Community News
Benld Council learns about cultural tourism project
Devin Hunter, director of the Public History Program at University of Illinois-Springfield, told the council details about a cultural heritage project spearheaded by the University of Illinois that ultimately could bring visitors to Benld.
Members of the Benld City Council on Monday night learned details about a cultural heritage project spearheaded by the University of Illinois that ultimately could bring visitors to Benld and surrounding communities as part of a larger, regional effort. The council also took formal action to approve a maintenance contract for the city’s sewer system lift stations and approved a resolution to beef up enforcement of city ordinances related to property maintenance.
The Mythic Mississippi project is a project of the University of Illinois’ CHAMP program (Collaborative for Cultural Heritage Management and Policy) supported by a two-year grant from the Presidential Initiative for the Celebration of the Arts and Humanities, Devin Hunter, director of the Public History Program at University of Illinois-Springfield, told the council. The project aims to use Cahokia Mounds, which the project identifies as an “underexploited” tourism site, as the impetus for developing regional tourism trails linking communities according to various cultural themes. A proposed route through Virden, Gillespie, Benld, Mount Olive, Staunton, and on to West Frankfort and Herrin will focus on those communities’ coal mining heritage.
Hunter said a preliminary objective of the project is to work with local residents and leaders to determine what aspects of the community’s cultural heritage the community would like to promote and “find out how we can collaborate” to promote that heritage.
More than a dozen faculty members, graduate students and undergraduate students from the University’s Springfield and Urbana-Champaign campuses are working on the project. Additionally, the project has recruited a number of individual collaborators including Ken Snider, owner of the No. 5 Mine Winery in Benld, School Supt. Joe Tieman, Dave Tucker of the Gillespie Coal Museum, and Dorchester native Layne Knoche, a landscape architect with the U of I Extension.
Helaine Silverman, CHAMP director and anthropologist on the Urbana-Champaign campus, said project participants want to help Benld “tell the remarkable story of the people who built a community here.”
She said CHAMP collaborators have already met with representatives of the Italian-American Club and have talked extensively with Mary Newman with the Benld Public Library. She said she was excited about the potential to use a wall at the library to mount an exhibit focusing on Benld history and cultural heritage. Snider was an early contact for the project, she said, noting that they are trying to determine if a vacant lot adjacent to the No. 5 Mine Winery was the once the site of a pharmacy in the community’s early years. If that can be documented, she said, it could become an archaeological site for excavation by U of I faculty and students.
“We became interested in this area because of the association with coal mining,” she said. Additionally, the area’s legends and myths about the Prohibition era “really caught our attention.” The Route 66 Blue Corridor’s slogan “Mines, Mobsters and the Mother Road,” could easily become a slogan for Benld, she suggested, that could be featured on street banners similar to the way Mount Olive promotes its association with Mother Jones. The city could further exploit the theme by renaming a few streets after known mobsters from the 1920s and 1930s. “That would all be a decision the community would have to make,” she said.
Holy Dormition Russian Orthodox Church has the potential to be a site for enthusiasts of architecture, art and history to visit. Additionally, the community has a wealth of ethnic cultural resources to draw the interest of visitors.
“We think this is a very interesting story to tell,” she said.
Going forward, Silverman said the group wants to meet with the Build Benld group and members of the Coal Country Chamber of Commerce to discuss ideas.
“Rather than our ideas, which could be completely off the mark, we want to find out what you want,” she said.
LIFT STATION MAINTENANCE CONTRACT
On a motion by Ald. Dustin Fletcher, the council voted unanimously to accept a three-year contract from Vandeventer Engineering, Fenton, Mo., to perform annual maintenance inspections on the city’s five sanitary sewer lift stations. The city will pay $3,746 per year for 2019 and 2020 for an 11-point inspection that is expected to catch and identify issues before they evolve into bigger (and more expensive) problems. As part of the contract, Vandeventer will offer the city a six percent discount on needed parts to make repairs discovered during the inspections. For the third and final year of the contract, the city will pay $3,933.30.
