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Gillespie may consider legal action to abate cockroach infestation at rental home

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Alderman Steve Kluethe (left) resigns during this week’s Monday meeting. (archived photo)

The City of Gillespie is considering taking legal steps to abate an infestation of cockroaches at a rental home in the 300 block of East Oak Street after Katina Weller, a neighbor to the residence, appeared at Monday night’s meeting of the council to report that the landlord has taken only minimal, ineffective steps to eradicate the pests and has yet to enter the home to assess the magnitude of the problem.

Also during Monday night’s meeting, the council accepted the unexpected resignation of Ward 4 Ald. Steve Kluthe, authorized payment of $90,000 to Curry and Associates in connection with the city’s upcoming water infrastructure project, heard a citizen complaint about a recent dog bite incident, and pledged $250 to beautify downtown planters for the holiday season.

Reading from a prepared statement, Weller told the council that Tim Loveless, owner of the roach-infested rental property at 309 East Oak Street, hired Byots Pest Control to spray the exterior of the home after she approached the council last month to intercede. She said Loveless, however, continues to refuse to exercise his authority to enter the residence. Last month, the council asked that Loveless notify the city’s housing inspector, Bob Lancaster, when the home was being treated so Loveless and Lancaster could enter the home at the same time. Weller said Loveless’ lease agreement with the tenants gives him authority to enter the home and make an inspection of the property.

“Mr. Loveless told Alderman (Jerry) Dolliger that Byots Pest Control can come back to treat only the outside of the premises,” Weller read. “That’s like giving an amputee a Hello Kitty bandaid and a lollipop. Without entry by the city home inspector to assess the situation and repeated treatment of the inside of the premises, all the of the professional outside treatments are worthless and pointless.”

Without entry by the city home inspector to assess the situation and repeated treatment of the inside of the premises, all the of the professional outside treatments are worthless and pointless.

By treating only the outside of the home, Weller said Loveless had not only wasted time and money, but “also managed to put off dealing with an issue that is causing a quality of life concern for all of us surrounding this infested residence.”

City Attorney Kevin Polo said Loveless has told the city that he asked Byots to repeat treatment to the exterior once a week or bi-weekly until the infestation is controlled, but Weller insisted the exterior treatments will be ineffective until an exterminator is allowed to enter the home and perform repeated treatments to the interior. Last month, she reported that an exterminator had looked in the window of the home and reported that the infestation is so severe that the cockroaches have started to eat the drywall. On Monday night, she told the council that after Byots treated the exterior of the home, she cleaned her trash can with bleach only to find it covered with “baby cockroaches” the next day.

“As a private nuisance, you and your neighbors have the ability to sue,” Polo told Weller.

Weller countered that the tenants probably do not have the financial ability to pay for an abatement or pay a judgment. Polo responded that the financial burden would fall on the property owner in the event of a judgment. In addition, he said the city could pursue the matter as a public nuisance, in which case the city could obtain a court order to abate the nuisance.

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The problem with either approach, he said, is that they would take time while the nuisance continues without abatement. If the city pursues the matter in court, he said it would need professional witnesses to testify that interior treatments are necessary to abate the nuisance.

“I would suggest having Bob (Lancaster) to get there and see what we can find out,” Polo said.

Dolliger said Loveless told him that “he doesn’t want to go in” the residence, even though his lease agreement gives him the authority to do so. He said Loveless told him that the tenants refuse to answer the door when he goes there.

“Let’s get another pest controller to go with Bob,” Mayor Hicks directed. “I would recommend Garella.”

“He (Loveless) is wishing we would go away,” Weller said, “but the cockroaches aren’t going away, so I’m not going away either.”

FOURTH WARD ALDERMAN RESIGNS

Late in the meeting, Mayor Hicks told the council that Fourth Ward Ald. Steve Kluthe had submitted a resignation from the council, which the council accepted on a motion by Ald. Dave Tucker, seconded by Diane Brickey. Hick did not read Kluthe’s resignation letter but told the BenGil Post that Kluthe gave no reason for stepping down.

Kluthe’s unexpected resignation leaves Ward 4 with no representation on the council. In April 2016, Colin Mussatto was appointed to fill a vacancy created by the death of Ald. Gus Ottersburg, but Mussatto chose to not seek election to the seat in the 2017 consolidated election. That seat has remained vacant since May 2017.

Originally an appointee to the council, Kluthe was elected to a two-year unexpired term in 2013 and was last elected to a four-year term in 2015. Kluthe served on the Lake Committee with Ald. Frank Barrett and chaired the Public Safety Committee.

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Hicks issued a plea to anyone willing to be considered for appointment to either Kluthe or Mussatto’s former seats on the council so that Ward 4 will have some representation on the council.

WATER INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT MOVES FORWARD

On a motion by Ald. Dave Tucker, the council unanimously approved the first payment of $89,281.82 to Curry and Associates Engineers, the firm responsible for engineering a massive water infrastructure project expected to get underway this spring. City Treasurer Dan Fisher noted that the payment will be reimbursed to the city through a USDA Rural Development grant awarded to the city. The total engineering tab for the project is expected to top out at about $640,000.

Fisher reported that construction bids for the estimated $10 million project will be opened at 2 p.m., Oct. 18, at the Gillespie Civic Center. A pre-bid meeting with potential contractors will be held a week prior to the bid opening.

