Community News
Benld Council approves farmers market project, rejects bid for former bank property
During a relatively brief, occasionally contentious, meeting Monday night, members of the Benld City Council agreed to rent city park facilities to a pair of community boosters for a series of farmers market events from May through October but rejected the sole bid for the purchase of a vacant lot in the 300 block of East Central Avenue, formerly occupied by a bank building.
Candi Katchmar initially asked to rent the Civic Center for a Market Days program on which she and Tina Olroyd are partnering. Some council members appeared reluctant to approve the request, however, and asked for an executive session to discuss legal implications and other legal issues. Upon returning to open session, Ald. Dustin Fletcher asked Katchmar if she and Olroyd would accept the city park as a location.
Before entering executive session, Ald. Jerry Saracco asked Katchmar why the pair wanted the Civic Center as opposed to the park. Katchmar said she and Olroyd believed the air-conditioned venue with handicapped access and accessible restrooms would be more amenable, especially for older residents. According to a handout provided by Katchmar the Market Day events would be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on May 11, June 8, July 13, Aug. 17, Sept. 14 and Oct. 12. She said eight vendors have already committed to bringing products to the market.
Both Olroyd and Katchmar carry general liability insurance policies that would cover the event. They will pay the rental fee for the park but, for at least the first year, they do not plan to charge vendors for participating. For the most part, vendors will offer farmer’s market items such as fresh fruits and vegetables, but the Market Days also will feature products offered by cottage food operators, plus locally made non-food items. No food will be served for consumption on site.
Upon returning to open session from a 15-minute closed-door meeting, Ald. Fletcher asked Derek Tiburzi of the Macoupin County Public Health Department whether or not Tiburzi saw any potential issue with an insect infestation stemming from an indoor farmers market. Tiburzi said most farmers markets are held outdoors, in part because of concerns about insect pests being carried in with produce. “I’ve never inspected an indoor farmers market,” he said.
“Would you be okay going to the park?” Fletcher asked Katchmar.
“I think that’s fine,” said Katchmar. “My mission is to bring some good food choices closer to home.”
A motion to allow Katchmar and Olroyd to rent the park for Market Days events was approved with Ald. Mickey Robinson voting “no.”
PROPERTY BID REJECTED
After a sometimes heated discussion, the council rejected a bid from Benld resident Peyton Bernot for the purchase of a vacant lot at 301 East Central Avenue. The lot was acquired by the city after the former bank building located on the site was declared a public nuisance and was razed at the city’s expense. No bids were received after the city initially solicited bids to dispose of the property. The original notice, however, contained an error in that the address was incorrect, although the notice correctly identified the lot as the location of the former bank building. City Attorney Rick Verticchio agreed to pay for a corrected notice, after which a single bid was received from Bernot.
Bernot reportedly submitted a bid of $1,001 on Friday, but submitted an “amended” bid on Monday. The amended bid increased Bernot’s offer to $1,300 but included a provision requiring the city to redeem delinquent property taxes against the parcel.
Bernot told the council Monday night he was unaware of the tax lien when he submitted his bid on Friday. Over the weekend, he said he discovered that $1,024.18 in back taxes is owed on the property. The property, in fact, has been purchased for back taxes by a tax buyer and a hearing to award the deed has already been scheduled. The last day to redeem the property, according to Bernot, is June 30.
“I could buy the property directly from the tax buyer,” Bernot said, “but it’s not my intention to undercut the city.”
An agitated Verticchio suggested the normal process would be for the buyer to assume responsibility for the back taxes. With the provision requiring the city to redeem the taxes, Verticchio said Bernot’s bid amounted to about $200.
“This doesn’t need to be adversarial,” Bernot said. He said he had spoken to most of the city aldermen about his bid, and he added he was aware of the city’s desire that the buyer erect a permanent building on the site.
Verticchio advised the aldermen that the city was not obligated to sell the property at all. “You can decide to keep it if you want,” he said.
Initially, Ald. John Balzraine moved to reject Bernot’s bid.
“You can’t do that,” Verticchio advised, adding the council only make a motion to accept the bid and then voted it down if that was the consensus of the council.
