Community News
Benld Council approves sidewalk bid
In a relatively brief meeting, the Benld City Council on Monday night accepted a $16,785 bid to replace the sidewalk around the Benld City Hall, agreed to a one-time plan to pick up storm debris from residences, and dealt with a minor controversy over the purchase of five concrete planters.
City Property Chair John Balzraine’s motion to accept the low bid of Gillian Concrete, Glen Carbon, to replace the sidewalks on the south and west sides of the City Hall/Civic Center was unanimously approved. Balzraine said the bid includes installation of concrete ramps for disabled persons for access to the Civic Center. Iron railings for the ramps will be installed at an additional cost.
According to Balzraine, city workers will be responsible for removing the old sidewalk. He said work would start initially at the front of City Hall to avoid interfering with ongoing work inside the Civic Center, which is currently under renovation. Balzraine will request replacement parking stops for the west side of the building at a later date.
In a somewhat related matter, Balzraine announced that a sale to dispose of surplus property from the Civic Center is set for 10 a.m., July 9, in the City Park. Among the items offered for sale will be used tables and chairs, along with other miscellaneous city-owned equipment that is no longer needed. Most items will be priced by city officials for sale but a vintage Coke Cola cooler, considered a collector’s item, will be offered via a silent auction.
STORM DEBRIS PICKUP
After several minutes of discussion, the council agreed to authorize city workers to pick up debris from last Friday’s windstorm on a date to be set by the Maintenance Department. Mayor Jim Kelly said he had received calls from residents after the City of Gillespie announced it would sponsor a pickup program for downed limbs stacked or piled at the curb.
Ald. Dustin Fletcher worried that residents would assume the branch pick-up would be a permanent service after any storm. “I don’t think we want to make a habit of it,” he said.
Veteran alderman Mickey Robinson said past practice has been to pick up storm debris after major storms on a case-by-case basis.
“It’s a courtesy thing,” Robinson said. “In the past, after a big storm like we had last Friday, we picked it up.”
“I don’t have a problem with it as long as it’s a one-time thing,” Ald. Jerry Saracco commented.
Ultimately, Flectcher’s motion to approve the pick-up program with a date to be set by the Maintenance Department was approved. Residents wishing to take advantage of the program should have downed branches stacked at the curb prior to the pick-up date. In the meantime, residents who want to haul their own debris can get a key for the city dump from City Hall to take branches to the dump.
The pickup date wasn’t available at the time of publication but will be updated when available.
PLANTERS CONTROVERSY
The council took specific action to authorize payment of an $800 bill from Community Feed and Seed, East Alton, for five concrete planters submitted by Ald. Jim Tilashalski. Previously, the council approved a motion to spend up to $2,500 to replace planters damaged by vandalism. Acting under the authority of that motion, the City Property Committee purchased four concrete planters from Community Feed and Seed for $500.
Tilashalski claimed he believed he had authority to purchase the additional planters because the original purchase fell short of the amount authorized. He disputed City Clerk Terri Koyne’s assertion that Tilashalski’s original motion, recorded in the official minutes, applied only to replacing damaged planters.
“That was not my motion,” Tilashalski said.
Balzraine alleged Tilashalski purchased the five new planters without authorization. At the Mayor’s suggestion, the council approved a motion to pay the bill with Ald. Robinson voting “no.”
Mayor Kelly reported that Woody’s Municipal Supply has acquired a tractor with a side-mounted mower for rent. The city has been on the waiting list to rent such equipment for two years. The equipment is used for mowing brush along the bike trail, around the lagoon and next to the creek. He said the city will remain on the waiting list until the equipment becomes available. The unit rents for $2,800 per week, plus $1.60 per mile for delivery and pick-up.
Kelly also reported that HMG Engineers plans to hold a pre-bid meeting with contractors in July at the Benld City Hall to discuss specifications for the upcoming sewer improvement project on the city’s east side.
OTHER ACTION
In other action, the council:
- Approved a business license for Mama Said Sew & More, a new business dealing in handsewn crafts and supplies to be operated by Sherry Monroe in the 200 block of East Chestnut Street next door to Stan’s Barber Shop.
- Voted to declare property at 110A North Main Street as a public nuisance, an action which authorizes the city attorney to contact the owners with a demand to abate the nuisance.
- Authorized the City Clerk to pay the bill from Republic Sanitation as a routinely approved expenditure as long as the monthly bill does not exceed $10,000. City Clerk Terri Koyne said Republic has changed its billing cycle, making it impossible to include the bill in the monthly warrants report without incurring late fees.
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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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