Community News
Benld Council eyes moving city hall
While some aldermen remained reticent, Benld City Council members generally agreed Monday night to explore the feasibility of moving City Hall from its current quarters to the former First National Bank building on Central Avenue, which the city recently purchased.
Last month, the council authorized Mayor Jim Kelly to bid up to $100,000 for the building, located at 218 East Central Avenue and offered for sale via online bidding through Aumann Auction Service. The city’s final bid was $95,700, including a 10 percent auction fee.
Mayor Kelly said the 4,000 square foot building is an ideal location for city hall.
“It gives us a lot of opportunities and room for expansion,” Kelly said, adding that the former bank’s drive-up facility could be used to accept payments from citizens for water, sewer, and trash pick-up. “I think we should let the people of this town know that if we bought it, we’re going to use it.”
Ald. Jerry Saracco said he wasn’t opposed to moving city hall, but urged the council to take its time with the decision.
“I think we need to slow down a little,” Saracco said. “We need to get it cleaned and we need to get a furnace guy in there.” He also suggested that 4,000 square feet is too much space for what the city needs.
“I’m not opposed to putting City Hall over there,” said Ald. John Balzraine, “but we don’t have to be in a hurry.”
Kelly said the current City Hall is too small for the city’s needs. The relatively cramped council chamber, he said, is not conducive to hosting large numbers of guests. When large numbers of guests are anticipated, the council often moves its meetings to the Civic Center, where acoustics make it difficult for guests to hear what’s being discussed. Moreover, Kelly said the city currently has files archived upstairs, in a back room, and at the former Police Station down the street.
Apart from providing additional space for the council, city clerk and for storage, Kelly said the building could accommodate a Police Department if the city ever decided to restore the Benld City Police.
“I don’t think you’ll ever see a Police Department here again,” Ald. Lance Cooper commented.
“I agree we’ll never have a Police Department,” Saracco said, “not because we can’t afford the salaries but because we can’t afford the benefits the guys get. I’m not criticizing them but we don’t have the money for that.”
While generally agreeing the city will never reconstitute a police department, City Attorney Rick Verticchio indicated there may be some movement in the future to establish a policing district, similar to the CUSD 7 Fire Protection District or the Gillespie-Benld Ambulance District. The City of Mount Olive, where Verticchio also serves as City Attorney, is exploring entering into a cooperative agreement for police services. That could end up being an agreement between Mount Olive and Gillespie or between Mount Olive and Benld to create their own policing service. In either case, Verticchio said the new building would have the space to establish a police substation where officers can complete paperwork or be on call.
Verticchio commented that Mount Olive’s municipal complex is relatively new and is a source of pride in the community.
“I think having a reasonably efficient City Hall that looks nice when people come in is not a bad thing,” said Verticchio.
City Clerk Terri Koyne said she had drawn a tentative floor plan for the clerk’s office that would allow her to serve walk-in customers and the drive-up windows. She discounted concerns about not being able to keep up with demand, saying she sometimes has up to eight people in line for services in her current office space.
“I’m not opposed to it,” Saracco reiterated, “but I would want to see the layout.”
Aldermen concerned about the size of the building suggested the possibility of leasing half of the it to another entity, but Verticchio warned that leasing any part of the building will negate the city’s tax-exempt status for the entire building.
While no immediate action was taken, the council generally agreed to continue to investigate the feasibility of moving City Hall to the newly acquired building.
KEELY DEMOLITON BIDS
The council tabled action on accepting a bid to demolish and remove the Keely Building in the 100 block of North Main Street. The council voted last month to seek bids to raze the condemned two-story brick structure.
Bids ranging from $49,850 to $110,025 were opened prior to Monday night’s meeting, but council members declined to accept any bid over concerns about whether or not each of the bidders understood the scope of work. Mayor Kelly said demolishing the building will involve not only taking down the building and removing the debris but also meeting EPA requirements regarding asbestos mitigation and properly filling and compacting the hole left by the building’s basement.
GreenTrac, LLC, Bunker Hill, offered a bid of $49,850. Kamabulski Excavating and Grading, Granite City, provided a bid of $52,140. A bid of $94,300 came from Schaefer Excavating, Pontoon Beach, and J.P. Solutions, Benld, provided a bid of $110,025.
