Community News
School board adopts $18.5 million budget, votes to ban parent from school functions
Community Unit School District 7 Board of Education members voted on Monday night to adopt an $18.5 million budget for the fiscal year that began July 1, and voted unanimously to ban a local parent from attending extracurricular activities on school property for the remainder of the 2022-23 academic year.
The board voted unanimously to adopt the district budget following 15-minute budget hearing required by law. During the hearing, Supt. Shane Owsley emphasized the budget reflects anticipated expenditures and revenues as of July 1 this year. Unexpected expenditures and/or revenue could require the budget to be amended at a later date. Owsley noted, however, that he included small amounts in several funds for contingencies as a hedge against having to formally amend the budget later.
Later in the meeting, the board authorized an application for a state maintenance grant of up to $50,000. Owsley said the district is authorized to use Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Replacement (ESSER) funds to fund the district’s match for the grant. If awarded, the grant will change both the revenue and expenditure sides of the budget, which would probably precipitate amending the budget.
Owsley said the district is continuing to benefit from substantial receipts of cash through the state’s Evidence-Based School Funding Formula. CUSD 7 current is rated as a Tier I school, which it is “considered a district most in need.” Next year, however, the district could be elevated to Tier II, which would reduce the Evidence-Based funding the district receives next fiscal year, according to Owsley.
“We have a balanced budget,” Owsley said. “Fund balances are going up with the exception of Capital Projects.” Once the debt incurred for building the middle school science lab is retired in July, the Capital Projects fund also should start to increase again.
The budget projects total revenues of $18,886,077 with expenditures estimated at $18,494,524, resulting in a budget surplus of $545,503. While this year’s budget is balanced, Owsley reminded the board it includes significant amounts of ESSER money that will disappear from the revenue stream in the next two years.
Fund balances at the beginning of the fiscal year totaled $10,611,222. With this fiscal year’s surplus, the district is expected to end the year with $11,002,775 in the bank—slightly more than half the district’s total operating budget.
With projected revenues of $13,405,997 and $13,131,543 in expected expenditures, the Education Fund comprises the lion’s share of the district’s overall budget. State funding is expected to represent 68 percent of total revenues. Local funding, including property taxes and fees, will represent 13 percent of the revenue, and federal sources, including ESSER funds, is expected to comprise 19 percent of the funding. Sixty-one percent of the fund’s revenues are expected to be spent on instructional costs, which includes teacher salaries. For the first time this year, Owsley earmarked two percent—nearly $285,000—for contingencies as a hedge against having to amend the budget if expenditures exceed the current estimate.
Revenue of $2,505,106 is expected for the Building Operations and Maintenance Fund with federal funding in the amount of $1,727,300 comprising nearly 70 percent of the revenue. Estimated expenditures include $2,369,615 for custodial salaries, general maintenance, supplies and utilities, plus a $60,491 cushion for contingencies. The Building Fund budget also includes $1.7 million in expected expenditures to upgrade the HVAC system for the high school/middle school complex.
The district’s Transportation Fund is expected to take in $782,798 in revenues, with 61 percent of that amount coming from state sources. Local revenue, including tax dollars and reimbursements from parent-funded sports programs, is expected to make up 31 percent ($237,791) of the total revenue. Projected expenditures include $60,717 set aside for contingencies with the remaining $647,081 in projected expenditures earmarked for support services, salaries and supplies.
For Debt Service, the budget anticipates revenue of $1,213,053 with projected expenditures of $1,226,473. Owsley said the district will make it’s final debt service payment for the Middle School science lab in July, which will substantially reduce expenditures from the fund for the remainder of the fiscal year.
Revenue for the Capital Projects fund is projected at $25,000 with revenue coming entirely from the county’s one-cent school facilities sales tax. The district expects $400,000 in sales tax revenue, but $153,950 will go Debt Service for science lab payments, along with $75,000 to pay down existing bond debt. Capital Projects has projected expenditures of $81,000, which would leave a deficit of $56,000 for the fiscal year. The fund started with a bank balance of $567,946, however, and will end the year with a $357,996 fund balance.
