Community News
Ainad Shriners Celebrate 100 Years in 2012
Invite you to attend 100th Anniversary Hospital Celebration
Ainad Shriners Band waiting to board train EStL Relay.
Ainad Shriners are celebrating their 100th anniversary throughout Southern Illinois during 2012. The anniversary year is full of events in which the public is encouraged to participate. We will be starting our celebration with a parade in Effingham and membership drive. On June 1st, we will be hosting our 100th Anniversary parade in Belleville, Illinois. This “kicks off” our circuses over nine days and six cities throughout Southern Illinois. We will be in Belleville, Waterloo, Jerseyville, Olney, Salem and DuQuoin. Then, throughout the summer come see us at your local festival or homecoming. Listen to our drum corps, hum a tune to our band, watch our motor cycle units, laugh at a clown and take a picture with a furry animal.
Ainad Drum Bugle Corps on Firetruck Cairo Parade.
Ainad Shriners was created with 105 members beginning on May 8, 1912. However, an initial committee of 35 businessmen discussed the possibility of joining a new organization within the Masonic Fraternity in order to promote fun and fellowship. This meeting was held on Friday evening, Apr. 19, 1912. Through affiliations from surrounding Shrine Temples in Illinois and Missouri and with applications by new individuals, an additional 154 members were admitted into the new fraternal organization. By December 1913, membership had increased to 259 and was granted a charter into Shriners International on May 13, 1913. Ainad Shriners became temple number 130 throughout the United States and the fourth of five temples in the State of Illinois.
The new fraternal organization was named “Ainad,” after the Arabic word for “obstinacy.” The name was given to the organization by the Imperial organization during the national convention in Los Angeles on May 7, 1912.
Thomas L. Fekete was the first Ainad potentate (leader), serving as the temporary leader until the charter was issued on May 13, 1913. Mr. Fekete then served as the Illustrious Potentate for the charter year of 1913.
The Shriners met regularly at the Scottish Rite Temple at 14th & College in East St. Louis, IL. Occasionally the group met at the Missouri Athletic Association (Club) in St. Louis as well as offices of members who had businesses in East St. Louis from 1912 until 1923. The existing temple, or Shrine Center, started construction in June 1922 and ended by September 1923 and still stands at 609 St. Louis Ave. in East St. Louis, Ill. The building was dedicated on November 24, 1922 and remains the largest auditorium in the city.
Ainad temple under construction in 1922.
Designed in the Moorish style of architecture, the building was erected in response to a growing need for a public venue for conventions, sporting and social gatherings in the community. Notable St. Louis Architects William B. Ittner and A. B. Frankel with Associated Architects designed the building. Jesse I. Gedney owner of Gedney Contracting was selected at the construction superintendent. On a side note, A.B. Frankel and Jesse I. Gedney were intimately familiar with the organization as they were Shriners. Throughout the building’s 90-year history, the Ainad Shriners’ organization sponsored or contracted with groups such as the Business and Professional Women’s Club, Daughters of the American Revolution, Illinois State Federation of Labor and numerous others to hold boxing matches, circuses, dances and proms for the East St. Louis High School, pageants, ice cream socials, Shrine band and drum corps concerts, wrestling matches, public forums for politicians, mayoral balls, country western concerts for Lee Greenwood and Mel Tillis, and trade show exhibitions.
The first non-Masonic function held at the new building was a dinner and dance sponsored by the members from 124th Field Artillery Post American Legion, November 10,1923 in the newly erected building. The first sporting event was a basketball game between East St. Louis and Greenville High Schools on January 23,1924. During the month of December, the Elks club held their annual fashion and bazaar from the 10th through the15th.
The Shriners had numerous committees to provide additional support for the activities of the growing membership. These were by-laws, charitable, entertainment, hotel, membership, transportation and special functions of the membership. Any individual from the floor could present an idea and then according to Roberts Rule of Order follow through. The Potentate appointed any special committees to investigate an idea or solution to an issue regarding the membership. Having a committee was the preferred method of handling an issue, which still exists today.
