Community News
Benld Council eyes lagoon maintenance, votes to accept annual audit report
Benld City Council members voted unanimously Monday night to spend more than $11,000 to determine the volume of sludge settled at the bottom of the city’s sewage lagoon and determine the best course of action to deal with it. The council also voted to accept the annual city audit following a brief meeting with the city’s auditor, voted to make the first payment to Haier Plumbing and Heating for the first segment of work completed on an extensive sewer improvement project, and authorized the mayor to purchase a $100,000 tractor with a boom mower attachment.
Justin VonderHaar of HMG Engineers reported that representatives of Illinois Environmental Protection Agency investigated the lagoon in February but rendered a final report only recently. The report generally approved of the lagoon operation except for the amount of sludge the lagoon is carrying. He recommended hiring Water Treat Technology, Centralia, to use a remote control ground penetrating radar device to measure the volume of sludge in the lagoon at a cost of $3,250.
Before the sludge can be measured, however, VonderHaar said the city must control an infestation of duckweed to clear the way for the sludge-measuring device. VonderHaar said duckweed is difficult to eradicate but he recommended hiring Water Treat Technology at a cost of $8,380 to treat the invasive aquatic weeds. He said the city would be unable to discharge water from the lagoon for a 48-hour period after treatment, and recommended lowering the water level before treatment and scheduling the treatment for a time when rain is not in the immediate weather forecast.
On a motion by Ald. Jerry Saracco, seconded by Ald. Mickey Robinson, the council voted unanimously to accept VonderHaar’s recommendation to hire Water Treat Technology at a total cost of $11,630.64.
Once the volume of sludge is determined, the city will need to decide how to deal with it. VonderHaar said dredging the lagoon would be the most expensive option. An alternative would involve aeration and the addition of biological agents to consume the sludge and reduce its volume. The cost of adding aeration units, he said, could be as much as $85,000.
Apart from the duckweed issue, VonderHaar also noted the edges of the lagoon are choked with phragmites, similar to cattails, which also need to be removed. Like duckweed, phragmites do not reliably respond to traditional herbicides. One option under discussion, he said, is the possibility of allowing a private individual to release goats on the property to eat the vegetation, including the phragmites.
“My opinion is EPA was very lenient,” VonderHaar said. “They were here in February. If they went out there now, it would be different. It’s in rough shape.”
Later in the meeting, the council authorized Mayor Jim Kelly and the city Maintenance Director to purchase a 2016 John Deere 6110 tractor with a 20-foot boom mower attachment at a cost of $100,000. The used unit has 500 hours on it and is located in Fenton, MO. Kelly said he and the Maintenance Director will examine the machine and test drive it before committing to the purchase.
Kelly said the equipment will allow maintenance workers to mow down to the water line at the lagoon and will be used for other projects where a boom mower is needed. The city has tried to rent a similar unit for the past three years but hasn’t found one available for rent.
“We haven’t been able to rent one for the past three years, which is why our lagoon looks the way it does,” he said.
Kelly said the city plans to post a downpayment of $10,000. Carlinville National Bank will finance the purchase over five years with payments amounting to $1,600 per month.
Finance Committee Chair Saracco expressed concerns about projected upcoming expenditures, including the $85,000 or more that may be needed to address the lagoon issue.
“We don’t have any new businesses coming into town,” he said. “We don’t have the money.”
WATER RATE INCREASE
Responding to a rate increase on bulk water imposed by the City of Gillespie, the council agreed to raise the minimum bill for individuals from $12 to $13 per month. The rate increase will be reflected on customer bills in October.
City Clerk Terri Koyne said she averaged the city’s monthly consumption of treated water from Gillespie and determined the city will be paying about $750 more per month for water. With the number of customers on the Benld water system, she said the $1 increase would be adequate to cover the increase in cost.
“Our water rates are still cheaper than what they were before the sewer rate increase,” she said. To qualify for a grant to help pay for sewer improvements, the council raised sewer rates several months ago but decreased the water rate by the same amount so consumers’ total bills remained relatively the same.
SEWER IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
Council members authorized an initial payment of $174,828 to Haier Plumbing and Heating for work completed as of Sept. 8 on the city’s sewer improvement project. The payment represents $194,178 for completed work, less a 10 percent retain age. VonderHaar said the payment leaves about $444,500 in funds yet to be paid as work progresses on the $550,000 project.
The project calls for replacing about 3,400 feet of deteriorating sewer lines on the city’s east side and re-lining about 1,600 feet that can be salvaged with lining.
VonderHaar reported that workers recently ran into a problem on the south side of the city park where an influx of water stymied progress on laying new sewer lines. The engineer said some of the water apparently came from a previously unknown water leak in the water line supplying the park. Workers turned off water for the park, which reduced the flow of water into the trench but a substantial amount of water continues to flood the trench, apparently coming from an underground spring.
