Illinois State Police (ISP) District 18, Interim Commander, Lieutenant Mark Gillock, is reminding motorists to take the necessary safety precautions to prevent tragedies from occurring during the upcoming Memorial Day holiday weekend. Memorial Day weekend is one of the busiest periods for travelers, and millions of motorists are expected to hit the roadways and interstates […]
Council approves $172,000 design contract for Litchfield-to-Benld water line
Benld City aldermen voted unanimously Monday night to approve a $172,000 contract with HMG Engineering for professional services associated with the design and bidding processes for a proposed water transmission line to bring water from the Litchfield Water Department to Benld. Justin Vander Haar, an engineer with HMG, said he presented details of the contract […]
Specialized Illinois National Guard Unit mobilizes for Afghanistan
A mobilization ceremony was held at the Illinois Military Academy on Camp Lincoln in Springfield, Illinois May 10 for six Soldiers who will deploy to Afghanistan as part of Bilateral Embedded Staff Team (BEST) A23. This unit’s unique mission will allow them to deploy side-by-side with their Polish counterparts. The Soldiers are from various towns […]
HSHS St. Francis Hospital announces new emergency department to open in 2020
HSHS St. Francis Hospital has begun construction on a new emergency department in the hospital which will open in early 2020. “Our emergency department treated more than 11,000 patients last fiscal year. It is a vital part of the hospital services offered at HSHS St. Francis Hospital. This emergency department is an original part of […]
Bourne’s bill gives schools flexibility for resource officers
Contributed article by the Illinois House Repulicans. In response to an increase in school violence and shootings, State Representative Avery Bourne (R-Raymond) co-sponsored legislation in the Illinois House that would provide school districts with additional flexibility to hire school resource officers or mental health professionals. HB 3244 would allow school districts in counties that impose a […]
Gillespie Police Report: May 5-11, 2019
SUNDAY, MAY 5, 2019 An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Spruce Street for a fight in progress. An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of East Oak Street for someone possibly breaking into a building. Robert J. Bell, 30, of Benld was arrested on a warrant out of Macoupin County […]
Gillespie Council authorizes solar energy project, accepts resignations from two police officers
Newly elected council members were sworn in Monday night during a meeting of the Gillespie City Council which also featured a discussion about the condition of the dam at Gillespie Lake and a commitment to a $380,000 solar energy project. City attorney Kevin Polo administered the oath of office to Ward 1 Ald. Dona Rauzi, […]
Manar calls for more child abuse prevention services in rural Illinois
Contributed article by the Illinois Senate Democrats. SPRINGFIELD – Illinois’ primary child welfare agency is failing families in rural and downstate Illinois, State Senator Andy Manar said Tuesday. “There is a void in services in parts of the state where child abuse is through the roof,” said Manar, a Bunker Hill Democrat who chairs one […]
IVEDC home based head start have parent and child paint party
Home Based Head Start parents and children participate in an afternoon of paint, palettes, pinkies, and palms. Parents and children age 2-5 enjoyed valuable time together painting masterpieces. Tempera paint was applied on 8×10 canvases by using bubble wrap, feathers, spools, toy cars, hands, fingers, and palms. Illinois Valley Economic Development Corporation offers a Birth […]
Four new members inducted into GHS Wall of Honor
Four new members were enshrined to the Gillespie High School Wall of Honor on Sunday, April 28. Those inducted include William “Bill” Parmentier, Joseph James Ricci, Gordon G. Hartweger, and Ralph Howard Monaghan. The induction ceremony took place at 2 p.m. in the Gillespie High School gymnasium. The event was open to the public with light […]