BALZRAINE PUTS LANDLORDS ON NOTICE
After asking Verticchio to send letters to the owners of nine properties with ordinance violations, Ald. Balzraine said he wanted to crack down on the owners of a rental residents who neglect their properties.
“We shouldn’t have to go after these landlords,” Balzraine said. “They should check their own properties. The city is getting tired of it. People don’t want to live next to that (neglected properties) and they shouldn’t have to.”
Properties Balzraine asked Verticchio to cite included:
- 714 Rose Street, junk dryer outside.
- P.O Box 188 South First Street, tall grass and collapsed building.
- 512 South First Street, neighbors complaining about junk, trash and diapers.
- 203 South Second Street, tall grass and old sofa outside.
- 304 South Second Street, old refrigerator outside.
- 404 Park Avenue, junk car in back.
- 214 Park Avenue, tires, collapsed garage and tall weeds.
- 201 North Seventh Street, remodeling project.
Three of the properties are owned by Cornerstone Rentals, owned by Tim Loveless, Gillespie. One is owned by Brian Komanesky, also of Gillespie. Both men own numerous rental properties in Benld.
In addition to the property Balzraine cited, Komanesky reportedly owns an 306 Park Avenue, which was the target of ordinance violations related to property maintenance. The tenant, Bonnie Kirk, appeared before the council Monday night to report the yard has been cleaned up. Saracco said brush in back of the residence also is in the process of being removed.
Balzraine said Komanesky was sent a letter about the property’s condition but “nothing was done.”
Kirk said she got little cooperation from her landlord regarding physical repairs.
Balzraine said her difficulties with the property owners didn’t come as a surprise. “You have to understand the reason I’m involved is I get calls from the neighbors,” he said. “People don’t want to live next to (derelict properties).”
Kirk also discussed a complaint about the number of cats at her residence. She said only three of the five cats around her home were actually hers. The others, she said, were neighborhood strays. Both Balzraine and Koyne reminded Kirk of the city’s leash law, saying her cats would be subject to being picked up if they are roaming free. She also was advised it is unlawful to feed feral cats.
Kirk told the council that she plans to move out of the house by the end of the month because of issues with her landlord and the fact the house is too big for her.
Koyne asked Verticchio to send a letter to Komanesky to ensure he has the house inspected before renting to another tenant and to ensure the water and sewer service is in the name of the tenant, not the property owner.
In a somewhat related matter, the council approved paying an $840.52 bill to Macoupin County Animal Control, with the provision that the city would no longer be responsible for charges incurred when Animal Control responds to calls from private citizens.
“People in town are calling them willy-nilly and we’re getting the bill for it,” Mayor Kelly said. “I don’t mind paying when we are the ones who call them.”
PROPERTY REPOSSESSION
The council voted unanimously to have Verticchio send a letter to Robert McLain advising McLain that the city plans to take possession of property at 217 South Seventh Street that the city sold to him three years ago.
“We sold the house with the agreement he would either tear it down or fix it,” Mayor Kelly said, alleging McLain had not made adequate progress on abating the nuisance property. “My opinion, we should take it back.”
McLain offered a successful bid of $500 to buy the property from the city in August 2021.
Council members also agreed to offer Monte Oberman $7,500 to purchase a residence at 215 East Central Avenue that previously was declared a nuisance. Overman reportedly agreed to sell the property to the city in lieu of abating the nuisance.
NEW HIRE
On the recommendation of City Clerk Koyne, the council approved hiring Gier Perkins on a 90-day probationary basis as an office worker in the City Clerk’s office.
AIR CONDITIONING REPAIR
Council members voted unanimously to accept of bid from McGhee Heating and Cooling, Mount Olive, to update air conditioning for the DeStefane Events Center (Civic Center). The bid includes $1,923 to update the thermostat system and $1,581 to replace one air conditioning unit.
LIBRARY BOARD APPOIINTMENTS
The council unanimously approved the Mayor’s reappointment of Denise Cadmus, Norman Emmons and Cindy Saracco to three-year terms on the Frank Bertetti Benld Public Library Board.
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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.
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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.
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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.