VonderHaar said the influx of water was so significant that at a depth of about 12 feet, a slurry of sand and water flowed over the top of the trenching box onto workers in the trench. He said workers are attempting to pump water out of the trench in order to complete work. VonderHaar said workers should know by Tuesday if pumping alone would be sufficient to control the water.
If workers have to construct drainage wells, VonderHaar said the contract cost could potentially increase. At this point, he said, the increased cost is minimal, limited primarily to the cost of additional rock.
Responding to a question from Ald. Saracco, VonderHaar said the presence of spring water should have no long term detrimental effects on the project. In theory, water from the spring will travel along the trench and ultimately drain into a creek to the east of the park.
If the issue causes significant cost increases, VonderHaar said the city may be able to take advantage of a recently announced program to increase the grant amount by as much as $100,000. The initiative is primarily designed to help municipalities deal with increased costs associated with inflation and VonderHaar said it is unknown if the state will approve an increase to cover increased costs resulting from the discovery of the spring.
CITY AUDIT
During a special meeting prior to Monday night’s regular meeting, the council voted to accept the annual audit completed by Scheffel Boyle, CPAs, Alton. Accountant Keith Brinkmann presented the audit, commending the city for living within its means and exercising outstanding oversight over the expenditure of public funds.
“To us, there’s more oversight here than we’d normally see in a small community,” Brinkmann said. “I applaud you for your oversight. To me, that’s the heart of the matter.”
He said the firm’s opinion letters do not cite any deficiencies and make no recommendations for improving accounting procedures.
“We’d love to have other communities mirror you,” he said.
As expenses increase and revenues plateau, Brinkmann said it will become more difficult to balance expenditures with revenue. He praised the council for raising water rates in response to increases in cost rather than delaying such adjustments until increases would be oppressive.
Brinkmann’s 15-minute presentation did not include a summary of city finances. The 28-page audit document shows governmental revenues from taxes, fees, licenses and so forth in the amount of $745,168 during the fiscal year ending April 30, with expenditures of $511,348. The governmental activities line ended the year $233,819 in the black; coupled with the beginning balance, governmental activities ended the year with a positive balance of $1,720,707.
So-called proprietary funds—sewer and water, and trash collection—reported profits of $25,146 for the year and ended the year with $2,138,954 in the bank.
PARK DEVELOPMENT GRANT
Over the objection of Ald. Jim Tilashalski, the council authorized the Mayor and City Clerk to apply for a $600,000 grant on behalf of the Benld Sports Association from the Department of Natural Resources to subsidize development of the former site of Benld Elementary School as a recreational park. Current plans for the park include development of a walking path, playground equipment, a softball field, a baseball field and a football/soccer field. The deadline for the grant application is at the end of the month.
Tilashalski said 10 percent of the grant application evaluation is dependent on officials conducting public hearings on the project.
Mayor Kelly offered to call a special meeting for next week to review plans for the park but Tilashalski rejected the offer, apparently on the assumption a special meeting would not meet the definition of a public hearing.
If the grant application is successful, the Sports Association would be responsible for raising additional funds to build the park facilities.
Brought to a vote, Ald. Saracco, Robinson, John Balzraine, and Lance Cooper voted in favor of the application. Tilashalski voted “no.”
CIVIC CENTER
Ald. Balzraine reported the Civic Center renovation, underwritten by former resident Rick DeStefane, is nearing completion and is expected to open to the public in mid-October.
On Balzraine’s recommendation, the council voted to spend $2,667 to scrub, clean and seal the center’s concrete floor, and $965 for a metal sign renaming the center as the DeStefane Event Center.
OTHER ACTION
In other action, the council:
- Approved a food truck ordinance identical to an ordinance approved by the Gillespie City Council earlier this month, establishing a fee structure of $100 for four days of operation, plus $25 for each additional day.
- Authorized City Attorney Rick Verticchio to develop an ordinance on manufactured homes which will include an increase in the fine for violations.
- Agreed to accept the deed for derelict property at 106 North Main Street in lieu of pursuing legal action.
- Set trick-or-tricking hours from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Oct. 30 and 31.
- Reappointed Don Chapman, Cathy Barylske and Jeri Bayse to three-year terms on the Public Library Board of Trustees.
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FELONIES
Justine D. Pocklington, 27 of Standard City, possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams), aggravated feeling police/21 mph over, no valid registration, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a February 2 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Katlyn N. Pilger, 21 of Benld, is charged with theft/unauthorized control (<$500) in connection with a March 28 incident.
Donald L. Lloyd, 46 of Staunton, is charged with criminal trespass to land in connection with an April 5 incident.
TRAFFIC
Tarina S. Slaughter, 47 of Girard, is charged with improper use of registration/title, unlicensed, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with an April 4 incident.
