Community News
Benld City Council: Library still unhappy with floor, may seek Court Case
Benld renews MEDP membership for 2013
Shari Albrecht explains what MEDP did for Benld in 2012.
Mary Ann Scopel represented the Benld Public Library and explained to the Benld City Council during a regular scheduled board meeting on January 14 the floor installed recently is continuing to worsen. “We have not had the issues addressed and they are getting worse,” Scopel said of the problems. Scopel explained the gaps in the laminate floor are fairly sized and the floor is discoloring as well.
Rick Vertichio explained the City of Benld can file a lawsuit over the floor, but he was not sure if the condition would be justified by putting a new floor in. “When you file a lawsuit, you seek one of two things,” Vertichio explained. “You would seek a new floor that does not have the discoloring and gaps or you would be satisfied with what you have for a lesser value.”
The harm of the gaps would be appearance, Vertichio concluded. “We paid for a perfect floor and we did not get it,” Scopel responded. Vertichio, representing the city, agreed and advised a lawsuit may be in the best interest of the city. “I really think a lawsuit is what it is going to take,” he explained. Vertichio went on to add seeking a value less than what was paid could be the best route since the dissatisfactions are not threatening in any manner.
According to Emmelle Robinson, the floor carried a price tag of over $10,000. The specific price was unknown. The owner of the company who made the flooring verbally told the library if they were not satisfied, he would replace the floor. Vertichio explained the City of Benld could only sue Quality Flooring because that was the business the City dealt with. In turn, Vertichio explained, Quality Flooring can sue the manufacturer if they wish. The litigation issue was taken into executive session, but a public session was not held after, so it is not known if the City of Benld intends on entering a court case.
MEDP Membership
Shari Albrecht, representing MEDP, requested the City of Benld renew their membership for 2013. Albrecht explained MEDP kept Benld’s State of Illinois Community Profile updated, worked with the Central Avenue restoration committee, and other business development programs. Albrecht explained MEDP is also working with a client considering redevelopment on the old bank building on Central Avenue. “I believe later on this week we are bringing in a consultant to talk to you about that,” Albrecht added.
In addition, MEDP brought in a team of developers last fall to make them aware of what is available in the area. MEDP is planning on doing a follow-up early spring with a workshop where MEDP members are invited to attend. Finally, MEDP is hosting a small business workshop in March. Undeniably, the council approved the membership for 2013 at $1,553.
Public Recognition
Mary Ann Scopel also explained the library was unhappy with the $75 cleaning fee after using the Civic Center for the wine tasting. “Apparently, we forgot to clean up a few spills,” she explained. Scopel explained the Civic Center had to be cleaned up before the event and they cleaned up after. “The tables were not clean, there wasn’t toilet paper in the bathrooms, there were not any paper towels, there were not any can liners for trash cans, there was nothing,” she continued.
Mark Ann Scopel explains the floor inside the library is continuing the worsen.
Gloria Sidar explained she takes care of the inspections when Jim Kelly is at work and it is hard to say what is clean and what it isn’t. Sidar and Lynn Fraelle both stepped in spots. Scopel explained she was not concerned about getting the $75 back for the library, but the spectrum was too large. “There is a big difference between a few spots and an ungodly mess after a wedding,” Scopel explained. The council agreed and said they are in the process of revising the contract to include a clean-up charge. “We thought we were doing the right thing, but it created problems when you step back and look at it,” Jim Kelly, head of the city property committee, closed.
Gina Mendenhall advised the council she finally wrote the letter to start the petition to get the mailbox moved out of the alley behind the Benld Police Department. Mendenhall questioned if she could leave signature sheets at the library and the city clerk’s office. Rick Vertichio explained she could.
Mendenhall also explained Dee-Dee’s Designs donated 3 large stepping stones to Build Benld. The plans for the stepping stones are unknown at this time, but Build Benld is planning on moving them down by the Veteran’s Memorial sign since the three stones are heroism themed.
Cathy Petrak explained she forgot to thank Build Benld and the City of Benld last month from the Christmas Senior Dinner.
Old Business
The council explained they need to take care of the property on 100 North 6th. “I would like to get bids to see how much a business would charge to clean the property,” Bernot explained. The council wanted to see what kind of money was in store before having city crews’ work on the site. The motion was passed 5-0 to post for bids.
The council went on to approve all 3 resolutions in support of the sewer grant.
New Business
The council approved the Mother Jones Resolution 5-0. The group is trying to get a grant for the Mother Jones Cemetery in Mt. Olive.
MEDP requested the City of Benld to present “shovel-ready” projects. “These are something we wouldn’t normally apply for a grant for,” Gloria Sidar explained. The council came up with 2 possible. The first is putting rock along the creek to prevent erosion and sewer damage. Rock would be $15 a foot for an 8 foot ditch. The second project the group came up with was street signs. “Not stop signs, street signs.”