Want to see the hospital and join the Ainad Shriners celebrate 100 years? Click on the invitation and make your reservation! You will be amazed by the hospital and service. Ainad Shriners 100 Year Invitation
Public entertainment was no stranger to the new fraternal organization. In 1916, the organization opened to the public for the purpose of hosting minstrels as a fundraiser. These were often popular for an evening out for membership and those who wanted to be entertained. Ainad Shriners’ first circus (a tradition that continues today in several Southern Illinois communities) started on January 21, 1922. The John W. Moore Co. from Chicago provided the circus entertainment. The Union Trust Building in East St. Louis was the site for the circus. It ran for seven nights in the auditorium.
Ainad Band Drum Bugle in the Imperial New Orleans King & Queen Neptune Parade.
Traveling to events for the shrine was not a small undertaking. Railroads were the means and mode for transporting individuals as well as large groups. Throughout the history of Ainad Shriners there was a committee who handled the travel arrangements for the temple. Each year the incoming potentate would appoint a new committee chairman for the purpose of handling the annual pilgrimage (national convention). The chairman would work with the Illinois Central, Chicago & Alton, Michigan Central, St. Louis, Cleveland, Cincinnati & Chicago Railroad companies as well as countless others. The membership would travel in class by riding in Pullman cars. Members who lived in East St. Louis would take the train from the East St. Louis Relay Depot while others would travel from their communities to East St. Louis. Travel on trains was more economical and by the 1960s air transportation as well as the new interstate highway system was changing the way individuals and groups traveled.
On March 18, 1924, Major Frank L. Reardon addressed Ainad Shriners on behalf of the War Department requesting the permission to use Ainad Temple as a mobilization point in case of war, for infantry and artillery regiments. During World War II the building was used as a mustering, or gathering of units, prior to departure for the European or Asian theaters for battle. Units would drill in the auditorium as well as the basement. Additionally, the U.S. Army had a communications unit there during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. The building was also the regional headquarters for Civil Defense, used until the mid-1970’s.
Ainad Shriners supported local charities from 1912 to 1922 throughout Southern Illinois. Often the Shriners provided support to local and national organizations such as the Boy Scouts of America, Elks, Knights of Columbus, St. Clair County Humane Society, St. Clair County Tuberculosis Society, United Jewish Relief Fund and countless others. Whenever there was a natural disaster in the area the call for action was placed to the members. Those who did not ask were approached and monetary or living expenses were provided. Then, beginning in 1923, the fraternal organization supported the newly created Shriners Hospital in Shreveport, La., which was created in response to the rapid spread of polio and other pediatric and orthopedic medical issues. The first Shriners hospital was established by September 16, 1922. However, this charitable giving has not stopped but continues today.
On June 1, 1924, the Ainad Shriners band, drum corps and patrol units participated in a parade for sole purpose of dedicating the opening of Shriners Hospital for Crippled Children, formerly located off of Kingshighway in St. Louis. The units provided entertainment following the dedication ceremonies. Today, 22 Shriners Hospitals for Children are located throughout North America. The hospital system has evolved over 90 years to provide medical care for burn victims, spinal cord injuries, cleft lip and pallet in addition to pediatric and orthopedic medical issues.
1952 Shriners with gifts.
Today, Ainad Shriners is the ninth largest temple of 195 Shrine centers throughout the world. With a membership of approximately 4,600, Ainad is the largest of the five Shrine centers in Illinois. During the late 1970’s, its membership grew too as many as 10,000 throughout Southern Illinois.
Over the past 100 years, Shriners have been active throughout Southern Illinois in parades, festivals, paper crusades and membership ceremonials. Ainad Shriners are all Free Masons who reside in virtually every community of Southern Illinois. Many of these men were founding fathers of numerous municipalities leaving their legacy and passing from one generation to the next. These men exemplified the application of Masonic teachings of truth, brotherly love, helping others and affirming that all mankind is created equal. Shriners are generally active in most every type of business, profession, and field of endeavor. Shriners are often leaders in their respective fields and in the various churches, civic organizations, and service clubs of their community. If you would like to know more information regarding membership in Shriners, go to our website beashrinernow.com.
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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.