William C. Geiser, 60 of Gillespie, is charged with reckless driving in connection with an April 6 incident.
Lauren E. Wolfe, 21 of Granite City, is charged with improper use of registration/title and expiration of registration in connection with an April 3 incident.
Jim T. Wahl, 53 of Cottage Hills, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with an April 8 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Nora Washington versus Joseph D. Washington
- Samantha Lehnen versus Chad Wallace
MARRIAGE LICENSES
- Colton D. West of Hettick and Alina M. Carver of Scottville.
- Devin J. Martin and Mariah P. Crane, both of Bunker Hill.
- Jonathon E. Swisher of Shipman and Mackenzie P. Calvin of Saint Charles, MO.
- Lucas Boschelli and Danielle J. Boatman, both of Carlinville.
- Todd R. Leverton and Jennifer L. Bowman, both of Carlinville.
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SUNDAY, APRIL 5, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Oak Street in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Oak Street in reference to harassment.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South Main Street in Benld in reference to a civil standby.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Park Avenue in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Elm Street in reference to a civil standby.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
MONDAY, APRIL 6, 2026
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
Jonathan M. Kirkwood, 29 of Benld, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for traffic.
An officer was dispatched to Maple Street and Adams Street in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was out with a female at Trolley Street and Central Avenue in Benld in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the Gillespie Police Department to speak with a male in reference to a civil issue in the 200 block of South Main Street in Benld.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Henry Street in East Gillespie. Camden G. Zumwalt, 18 of Staunton, was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a well-being check.
TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2026
Cory D. Norton, 33 of Columbus, NC, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for driving while driver’s license was suspended. He also has a warrant out of Montgomery County for failure to appear while driver’s license was suspended.
An officer was dispatched to the intersection of Madison Street and Wilson Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was out with a male at Staunton Road and Charles Street in reference to a traffic crash. Tanner E. Moore, 28 of Gillespie, was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol, improper lane usage, using an electronic communication device, and failure to change address.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Frey Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Staunton Road in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South 4th Street in Benld in reference to unwanted solicitors.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Maple Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Richards Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was out in the 100 block of South Main Street in Benld. Amanda L. Broderick, 37 of Benld, was issued citations for unlawful possession of traffic signs and obstruction. Luther C. Welch, 31 of Shipman, was issued a citation for obstruction.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Berry Street in Mt. Clare in reference to a death investigation.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 300 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to illegal dumping and criminal trespass.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 6th Street in Benld in reference to criminal damage to property.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to identity theft in the 1200 block of Second Street.
An officer initiated a traffic stop in the 400 block of South Macoupin Street. Andrea M. Hulsey, 30 of Mt. Clare, was issued a citation for her minor child not wearing a seatbelt.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Broadway in reference to a neighbor dispute.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 900 block of Springfield Road in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Abba Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was dispatched to Ben-Gil Elementary School in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Elm Street in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to Kentucky Street and Hickory Street in Benld in reference to a noise complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Walnut Street to assist the Macoupin County Sheriff Department in serving an eviction notice.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Dorsey Road in Mt. Clare in reference to a well-being check.
THURSDAY, APRIL 9, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Dorsey Street in Benld in reference to a medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Donaldson Street in reference to criminal damage to property.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Avenue and Main Street in Benld. Trinity A. Pruitt, 22 of Benld, was issued citations for speeding and for illegal transportation of cannabis.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a civil issue.
The school resource officer brought a child to the Gillespie Police Department in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 200 block of West Spruce Street.
An officer was dispatched to the 2300 block of Staunton Road in Mt. Clare in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Clay Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of East Central Avenue in Benld in reference to suspicious activity.
FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2026
An officer was dispatched near the water plant in reference to juveniles fighting.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South Second Street in Benld in reference to assisting the Litchfield Police Department with a case.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Wilson Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Charles Street in reference to a civil issue.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Henry Street in East Gillespie. Leonard J. Schwartz, 55 of Edwardsville, was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Pine Street. Scott A. Byrd, 49 of Wilsonville, was issued a citation for expired registration.
SATURDAY, APRIL 11, 2026
Larry E. Conlee, 42 of Mt. Clare, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for dangerous drugs. He was also arrested for resisting a peace officer and aggravated battery.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to an animal complaint on Bishop Drive at Gillespie Lake.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South Hard Road in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of East Walnut Street in reference to solicitation.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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Community News
“History Belongs to All of Us”: Focus of Carlinville Community Conversation Series starting May 4
“History Belongs to All of Us,” a three-month series of events and activities commemorating the 250th anniversary of American independence and emphasizing Illinois’ role in seizing liberty for the American people will kick off Monday, May 4, and continue through July 16, 2026.
