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School board approves GMS A/C project, signs off on annual financial report

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Jeff Escott, TMI account executive, reviews an analysis of a $1.8 million project to replace the HVAC system at Gillespie Middle School. The project was awarded via the OMNIA Group purchasing cooperative, which requires bidders to include their profit margins for the project. Escott said the project cost data is audited by OMNIA, ensuring the pricing is fair before construction begins.

Members of the Community Unit School District 7 Board of Education on Monday night approved a $1.8 million project to replace the heating, ventilating and air conditioning system at Gillespie Middle School, contingent upon the State Board of Education releasing funds to pay for the project, and voted to accept the district’s annual financial report.

In other action, the board voted to waive a state-imposed administrative cost cap for fiscal 2023. That action was preceded by a brief mandated public hearing during which no members of the public appeared to comment or ask questions. State law limits increases in administrative expenditures to no more than five percent of the previous year’s expenditures. The fiscal 2023 budget projects an increase in administrative expenses of about 17 percent. 

Supt. Shane Owsley said the administrative line item of the budget includes not only administrative salaries but also office expenses, clerical staff and other items. Administrative salary increases this year were limited to three percent.

AIR CONDITIONING PROJECT

After an extensive discussion, the board voted unanimously to authorize a $1.8 million project to replace the heating, ventilating and air conditioning system serving Gillespie Middle School classrooms. The project excludes the recently built STEM lab because the HVAC system for that room was upgraded at the time of construction.

In a departure from the standard bidding process, the board opted to use OMNIA Partners, a public sector purchasing cooperative based in Tennessee, to seek a project proposal. Contracting for capital improvements through OMNIA is legally similar to local entities using state-bid contracts to purchase vehicles or other commodities.

“OMNIA satisfies all legal requirements for bidding,” Jeff Escott said, account executive for Thermal Mechanics Inc. (TMI), Chesterfield, Mo. Escott said OMNIA projects tend to come in at a price that is 17 percent to 29 percent lower than national averages.

The project approved Monday night calls for replacing existing rooftop units with a variant refrigerant flow system manufactured by Daikin. The system will use computerized controls. Each classroom will have its own thermostats or the system can be controlled remotely when the building is not in use. Additionally, the project includes provisions for a ventilating system that can exchange the air in each classroom once every hour, a ducted heating system, new ceilings and new lighting.

TMI Engineer Chris Swallow said the variant refrigerant system “is a really efficient system, so it should really reduce energy costs. The system and controls for the system will be so individualized that it would be possible for a room to be air-conditioned while the room next door is using the heating system. He recommended using controls that establish parameters for room temperatures to keep temperatures within a specified range from room to room.

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“If the last two years taught us anything, it’s that outside air is a good thing,” Swallow said, touting the air exchange aspect of the project. New LED lighting and new ceilings, he said, will result in a building “that has a whole new feeling to it when you walk in.”

“This is the system I’d want if I was sending my kid to a school,” Swallow said.

Under the OMNIA concept, the vendor is allowed to assemble its own team of contractors for installation, supplying controls and other aspects of the project.

“One of the neat things about the OMNIA process is we can pull our own team together,” Swallow said.

“What we pledged to the district was that we would look at all possible options regardless of money,” Escott said. To that end, he said the company did not ask the school to provide an expected budget for the project before they began working on it. Swallow said he developed about a half-dozen proposals with various price tags. The administration and TMI settled on the option approved Monday night in consultation with Brian Paige, district building manager.

“This process was very different from anything I’ve been involved with before,” Owsley said, reiterating the company’s insistence on letting them develop the project without knowing the district’s budget for the project. “I really think the new lighting, new ceilings and air exchange is really going to change things in that building.”

The action is contingent upon the State Board of Education approving an Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Fund refund. One reason for that contingency is that district originally had expected a $3 to $4 million project. Owsley said Monday night that he will submit a new application with a revised request reflecting the lower cost.

“Part of my job is to take your resources and try to expand that as much as I can,” Escott said, noting the company will take advantage of Ameren incentives for efficiency and lighting upgrades.

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Once installed, Escott said the company will provide a five-year warranty as well as five years of product support, including filter changes and routine maintenance.

Responding to a question from board member Amanda Ross, Escott said the company would be ready to start work at the end of the current school year. He suggested there is enough time before the start of the project to compensate for any supply chain issues. E.L. Pruitt, a subcontractor, will prefabricate ductwork so it will be ready to install at the end of the school year.

Before the issue came to a vote, Owsley noted that he received an email from the school’s architectural firm asking the board to delay the vote until they had a chance to review the project. Board President Mark Hayes, however, dismissed the request as an effort to charge the district a professional fee.

Elementary Principal Angela Sandretto, High School Principal Jill Rosentreter and Middle School Principal Patrick McGinthy react to a teleconference call with out of state family members. Local family members surprised the principals by attending Monday night’s board meeting in recognition of National Principals Week.

“They wanted to know what we had to spend,” Hayes recalled. “You didn’t want to know the budget and that impressed me. I think this is a good proposal.”

The project was approved, contingent upon the release of ESSER funds, on a motion by Jack Burns, seconded by Ross. Board members Becky Hatlee and Bill Carter were absent.

FINANCIAL REPORT

On a motion by Burns, seconded by Ross, the board voted unanimously to accept the annual financial report prepared by Loy, Miller, Talley PC, Alton.  Ken Loy, CPA, presented the audit, affirming the district had a good year financially resulting in an upgrade in the school’s State Board of Education financial profile.

