Community News
Ambitious plans to revitalize Gillespie downtown unveiled at two public information meetings
Mayor John Hicks and residents reviewing plans for the water infrastructure project that were available during the meeting.
Gillespie city officials, volunteers, and consultants unveiled ambitious plans to revitalize the downtown business district, retain and attract businesses, maintain the population and attract tourism during a pair of public information meetings held Monday, Jan. 21, at the Gillespie Civic Center. Approximately 50 people attended an afternoon session with nearly twice that many attending a second session in the evening.
City Treasurer Dan Fisher said the effort to revitalize the business district “makes perfect sense” at this time because of an upcoming $10 million water infrastructure project that will replace water transmission lines throughout the city over the next two years. As part of that project, sidewalks along the Macoupin Street business district will be removed or damaged. City officials and members of Grow Gillespie, a group of volunteers who want to spearhead redevelopment, want to take advantage of that opportunity to implement a Streetscape program to beautify the business district.
“The water project will require replacement of some, if not most, of the sidewalks downtown,” Fisher said. He said the city has set aside about $500,000 over the past several years with the intent of using it to leverage grants, such as those available from the Illinois Department of Transportation to fund streetscape efforts. Moreover, the downtown area is a part of the city’s Tax Increment Financing district, meaning the city can use TIF funds to underwrite some of the planned improvements.
In addition to improving downtown aesthetics, Grow Gillespie plans to initiate programs to encourage entrepreneurship, retain and grow existing businesses, and encourage new businesses to open downtown.
“A number of key events are converging to give us a once in a generation opportunity” to revitalize the city, Fisher noted.
[pullquote]“A number of key events are converging to give us a once in a generation opportunity” to revitalize the city, Fisher noted.[/pullquote]
The meeting featured the presentation of a 15-minute video outlining plans Grow Gillespie and the city are considering, explaining how they could be financed and the benefits likely to accrue to the community as a result.
Dan Fisher addressing those attending the meeting.
The presentation noted that the water infrastructure project, financed through a combination of USDA Rural Development grants and loans, is central to revitalization efforts. Some of the water transmission lines that will be replaced are as much as 100 years old. Most are cast iron pipes that are prone to breakage in extreme weather. According to the film, narrated by Fisher, each water main break costs the city an average of $1,200 each to repair, with annual costs to repair breaks amounting to about $40,000 annually. The new infrastructure, he said, will drastically reduce those costs.
The new water lines also will allow the city to completely fill the water storage tower, increasing water pressure throughout the city. The city currently avoids filling the tower to reduce pressure on fragile, aging water lines. “It will dramatically improve water quality and reliability,” Fisher said.
While the bulk of Monday’s presentation focused on Grow Gillespie’s ambitious revitalization plans, it was clear that many of those attending came to learn more about the water project, how it will affect them and how much it will increase their costs. Responding to questions after the presentation, Fisher said minimum water bills will be increased by $1.50 per month. A combined water/sewer bill for 4,000 gallons of usage will increase from $47.44 to $48.94. Even with that increase, he said, in-town water bills will be $20.30 less than the area average of $69.24 paid by water customers in surrounding communities.
Grow Gillespie’s objectives include making the downtown area more appealing aesthetically; making downtown a center for cultural experiences such as performances, art shows, farmers markets and other events; expanding tourism, encouraging entrepreneurship, retaining and expanding the population, and retaining and expanding local businesses. The video presentation cited Ageless Fitness Center and the newly opened Dingers batting cages and golf simulator as examples of successful entrepreneurship in the city.
Speaking in a recorded interview, T.J. Allan, owner of Ageless, said people encouraged him to give up on the concept of a local fitness center after a tornado destroyed their original location only weeks after opening. Instead, he chose to rent another building for a year while building a new location just off Macoupin Street. He said he was determined to stick with the concept. “That’s what small towns are,” he said. “Small towns are about relationships and community.”
Grow Gillespie also plans to work closely with the Macoupin County CEO program, a high school-based program headed by Pete Visintin, to encourage young entrepreneurs to dive into the local market by opening businesses locally. In recent months, the group has consulted with facilities dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship, including The Incubator, a downtown business in Springfield that offers office space, advice and encouragement to fledgling businesses.
