Connect with us

Community News

Gillespie Council accepts attorney resignation, approves bee-keeping project at water plant

Published

on

Kevin Polo (archived photo)

Members of the Gillespie City Council on Monday night accepted the resignation of long-serving City Attorney Kevin Polo, approved an environmentally friendly bee-keeping project at the city’s water treatment facility site, and approved a $190,000 payment to Haier Plumbing and Heating and Curry and Associates as the city’s aggressive water infrastructure replacement project winds down.

Mayor John Hicks read Polo’s letter of resignation in which Polo said it had been “an honor and privilege” to serve as city attorney for 20 years. Polo, who was sidelined with health issues last summer, said he is “unable to continue to serve as city attorney.”

Hicks said Dan O’Brien, Carlinville, who was appointed interim city attorney last August, would continue to serve in the city attorney’s role.

BEE-KEEPING PROJECT

The council unanimously approved the expenditure of up to $1,000 to plant “pollinator plants” below solar power panels installed last year to supplement power usage at the water treatment plant, and initiate a small bee-keeping operation on the site.

Ald. Dave Tucker, chair of the Water Committee, said the pollinator plants will reduce the need for mowing at the site to no more than once a year. Local bee-keeping enthusiast Larry Loveless will manage two hives of honey bees on the site. The program will be environmentally friendly, Tucker said, not only because it will reduce the need for continuous mowing but also because it will provide habitat for honey bees and other pollinating insects.

Tucker said the hives will cost about $300 each. In addition, the city will spend $400 to buy a pound of bees for each of the hives. Each pound of bees will include a queen bee to ensure the viability of each hive. In time, the hives will grow to 60 pounds of bees occupying each of the hives and will produce up 65 pounds of honey. Under the agreement with Loveless, the honey production will be split between him and the city, with the city’s share going to charitable food programs in the city.

On a motion by Tucker, the council also approved the expenditure of $4,000 to repair and replace a concrete floor in an area of the treatment plant where ammonia is used. Because of the presence of caustic chemicals, Tucker said the work involves a special type of concrete with specialized treatment for hazardous chemicals. SS Complete Concrete, Gillespie, was the sole vendor to submit a bid.

“For safety and for water quality, I’ll make the motion” to accept the bid, Tucker said.

Advertisement

WATER INFRASTRUCTURE NEARS COMPLETION

Council members approved a pay resolution authorizing payments totaling $190,404.55 to Haier Plumbing and Heating, Okawville, and Curry and Associates Engineers, Jerseyville. The payments will be among the last to made from USDA grant and loan funds the city obtained to finance a city-wide water infrastructure replacement project.

City Treasurer Dan Fisher said the payments approved Monday will pay down the city’s obligation to Curry and Associates to about $35,000. The payments also resolve change orders authorized before and during the construction process. As part of concluding the project, Fisher said the city is buying surplus pipe ordered by Haier Plumbing and Heating “at cost.” Fisher suggested that measure is significant because the price of pipe has increased significantly since the project began.

Fisher said the company’s original bid for the work was $9,716,120. That figure was reduced to $9,373,422 as a result of change orders authorized prior to construction.

Even though the city is buying surplus materials and resolving all change orders, Fisher said the final construction cost is expected to come in at $8,897,402.

He said there are a few minor projects to be completed as part of the project, including tracking down and installing a new water main to resolve a leak near Gillespie High School, but the final construction cost is still expected to come in about $476,000 below the bid.

RENTAL CABIN AT GILLESPIE LAKE

After more than a year of trying to get the project off the ground, Ald. Frank Barrett finally won authorization to install a rental cabin at Gillespie Lake. Council members voted 6-1 to authorize the expenditure of $8,000 for the project. The project calls for the purchase of a pre-built portable building to be retro-fitted as a cabin capable of sleeping up to four people. Barrett said the cabin will be available for rent at $40 per night during the week, or $50 on weekends and holidays.

Barrett said he expects to acquire a repossessed building for $5,400 to $5,800 and use the remainder of the authorized expenditures for wiring, air conditioning and other amenities.

Casting the sole dissenting vote was Ald. Dona Rauzi who questioned the project during Barrett’s previous attempts to win approval for the project. Rauzi questioned the wisdom of spending $8,000 on the cabin project instead of investing in efforts to find renters for some 124 vacant residential and picnicking lots at the lake.

Advertisement

Barrett said it would take about two years of rental fees for the cabin to pay for itself. He said it should require only minimal maintenance on the part of currently employed lake workers. Similar cabins are available to rent at Lake Lou Yeager, Litchfield, and at Carlinville Lake, he pointed out. He characterized the cabin as another revenue stream for the lake operation.

“If we had done this three years ago, we could have done it for $5,400,” he said. Because of the council’s reticence to approve the project earlier, he said, the cost has grown to $8,000. He pledged he could complete the project for $8,000 in total.

“That’s the total package,” he said.

Barrett’s motion to approve the project was seconded by Ald. Wendy Rolando.

AMBULANCE SERVICE DISPATCHING AGREEMENT

Mayor Hicks appointed City Treasurer Fisher, Police Chief Jared DePoppe and Ald. Rauzi to approach representatives of the Gillespie-Benld Ambulance Service to hammer out a final contractual agreement for the city police department to provide ambulance dispatching services. Until recently, the Ambulance Service made an annual “donation” to the city purportedly to help defray the cost of dispatching. City officials, however, say the amount the Ambulance Service was paying to the city falls far short of the actual cost of providing dispatching services.