Working Cash fund revenue is projected at $34,651 with no anticipated expenditures. Revenue for the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund and Social Security is expected to total $484,323 with expenditures of $482,604, and revenue for the Tort Fund is expected to be $435,749 with expenditures projected at $435,000. The Tort Fund is used to pay for legal services and insurance costs.
PARENT EXCLUSION
The board met in executive session for 70 minutes with much of the closed-door discussion apparently devoted to deciding whether or not to ban Jason Schalk, father of a Gillespie Middle School student, from attending sporting events and other extracurricular activities on school property for the remainder of the academic year. The executive session was preceded by 20-minute public hearing during which Schalk was permitted to present his side of a Sept. 8 incident during which he confronted head football coach Dalton Barnes.
Owsley told the board Schalk was accused of violating Section 830 of the board’s policy manual which states the district expects visitors to the campus to exercise “mutual respect, civility and orderly conduct” on school property. Specifically, the policy prohibits, among other things, threatening behavior toward staff members, harassment, unsportsmanlike conduct, the use of profanity and behavior that disrupts or impedes school activities.
Owsley said he was called to the football field during a Junior Varsity practice session after Schalk’s son “got into a heated argument” with Barnes. According to Owsley, the player called his father who arrived a short time later and confronted the coach. The ensuing exchange devolved into physical threats and shouted profanities.
In a meeting afterward in Owsley’s office, Owsley said Schalk acknowledged he “should have handled it better” and that he had made threats and used profanity.
“However, he felt there was wrong on both sides,” Owsley said.
Owsley reported that Schalk alleged Barnes was “in his son’s face” and spat on the 15-year-old player.
Speaking on his own behalf, Schalk told the board he was driving with his two other children in the vehicle when his son called him. “He was crying,” Schalk said. “He said the coach was ‘in my face, cussing at me and he spit on me’,” Schalk said he drove to the football field to deal with the situation.
“It was pretty obvious,” he said. “There was a 15-year-old kid off in the corner crying his eyes out because someone just spit on him. I was worked up. Some adult just spit in my son’s face. I’m still upset about it.”
Schalk admitted his language was profane during the confrontation, but he alleged Barnes’ approach to him also was laced with vulgarities. “He was cussing the same as me,” he said.
At some point, Schalk said he urged Barnes to come into the street for a fight and that Barnes initially agreed. Schalk said Barnes, however, stopped short of leaving the field, at which point Schalk suggested that he “call his boss.” Owsley reportedly arrived a few minutes later to defuse the situation.
“What’s being done to the coach?” Schalk asked. “I’ve been punished and my son has been punished. I’m seeking discipline for this guy. You just don’t spit in somebody’s face. That’s unsanitary. It’s disgusting.”
Owsley said that, if warranted, the incident could become a part of Barnes’ performance evaluation. Barnes is a first-year social sciences teacher and was hired as head coach this summer after former head coach Jake Bilbruck’s contract was not renewed.
Schalk alleged Barnes targeted his son because of a critical comment Schalk had posted on Facebook about Barnes’ coaching. He said Barnes belittled his son for wearing his football jersey to school while other students who did the same thing were not questioned. He claimed his son was harassed and targeted as retribution against him.
“I had forgotten about it,” he said. “I had forgotten about it. I put a critical comment on Facebook. When I remembered that, it all made sense.”
Jessica Street, another football parent, said a number of Junior Varsity parents had issues with Barnes. Asked how many parents had concerns with Barnes, Street replied, “At least 12. The majority of parents have a problem with Coach Barnes.”
Street also praised Schalk as a consistent cheerleader for Junior Varsity players, calling encouragement from the sidelines and boosting the team’s morale. Schalk said his son is considering quitting the team after the incident. “He said, ‘I look up in the stands to see you and you’re not there, and it just doesn’t seem right’,” Schalk reported.
Board member Bill Carter tried to confirm whether Barnes deliberately spat in the player’s face or if it was an inadvertent result of being in the boy’s face. Schalk claimed it was a deliberate act.
