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Benld seeks state’s approval for potential $1.7 million water project

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Mayor Jim Kelly signing the documents to submit to IEPA with City Clerk Koyne and Vander Haar looking on.

Benld city aldermen voted unanimously Monday night to authorize HMG Engineers, Breese, to submit an application to the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency to determine the feasibility of buying water from the City of Litchfield and determine whether Benld is eligible for a state loan to finance the estimated $1.7 cost of the proposed project. Justin Vander Haar, an engineer with HMG, emphasized that if IEPA concurs that the project is feasible and approves funding, the city will not be obligated to undertake the project.

The nature of the project and its projected cost were not discussed in open session Monday night. The BenGil Post was able to confirm via a Freedom of Information Act request that the project for which the city is seeking loan funds would involve building the infrastructure to bring water from Litchfield. The infrastructure cost is estimated at about $1.7 million. There was no disclosure regarding what the City of Litchfield would charge for water delivered to Benld. In October, Ald. Peyton Bernot asserted the cost of buying water from Litchfield could be about half of what the city currently pays for water from Gillespie.

If the loan application is approved, IEPA would loan the funds at an interest rate of one percent over a period of 30 years. According to Vander Haar, the loan terms include a provision to “forgive” up to 75 percent of the principal if necessary.

The BenGil Post was able to confirm via a Freedom of Information Act request that the project for which the city is seeking loan funds would involve building the infrastructure to bring water from Litchfield. The infrastructure cost is estimated at about $1.7 million.

Vander Haar urged the council to take action Monday night, noting that Jan. 31 is the deadline to apply for loans for projects expected to start during the 2019 calendar year. Vander Haar also recommended applying for financing for the most expensive item, indicating that it would be easier to amend the application for a lesser amount if the city ultimately opts to pursue a less expensive option.

Last October, the council authorized HMG to conduct feasibility studies of at least four options to improve Benld’s water supply. HMG was directed to explore the possibility of buying water from the Litchfield water system or the Staunton water system. The firm also looked into buying Litchfield water via the community of Lake KaHo. Lake KaHo currently is undertaking a project to bring water to the village from Litchfield. The transmission line is expected to be complete in May and HMG reportedly investigated the possibility of extending a line from Lake KaHo to Benld. Finally, HMG explored the possibility of renegotiating the city’s contract with Gillespie.

In October, Vander Haar said Litchfield is operating with a new state of the art water treatment plant that currently is operating at 27 percent of its capacity.

Although the Litchfield option “might be the biggest capital amount up front,” Vander Haar said, it might be the most cost-effective for the city because of the amount Litchfield is willing to sell water to the city.

Representatives of HMG presented the results of the feasibility studies to the Benld Council last Thursday night during an 80-minute closed session meeting. City officials and City Attorney Rick Verticchio said the executive session was permitted because of the potential for litigation associated with extricating the city from its current contract with Gillespie. Responding to the BenGil Post’s FOIA request, City Clerk Terri Koyne said the Staunton and Lake KaHo options could be achieved for less money.

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POLICE DEPARTMENT COSTS

The council set a public information meeting for 2 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 9, at the Benld Civic Center to provide information to voters regarding a referendum on whether or not the Police Protection property tax levy should be increased from 0.1642 percent of the equalized assessed valuation to 0.6 percent. If approved by voters and enacted by the city council, the measure could generate about $40,000 in additional revenue for the Police Department.

In addition, the council spent several minutes debating a detailed proposal presented by Ald. Bernot to cut Police Department costs by reducing patrols.

The cost of operating a full-time Police Department has been on the table since last summer when city officials floated the idea of disbanding the local Police Department and contracting with the City of Gillespie for police protection in Benld. While the majority of residents attending a public meeting on the issue seemed to favor keeping the Police Department intact, city officials have struggled with closing the gap between Police Department revenue and expenditures.

Bernot said the city spent 51 percent of its resources on police protection in 2018, and 52 percent in 2017.

“That’s awfully low,” said Ald. Mickey Robinson. “If you look at all the other communities around us, it runs about 60 percent.”

Mayor Jim Kelly countered that the experience of surrounding communities are not directly comparable to Benld. Some communities have part-time police forces, he noted. In Benld, police expenditures have outstripped revenue for several years, prompting the city to look into eliminating the Police Department and seeking alternatives for providing police protection.

Bernot reported that the city appropriated $197,072 for the police department in 2018, but expenditures that year topped $278,587—a difference of $83,515. Police salaries accounted for 60 percent of the expenditures—about $98,000—Bernot noted. In addition, the city paid $11,760 to part-time officers to patrol during times when full-time officers had paid time off—bringing the total cost to $109,776.

“In reality, there’s nowhere to cut,” Bernot said. “You have to reduce costs and the only place you can do that is salaries. You can’t cut the cost of gas, you can’t cut the cost of liability insurance. We could direct more money to the Police Department, but that would only look good on paper.”

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According to Bernot, Benld’s three full-time officers earn yearly salaries ranging from $29,452 to $37,325. Part-time officers earned $34,560 in 2018, Bernot said.

Under Bernot’s proposal, the number of hours local police would patrol in Benld would be reduced by four hours per day—representing a 16.7 percent reduction in the amount of time officers would be on patrol. The specific hours police would be off the streets would be left to the discretion of the Police Chief. Part-time officers would bear the burden of the reduced hours, meaning that full-time officers would continue to work 40 hours per week and would experience no reduction in earnings.

