Community News
Benld City Council denies Business Permit
Accepts 7 lots from Staunton Hospital
Sue Campbell from Staunton Hospital deeded 7 lots back to the City of Benld.
Ron Releford, who currently owns the self-storage units on Central Avenue, approached the council on April 9, to get a business permit to build more storage units. Releford bought the lot where the old bakery was adjacent to the old Turcol’s tavern. Releford explained that he was not going to allow hazmat materials, tires, or vehicles. “It is in the contract.”
He plans to put in 10-15 units which will 10×15’ of 10×20’ in size on 6th Street and Central Avenue. “I wanted to propose an ordinance that storage units cannot be built inside city limits any longer,” Tilashalski explained, “Most community have them on the edge of town or in parks. I certainly do not support any storage buildings on Central Avenue any longer.” Releford currently occupies self-storage units in 10 different cities that rest in the business district which are Chatham and even Auburn.
Releford responded that he bought the old grocery store to tear down and put storage sheds up. “That won’t happen if we get this ordinance passed,” Hendricks said.
“You guys will own it back then,” Releford responded, “I will put it in a corporation and dissolve it and it will be yours again.” The council voted 5-1 with objection from Chiardo to deny the business permit request.
Ron Releford explains that he wants to build self storage lots on the new property he bought.
Rick Vertichio then arrived and was questioned by the council if an ordinance could be written to prevent self-storage units from being built in the city limits. “The problem we have with that is the zoning issue and we don’t have zoning,” Vertichio stated. “You can vote not to issue him a business license, but it would be a difficult issue if he takes you to court.”
You have to have a basis for your decision, according to Vertichio, and just saying you do not want storage units in the city limits is not good enough. “To not issue a business license for storage units, I am not saying you will fail, but it is a question and I don’t know if we can write up an ordinance.” Vertichio said he would write up whatever the city wanted, but he was unsure how successful the ordinance would stand.
“You can pass them and deny them as you see fit,” Vertichio stated, “I don’t know if you can’t pass an ordinance stating you don’t want storage units. That way they are challenging a decision being made and not an ordinance. The decision would be taken to court and could get tough for the city. It is per say inappropriate and illegal.”
Sue Campbell then asked the council if they were interested in 7 lots behind the Community Family Practice Center. The Family Practice Center rests on Central Avenue across the street from the Benld Public Library.
The lots are directly behind the doctor’s office which is separated by an alley way. “We have no use for the lots and will never develop them,” Campbell explained, “Build Benld has done a very nice job with the gazebo, so I wanted to deed the lots back to city.”
Years ago, the city deeded the lots to the hospital. But according to Campbell, the hospital is going to have to start paying taxes on the lots and would like to give them back to the city. Alderman Tilashalski gratefully accepted the offer, “As land is at a premium right now, I say we hold on to what we do have and graciously accept anything that is given to us.”
The council accepted the land 6-0. Sue Campbell explained that she is going to work with the City Attorney and get all the necessary paperwork done. Campbell did request rock in the alley as there is a rut in the alley way from water drainage. “We consider Benld as one of the communities we try to serve and you guys are friends of us,” Campbell closed.
Lynn Fraelle explained that it would save Kurt Kozac some time if she checked on the derelict properties. Fraelle asked if the city bills the entities when the city has to cut the grass. “Up to this point, the property owners usually take care of the grass after a notification,” Mayor Hendricks explained, “Our problem is not the foreclosures, it’s the property with the backed taxes.”
Fraelle went on to say that Build Benld has sent letters to local newspapers about the dissatisfaction about the Benld Post Office. Mrs. Betts could not answer any questions and gave us a run-around, so we sent out a letter to all the major newspapers and locals. According to Fraelle, she will leave a copy of who to contact if any citizens would be interested in calling.
Micky Robinson presented the Mayor with a $500 check from the Benld Fire Department. The money is to be used for tables in the civic center. “With the $500, we should have what we need,” Robinson explained, “But we will find out during our prime month next month.”