Finally, the council approved a $100 donation to the Partnership for Educational Excellence. The donation was approved 4-1, objection from George Nepute.
Committee Reports
Jim Kelly explained the City of Benld received a grant from the Macoupin County Highway department to replace 265 stop signs with posts and hardware. The signs are expected to arrive on April 1. The only cost to the city would be the installation from city forces. The grant was worked on by Mayor Turcol and Ed Sarracco.
Gloria Sidar pointed out to the council it would be in the City’s best interest to pay the dues at the Surplus in Springfield under CMS. The $300 due is for a year membership and as a government agency, the police department can get uniforms, police gear, police equipment, office supplies, and any other item available for sale. The council acted 5-0 to approve the $300 membership.
George Nepute opted to renew the service agreement to take care of the water tower. Nepute explained they take care of any cracks inside the tower and clean it for $735 a year. According to George, the city passed all the water tower tests. The motion was approved 5-0.
Peyton Bernot, water chairman, reported there were 74 water meters installed as of January 8. He went on to add many have been installed since then and Route 1 is almost entirely finished.
City Attorney Report
Rick Vertichio, city attorney, had multiple items for the council. He first started with Gloria Sidar’s proposed ordinance amendment limiting partial dismantled vehicles in the city up to 180 days. After the 180 days, a notice is issued and the city can then take action against the owner or have the car turned over to the city if nothing is accomplished after the notice. Amendment to Ordinance #4-2-3 was approved 5-0.
Vertichio explained there were 2 matters with property. There is a hearing scheduled Friday, January 18 dealing with the property located at 300 North Central Avenue. The City already has a court order to start taking action on the property located at 100 North Sixth. “I think a committee needs to work the City and some entity entitled to take the trash,” Vertichio explained. “All that burnt material has to be taken by someone who has authority to do so.”
He also explained the City could bring in dumpsters and have city workers clean the site up and then have the dumpsters removed. Then, the city would have to go to court and explain how much money was used to clean up the site. “Either way, there is a lot of rubble there and it is not going to be easy.”
Next Meeting: The Benld City Council board will meet for a regularly scheduled board meeting next month on Monday, February 11 at 7 o’clock pm.
Comments
FELONIES
Christopher L. Black, 43 of Virden, is charged with home invasion/causing injury and two counts of aggravated battery of a peace officer in connection with a January 4 incident.
Casey W. Sobberi, 40 of Wilsonville, is charged with burglary in connection with a January 3 incident.
Eugene Arnold, 62 of Royal Lakes, is charged with aggravated battery/great bodily harm, aggravated battery/use of a deadly weapon, and domestic battery/bodily harm in connection with a January 6 incident.
Michael A. Upton, 34 of Palmyra, is charged with twelve counts of child pornography and possession of methamphetamine (5 grams) in connection with multiple dates in 2025.
Bryer D. Greff, 31 of Virden, is charged with aggravated battery/public place, resisting a peace officer/firefighter/corrections employee, and two counts of disorderly conduct in connection with a January 7 incident.
Shayne W. Dugger, 26 of Palmyra, is charged with possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams) in connection with a September 28 incident.
Sarah L. Winston, 36 of Carlinville, is charged with possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams) in connection with a November 4 incident.
TRAFFIC
Austin D. Courier, 30 of Vriden, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a December 30 incident.
Courtney N. Lomelino, 23 of Virden, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit in connection with a December 25 incident.
William R. Dyer, 55 of Carlinville, is charged with leaving the scene, driver failing to give notice of a crash, transporting/carrying alcohol/driver, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, improper traffic lane usage, seat belt required/driver, and failure to reduce speed in connection with a January 4 incident.
Billy R. Austin, 44 of Modesto, is charged with expired registration, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and being unlicensed in connection with a January 4 incident.
Richard W. Wallis, 63 of Nilwood, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a January 5 incident.
Stephanie E. Jennings, 34 of Girard, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration in connection with a January 6 incident.
Bruce A. Day, 60 of Carlinville, is charged with driving on a revoked license and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a January 5 incident.
Clayton R. Sampson, 19 of Palmyra, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit in connection with a January 6 incident.
Dakota R. Lavely, 20 of Troy, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a January 5 incident.
Wayne E. Mitchell, 46 of Brighton, is charged with driving on a revoked license, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and expired registration in connection with a December 30 incident.
Monty M. Gardner, 55 of Brighton, is charged with driving on a suspended license and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a January 2 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Catherine Harrison versus David Breen
- Margaret Putman versus Justin S. Putman
- Taunia R. Moore versus Blake A. Moore
MARRIAGE LICENSES
- Wade Logan Yates of Brighton and Anna Catherine Marcy of Riverton.
