Connect with us

Community News

Benld Council accepts annual audit, approves Ameren easement modification

Published

on

Mayor Kelly reported to the council that new flags representing each branch of the military have been purchased and are currently being flown at Veterans Park. The council authorized the purchase of the flags last month, but after last month’s meeting, former residents George and Dee Gaudino (California) donated $180 to purchase the banners.

With only three aldermen present, the Benld City Council on Monday night accepted the city’s annual audit and approved modifications to an Ameren utility easement along the Benld-Gillespie Bike Trail.

In addition to Mayor Jim Kelly, the meeting was attended by aldermen Mickey Robinson, Lance Cooper and Jim Tilashalski, and City Clerk Terri Koyne. Without a majority of aldermen in attendance, there was some question about whether the meeting constituted a quorum, but City Attorney Rick Verticchio said only a majority of the corporate majority was required.

“We have a quorum,” City Clerk Terri Koyne announced after taking roll.

Following a lengthy and detailed presentation by Margot Holt, an accountant with Scheffel Boyle Certified Public Accountants, Alton, the council accepted the city’s annual audit on a motion by Ald. Jim Tilashalski, seconded by Ald. Lance Cooper. The audit, covering the fiscal year that ended April 30, will be filed with the Illinois State Comptroller’s Office as well as the Macoupin County Clerk’s Office.

Reading from the document, Holt said the financial statements provided by the city to the auditors “present fairly, in all material respects, the respective modified cash basis financial position of the government activities, the business-type activities, and each major fund of the City of Benld, Illinois, as of April 30, 2017.”

You have what we call a clean opinion, which is what you want to have

“You have what we call a clean opinion, which is what you want to have,” she said. “Overall, it’s a good report.”

While the audit provides a “clean opinion” of the city’s financial reporting, it notes that that city’s use of a “modified cash basis” for accounting is counter to generally accepted accounting procedures. Last month, in response to a communication from the State Comptroller’s Office, the city moved to switch its accounting procedures to an accrual basis.

Holt noted that the audit includes a page to reconcile the city’s modified cash basis accounting with an actual cash basis. The only difference, she said, is that the cash basis includes capital assets and depreciation, which are not actual cash assets but have an impact on the city’s financial position.

Advertisement

Holt spent several minutes on a page-by-page discussion of the audit.

The document shows total assets for both governmental and business-type activities of $3,342,364 as of April 30, with liabilities of $41,000 for a net financial position of $3.3 million at the end of the fiscal year.

A page detailing financials for the water and sewer department, along with trash collection—the so-called business-type activities for the city—shows total cash assets of $200,817, with equipment and capital assets of about $2.2 million. Liabilities are shown at nearly $52,000, with an end-of-the-year net position of about $2.4 million. The document also shows the Refuse Fund owing Water and Sewer $6,882, which is the amount Water and Sewer loaned as seed money to commence the city-controlled trash collection program.

The same page documents about $74,000 in negative cash flow for the Water and Sewer Fund, which Holt said was due to a one-time $125,000 expenditure for renovating the Shehorn Lift Station. That project will now become a depreciable asset for future audits.

For governmental activities, which includes the city’s motor fuel tax program and General Fund, the audit documents assets of slightly more than $744,000 with liabilities of about $1,800 and an end-of-the-year net position of $742,000.

Holt said the audit does address the issue of internal control regarding financial activities.

Though not identified as an audit “finding,” Holt said the audit does address the issue of internal control regarding financial activities. Being a small town government, Holt said the City of Benld doesn’t have the resources to hire additional personnel to act as comptrollers in regard to city financial activity. However, based on past recommendations, she said the city has taken steps to implement mitigating controls.

For example, she said she observed the City Clerk coming into the office on the days water bills are due, collect the payments and prepare the bank deposit for the day. That information was then used to enter the data in the city’s QuickBooks accounting system.

“That’s good,” she said. “That’s a separate control.”

Advertisement

Likewise, having the treasurer do the reconciliation of the monthly bank statement adds another layer of mitigating control.

She said the auditors did make some oral recommendations to the Mayor regarding accounting procedures and that the Mayor may wish to discuss those recommendations with the council in more detail.

“Most of the oral recommendations we’ve made in the past have been implemented,” she noted. One of those recommendations, she said, was eliminating the use of signature stamps to affix signatures to checks.