Peace Corps Fellow Ethan Fogg reported to the council that he has completed preliminary work on a new Zoning Map for the city—the first update to the map since 1965.

Recent reports from DePoppe to the Council indicate that ambulance calls comprise the bulk of police dispatcher calls.

Last year, the city proposed an agreement for the Ambulance Service to pay $15,000 for dispatching services. The Ambulance Service instead made a donation of $10,000 and agreed to pursue other avenues for dispatching services.

Monday night, Ald. Rauzi said the issue has languished for a year while the Ambulance Service presumably looked into other entities to provide dispatching services. Rauzi said the Ambulance Service approached the Macoupin County Sheriff’s Office and other entities but the city’s offer of $15,000 remained the least expensive option available to them.

“It’s been a year ago this month since we went into negotiations with the Ambulance Service,” Rauzi said. “Right now, we are just working under a verbal agreement.”

Advertisement

Ald. Rolando emphasized the urgency for reaching an agreement.

“We should go to them now and ask for a contract so we don’t end up doing this (for $10,000) for another year,” she said.

LAKE KAHO WATER RATE

On the advice of City Attorney O’Brien, the council deferred action on hiking the water rate for the Village of Lake KaHo by five percent. Lake KaHo and the Village of Dorchester were the only two of the city’s satellite water customers to decline a 40-year contract to buy water from the city for their own water systems at a guaranteed discounted rate. Lake KaHo reportedly now has a tandem water system, buying the lion’s share of its water from the City of Litchfield and buying minimal volume from the City of Gillespie.

Last February, the city raised the Lake KaHo rate by five percent and indicated the rate would be increased annually by five percent.

The issue is the subject of current litigation with O’Brien representing the city. He said a hearing on the matter is scheduled later this month.

“Since we have a hearing coming up, I think it would be helpful not to pass this tonight,” he said.

TIF DISTRICT EXPANSION

Fisher reported that city officials are meeting with the city’s TIF District Consultant about the possibility of expanding the city’s current district or creating a new district on the city’s northwest side. Tax Increment Financing districts capture funding by collecting property taxes in excess of current tax revenue on properties within the district that accrue due to changes in tax rates and equalized assessed evaluations.

Fisher said the new district will focus on property around the city’s water treatment plant and the Gillespie High School/Middle School campus. The emphasis will be on using TIF funds to develop “extremely efficient, single family” homes on lots currently owned by the city or school districts.

Advertisement

NEW ZONING MAP

Peace Corps Fellow Ethan Fogg reported to the council that he has completed preliminary work on a new Zoning Map for the city—the first update to the map since 1965. The new digitized document will be easier to update on an ongoing basis than the former analog map, he said.

“It’s basically done,” Fogg said. “It just needs to be reviewed by the Council and the Zoning Board.”

‘NO SEMIS’ SIGNS

Mayor Hicks directed City Attorney O’Brien to draft an ordinance to ban semi traffic on Adam and Maple streets in the area of Casey’s General Store. Ald. Rauzi said she had been contacted by residents in the area complaining about semi traffic in their neighborhoods.

EXECUTIVE SESSION AND OTHER ACTION

No action followed an executive session to discuss litigation and to review executive session minutes. The state Open Meetings Act requires periodic review of executive session minutes to determine what, if any, of the minutes from closed-door sessions can be released to the public access.

The ordinance will be subject to formal approval next month. In the meantime, Hicks said he would have a letter sent to the managers of the Casey’s store to ask truck drivers making deliveries to the store to avoid using residential streets.

In other action, the council:

  • Voted to raise bulk water rates from $7.50 per 1,000 gallons to $9.
  • Authorized the Mayor to sign a grant application for a $99,000 Business Development Grant from the USDA. Fisher said the grant is highly competitive but that the City of Gillespie’s should have as good a chance as anyone to obtain the grant. The money is not for directly benefiting individual businesses but can be used for projects such as the Streetscape program to enhance the business climate.
  • Approved a 5K run/walk to be conducted in conjunction with a coal history celebration on May 1 in the area around the Illinois Coal History Museum. That event will include food vendors and focus on unveiling a historical plaque identifying the former Lyric Theater (now the Cana Theater) as the birthplace of the Progressive Miners Union. Council members also agreed to seek bids to replace a side on the south side of the museum prior to the event.
  • Voted to apply for a Route 66 Byway grant of up to $1,000.
  • Authorized purchase of materials for volunteers being organized by Fogg to paint and clean up landscaping around the Welcome to Gillespie sign on Illinois Route 4 at the south edge of the city.
  • Accepted high bids to sell a surplus 2010 Crown Victoria police car to James L. Perini, Benld, for $735.50, and a surplus 2011 Crown Victoria police car to Drue Bohlen, Benld, for $350.
  • Authorized disbursement from the city’s TIF Fund to reimburse AJ Pete Co, a facade improvement grant recipient, half the cost of improvements to the facade of a building in the 300 block of South Macoupin Street.

Share this story

Comments

comments

Police News

Gillespie Police Report: March 17-23, 2024

Published

on

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. 

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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. 

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement
Share this story

Comments

comments

Continue Reading

Police News

Gillespie Police Report: March 10-16, 2024

Published

on

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.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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

Share this story

Comments

comments

Continue Reading

Police News

Gillespie Police Report: March 3-9, 2024

Published

on

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.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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

Advertisement

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.

Share this story

Comments

comments

Continue Reading

Trending

×

We need your support. If you value having timely, accurate news about your community, please become one of our subscribers. Subscribe