The group foresees the Illinois Coal Museum as a key component in attracting tourism. Conceptual drawings for the Streetscape plan show the museum sporting neon signage and a mural on a side wall to use as a background for “selfies.” Part of the concept is aimed at enticing Route 66 travelers to stop in Gillespie, and spend time shopping and patronizing local restaurants. Also included is a plan to designate the first block of East Chestnut Street as a cultural area that can be used for farmers markets or performances, often in conjunction with live performances of movies playing at the nearby Canna Theatre, which is undergoing an ongoing restoration effort.
“The Streetscape is a key part of our efforts,” Fisher said.
[pullquote]The Streetscape is a key part of our efforts,” Fisher said.[/pullquote]
The group enlisted the services a Layne Knoche, a landscape engineer originally from Dorchester, to advise and direct the group in developing the Streetscape plan. His plan includes planting trees in the downtown area, along with plantings of native flowers and ornamentals. The plan utilizes “dead” areas at intersections defined by the current crosswalk and diagonal parking spaces to install curbing and dirt for plantings. Those newly created planting areas will reduce the crosswalk from 76 feet to 46 feet, not only improving aesthetics but pedestrian safety as well. The trees recommended for the downtown area are low maintenance native species as well. Responding to a question, Knoche said the trees will not result in damage to sidewalks as did trees planted downtown several years ago.
Roger Mensing (far left), water project engineer, fielding questions from residents.
“They were the wrong trees,” he said. Moreover, the openings in the sidewalk were too small to accommodate root growth, according to Knoche. Under his plans, the sidewalk openings will be adequate for growth, plus a grate system in the sidewalk will direct stormwater to the plants to improve drainage and ensure the plants are adequately watered. The trees recommended can reach heights of 20 feet, but Knoche said they can be pruned and maintained to keep them at an optimum size.
Knoche acknowledged that not all merchants are happy about the idea of having trees near their places of business, but he insisted that research has conclusively shown that “green spaces” stimulate economic activity.
The Streetscape plan also includes provisions for reconfiguring parking spaces on side streets to expand the number of parking spaces available to downtown shoppers, as well as the installation of LED street lights to improve lighting and aesthetics. Knoche said eventually, overhead electrical wires will be moved underground not only to improve the appearance of downtown but also to reduce the chances of devastating power outages after inclement weather.
For the city, improving the business climate is a win-win, Fisher said. Already, Gillespie businesses generate a surprising $23 million in sales every year. Sales tax revenue from that economic activity accounts for 20 percent of the city government’s budget. Improving the business climate is expected to stimulate the economy and result in additional sales tax revenue the city can invest in services and amenities for city residents. He said traffic studies show that about 10,000 vehicles a day pass through downtown Gillespie. The Streetscape plan and other plans by Grow Gillespie are aimed at ensuring that more of that traffic stops to spend time in the Gillespie downtown area.
Overall, the expected price tag for the Streetscape project is estimated at $1 million to $2 million. If the city decides to implement the program, he said it will likely overlap the water infrastructure project, starting sometime in the second year of the water project. For the Streetscape project, Fisher estimated a completion cycle of up to five years.
Fisher said Grow Gillespie is actively seeking input, as well as volunteers, from the public. Interested persons may visit growgillespie.org for more information, provide input or volunteer their services.
Implementing the Streetscape project is not a “done deal,” according to an information sheet provided to persons attending Monday’s meeting, but it is “under serious consideration” by the city. Additional public information meetings will be scheduled in the future to gain public input, feedback and guidance.
Comments
SUNDAY, APRIL 12, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Spruce Street in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Elm Street in reference to found property.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of South Street in Benld in reference to a noise complaint.
An officer was dispatched to Park Street and South Trolley Street in Benld in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to Fillmore Street and Burton Street in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Shelby Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Central in Benld in reference to a medical issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South 1st Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 2300 block of Staunton Road in Mt. Clare in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of 2nd Street in Benld in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of West Central in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of South Mt. Olive Road in Eagarville in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Walnut Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to Spruce Street and 5th Street in Benld in reference to a well-being check.
