council voted unanimously to make a partial payment of $102,869.05 to Haier Plumbing and Heating, Okawville, for work done on the recently completed Shehorn Lift Station. Justin Vonder Haar of Henry, Meisenheimer and Gende (HMG) Engineers recommended the making the initial payment, noting that the only work remaining to be done on the site involves grading and seeding. The remaining $7,914.16 on the contract will be paid once that work is done and accepted.
The original bid was for $108,875, according to Vonder Haar, but the contract was increased to $110,783 because of $1,908 change order required to reconnect to sewer services in the area of the project.
In related matters, the council approved Ald. Kelly’s motion to purchase a back-up pump for the Shehorn Lift Station from Vandeventer Engineering at a cost of $5,427. Kelly noted the city has back-up pumps for its other lift stations on hand in the event a pump should fail.
Council members also authorized Mayor Sidar to apply for a state-funded grant through the West Central Planning Commission for additional sewer work. Grant administrator Mike Cavanaugh had previously told the city the application has to be for projects for which engineering work has already been done. During Monday’s meeting, Sidar asked Vonder Haar if engineering documents were still available for a sewer improvement project for which the city previously applied for grant assistance. The Mayor told council members she would contact HMG Engineers this week to obtain those documents and submit a grant application before the Aug. 16 deadline.
The city applied for a $50,000 grant for sewer improvements last year through the same program but was unsuccessful.
CORDERA BUILDING PLANS
The council took under advisement Mayor Sidar’s proposal to retain a realtor to sell the city-owned Cordera building on Central Avenue near the public library. Last month, the council discussed a proposal from the Cordera family under which the family would purchase the building back from the city, then donate it to the library to house library archives. Since that time, Sidar noted, the library indicated it does not want the building because it doesn’t have the funds to pay for utilities, maintenance and staffing at a second building. In addition, Sidar reported that two people have approached the city about buying the building to house new businesses.
“Are these businesses that would bring in sales tax?” asked Tilashalski.
Sidar reported that two people have approached the city about buying the building to house new businesses
“If someone is interested in bidding on it (the building), and it’s going to bring in sales tax, I’m in favor of it,” Tilashalski said. “I can’t wait to see who it is.”
Sidar’s plan would call for the city declaring the property surplus and splitting the lot in half, with the south half to be developed as a parking lot for the library and using a realtor to
negotiate the sale of the building. Earlier in the meeting, Sidar asked attorney Gina Verticchio if the city could legally use a realtor to sell surplus real estate in lieu of seeking public bids. Verticchio said the city could handle the sale through a realtor since the sale would be public. In addition, Verticchio said, the city would be likely to realize a better sale price by listing the property with a realtor.
“I don’t want to take action tonight,” Sidar told city alderman, “but think about it and consider it for our next meeting.”
CENTRAL AVENUE TREES
The council tabled action on buying trees to plant along Central Avenue pending receipt of more information. Ald. Bernot reported that he and Frensko had looked into buying flowering cherry trees at a cost of $150 each for 10-foot trees that are two inches in diameter. He said the nursery representative assured them that the trees would be capable of withstanding strong east-west winds that basically destroyed all but one of the trees currently on the city’s main street.
Several years ago, the city removed trees along the avenue because they had grown too large and were damaging the sidewalk surrounding the openings in which they were planted. The replacement trees, however, lasted only briefly because of damages from prevailing winds.
“Our Central Avenue needs something,” Tilashalski commented, adding that September would be the earliest appropriate time for planting new trees.
Mayor Sidar suggested the possibility of some type of evergreen, and noted that if the city does not plant new trees the sidewalk openings will need to be filled in for safety.
“I think trees are great, but the first ones were too big and were cracking the sidewalks, and the second ones broke off,” Tucker commented. “Whatever we get, we want to make sure they are hardy enough.”
