Community News
Benld Council adopts Airbnb ordinance
The Benld City Council voted unanimously Monday night to adopt an ordinance governing the operation of short-term rentals, popularly known as Airbnbs, within the city limits, accepted the city’s annual audit, and again tabled making final payment on a recently completed water tower painting project.
Council members spent several minutes of discussion hammering out details of the Airbnb ordinance, before approving a final version. City Attorney Rick Verticchio said had prepared a draft ordinance but needed the council to reach a final decision on several details. Reacting to news reports regarding Airbnb issues in St. Louis, some aldermen had suggested a licensing fee of as much as $1,000 annually to discourage the practice of short-term rentals. If the council did not intend to limit licensing by making it cost-prohibitive, Verticchio said, a decision would be needed regarding the city’s intent.
“I don’t know what the goal is,” Verticchio said.
“It’s mainly to get a handle on it so we know where they are,” Ald. Dustin Fletcher said.
Ald. Jerry Saracco suggested requiring a minimum of a two-night stay.
The ordinance was approved on a motion by Ald. Fletcher, seconded by John Balzraine.
Provisions of the new ordinance include:
- A mandatory $100 annual license for each person operating one or more Airbnbs.
- An initial housing inspection at a cost of $75, plus an annual $50 inspection thereafter for each property offered for short-term rental.
- Units must be rented a minimum of two nights with a maximum of 14 nights to be considered short-term rentals.
- A hospitality tax of four percent or $25 per night, whichever is less.
- A minimum of $500,000 in liability insurance with the city named as secondary insured.
Fletcher commented that short-term rentals are becoming a more prevalent practice, particularly for former residents who want to monetize a spare house in the city. The new ordinance will require a monthly report from operators to document the number of renters and the amount of revenue resulting from the rentals.
CITY AUDIT
Following a brief presentation by Kara Evans of Scheffel Boyle CPAs, the council voted unanimously to accept the city’s annual audit and financial statement. The auditors rendered a “clean opinion” on the city’s financial practices, finding no material errors or weaknesses in how the city accounts for its expenditures and financial resources.
Evans noted a slight decrease in cash reserves from the previous fiscal year, which was somewhat offset by returns earned on investments. While property tax revenue and state payments remained stable for the year, donations were down from the previous couple of years. Likewise, motor fuel tax disbursements to the city were down from the previous two years or so.
Total expenditures declined slightly, primarily due to the fact the city was not required to tear down any derelict buildings. Meanwhile, the city was able to realize some income from the sale of two properties acquired by the city through condemnation proceedings. The city entered into a new loan to purchase a tractor but paid down a loan taken out to purchase a backhoe, resulting in a total secured debt that is relatively unchanged from a year ago.
Evans also noted the Frank Bertetti Benld Public Library Board has continued to meet its commitment to invest 50 percent of all donations.
PAYMENT TABLED
After a brief discussion with Justin Vonder Haar of HMG Engineers, the council again tabled action on approving a final payment of $19,200 to Neuman Company Contractors due to continuing issues with a telemetry sensor that monitors the water level in the city’s water storage tower. The sensor reportedly hasn’t worked correctly since Neuman completed a painting and repair project on the tower. Last month, the council approved payment of $72,018 but withheld the retainer pending the company’s successfully repairing the issue.
“They thought they fixed it but they didn’t,” Mayor Jim Kelly said. Kelly said the company is expected to return with a third party to help pinpoint and repair the problem. “We’ve got the money but we’re going to hold onto it.”
The council rejected Vonder Haar’s suggestion that the city approve the payment pending resolution of the sensor issue.
“I don’t want to authorize payment because we could pay it and then, two weeks later, it could stop working again,” Ald. Sarraco said.
Vonder Haar also reported on progress being made toward completing a survey of lead water service lines to Benld homes. The state-funded survey is expected to document the number of homes whose water is delivered through lines contaminated with lead. At some point in the future, grant funds are expected to be made available to help replace the lines with non-toxic materials.
Vonder Haar said fliers regarding the survey are expected to be mailed to local residents in two or three weeks. In the meantime, he said city officials could help by using social media and other resources to increase public awareness of the project.
