Community News
Benld Council appoints committee to eye development of former school property as public park
Benld City Hall
The Benld City Council last Monday night ratified Mayor Jim Kelly’s appointment of nine-person committee comprised of city aldermen and members of the public to make recommendations to the council regarding the development of the former site of the Benld Elementary School as a public park. Community Unit School District 7 transferred the approximately 10-acre parcel located on the city’s south side in January via an intergovernmental agreement. The site is the former location of Benld Elementary School, which was razed after being damaged by a mine subsidence event in that began in March 2009.
The Council’s representatives on the committee are Ald. Brian Frensko, chair of the Council’s City Property Committee, and Ald. Lance Cooper, chair of the Finance Committee. Anthony Kravanya, Dustin Fletcher, Rob Dobrino, Tim Wargo, Colin Overmeyer, Beth Seis and Blake Middleton are the committee’s citizen members. City Clerk Terri Koyne will serve as recording secretary to take minutes of committee meetings.
Mayor Kelly said the committee will be charged with finding out “what people want to do” and making recommendations to the council for development options that are within the city’s financial constraints. He said the committee will be advisory only in nature with the council being responsible for approving final plans.
Mayor Kelly said the committee will be advisory only in nature with the council being responsible for approving final plans.
“Have you discussed what you just said with the people on the committee?” asked Overmeyer, a former alderman appointed to the committee.
“Yes,” Kelly replied.
Ald. Jim Tilashalski commented that the Council previously had discussed the idea of conducting a survey to collect public opinions about options for the park development.
“I think this is going to be a better idea,” Kelly said, noting that residents can communicate their ideas for the park to the committee for consideration.
Kelly said one of the appointees, Blake Middleton, is serving in the Marines and has been in contact with Kelly “from the moment he thought we were going to get the property.”
“I think that’s great,” Kelly commented, “to have some young people involved.”
SENIOR EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM
The council narrowly voted to become a host agency for the Senior Community Service Employment Program, a federally funded program to provide opportunities for unemployed seniors to work part-time in public service capacities. Under the program, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Senior Service America program would subsidize the employment of qualifying seniors for up to 20 hours per week.
Though Mayor Kelly expressed concerns about the program, the council voted 3-2 to participate. Ald. Brian Frensko voted present, presumably because his mother-in-law may be among the seniors considered for employment in the City Clerk’s office.
While funded with federal money, the program is administered by Caritas Family Solutions, based in Belleville. Kelly said that under terms of the program, the part-time senior employees cannot replace current employees and must be supervised while on the job.
“I question signing a contract for one year for someone to work 20 hours a week,” Kelly said. Further, he said the city might have trouble finding enough work for participants.
City Clerk Terri Koyne said she doesn’t log 20 hours a week in the office herself. Day to day operations are the responsibility of Assistant City Clerk Gina Frensko, whose mother could be employed in the office under the program.
Kelly said the possibility of hiring Frensko’s mother could run afoul of nepotism provisions in the agreement between the city and the program. He said Frensko contacted the program administrator and was told that hiring her mother would be acceptable. Kelly, however, said the administration was under the erroneous perception that the elected City Clerk was in the office full-time and would be supervising the employee.
Ald. Peyton Bernot, who moved to participate in the program, argued for the program, arguing it “would look good for us and be good for the community.”
Ald. Peyton Bernot, who moved to participate in the program, argued for the program, arguing it “would look good for us and be good for the community.”
“I think this program would be a good program for some senior citizens in the community who have lost their jobs,” Bernot said. Additionally, he said, the program could be a benefit for seniors with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. The condition of persons with dementia deteriorates more quickly when they “sit at home and have nothing to do.” Providing such seniors with an activity, he said, could slow the progress of the disease. There was no indication, however, that persons with dementia would be eligible to participate in the program.
“I can tell you right now we don’t have the work,” Kelly said.
“I’m sure Gina would be able to find something for them to do,” Bernot responded.
Brought to a vote, the measure was approved with Ald. Mickey Robinson, Bernot and Tilashalski voting “yes.” Cooper and Ald. Teresa Tucker voted against the measure.
