Community News
Council hears complaint about solar energy field construction, votes 4-2 to terminate Water Department employee
Posts for the construction of a solar energy field line the property adjacent to a homeowner and south of the citys water plant.
Accompanied by his attorney, a city resident vowed to fight the City of Gillespie’s solar energy field project “as far as I can” during the city council’s regular monthly meeting Monday night. The council also agreed to complete an application to the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity for a $318,000 Community Development and Assistance Program grant that basically will reimburse the city for funds formerly held in a Revolving Loan Fund that the state required the city to close out.
George Link, accompanied by his attorney Jared Giuffre, who also is Link’s son-in-law, told the council that construction of a solar energy field on property adjacent to his home threatens to reduce his property value and interfere with his enjoyment of his home. The council accepted a low bid of approximately $387,000 from Illinois Solar in May to install a field of solar panels to provide power for the municipal water treatment plant, contingent upon the city finding a suitable location for the field. Two months later, the council voted to spend $24,000 to acquire six lots on the south side of the water plant from Community Unit School District 7 as a site for the solar field, and construction on the project recently began. The lots are located directly across the street from Link’s home in the 400 block of Pearl Street.
Link said he has invested a quarter of a million dollars in building his home and making improvements to his property. The solar field now under construction, he complained, is only 50 feet from his property line and less than 100 feet from his side door. He said he’s had no concerns about being within a block of water plant but suggested the solar field will have a negative impact on his property’s value.
“You’ve blighted that whole area,” he said. “Twenty years ago, I had a chance to buy that property. I moved over a block because I didn’t want to be next to the water plant.”
According to Link, the area is zoned for single-family residences. “To me, this (solar field) is an industrial use that doesn’t need to be in a residential area.” He said he spoke to local developer Kevin Sievers who owns the property behind the solar field on which he had planned to build new homes. “He’s not happy about this either,” Link said.
He said he had researched the locations of other solar fields in Illinois and found that the majority of them are sited one-half mile to three miles away from the nearest residential areas. As an alternative, he suggested situating the solar field behind the water plant or on the building’s roof.
Link also complained about potential health risks associated with the electro-magnetic field around the power generating field. EMFs have been linked with higher incidences of cancer in some areas. “I don’t want to have to spend the rest of my life having to worry about this installation 90 feet from my door,” he said. He also expressed concerns about the project’s potential to interfere with radio reception in the area. “Who’s going to maintain this plant and address those concerns?” he asked.
Responding to Link, Mayor John Hicks said the solar field location is zoned for light industrial use. Additionally, City Attorney Kevin Polo said, the city has other municipal infrastructure in residential areas in other parts of the city, suggesting the city government is exempt from some zoning requirements.
City Treasurer Dan Fisher said project managers considered alternate locations for the field, including the roof of the water plant, and determined the six lots on the south side of the water plant was the optimum location. Moving the field to the rear of the plant would require making the field 30 percent larger to meet power generating needs because of differences in the amount of sunlight the two locations receive. He scoffed at the idea of suspending the project because the city is obligated to pay back the cost of the project over the next seven years. Fisher said the project cost totals about $450,000, which presumably includes the cost of property acquisition.
“If we were to end that project today,” Fisher said, “we would have to raise everyone’s water rate for $2.45.” Funds to pay back the loan, he said, will come from the $50,000 per year in estimated cost savings the solar field is expected to generate for the water plant operation.
Link said he was especially angered by the council’s “lack of respect” for nearby property owners. “You’re not having any consideration for surrounding property owners,” he said. “When I bought that property from the city it was nothing but a field. I put my hard work into it. Tonight is not the end of this. I intend to fight this as far as I can. This is unacceptable.”
CDAP GRANT APPLICATION
On a motion by Ald. Dave Tucker, seconded by Ald. Wendy Rolando, the council voted unanimously to apply for a Community Development Assistance Program grant in the amount of $317,736.07, which will effectively reimburse the city for funds the city returned to the state last year when It dissolved its Revolving Loan Fund program. The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity required the city to close out the revolving loan program when the state decided it would end its support of such programs for small communities.
The action followed a brief public hearing held prior to the council meeting during which Fisher explained details of the action.
By reimbursing the money in the form of a CDAP grant, the city can use the funds for civic improvement projects which must be completed within two years. Fisher said a likely use for the funds will be subsurface work that needs to be done before the city potentially embarks on completing a streetscape project proposed by the Grow Gillespie organization in downtown Gillespie. That project would include reconfiguring parking spaces, the addition of green spaces and other amenities designed to attract new businesses to downtown Gillespie. Subsurface work would include projects such as storm sewer improvements and installing underground utilities.
