Community News
Dave Link tells Gillespie Council his bar will be open in 2-3 weeks
15-year civic center custodian resigns
Dave Link gave the Gillespie City Council an update on his redevelopment agreement during the city’s regular October business meeting. Link is opening a bar in the 200 block of South Macoupin in downtown Gillespie and expects to have his doors open within three weeks, according to his statement last Wednesday evening.
“I have the liquor license formed and my accountant is checking to see if the name is available for incorporating,” Link told the council. “The bar will be open in the next week and will be serving minimal food.”
Link has until November to open his doors for business following the six month extension the council gave him back in May of 2014, but he assured the council he would be open before the agreed date. “We will be open before the deadline for sure,” he stated.
Plumbing is the reason Link blamed for the opening delay. “They work when they want to work,” Link said of the plumber handling his project. “Supposedly, all the plumbing will be done this week. For what they charge, they aren’t too far under [the attorney].”
Only the bar will be open this month as Link finalizes plans for his outdoor beer garden he plans to develop on the lot next door to the bar. With the winter months approaching, Link doesn’t expect the beer garden to be open this year. “My main concern right now is to get some revenue coming in,” Link told the council.
The council asked Link to return to the meeting in November to give them a final update. Alderman Steve Kluthe questioned if the city and Link would have to enter into another development agreement to get the beer garden done, but Link didn’t favor the idea saying he wasn’t posed to locking himself into a contract.
Civic Center custodian resigns
Gary Smith, custodian of the civic center, submitted his resignation to the council last Wednesday evening after holding the job off and on for nearly 15 years. “There’s no better feeling than standing back and seeing your reflection on the floor,” Smith said.
I loved my job
Mayor John Hicks told Smith the city is going to really miss him and he doesn’t know how they will replace him. Other council members praised Gary by saying “excellent job” and “good job” before giving him an applause of appreciation.
Recognized Guests
Jamie Hires of Elevated Energy reached out to the city to get contacts to help save consumers money on their electrical bills. Hires explained she wasn’t selling anything, moreover just getting paid to dispense information or analyze electrical bills to make sure people are saving the maximum amount of money. To contact Hires, call 916-662-2676.
Mike Bertolis questioned the city again about a city-wide cleanup date saying the people of the city want to know if the council is going to have one this year or not. Bertolis also brought up tall grass issues and pot holes citing multiple locations around town. The council explained they are planning a clean-up in the spring, but are going to be enforcing restrictions this time to ensure residents aren’t holding their trash for the clean-up day.
The council explained they are planning a clean-up in the spring
Chester Weller questioned the council if he was going to be imposed with over $2,600 of unpaid water bills and grass charged to the property he recently bought on the corner of Maple and Clinton. Weller said he heard the council was going to decide to impose the backed fines, but Weller said he has taken care of the property for years and even cleaned up the creek running under Maple Street.
Mayor Hicks agreed with Weller, saying he much rather someone own the property versus having city workers clean it, but Weller wanted to know what the city’s decision was because he still was in his allotted time to pull his purchase to avoid the liens. City attorney Kevin Polo took Weller’s number and said he would call him with information.
Old/New Business
The council gave the committee the power to act on the generator bids during their next committee meeting. Mayor Hicks had one bid from Gateway, but was missing other bids so the issue was tabled and turned over to the committee.
Mayor Hicks went on to question the status of the repair on the civic center roof, but alderwoman Janice Weidner said the bid that was approved has been misplaced. “We don’t know who the bid was awarded to or where the bid is,” Weidner said. “But, it’s leaking like a sib and it needs fixed.” Mayor Hicks said he was going to search to see if he had a copy of the bid at his house.
Police Report
Chief DePoppe gave his monthly police report to the council and reported the department brought in 5,210.69 during the month of September. He explained ordinance violations were $900 while towing and impound fees were $1,045.
Committee Reports
Alderman Dave Tucker, chairman of the water department, made a motion to authorize Mayor Hicks to apply for a grant available through Senator Andy Manar. Tucker also said the water department will be short an employee for six months, but the department’s other employees have agreed to pick up extra shifts.
The chairman of the lake, Frank Barrett, showed the council the new lake map intended to be installed in the council chambers. Barrett said he was going to draw the properties on the map and said there would also be another two printed in the upcoming weeks.
Barrett also made a motion to purchase a zero-turn lawnmower to be used at the lake. Barrett said the city is receiving $1,000 in a trade, $4,000 in insurance and has to pay the remaining $6,700 balance. “We should be good now for six years,” Barrett said after he received unanimous approval for the purchase of the lawnmower.
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The Wilsonville Progressive Club will celebrate and host a 90 year Anniversary Party on Saturday, May 11. The party will include a catered dinner, a live band, and fireworks.
Doors will open at 2 pm with a catered dinner being served at 4 pm. The Shane Kessinger Experience (live band) will play at 5 pm, and a grand fireworks display will be held at dusk.
The Progressive Club was originally established in 1934 by the Progressive Miners and was located on the northwest side of Wilsonville’s main street. The Club moved to their new building in January of 1949 and today this is still the current location at 212 Wilson Street in Wilsonville.
