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CUSD 7 District tax levy under consideration

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Supt. Shane Owsley discusses the proposed 2022 property tax levy with members of the Community Unit School District 7 Board of Education on Monday night. A public hearing on the levy is set for Monday, Dec. 19, before final adoption.

A historically high inflation rate is allowing Community Unit School District 7 to levy the maximum amount allowed under the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law (PTELL).  PTELL, approved by Macoupin County voters in 1995, restricts taxing bodies from increasing their annual tax extensions by no more than five percent of the previous year’s extension or the Consumer Price Index, whichever is less. The CPI, essentially the rate of inflation as determined by the Department of Commerce, has never exceeded five percent since 1996, the year PTELL became effective in Macoupin County. This year, with inflation soaring to seven percent, CUSD 7 and other Macoupin school districts will be able to seek a five percent increase in their property tax revenue.

“In the past, we’ve been stuck with the CPI,” Supt. Shane Owsley told members of the Board of Education during the panel’s regular monthly meeting Monday night. “This year for the first time we’re able to go for five percent.”

Typically, the CPI has ranged from a low of .7 percent to up to 2.3 percent in 2020. Last year, the CPI was 1.4 percent meaning the amount of taxes collected for 2021 could not exceed the previous year’s extension by 1.4 percent.

Board members voted unanimously to adopt the tax levy resolution calling for a levy of $3,561,741 for 2022 property taxes collectible in 2023. Last year’s extension, the amount of money actually received from property taxes, amounted to $3,186,897. Because the proposed levy exceeds last year’s extension by more than five percent, the district is required to publish a public Truth in Taxation notice and conduct a public hearing.

The public hearing will be held at 6 p.m., Monday, Dec. 19, during the board’s December meeting. That meeting is scheduled a week earlier than normal to ensure the levy is adopted in time to submit it to the County Clerk by the last Tuesday in December, the deadline for filing tax levies.

Owsley reminded board members of the difference between the levy and the extension, noting that the levy is the amount of money the board is requesting. The extension, on the other hand, is the amount of money the district actually receives after the County Clerk determines the tax rate and applies it to the district’s total equalized assessed valuation.

With the extension capped at a five percent increase, the district would receive no more than $3,375,869.

Other factors affecting the tax extension include the district’s total equalized assessed valuation, which is expected to increase but no one knows by how much. Last year, the EAV increased by 10.41 percent, according to data Owsley presented Monday night, but the average increase over the past eight years has been 2.81 percent—the figure Owsley used to project next year’s EAV for his calculations.

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Because of increases in the EAV, the district’s tax rate has actually crept downward, according to Owsley, from $4.17 in 2020 to $3.65 last year.

Further limiting the tax rate are rate limits set by law for each of the district’s major operating funds.

Because of PTELL and rate limits, Owsley said it is not possible for the district to overtax property owners. However, setting the levy too low would not only cost the district money for the coming year but also established a diminished baseline on which subsequent levies would be based.

“The levy is a Christmas list,” Owsley said. “You put everything on it you possibly want, knowing you’re not going to get it all. But if you don’t put it on the list, you’re not going to get it at all. We ask for the moon and beyond knowing it’s not going to overtax individuals because it is formula-driven. We’re not going to get anything more than what we’re entitled to because of the rate limits.”

Broken down by fund, the proposed levy seeks to generate $1,568,864 for the Education Fund, $410,370 for Operations and Maintenance, $166,244 for Transportation, $37,722 for Working Cash, $109,322 for IMRF, $98,890 for Social Security, $222,459 for the Tort Fund, $30,395 for Special Education, and $917,475 for the Bond and Interest Fund.

Owsley also reminded the board that CUSD 7 is a Tier I school district, a state designation that reflects the district’s funding status. CUSD 7 is 69 percent adequately funded, according to Owsley, and receives Tier I state funding to help make up the difference. Because some of the district’s Evidence-Based Funding is calculated from the basis of the district’s Tier designation also makes it important to levy the maximum amount allowed, Owsley said. Next year it is possible that the district will reach 73 percent of adequate funding, boosting the designation to Tier II.

Board member Weye Schmidt studies the proposed 2022 property tax levy during a PowerPoint program presented by Supt. Shane Owsley.

A detailed presentation on the proposed levy is on file at the District Office for public review or can be viewed online on the district’s website.

DISTRICT REPORT CARD

During a presentation regarding the annual school report cards issued by the Illinois State Board of Education, board members learned that Gillespie Middle School has been upgraded from a Targeted school to a Commendable school based on student test scores. The designation essentially means the school has no underperforming student groups.

For the past four years, the district has worked with consultants from the American Institute for Research (AIR) to develop and implement school improvement plans to boost student performance and test scores.

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“It was not an easy process,” Owsley commented. “Now that we’re off that list, we want to do whatever we can to stay off it.”

For elementary and middle school students, the report card is based on results of an Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) given each year to determine students’ academic performance levels. For high school students, the report card is based upon SAT test scores collected from juniors and seniors.

Newly hired Middle School Principal Patrick McGinthy extended kudos to the leadership team that implemented the school improvement plan.

According to the report card, 21.4 percent of GMS students met or exceeded state standards in English and language arts last year (8.7 points below the state average), compared with 19.04 percent a year earlier. In math, 21.4 percent of GMS students met or exceeded state standards (4.1 points below the state average), compared with 16 percent last year. The takeaway, according to McGinthy, is that GMS student performance is improving in response to school improvement plans.

