Community News
Academic, financial achievement take center stage at school board meeting
Vocational students who visited Monday’s meeting of the CUSD 7 School Board included (from left) Dominic Maykopet, who built a Christmas creche for GHS Principal Shane Owsley; and Kaleb Crider, Nolan Hayes, Jake Carter, CJ Frensko and Jaylen Ronald who built the sofa table displayed to the board Monday night.
Members of the Community Unit School District 7 Board of Education on Monday night renewed Supt. Joe Tieman’s contract for another year and made several other, more minor personnel decisions, but it was the district’s recent financial and academic achievements that took center stage.
High School Principal Shane Owsley reported to the board that he was recently contacted by the Vandalia School District to send a contingent of teachers to Gillespie High School to learn more about the local district’s math curriculum and teaching practices.
“They looked at our SAT scores and our demographics, and they couldn’t figure out how our kids are scoring so much higher in math than theirs,” Owsley said. “They are actually going to meet with our teachers to find out what kind of magic they’re doing to make sure our kids do well in math.”
In a similar vein, BenGil Elementary Principal Angela Sandretto said the Carlinville School District “reached out to us to compliment us on our test scores.” The Carlinville Primary School, she said, is sending a team of teachers, along with the Primary School principal, to consult with BenGil teaching staff “to see our procedures, our curriculum and the programs we have in place.”
Later in the meeting, Supt. Tieman reported that the State Board of Education had officially given CUSD 7 a financial profile of 3.7—the highest score the district has ever received. School districts scoring 3.5 or greater qualify for “financial recognition” status. Financial recognition, Tieman said, is the highest level of financial strength recognized by the State Board. School districts with a financial recognition status are school districts that require “little or no financial oversight” by the state, according to the State Board’s classification system.
“As recently as three or four years ago, we were under a financial early warning,” Tieman said. He credited the School Board for its direction and for “assisting me in managing money and making sure we are using our money in an appropriate way.”
“As recently as three or four years ago, we were under a financial early warning,” Tieman said. He credited the School Board for its direction and for “assisting me in managing money and making sure we are using our money in an appropriate way.” At a time when CUSD 7 faced consecutive years of deficit spending largely due to dwindling state aid payments, the board and administration implemented an austerity program that included not filling teaching and staffing vacancies, along with cutting other expenditures. Those measures, coupled with additional revenue from the county School Facilities Sales Tax Fund and a new “evidence-based” state aid funding formula, have put the district’s financial house in order. In addition to having a balanced budget, Tieman said the district is maintaining reserves the district can tap into in the event of an emergency.
Regarding the district’s academic achievements, as evidenced by “school report cards” issued by the State Board of Education in November, Tieman said student performance is a turn-around from just a few years ago.
“When I hear about schools coming to visit our school,” Tieman said, “I think back to a meeting three years ago.” At the direction of the School Board, then Supt. Paul Skeans challenged administrators and staff to significantly improve student scores on state performance tests. Tieman said some teachers were offended “but the Board was saying something had to be done and the Superintendent was saying ‘I’m tired of being mediocre. Why can’t we be the academic leader?’ Our teachers have responded, our students have responded and our parents have responded. Who would have thought that in three years we’d have schools reaching out to us” to learn more about CUSD 7’s teaching methods and programs.
“My two main points tonight are that not only are we now an academic leader, we are also a financial leader,” Tieman said.
“My two main points tonight are that not only are we now an academic leader, we are also a financial leader,” Tieman said.
DISTRICT FOCUS EYES STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS
After noticing that principal reports to the board often focused on athlete excellence, High School Principal Owsley said he wanted to present a District Focus emphasizing student achievements in the classroom. “You don’t often have a chance to see some of the great things that take place inside the classroom,” he said.
He introduced a team of five vocational students who appeared before the board with a sofa table they had built in shop class. Owsley said that when Mark Goldasich, vocational instructor, showed him a photograph of the piece he “assumed it was something that had been brought in to be refinished or redone but then I was informed these young men had actually built the piece from the ground up.”
