Community News
Gillespie discusses raising water and sewer rates
Joe Herkert asked the council to investigate why storm water doesn’t drain properly in the area of his house.
An increase in water and sewer rates were among the items discussed Monday evening, September 14, when the Gillespie City Council met for their monthly business meeting.
Treasurer Dan Fisher said the city has spent $4.57 per user based on the sewer expenses the city has paid this fiscal year and recommended the council increase the gallon charge on sewer by $0.25 for each 1000 and add $1 to the minimum bill. “That will give us a capital budget of about $15,000,” Fisher outlined. “Sewer is essentially slightly in the black. We take in $21,000 and spend $20,000.”
On the water side, Fisher’s recommendation was a $2.55 increase per user, per month titled a “meter maintenance/reading charge”. He proposed the council debate the idea in committee meeting, which is scheduled for September 28 at 6 p.m., because it depends if the council wants to go with remote read water meters.
The recommendation of a $2.55 increase was based on the council purchasing remote meters, Fisher noted. “After 10 years, the meters will be paid back,” he highlighted. “But, that doesn’t include labor expense. That’s just cash for cash.”
The council agreed to discuss the increases at the committee meeting held on the last Monday of the month and make a decision. After a decision has been made, the city’s attorney will prepare an ordinance to be approved during the November meeting.
Draining Problems on Madison Street
Joe Herkert, a resident of the city in the vicinity of Madison and Henrietta Streets, asked the city for any consideration during the public forum after he said he had a basement full of water after the last storm.
“It’s just my corner. It has come in my basement windows before and was pretty close last time,” Herkert explained after he said
Fisher explained the city did some work in the area about 15 years ago and later completed a separation of storm and sanitary sewers because the sewers were not supposed to be together. “The storm sewer system is not large enough to handle that volume of water,” he said. “No system will handle a 3”, 4” or even 5” rain when it comes down that fast.”
Herkert asked the city for consideration and to investigate the problem related to the backup. “I just want consideration because it is no one else’s house in my area. Something needs to be done.” The council informed him that they would look into it further and get back to him.
Anti-Drug Meetings
Diane Kozak spoke on behalf of a handful of committee members who have self-organized a non-profit group to help combat drug use within the community. Kozak informed the council of a heroin awareness meeting scheduled for 6 p.m. on September 24 at the Gillespie Civic Center with local authorities speaking at the meeting.
She asked the council for consideration to use the city’s civic center about once a month to hold community events and awareness meetings with guest speakers such as the one being held on September 24. “No one wants to see kids doing these things and sometimes people don’t understand the addiction,” Kozak said.
Kozak highlighted that the group might have fundraisers to pay for guest speakers and related upkeep expense, but the group itself just wants to keep the community informed and involved in the war against drugs.
Mayor John Hicks thanked Kozak and the group for taking the initiative and said he would check out what the city could offer them in regard to using the city’s property.
Old and New Business
The council approved the following:
- The final $5,000 payment for the water plant demolition
- The $200 purchase of two police cameras to be used to capture images of ordinance issues and evidence relating to investigations
- The council approved 5-2 to give the committee power to act in regard to the abatement services inside the old bank building United Community Bank donated to the city
- Adding Wayne Hinton to the Gillespie Museum and Coal Mining Coalition Board
- Accepted the resignation of Gail Niehaus from the library board and appointed Mary Fritz
Documentation for Equipment Training
Mayor Hicks informed the members of the council to check within their departments and ensure that every city employee is permitted and has education to operate the various equipment used during the course of their work.
“Some department have nothing now and that could be trouble if something would happen to them on the job,” Hicks explained. “It’s not just big equipment. It’s anything from small tools to big equipment. Don’t assume someone knows how to operate everything.”
Hicks closed by saying it is for everyone’s own safety, including the city’s, and urged council members to get a jump on it swiftly. “It’s the perfect thing you can do when it is raining and everyone sits around all day. Get the tools out in the middle of the shop floor and make sure everyone goes over it.”
Police Report
Chief Jared DePoppe of the Gillespie Police Department reported to the council that the department brought in $7,291.95 in August including $2,900 in court fines from August, $2,500 in court fines from July, ordinance issues of $550 and towing and impound fees of $775.
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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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