AMEREN EASEMENT

On a motion by Ald. Tilashalski, the council approved a resolution modifying an easement Ameren has with the city along the Benld-Gillespie Bike Trail. Roger Osthoff, who identified himself as a contractor hired by Ameren, said the utility company wanted to address the issue prior to a “vegetation reclamation” project involving the removal of vegetation potentially encroaching on power lines.

“They’re going to clean up the vegetation,” Osthoff said. “They’re wanting to keep vegetation away from the easement and make sure trees don’t sway and touch the line or vice-versa.”

They’re wanting to keep vegetation away from the easement and make sure trees don’t sway and touch the line or vice-versa.

Ald. Mickey Robinson voiced concerns about rumors that the utility plans to replace poles carrying power lines with large metal towers. He said residents have complained that cell phone service on the 1.9-mile bike trail is spotty already and that large towers could further compromise cell phone service.

Osthoff said he was unaware of any plans to replace utility poles with towers at this time.

“What Ameren is telling us it that this is a vegetation reclamation project,” he said. “They’re trying to better define the easement. There is an easement already, but the width of easement varies.”

Advertisement

City Attorney Rick Verticchio, who reviewed the easement modification on behalf of the city, said there is no current proposal to do anything other than the vegetation reclamation project.

“They already have an easement,” Vericchio said. “They have a right to do that (build towers to carry transmission lines) now. This is only to better define the easement by expanding it in some areas and, in some cases, contracting it.”

A city resident who uses the trail voiced concerns about how the removal of vegetation could eliminate morning or afternoon shade on the trail.

Ultimately, all three aldermen present at the meeting voted to accept the resolution.

BUSINESS LICENSES

Council members approved issuing a business license to Jessica Rieffer for the Firehouse Salon, to be located at 207 West Central Avenue, but tabled a business license request from Phillip Willis, Granite City, for a retail auction business to be housed in a former bank building in the 200 block of East Central Avenue.

Jessica Rieffer said the Firehouse Salon will be housed in the same building as a Discount Pool and Patio business and a video gaming business she and her husband, Ed Rieffer, already own and operate.

The salon currently is located in Gillespie.

“We’re just moving the business from Gillespie to a building we own here in town,” she said.

Advertisement

Ald. Tilshalski asked to table action on the Willis auction business license request, pending more information. “I have a lot of questions,” Tilashalski said.

FLOW METER REPAIRS

The council unanimously voted to accept a bid from Missouri Machinery and Engineering, St. Louis, Mo., to repair a flow meter at the city’s sewage lagoon. The meter is used to measure effluent coming into the Benld sewer system from Sawyerville.

The bid calls for a cost of $1,179 for labor, plus $4,620 if the meter itself has to be replaced or $3,886 if the issue can be addressed by making repairs to the control box.

Savant said the St. Louis firm is the only nearby company capable of working on the unit.

“That’s for everything in the box,” said Jim Savant, maintenance supervisor. “It’s burned up.”

Savant said the St. Louis firm is the only nearby company capable of working on the unit.

Mayor Jim Kelly reported that the city will make repairs to hydraulic systems on a John Deere road grader “in-house” with the assistance of Dustin Fletcher.

“Dustin has agreed to do it here, so that will save us a lot of money,” Kelly said.

Advertisement

SANTA EVENT

With one abstention, the council authorized the expenditure of up to $275 to cover half of the cost of ‘An Afternoon with Santa’ being co-sponsored with the Build Benld civic improvement group. Tom Allan, representing Build Benld, said the cost of the event currently is estimated at about $520, with $400 earmarked as a donation to HEIDI (Helping Every Individual Develop Independence) in exchange for Santa’s appearance at the event.

Allan said the event is set for 1 to 4 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 16, at the Benld Civic Center.

He said the group has received a donation for cookies from Randy’s Market, and plans to spend about $120 on snacks and treat bags for children who attend the event. Parents are welcomed to take photographs of their children with Santa, but no photographer will be provided.

In a related matter, Mayor Kelly publicly thanked Build Benld for benches the group recently placed in the downtown area.

ORDINANCE REVISIONS

Ald. Tilshalski reported that the council will be expected to vote on adopting revisions to the city’s ordinance book in December. The Ordinance Committee has been working on updating ordinances for several weeks, and City Attorney Verticchio reportedly has reviewed and commented on the proposed updates.

Mayor Kelly reported that the city has received responses from the owners of four nuisance properties to whom the city recently sent letters. One of the nuisance properties is being torn down and the owner of one of the properties has asked for more time to bring his property into compliance.