The students—Kaleb Crider, Nolan Hayes, Jake Carter, CJ Frensko and Jaylen Ronald—told board members it took about one semester to build the piece. When a photo of the table was posted on Facebook, Owsley said, it elicited dozens of positive comments from area residents. “It was amazing the amount of interest it generated.”
Another student, Dominic Maykopet, attended the meeting with a Nativity creche he built before Christmas for Owsley. Owsley said his father died last year and this was his first Christmas without him. He said he started thinking about Christmas decorations from his childhood, one of which was a Nativity set. Through Ebay, he was able to buy a Nativity set that “was an exact match to the one we had growing up.” The problem was that the set he acquired had no stable.
Owsley said he found a photograph of a stable online, which he showed to Goldasich about two weeks before Christmas break. Goldasich said one of his students could build the stable for him, and Maykopet took on the challenge.
On the day of semester exams, the last day of school before Christmas break, “Dominic came running out to me and said it wasn’t done but he wanted me to have something to take home for Christmas. The student stayed after school to finish the project so Owsley would have it in time for Christmas.
“This is not something you’d see on a Friday night on the football field or the basketball court, but what they are able to do probably is going to make them a lot more money than what they’re doing on the athletic field.”
“I love having the Nativity scene, but the story of Dominic staying and spending extra time to make sure I had it for Christmas makes it even more special,” Owsley said. He said he’s seen similar stables online selling for $300 or more “and you can tell the difference” between them and the one Maykopet made.
“These guys do some amazing things,” Owsley said. “This is not something you’d see on a Friday night on the football field or the basketball court, but what they are able to do probably is going to make them a lot more money than what they’re doing on the athletic field.”
Although the student was unable to attend the meeting, Owsley also presented a piece of art created by art student Kennedy Clark, which recently received a Gold Key Award in a student competition into which teacher Nikki Brawner entered it. Owsley said it was one of only 63 Gold Key Awards given out of more than 1,000 entries. The work will be displayed through Feb. 27 at the Springfield Art Association, after which it will be sent to New York for judging at the national level.
Owsley also showed the board a prototype Miner cellphone cover created by student Eric Johnson in Eric Bogle’s desktop publishing class. He said Bogle is looking into the cost of having several of the cellphone covers manufactured for class members.
POSSIBLE FOOTBALL CO-OP WITH BUNKER HILL
The board informally directed Supt. Tieman to “at least explore” the possibility of entering into an agreement with the Bunker Hill School District for a cooperative football program after Owsley reported he had been approached by Bunker Hill Principal Matt Smith about the prospect. Bunker Hill reportedly had considered a similar agreement with Mount Olive, but Mount Olive has since entered into an agreement with the Staunton School District.
Tieman is expected to report back to the board with the relative pros and cons of entering into a co-op with Bunker Hill. If the board opts to co-op with Bunker Hill, the agreement would be effective with the 2019 season for a minimum of two years.
While two years would be the minimum length of the agreement, Owsley said Bunker Hill is interested in a more long-term contract.
At least one board member, Bill Carter, expressed reservations about the prospect. With Gillespie High School’s long-term enrollment trends, Carter said, the agreement would be likely to move the local team from 2A to 3A competition. That change, he asserted, could result in longer distances for the team to travel in order to play other teams in their class.
“Most of the schools in our conference are 3A schools,” Owsley said. “I’d hate to cheat anyone out of an opportunity to play football.” Creating the co-op would make the local team 3A, possibly 4A, he said. In terms of travel, he said the schedules he has seen include schools as far north as Auburn to schools south of St. Louis.
“I think we can explore the option,” said Board President Mark Hayes. “We’re not making a decision.”
“I need to know from the board if this is a directive for something you want us to explore,” said Tieman. “What I’m hearing to at least explore it.”