“Overall, the district had a good year financially,” Loy said. Three opinion letters required by the state board were all positive regarding accounting procedures, internal controls and handling of federal funds. “It’s what we call a clean material report.”

The financial profile, based on a set of five criteria, went up from 3.35 out of 4 points the previous year to 3.7 for the most recent fiscal year. That score boosted the district from “Financial Review” to “Recognition,” the highest rating available.

“This is something the State Board of Education watches very closely,” Loy commented.

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In all but one of the district’s funds, revenue exceeded expenditures for the fiscal year. Loy noted a $180,000 “planned” deficit in the Capital Projects fund related to the construction of the GMS STEM lab. The Education Fund ended the fiscal year with a budgetary surplus of more than $1.6 million, Loy said, primarily because of an injection of COVID relief money.

“You probably won’t see that next year,” Loy said, noting the $1.6 million is expected to be spent this year. In total, the district ended the year with a $2 million surplus, including $1.6 million in Education.

According to an audit summary distributed by Loy, the district has a combined fund balance in Education, Operations and Maintenance, and Transportation of nearly $7 million—enough to operate for nearly six months.

The audit also includes data for the last three years of property tax collections. Loy said the district’s property tax rate has declined slowly in recent years because of increases in the district’s total equalized assessed valuation. The EAV, he said, has increased six to seven percent per year but because of tax caps, the district can increase its levy by only two to three percent, depending upon the current rate of inflation.

“That makes your tax rate go down,” Loy said.

For 2020, the most recent year for which data is available, the district’s tax rate was 3.8 which resulted in a tax extension of $3,142,011. A total of $3,129,179 was collected—about 99.6 percent of the levy.

“You never collect 100 percent,” Loy said. “It’s always about 99 percent or a little more.”

The audit shows an average daily attendance of 994 students, compared with 1,028 the previous year. Estimated per capita tuition costs—total expenditures divided by the number of students—stood at $9,452, compared with $8,906 the previous year.

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“That’s not a big increase,” Loy said. “We had a lot of districts with bigger increases.”

MINE SUBSIDENCE INSURANCE

After some discussion, the board voted to renew its mine subsidence policy despite a dramatic increase in the annual premium. The premium increased from $86,000 to $101,090 for the first $10 million of coverage, from $30,000 to $36,426 for the next $5 million of coverage, and $25,000 to $31,223 for another $5 million of coverage.

“There are very few companies that offer mine subsidence,” Owsley told the board. “We know the importance of having this. My question to the board is: do we want to continue having this amount of coverage? You can drop $5 million in coverage and pay basically what we paid last year.”

The policy covers the high school, vocational building and gymnasium, which are valued at about $28 million. Owsley pointed out that insurance professionals say a 100 percent loss is rare, but the district’s experience with the Benld Elementary School several years ago demonstrated that a total loss is not out of the question.

Ken Loy, CPS, summarizes the annual financial report for Community Unit School District 7. School Board members voted to accept the report Monday night, authorizing Loy to send the report to the Illinois State Board of Education and the Regional Office of Education. The report shows an improved financial status, moving the district from “Financial Review” to “Recognition,” the highest rating in ISBE’s financial rating system.

Ultimately the board voted unanimously to keep coverage at $20 million at a cost of $169,623.

DISTRICT FOCUS

During a “District Focus” segment, GMS Principal Patrick McGinthy reviewed programs aimed at improving language arts and reading skills, and Supt. Owsley recognized all three building principals in connection with National Principals Week, observed during the third week of October.

At the sixth-grade level, language arts teacher Kim Henderson used “Book Bingo” to encourage students to read books for pleasure. Seven out of her 70 students managed to have at least one “bingo” on their cards. At the end of the first quarter, students had read an average of 3.866 books per student.

Seventh-grade teacher Stephanie Wilson issued a “Beat the Teacher” challenge, challenging students to read more books than she did during the quarter. Four students successfully “beat the teacher,” according to McGinthy.

A school-wide program encouraged students to post pictures of themselves reading for pleasure at home. Those who posted images were given a $5 gift certificate to use at the school’s book fair.

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Additionally, Wilson was the recipient of a $660 grant from the Illinois Retired Teachers Association, which she used to buy two new Rebecca Caudill book series for students to use.

Owsley took principals by surprise when he ushered in family members he invited to the meeting in honor of National Principals Week. Out-of-state family members who could not attend in person participated via a teleconference.

“Families, thank you for sharing them with us,” Owsley said. “Without them, our school could not run as smoothly. We probably steal them away from you more than we should.”

Owsley praised all three principals and their work under sometimes challenging circumstances. McGinthy, he noted, had only 16 hours to prepare for assuming duties as GMS Principal after he was hired.

“We’ve seen each other in tears,” he said of the administrative staff. “I think we’ve seen the best and worst of each other over the year.”

Board President Hayes added his thanks and dismissed the principals to spend time with their family members, a departure from standard practice requiring principals to attend the entirety of school board meetings.

OTHER ACTION

In other action, the board:

  • Placed on first reading an intergovernmental agreement that would provide dual credit for Gillespie students attending classes through Lincoln Land Community College’s Area Careers Center in Litchfield. The Gillespie district technically is in the Lewis and Clark Community College district and Owsley said he is working out details for a dual credit arrangement with Lincoln Land.
  • Voted to hire Phil McCourt as a district custodian, pending a routine background check.

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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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