EMPLOYEE TERMINATION
Voting 4-2, the council terminated an unindentified Water Department employee. The action followed an hour-long executive session to discuss employee disciplinary action and the sale of real estate.
There was no public discussion of the employee’s alleged infraction.
Ald. Tucker, Ald. Rolando, Ald. Dona Rauzi and Ald. Bill Hayes all voted in favor of termination. Ald. Jerry Dolliger voted against the measure, as did Ald. Frank Barrett after a moment of indecision. Ald. Rick Fulton did not attend Monday’s meeting.
BLACK DIAMOND DAYS LABOR DAY EVENT
A discussion about the success of the Black Diamond Days Labor Day Lake Bash became somewhat heated after an alderman questioned the amount of money the city spent in support of the event. Teressa Pettit, president of the Black Diamond Days Committee, said the two-day event was “a great success for us.”
“Our Saturday alone was better for us than our whole Black Diamond Days this year,” she said. “We’re very proud of what we did out there.”
She said a shuttle bus providing transportation from the city to the lake worked out very well to get attendees to the festival site while limiting the level of vehicular traffic at the lake.
Pettit said a number of people asked committee members if the event would be an annual affair, and she said the consensus of the committee was that they would continue to sponsor a Labor Day event at the lake in the future.
Ald. Rauzi questioned Pettit about changing quiet time at the lake campground from 11 p.m. to midnight to accommodate the band playing for the event. Lake manager Gary Thornhill said volunteers “pre-called every camper and none of them had a problem with it.”
Rauzi then turned her attention to costs the city may have incurred in conjunction with the event. With police and lake employees on hand, personnel costs could exceed $1,000, according to Rauzi. But Thornhill countered that the lake employees involved with the event volunteered their time and were not “on the clock.” Rauzi said she understood that two Street Department employees delivered the Black Diamond Days stage to the festival site and set up the stage. Ald. Dolliger, who also serves on the Black Diamond Days Committee, said the stage was delivered to the lake but was not set up and was not used for the event.
Other organizations could expect city support for their events because of the level of support the city has extended to Black Diamond Days and the Lake Bash, Rauzi said. “We can’t afford to do this two or three times a year for one organization,” she said. She noted that when the committee sought permission for the Lake Bash, there was a discussion about the organization reimbursing the city for its costs. Proceeds from the event reportedly were donated to the Gillespie Fire Department.
“The city has always kicked in for Black Diamond Days because it was something for the people,” Mayor Hicks said. “I don’t mind helping to the point that it helps the city.” He said the events bring out-of-town visitors to the city and contributes to the economy.
Pettit returned to the meeting after the executive session and presented the council with a check for $123.22 to cover the cost of paying two Street Department workers for the time they spent delivering the stage to the lake.
“This really has me upset,” she said. “We’ve tried to keep Black Diamond Days going for the community. We have gone above and beyond to keep it going.” She said committee members paid for food served during the Lake Bash out of their own pockets. She said Ald. Barrett volunteered time during the Lake Bash to run the Wheel of Fortune, but she asked why other aldermen and city officials did not attend or help with the event.
Rauzi said she brought up the issue only because it had been a point of discussion during the meeting when the council granted permission to use the lake for the Lake Bash.
Ald. Dolliger said he’s served on the committee for many years and that the committee has given back to the community many times in the past. The committee was responsible, he said, for erecting welcome signs at the city limits several years ago. “Back then we were selling 300 barrels of beer,” he said. “Now we’re lucky if we sell 90.”
Pettit promised that the 2020 edition of Black Diamond Days will be improved over this past summer’s event. First and foremost, she said, the group will bring back carnival rides for the downtown street festival.
RENTAL CABIN PROPOSAL SQUELCHED
Tempers again flared after Ald. Barrett again proposed using the Gillespie High School building trades class to build a rental cabin for campers at Gillespie Lake. The receipt of a $20,000 insurance settlement for damage to a lake pavilion makes it feasible to proceed with the project at this time.
“There’s no reason we shouldn’t do this,” he said.
Ald. Rauzi questioned the feasibility of the project, however. With 1,200 acres of water surface, the City of Litchfield has only two rental cabins at Lake Lou Yeager. With only 500 acres of surface area, she doubted the addition of a rental cabin would be a practical move for the city. The cabin would provide a camping facility for persons who “can’t afford a camper,” Barrett said. No bedding or other amenities would be provided, though the structure would be air-conditioned.
