Community News
Benld Council approves new Civic Center doors
As temperatures plunged into single digits and only three council members were in attendance, the Benld City Council on Monday night voted to authorize the purchase and installation of new doors on the west side of the Benld Civic Center at a cost of $12,275.86.
R.P. Lumber, Carlinville, submitted the low bid for the project. Wills Milling, also of Carlinville, submitted an unsuccessful bid for $12,383.
The new doors will replace a double-door system on the west side of the Civic Center. The doors were not part of a recent extensive project underwritten by former resident Rick DeStefane. Mayor Jim Kelly said the existing doors do not properly seal, allowing rainwater and air to infiltrate the building. “If you go back there, you can see daylight coming in,” he said.
Moreover, Kelly said the doors do not reliably lock. He said he was recently called to the Civic Center after the doors apparently blew open in the night following an event. Kelly said hardware on the existing doors reportedly is not the hardware they were supposed to come with.
“We’ve spent so much on that building, I think we ought to fix the doors the way they’re supposed to be,” Ald. Jerry Saracco commented.
The opening currently is covered by two doors of equal width that meet in the center. The new configuration will consist of a state two-foot door, plus a three-foot door wide enough to meet ADA standards. The new doors will close onto a removable steel post in the middle that can be taken out to accommodate wheelchairs in the event of an emergency.
Kelly said he would recommend making the new doors for emergency use only, limiting access for renters to the front entrance only.
POST OFFICE LEASE
The council tabled action on accepting a new lease agreement for the city’s post office facility on Central Avenue after City Clerk Terri Koyne pointed out several possible issues with the leasing contract. Koyne said the new lease has an incorrect address for the facility and requires the city to provide snow removal and cleaning services. Moreover, a cover sheet delivered with the document limits the amount to $25,000, while the actual lease amount is $25,500.
The lease was negotiated by a third party, which will require the city to pay a commission upfront. After paying the commission, Koyne said the city would realize a revenue increase of $125.50 per month.
City Attorney Rick Verticchio said he would look into the issues Koyne raised, but questioned why the city would renew the lease at this time since the current lease doesn’t expire until the end of 2024.
“Why would we be paying a commission a year before the new lease takes effect?” he asked. “I don’t think we need to do anything until the end of this year.”
CHICKENS IN CITY LIMITS
The council referred to committee a request from Travis Darling, who lives on West Walnut Street, to amend a city ordinance limiting the number of chickens residents can maintain in backyard chicken coops. The current ordinance limits residents to having no more than six chickens at a time.
“I feel that is too restrictive,” said Darling, noting he and his wife have five children. He suggested raising the number to 15, which he says would be an adequate number to provide his family with eggs and meat.
The family currently has six chickens, the maximum allowed by the current ordinance. Darling said the chickens provide his family with fresh eggs and a sustainable source of meat, contribute to soil fertility, and provide educational opportunities for his children, as well as entertainment for the family. He said he has taken steps to reduce odors from his coop and has had no complaints from neighbors.
Mayor Kelly said he would ask the committee to consider amending the ordinance. Verticchio pointed out the city also could approve a variance on a case-by-case basis.
CITY PROPERTY AND HOUSING
The council spent several minutes in open session discussing the status of several court cases advancing against nuisance properties.
The council again declined to consider extending the terms of a contract under which Derek Tiburzi is buying the former site of the First National Bank. The contract gives Tiburzi five years to erect a permanent business building, but Tiburzi asked for more time after a contractor told him the backfill on the site is not solid enough to support a concrete pad. Mayor Kelly reported the city recently hired Ranger Excavating to dig a trench to check the backfill material and found that it appears to be solid.
Kelly said the original basement was only five feet deep and fill material placed in that area appears to be solid. However, well below the level of the backfill, Ranger encountered sandy soils from construction that apparently predated the bank building that was demolished by the city. He said Tiburzi’s contractor apparently did not take core samples to confirm his assertion that the backfill is not adequate.
Verticchio said the current contract does not have provisions for extending the deadline on the basis of the site’s condition. He said he would contact the contractor to determine what, if any, tests were conducted.
“Without that, we’re not going to extend the deadline,” he said.
Verticchio also reported the city has secured court authority to demolish and nuisance property at 207 South Fifth Street. He asked the city to notify him of when it plans to raze the building, so he can inform the owner, who may want to remove personal property before the building comes down.
Verticchio said there is some evidence that potential buyers for a trailer at 407 North Fourth Street have been living in the structure even though it has not been inspected for residency and apparently is not connected to the city sewer. He said he told the buyers they can be at the residence during the day to work on it, but they cannot stay overnight.
“I told the people the police is going to come and arrest them if they’re staying there at night,” he said.
A court hearing has been set for property at 208 East Central Avenue. Verticchio said the owners claim they are going to demolish the building but have done nothing toward abating the public nuisance.
“Even if they say they’re going to knock it down, we want a date,” Ald. Saracco said. “They’ve been stringing us along on that for two years.”
The owners of 500 North Seventh say they are talking to a potential buyer, but Verticchio said the owners will have to reimburse the city for legal expenses, and the buyer will have to abate the nuisance within 30 days.
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.