Reducing patrol hours by four hours per day would result in cost savings of $27,770, according to Bernot. If the property tax referendum is approved and implemented, the additional $40,000 in revenue plus the $27,770 in cost savings would eat up $67,770 of the $83,515 deficit.

“Reducing patrols alone is not going to solve the problem,” Bernot said. “It’s a step toward solvency. Having a 24/7 police force is going to hinder us from reaching our financial goals and our policy goals.” He asserted the reduction in patrol would have no impact on public safety.

“I disagree,” said Ald. Lance Cooper. “Don’t you think the criminals are going to figure out when the police aren’t going to be on patrol?”

“I disagree,” said Ald. Lance Cooper. “Don’t you think the criminals are going to figure out when the police aren’t going to be on patrol?”

“There’s a lot of little things,” said Ald. Teressa Tucker, chair of the Police Committee. “When you have a big business, little things add up. This is good—what you’ve got here, but there’s a lot more.”

City Clerk Koyne said Police Department expenditures are coming in below the appropriation for this fiscal year. “They’re already helping us by cutting down on overtime,” she said. “We are not out of line compared to other communities.”

Vander Haar making his presentation to the council.

“The bottom line is that it’s up to the community,” said Mayor Kelly. “If people want 24/7 police protection, I think we’re obligated to do it. I think every alderman should talk to people in their wards and find out what they want.”

“We have to do something,” Bernot concluded. “I’m not saying we have to do it tonight, but we have to do something.”

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COUNCIL REJECTS BACKHOE PURCHASE

Employing an unusual parliamentary procedure, the council narrowly rejected the Mayor’s recommendation to purchase a John Deere backhoe from Erb Equipment at a cost of $100,000. Mayor Kelly said the city’s current backhoe is 17 years old and has “a lot of hours on it.” While the machine is operable, Kelly said it is showing signs of wear and could soon be out of service.

He said the new backhoe could be purchased without bidding because the price offered by Erb is a state bid. First National Bank, Benld, was prepared to finance the purchase at an interest rate of four percent, resulting in monthly payments of $1,599 over a period of five years.

“My recommendation would be that we do it,” Kelly said.

But some aldermen questioned whether assuming additional debt would impact the city’s chances of securing an IEPA loan for the proposed water project. Vander Haar said the agency would look at debt incurred by the city’s Water Department when considering the application. Under the proposal, 30 percent of the backhoe purchase would come from Water Department funds.

Vander Haar said a $30,000 liability probably would have minimal impact on the loan application.

Brought to a vote, the council tied 3-3. Ald. Jim Tilashalski, Robinson and Tucker voted “yes,” Ald. Bernot, Cooper and Brian Frensko voted, “no.” Mayor Kelly then broke the tie with a “yes” vote.

Bernot then urged Ald. Tilashalski to “recall” his motion. On reconsideration, Tilashalski joined Frensko, Cooper and Bernot in voting “no,” defeating the motion.

CAHOKIA STREET WATER LINE

On a motion by Bernot, the council voted to spend $2,394.40 for materials only to extend a six-inch water line along Cahokia Street between Central Avenue and Maple Street. Midwest Meter, Edinburg, is the vendor.

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“There are homes out there that are in Benld and do not have fire protection,” Mayor Kelly said. “I feel strongly we should have fire hydrants out there for our residents, plus there is land out there that could be developed someday.”

CITY PARK RENTAL RATES

The council unanimously approved a revised contract and fee schedule for renting city park facilities.

Rental fees are set at $75 for the city park, $50 for the ball diamond and $50 for the city gazebo. In addition, renters will be required to post a $75 cleaning deposit and a $150 property damage deposit, both of which are refundable following a post-event inspection. Renters who plan to serve alcohol during their event must pay a $150 non-refundable fee for Dram Shop insurance. Events involving 250 or more guests must provide their own trash vendor.

City park facilities are available to rent for the weekend after Memorial Day weekend through Oct. 31. Ball diamonds can be rented any time no league games or practices are scheduled.

POLICE DEPARTMENT COPY MACHINE

Council members agreed to purchase a copy machine for the Police Department from NCI Business Systems, Springfield, at an approximate cost of $1,300, plus a $275 annual service agreement. Council members directed city officials to investigate whether NCI would offer a price break if the city buys two machines—one for the Police Department and one for City Hall.

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Police News

Gillespie Police Report: March 17-23, 2024

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SUNDAY, MARCH 17, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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MONDAY, MARCH 18, 2024

An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Abba Street in reference to a domestic dispute.

An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of LJ Avenue in reference to a domestic battery. Regan M. Treadway, 22, of Hillsboro was arrested for domestic battery.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a theft in the 200 block of West Oak Street.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2024

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

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

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

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SATURDAY, MARCH 23, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Gillespie Police Report: March 10-16, 2024

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SUNDAY, MARCH 10, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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MONDAY, MARCH 11, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TUESDAY, MARCH 12, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

THURSDAY, MARCH 14, 2024

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

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

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

An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a violation of an order of protection.

An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of South Hard Road in Benld in reference to a well-being check.

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

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

FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SATURDAY, MARCH 16, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Gillespie Police Report: March 3-9, 2024

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SUNDAY, MARCH 3, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MONDAY, MARCH 4, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TUESDAY, MARCH 5, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SATURDAY, MARCH 9, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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