“I think it will save us money in the long run,” Fletcher said.
NUISANCE ORDINANCE RESOLUTION
The council also was unanimous in approving a resolution to beef up enforcement of city ordinances dealing with tall grass, weeds and accumulations of debris. City Attorney Rick Verticchio said he was asked by Mayor Jim Kelly to draft a resolution to deal with repeat offenders. Past practice has been to withdraw the complaint and collect no fines if the property owner cleans up the property within a specified period of time. The problem, he said, is that those offenders often allow the situation to reoccur, resulting in another citation which also gets withdrawn after the property owner cleans up the problem.
“The problem is that it’s repetitive,” Verticchio said.
Under the resolution approved Monday night, first-time offenders will still have the opportunity to have the complaint dismissed if they clean up their property within a specified period of time. Upon the second offense, the city will request a court hearing and will ask the court to impose the maximum fine of $500, which will be reduced to $150 if the property owner abates the nuisance within the specified period of time. Upon the third and subsequent offenses, the city will ask the court to impose the maximum fine of $500 with no opportunity for the property owner to have the fine reduced.
INSURANCE CONTRACT
Facing an impending deadline, the council agreed to renew its policy with Blue Cross-Blue Shield to provide employee health care coverage. The action means the council can take formal action on the policy during its next regular meeting in September and avoid the necessity of convening a special meeting to deal with insurance.
“If we stick with Blue Cross-Blue Shield, we can do it at the next meeting,” said City Clerk Terri Koyne. “But if we’re going to change carriers, we need to do it by the end of the month.”
“I did not know until today that we would have to notify him (the city’s insurance broker) by the end of the month,” Mayor Kelly said.
RESIGNATION ACCEPTED
On a motion by Ald. Lance Cooper, seconded by Ald. Fletcher, the council voted to accept “with regret” the resignation of Dennis Gardner, maintenance worker, effective Friday, Aug. 30. Gardner was hired as a part-time employee in April 2013 and became a full-time worker in March the following year.
“I have received an offer to work full-time with Kravanya Funeral Home, and after careful consideration, I realize that this opportunity is too exciting to me to decline,” Gardner wrote in his letter of resignation. “It has been a pleasure working with the City of Benld. I appreciate all the support and training I received during my time working with the Maintenance Department.”
OTHER ACTION
In other action, the council:
- Announced that the annual oil and chip program is scheduled to take place on Sept. 9, pending weather conditions on that day. Residents are advised to have cars parked off the street that day whether or not their street is scheduled for resurfacing. “If we have extra oil, we will go onto another street,” Mayor Kelly said.
- Announced that the annual City-wide Clean-Up Day will be Saturday, Oct. 12. Residents are advised to have rubbish on the curb by Saturday morning. Ald. Fletcher said refuse can be on the curb as early as Thursday.
- Approved the prevailing wage ordinance, which is required by state law, binding the city to hire only contractors who pay their employees prevailing wages as determined by the Department of Labor.
- Voted to close the first block of South Main Street from 1:30 to 4 p.m. for a Trunk or Treat event hosted by the Benld Public Library from 2:30 to 3:30 that afternoon.
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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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LITCHFIELD, Ill. — HSHS St. Francis Hospital is offering service opportunities to area teens this summer through the 2024 Junior Volunteer Program. Applications are being accepted now through May 1.
Applicants must be high school students maintaining at least a “C” average, be a minimum of 14 years of age by June 1 and be willing to volunteer at least two hours per week during the summer program. Junior volunteers will perform a variety of duties in various hospital departments.
Registration materials are available on the hospital’s website volunteer page at https://www.hshs.org/st-francis/community/volunteer.
All participants in the program will be required to present proof of immunizations for MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella), and Varicella (chicken pox). An additional requirement includes attendance at a hospital orientation.
A limited number of positions will be available. For more information, contact HSHS St. Francis Hospital at 217-324-8200.
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