Ald. Cooper voiced concerns about serving a letter on one of Benld’s long-time residents who is responsible for one of the nuisance properties.

“Maybe we could have handled that a little different, maybe we could have gone to him and talked to him before just a letter on him,” Cooper said.

Advertisement

“We’ve gone to him before,” Ald. Tilashalski said. “This letter should not have come as a surprise to him because of the condition of the house.”

“I don’t mean any disrespect,” Cooper commented. “I just thought we could have been more compassionate.”

FLAG DONATION

Mayor Kelly reported to the council that new flags representing each branch of the military have been purchased and are currently being flown at Veterans Park. The council authorized the purchase of the flags last month, but after last month’s meeting, former residents George and Dee Gaudino donated $180 to purchase the banners.

The couple currently resides in California.

“We appreciate your efforts to keep Benld going,” Kelly said, reading from the Gaudinos note to the city. “Benld is our hometown and we try to support it whenever we can. The coal dust is still on us.”

Kelly also acknowledged a letter from the Governor’s office that accompanied an Illinois Bicentennial flag. Benld, along with other Illinois communities, will start flying the flag starting on Dec. 4 in commemoration of the state’s 200th year.

OTHER ACTION

In other action, the council:

  • Approved Christmas bonuses of $125 for full-time employees and $75 for part-time employees.
  • Ratified by the Mayor’s appointment of Norm Emmons to fill an existing vacancy on the Benld Public Library Board.
  • Approved the expenditure of about $200 to cater an appreciation luncheon for city employees from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Friday, Dec. 22, at City Hall. City offices will close for business at noon that day.
  • Approved the schedule for regular meetings of the council for 2018. The council will continue to meet at 6 p.m. on the third Monday of each month.

Advertisement
Share this story

Comments

comments

Police News

Gillespie Police Report: March 17-23, 2024

Published

on

SUNDAY, MARCH 17, 2024

An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Elm Street in reference to criminal damage to property.

An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Biddle Street in reference to child abuse.

An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of East Walnut Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.

An officer was dispatched to Madison Street and Wilson Street in reference to suspicious activity.

An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of East Chestnut Street in Benld in reference to a well-being check.

An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a civil issue.

An officer was out in the 400 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a security check. 

Advertisement

MONDAY, MARCH 18, 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 LJ Avenue in reference to a domestic battery. Regan M. Treadway, 22, of Hillsboro was arrested for domestic battery.

Gillespie Police Department assisted the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department with a criminal investigation.

An officer was dispatched to the 900 block of South Madison Street in reference to criminal damage to property.

An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of East Burton Street in reference to an ordinance issue of illegal burning. Charles H. Daubman, 62, of Gillespie was issued a citation for illegal burning.

An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Harding Avenue in East Gillespie in reference to a noise complaint.

An officer during normal patrol in the 100 block of South 7th Street in Benld noticed a trunk open on a vehicle. The officer made contact with the owners and they secured the trunk after checking it.

Advertisement

An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of North 4th Street in Benld in reference to a suspicious person.

An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with a male in reference to illegal dumping.

An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Hickory in reference to a civil standby.

An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South 2nd Street in Benld in reference to a well-being check.

An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Easton Street in reference to a civil standby.

The School Resource Officer called in requesting assistance in reference to a female student that had left the school.

TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2024

An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Madison Street in reference to criminal damage to property.

Advertisement

An officer was dispatched to Route 4 by the nursing home to check on a person on a bike with no lights.

An officer was dispatched to Maple Street and Route 138 in Benld in reference to a suspicious vehicle.

An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of East Spruce Street in reference to a suspicious vehicle.

An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Gillespie Street in reference to juvenile issues.

An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Walnut Street in reference to a dog at large.

An officer was dispatched to a business in the 300 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to an animal complaint.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20, 2024

An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Avenue and 2nd Street in Benld. Logan G. Lawson, 22, of Roodhouse was issued a citation for speeding.

Advertisement

An officer initiated a traffic stop in the 200 block of North Hard Road in Mt. Clare. David E. Schmidt, 46, of Staunton was issued citations for speeding, expired registration, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle.

An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Spruce Street in reference to illegal parking.

An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South Jersey Street in reference to an open line 911 call.

An officer initiated a traffic stop at Broadway Street and LJ Avenue. Candace N. Carlen, 36, of New Douglas was issued a citation for speeding.

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 was dispatched to the 200 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a suspicious noise.

An officer was dispatched to West Dorsey Street and South Kentucky Street in Benld in reference to a suspicious person.