MONDAY, APRIL 13, 2026
The school resource officer was dispatched to the Gillespie High School Office in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was dispatched to the Gillespie High School in the 600 block of Broadway Street in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Litchfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to illegal dumping.
Douglas D. Davis, 59 of Benld, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for driving while license revoked.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Francis Street in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Central Avenue in Benld in reference to a battery.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of East Elm Street in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Kentucky Street and Central Avenue in Benld. A 16 year old male from Benld was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of North Francis Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to fraud in the 600 block of Gillespie Street.
TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2026
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Hard Road and Dorsey Road in Benld. Camden G. Zumwalt, 18 of Staunton, was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer was dispatched to the 1400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Charles Street in reference to harassment.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to illegal parking.
An officer was dispatched to Dorsey Street and Hard Road in Benld in reference to a well-being check.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to to harassment in the 300 block of East Maple Street.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Central Avenue in Benld in reference to a security check.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of North Main Street in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of West Pine Street in reference to a well-being check.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Park Street in Benld in reference to a well-being check.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Staunton Road and Henrietta Street. Lester W. Harvill, 56 of Benld, was arrested for improper lane usage and driving under the influence.
Catherine A. Brister, 50 of Staunton, was arrested on a Calhoun County warrant for failure to appear for violation of a court order.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to to harassment.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Harding Avenue in East Gillespie in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Stemmi Street in Wilsonville to assist the Macoupin County Sheriff Department.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to juvenile issue on Dorsey Road in Mt. Clare.
An officer spoke with an officer at Gillespie Police Department in reference to harassment on Fries Lane at Gillespie Lake.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Harding Avenue in East Gillespie in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Litchfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to illegal dumping
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of North 6th Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 2026
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with a female in reference to child abuse.
An officer was dispatched to the Gillespie Police Department to speak with a female in reference to a child custody issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of West Osie Street in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer was dispatched to Staunton Road and Illinois Avenue in East Gillespie in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Harding Avenue in East Gillespie in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of LJ Avenue in reference to a wellbeing check.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Maple Street and Jersey Street. Amy L. Vollintine, 31 of Sorento, was issued a citation for suspended registration.
An officer was dispatched to Benld City Garage in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer was dispatched to Walnut Street and Kentucky Street in Benld in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of East Central in Benld in reference to criminal trespass.
FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of East Chestnut Street in Benld in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Harding Avenue in East Gillespie in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Henrietta Street in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Harding Avenue in East Gillespie in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Berry Street in Mt. Clare in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of North 5th Street in Benld in reference to a civil issue.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Broadway Street and Oregon Street. Daniel L. Harpole, 31 of Brighton, was issued a citation for speeding.
The school resource officer was dispatched to Ben-Gil Elementary School in reference to an issue with a parent.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of East Elm Street with an Alderman in reference to an ordinance issue.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 600 block of West Osie Street.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Harding Avenue in East Gillespie in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was out at a business in the 400 block of East Central in Benld speaking with a male in reference to suspended registration.
SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 2026
John E. Wenzel, 74 of Mt. Clare, was issued citations for driving under the influence and leaving the scene of an accident in the 300 block of North Macoupin Street.
An officer assisted Macoupin County Sheriff Department at South 4th Street and East Spruce Street in Benld.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Hard Road in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of East Locust Street in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to Meadowlark Drive in Benld in reference to unwanted solicitors.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of North 5th Street in Benld in reference to neighborhood issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a security check.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Western Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South 5th Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Comments
FELONIES
Justine D. Pocklington, 27 of Standard City, possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams), aggravated feeling police/21 mph over, no valid registration, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a February 2 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Katlyn N. Pilger, 21 of Benld, is charged with theft/unauthorized control (<$500) in connection with a March 28 incident.
Donald L. Lloyd, 46 of Staunton, is charged with criminal trespass to land in connection with an April 5 incident.
TRAFFIC
Tarina S. Slaughter, 47 of Girard, is charged with improper use of registration/title, unlicensed, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with an April 4 incident.
William C. Geiser, 60 of Gillespie, is charged with reckless driving in connection with an April 6 incident.
Lauren E. Wolfe, 21 of Granite City, is charged with improper use of registration/title and expiration of registration in connection with an April 3 incident.
