Community News
Gillespie Council hires legal counsel for labor issues, agrees to participate in year-long peace corps program
Meeting primarily via the Zoom remote conferencing platform, members of the Gillespie City Council on Thursday night voted to partner with Grow Gillespie to bring a Peace Corps community development specialist to Gillespie for 11 months and agreed to hire outside legal counsel to work on labor relations issues.
The meeting was reconvened from an abbreviated meeting Monday night during which the council dispensed with time-sensitive business. The extra precautions are due to a majority of the city government being in quarantine after a city employee tested positive for COVID-19. The employee reportedly had been in contact with co-workers and elected officials immediately prior to testing positive.
On the recommendation of Acting City Attorney Dan O’Brien, the council voted unanimously to execute an agreement for legal services with Jill D. Leka, Springfield, an attorney with the law firm of Clark, Baird and Smith, LLP, based in Rosemont. According to the firm’s website, Leka specializes in labor issues in relation to public bodies, including litigation resolution and collective bargaining.
Speaking with the BenGil Post, O’Brien declined to say whether Leka was retained for any specific issues and indicated she would serve the city on an “as needed” basis. Though it was listed as an agenda item for Thursday night’s meeting, the council took no action regarding a “grievance settlement.” Council members did spend some time in executive session to discuss personnel and litigation, though the specific nature of those issues was not disclosed.
PEACE CORPS AGREEMENT
On a motion by Ald. Rick Fulton, seconded by Ald. Frank Barrett, the council voted unanimously to enter an agreement under which a Western Illinois University master’s degree candidate would move to Gillespie to work on community development projects under the auspices of the Peace Corps.
City Treasurer Dan Fisher presented the proposal to the council.
“We have an opportunity for the City of Gillespie, in conjunction with Grow Gillespie, to get a Peace Corps Fellow,” Fisher said. The individual will start in January and stay in the community for 11 months, working 37.5 hours per week on community development projects in conjunction with non-profit organizations such as Grow Gillespie and the Gillespie Caring Center. “Our total commitment for this is $5,000.”
Fisher confirmed Grow Gillespie plans to “kick-in” a minimum of $1,000 and possibly up to $2,500 to defray the cost of the program.
Fisher said he talked to other local governments that have participated in the program. The City of Sullivan, he said, was well pleased with the work done by a Peace Corps Fellow in their community. Pike County, according to Fisher, has been so enamored of the program that it is on the cusp of entering into a Peace Corps agreement for a third year.
“I think this is money well spent,” Ald. Fulton commented.
EXPANSION TANKS NEEDED
Mayor John Hicks advised that city residents who have not installed an expansion tank for their home water heaters should do so in the near future to preclude possible flooding damage in their homes. With the completion of the ongoing water infrastructure improvement project, water pressure to Gillespie homes is expected to be increased substantially. That increase in water pressure could cause water heater pop-off valves to activate. Unless the water heater is equipped with an expansion tank, the pop-off valve could cause flooding in the home.
When the new water lines are in service, water pressure is expected to increase from an average of 41 pounds per square inch to 50 pounds per square inch.
“If they don’t have an expansion tank,” Hicks said, “they should have one installed to prevent the expansion valve from popping off and possibly flooding their basement.”
LAKE KAHO CONTROVERSY
Council members voted formally to reject the latest offer from the Village of Lake KaHo to purchase water from the City of Gillespie and to authorize O’Brien to handle any litigation that might arise from the action. The proposed contract has been the focus of controversy for several months after Lake KaHo refused an offer to sign a 40-year exclusive contract with Gillespie to provide water at a discounted price. Several other satellite customers, including Benld and Wilsonville, signed the contract and committed to buying water from Gillespie for the next 40 years.
Lake KaHo opted instead to buy water from the City of Litchfield, which agreed to supply water at a price lower than Gillespie offered up to a certain number of gallons. Water used in excess of the contract maximum apparently would have been charged at a higher rate.
The latest counteroffer from Lake KaHo reportedly offered to buy water in excess of the maximum usage proscribed in the Litchfield contract, provided Gillespie would sell its water at a rate lower than that charged by Litchfield.
The council also voted to send a bill to the Village of East Gillespie for one-half of the cost of replacing water lines in the village as part of the city’s ongoing water infrastructure improvement project.
CONGRATULATIONS
Mayor Hicks offered congratulations to Detective Laurie Gerdes of the Gillespie Police Department for being named one of two recipients in the state of the Rising Shields award.
Hicks also congratulated Gillespie resident Patricia Long for being inducted in the Department on Aging’s Senior Citizens Hall of Fame for her volunteer work and support of local schools and Adopt-A-Pet.
While not asking for immediate action, Hicks asked council members to think about raising rental rates for the Gillespie Civic Center to cover the additional cost of sanitizing the facility after each use due to COVID-19 precautions.
“There’s no hurry but it’s something for you to think about,” Hicks said. “It’s probably going to be a long time before it’s rented again.”
In other action, the council voted to donate $100 to a Gillespie High School student group planning to buy Thanksgiving turkeys for underprivileged families in the school district.
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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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