SEWER HOOK-UP ISSUE
Council members briefly discussed a letter prepared by Verticchio Law Office and sent to a resident in the 300 block of Park Avenue after the resident discovered she had been paying for sewer service to her late husband’s place of business next door even though there is no sewer tap for that building. The resident reportedly had demanded a refund for what had been paid for sewer service in the past, and that demand was denied. The gist of the letter informs the resident that a sewer hook-up is required for all buildings having city water service.
“She says she wants money back because she doesn’t have a sewer, and we say that if you have a water meter, you have to have a sewer,” said Ald. Kelly, answering a question from another alderman. “That water is draining somewhere and it’s not going into a septic system.
STAGNANT WATER ON RAILROAD PROPERTY
Ald. Robinson asked about using city workers to drain an area of standing, stagnant water along Dosey Street near the railroad tracks. The water, he said, poses a health risk in that it provides a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
“That water is on the railroad’s property,” Mayor Sidar explained. “Our guys were hauling in dirt to fill that area and we got a call from the railroad telling us to stop.”
She said the area holding water is significantly lower that the surrounding terrain, precluding the possibility of cutting ditches to carry it to the ditch. She said she will contact the city attorney to see if the city can compel the railroad to address the issue.
NORTHWESTERN LINES MAGAZINE ARTICLE
Mayor Sidar called the council’s attention to an article by Charles Voyles schedule to appear in an upcoming issue of Northwestern Lines Magazine. The piece, titled “What Lies Beneath,” opens with a recapitulation of recent mine subsidence events in Benld, then delves into the history of coal mining in the area.
OTHER ACTION
In other action, the council:
- Voted unanimously to retain Scheffel Boyle CPAs to conduct the city’s annual audit at a cost of $9,800.
- Voted unanimously to prosecuted properties at 709 and 711 Rose Street as nuisance properties.
- Voted unanimously to remove two more dead trees from city property that are too large for city workers to cut down. The two trees will be selected by the committee from a list of trees targeted for removal earlier this year.
- Agreed to pay for mileage, lodging and registration fees for up to two city employees to attend an conference regarding the city’s water billing system scheduled for September in Arkansas. Cost of registration will be $100 per registrant.
- Declared a white Dodge pick-up truck formerly used by the Maintenance Department as surplus property and to accept bids for the sale of the vehicle.
- Rejected a request to install stop signs on Spruce Street at Illinois Street.
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Community News
School board approves elementary school principal’s retirement, accepts resignation of high school teacher/coach
Long-serving BenGil Elementary School principal will retire in two years following the Community Unit School District 7’s Board of Education’s approval during Tuesday night’s regular monthly meeting of the board. On a motion by Kellie Vesper, seconded by Amanda Ross, the board voted unanimously to accept “with regret” the retirement of Elementary Principal Angela Sandretto, effective at the end of the 2026-27 school year.
At the time of her retirement, Sandretto will have been a district employee for 31 years, including 21 years as an administrator. Sandretto’s tenure predates the construction and collapse due to mine subsidence of the former Benld Elementary School. She started her career when the old Benld High School served as the district’s elementary school. She was principal when the new Benld school was built and when the seven-year-old building was destroyed by mine subsidence in 2009. She continued to serve as principal during the transition from the damaged school to the new BenGil Elementary School in Gillespie.
In other action, the board accepted without comment the resignation of Dalton Barnes as a physical education/social studies teacher, and as Gillespie High School head football coach. The resignation, accepted unanimously, appears to be related to recent controversy over alleged abusive behavior toward students.
Gillespie Police Chief Jared DePoppe and School Resource Officer Wayne Hendricks both attended the meeting, and left soon after the board completed actions related to personnel. Supt. Shane Owsley told the BenGil Post the police presence was a precaution due to concerns that “accusations and rumors on social media could spill over” into Tuesday’s meeting. An attorney from the law firm representing the school district accompanied the board into a one-hour executive session early in the evening to discuss personnel issues and other items.