“It’s this simple,” said Mayor Jim Kelly, rapping his gavel to restore order. “You can either accept the bid or you don’t. I don’t want to sit up here all night and argue about it.”
A motion to accept Bernot’s bid was then brought to the floor and failed to pass.
Council members again became agitated when the discussion turned to declaring a couple of properties as public nuisances. Ald. Balzraine reported that property owned by Jason Moore and Whitney DeMartini at 407 and 409 North Fourth Street had been the focus of neighborhood complaints. He said junk had been allowed to accumulate at the 407 address and that a derelict home in need of demolition was located at 409.
Ald. Jim Tilashalski voiced an objection, however, seemingly focusing on a piecemeal approach to identifying nuisance properties.
“Believe me, there are places in this community that are in worse shape,” Tilashalski said. He suggested identifying properties throughout the city that need to be addressed in lieu of targeting one or two properties at a time.
“What do you want us to do?” Ald. Saracco asked. “John and I seem to be the only ones bringing these things to the council. I’m just trying to get things cleaned up.”
Balzraine pointed out the properties were in his ward and that a complaint about them had been brought to him. “If you want to do things a different way, where have you been?” Balzraine wanted to know.
Tilashalski replied that he had brought nuisance property complaints in the past.
Brought to a vote, a motion to declare 407 and 409 North Fourth Street as public nuisances was approved.
Earlier in the meeting, the council also approved a motion by Ald. Saracco to send a 30-day notice to the owner of 409 East Central Avenue demanding that she replace or board up plate glass windows in the front of the building. The owner previously complied with a demand to replace the roof, but Saracco said he recently noticed two fist-sized holes in the windows. “I’m concerned that with the wind we’ve had, those windows could shatter and hurt someone,” he said.
DITCH REPAIR
Council members promised Ann Lotter that the Public Works Department would look into the situation with a ditch in front of her house to see what could be done to correct the deficiency. Lotter told the council the ditch was reconfigured after a mine subsidence event and now is too steep and too narrow to safely mow. Additionally, she said a car recently drove into the ditch and could not back out of it.
Lotter brought pictures of the ditch and the car.
“I don’t want this to happen again,” she said.
REPUBLIC CONTRACT
Verticchio said the new contract with Republic Sanitation has been finalized and is ready to sign, effective April 1.
City Clerk Terri Koyne clarified that the pick-up dates for trash in Benld will remain the same. She said some residents were confused by a notice sent out by Republic stating the pick-up dates were being “changed” to Tuesday. “It’s always been on Tuesday,” she said, reiterating that residents will see no change in the pick-up dates.
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The Wilsonville Progressive Club will celebrate and host a 90 year Anniversary Party on Saturday, May 11. The party will include a catered dinner, a live band, and fireworks.
Doors will open at 2 pm with a catered dinner being served at 4 pm. The Shane Kessinger Experience (live band) will play at 5 pm, and a grand fireworks display will be held at dusk.
The Progressive Club was originally established in 1934 by the Progressive Miners and was located on the northwest side of Wilsonville’s main street. The Club moved to their new building in January of 1949 and today this is still the current location at 212 Wilson Street in Wilsonville.
Wilsonville was founded in 1917 when Superior Coal Co. Mine No. 4 was sunk and this was the most modern mine in the Superior field. At that time, the little settlement which grew up around the mine was called Wilson. One day a worker paused and asked, “What are we going to name this town?” President Wilson was in office, thus the town was then and there named Wilson until 1919 when it was incorporated and the name expanded to Wilsonville.
The Wilsonville Progressive Club is operated and maintained by an elected panel of trustees and loyal members. The Club is open to the public and membership is always welcome. The large outdoor covered pavilion and manicured grassy side lot offer an attractive and convenient venue for any event along with inside facilities.
If you are interested in renting for any kind of event, call 217-835-3122 during open hours which are Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 4 pm to close, and Sunday doors open at 2 pm. Every Sunday afternoon at 4 pm is the Queen of Hearts drawing and the Club is on Facebook as well.
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SUNDAY, APRIL 14, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Oak Street in reference to a dog bite.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Abba Street to pick up a found item.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Chestnut Street in reference to a burglary.