Returning to open session after deliberating about the incident, Board President Mark Hayes said written testimony from other coaches and players who witnessed the incident contradicted Schalk’s version of the incident. He noted that the board had the option of banning Schalk for a full calendar year but asked for a motion to instead exclude Schalk from extracurricular activities for the remainder of the school year. That penalty was unanimously imposed on a motion by Carter, seconded by Weye Schmidt.
Schalk did not react to the decision and left the meeting shortly after the vote.
BAND AND CHOIR TOUR
Following a brief presentation by band instructor Zach Simon and choir director Benjamin McCullough, the board approved an April trip for music students to Nashville, Tenn. The itinerary, offered by Educational Tours, Inc., includes visits to the Grand Old Opry, National Museum of African American Music, Ryman Auditorium and the RCA Recording Studio.
Planners tentatively planned to leave by chartered bus on Thursday, April 20, and return on Sunday, April 23, but may trim the trip by one day as a cost savings measure. Promoters originally priced the trip at $800 per student but recently notified Simon and McCullough that the cost had increased to $1,125.
The teachers said initial interest in the trip indicated they would have to take two coaches to accommodate students. If some students drop out before April, they said they might be able to cut back to one bus to save more money. As in past, the band and choir will sponsor fundraising activities over the coming months but participating students will be responsible for covering costs not covered by fundraising.
Due to the COVID pandemic, there has been no music tour since 2018 when the choir and band traveled to New Orleans. Board member Becky Hatlee said she went on that trip as a chaperone.
“It was a great trip,” she said. “This trip is incorporating more music-related activities.”
Hatlee moved to approve the trip with a second by Jack Burns.
INSURANCE POLICY
On the recommendation of Supt. Owsley, the board voted unanimously to renew a wide-ranging insurance policy and EWC Insurance and Zenith Insurance for an annual premium of $245,531. EWC provides coverage for property, liability, vehicles and umbrella coverage; Zenith provides coverage for workers compensation.
The new premium represents an increase of about $30,000 from last year’s premium of $218,666.
Owsley said the increase is due, in part, to the addition of the new Vocational Education building. Workers compensation increased significantly because “we had claims and they were big claims,” Owsley said.
At the request of board members, Owsley said he would seek bids from other providers for next year. Because the current policy is near termination, however, he recommended accepting the EWC/Zenith bid for this year.
REMOTE LEARNING CONTRACTS
In separate actions, the board accepted contracts with One Room, Inc. and Parallel, Inc. to provide remoter learning services through the district’s distance learning lab. Owsley said the remote learning options were necessary because the district has been unable to find a Spanish teacher for the district and has received no applications to fill and speech and language professional.
Parallel is providing speech and language services while One Room is filling the Spanish position.
High School Principal Jill Rosentreter said the Spanish sessions are going well, utilizing a remote Spanish teacher who actually is in Spain.
“Remote learning isn’t great,” Owsley said, “but at least it allows us to fulfill these requirements. It’s not perfect but it’s what we have.”
OTHER ACTION
In other action, the board:
- Voted to move existing accounts from Associated Bank, Benld, to United Community Bank, Gillespie, in view of Associated Bank’s intended closure of the Benld location. Board policy calls for school funds to be deposited locally.
- Accepted “with regret” the announced retirement of music teacher Leana Sawyer, effective at the end of the 2023-24 school year.
- Hire Jeff Mueller as district custodian, pending a routine background check, and voted to post a vacancy for a district custodian.
- Reviewed sixth-day enrollment figures which put school enrollment at 1,114 on the sixth day of the school year. Owsley said another 39 students have enrolled since then, bringing enrollment to 1,153. The enrollment figure is down slightly from previous years. The average enrollment over the past eight years is 1,257.
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Community News
School board approves elementary school principal’s retirement, accepts resignation of high school teacher/coach
Long-serving BenGil Elementary School principal will retire in two years following the Community Unit School District 7’s Board of Education’s approval during Tuesday night’s regular monthly meeting of the board. On a motion by Kellie Vesper, seconded by Amanda Ross, the board voted unanimously to accept “with regret” the retirement of Elementary Principal Angela Sandretto, effective at the end of the 2026-27 school year.