Accusations on social media in recent weeks alleged Barnes and an assistant coach engaged in verbal and physical abuse of students. With a goal of 1,000 signers, an online petition urging the termination of employment for Barnes and the assistant coach has garnered 639 electronic signatures. The petition accuses the two men of “child abuse,” citing alleged “verbal abuse, physical abuse, influencing and coercing student athletes to act against other student athletes that have spoken out against the abuse, and attempting to limit the First Amendment rights of student athletes with threats and manipulation.” The petition alleges there have been numerous instances of abuse and that the abuse has been allowed to continue despite “multiple red flags and complaints.”
No members of the public appeared before the board to address the complaints. Several teachers and teachers union officials attended the meeting but, likewise, made no public comments.
ADDITIONAL PERSONNEL ISSUES
In other personnel action, the board:
- Voted unanimously to accept “with regret” the resignation for purposes of retirement of GHS/GMS guidance counselor Jill Strole at the conclusion of the current school year, and to post the position as vacant.
- Hired Aubrey Morgan as a first-year, non-tenured teacher tentatively assigned as the BenGil Elementary School music teacher for the 2024-25 school year, pending verification of certification requirements and a background check. Morgan is expected to receive her bachelor’s degree in music education this spring from Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville.
- Voted to appoint Nikki Brawner as the GHS head women’s basketball coach for the 2024-25 school year. Additionally, the board accepted Brawner’s resignation as an assistant GHS women’s basketball coach and posted that position as vacant.
- Voted, in separate actions, to hire Alex Jasper and James Bryant as GMS paraprofessionals, pending verification of certification requirements and a background check. Additionally, the board voted to appoint Bryant as the GMS eighth-grade boys basketball coach for the 2024-25 school year.
- Voted to employ Alexis Lupkey as GHS head cheerleading coach for the 2024-25 school year.
- Voted, in separate actions, to hire Nikki Hunter and Rebecca Leitschuh-Birdsell as full-route bus drivers for the 2024-25 school year, pending verification of certification and background checks.
On a motion by Ross, seconded by Peyton Bernot, the board voted to employ Jennifer Parker, Nancy Schmidt, Amy Price, Marci Johnson, Karissa Smith and Vanessa Barrett as teachers for the 2024 elementary school summer school program.
In separate actions, the board hired Shanna Connor as a math teacher, Casey Edgerton as a science teacher, and Jessica Kelly as an English/language arts teacher for the Gillespie Middle School summer school program.
The board hired Ashlee Gibbs as a high school summer school math teacher, contingent upon student enrollment, and hired Jennifer Brown as the high school summer school driver’s education teacher. Penny Feeley and Janice Hammann were hired unanimously as summer school food service workers.
SAFETY GRANT PROJECTS
The board authorized Supt. Owsley to seek bids for several capital improvement projects related to student safety for which plans are still being developed. In January, Owsley reported to the board the district was successful in its application for a $466,365 state-funded Safety Grant. Matching the grant money with $155,000 in local funds, gave the district more than $600,000 in funding for capital improvements related to safety.
Owsley said architects are continuing to develop plans and bidding specifications for several projects, including installation of a new fire alarm system, installation of a new intercom system, installation of bullet-proof glass in the office area, and application of a bullet-resistant film on exterior windows. The Superintendent said he would advertise for bids as specifications become available.
FISCAL 2025 BUDGET
On a motion by Weye Schmidt, seconded by Bill Carter, the board voted to direct Supt. Owsley to prepare a tentative budget for fiscal year 2025, which will run from July 1 this year through June 30, 2025. The new budget typically is presented to the board in August with final approval coming in September.
In a related action, the board approved expenditures from fiscal 2025 funds to cover operating costs from July 1, when the new fiscal year begins, until the new budget is adopted.
Though not a given, the board could amend the fiscal 2024 budget in June in the event actual revenue and expenditures for the current fiscal year differ significantly from projections made in the budget approved last summer.
INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT
Board members approved an intergovernmental agreement between CUSD 7 and Lewis and Clark Community College to offer dual credit courses at Gillespie High School. Under the agreement, Gillespie students can take college-level courses that will count as credit toward an LCCC associate’s degree. Teachers offering dual credit courses at GHS must hold a master’s degree and offer a curriculum approved by the college.