An officer was out in the 200 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to a motorist assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Schmidt Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South 1st Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Broadway Street in reference to a medical call.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of South Illinois Street in Benld in reference to illegal burning.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South 5th Street in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Horizon Street in reference to a 911 call.
MONDAY, APRIL 15, 2024
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with a male in reference to a theft in the 100 block of South Main Street in Benld.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of West Osie Street in reference to a violation of an order of protection.
Nicholas O. Landolt, 36, of Gillespie was arrested on multiple warrants including one out of St. Clair County for possession for methamphetamine, a second one out of Montgomery County for failure to appear for driving while license was revoked, and a third out of Macoupin County for failure to appear for methamphetamine.
An officer was dispatched to East Walnut Street in reference to a suspicious noise.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Abba Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Broadway Street in reference to a medical alarm.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a theft in the 200 block of West Oak Street.
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to criminal damage to her property.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to identity theft.
An officer spoke with a female in the 100 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a neighbor dispute.
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a violation of an order of protection.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Southern Street in reference to a suspicious person.
TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 1100 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to criminal damage to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 900 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of East Walnut Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespass to property. Melissa J. Hughes, 49, of Benld was arrested on a Montgomery County warrant for theft/larceny.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Francis Street in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 700 block of Rose Street in Benld.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South 5th Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Pine Street to assist the Department of Children and Family Services.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Broadway Street in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Central Avenue in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17, 2024
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to fraud in the 200 block of South Macoupin.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 500 block of East Elm Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to Route 4 and Staunton Road in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Gillespie Street in reference to unwanted solicitors.
An officer was dispatched to High Street and Gillespie Street in reference to a suspicious noise.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of High Street in reference to unwanted solicitors.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil standby.
An officer was flagged down at Elm Street and Clinton Street and spoke with an individual in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Mt. Olive Road in Eagarville in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a suspicious circumstance.
THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2024
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a panic alarm sounding.
An officer was dispatched to the 1300 block of South Second Street in reference to a civil standby.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Osie Street in reference to a dog bite. Heather L. Kimberlin, 47, of Gillespie was issued a citation for dog at large.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Baker Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was out with a suspicious vehicle in the alley in the 500 block of Park Avenue.
An officer was dispatched to East Walnut and South Main Street in Benld in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the Veterans Memorial Park in Benld in reference to a suspicious vehicle that had been parked there for a couple of days.
Gillespie Police Department was requested for traffic control by the Gillespie Fire Department for a fire on Eagarville Road.
FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of East Walnut Street in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South Street in Gillespie in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Litchfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a suspicious person at the storage units. Kathy J. Henderson, 49, of Sawyerville was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for bad checks
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Maple Street and Macoupin Street. Kenny L. Fults, 18, of Belleville was issued a citation for possession of cannabis.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Mt. Olive Road in Eagarville in reference to civil standby.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of West Burton Street in reference to an animal complaint.
SATURDAY, APRIL 20, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Abba Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespassing. Timothy J. Dalpozzo, 57, of Benld was arrested for criminal trespassing to residence and a Macoupin County warrant for criminal trespassing to a residence.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at South Street and Chestnut Street and charges are pending crime lab results.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to Macoupin Street and Elm Street in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Osie Street in reference to a dog at large.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of North 8th Street in Benld in reference to medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Spruce Street in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Baker Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Street in Benld in reference to a medical call.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to an ordinance issue.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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LITCHFIELD, Ill. — HSHS St. Francis Hospital is offering service opportunities to area teens this summer through the 2024 Junior Volunteer Program. Applications are being accepted now through May 1.
Applicants must be high school students maintaining at least a “C” average, be a minimum of 14 years of age by June 1 and be willing to volunteer at least two hours per week during the summer program. Junior volunteers will perform a variety of duties in various hospital departments.
Registration materials are available on the hospital’s website volunteer page at https://www.hshs.org/st-francis/community/volunteer.
All participants in the program will be required to present proof of immunizations for MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella), and Varicella (chicken pox). An additional requirement includes attendance at a hospital orientation.
A limited number of positions will be available. For more information, contact HSHS St. Francis Hospital at 217-324-8200.
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