POLICY ADOPTION
The board adopted a series of policy recommendations from the Illinois State Board of Education’s Policy Recommendation Education Subscription Service, a service that periodically provides policy recommendations to local school districts. The list of policy recommendations ranged from policies regarding students bringing technology into the school to notifications for free and reduced-price lunches. PRESS policy recommendations are routinely enacted, but the board took the unusual step of excluding two recommended policies dealing with student behavior and administering medications to students.
Tieman said he recommended excluding the two policies because of potential liability issues and the possibility that one of the policies could jeopardize the district’s federal funding.
One of the policies, dealing with administering medications to students, would allow a school district “if it chooses to do so, make medications available to students essentially 24/7,” Tieman said. “The issue with that is that once you agree to that policy, that medication has to be available all the time.”
As an example, he said, students attending an after-hours function on campus would have a right to access their medication stored at the school. That would mean coaches, teachers, and staff would have to have to have keys to access the medication at any time students are present.
“Our attorneys are telling us you can’t do that,” Tieman said, noting it would make teachers and staff liable for student access to medications. “We don’t want to do that and just as important, I don’t want parents to assume that medicine is available so they can make other plans.”
Additionally, the policy makes reference to the so-called Ashley’s Law which would make medical marijuana among the medications to which students would have access. That provision, Tieman said, could put federal funding at risk for the school district.
The student behavior policy also made reference to Ashley’s Law, indicating students with behavioral issues would have access to medically prescribed marijuana on campus.
“I’m not willing to recommend these policies at the risk of putting our federal funding in jeopardy,” he said.
PERSONNEL
Following an executive session of 80 minutes, the board agreed to extend Tieman’s five-year contract by one year at the same salary as he currently earns. The newly extended contract will be effective through 2024.
On a motion by Jenni Alepra, seconded by Carter, the board voted unanimously to hire Paige Niemeyer as an assistant high school girls soccer coach.
The board also hired Beth Fields as a high school softball coach on a motion by Alepra, seconded by Hayes.
On a motion by Alepra, seconded by Carter, the board accepted the resignation of Nikki Stoecker as the GHS yearbook sponsor and posted the position as vacant. The board also accepted the resignation of Keri Bailey as a full route bus driver, on a motion by Don Dobrino, seconded by Becky Hatlee, and posted the position as vacant.
STEM LAB
Middle School Principal Jill Rosentreter reported that the newly constructed STEM Lab is being used extensively by teachers and students and that she has scheduled an Open House for members of the public to view the lab on Feb. 27.
“Our students are enjoying it tremendously,” she said. “Our teachers are absolutely thrilled, and there are some amazing things going on in that lab.”
Tieman agreed, saying he had visited the lab and observed students engaged in experiments and demonstrations.
“I know it carried a hefty price tag,” Rosentreter said, “but if you could see what’s going on in there, it’s absolutely priceless.”
Tieman reminded the board and the public that “95 percent” of the cost of the lab came from revenue generated from the County School Facilities Sales Tax. He lauded those who advocated for passage of the sales tax referendum. “Without those funds, there would be no lab,” he said.
Rosentreter also offered praise for Gerald Brand, representing the Macoupin-Montgomery Chapter of CrimeStoppers, and Resource Officer Jason Stinnett for their work in connection with obtaining emergency buckets for each of the district’s 130 classrooms. CrimeStoppers donated the buckets and Stinnett is actively seeking donations to fill them with emergency supplies such as first aid supplies, flashlights and bottled water.
The buckets, which would be used in the event of an active shooter situation or other emergency, are a step toward “making our entire district safer,” Rosentreter said.
Rosentreter also pointed out that Stinnett has “made great contributions in a short period of time” toward improving school safety. In addition, Tieman said Stinnett is working toward addressing issues with student truancy.
DONATIONS
Tieman reported that the district is receiving an annual donation of $3,000 from TDS Transport, Staunton, for two annual $1,500 scholarships in memory of the company’s founder Lynn Schmidt. Tieman said a committee has been formed to pick two recipients, one male and one female. Carter said the scholarship is not aimed at high academic or athletic achievement but will be targeted at otherwise deserving students.
Tieman also reported that he administered a donation of $724 raised by the high school volleyball team. That money, he said, was split between two families in need for Christmas gifts and food.