Jim T. Wahl, 53 of Cottage Hills, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with an April 8 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Nora Washington versus Joseph D. Washington
- Samantha Lehnen versus Chad Wallace
MARRIAGE LICENSES
- Colton D. West of Hettick and Alina M. Carver of Scottville.
- Devin J. Martin and Mariah P. Crane, both of Bunker Hill.
- Jonathon E. Swisher of Shipman and Mackenzie P. Calvin of Saint Charles, MO.
- Lucas Boschelli and Danielle J. Boatman, both of Carlinville.
- Todd R. Leverton and Jennifer L. Bowman, both of Carlinville.
Comments
SUNDAY, APRIL 5, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Oak Street in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Oak Street in reference to harassment.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South Main Street in Benld in reference to a civil standby.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Park Avenue in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Elm Street in reference to a civil standby.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
MONDAY, APRIL 6, 2026
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
Jonathan M. Kirkwood, 29 of Benld, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for traffic.
An officer was dispatched to Maple Street and Adams Street in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was out with a female at Trolley Street and Central Avenue in Benld in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the Gillespie Police Department to speak with a male in reference to a civil issue in the 200 block of South Main Street in Benld.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Henry Street in East Gillespie. Camden G. Zumwalt, 18 of Staunton, was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a well-being check.
TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2026
Cory D. Norton, 33 of Columbus, NC, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for driving while driver’s license was suspended. He also has a warrant out of Montgomery County for failure to appear while driver’s license was suspended.
An officer was dispatched to the intersection of Madison Street and Wilson Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was out with a male at Staunton Road and Charles Street in reference to a traffic crash. Tanner E. Moore, 28 of Gillespie, was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol, improper lane usage, using an electronic communication device, and failure to change address.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Frey Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Staunton Road in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South 4th Street in Benld in reference to unwanted solicitors.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Maple Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Richards Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was out in the 100 block of South Main Street in Benld. Amanda L. Broderick, 37 of Benld, was issued citations for unlawful possession of traffic signs and obstruction. Luther C. Welch, 31 of Shipman, was issued a citation for obstruction.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Berry Street in Mt. Clare in reference to a death investigation.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 300 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to illegal dumping and criminal trespass.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 6th Street in Benld in reference to criminal damage to property.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to identity theft in the 1200 block of Second Street.
An officer initiated a traffic stop in the 400 block of South Macoupin Street. Andrea M. Hulsey, 30 of Mt. Clare, was issued a citation for her minor child not wearing a seatbelt.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Broadway in reference to a neighbor dispute.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 900 block of Springfield Road in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Abba Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was dispatched to Ben-Gil Elementary School in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Elm Street in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to Kentucky Street and Hickory Street in Benld in reference to a noise complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Walnut Street to assist the Macoupin County Sheriff Department in serving an eviction notice.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Dorsey Road in Mt. Clare in reference to a well-being check.
THURSDAY, APRIL 9, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Dorsey Street in Benld in reference to a medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Donaldson Street in reference to criminal damage to property.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Avenue and Main Street in Benld. Trinity A. Pruitt, 22 of Benld, was issued citations for speeding and for illegal transportation of cannabis.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a civil issue.
The school resource officer brought a child to the Gillespie Police Department in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 200 block of West Spruce Street.
An officer was dispatched to the 2300 block of Staunton Road in Mt. Clare in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Clay Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of East Central Avenue in Benld in reference to suspicious activity.
FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2026
An officer was dispatched near the water plant in reference to juveniles fighting.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South Second Street in Benld in reference to assisting the Litchfield Police Department with a case.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Wilson Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Charles Street in reference to a civil issue.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Henry Street in East Gillespie. Leonard J. Schwartz, 55 of Edwardsville, was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Pine Street. Scott A. Byrd, 49 of Wilsonville, was issued a citation for expired registration.
SATURDAY, APRIL 11, 2026
Larry E. Conlee, 42 of Mt. Clare, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for dangerous drugs. He was also arrested for resisting a peace officer and aggravated battery.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to an animal complaint on Bishop Drive at Gillespie Lake.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South Hard Road in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of East Walnut Street in reference to solicitation.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