- Douglas Guennewig and Buffy Riddens, both of Staunton.
Comments
SUNDAY, JANUARY 4, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South 4th Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Charles Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to South Hard Road in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of East Walnut Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to harassment.
MONDAY, JANUARY 5, 2026
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to neighbor trouble.
Jiles R. Lyons, 36 of Benld, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for possession of another’s credit/debit card.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to an animal complaint in the 600 block of North 7th Street in Benld.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of East Burton Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to Osie Street and Handy Street in reference to a security check.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South Hard Road in Benld in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Burton Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to harassment.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Walnut Street in reference to a neighborhood dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of North Francis Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Elm Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to Macoupin Street and Walnut Street in reference to suspicious activity.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of South 5th Street in Benld in reference to a burglary.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Virginia Street in East Gillespie. Debra A. Brooks, 65 of Carlinville, was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Adams Street in reference to ordinance issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of South Illinois Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Osie Street. Kylee P. Cothern, 18 of Benld, was issued a citation for expired registration and operating uninsured vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a hit and run traffic crash.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Virginia Street in East Gillespie. Tiana F. McFarland, 28 of Staunton, was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Virginia Street in East Gillespie. Debra A. Brooks, 65 of Carlinville, was issued a citation for speeding.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026
The School Resource Officer was dispatched to the High School office in reference to a fight.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Illinois Street in East Gillespie. Darlene Karns, 70 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at 7th Street and Pine Street in Benld. Dylan S. Richards, 32 of Staunton, was issued a citation for suspended registration.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of South Illinois Street in Benld in reference to a security check.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Spruce Street in reference to criminal damage.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South Montgomery Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a theft in the 500 block of South Jersey Street.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to an animal complaint in the 200 block of West Maple Street.
The School Resource Officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Oak Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 10, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Frey Street in reference to criminal damage.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Pine Street. Racheal A. Aleshire, 47 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for driving while her license was revoked.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Hard Road and Central Avenue in Benld. Amber R. Brackett, 31 of Gillespie, was issued citations for suspended registration and for no insurance.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Elm Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to an intoxicated pedestrian.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of West Virginia Street in East Gillespie in reference to stalking.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Comments
FELONIES
Micah J. Ramsey, 39 of Carlinville, is charged with aiding/abetting/selling a stolen vehicle and driving on a revoked license in connection with a December 27 incident.
Shawn M. McBride, 38 of Staunton, is charged with obstructing justice/destroying evidence in connection with a December 18 incident.
Riley G. Rhodes, 18 of Carlinville, is charged with possession/displaying an altered ID card in connection with a December 18 incident.
Shane S. Bell, 35 of Girard, is charged with possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams) in connection with a November 6 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Ted. E. Hanner, 50 of Bunker Hill, is charged with obstructing identification in connection with a December 3 incident.
Brittany M. Lyons, 35 of Benld, is charged with criminal trespass to a building in connection with a December 19 incident.
Betty J. Jamieson, 75 of Carlinville, is charged with violating the animal control act in connection with a December 29 incident.
James J. Denby, 27 of Carlinville, is charged with criminal trespass to land in connection with a December 8 incident.
Tricia J. Pfeiler, 37 of Carlinville, is charged with battery/cause bodily harm and cruelty to animals in connection with a January 1 incident.
Rodney J. Rosentreter, 60 of Gillespie, is charged with criminal damage to property (<$500) and resisting a peace officer/firefighter/corrections employee in connection with a January 1 incident.
TRAFFIC
Rustin L. Reed, 19 of Springfield, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit in connection with a December 27 incident.
Passion M. Kinzey, 33 of Chicago, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration in connection with a December 27 incident.
Ella R. Robinson, 20 of Bonne Terre, MO, is charged with speeding 35 mph over the limit in connection with a December 30 incident.
Julie B. Kruse, 55 of Staunton, is charged with driving on a suspended license and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a December 18 incident.
Gregory A. Knezic, 60 of Staunton, is charged with driving on a suspended license and improper use of registration/title in connection with a December 23 incident.
Dixie L. Moffitt, 73 of Worden, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration in connection with a December 22 incident.
Dakota L. Schoondyke, 28 of Virden, is charged with driving on a suspended license and operating a motor vehicle with suspended registration in connection with a December 26 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Debra E. Seago versus Carl L. Seago Jr.
MARRIAGE LICENSES
- David L. Ehlers and Shirley Marie Lee Haines, both of Bunker Hill.
- Steven D. Clattenburg and Billie Jo Croll, both of Virden.
- Robert J. Halpin and Chelsea L. Kirkover, both of Gillespie.