DISTRICT FOCUS
In a District Focus segment, the board was introduced to several High School FFA members who have excelled this year in competitions.
“These kids are doing some amazing things,” said High School Principal Jill Rosentreter. “They are going to competitions and bringing home trophies right and left.”
FFA sponsor Kayla Wills said she has led the program for six years. “This is the most outstanding group we’ve had since I’ve been here,” she said.
Wills introduced two teams––the Parliamentary Procedure team and the Ag Mechanics team––that have ascended to state competition set for May 2. Team member Emily Hauser explained the areas of expertise on which the Parliamentary Procedure team will be judged. Caleb Oberfall spoke about the Ag Mechanics team.
The Ag Mechanics team includes a carpenter, a welder, a surveyor, an electrician and a mechanic, according to Wills.
“These kids have worked really hard and put in a lot of time,” Wills said. “I am very proud of them.”
FOOD SERVICES ISSUE
A former district cook and current substitute cook, who identified herself as Mandy, addressed the board on behalf of district cooks regarding the possibility of contracting with Opaa! Food Management, Inc. to provide meals in the local district. Opaa! representatives offered a detailed sales presentation to the board last month.
“I worked for Opaa! at Staunton,” she said. “You need to look into them. They’re not what they say they are.”
She alleged the “homemade meals” are not homemade, and are, in fact, the same quality as any other food provider.
“I’ve been in food services for a long time and I know what food should look like,” she said. “It shouldn’t look like dogfood.”
The fact the company offers choices, she said, is a good thing but is a double-edged sword. If a child doesn’t care for the main selection on a particular day, they can have a peanut butter sandwich or salad instead.
“But if little Johnny doesn’t like peanut butter or salad, he doesn’t eat that day,” she said.
Having worked in the local district, she said she could attest that the food services staff cares about students.
In a related matter, Union Secretary Jennifer Parker read a statement from the food services staff thanking the board and Supt. Owsley “for the opportunity to continue to pursue options to bring more choices to the food program.”
OTHER ACTION
In other action, the board:
- Voted to renew membership in the Illinois Elementary Schools Association (IESA).
- Approved a finalized calendar for the 2024-25 school year. Owsley said the calendar is unchanged from a tentative calendar presented to the board earlier, except “snow days” have been designated as “emergency days.”
- Approved a fee schedule for the 2024-25 school day. Owsley said the new fee schedule is nearly identical to the fee schedule used this year except that the cost for adult breakfasts and lunches is increased by 10 cents. In addition, the district will now offer free breakfast and lunch to students in all grade levels thanks to a federal reimbursement grant for districts with high numbers of students from low income households. In the past, free breakfast and lunch was available only to kindergarten, elementary, and middle school students. This year, Owsley said, the high school also qualified for reimbursement. According to Owsley, the reimbursement program is locked in for four years, after which the district may again apply. “Hopefully, this will help our parents and students,” Owsley said.
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The Wilsonville Progressive Club will celebrate and host a 90 year Anniversary Party on Saturday, May 11. The party will include a catered dinner, a live band, and fireworks.
Doors will open at 2 pm with a catered dinner being served at 4 pm. The Shane Kessinger Experience (live band) will play at 5 pm, and a grand fireworks display will be held at dusk.
The Progressive Club was originally established in 1934 by the Progressive Miners and was located on the northwest side of Wilsonville’s main street. The Club moved to their new building in January of 1949 and today this is still the current location at 212 Wilson Street in Wilsonville.
Wilsonville was founded in 1917 when Superior Coal Co. Mine No. 4 was sunk and this was the most modern mine in the Superior field. At that time, the little settlement which grew up around the mine was called Wilson. One day a worker paused and asked, “What are we going to name this town?” President Wilson was in office, thus the town was then and there named Wilson until 1919 when it was incorporated and the name expanded to Wilsonville.
The Wilsonville Progressive Club is operated and maintained by an elected panel of trustees and loyal members. The Club is open to the public and membership is always welcome. The large outdoor covered pavilion and manicured grassy side lot offer an attractive and convenient venue for any event along with inside facilities.