FOIA REQUEST
Tieman said the district received one request under the Freedom of Information Act last month. That request from the Illinois Retired Teachers Association asked for a list of teachers retiring in 2019.
“It was an easy request to fill,” Tieman said, “because there are no teachers retiring in 2019.”
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Members of the Community Unit School District 7 Board of Education on Monday night voted to adopt an amended budget for the fiscal year that ended June 30, committed $189,000 in CEJA grant funds to partnering with the City of Gillespie to improve Plum Street, and reviewed ongoing and upcoming facilities improvement projects.
During a public hearing prior to the regular board meeting, Supt. Shane Owsley told the board an amended budget is required anytime “you spend even a penny” over what was initially budgeted for a specific fund. For the just concluded fiscal year, the district overspent the budget in the Bond & Interest Fund, Transportation Fund, and IMRF/Social Security Fund.
With funding uncertainties and uncertainty about when state payments will be received, Owsley said it is nearly impossible to draft a budget a year out that will be completely accurate at the end of the year. For example, at the time he was preparing the amended budget presentation, nearly $40,000 in state money had not been processed by the comptroller. That money did arrive on Monday but if it had come a day later, it would have been considered revenue for fiscal 2026.
Expenses from the Bond & Interest Fund exceeded the budget because a $500 service fee previously paid by the bond broker fell on the school district because of a change in state law. That unanticipated expense pushed expenditures to $1,120,974—$500 more than the $1,120,475 the board initially budgeted. The amended budget increases expenditures to $1,120,975. With $1,117,397.85 already received, the amended budget boosts revenues to $1,123,614.
Salary and benefits for additional support personnel, bus inspections, and additional expenses for contractural services boosted Transportation Fund expenditures to $892,631.25, nearly $60,000 more than the $836,090 initially budgeted. The amended budget approved Monday night increases the amount allotted for expenditures to $921,800.15, with revenue increased from $860,242 to $926,788, with $817,752 already received.
Owsley pointed out the amended budget allots $210,726 for bus driver salaries, compared with $190,000 initially budgeted. Salaries for special education drivers is increased from $81,357 to $115,374, while expenditures for bus aides salaries is increased from $79,833 to $102,759. Expenditures for special education transportation is increased from $7,150 to $7,650, and expenditures for inspections are increased from $1,500 to $2,000.
According to Owsley, expenditures from the IMRF/Social Security Fund exceeded the initial budget in part because of an increase in the IMRF employer rate that become effective Jan. 1. IMRF operates on a calendar year that does not coincide with the school district’s fiscal year. Additionally IMRF/Social Security expenses were influenced by higher than expected expenses for overtime and substitute teacher wages, new hires and position changes.
In total, the district spent $440,078 from the IMRF/Social Security Fund—about $60,000 over the $410,887 initially budgeted. The amended budget increases the expenditure line item to $472,402, with the revenue side increased from $219,308 to $219,846.
Owsley said he added a small contingency to the affected fund budgets “just in case something unexpected happens before July 1.”
The board is expected to get a first look at the new budget proposal for the current fiscal year in August with final approval usually coming in September.
CEJA GRANT
The board agreed with Owsley’s plan to commit about $89,000 in anticipated grant funds from the federal Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) to partner with the City of Gillespie to make improvements to Plum Street. The street has been a focus of discussion for the City Council for several months after the school district rerouted bus traffic to Plum to facilitate synchronizing starting times and dismissals at each of the district’s three attendance centers. City officials say the bus traffic over the past year has severely deteriorated the condition of the street, which was not designed to carryheavy traffic.
“There was talk that we would not be able to continue using Plum Street,” Owsley noted.
While no engineering has been done for the project, the expected price tag is expected to be in the range of $250,000. City officials have said the city cannot afford the improvements on its own and would require the school district’s participation to make the improvements. The project would likely include re-establishing a thicker base along with resurfacing.
The school board originally earmarked the CEJA funds to install more solar panels but agreed with Owsley to divert the money to the Plum Street project.