IMPOUND LOT
The council again delayed a decision on whether or not to build a lot for impounding vehicles seized by the police department, pending additional information about the project’s potential cost.
“We can’t do anything until we know how much it’s going to cost,” Kelly said.
“We weren’t going to jump into it immediately anyway because we’ve got to get bids first,” said Ald. Tucker, chair of the Police Committee.
The proposal has been under discussion for several months. Two months ago, Tucker reported the committee had secured price quotes from vendors for building a 50-by-50-foot impoundment lot adjacent to the city maintenance building. Those quotes were undisclosed, however, after City Attorney Rick Verticchio confirmed the project had to be advertised for bids due to the size of the project.
In the meantime, Ald. Tilashalski reported Monday night that he had contacted the City of Gillespie to learn about the city’s experience with operating an impoundment lot, including the potential for generating revenue from impoundment fees.
“I thought that if we have a neighbor with specific experience, there’s possibly something we could learn from them,” Tilashalski said. He said he proposed the possibility of partnering with Gillespie to avoid the cost of building a new lot. He said he has not yet gotten an answer regarding that proposal and asked to delay the decision until the option can be further explored.
“I think it’s something to look into if it would save us from having to spend money on a lot and let us start recovering money immediately,” Ald. Bernot commented.
ILLINOIS ALLUVIAL REGIONAL WATER COMPANY
Former alderman Overmeyer told council members the city would be well advised to tap on to the Staunton water system as a water supply after Ald. Tilashalski reported on information he had learned from attending several meetings regarding the Illinois Alluvial Regional Water Company (IARWC). Tilashalski said he attended three meetings, including a meeting of the Bunker Hill City Council during which the council voted to invest $10,000 in IARWC. Representatives from the City of Litchfield attended that meeting, he noted, to lobby for a project to supply water from the Litchfield water treatment facility.
“Litchfield is hoping Carlinville will back off their commitment so they can come in,” Tilashalski said. “Now I understand Staunton is going to extend their lines to White City.”
He said IARWC expects to pump 6 million gallons of water daily when the project is operational in about 10 years. He said Wilsonville and Mount Clare have both opted not to invest in the project at this point. In addition to Bunker Hill, Carlinville and Dorchester have voted to invest money in the fledgling company.
Tilashalski said one of the concerns complicating the issue for Benld is determining the size and cost of water line to bring water from Jersey County to Benld.
Attorney Verticchio said the only issue Benld needs to consider at this point is whether “Benld wants to give them $10,000 to help them with expenses in exchange for a seat at the table.”
Attorney Verticchio said the only issue Benld needs to consider at this point is whether “Benld wants to give them $10,000 to help them with expenses in exchange for a seat at the table.” Communities that invest money upfront are allowed to send a representative to sit on the IARWC board.
“This is going to be a big operation,” Tilashalski said. “I think it behooves us to stay on top of it.”
But Overmeyer, invited by Mayor Kelly to comment, said getting involved with IARWC is a bad option for the city.
“I know you guys have looked at Illinois Alluvial, but it’s not a good thing,” Overmeyer said. “You’ve got Staunton right here. They’ve got a new water plant and it’s way, way more than they need. Even with White City hooking on, it’s not running at capacity. It’s eating them up financially. All I’m saying to you guys is that financially, it would be cheaper to hook onto Staunton.”
Ald. Bernot said his impression is that Gillespie is putting more emphasis on promoting Gillespie Lake as a recreational lake. The use of motorboats on the lake, he said, will stir up sediment and increase the cost of processing water for transmission. Gillespie currently provides treated water for the Benld water system, and increased costs for purifying water are likely to be passed onto the City of Benld.
Overmeyer said Staunton Lake is considerably deeper than Gillespie Lake and is subject to more conservative restrictions on the size of motors that can be used on the lake.
VISITOR COMMENTS
Tom Merrell appeared before the council to complain about a lack of progress in requiring his neighbor in the 700 block of North Main Street to clean up his property.