Robinson, city property chairman, went on to say that the city park is up and running except the gas. A city person needs to contact the gas company and turn that on as the first event in the park is this weekend. Robinson also said that the railroad trailers are still on the railroad tracks. Ed Sarracco informed Robinson that he is writing another letter to see if they can get something done with that.
Mayor Hendricks explained that the new committee appointments will go into effect on May 1. The new appointments are as follows: City Property will be Tilashalski, Robinson, Gruey. Finance will be Gruey, Bernot, and Hedrick. Maintenance will be Chiardo, Robinson, and Gruey. Police will be Hedrick, Chiardo, and Robinson. Sewer will be Robinson, Tilashalski, and Bernot. Water will be Bernot, Hedricks, and Chiardo.
The mayor will do the rest of the appointments in the May meeting. The appropriation ordinance will end April 30, 2013. As of this point in time, the mayor may have to amend and tweak a couple things. The appropriation ordinance was approved 6-0.
Lastly, the “Conlee building” which is the old Turcol’s tavern has been partially torn down. According to Mayor Hendrichs, he started tearing it down after he read in the paper that the council was going to take action on the building. Vertichio then sent him a letter and he continued to tear it down until the sheriff and EPA got involved and everything has come to a halt. “He mentioned he is going to walk away from it now.”
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FELONIES
Austin C. Drake, 30 of Girard, is charged with theft/unauthorized control (>$500<$10k) and bad checks/obtaining control of property in connection with a September 22 and an October 7 incident.
William C. Cooper, 41 of Gillespie, is charged with burglary in connection with a November 1 incident.
Joseph L. Schnurr, 63 of De Soto, Mo, is charged with aggravated fleeing in connection with a November 26 incident.
Derek J. Bultema, 40 of Gillespie, is charged with possession of methamphetamine in connection with a November 26 incident.
Brandon A. Martin, 26 of Wood River, is charged with aiding/abetting/possession/selling a stolen vehicle and aggravated fleeing in connection with a November 26 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Richard J. Williams, 44 of Staunton, is charged with criminal trespass to a vehicle in connection with a November 14 incident.
Ryne L. Manion, 41 of Mt. Olive, is charged with criminal trespass to a building in connection with a November 20 incident.
TRAFFIC
Terence L. Binion, 51 of University City, MO, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with a November 22 incident.
Andrew J. Goewey, 34 of Sawyerville, is charged with driving on a revoked license and driving 21-25 mph above the limit in connection with a November 22 incident.
Teresa J. Niewiadomski, 47 of Bethalto, is charged with driving on a suspended license, expired registration, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a November 19 incident.
Keona D. Roos, 22 of Freeburg, is charged with driving on a suspended license, improper use of registration/title, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and no valid registration in connection with a November 21 incident.
Zachary A. Johnston, 44 of Gillespie, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with a November 23 incident.
Alexis R. Spann, 32 of Auburn, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a November 19 incident.
Alicia N. Tamosaitis, 29 of Girard, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with a November 19 incident.
Justin A. Collins, 37 of Gillespie, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with a November 20 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Allan L. Petit versus Teresa M. Pettit
Comments
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of West Wilson Street in reference to a domestic battery. Ashley A. Esmon, 39 of Staunton, was arrested for domestic battery.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Calcari Street in East Gillespie. Angel L. Bricker, 22 of East Alton, was cited for operating an uninsured vehicle and driving while registration was suspended.
An officer was dispatched to Spruce Street and Laura Street in reference to a noise complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Elm Street in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of East Elm Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Charles Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Elm Street. Zachary A. Johnston, 44 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for driving while license was revoked.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Chestnut Street in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 400 block of East Central in Benld in reference to suspicious activity.
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Cloud Street in reference to a domestic dispute. Steven O. Smith, 36 of Chicago, was arrested on a warrant out of Chicago on a weapons charge.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Abba Street in reference to theft and criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 300 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 300 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to criminal damage to property and criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Charles Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 900 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a 911 call.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of West Wilson Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of East Locust Street in Benld in reference to the removal of a subject.
