Community News
Wilsonville seeking bids to demolish fire-damaged residence
Following the lead of the City of Benld, Wilsonville Village trustees voted Tuesday night to advertise for bids to demolish a fire-damaged residence in the 300 block of Schmidt Street and remove the debris. Trustee Stanley Katich cited Benld’s recent action to raze the former Doggy’s Tavern, also damaged by fire, when he moved to seek bids near the end of Tuesday night’s meeting. Trustee Dustin Calcari seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved.
Village President Jeff Rhodes said there is no money in the village budget to pay for a demolition project and it’s his hope that the owner of the property can be identified and required to abate the alleged nuisance. The residence reportedly was purchased for back taxes by an absentee tax acquisition company. Efforts to have out-of-state law enforcement officers serve an ordinance violation summons on the owner, however, was unsuccessful. The most recent address reported to the Macoupin County Clerk is a post office box no longer in use.
In the Benld situation, the city was able to demolish the building by convincing Macoupin County Circuit Court to declare the property a public nuisance on an emergency basis. The city reportedly justified the emergency designation by arguing that the burned-out building posed a safety hazard. Wilsonville, however, has not taken steps toward having the property designated as a public nuisance.
According to Rhodes, the village intends to accept bids for demolishing the residence with the intent to take the next necessary steps to force the property owners to pay for the demolition.
ORDINANCE VIOLATION ISSUES
A substantial portion of Tuesday night’s meeting was devoted to calling attention to potential ordinance violations to be investigated by local police. Police Chief Kenneth Kallal, Carrollton, who attended the meeting, took notes and indicated he would follow up on the complaints.
Former Trustee Pam Zaksas asked whether or not the current village code requires residences to be inspected and determined to be fit for habitation prior to the village turning on water taps when new owners or tenants move in. She cited a home in her neighborhood which recently was sold contract for deed. The new owner, she said, reportedly is fixing up the residence with the intention of living in it.
“We’ve watched raccoons and possums going in out,” Zaksas said, alleging the home should be inspected before the new owner establishes residency and before water is turned on. She said she understood the village code requires housing inspections when tenants change. In the past, however, she said the ordinance simply referenced a “change in occupancy” and was not limited to rental units.
“Whoever turns on the water should check with whoever is in charge to see if there’s been an inspection,” Trustee Bill Molinar said.
Zaksas also reported to Kallal the presence of ever-growing “burn piles” in the first block of Marcia Street and the second block of School Street.
Molinar asked Kallal to look into a location in the 200 block of Rice Street where a resident has placed loose bricks over a city sidewalk and another location where a resident has built a ramp that extends over the sidewalk. Both situations, he said, pose potential safety hazards.
Calcari said he’d been in contact with the resident who placed the bricks on the sidewalk. “He said the reason he did it was because when it rains there are about eight inches of water that stands there and in the winter it freezes,” Calcari said. Calcari said he told the resident the village would work on a ditch in the vicinity to improve drainage and alleviate the water issue. Meanwhile, Kallal said he would contact the resident and give him a week to remove the bricks.
David Zaksas complained about the damage done to the street in front of his house, allegedly by school bus traffic. He said buses had pushed asphalt to the edge of the street resulting in a hump of dirt between the pavement and ditch. The ridge of dirt, he said, made it impossible for him to mow the right-of-way as required by ordinance. Molinar said he and Katich would use a backhoe to remove the ridge. Rhodes said he planned to contact school district officials prior to the school year regarding bus traffic and damage to village streets. “We’ve got bus problems all over town,” he said.
Molinar also made reference to the need for cleaning ditches throughout the village and suggested taking advantage of an intergovernmental agreement with the township to use the township road grader for the ditch shaping work. He said the only requirements are that the village has an operator capable of running the equipment and adequate insurance for using the equipment. Rhodes said he would look into the village’s insurance coverage for using the grader.
Resident Sharon Borgini chided Village President Rhodes for his response to an FOIA request she filed for access to a recording of the board’s May meeting. Rhodes said the recording is available in a digital format but he did not have the expertise to download the file and make it available to Borgini. Calcari agreed to bring in his laptop, download the file and email it to Borgini.
Borgini also criticized Police Chief Kallal for allegedly failing to follow-up with her regarding a complaint she registered last September. Kallal said he did not contact her again because the situation had been resolved. Borgini, however, said the issue was not resolved and that issues continued for some time after her initial complaint.
“What’s the reason you can’t come visit with people?” she demanded.
“There’s no reason,” Kallal responded. “But that was resolved.”
“Well, it wasn’t resolved,” Borgini said. “I’d appreciate it if you’d come talk to us.”
“I can do that,” Kallal replied.
“You should have done it before,” Borgini shot back. “It would have saved a lot of problems.”
WATER BILLING ISSUE
Village officials agreed to look into the reasons some residents are getting excessively large water bills after one resident appeared before the board to complain her most recent bill had doubled. Calcari said he had received at least three complaints from residents receiving excessive bills. He suggested hiring a person specifically for reading meters to guard against possible misreading. Meters currently are read by city maintenance workers.
“I think the guy reading meters shouldn’t be the one reading them because it takes them away from his other work,” Molinar commented.
Rhodes said it might be possible that some meter readings were incorrectly entered into the billing system resulting in inappropriate bills. He suggested looking at average usage as a means of correcting excessive bills.
“I’m not saying that’s what happened,” he said, “but it could be that they’re getting entered wrong.”
OTHER ACTION
In other action, the board:
- Authorized replacement of a by-pass valve on the sand filters at the village’s sewage treatment lagoon. Rhodes said the valve broke the last time it was used.
- Authorized Ruff n Tuff Tree Service to remove a memorial tree at the village hall the next time the company is in town to remove trees.