If you are interested in renting for any kind of event, call 217-835-3122 during open hours which are Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 4 pm to close, and Sunday doors open at 2 pm. Every Sunday afternoon at 4 pm is the Queen of Hearts drawing and the Club is on Facebook as well.
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SUNDAY, APRIL 14, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Oak Street in reference to a dog bite.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Abba Street to pick up a found item.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Chestnut Street in reference to a burglary.
An officer was out in the 200 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to a motorist assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Schmidt Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South 1st Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Broadway Street in reference to a medical call.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of South Illinois Street in Benld in reference to illegal burning.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South 5th Street in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Horizon Street in reference to a 911 call.
MONDAY, APRIL 15, 2024
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with a male in reference to a theft in the 100 block of South Main Street in Benld.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of West Osie Street in reference to a violation of an order of protection.
Nicholas O. Landolt, 36, of Gillespie was arrested on multiple warrants including one out of St. Clair County for possession for methamphetamine, a second one out of Montgomery County for failure to appear for driving while license was revoked, and a third out of Macoupin County for failure to appear for methamphetamine.
An officer was dispatched to East Walnut Street in reference to a suspicious noise.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Abba Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Broadway Street in reference to a medical alarm.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a theft in the 200 block of West Oak Street.
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to criminal damage to her property.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to identity theft.
An officer spoke with a female in the 100 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a neighbor dispute.
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a violation of an order of protection.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Southern Street in reference to a suspicious person.
TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 1100 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to criminal damage to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 900 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of East Walnut Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespass to property. Melissa J. Hughes, 49, of Benld was arrested on a Montgomery County warrant for theft/larceny.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Francis Street in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 700 block of Rose Street in Benld.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South 5th Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Pine Street to assist the Department of Children and Family Services.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Broadway Street in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Central Avenue in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17, 2024
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to fraud in the 200 block of South Macoupin.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 500 block of East Elm Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to Route 4 and Staunton Road in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Gillespie Street in reference to unwanted solicitors.
An officer was dispatched to High Street and Gillespie Street in reference to a suspicious noise.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of High Street in reference to unwanted solicitors.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil standby.
An officer was flagged down at Elm Street and Clinton Street and spoke with an individual in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Mt. Olive Road in Eagarville in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a suspicious circumstance.
THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2024
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a panic alarm sounding.
An officer was dispatched to the 1300 block of South Second Street in reference to a civil standby.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Osie Street in reference to a dog bite. Heather L. Kimberlin, 47, of Gillespie was issued a citation for dog at large.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Baker Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was out with a suspicious vehicle in the alley in the 500 block of Park Avenue.
An officer was dispatched to East Walnut and South Main Street in Benld in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the Veterans Memorial Park in Benld in reference to a suspicious vehicle that had been parked there for a couple of days.
Gillespie Police Department was requested for traffic control by the Gillespie Fire Department for a fire on Eagarville Road.
FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of East Walnut Street in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South Street in Gillespie in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Litchfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a suspicious person at the storage units. Kathy J. Henderson, 49, of Sawyerville was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for bad checks
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Maple Street and Macoupin Street. Kenny L. Fults, 18, of Belleville was issued a citation for possession of cannabis.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Mt. Olive Road in Eagarville in reference to civil standby.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of West Burton Street in reference to an animal complaint.
SATURDAY, APRIL 20, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Abba Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespassing. Timothy J. Dalpozzo, 57, of Benld was arrested for criminal trespassing to residence and a Macoupin County warrant for criminal trespassing to a residence.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at South Street and Chestnut Street and charges are pending crime lab results.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to Macoupin Street and Elm Street in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Osie Street in reference to a dog at large.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of North 8th Street in Benld in reference to medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Spruce Street in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Baker Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Street in Benld in reference to a medical call.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to an ordinance issue.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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High School Sports4 weeks agoGillespie baseball steamroll Nokomis and fall to New Berlin
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Community News6 hours agoSchool board approves elementary school principal’s retirement, accepts resignation of high school teacher/coach