An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of East Walnut Street in reference to suspicious activity.

Advertisement

An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Elm Street in reference to reckless driving.

An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Biddle Street in reference to a medical assist.

An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Avenue and Main Street in Benld. Esha V. Bhatt, 30, of Edwardsville was issued a citation for speeding.

An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Avenue and Main Street in Benld. Nicole L Richey, 34, of Wilsonville was issued a citation for speeding and expired registration.

THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 2024

An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South 4th Street in Benld in reference to a suspicious person.

An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of 9th Street in Benld in reference to a suicidal subject

An officer was out with a suspicious person at Main Street and Spruce Street in Benld.

Advertisement

An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Elm Street. Walter L. Vester, 29, of Gillespie was arrested on a Glenn Carbon warrant for larceny.

An officer initiated a traffic stop at Broadway Street and LJ Avenue. Jordan L. Jett, 23, of Hillsboro was issued a citation for speeding.

An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Litchfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to aggravated assault. Levi T. Kroll, 34, of Carlinville was arrested for aggravated assault, criminal damage to property, and operation of a vehicle with suspended registration.

An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of North 5th Street in Benld in reference to a theft.

An officer was dispatched to LJ Avenue where multiple vehicles were parked in a no-parking zone. After multiple announcements asking them to move, two vehicles remained and received citations. Jeromy J Moore, 47, of Greenfield and Matthew E. Raffety, 52, of Bunker Hill were issued citations for parking in a no-parking zone.

An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of East Walnut Street in reference to a domestic battery. Mitchela P. Zbornak, 34, of Gillespie was arrested for domestic battery.

An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Wilson Street in reference to a suspicious vehicle.

An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a juvenile issue.

Advertisement

An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Madison Street in reference to an animal complaint.

An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of West Oak Street in reference to an ordinance issue for illegal burning.

An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Oak Street in reference to a possible burglary.

The School Resource Officer called in reckless driving in the high school parking lot.

FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2024

An officer was dispatched to a business in the 900 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to retail theft and criminal trespass.

An officer was dispatched to Illinois Street and Kentucky Street in Benld in reference to a loud vehicle.

An officer was dispatched to a business in the 500 block of East Elm Street in reference to a suspicious person. 

Advertisement

SATURDAY, MARCH 23, 2024

An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Oak Street in reference to a well-being check.

An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Chestnut Street in reference to a 911 hang-up call.

An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of East Oak for a 911 untraceable call the officers checked the area and were unable to find an emergency.

An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South Illinois Street in Benld in reference to a medical assist.

An officer was dispatched to down wires at Dorsey Road and 1st Street in Mt. Clare. Ameren was contacted to remove the wiring.

All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Advertisement
Share this story

Comments

comments

Continue Reading

Police News

Gillespie Police Report: March 10-16, 2024

Published

on

SUNDAY, MARCH 10, 2024

An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Avenue and Main Street in Benld. Stephanie M. Lasica, 29, of Mt. Clare was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol, speeding, and overtaking on the left lane.

An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of West Wilson Street in reference to a domestic dispute.

An officer was dispatched to 600 block of Frey Street in reference to an assault.

An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Elm Street in East Gillespie. Thor S. Barnes, 43, of Forest Grove, OR was arrested for operating an uninsured motor vehicle, illegal transportation of alcohol, and improper use of evidence of registration.

An officer was dispatched to South Main and South 2nd Street in Benld in reference to a suspicious vehicle.

An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a well-being check.

An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Willow Street in Benld in reference to harassment by telephone.

Advertisement

MONDAY, MARCH 11, 2024

Gaberial A. Desherlia, 22, of Gillespie was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia.

An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Chestnut Street in reference to a suspicious item that was left by a building.

An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to a traffic crash.

An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Park Street in Benld in reference to a domestic battery. Cynthia D. Edwards, 55, of Benld was arrested for domestic battery.

An officer was dispatched to a business in the 900 block of North Hard Road in Mt. Clare in reference to an alarm sounding.

An officer was dispatched to the 900 block of First Street in reference to disturbing the peace.

An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North 4th Street in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.

Advertisement

An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue.

An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Lincoln Street in Eagarville in reference to a domestic dispute.

TUESDAY, MARCH 12, 2024

An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Osie Street in reference to a suspicious noise.

An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a medical assist.

Logan M. Billings, 34, of Benld was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for aggravated battery.

The officers were dispatched to 5th Street and Spruce Street in Benld in reference to a suspicious noise.