The series is project of Carlinville Winning Communities funded by a grant from Illinois Humanities. The events will encourage participants to examine and discuss the Declaration of Independence and other primary historical documents through facilitated conversations, according to Mary Tinder, a Macoupin County Historical Society & Carlinville Winning Communities board member.
Carlinville Winning Communities was one of only 13 entities statewide to receive an Illinois Humanities grant to support the Community Conversations Series.
We are fortunate to have received Illinois Humanities funding for this unique project, With 2026 being the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the 100th anniversary of Route 66, it is altogether fitting to explore where we’ve been and where we’re going, as well as to reflect on both and the cultural impact of our independence, Tinder said.
In keeping with the “History Belongs to All of Us” theme, several of the presentations and discussions will emphasize the role of Native Americans and the impact of American independence on Native American and other cultures.
Program topics will be explored through presentations by Illinois Humanities Road Scholars, live readings of historic documents, art, music and discussions. The programs are free to attend and all venues are handicapped accessible.
The series kicks off with “Illinois in the Revolutionary War,” a presentation by local historian and author Tom Emery, at 7 p.m., Monday, May 4, at the Macoupin County Historical Society’s Ruyle Genealogy Building, 920 W. Breckenridge St., Carlinville. Emery will lead a discussion of information included in his most recently published book, Illinois in the Revolutionary War.
“There was more to the war in Illinois than most people realize,” said Emery. “Revolutionary action took place in many parts of the state, and it was a struggle for all involved. It shows how hard many Americans worked for liberty.”
A discussion of Nicholas Welch’s 1812 Land Grant and the Autobiography of Ma-Ka-Tai-Me-She-Kia-Kiak, better known as Black Hawk, leader of the Sauk/Sac Indian tribes, is set for 7 p.m., Monday, June 1, in the Anderson Home parlor on the Macoupin County Historical Society grounds. Under the Land Grant program, the government set aside more than five million acres in western Illinois to compensate American war veterans with large tracts of land. Though Welch never set foot in Illinois, the granting of land to him displaced Black Hawk from his home in the area of present-day Rock Island. The facilitated discussion will focus on original historic documents, juxtaposing Welch’s land grant with Black Hawk’s experience.
Because of the smaller, more intimate venue, reservations are required. RSVP to marytinder1@gmail.com to reserve a seat.
“Relive the Mother Road: The Edwards Trace,” a collective analysis of documents and a look at contemporary research will be led by Illinois Humanities Road Scholar Anna Sielaff, Friday afternoon, June 26, during an Old Fashioned Route 66 Jubilee on the Macoupin County Courthouse lawn. Sielaff will discuss the 3,000-year-old Edwards Trace, used by Native Americans and early Illinois settlers, that stretched from Cahokia to Peoria. Portions of the trace run through Macoupin County, and some sections lay along the original alignment of Route 66. Imagine Rural Arts also will lead an art project in connection with how the trail was marked.
The Old Fashioned Route 66 Jubilee event runs from noon into the evening with food, musical performances, literary presentations, games, food and other activities.
The date is significant for Carlinville and Route 66 since 6/26/26 happens to be our zip code! The Jubilee offers a variety of experiences and taking a deeper look at the Edwards Trace and the Mother Road is an interesting way to explore local history on this unique date and location, Tinder noted.
Continuing on to the July 4th holiday, Macoupin County high school and college students will read the Declaration of Independence aloud in the main courtroom of the historic Macoupin County Courthouse in Carlinville at 10 a.m. The event also will feature a display of more than 30 historic flags provided by the George Rogers Clark Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution. A facilitated discussion will follow the reading and participants will be invited to sign the “Macoupin County America @ 250 Time Capsule” book. The book will then be on display at the Macoupin County Historical Society, said Andrea Duncan, one of the organizers.
A unique and somewhat mysterious artifact from Macoupin County will be the subject of a presentation at 7 p.m., Monday, July 6, at the Historical Society’s Ruyle Genealogy Building. Sharon Breyden and husband Tommy Breyden will display and discuss the Black Hawk Tablet, uncovered in the 1940s on a farm near Hettick. The odd inscriptions on the lead medallion suggests Black Hawk and an early Macoupin settler formalized an agreement to peacefully coexist in central Illinois.
For the final program of the Carlinville Community Conversations series, Illinois Humanities Road Scholar Kim Sigafus, a member of the Ojibwa Native American tribe, will present “We the Native People” at 7 p.m., Thursday, July 16, at the Historical Society’s Ruyle Genealogy Building. The focus is on Native Americans at the time the Declaration of Independence was signed. The interactive program will use traditional story-telling and music to help audience members understand the groundswell changes in Native American culture and lifestyle resulting from American independence and subsequent western expansion.
For more information and details about the “History Belongs to All of Us” series, contact Carlinville Winning Communities Board members, Andrea Duncan, (217) 204-1446, or Mary Tinder, (217) 825-9699.