“I don’t understand your problem with this,” Barrett told Rauzi.
Rauzi responded that expenditures at the lake outstrip revenues virtually every month. “We’re $8,000 in the hole this month,” she said. “Last month we were $4,000 in the hole.”
“I’ve got to go with Dona on the cabin,” Fisher said. “What I’ve said over and over again is that you need to make a plan and show the council how it fits into your plan.”
“Down the road we might be able to do something like this,” Ald. Hayes said. At the moment, he said the city has more pressing needs for money, including the ongoing water infrastructure project, a failing roof on the Civic Center and additional needed work at the lake spillway. “What’s the public going to say if we go out there and start building cabins. I’m not against building a cabin but right now is not the right time.”
CIVIC CENTER ROOF
After several minutes of discussion, the council authorized hiring an engineer to develop specifications and drawings to reconfigure Civic Center bathrooms to comply with ADA requirements for disabled persons. Mayor Hicks said he could give up the Mayor’s office space to make more room for revamping bathrooms.
Ald. Rauzi briefly reported about continuing problems with the Civic Center roof. Ultimately, she said, the entire roof needs to replaced. Making spot repairs has not proven effective because of the deteriorated condition of the roof. Hicks said the solution to the issue would be to construct a peaked roof over the entire complex to eliminate a valley between the original Civic Center and a later addition, but he worried that the cost of the change would be prohibitive.
Ultimately, the council agreed to have an engineer design a new peaked roof and develop cost estimates for the project with an eye toward making a decision on whether or not to proceed at a later date.
The council deferred a decision on authorizing the Police Department to remodel a portion of the Police Station to reduce the size of the waiting room and expand the space for dispatchers pending the receipt of additional bids. Police Chief Jared DePoppe said he had bids from two contractors and was awaiting a bid from a third vendor.
Council members voted unanimously to give the committee power to act on accepting a bid to demolish a blower housing located along the Benld-Gillespie Bike Trail to make way for an easement to accommodate an Ameren power transmission line.
POLICE CHIEF’S HEALTH
Police Chief DePoppe publicly discredited a persistent rumor that he is ill. He said he typically doesn’t respond to rumors but that the rumor that he is suffering from cancer has become so widespread that he felt compelled to announce that he is healthy.
“It’s not true,” DePoppe said. “I did lose some weight. I worked very hard to do that to get healthier and be a better Chief of Police. I don’t think I’ve been this healthy in 10 years. Normally I’d ignore the rumor but I wanter to make it very clear that I am not sick.”
NEW BUSINESS COMING TO GILLESPIE
The council heard briefly from Dave Schmidt who has applied for a business license to open a new business in the 300 block of South Macoupin Street to buy, sell and trade cellular phones, electronic games and movies. The new business, expected to open in October, will be called “Dootzy’s.”
“I did this before in Trenton and in Collinsville and it worked out very well,” Schmidt said.
OTHER ACTION
In other action, the council:
- Approved an ordinance authorizing the sale of a city-owned home at 205 Francis Street. The property was acquired by the city as a result of a public nuisance case. The home will be offered contract-for-deed with a provision that the buyer make necessary improvements to bring the structure into compliance with city building codes.
- Approved an ordinance authorizing an agreement with the Macoupin County Public Health Department’s Maple Street Clinic to provide employee drug testing, vaccinations and other services. Police Chief DePoppe outlined the nature of the agreement during last month’s meeting of the council.
- Authorized payment of $661,635.41 to Haier Plumbing and Heating and $19,681.60 to Curry and Associates Engineers for work completed to date on the water infrastructure improvement project.
- Approved a lake lot lease transfer for 2 Circle Drive to Kevin and Colette Edson.
- Voted to declare a vacant home at 903 S. Madison as a public nuisance and proceed with legal action to abate the nuisance.
- Authorized expenditure of $1,315 to pay for repairs to a sewer line in the 900 block of Clinton Street that was severed during the construction of the water infrastructure improvement project.
Comments
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.
Comments
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.
Comments
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.
Comments
-
Community News4 weeks agoSchool district apparently eyeing food management service
-
High School Sports4 weeks agoAnother strong week for Gillespie softball
-
High School Sports4 weeks agoGillespie baseball steamroll Nokomis and fall to New Berlin
-
Obituaries3 days agoDeath of Eugene A. “Gene” Bentrup