Owsley said he would ask the school attorney to draft an agreement clarifying that the district would be able to continue using the street for bus traffic in exchange for its financial participation.
PERSONNEL
Following an 80-minute executive session the board took extensive action in the area of personnel.
The board accepted the resignations of Jennifer Brown as high school prom sponsor, and Chase Peterson as a middle school cross-country coach. Vacancies were posted for both positions.
The board accepted the resignation of Mike Smith as a part-time bus driver, and appointed him as a substitute driver. Additionally, the board posted vacant positions for two full-route bus drivers, and exercised a Reduction In Force (RIF) to lay off half-time bus driver Jeff Nehls.
The board voted unanimously to hire Tom Turiglatto as a district custodian, pending a background check.
By a unanimous vote, the board agreed to post vacancies for three paraprofessional positions. Owsley said those hires could be or not be new positions depending upon final enrollment figures for the 2025-26 school year.
After some discussion, the board agreed to rehire coaches for middle school and high school sports programs. Board member Weye Schmidt briefly questioned rehiring Athletic Director Jeremy Smith as head coach for the high school baseball program. Schmidt said the board discussed whether or not Smith should continue his coaching duties while also serving as Athletic Director.
“I remember we said we would try it for a year and see how it worked out,” Schmidt said. As baseball coach, Smith is responsible for supervising upward of 30 games, board member Dennis Tiburzi commented.
Supt. Owsley said the roster of coaches proposed for rehires was approved by the high school principal.
Board President Mark Hayes said Monday night was the deadline for rehiring coaches. “You either have to hire him or fire him tonight,” Hayes said.
In addition to Smith, Tim Wargo, Dan Smith, Adam Tallman and Tate Wargo were rehired as assistant high school high school baseball coaches. Michelle Smith was rehired to coach high school softball, along with Jim Matesa, Joe Kelly and Melissa Heigert as assistant coaches. Jay Weber was rehired as head high school boys track coach, with Alex Ottersburg rehired as assistant coaches. The board rehired Korbin Clark to coach high school girls track with Ottersburg rehired to assist. Casey Fellin was rehired to coach high school girls soccer with Michael Otten rehired to assist. For high school bass fishing, the board rehired head coach Jake Kellebrew, JQ Hartman and Ryan Bossman rehired to assist. Chase Peterson was rehired to coach middle school boys track, while Jacob West was rehired to coach middles school girls track. Jarrod Herron was rehired to coach both middle school and high school scholar bowl.
EMPLOYEE HEALTH INSURANCE
On the advice of Supt. Owsley, the board agreed to contract with Blue Cross-Blue Shield to provide employee health care coverage for a period of 14 months with a premium increase of about nine percent. Owsley said the board was locked into choosing an insurance provider Monday night because the Teacher Retirement System requires teacher salaries and benefits to be documented before the end of July.
During the 14-month term of the newly approved policy, the Owsley and the board are likely to look further into the potential for entering into a self-insurance consortium. Under the plan, the school district would cover employees for up to $75,000 of medical expenses, after which the consortium would kick in to cover up to $300,000 in medical expenses. Anything above $300,000 would be covered by an umbrella policy.
Owsley said it could take five to eight years of expense experience to tailor the program specifically to meet CUSD 7 needs.
“This is a big thing in some states,” Owsley said. “With increased costs in pharmaceuticals and health care, this is seen by some as a way to combat rising costs. There’s more risk at the beginning, but it potentially could result in greater reward.”
FACILITY IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS
Owsley briefly reported on the status of a number of improvement projects at district facilities using grant funds and funds generated from the sale of alternate revenue bonds. Major projects already completed include a new intercom system at the middle school, new fire alarm system for the middle school and high school, new HVAC and lighting at the middle school, a key card system to control entry to the middle school and high school, and other projects.
For the current 2025-26 year, Owsley said plans are underway to install new playground equipment at the elementary school, paint the press boxes at the softball and baseball fields, install new window coverings for the elementary school gym, install lighting for the track and a sidewalk from the elementary school to the high school, and remove carpeting from high school classrooms.