“Any public awareness you can do will be greatly appreciated,” he said.
POLICE ISSUES
City Attorney Verticchio said he would talk to Police Chief Jared DePoppe after Ald. Fletcher complained he had called for a police officer to ticket an unlicensed solicitor, claiming to represent a local electrical utility. Fletcher said the officer who responded, however, refused to write a citation, presumably because no state laws were broken.
“What good does it do to have them if they’re not going to write ordinance violations?” Fletcher asked. “We need to get things clarified.”
Additionally, Ald. Saracco complained that Gillespie is still not providing the City Council with an accounting of the amount of time spent in Benld on patrol.
Verticchio said he would discuss both issues with DePoppe, noting the contract for police services specifically obligates Gillespie Police to write ordination violation citations.
NUISANCE PROPERTIES
On a motion by Ald. Balzraine, the council voted unanimously to declare 500 North Sixth Street a public nuisance, which authorizes the city to seek legal action to clean up the property. The property recently was foreclosed, making the mortgage holder responsible for abating the nuisance, according to Verticchio.
No specific action followed a 20-minute executive session to discuss litigation, but Verticchio updated the council in open session about several pending cases. He reported that he expects the court to give permission to the city to clean up a property at 407 North Fourth Street but that police will probably be needed to remove squatters who reportedly moved into the house.
The council somewhat reluctantly accepted a bid of $11,000 from a neighbor to purchase a nuisance property at 306 North Seventh Street. Verticchio said the city had wanted 12,750 to fully recoup legal costs and the cost of clean-up. Seeing that no other offers have been received, he recommended accepting the bid and absorbing the $1,750 loss.
“I don’t know that we have many other options,” Ald. Saracco commented.
In a related matter, the council accepted a bid of $1,000 from Melvin West to purchase a city-owned parcel at 408 South Main Stree.
LEASE AGREEMENT TABLED
The council tabled action on renewing a lease on the building currently serving as the city’s post office on Central Avenue. The current lease doesn’t expire until 2025, but the building owner wants to renew the lease for five years, along with an option to renew for two more five-year terms. Accepting the new terms would essentially obligate the city through 2040.
City aldermen opted to refer the issue to Verticchio for further research and recommendation. Among the issues the council wants resolved is a provision in the contract requiring the city to pay the company that drafts the lease.
OTHER ACTION
In other action, the council:
- Renewed the city’s liability insurance policy with the Illinois Municipal League’s Risk Management Association. The policy is basically a shared risk program involving municipal enrollees from throughout the state. By pooling resources, RMA is expected to keep rates relatively low. The premium for the new policy is increased by about eight percent.
- Voted to purchase an electronic digital transit at a cost of about $800.
- Agreed to purchase rock and culvert to resupply the city’s inventory.
- Approved a business for Cindy’s Decor and More, a home-based business operated by Cindy Crites.
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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.
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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.
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Community News
“History Belongs to All of Us”: Focus of Carlinville Community Conversation Series starting May 4
“History Belongs to All of Us,” a three-month series of events and activities commemorating the 250th anniversary of American independence and emphasizing Illinois’ role in seizing liberty for the American people will kick off Monday, May 4, and continue through July 16, 2026.
The series is project of Carlinville Winning Communities funded by a grant from Illinois Humanities. The events will encourage participants to examine and discuss the Declaration of Independence and other primary historical documents through facilitated conversations, according to Mary Tinder, a Macoupin County Historical Society & Carlinville Winning Communities board member.
Carlinville Winning Communities was one of only 13 entities statewide to receive an Illinois Humanities grant to support the Community Conversations Series.
We are fortunate to have received Illinois Humanities funding for this unique project, With 2026 being the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the 100th anniversary of Route 66, it is altogether fitting to explore where we’ve been and where we’re going, as well as to reflect on both and the cultural impact of our independence, Tinder said.
In keeping with the “History Belongs to All of Us” theme, several of the presentations and discussions will emphasize the role of Native Americans and the impact of American independence on Native American and other cultures.