Wilsonville was founded in 1917 when Superior Coal Co. Mine No. 4 was sunk and this was the most modern mine in the Superior field. At that time, the little settlement which grew up around the mine was called Wilson. One day a worker paused and asked, “What are we going to name this town?” President Wilson was in office, thus the town was then and there named Wilson until 1919 when it was incorporated and the name expanded to Wilsonville.
The Wilsonville Progressive Club is operated and maintained by an elected panel of trustees and loyal members. The Club is open to the public and membership is always welcome. The large outdoor covered pavilion and manicured grassy side lot offer an attractive and convenient venue for any event along with inside facilities.
If you are interested in renting for any kind of event, call 217-835-3122 during open hours which are Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 4 pm to close, and Sunday doors open at 2 pm. Every Sunday afternoon at 4 pm is the Queen of Hearts drawing and the Club is on Facebook as well.
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SUNDAY, APRIL 14, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Oak Street in reference to a dog bite.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Abba Street to pick up a found item.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Chestnut Street in reference to a burglary.
An officer was out in the 200 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to a motorist assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Schmidt Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South 1st Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Broadway Street in reference to a medical call.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of South Illinois Street in Benld in reference to illegal burning.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South 5th Street in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Horizon Street in reference to a 911 call.
MONDAY, APRIL 15, 2024
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with a male in reference to a theft in the 100 block of South Main Street in Benld.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of West Osie Street in reference to a violation of an order of protection.
Nicholas O. Landolt, 36, of Gillespie was arrested on multiple warrants including one out of St. Clair County for possession for methamphetamine, a second one out of Montgomery County for failure to appear for driving while license was revoked, and a third out of Macoupin County for failure to appear for methamphetamine.
An officer was dispatched to East Walnut Street in reference to a suspicious noise.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Abba Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Broadway Street in reference to a medical alarm.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a theft in the 200 block of West Oak Street.
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to criminal damage to her property.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to identity theft.
An officer spoke with a female in the 100 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a neighbor dispute.
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a violation of an order of protection.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Southern Street in reference to a suspicious person.
TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 1100 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to criminal damage to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 900 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of East Walnut Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespass to property. Melissa J. Hughes, 49, of Benld was arrested on a Montgomery County warrant for theft/larceny.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Francis Street in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 700 block of Rose Street in Benld.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South 5th Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Pine Street to assist the Department of Children and Family Services.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Broadway Street in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Central Avenue in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17, 2024
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to fraud in the 200 block of South Macoupin.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 500 block of East Elm Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to Route 4 and Staunton Road in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Gillespie Street in reference to unwanted solicitors.
An officer was dispatched to High Street and Gillespie Street in reference to a suspicious noise.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of High Street in reference to unwanted solicitors.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil standby.
An officer was flagged down at Elm Street and Clinton Street and spoke with an individual in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Mt. Olive Road in Eagarville in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a suspicious circumstance.
THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2024
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a panic alarm sounding.
An officer was dispatched to the 1300 block of South Second Street in reference to a civil standby.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Osie Street in reference to a dog bite. Heather L. Kimberlin, 47, of Gillespie was issued a citation for dog at large.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Baker Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was out with a suspicious vehicle in the alley in the 500 block of Park Avenue.
An officer was dispatched to East Walnut and South Main Street in Benld in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the Veterans Memorial Park in Benld in reference to a suspicious vehicle that had been parked there for a couple of days.
Gillespie Police Department was requested for traffic control by the Gillespie Fire Department for a fire on Eagarville Road.
FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of East Walnut Street in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South Street in Gillespie in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Litchfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a suspicious person at the storage units. Kathy J. Henderson, 49, of Sawyerville was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for bad checks
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Maple Street and Macoupin Street. Kenny L. Fults, 18, of Belleville was issued a citation for possession of cannabis.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Mt. Olive Road in Eagarville in reference to civil standby.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of West Burton Street in reference to an animal complaint.
SATURDAY, APRIL 20, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Abba Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespassing. Timothy J. Dalpozzo, 57, of Benld was arrested for criminal trespassing to residence and a Macoupin County warrant for criminal trespassing to a residence.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at South Street and Chestnut Street and charges are pending crime lab results.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to Macoupin Street and Elm Street in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Osie Street in reference to a dog at large.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of North 8th Street in Benld in reference to medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Spruce Street in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Baker Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Street in Benld in reference to a medical call.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to an ordinance issue.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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LITCHFIELD, Ill. — HSHS St. Francis Hospital is offering service opportunities to area teens this summer through the 2024 Junior Volunteer Program. Applications are being accepted now through May 1.
Applicants must be high school students maintaining at least a “C” average, be a minimum of 14 years of age by June 1 and be willing to volunteer at least two hours per week during the summer program. Junior volunteers will perform a variety of duties in various hospital departments.
Registration materials are available on the hospital’s website volunteer page at https://www.hshs.org/st-francis/community/volunteer.
All participants in the program will be required to present proof of immunizations for MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella), and Varicella (chicken pox). An additional requirement includes attendance at a hospital orientation.
A limited number of positions will be available. For more information, contact HSHS St. Francis Hospital at 217-324-8200.
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