Starting with the summer of 2026, the district plans to resurface the track, add new doors for the weight room, install new breezeway windows, and update the lights and ceiling in the GHS/GMS cafeteria. With the recommendation of Building Manager Brian Page, Owsley said the school will begin a program of annually inspecting building roofs and making minor repairs as needed with an objective to avoid major expenditures for roof replacement.
DISTRICT HANDBOOK
The board approved a Student Handbook for district students. Owsley said a major change include increasing the number of credits required for graduation from 23 to 24, requiring an additional science credit. To mitigate against impacting vocational programs, the district is designating Animal Science as a qualifying science course. Owsley said the graduation credit hike corresponds to other schools in the area. Carlinville requires 26 and Litchfield reportedly requires 25 credits for graduation.
The handbook also requires students to store cellphones in their locked lockers during class time. Previous policy allowed teachers to set their own policies regarding cellphones.
OTHER ACTION
In other action, the board:
- Awarded the 2025-26 food contract to Kohl Wholesale, Quincy.
- Approved a course description book that updates course offerings and includes classes offered through the South Central Illinois Regional Workforce Training and Innovation Center in Litchfield.
- Approved an intergovernmental transportation agreement with the Jersey Community School District to provide bus transportation for the CUSD 7 student who attends the Illinois School for the Deaf in Jacksonville.
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FELONIES
Kelsey E. McKinney, 36 of Virden, is charged with possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams) in connection with a June 27 incident.
Natosha L. Michaelis, 38 of Carlinville, is charged with theft/unauthorized control (>500<10k) in connection with a June 29 incident.
Ashleigh K. Bethe, 41 of Benld, is charged with possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams) in connection with a June 30 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Natosha L. Michaelis, 38 of Carlinville, is charged with violation of an order of protection in connection with a June 28 incident.
Trey W. Fenton, 34 of Mount Olive, is charged with violation of a no contact order in connection with a June 30 incident.
TRAFFIC
Clinton H. Turner, 51 of Franklin, is charged with failure to notify of damage to an unattended vehicle in connection with a June 25 incident.
Drew M. Sickler, 31 of Litchfield, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration in connection with a June 4 incident.
Dawn M. Malone, 58 of Collinsville, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a June 19 incident.
Ian J. Martin, 29 of Springfield, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration in connection with a June 20 incident.
Drequille S. Snow, 24 of Springfield, is charged with driving on a suspended license and driving 15-20 mph above the limit in connection with a June 20 incident.
Brandon L. Pollard, 22 of Highland, is charged with driving on a revoked license, unlawful possession of cannabis, transporting/carrying alcohol/driver, and no seatbelt in connection with a June 19 incident.
Shane A. Smith, 50 of Girard, is charged with reckless driving, fleeing/attempting to elude an officer, failure to stop for a train or signal, improper turn signal, and driving/operating a non-highway vehicle in connection with a June 19 incident.
Lyndsey M. McCann, 29 of Bunker Hill, is charged with driving on a suspended license and operating a motor vehicle with suspended registration in connection with a June 20 incident.
James S. Adams, 32 of Waterloo, IA, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a June 23 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Dylan Wright versus Charcsey Wright
- Adrienne L. Sullivan versus Michael J. Sullivan
- Lydia Michelle Brandon versus Sophia Rose Marie Brandon
- Steven Sadler versus Patricia Sadler
MARRIAGE LICENSES
- Conner James Pollard and Elizabeth Marie Wasylenko, both of Gillespie
- David Keith Grider and Brandi Luann Defrates, both of Greenfield
- Issac Jacob Gotcher and Johannah Grace Martin, both of Carlinville
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SUNDAY, JUNE 29, 2025
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Ave and Kentucky Street in Benld. Dawson J. Clark, 18 of Benld, was issued citations for improper lane usage and driving while under the influence of alcohol.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Hard Road in Mt. Clare in reference to illegal dumping.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Frey Street in reference to a theft.