At the time of her retirement, Sandretto will have been a district employee for 31 years, including 21 years as an administrator. Sandretto’s tenure predates the construction and collapse due to mine subsidence of the former Benld Elementary School. She started her career when the old Benld High School served as the district’s elementary school. She was principal when the new Benld school was built and when the seven-year-old building was destroyed by mine subsidence in 2009. She continued to serve as principal during the transition from the damaged school to the new BenGil Elementary School in Gillespie.
In other action, the board accepted without comment the resignation of Dalton Barnes as a physical education/social studies teacher, and as Gillespie High School head football coach. The resignation, accepted unanimously, appears to be related to recent controversy over alleged abusive behavior toward students.
Gillespie Police Chief Jared DePoppe and School Resource Officer Wayne Hendricks both attended the meeting, and left soon after the board completed actions related to personnel. Supt. Shane Owsley told the BenGil Post the police presence was a precaution due to concerns that “accusations and rumors on social media could spill over” into Tuesday’s meeting. An attorney from the law firm representing the school district accompanied the board into a one-hour executive session early in the evening to discuss personnel issues and other items.
Accusations on social media in recent weeks alleged Barnes and an assistant coach engaged in verbal and physical abuse of students. With a goal of 1,000 signers, an online petition urging the termination of employment for Barnes and the assistant coach has garnered 639 electronic signatures. The petition accuses the two men of “child abuse,” citing alleged “verbal abuse, physical abuse, influencing and coercing student athletes to act against other student athletes that have spoken out against the abuse, and attempting to limit the First Amendment rights of student athletes with threats and manipulation.” The petition alleges there have been numerous instances of abuse and that the abuse has been allowed to continue despite “multiple red flags and complaints.”
No members of the public appeared before the board to address the complaints. Several teachers and teachers union officials attended the meeting but, likewise, made no public comments.
ADDITIONAL PERSONNEL ISSUES
In other personnel action, the board:
- Voted unanimously to accept “with regret” the resignation for purposes of retirement of GHS/GMS guidance counselor Jill Strole at the conclusion of the current school year, and to post the position as vacant.
- Hired Aubrey Morgan as a first-year, non-tenured teacher tentatively assigned as the BenGil Elementary School music teacher for the 2024-25 school year, pending verification of certification requirements and a background check. Morgan is expected to receive her bachelor’s degree in music education this spring from Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville.
- Voted to appoint Nikki Brawner as the GHS head women’s basketball coach for the 2024-25 school year. Additionally, the board accepted Brawner’s resignation as an assistant GHS women’s basketball coach and posted that position as vacant.
- Voted, in separate actions, to hire Alex Jasper and James Bryant as GMS paraprofessionals, pending verification of certification requirements and a background check. Additionally, the board voted to appoint Bryant as the GMS eighth-grade boys basketball coach for the 2024-25 school year.
- Voted to employ Alexis Lupkey as GHS head cheerleading coach for the 2024-25 school year.
- Voted, in separate actions, to hire Nikki Hunter and Rebecca Leitschuh-Birdsell as full-route bus drivers for the 2024-25 school year, pending verification of certification and background checks.
On a motion by Ross, seconded by Peyton Bernot, the board voted to employ Jennifer Parker, Nancy Schmidt, Amy Price, Marci Johnson, Karissa Smith and Vanessa Barrett as teachers for the 2024 elementary school summer school program.
In separate actions, the board hired Shanna Connor as a math teacher, Casey Edgerton as a science teacher, and Jessica Kelly as an English/language arts teacher for the Gillespie Middle School summer school program.
The board hired Ashlee Gibbs as a high school summer school math teacher, contingent upon student enrollment, and hired Jennifer Brown as the high school summer school driver’s education teacher. Penny Feeley and Janice Hammann were hired unanimously as summer school food service workers.
SAFETY GRANT PROJECTS
The board authorized Supt. Owsley to seek bids for several capital improvement projects related to student safety for which plans are still being developed. In January, Owsley reported to the board the district was successful in its application for a $466,365 state-funded Safety Grant. Matching the grant money with $155,000 in local funds, gave the district more than $600,000 in funding for capital improvements related to safety.
