Community News
Benld Council eyes recreational cannabis ordinance
Council members unanimously approved issuing a business license for Amanda D. Harshbarger to operate Knead to Relax Massage Therapy at 210B East Central Avenue.
Members of the Benld City Council on Monday night approved a $120,338 property tax levy for 2019 taxes to be collected in 2020, agreed to seek candidates for a fourth full-time police officer and approved a resolution to appropriate $30,530 in Motor Fuel Tax funds for next year’s street maintenance program. The council, however, tabled action on a proposed ordinance to regulate the sale and use of recreational cannabis within the city limits when council members failed to agree on a local sales tax rate for cannabis and other details of the ordinance.
After several minutes of discussion, council members agreed to table action on a recreational cannabis ordinance until at least December when it became apparent there was no consensus on some key components of the ordinance. Attorney Gina Verticchio, who attended on behalf of her father, City Attorney Rick Verticchio, told the council that her father had prepared a proposed ordinance based upon a model ordinance provided by the Illinois Municipal League for communities wishing to allow cannabis dispensaries within their city limits. At issue was the amount of local sales tax the city wants to collect on the sale of recreational cannabis, and provisions regarding the location of such facilities.
Legislation signed into law last summer will make the sale and consumption of cannabis for recreational purposes legal in the State of Illinois as of Jan. 1. For recreational dispensaries to be located within a community, however, requires municipal governments to enact ordinances to govern the location and operation of such businesses.
The new law bans recreational use of cannabis and cannabis products in public places, and limits possession for Illinois residents to 30 grams of raw cannabis, five grams of concentrated cannabis products and cannabis-infused products with a THC content of no more than 500 mg. Possession limits for non-residents are half of those in place for residents.
The act also imposes stiff state taxes on recreational cannabis as follows: 10 percent on raw cannabis with a THC concentration of less than 35 percent; 25 percent on concentrated cannabis products with a THC content of 35 percent or more; and 20 percent on cannabis-infused products. State and local sales taxes must be collected in addition to the cannabis use tax imposed by the state. In addition, municipalities are authorized to collect sales tax of up to 3.75 percent.
Several council members worried about provisions restricting the location of recreational cannabis dispensaries to at least 500 feet from schools or daycare facilities. Though the IML ordinance does not include a provision regarding churches, council members seemed to agree that dispensaries should also be located a minimum distance from churches. With Head Start facilities at one end of the Central Avenue business district, a church at the other end and a dearth of available buildings suitable for housing a dispensary, council members worried that 500 feet would be too restrictive.
“I would not recommend 500 feet,” Verticchio said.
Council members also expressed concerns about the amount of local sales tax Benld intends to impose. The IML model ordinance calls for three percent, but Ald. Dustin Fletcher said the city might be more attractive to potential dispensaries if Benld sets a lower rate.
“I would say that based on the size of our community and the fact all the other communities are coming in at three percent, we need to keep our rate down if we are going to have any shot at all,” Fletcher said.
Former alderman Peyton Bernot, attending the meeting as a guest, said the amount of local sales tax established in the ordinance is of minor concern since the state’s cannabis use tax is so high.
“This issue is not going to be whether Gillespie is three percent and Benld is one percent,” Bernot said. “The issue is going to be the black market.” Because of the high taxes imposed by the statute, he said, recreational cannabis users are likely to gravitate toward buying cannabis from unlicensed dealers operating illegally.
“Since we have a December meeting, we can still get this passed before Jan. 1,” Mayor Jim Kelly said. “I can see right now there is a lot of disagreement. I think we ought to table this until next month.”
“We have some time to work it out,” Verticchio said. While it would be ideal to have an ordinance in place before the end of the year, Verticchio said available licenses already have been assigned. The state will start accepting new applications for a second round of licenses in March with an eye toward those businesses opening their doors by July.
TAX LEVY, FINANCIAL REPORT ACCEPTED
The council voted unanimously to adopt the new tax levy on a motion by Finance Committee Chair Ald. Lance Cooper. The levy sets line item amounts the city expects to generate from property taxes to be collected next year. The levy differs from the tax rate in that the County Clerk will set the rates required to generate the levied amounts when applied to the city’s total equalized assessed valuation. Since Macoupin County is subject to the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law (PTELL), the city can increase the levy by no more than five percent or the consumer price index (CPI), whichever is less, from one year to the next. The CPI typically is less than five percent. This new levy exceeds the previous year’s levy by 1.9 percent.
