Community News
Benld Council approves distillery liquor license, implements sales tax for public safety purposes
Once infamous for bootlegging during Prohibition, the City of Benld will soon have a legal whisky distilling operation. City Council members voted unanimously last Monday night to approve a liquor license for Lone Oak Craft Distillery, located at 202 East Central Avenue.
Owner Mike Bruhn constructed a new building to house the venture, which is set to open sometime next month. Bruhn reportedly commissioned another distillery to produce whisky using his recipe and protocols so Lone Oak will have bottles for sale upon opening. Whisky actually produced in the Benld facility will have to age in oak barrels before being bottled and marketed.
Lone Oak Craft Distillery is Benld’s first “legal” distilling operation. A century ago, federal agents seized and destroyed the No. 5 Mine, a distilling operation disguised to look like a mining operation. The massive illegal operation featured two 50,000-gallon vats to hold illegal hooch.
PUBLIC SAFETY SALES TAX
With one dissenting vote, the council approved an ordinance authorizing the collection of a one-percent sales tax on taxable goods sold within the city limits, with the proceeds to be used for public safety purposes. The new tax will be collected starting Jan. 1, 2026.
Once the tax is implemented, city officials expect it to generate about $68,000 in additional revenue to help defray a $110,000 increase in the cost of providing police protection through the City of Gillespie. After several months of negotiations, the Benld Council agreed in July to a new contract calling for a cost increase from $240,000 per year $350,000 for the first year of a two-year contract. The second year rate is subject to negotiation based on increases in actual costs incurred by the City of Gillespie to provide the service.
The council approved the measure with a 4-1 vote on a motion by Ald. Jerry Saracco, seconded by Ald. John Balzraine. Ald. Dustin Fletcher cast the sole negative vote. Voting “yes” were Ald. Saracco, Ald. Balzraine, Ald. Mickey Robinson, and Ald. Brant McFarland. Ald. Norm Emmons was absent.
CODE WAIVER
A reluctant city council voted 3-2 to authorize a building code waiver allowing property owner Keith Cadmus to temporarily place a double-wide mobile home on temporary pilings in lieu of a permanent foundation for a period of two years. The property, located at 301 S. First Street, is subject to a mine subsidence event that began in June 2023. The subsidence event is currently ongoing, making it problematic for Cadmus to build a permanent foundation.
The agreement is good for two years and requires Cadmus to post a $10,000 bond. The bond would be forfeited if Cadmus fails to have the mobile home on a permanent foundation at the end of two years.
Several aldermen questioned what would happen if the subsidence hasn’t stopped in two years. Subsidence events often are ongoing for as long as five years.
“The answer is that he has two years,” said City Attorney Rick Verticchio. “He could come back and ask the council to approve an extension. Otherwise the contract is binding. You’re making an exception to the rules because of mine subsidence.”
Aldermen also questioned how the contract would be enforced if Cadmus were to pass away and leave the property to his daughter, Courtney Davis, who plans to reside in the mobile home. Verticchio said the contract would be binding on the estate of the original owner in the event the owner died before the term of the agreement.
On a motion by Ald. Fletcher, seconded by Ald. Robinson, the council voted 3-2 to accept the agreement with the provision that the daughter’s name is added to the contract. Both Ald. Balzraine and Ald. McFarland voted against the measure.
PROPERTY TAX PAYMENTS
After several minutes of discussion, the council voted unanimously to pay property taxes on four city-owned parcels. The city owns several parcels throughout the city that were acquired as a result of condemnation proceedings. For some of those properties, the tax liability is the responsibility of the former owners or owners who recently purchased properties from the city. There also some city-owned parcels on which taxes have not been paid for the past two years and which ultimately will be offered at auction through the county’s tax sale.
On a motion by Ald. Fletcher, the council voted unanimously to pay property taxes on the following parcels the city wishes to keep:
• 215 E. Central Ave., $780.90
• 106 N. Main St., $243.08
* 109 S. Fourth St., $73.18
• A parcel on N. Second Street., $24.80
ADOPT-A-PET SOLICITATION
After hearing from guest Phil Cavoretto, the council voted to allow Adopt-A-Pet volunteers to solicit donations at the intersection of Central Avenue and Route 4, provided there is no ordinance against such activities. Volunteers will be required to stand on the Central Avenue side of the intersection to be within the city’s jurisdiction.
Cavoretto said Adopt-A-Pet volunteers have conducted similar fund-raising collections in Virden and Gillespie. The group tentatively plans to solicit donations on Sept. 6 or Sept. 7, or both in conjunction with Dud’s Bar and Grill’s anniversary events.
“My concern would be safety,” Ald. Saracco commented.
City Clerk Terri Koyne mentioned that the council may have approved an ordinance in the past to ban solicitations on the street. Ald. Fletcher’s motion to grant permission was made contingent upon a review of the City Code to determine whether or not such solicitations are allowed.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
No immediate action followed a 30-minute executive session presumably convened to discuss legal issues.
OTHER ACTION
In other action, the council:
• Approved the mayor’s reappointment of Bill Bertetto, Don Chapman and Geraldine Bayse to three-year terms on the Benld Public Library Board.
• Approved the use of the city park for a Halloween Trunk of Treat event on Sunday, Oct. 26.
Comments
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.
Comments
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.