Owsley said architects are continuing to develop plans and bidding specifications for several projects, including installation of a new fire alarm system, installation of a new intercom system, installation of bullet-proof glass in the office area, and application of a bullet-resistant film on exterior windows. The Superintendent said he would advertise for bids as specifications become available.
FISCAL 2025 BUDGET
On a motion by Weye Schmidt, seconded by Bill Carter, the board voted to direct Supt. Owsley to prepare a tentative budget for fiscal year 2025, which will run from July 1 this year through June 30, 2025. The new budget typically is presented to the board in August with final approval coming in September.
In a related action, the board approved expenditures from fiscal 2025 funds to cover operating costs from July 1, when the new fiscal year begins, until the new budget is adopted.
Though not a given, the board could amend the fiscal 2024 budget in June in the event actual revenue and expenditures for the current fiscal year differ significantly from projections made in the budget approved last summer.
INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT
Board members approved an intergovernmental agreement between CUSD 7 and Lewis and Clark Community College to offer dual credit courses at Gillespie High School. Under the agreement, Gillespie students can take college-level courses that will count as credit toward an LCCC associate’s degree. Teachers offering dual credit courses at GHS must hold a master’s degree and offer a curriculum approved by the college.
DISTRICT FOCUS
In a District Focus segment, the board was introduced to several High School FFA members who have excelled this year in competitions.
“These kids are doing some amazing things,” said High School Principal Jill Rosentreter. “They are going to competitions and bringing home trophies right and left.”
FFA sponsor Kayla Wills said she has led the program for six years. “This is the most outstanding group we’ve had since I’ve been here,” she said.
Wills introduced two teams––the Parliamentary Procedure team and the Ag Mechanics team––that have ascended to state competition set for May 2. Team member Emily Hauser explained the areas of expertise on which the Parliamentary Procedure team will be judged. Caleb Oberfall spoke about the Ag Mechanics team.
The Ag Mechanics team includes a carpenter, a welder, a surveyor, an electrician and a mechanic, according to Wills.
“These kids have worked really hard and put in a lot of time,” Wills said. “I am very proud of them.”
FOOD SERVICES ISSUE
A former district cook and current substitute cook, who identified herself as Mandy, addressed the board on behalf of district cooks regarding the possibility of contracting with Opaa! Food Management, Inc. to provide meals in the local district. Opaa! representatives offered a detailed sales presentation to the board last month.
“I worked for Opaa! at Staunton,” she said. “You need to look into them. They’re not what they say they are.”
She alleged the “homemade meals” are not homemade, and are, in fact, the same quality as any other food provider.
“I’ve been in food services for a long time and I know what food should look like,” she said. “It shouldn’t look like dogfood.”
The fact the company offers choices, she said, is a good thing but is a double-edged sword. If a child doesn’t care for the main selection on a particular day, they can have a peanut butter sandwich or salad instead.
“But if little Johnny doesn’t like peanut butter or salad, he doesn’t eat that day,” she said.
Having worked in the local district, she said she could attest that the food services staff cares about students.
In a related matter, Union Secretary Jennifer Parker read a statement from the food services staff thanking the board and Supt. Owsley “for the opportunity to continue to pursue options to bring more choices to the food program.”
OTHER ACTION
In other action, the board:
- Voted to renew membership in the Illinois Elementary Schools Association (IESA).
- Approved a finalized calendar for the 2024-25 school year. Owsley said the calendar is unchanged from a tentative calendar presented to the board earlier, except “snow days” have been designated as “emergency days.”
- Approved a fee schedule for the 2024-25 school day. Owsley said the new fee schedule is nearly identical to the fee schedule used this year except that the cost for adult breakfasts and lunches is increased by 10 cents. In addition, the district will now offer free breakfast and lunch to students in all grade levels thanks to a federal reimbursement grant for districts with high numbers of students from low income households. In the past, free breakfast and lunch was available only to kindergarten, elementary, and middle school students. This year, Owsley said, the high school also qualified for reimbursement. According to Owsley, the reimbursement program is locked in for four years, after which the district may again apply. “Hopefully, this will help our parents and students,” Owsley said.
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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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