Community News
Benld Council awards trash hauling contract to Republic Sanitation
Benld residents will continue to have their trash picked up weekly by Republic Sanitation Services but the price will increase slightly as of April 1 following action taken Monday night during a brief special meeting of the council.
The city’s current contract with Republic is set to expire March 31.
Mayor Jim Kelly opened bids during February’s regular monthly meeting of the council but referred the issue to committee with an eye toward making a decision during a special meeting. Bids were received from Republic, Community Sanitation of Medora, DC Waste and Recycling, Inc. of Hillsboro, and SPS Waste of Staunton. After analyzing the bids, however, Kelly said Monday night that only Republic and DC Waste met the parameters of the bidding specifications.
Representatives of both companies attended the meeting.
Council members voted unanimously to accept Ald. John Balzraine’s motion to award the contract to Republic with a provision that Republic agrees to a five-year contract in lieu of a three-year contract.
Republic will continue to pick up waste on a weekly basis and will continue to pick up recyclable materials as well.
Corrie Ward of Republic told the council the company does not earn “surplus” cash from recycling in response to a question from Ald. John Tilashalki. She affirmed that Republic does get paid for recyclable materials but that the amount the company collects basically is enough to cover the cost of offering the service.
Residents who have regular service with a 95-gallon receptacle will see their cost increase from $15.50 a month to $17.79; seniors with the same level of service will see their cost increase from $13.17 to $15.72. Persons with a 65-gallon receptacle will see their monthly bill increase from $13 per month to $17.79, the same as the 95-gallon service, while seniors using a 65-gallon receptacle will see their cost increase from$11.05 to $15.72, also the same as the 95-gallon service. There is no extra fee for persons who also participate in the recycling program. The cost for an extra cart will remain at $5 per month across the board.
DC’s base prices on a five-year contract were slightly lower than Republic’s but did not include an extra $11.01 for recycling services. DC’s charge for extra carts also was nearly double that of Republics.
Benld is one of the few municipalities in the area that contracts with a single vendor to provide city-wide trash pick-up services, adding the cost of trash pick-up to monthly water bills. Apart from limiting the number of heavy waste hauling trucks using, and possibly damaging, city streets and alleys, the program ensures that all city residences have regular trash pick-up. Further, the bidding process ensures residents have trash pick-up at a lower price than most surrounding communities.
The price increases going into effect on April 1 are the first for Benld residents in five years.
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FELONIES
Austen W. Nieder, 31 of Gillespie, is charged with aggravated battery in a public place in connection with an October 20 incident.
Nathan A. Baker, 47 of Hettick, is charged with obstructing justice/destroying evidence, driving under the influence of alcohol, and illegal stopping/standing/parking in connection with an April 13 incident.
Teresa K. Tucker, 83 of Benld, is charged with aggravated battery/use of a deadly weapon and domestic battery causing bodily harm in connection with an October 26 incident.
Janet L. Andrews, 44 of Gillespie, is charged with possession of a controlled substance, DUI any amount of drug, driving under the influence of alcohol, failure to reduce speed, carrying/displaying license, and transporting/carrying alcohol/driver in connection with an October 31 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Jamie M. Griffiths, 53 of Palmyra, is charged with violation of an order after being served a notice in connection with an October 24 incident.
TRAFFIC
Aiden A. Knodel, 18 of Mount Olive, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit in connection with an October 17 incident.
Matthew T. Troeckler, 38 of Mount Olive, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with an October 18 incident.
James C. Fitzwater, 54 of Mount Olive, is charged with driving on a revoked license and disregarding a stop sign in connection with an October 18 incident.
John E. Tisdale, 43 of Modesto, is charged with headlight violation and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with an October 27 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Jacquelyn Simons versus Jason Simons
- Ashline L. M. Harris versus Jeffrey Harris
- Jennifer L. Parker versus Darrin C. Parker
- Heather R. Elliot versus Ray K. Elliot III
MARRIAGE LICENSES
- Jesse Clay Wright and Rebecca Lyn Mouser, both of Gillespie
- Colin David Robertson and Earl Reah Pastidio Sacabin, both of Staunton
- Gary Eugene Bellm and Micky Sue Cody, both of Virden
- Michael David Pratt and Bailey Ann Schmidt, both of Staunton
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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2025
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Litchfield Road in East Gillespie. Cheri L. Bagwell, 48 of Carlinville, was arrested for operating a vehicle with a suspended driver’s license, improper use of title, operating an uninsured vehicle, and operating a vehicle without valid registration.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Street in Benld in reference to a domestic battery. Teresa K. Tucker, 83 of Benld, was arrested for aggravated domestic battery.