“He told me it was going to take time to clean up and I realize that,” Merrell said. “But when he’s bringing in truckloads of stuff, he’s not going to clean it up.”
Merrell also alleged the property owner is operating an unlicensed business, repairing trailers and other vehicles at his home.
“Right now, he’s got a trailer over there,” Merrell said. “That trailer is right under my bedroom window. Every night it’s boom, boom, boom. I shouldn’t have to listen to that.”
Mayor Kelly said the property owner had been served with a registered letter demanding that he clean up the property. Beyond that, he said the city is dependent upon the court system to enforce abatement of the nuisance. Kelly said the property owner has been charged with violating the city’s ordinances on operating an unauthorized junkyard and allowing an accumulation of refuse.
“We’ve got ordinances against everything he’s doing but we have to go through the court,” Kelly said.
“Unfortunately, when you have to work through the court system, it takes time,” Verticchio agreed.
“As far as the noise, that can be addressed by calling the police when it’s happening,” Kelly advised. He also said that if the resident has old tires on the property, the city can get immediate action from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.
The council also heard from Norman Engelke, who said he was notified of city liens against a property in the 700 block of Rose Street that he recently purchased for $702 in back taxes.
“I thought I purchased it free and clear,” Engelke said. “Now I read in the paper that it is going to be sold.”
Vericchio told Engelke that he is working with county officials to determine the status of liens the city placed against the property. He said Engelke’s ownership is not being questioned, but whether or not the city is due reimbursement for what it spent on mowing the lot and razing a derelict house has yet to be determined.
“I don’t want to put any more money into it,” Engelke said, adding that if he’s going to be required to pay for the liens he will want his “$702 back.”
Verticchio said he would contact Engelke when he has more information. The advertised sale is not until mid-May, meaning Verticchio has some time to work on the issue, he said.
No action followed a 20-minute executive session to discuss litigation.
NATURAL GAS AGREEMENT
Voting unanimously, the council approved an amendment to the city’s franchise agreement with Ameren to supply natural gas to customers in the community. Under the existing agreement, Ameren was obligated to provide 4,116 therms per year to the city for natural gas supplied to city-owned facilities. Last month, the council entered into an agreement with an alternative supplier to buy natural gas, to be distributed through Ameren transmission lines, at a discounted price.
Kelly said the city rarely uses 4,116 therms in a year’s time and that Ameren reimbursed the city for the difference in cash. For this year, the utility owes the city $2,117 for the unused portion of its gas allotment. Under the amended agreement, Ameren will pay the city the full price for the 4,116 therm allotment each year until the end of the franchise agreement in 2028. Based on current prices, the utility will reimburse the city about $6,856 each year upon the Oct. 13 renewal date.
OTHER ACTION:
In other action, the council:
- Delayed action on the purchase of tasers for local police officers pending confirmation of pricing for the units. Ald. Robinson said it may be possible to secure a grant from the Macoupin-Montgomery Chapter of CrimeStoppers to subsidize all or part of the purchase price.
- Approved expenditure of $750 to replace a water heater at the city maintenance building.
- Voted to employ Tim Wargo as a part-time summer maintenance worker. Kelly said the council can make a determination later on whether or not additional summer help will be needed to assist with mowing the newly acquired 10-acre parcel recently transferred to the city from the school district.
- Authorized City Clerk Koyne to work more than 45 hours for the month of May to keep the city office open during scheduled vacation time for Assistant Clerk Frensko. The council previously authorized Koyne to work in the office up to 45 hours per month, though Koyne said she typically is in the office only a few hours per week. Frensko is scheduled to be off work 48 hours next month. The council’s action will authorize Koyne to work “the required hours to keep the office open” and to pay her for the additional time.
Comments
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.
Comments
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.
Comments
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.
Comments
-
Community News4 weeks agoSchool district apparently eyeing food management service
-
High School Sports4 weeks agoAnother strong week for Gillespie softball
-
High School Sports4 weeks agoGillespie baseball steamroll Nokomis and fall to New Berlin
-
Community News13 hours agoSchool board approves elementary school principal’s retirement, accepts resignation of high school teacher/coach