- Agreed to purchase one tandem load of cold patch for street repairs at an approximate cost of $4,000.
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The Wilsonville Progressive Club will celebrate and host a 90 year Anniversary Party on Saturday, May 11. The party will include a catered dinner, a live band, and fireworks.
Doors will open at 2 pm with a catered dinner being served at 4 pm. The Shane Kessinger Experience (live band) will play at 5 pm, and a grand fireworks display will be held at dusk.
The Progressive Club was originally established in 1934 by the Progressive Miners and was located on the northwest side of Wilsonville’s main street. The Club moved to their new building in January of 1949 and today this is still the current location at 212 Wilson Street in Wilsonville.
Wilsonville was founded in 1917 when Superior Coal Co. Mine No. 4 was sunk and this was the most modern mine in the Superior field. At that time, the little settlement which grew up around the mine was called Wilson. One day a worker paused and asked, “What are we going to name this town?” President Wilson was in office, thus the town was then and there named Wilson until 1919 when it was incorporated and the name expanded to Wilsonville.
The Wilsonville Progressive Club is operated and maintained by an elected panel of trustees and loyal members. The Club is open to the public and membership is always welcome. The large outdoor covered pavilion and manicured grassy side lot offer an attractive and convenient venue for any event along with inside facilities.
If you are interested in renting for any kind of event, call 217-835-3122 during open hours which are Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 4 pm to close, and Sunday doors open at 2 pm. Every Sunday afternoon at 4 pm is the Queen of Hearts drawing and the Club is on Facebook as well.
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SUNDAY, APRIL 14, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Oak Street in reference to a dog bite.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Abba Street to pick up a found item.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Chestnut Street in reference to a burglary.
An officer was out in the 200 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to a motorist assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Schmidt Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South 1st Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Broadway Street in reference to a medical call.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of South Illinois Street in Benld in reference to illegal burning.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South 5th Street in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Horizon Street in reference to a 911 call.
MONDAY, APRIL 15, 2024
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with a male in reference to a theft in the 100 block of South Main Street in Benld.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of West Osie Street in reference to a violation of an order of protection.
Nicholas O. Landolt, 36, of Gillespie was arrested on multiple warrants including one out of St. Clair County for possession for methamphetamine, a second one out of Montgomery County for failure to appear for driving while license was revoked, and a third out of Macoupin County for failure to appear for methamphetamine.
An officer was dispatched to East Walnut Street in reference to a suspicious noise.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Abba Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Broadway Street in reference to a medical alarm.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a theft in the 200 block of West Oak Street.
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to criminal damage to her property.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to identity theft.
An officer spoke with a female in the 100 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a neighbor dispute.
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a violation of an order of protection.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Southern Street in reference to a suspicious person.
TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 1100 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to criminal damage to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 900 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of East Walnut Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespass to property. Melissa J. Hughes, 49, of Benld was arrested on a Montgomery County warrant for theft/larceny.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Francis Street in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 700 block of Rose Street in Benld.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South 5th Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Pine Street to assist the Department of Children and Family Services.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Broadway Street in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Central Avenue in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17, 2024
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to fraud in the 200 block of South Macoupin.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 500 block of East Elm Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to Route 4 and Staunton Road in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Gillespie Street in reference to unwanted solicitors.
An officer was dispatched to High Street and Gillespie Street in reference to a suspicious noise.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of High Street in reference to unwanted solicitors.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil standby.
An officer was flagged down at Elm Street and Clinton Street and spoke with an individual in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Mt. Olive Road in Eagarville in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a suspicious circumstance.
THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2024
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a panic alarm sounding.
An officer was dispatched to the 1300 block of South Second Street in reference to a civil standby.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Osie Street in reference to a dog bite. Heather L. Kimberlin, 47, of Gillespie was issued a citation for dog at large.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Baker Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was out with a suspicious vehicle in the alley in the 500 block of Park Avenue.
An officer was dispatched to East Walnut and South Main Street in Benld in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the Veterans Memorial Park in Benld in reference to a suspicious vehicle that had been parked there for a couple of days.
Gillespie Police Department was requested for traffic control by the Gillespie Fire Department for a fire on Eagarville Road.
FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of East Walnut Street in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South Street in Gillespie in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Litchfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a suspicious person at the storage units. Kathy J. Henderson, 49, of Sawyerville was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for bad checks
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Maple Street and Macoupin Street. Kenny L. Fults, 18, of Belleville was issued a citation for possession of cannabis.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Mt. Olive Road in Eagarville in reference to civil standby.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of West Burton Street in reference to an animal complaint.
SATURDAY, APRIL 20, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Abba Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespassing. Timothy J. Dalpozzo, 57, of Benld was arrested for criminal trespassing to residence and a Macoupin County warrant for criminal trespassing to a residence.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at South Street and Chestnut Street and charges are pending crime lab results.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to Macoupin Street and Elm Street in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Osie Street in reference to a dog at large.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of North 8th Street in Benld in reference to medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Spruce Street in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Baker Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Street in Benld in reference to a medical call.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to an ordinance issue.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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LITCHFIELD, Ill. — HSHS St. Francis Hospital is offering service opportunities to area teens this summer through the 2024 Junior Volunteer Program. Applications are being accepted now through May 1.
Applicants must be high school students maintaining at least a “C” average, be a minimum of 14 years of age by June 1 and be willing to volunteer at least two hours per week during the summer program. Junior volunteers will perform a variety of duties in various hospital departments.
Registration materials are available on the hospital’s website volunteer page at https://www.hshs.org/st-francis/community/volunteer.
All participants in the program will be required to present proof of immunizations for MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella), and Varicella (chicken pox). An additional requirement includes attendance at a hospital orientation.
A limited number of positions will be available. For more information, contact HSHS St. Francis Hospital at 217-324-8200.
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