An officer made contact with a male at East Maple Street and Adams Street. Jonathan A. Graves, 33 of Wilsonville, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for possession of a controlled substance.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of East Walnut Street in reference to a medical assist.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Dorsey Road and 2nd Street in Mt. Clare. Uzziel C. Stennis, 27 of East Alton, was issued citations for driving while license is suspended and speeding.
An officer was dispatched to the 900 block of South Madison Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to Route 4 and Central Avenue in Benld in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of South 1st Street in reference to suspicious circumstances.
An officer was dispatched to Big Brick Park in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Street in Benld in reference to a medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to Central Ave and 8th Street in Benld in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North 8th Street in Benld in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Walnut Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 100 block of South Hard Road in Mt. Clare in reference to a suspicious vehicle
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Montgomery Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to a well-being check.
MONDAY, JUNE 30, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Lincoln Avenue in Eagarville in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with a male in reference to a fight that took place in the 700 block of North Main Street in Benld.
Edward T. Parker, 31 of St. Louis, Missouri, was arrested at Laura Street and Chestnut Street on a warrant out of Pontoon Beach for driving while license was revoked.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of South 2nd Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Central Avenue in Benld in reference to found property.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of West Maple Street in reference to a security check.
An officer was dispatched to the 2300 block of Staunton Road in Mt. Clare in reference to a civil standby.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Western Street in reference to illegal burning.
TUESDAY, JULY 1, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Hard Road in Benld in reference to criminal trespass. Jacob D. Ruyle, 20 of Benld, was issued a citation for unlawful burning.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Central Street in Benld in reference to a battery.
An officer was dispatched to Central Avenue in Benld in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of First Street in reference to a noise complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a car fire.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 500 block of East Elm Street in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 2, 2025
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Montgomery and Walnut Street. Alex L. Dyer, 19 of Gillespie, was arrested for driving while under the influence of alcohol, reckless driving, and improper lane usage.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Walnut Street in reference to neighborhood trouble.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Chestnut Street in reference to harassment through electronic communication.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Illinois Street in Benld in reference to illegal burning.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Broadway Street in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Chestnut Street in reference to a civil standby.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 400 block of East Central in Benld in reference to a subject still outside the business drinking after hours.
An officer on normal patrol was out at Pomatto Park with a subject and advised him the park was closed after dark.
THURSDAY, JULY 3, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Staunton Road in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Lake in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Berry Street in Mt. Clare in reference to suspicious circumstances.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of East Easton Street in reference to a medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Francis Street in reference to theft.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to suspicious circumstances in the 800 block of North Macoupin Street.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Gillespie Street in reference to a suspicious circumstance.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Penny Street in reference to a medical assist.
FRIDAY, JULY 4, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Broadway Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Francis Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 1400 block of Staunton Road in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Pine Street. Dennis N. Rhodes, 74 of Carlinville, was issued a citation for driving on a cancelled driver’s license.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Park Street in Benld in reference to a medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to fireworks.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South 1st Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer was dispatched to Jersey Street in reference to fireworks being shot off in the street.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to illegal parking.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Abba Street in reference to illegal parking.
An officer was out on Harmony Lane at Gillespie Lake in reference to disorderly conduct.
SATURDAY, JULY 5, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of N 7th Street in Benld in reference to a missing child; she was later found.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Central Avenue in Benld in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of West Baker in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to Rain Street and Carney Lane at Gillespie Lake in reference to a vehicle versus fireworks issue.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Broadway Street and Kelly Street. A 17-year-old male from Staunton was issued a citation for possession of alcoholic liquor, and a 16-year-old male from Staunton was issued a citation for consumption of alcoholic liquor under 21.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Oak Street. Joshua D. Ware, 20 of Trenton, was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Dorsey Road in Mt. Clare in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Spruce Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to fireworks.
An officer was dispatched to Route 16 and Route 4 in East Gillespie in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to Route 4 and Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Gillespie Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to fraud in the 400 block of West Chestnut Street.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
