Community News
Benld Council approves ordinance to require demolition permits
Benld’s City Council on Monday night voted unanimously to adopt a new ordinance requiring the owners of properties within the city limits to obtain a $250 demolition permit before starting demolition or dismantling of structures.
In addition to the permit fee, permit holders will be required to post a $1,000 bond, which will be refunded upon proper completion of the demolition project, removal of debris and proper clean-up with no claims of property damage or injuries against the city. The city also may retain the bond if the project is not completed within a specified period of time. Permit holders will be required to submit photographs to document installation of proper fencing, and a city official must sign off on debris removal before final cover is installed.
The new ordinance appears to have been prompted in part by issues surrounding the demolition of a one-story brick structure directly across the street from city hall at 208 East Central Avenue, which remains a target of a public nuisance action. Attorney Jono Verticchio, who attended the meeting in the absence of City Attorney Rick Verticchio, said the property owners have been given 30 days to completely clean up the site.
“If it’s not done in 30 days we will get a court order to clean it up ourselves and put a lien on the property,” Verticchio said. That action could lead to the city taking possession of the property at some later date.
Ald. Jerry Saracco noted the building’s foundation is sound and wondered if it could be salvaged. Verticchio advised that if the city takes possession of the parcel, it could opt to leave the foundation in place.
Last month, the council directed the City Attorney to draft the demolition permit ordinance after noting issues with work being done at that time across the street. Aldermen complained that workers were doing demolition work after dark and had provided no fencing or barrier to protect passers-by. A partially demolished wall had collapsed during heavy wind, prompting the city to send in work crews to knock down the remaining structure as a safety precaution.
Following a 15-minute executive session with Verticchio to discuss pending legal actions regarding nuisance properties, the council voted to declare 703 North Main Street, 206 West Hickory Street, and 106 North Fourth Street as public nuisances. The action authorizes the city to give property owners 30 days to abate the nuisance, after which the city could pursue legal action if the properties are not properly cleaned up.
Verticchio reported a hearing has been set for a nuisance action against 615 South Eighth Street, and asked for updated photos and witnesses to present to the court. Aldermen reported the property owner has made progress toward cleaning up the property but is unlikely to complete the clean-up before the hearing.
A public nuisance action against property at 407 North Fourth Street is progressing, although Verticchio said a Macoupin County Circuit Judge ordered the city to restore water service to the residence, ruling the water issue was unrelated to the nuisance complaint.
HOUSING INSPECTION AMENDMENT
Also on Monday night, the council voted to amend the city’s housing inspection ordinance to give the city authority to shutoff water service to rental properties whose owners fail to comply with housing inspection requirements. The ordinance also is amended to increase the cost of inspections from $ 75 to $100.
The ordinance basically requires landlords to have their premises inspected whenever a previous tenant moves out and before a new tenant moves in. The inspection, conducted by the city housing inspector, is designed to insure the properties meeting building codes and are safe for human habitation.
Failure to comply can result in a $150 fine for a first offense, and a $300 fine for a second offense. For a third or subsequent offense, the fine increases to $500 to $1,000. In addition to the fines, the amended ordinance authorizes the city to shut off water service to the residence upon giving the landlord and tenant five days notice.
MOTOR FUEL TAX BID
On a motion by Ald. John Balzraine, seconded by Ald. Mickey Robinson, the council voted unanimously to accept of bid from Illiana Construction Co., Urbana, to supply bituminous materials for street maintenance. Illiana was the lower of two bidders, and agreed to supply 12,035 gallons of material at a cost of $3.17 per gallon for a total cost of $39,150.95 to be paid with motor fuel tax funds.
Doug Ratterman of HMG Engineers appeared before the council to report results of a bid opening held last week.
NEW MOWER
On a motion by Ald. Balzraine, the council voted unanimously to purchase a new X-Mark mower at a cost of $10,900 from Sievers Equipment, Carlinville. Mayor Jim Kelly said the new mower was the least expensive option available to the city.
The new mower will replace a piece of equipment the city has used for the past 22 years.
RENTAL AGREEMENT ADDENDUM
Council members voted unanimously to add an addendum to an agreement to rent city facilities to penalize renters who inappropriately fail to buy dram shop insurance for their event. The addendum is a response to renters who have apparently had alcohol at their event without buying dram shop insurance through the city. Under the new provision, event organizers who fail to buy dram shop insurance when such insurance is needed will lose their deposit.
The addendum applies to renters to engage facilities such as the city park or civic center.
SURPLUS PROPERTIES
On a motion by Ald. Mickey Robinson, seconded by Ald. Dustin Fletcher, the council declared a 2010 Ford Crown Victoria, a six-inch water pump and a brush trimmer as surplus property and agreed to advertise the items for sale via sealed bids.
HEAD START TRAFFIC ISSUES
Ald. Norm Emmons reported he is continuing to seek solutions to traffic hazards at the Head Start School on Central Avenue. Emmons said the highway in front of the school is heavily traveled during times when parents are bringing young children to the facility in the morning and picking them up in the afternoon.,
Emmons thanked the Police Department for increasing police presence during critical times but he said more needs to be done. “We need to do something,” he said.
Ross Adden, a County Board member from Mount Olive who attended the meeting as an observer, recommended the city contact the County Clerk’s office about the availability of grant money for signage such as signs with flashing lights to alert motorists.
Adden also asked about details of the city’s ordinance governing the use of UTVs in the city limits, particularly the cost of permits. City Clerk Terri Koyne told him the city charges $100 per year for a permit and requires UTVs to be street legal.
Adden said the County Board is considering a county-wide ordinance and he wanted to collect information from individual municipalities.
“I told them (the board), ‘Let’s see what everyone else is doing first’,” he said.
RESIDENT COMPLAINT
Benld resident Frank Meredith appeared before the council to ask if anything could be done about parking in front of his home and littering apparently associated with his home’s proximity to a bar. Meredith said he and his wife bought a home located diagonally across the highway from the Cabin bar and restaurant.
Meredith said patrons of the bar park along the road in front of his house and he has to deal with a large volume of litter, including a discarded Axe body deodorant can. He said he was concerned that someone might spray his dog in the face with the substance.
Mayor Kelly said the city probably could not address the parking issue since business patrons are allowed to park along the street, even though there is a vacant property nearby. “It’s the society we live in unfortunately,” Kelly said regarding the litter. “People have no pride and we can’t legislate that.”
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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
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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.
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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.