An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Avenue and Main Street in Benld. A 16-year-old from Gillespie was issued a citation for speeding.

Advertisement

An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of North 5th Street in Benld in reference to a found item left on a porch.

An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespass to property.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13, 2024

An officer dispatched to the 200 block of East Locust Street in Benld in reference to a domestic battery. Brandon M. Lyons, 43, of Gillespie was arrested for aggravated domestic battery.

An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to criminal damage to property.

An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Oregon Street in reference to a suspicious circumstance.

An officer was dispatched to West Maple Street and North Jersey Street in reference to reckless driving.

An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a well-being check.

Advertisement

An officer assisted an Alderman with an Ordinance issue in the 100 block of Henry Street.

THURSDAY, MARCH 14, 2024

An officer was dispatched to 200 block of West Dorsey Street in Benld in reference to a violation of an order of protection.

An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Central Avenue in Benld in reference to criminal damage to property.

An officer initiated a traffic stop at Spruce Street and 5th Street in Benld. Dallas W. Richardson, 29, of Benld was arrested for improper use of evidence of registration and expired registration.

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 500 block of South Hard Road in Benld in reference to a well-being check.

An officer was dispatched to LJ Avenue and Broadway Street in reference to illegal parking.

Advertisement

An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to criminal trespass to property.

FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 2024

An officer was approached by a female in the 900 block of North Hard Road in Mt. Clare and reported suspicious behavior.

An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Charles Street in reference to a medical assist.

An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Pine Street in reference to a security check.

An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Dorsey Street in reference to the violation of an order of protection.

An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Mor Street in East Gillespie in reference to a well-being check.

An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Broadway Street in reference to a suspicious person.

Advertisement

An officer was out in the 100 block of South 4th Street in Benld to speak with a male in reference to criminal trespass.

An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to an ordinance issue of illegal burning.

An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of South Main Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespass.

An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Francis Street in reference to a suspicious person.

An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 500 block of Horizon Street.

SATURDAY, MARCH 16, 2024

An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Green Street in reference to a suspicious noise.

An officer was dispatched to the 900 block of Broadway Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.

Advertisement

An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a theft in the 700 block of Frey Street.

An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Easton Street in reference to a domestic. David L. Clark, 31, of Gillespie was arrested for domestic battery.

An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 200 block of South Macoupin Street.

An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of North 5th Street in reference to traffic control.

An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 300 block of South Street

An officer was out at Madison Street and Spruce Street in reference to juvenile issues.

An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Chestnut Street in reference to juvenile issues.

An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Green Street in reference to juvenile issues.

Advertisement

All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Share this story

Comments

comments

Continue Reading

Police News

Gillespie Police Report: March 3-9, 2024

Published

on

SUNDAY, MARCH 3, 2024

An officer was dispatched to the Benld Sports Center Complex in reference to criminal damage to property.

An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to fraud in the 600 block of Olive Street.

An officer was dispatched to the 1100 block of Second Street in reference to a noise complaint.

An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Chestnut Street in reference to a house check.

An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Broadway Street in reference to an animal complaint.

An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of North Hard Road in Benld in reference to dogs at large.

An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of West Henrietta Street in reference to a 911 open line. The officer checked the area and discovered it was a child playing with the phone.

Advertisement

An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Ave and Main Street in Benld. Christy L. Williams, 39, of Bunker Hill was issued a citation for speeding.

An officer was dispatched to the 15000 block of Harmony Lane at Gillespie Lake in reference to a 911 call.

MONDAY, MARCH 4, 2024

An officer was dispatched to a business in the 100 block of Maple Street in reference to assistance with a suicidal subject.

An officer was dispatched to the 900 block of Broadway in reference to a domestic battery. Lee A. Pollard, 23, of Gillespie was arrested for domestic battery.

An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of East Burton Street in reference to harassment by electronic communication.

An officer spoke with a female in the 100 block of Cahokia Street in Benld in reference to a juvenile runaway.

An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of North 6th Street in Benld in reference to a civil issue and to recover property.

Advertisement

An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of East Chestnut Street in reference to a well-being check.

An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Ave in reference to improper parking.

An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Gillespie Street in reference to an ordinance issue.

An officer was dispatched to Route 138 and Benld Cemetery in Benld in reference to a suspicious person.

TUESDAY, MARCH 5, 2024

An officer was dispatched to Broadway Street and Francis Street in reference to a traffic crash/hit-and-run.