Broken down by line item, the levy seeks to raise $33,186 for administrative purposes, compared to $32,567 for the previous year; $18,740 for City Police, compared with $18,390 the previous year; $17,832 for Social Security, compared with $17,500 the previous year; $12,078 for Liability Insurance, compared with $11,853 the previous year; $9,171 for Workers Compensation Insurance, compared with $9,000 the previous year; $5,605 for the Annual Audit, compared with $5,500 the previous year; and $5,239 for Maintenance, compared with $5,141 the previous year. The levy also calls for raising $3,568 for Parks, compared with $3,500; $1,223 for Unemployment Insurance, compared with $1,200 the previous year; and $100 for Leases, Rental and Rent to Own, which is unchanged from the previous year.
The levy calls for raising $12,338 for the Public Library, compared with $12,108 the previous year. The Public Library is its own taxing body and the levy technically is separate from the municipal levy. The total 2019 levy, including the amount levied for the library, is $120,364, compared with $118,120 levied for 2018.
On a motion by Ald. Mickey Robinson, seconded by Ald. Cooper, the council voted unanimously voted to accept the annual financial report prepared by Scheffel Boyle, CPAs, Columbia, for the fiscal year ending April 30. Council members reportedly reviewed contents of the report during a previous committee meeting and there was no public discussion of the document Monday night. The approved financial report will be submitted to the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office in accordance with state law.
The auditor’s opinion letter included in the report affirmed the city’s financial statements fairly present “in all material respects” the financial position of the city’s governmental activities, business-type activities and each of the city’s major funds.
For its governmental activities, the city ended the fiscal year with $1,224,144 in assets, including $927,213 cash on hand. For business-type activities, such as the water and sewer departments, the city ended the fiscal year with $2,231,290 in assets, including $308,604 in cash.
CITY TO SEEK APPLICANTS FOR FULL-TIME POLICE OFFICER SPOT
On a motion by Ald. Cooper, seconded by Ald. Robinson, voted to accept “with regret” the resignation of Benld Police Officer Adam Durbin, effective Nov. 19. In his letter of resignation, Durbin asked to be added to the city’s roster of part-time officers to be called upon on an “as needed” basis. The council then voted unanimously to approve Mayor Kelly’s recommendation to promote part-time Police Officer Molly Margaritis to full-time status.
“She’s been doing a good job,” Kelly said of his appointment to fill the vacancy created by Durbin’s departure.
After several minutes of discussion, the council voted 4-1 to advertise for applicants to fill a fourth full-time position on the Police Department. The Department currently has three full-time officers, including the Chief of Police. Mayor Kelly recommended creating a fourth position, saying he believed it would save money in the long run.
“After studying the figures, that is my recommendation,” Kelly said.
But Ald. Jim Tilashalski, who cast the only vote against the measure, strongly objected, pointing to ongoing financial issues in the Police Department. Last year, the council considered disbanding the Police Department and contracting with the City of Gillespie to provide police protection at a cost of $215,000 per year. City officials backed away from that proposal after a number of city residents voiced objections during a public meeting on the issue. Since that time, Tilashalski said, the council had approved a number of cost-cutting measures in the Police Department’s operation, but a proposed tax referendum to raise additional funds for the Police Department failed to win the approval of voters.
“According to our budget, most of the money that goes into the Police Department comes from the General Fund,” Tilashalski said. The financial report accepted by the council earlier in the meeting shows expenditures of $271,658 last fiscal year for public safety and a disbursement of $263,492 from the General Fund to public safety. Tilashaslki said General Fund revenue is down by about $21,000, primarily due to declines in Communication Tax revenue resulting from the number of residents abandoning land-based telephone lines in favor of cell phone services.
In fiscal 2018, Tilashalski said, the Police Department was $65,000 over budget. Last year, because of cost-cutting measures including a reduction in the number of full-time police officers, the deficit was reduced to about $2,600, he said.
“I don’t see that if we’re on target now that we’re going to do anything but spend more money (if we hire a fourth full-time officer),” Tilashalski noted.