Program topics will be explored through presentations by Illinois Humanities Road Scholars, live readings of historic documents, art, music and discussions. The programs are free to attend and all venues are handicapped accessible.
The series kicks off with “Illinois in the Revolutionary War,” a presentation by local historian and author Tom Emery, at 7 p.m., Monday, May 4, at the Macoupin County Historical Society’s Ruyle Genealogy Building, 920 W. Breckenridge St., Carlinville. Emery will lead a discussion of information included in his most recently published book, Illinois in the Revolutionary War.
“There was more to the war in Illinois than most people realize,” said Emery. “Revolutionary action took place in many parts of the state, and it was a struggle for all involved. It shows how hard many Americans worked for liberty.”
A discussion of Nicholas Welch’s 1812 Land Grant and the Autobiography of Ma-Ka-Tai-Me-She-Kia-Kiak, better known as Black Hawk, leader of the Sauk/Sac Indian tribes, is set for 7 p.m., Monday, June 1, in the Anderson Home parlor on the Macoupin County Historical Society grounds. Under the Land Grant program, the government set aside more than five million acres in western Illinois to compensate American war veterans with large tracts of land. Though Welch never set foot in Illinois, the granting of land to him displaced Black Hawk from his home in the area of present-day Rock Island. The facilitated discussion will focus on original historic documents, juxtaposing Welch’s land grant with Black Hawk’s experience.
Because of the smaller, more intimate venue, reservations are required. RSVP to marytinder1@gmail.com to reserve a seat.
“Relive the Mother Road: The Edwards Trace,” a collective analysis of documents and a look at contemporary research will be led by Illinois Humanities Road Scholar Anna Sielaff, Friday afternoon, June 26, during an Old Fashioned Route 66 Jubilee on the Macoupin County Courthouse lawn. Sielaff will discuss the 3,000-year-old Edwards Trace, used by Native Americans and early Illinois settlers, that stretched from Cahokia to Peoria. Portions of the trace run through Macoupin County, and some sections lay along the original alignment of Route 66. Imagine Rural Arts also will lead an art project in connection with how the trail was marked.
The Old Fashioned Route 66 Jubilee event runs from noon into the evening with food, musical performances, literary presentations, games, food and other activities.
The date is significant for Carlinville and Route 66 since 6/26/26 happens to be our zip code! The Jubilee offers a variety of experiences and taking a deeper look at the Edwards Trace and the Mother Road is an interesting way to explore local history on this unique date and location, Tinder noted.
Continuing on to the July 4th holiday, Macoupin County high school and college students will read the Declaration of Independence aloud in the main courtroom of the historic Macoupin County Courthouse in Carlinville at 10 a.m. The event also will feature a display of more than 30 historic flags provided by the George Rogers Clark Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution. A facilitated discussion will follow the reading and participants will be invited to sign the “Macoupin County America @ 250 Time Capsule” book. The book will then be on display at the Macoupin County Historical Society, said Andrea Duncan, one of the organizers.
A unique and somewhat mysterious artifact from Macoupin County will be the subject of a presentation at 7 p.m., Monday, July 6, at the Historical Society’s Ruyle Genealogy Building. Sharon Breyden and husband Tommy Breyden will display and discuss the Black Hawk Tablet, uncovered in the 1940s on a farm near Hettick. The odd inscriptions on the lead medallion suggests Black Hawk and an early Macoupin settler formalized an agreement to peacefully coexist in central Illinois.
For the final program of the Carlinville Community Conversations series, Illinois Humanities Road Scholar Kim Sigafus, a member of the Ojibwa Native American tribe, will present “We the Native People” at 7 p.m., Thursday, July 16, at the Historical Society’s Ruyle Genealogy Building. The focus is on Native Americans at the time the Declaration of Independence was signed. The interactive program will use traditional story-telling and music to help audience members understand the groundswell changes in Native American culture and lifestyle resulting from American independence and subsequent western expansion.
For more information and details about the “History Belongs to All of Us” series, contact Carlinville Winning Communities Board members, Andrea Duncan, (217) 204-1446, or Mary Tinder, (217) 825-9699.