An officer was out on Handy Street and Easton Street in reference to a motorist assist and property damage.

An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Park Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespass to property and harassment.

Advertisement

An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of South 6th Street in Benld in reference to domestic trouble and juvenile issues.

An officer was dispatched to Staunton Road and Clark Street in reference to a hit-and-run.

An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with a female in reference to harassment in the 200 block of South 2nd Street in Benld.

An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Harding Ave in East Gillespie in reference to a noise complaint.

An officer was dispatched to a business in the 900 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to an animal complaint.

An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Abba Street in reference to a suspicious person.

An officer was dispatched to Route 4 and Dollar General in East Gillespie in reference to a suspicious person walking in the roadway.

An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Ave in reference to improper parking.

Advertisement

An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South Hard Road in Benld for unwanted solicitors.

An officer was out in the 600 block of Edwards Street in reference to unwanted solicitors.

An officer was dispatched to Easton Street and Handy Street in reference to a traffic crash.

An officer was dispatched to Central Ave and Route 4 in Benld in reference to reckless driving.

An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of North 5th Street in Benld in reference to juvenile issues.

An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in Benld in reference to a civil standby.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6, 2024

An officer was dispatched to Gillespie High School in reference to a juvenile issue.

Advertisement

An officer was dispatched to Henrietta Street and Green Street in reference to suspicious circumstances.

An officer was dispatched to Staunton Road and Route 4 in reference to an animal complaint.

An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Ave in reference to improper parking.

An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Illinois Ave in East Gillespie. Elizabeth A. Knight, 54, of Washington was issued a citation for speeding.

An officer was dispatched to the area of East Easton and South Second Street for smoke coming from under a bridge.

An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Dorsey Road in Mt. Clare in reference to fraud.

An officer met with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to the return of found property.

An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to criminal damage to property.

Advertisement

THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2024

An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Oak Street in reference to a 911 hang-up call.

An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Baker Street for a vehicle complaint. Tammy M. Dunn, 53, of Gillespie was issued a citation for illegal squealing/screeching of tires.

An officer was dispatched to the 900 block of Broadway Street in reference to a civil standby.

An officer was out at Park Street and Pine Street in Benld in reference to a trailer truck stuck under the train trestle. Chase E. Schultz, 21, of New Baden was issued a citation for disobeying a traffic device.

An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with a female in reference to a suspicious person in the 200 block of Dorsey Street in Benld.

An officer was dispatched to a business in the 500 block of East Elm Street in reference to a 911 open line. Once an officer arrived on scene, they discovered it to be a misdial.

An officer was dispatched to a business in the 500 block of East Elm Street in reference to assistance in removing an intoxicated subject.

Advertisement

An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Gillespie Street in reference to a well-being check.

An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Dorsey Road in Mt. Clare in reference to an intoxicated female.

FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2024

An officer was dispatched to Jersey Street and Spruce Street in reference to a traffic crash.

An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with a female in reference to cyber-bullying.

An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of South 4th Street in Benld in reference to theft and aggravated assault.

An officer was dispatched to South 8th Street and Central Ave in Benld in reference to reckless driving.

An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to fraud.

Advertisement

An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a dog at large.

An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue.

An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of West Baker in reference to a juvenile issue.

Tammy M. Dunn, 53, of Gillespie was issued a citation for illegal squealing/screeching of tires.

An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Lincoln in Eagarville in reference to a well-being check.

SATURDAY, MARCH 9, 2024

An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Henry Street in reference to a domestic dispute and child custody issue.

An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Henrietta Street in reference to a domestic dispute.

Advertisement

Halli L. Thompson, 23, of Benld was arrested on a warrant out of Montgomery County for failure to appear while driving while their license was suspended.

An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Ave and Main Street in Benld.  Heaven L. Kopsie, 31, of Benld for operating an uninsured motor vehicle.

An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of South 6th Street in reference to an accidental 911 misdial.

An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 200 block of South Macoupin Street.

An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Berry Street in reference to a suspicious vehicle.

An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a suspicious vehicle.

An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of East Central Ave in Benld in reference to a suspicious vehicle.

An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of East Central Ave in Benld in reference to suspicious circumstances

Advertisement

An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Charles Street in reference to a suspicious vehicle.

An officer was out at Oak Street and Macoupin Street in reference to juvenile issues.

All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Share this story

Comments

comments

Continue Reading

Trending

×

We need your support. If you value having timely, accurate news about your community, please become one of our subscribers. Subscribe