Ald. Teressa Tucker, who chairs the Police Committee, said the proposal to hire a fourth officer was based on the inordinate amounts of money the city is spending on overtime. Moreover, she said, the city does not have enough part-time officers on its roster to fill shifts. “We’re spending money to hire part-time officers and to train them, then they leave to go somewhere else,” she said. Having full-time officers work excessive overtime not only is expensive, she suggested, but also inefficient. “Who wants police officers who are stretched too thin and working tired?” she said.
“We’re relying on our part-timers,” Ald. Fletcher said, suggesting that because of a dearth of part-timers, some of them are approaching the maximum number of hours they are permitted to work. “We’re going to get into trouble because we’re working them too much.”
Even with the overtime and part-time officers, City Clerk Terri Koyne said the Police Department still has about 120 hours of patrol time to fill.
“I’m not anti-union or anything,” Tilashalski said, “but as soon as we add a fourth officer we’re going to be held to (the union contract).”
Kelly said he talked to union representatives and reviewed the union contract, which currently obligates the city to employ three full-time officers. He said the union was in agreement that a fourth officer would be subject to being laid off if the city discovers the position is not financially feasible. “I told them that if we tried this and found we couldn’t do it, we would have to cut one and they were okay with that,” Kelly said.
“It’s getting to a point that we either pay our officers time and a half or we hire a fourth officer,” Kelly said. “Gillespie will not come over and cover our open shift. I’m of the opinion that over the long run, a fourth officer is going to cost less than paying these people time and a half.”
Jacob Kampwerth of HMG Engineers proposed next year’s street maintenance program to the council.
Brought to a vote on a motion by Ald. Fletcher, seconded by Robinson, the council voted 4-1 to being the process of seeking candidates to fill a fourth full-time officer position. Robinson, Fletcher, Cooper and Tucker voted “yes.” Tilashalski voted “no.” Ald. Brian Frensko was absent.
In other personnel action, the council voted unanimously to hire Tom Turigliatto as a full-time maintenance worker. Turigiliatto previously was employed as a part-time worker. As a condition of his employment, Turigliatto is expected to obtain a CDL driver’s license within 90 days.
MOTOR FUEL TAX RESOLUTION
On a motion by Ald. Robinson, the council approved a motor fuel tax resolution to authorize up to $30,530.25 in expenditures for next year’s street maintenance program. The resolution will be submitted to the Illinois Department of Transportation for approval at the state level.
“This is going to mimic what we’ve done last year,” said Jacob Kampwerth of HMG Engineers, who presented the proposal. Last year the city resurfaced 28,000 square yards of streets, he said.
The resolution calls for spending $12,755 for road oil, $10,800 for seal coat aggregate; $4,000 for patching material; and $900 for CA-6 rock.
Kampwerth said the street maintenance program may have to be adjusted somewhat because of IDOT’s plans to resurface Illinois Route 138 through Benld.
PUMP REPAIRS
The council took separate votes to authorize replacement of one pump and repairs for two others used in the city’s sewage system lift stations. Mayor Kelly said Vandaventer Engineering said a 30-year-old pump from one of the lift stations could not be repaired, largely because parts are no longer available for the unit. Replacing the pump at a cost of $24,969 was approved on a motion by Ald. Fletcher, seconded by Ald. Robinson.
A second pump currently at Vandaventer’s facility will be repaired at a cost of $8,642 and a third pump will be repaired on-site at a cost of $44,279.
BUSINESS LICENSE
Council members unanimously approved issuing a business license for Amanda D. Harshbarger to operate Knead to Relax Massage Therapy at 210B East Central Avenue.
Harshbarger said she is a licensed massage therapist who has been employed for the last 10 years at Massage Envy in Glen Carbon. She said she intends to continue working part-time at Massage Envy for the time being. She hopes to have her Benld location open for business in January.
“This area doesn’t have a lot of massage therapists,” she said. “People need pain relief and relaxation. I think it’s going to thrive.”
OTHER ACTION
In other action, the council:
- Accepted a low bid of $1,275 from Reid Electric, Gillespie, to install a service panel to separate the electrical service for the Benld Post Office from the electrical service for the Benld Police Department, both of which are located in the same building.
- Approved Christmas bonuses in the amount of $125 for full-time employees and $75 for part-time employees.
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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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