In a related matter, the council approved Real Estate License Agreement with Weye and Nancy Schmidt which will allow the city to use dirt excavated during the project to be deposited in a low, swampy area behind the Super Bowl Bowling Alley. The wetland is a result of a mine subsidence and covers an area that shares ownership with the city. The agreement will allow the city to spread soil across the entire subsidence area rather than restricting the fill to property it owns.

Fisher said whoever the contractor turns out to be for the project, an area will be needed to store rock to be used for laying a base for new water lines. Street Department Supervisor said there is enough room at the Street Department next to City Hall to handle rock storage needs for the project.

DOG BITE INCIDENT

Mike Bertagnolli, the victim of a dog attack a week ago on Biddle Street, appeared before the council to complain about the alleged ineffectiveness of the county’s Animal Control Department’s policies on dangerous dogs. Bertagnolli said he was walking his family’s dog when his dog was attacked by another dog running at large. He said he tried to separate the animals and was bitten four times in the process.

“If a dog turns and attacks someone, then my understanding is that Animal Control takes the dog,” he said. Animal Control reportedly keeps the animal for 10 days, in part to check whether the dog has rabies, then returns the dog to the owner with a “dangerous dog” designation, which carries specific restrictions, including a mandate that they keep the dog confined.

“That’s where I have a problem,” Bertagnolli said, noting that a “dangerous dog” could escape its owner’s custody and attack another person or dog. “If that had been my son or daughter walking my dog, I don’t know what would have happened,” he said. “I don’t want to wait for someone from my family or your family to be hurt.”

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Polo said Gillespie was among a number of Macoupin County communities that relinquished animal control responsibilities to the county several years ago. Before that time, the city had an ordinance that banned ownership of pit bulls and other breeds. Such ordinances were later deemed to be too restrictive.

“I understand the frustration,” Police Chief Jared DePoppe said. “Declaring a dog dangerous doesn’t mean you can destroy the animal. You almost have to have multiple incidents. Until then, they can have the dog with restrictions. If they violate the restrictions, then you can petition the court to destroy the dog.”

“Our hands are tied and we wish we could do something but we can’t,” Mayor Hicks said.

CHRISTMAS BEAUTIFICATION

The council voted unanimously to donate $250 to the Gillespie Beautification Committee to buy materials to decorate planters in the downtown area for the holiday season.

Earlier in the meeting, Renee Katich, representing the committee and Grow Gillespie, made the request, noting “this may be the last year we can do anything with the planters” because of the disruption the water infrastructure project is expected to cause.

Katich said the planters will be uniformly decorated with greenery and ribbons.

POLICE OFFICER RESIGNATION

DePoppe told the council that Michael Stephenson had resigned as a full-time officer to accept a full-time position with the Carlinville Police Department. Stephenson will remain on the roster of Gillespie part-time officers. DePoppe said he will return to the council at a later date with recommendations for a full-time hire to replace Stephenson.

DePoppe also reported that officer T.J. Rakey is credited with apprehending a person wanted in connection with a Green County homicide on Sunday, Sept. 9. Brothers Ronald Plummer, 55, and Billy Plummer, 54, both died as a result of stab wounds about 10:30 p.m. Sunday in Rockbridge. A caller to police reported that persons were stabbed during an altercation at a large gathering at 585 State Road in Rockbridge. State Police issued a bulletin for a car registered to a Greenfield person wanted in connection with the incident. Rakey reportedly identified the car in Gillespie and initiated a traffic stop at 11:15 p.m. The suspect was remanded to Illinois State Police who are conducting the investigation.

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REVOLVING LOAN FUND CLOSED OUT

The council approved two resolutions to facilitate closing out the state-funded Revolving Economic Development Loan Fund. With support from the state Department of Commerce and Economic Development, the fund previously was used to provide low-interest loans for new businesses and business expansions in Gillespie. Earlier this year, the state announced its intention to end support of the program for communities that have minimal activity and handle relatively small loans.

One of the resolutions formally closes out the Revolving Loan Fund, while the second authorizes the expenditure of $111,526 from the city Tax Increment Financing Fund to pay back the state for outstanding loans. Fisher said the state will reimburse the $111,526 to the city’s General Fund to be used for an undetermined improvement project within the TIF District. Despite the reimbursement, however, the city will continue to collect payments on the outstanding loan, with the payments going into the city’s coffers.

The actions could potentially result in a profit of more than $111,000 to the city.

TWO ORDINANCES APPROVED

The council approved ordinances to vacate about 150 feet of Columbia Avenue for the benefit of Donald Stewart, who owns property on each side of the street. Also approved was an amendment to the city’s building code ordinance to relieve property owners of paying for a building permit to construct residential wheelchair ramps for disabled access. Homeowners still will have to apply for a building permit before beginning construction but will be exempt from the permit fee.

OTHER ACTION

In other action, the council:

  • Approved a lake lot transfer for 50 Bishop Drive to Patrick Halliday, Oquawka.
  • Gave the Mayor the power to act on placing an advertisement for farmers to submit bids to rent 10 acres of farmland owned by the city on Spanish Needle Road.
  • Voted to donate a $130 sponsorship to the Gillespie High School yearbook.
  • Voted to move a “seasonal” Street Department worker to part-time status, allowing him to continue working for the department for a maximum of 30 hours per week.
  • Agreed to spend $1,000 to purchased used playground equipment for installation on city-owned properties.
  • Set the date for treat-or-treating in Gillespie for Oct. 31 only.
  • Set Dec. 2 as the date for the city’s annual senior citizens Christmas dinner.

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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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