McGinthy said the report card data is a “snapshot” of student performance on a particular day when the test was given but does not reflect the overall picture regarding student academic growth. In both English/language arts and math, more than 30 percent of GMS students are lumped into a category for students “approaching” the state standards. The report card, McGinthy said, does not reflect the number of students who are on the cusp of reaching the standard.

“These bar graphs don’t necessarily show the growth in each segment of our student enrollment,” he said. He said data shows student growth or improvement is at 50 percent. “That’s a significant number.”

“While we’re designated a Commendable school, we are still required to implement the third year of the school improvement plan,” he said. “We will continue with the plan because clearly it is working.”

High School Principal Jill Rosentreter, who was Middle School Principal when the school landed on the Targeted list, said the school became a Targeted school because of underperformance on the part of students with individualized education plans, formerly known as special education students. She spent a year working with teachers and AIR consultants to develop the school improvement plan that was implemented the following year.

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“IEP students showed the greatest deficit and now show the greatest growth, so kudos to them,” Rosentreter said.

Assistant Principal Tara Cooper reported for BenGil Elementary School, noting the report card shows elementary students “are moving in the right direction.”  At the elementary level, 19.2 percent of students met or exceeded standards (10.9 points below the state average), compared with 14.9 a year earlier. In math, 22 percent of elementary students met or exceeded state standards, compared with 7.2 percent the previous year and a state average of 25.5 percent.

Assistant Principal Tara Cooper interprets ISBE report card data for BenGil Elementary School for members of the Board of Education. Details of Community Unit School District’s state report cards can be viewed on the Illinois State Board of Education’s website.

Cooper attributed the dramatic increase in math scores to a newly implemented math curriculum that is better aligned with the IAR test.

High School Principal Rosentreter said the report card showed an anticipated dip in performance for high school students attributed in part to the fact that the year-to-year comparison references different groups of students. The elementary and middle school assessments generally track performance for the same group of students from one year to the next.

In English/language arts, 26.3 percent of high school students met or exceeded state standards, compared with 27.5 percent a year earlier and a state average of 29.8. In math, 16.3 percent of high schoolers met state standards, compared with 28 percent who met or exceeded state standards a year earlier and a statewide average of 28.8 percent. In science, 42.7 percent of students met or exceeded standards, compared with 42.4 a year earlier and a statewide average of 51.1 percent. 

The report card shows a drop-out rate last year of 7.5 percent, which Rosentreter characterized as a “significant concern.” The local drop-out rate is double the state average of 3.4 percent.

Owsley said one factor contributing to the drop-out rate was the COVID pandemic and the nature of the district’s local economy.

“We had a lot of students who started working to help support their families and did not come back after COVID,” Owsley reported.

Owsley said the district is taking proactive steps to improve test scores this year.

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The district is utilizing MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) to determine the level of students’ academic performance. “We can’t help students get to where we want them to be if we don’t know where they currently are,” he said.

Additionally, teachers are encouraged to focus on state standards as a basis for teaching strategies. “We have to make sure that what we are teaching corresponds to state standards,” he said. Last year, he said he and administrators noticed that students consistently missed a math question on the IAR test. “We went to our math teaches and what did they say? They said we don’t teach that until later in the year. So the solution is simple. You teach that concept earlier.”

The district is implementing an IXL intervention program that creates individualized learning programs for students and has implemented an IXL intervention program in science at the high school level. High school classes are emphasizing preparation for SAT testing in specific classes and GHS juniors will take a practice SAT in February. Additionally, classes are engaging in IAR preparation district-wide.

One issue teachers and administrators have encountered is that the assessment tests are administered online and most students are accustomed to taking tests with pencil and paper. To that end, teachers are working to make students more comfortable with computerized testing.

“The data is what it is and I’m not making excuses,” Owsley said. “The important thing is what we are doing to address these issues.”

PERSONNEL

Following an hour-long executive session, board members voted unanimously to hire Kaylee Collins, Alton, with a tentative assignment as a speech and language pathologist, pending a check of certification and background. Collins earned a bachelor’s degree in 2020 from Truman State University, Kirksville, Mo., and is expected to receive a master’s degree in communication disorders in December, also from Truman State University. The speech and language pathologist position has been vacant since the beginning of the current academic year.

The board also approved maternity leave for Assistant Principal Tara Cooper, tentatively set for Feb. 3 through April 13.

Board members voted to accept “with regret” the resignation for retirement purposes of Lisa Heyen, effective Dec. 31. In a related matter, the board also voted to post vacancies for two six-hour and two three-hour cook positions.

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Additionally, the board accepted the resignation of Nathan Wise as an assistant football coach, effective Nov. 7, and to post the assistant coaching position as vacant.

OTHER ACTION

In other action, the board agreed to an intergovernmental agreement with the Area Career Center in Litchfield which will enable GHS students to attend classes at the facility. The vocational center will operate under the auspices of Lincoln Land Community Center but Owsley said Lewis and Clark Community College reportedly has an agreement for the center to accept students from the LCCC district.

Owsley said he recently attended an event announcing the development of the center during which representatives of both colleges indicated it would accept students from the LCCC district.

“We’re going to hold them to that,” he said.

Students attending the center will be able to earn college credits through LCCC.

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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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