An officer was dispatched to the 900 block of South Madison Street in reference to a death investigation.
Skylar A. Stewart, 33 of Gillespie, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for methamphetamine delivery.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 500 block of East Central Avenue in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 300 block of North Kentucky in Benld.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a juvenile issue that took place in the 100 block of North Macoupin Street.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Illinois Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of West Wilson Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Spruce Street in reference to illegal burning.
An officer was dispatched to Fillmore Street and Burton Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of East Burton Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to 6th Street in Benld in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Oak Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of North 8th Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of North 5th Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute. Peyton R. Pehrson, 26 of Benld, was issued a citation for disorderly conduct.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Olive Street in reference to a death investigation.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of East Easton Street in reference to an ordinance issue. Richard D. Grove, 76 of Gillespie ,was issued a citation for nuisance prohibited-obstructed alleyway.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Avenue and Hard Road in Benld. Summer J. Blevins, 24 of Gillespie, was issued citations for uninsured vehicle and suspended registration.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South 1st Street in Benld in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to Burton Street and Fillmore Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South 5th Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute. Lucas I. Smith, 35, of Benld was arrested for domestic battery.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Henrietta Street in reference to a medical call.
An officer initiated a traffic stop in the 2300 block of Staunton Road in Benld. Jessica M. Brackman, 34 of Gillespie, was arrested on a Madison County warrant for fraud/bad checks. She was also issued a citation for expired registration.
Douglas D. Davis, 58 of Pekin, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for driving while license was revoked.
Melissa J. Hughes, 50 of Benld, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for theft.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Central in Benld, in reference to an animal complaint
An officer was out on North Main Street in Benld in reference to a motorist assist.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to reckless driving in the 300 block of North 6th Street in Benld.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to assisting Animal Control with a call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Henrietta Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Central Avenue in Benld in reference to a medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Avenue and Walnut in Benld. Donald E. Bruhn, 66 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for driving while license was revoked.
An officer assisted the City Alderman at Gillespie Lake on a call in the 15000 block of Oak Ln.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Broadway Street in reference to a battery. James J. Hamilton, 19 of Brighton, was issued citations for battery and illegal consumption by a minor. Joshua T. Reese, 19 of Jerseyville, was issued citations for battery and illegal consumption by a minor. Kyle T. Yate, 19 of Wood River, was issued citations for battery and illegal consumption by a minor.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Berry Street in Mt. Clare in reference to an altercation and a suspicious vehicle.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Elm Street. Jessica M. McCoy, 27 of Eagarville was issued a citation for driving while license was suspended.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Mor Street in East Gillespie. Teresa C. Dickerson, 45 of Mt. Olive ,was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Harding Avenue in East Gillespie in reference to an ordinance issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Shelby Street in reference to a violation of an order of protection.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of South 6th Street in Benld in reference to an assault.
An officer was dispatched to South 2nd Street in Benld in reference to an alarm sounding.
An officer was dispatched to Kentucky Street in Benld in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Elm Street to speak with a female in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer was dispatched to Big Brick Park in reference to juvenile issues.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Gillespie Street in reference to a neighbor dispute.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 300 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to a criminal trespass warning.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie. Thor S. Barnes, 45 of Benld, was arrested for criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Chestnut Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Broadway Street in reference to a dog running at large.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 300 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of South 4th Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to East Chestnut Street and 2nd Street in Benld in reference to a suspicious noise.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South Illinois Street in Benld in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to South Macoupin Street and West Burton Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 200 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie.
An Officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Walnut in reference to an unwanted solicitor.
An Officer was dispatched to 5th Street in Benld in reference to reckless driving.
An Officer was dispatched to the 400 block of East Maple Street in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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