An officer was dispatched to Circle Drive at Gillespie Lake in reference to an alarm sounding.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Penny Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to South 2nd Street in Benld in reference to unwanted solicitors.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2025
An Officer was dispatched to the 900 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Easton Street. Joseph L. Schnurr, 63 of Eagarville, was arrested for reckless driving, fleeing/eluding a peace officer, squealing tires, failing to obey a stop sign, improper use of registration, and operating an uninsured vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Chestnut Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of East Chestnut Street in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 300 block of South Illinois Street in Benld.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Elm Street in reference to a suicidal subject.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Broadway Street in reference to a fire alarm sounding.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Horizon Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Henry Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Cedar Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Francis Street in reference to a 911 call
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Henrietta Street in reference to an animal complaint.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Walnut Street in Benld in reference to a theft.
An officer was dispatched to the 900 block of North Hard Road in Mt. Clare in reference to disorderly conduct.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Central in Benld in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to a reckless driver.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Elm Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 900 block of North Hard Road in Mt. Clare in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Central Avenue in Benld in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 300 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer spoke with a male on Dorsey Road in Mt. Clare in reference to a vehicle that was parked on the lot for a few days.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2025
An officer was dispatched to West Central Street and North Trolley Street in Benld in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Lynn Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Broadway Street at Gillespie High School in reference to the fire alarm sounding.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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Ye Olde Christmas is the theme of the Macoupin County Historical Society’s annual Christmas Show, which will be held Friday through Sunday, December 5–7, at the John C. Anderson Home and Museum, 920 West Breckenridge in Carlinville.
“The Christmas Show is one of the most magical times to visit the Anderson Home,” said MCHS Board Member and House Manager Brandy England. “Some families make it an annual Christmas tradition to visit the Anderson Home when it is decorated for Christmas. It’s a great opportunity to get into the Christmas spirit and pick up some ideas for decorating your own home for the holidays.”
MCHS member Kendra Mize, of Bunker Hill, who has coordinated the decorating effort for more than two decades, has again marshalled a small army of volunteers to decorate all 13 rooms of the home. Each room features a themed Christmas tree, along with mantle pieces, centerpieces, tabletop decor, garlands and florals, and other special touches.
The home will be open for self-guided tours from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, December 5; from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, December 6; and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, December 7.
“We’re very excited to offer for the first time candlelight tours from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday,” said Shawna Ashby, who serves as a co-manager with England. “Viewing the decorated home by candlelight promises to be a magical experience.”
The final candlelight tours on Friday and Saturday start at 7:30 p.m. Admission to the home is five dollars for adults and one dollar for children ages five to 12, with four-year-olds and younger admitted free of charge.
The Anderson Home Gift Shop will be open during tour hours, offering one-of-a-kind gift items and stocking stuffers. Santa Claus will be on hand in the downstairs parlor to greet children and listen to their Christmas wishes from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, December 6.
While the decorated home is the centerpiece of the Christmas Show, several other features on the Historical Society’s grounds will be open. The Red Barn will be open and serving hearty beef stew, chili, homemade pies, and warming holiday beverages such as wassail and hot chocolate on Friday and Saturday.
The General Store and Print Shop will be decorated and open to the public, with the Print Shop offering its popular handmade Christmas cards and other items produced in the shop; kids can print their own blank “Santa List” to keep track of their Christmas wishes.
“The General Store offers unique gift items, including some small antiques, for shoppers to peruse,” England noted.
Local blacksmiths will demonstrate their craft in the MCHS Blacksmith Shop located on the north side of the Historical Society Grounds, with wrought iron gift items, including stocking hooks and decorative pieces, available for purchase.
The Macoupin County Historical Society’s Christmas Show runs concurrently with the Carlinville Christmas Market and Downtown Christmas events, and a free trolley and shuttle buses include the Anderson Home as a regular stop during the festivals, enabling visitors to ride from the square or the Macoupin County Fairgrounds to the Historical Society grounds.
