Community News
Benld deactivates police department, accepts alderwoman’s resignation
On a motion by Ald. Tilashalski, seconded by Ald. Fletcher, the Benld City Council voted Monday night to formally “deactivate” the Benld Police Department—a final step in turning over police protection to the City of Gillespie. The deactivation is effective July 1.
“The reason we are deactivating is so, if in the future, Benld decides it wants a police department, all we have to do is get ahold of the state and the training people,” said Mayor Jim Kelly. If the city reactivated the police department, Kelly said the city would have to have a qualified Police Chief and an adequate number of patrol officers in place.
In a related matter, the council voted unanimously to advertise for applicants for a part-time ordinance enforcement officer. Earlier in the meeting, City Attorney Rick Verticchio advised that city aldermen also can initiate ordinance violation complaints, noting that ordinance violation forms are now available at the City Clerk’s Office.
Council members also agreed to sell surplus police equipment to the City of Gillespie for the Gillespie Police Department. Mayor Kelly said city officials negotiated with Gillespie officials to settle on a price totaling $7,100 for various pieces of equipment used by the soon-to-be-deactivated Benld Police Department. The list of equipment being transferred to Gillespie includes one police car, two light bars, several pieces of radio equipment and an evidence lockbox. The City of Benld is left with two police patrol cars that presumably will be declared surplus and sold at a later date or reassigned to be utilized by other city departments.
TUCKER SUBMITS RESIGNATION
Before adjourning, Mayor Kelly announced he had received a letter of resignation from Ald. Teresa Tucker, effective June 13. In her letter, Tucker said she was resigning from her seat due to “ongoing health issues.”
“It has been a pleasure serving the community,” she said, and she noted the council “has accomplished many great things.” She said she decided it was time to turn her seat over to someone else because she could “no longer give it my full attention.”
Tucker, representing Ward 1, has served two terms on the council, being re-elected in 2017. She served most recently as Chair of the Police Committee.
Kelly said he intends to appoint a replacement for Tucker, subject to approval by the council. The new alderman will serve until the end of Tucker’s current term, which ends in May 2021. If the appointee wishes to continue as alderman, he or she would have to stand for election to the seat in April 2021. Kelly asked aldermen to let him know of any qualified candidates who might be interested in being appointed to the vacated seat.
Also before adjourning, Kelly announced he is reappointing Verticchio as City Attorney and Ald. Fletcher as Mayor Pro-Tem. He also announced the appointment of himself, Fletcher and city resident Jack Burns to a Police Liaison Committee to maintain a liaison with the Gillespie Police Department. His committee assignments are virtually identical to current committee assignments, but Kelly acknowledged he will have to determine committee assignments for the new alderman once that appointment has been made.
GOLF CARTS
Council members voted unanimously to approve an ordinance allowing the use of golf carts and other personal transportation vehicles on city-controlled streets. Vehicles must conform to provisions outlined in the ordinance. Golf carts, utility vehicles and side-by-sides are allowed but must be equipped with a steering wheel and lights. Motor size also is restricted and the vehicles must be capable of reaching a speed of 20 miles per hour within one mile, but cannot be capable of exceeding 50 miles per hour.
Persons who operate such vehicles on city streets must obtain a permit from the City Clerk’s Office. Permits are $50 for senior citizens and $100 for all other persons.
Because it is a state highway, golf carts and other personal vehicles cannot be operated on Central Avenue. However, such vehicles can cross the highway at designated locations. Crossing signs will be posted at Kentucky, Main and Sixth Streets.
EMERGENCY REPAIRS
Acting on an emergency basis, the council approved repairs to the Seipp Lift Station. Mayor Kelly reported that capacitors for the control panel recently blew, damaging the control panel. Additionally, one of the station’s two pumps failed.
On a motion by Ald. Fletcher, the council accepted the $33,850 bid of Vandaventer Engineering, St. Louis. Municipal Equipment, St. Louis, submitted a slightly lower bid of $29,560 but the council opted for the higher bid in part on the advice of HMG’s Vonder Haar. Vonder Haar said HMG has worked with both companies but leans toward Vandeventer when it comes to buying pumps and related equipment. Though slightly higher in price, the Vandeventer bid offered better value, according to Vonder Haar.
Mayor Kelly said Vanderventer’s bid is for a four-inch pump as opposed to a 3.5-inch pump proposed by Municipal Equipment. Additionally, the Vandeventer bid included lightning protection, a surge protector and other amenities not included in the Municipal Equipment bid.
OTHER ACTION
In other action, the council:
- Approved a bid of $10,500 to $11,500 (depending upon the amount of wood underlayment that must be replaced) from Dynamic Roofing, Gillespie, to repair and replace the roof on the east side of the Civic Center building.
- Accepted a bid of $3,477 from HVAC Medic to replace an air conditioning unit at City Hall.
- Agreed to sell property recently donated to the city at 504 N. Main via sealed bid with the stipulation that the buyer either tear down or repair the property to code within six months of the purchase.
- Agreed to defer legal action against the property on North Fourth Street provided that the new owner continues to make monthly payments of $500 for five months to reimburse the city for legal costs it incurred in dealing with the property.
- Voted to declare a fire-damaged home at 408 South Main Street a public nuisance and pursue legal action to have the nuisance abated.
- Heard a report from Mayor Kelly indicating he was informed by Sen. Andy Manar that the city is in line to receive $500,000 in state funds for new sidewalks on Central Avenue once the Governor signs the legislation.
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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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