Community News
Benld Council eyes new city hall expenses, adopts amended appropriation ordinance
Benld city aldermen authorized expenditures of up to more than $14,000 Monday night to begin retrofitting the former First National Bank building, 218 E. Central Avenue, for use as the City Hall. The city purchased the building this fall for $95,700 via an online auction.
The council unanimously authorized expenditures of up to $3,582.84 with Madison Communications and up to $1,729 with Mark Carpani of Carpani Computers to install telephone and internet equipment. Madison submitted a bid to complete the entire project. Mayor Jim Kelly said Madison, however, is now working with Carpani to cooperatively share the work, meaning either or both companies’ final bills may be less than their original bids. Total expenditures for telephone and internet work should not exceed a total of $5,312.
Council members also voted unanimously to contract with Auto Sound and Security, Staunton, to install security cameras for the newly acquired building.
Additionally, the council agreed to buy six conference tables from Macy’s for slightly more than $1,100. City Clerk Terri Koyne, who has been cleaning the new building, said the existing chairs from the city council chambers can be used with the new tables. She said she cleaned the upholstery on eight additional chairs from the existing break room that can be used in aldermanic council room that can be used for private meetings and executive sessions.
On a motion by Ald. John Balzraine, the council accepted a bid of up to $450 from Chris Hartspencer, Gillespie, to power wash the former bank building prior to moving city offices to the new location.
The fate of current city offices, located in the same building with the Civic Center, has not been determined. One possibility may be providing space for small meetings of outside groups such as Build Benld.
No timeline was discussed Monday night regarding when the city’s offices will move to the new facility.
APPROPRIATION AMENDMENT
Council members approved an amended appropriation ordinance increasing the city’s spending limits for the fiscal year by nearly $240,000. The original $2.2 million appropriation was approved by the council in June to govern spending from May 1, 2024, through April 30,2025. Though required by law, the appropriation is not equivalent to a budget; the ordinance sets spending ceilings for each of the city’s accounts. In the event spending exceeds the amount appropriated, the council is required to approve an amended appropriation to authorize the additional spending.
The lion’s share of the increase in appropriations falls under the are of City Property. The amended ordinance adds $90,000 to $10,000 originally appropriated for Capital Outlay, ostensibly to cover the cost of acquiring the former First National Bank building. The appropriation for Repairs and Maintenance was upped by $60,000. The appropriation for Building Demolition was increased by $20,000, apparently covering costs associated with the city’s increasingly aggressive approach to disposing of nuisance properties.
The Capital Outlay line item under Sewer Fund Expenses was increased by $65,000.
Maximum expenditures from the General Fund for Telephone and Internet Expenses was increased from $4,850 to $8,350—an increase of $3,500.
Maximum expenditures from the Police Fund was increased from $1,000 to $2,000 for Animal Control.
The newly amended ordinance will be filed with the Macoupin County Clerk’s Office.
2025 MOTOR FUEL TAX MAINTENANCE PROGRAM
Following a brief presentation by Doug Ratermann, and engineer with HMG Engineers, Breese, the council voted unanimously to submit to the Illinois Department of Transportation a Motor Fuel Tax street maintenance program in the amount of $100,000. The document, subject to approval by IDOT, outlines anticipated costs for street maintenance next year to be paid from the city’s Motor Fuel Tax funds.
Ratermann said the program is similar to previous years, but with prices adjusted upward for most materials. The total proposed program is estimated to cost about $75,000 but Ratermann said he recommended seeking approval of up $100,000 to allow for possible maintenance work in addition to standard resurfacing and sealing. He said he and Public Works Director James Savant had discussed using a CA7 material to patch some streets not scheduled for resurfacing.
Ratermann said performance of the CA7 material should be superior to the cold patch normally used for patching, and should put those streets in better condition for resurfacing in 2026.
The proposed program calls for purchasing 12,200 gallons of HFE 150 bituminous material sealer at a cost of $39,650, plus 500 tons of rock chips at a cost of $11,515. Another expenditure of $11,515 is expected to apply and roll the chips. Total cost for street maintenance is estimated at $62,665.
Additionally, the proposed program anticipates expenditure of $1,825 for 100 tons of CA-6 aggregate, and $6,500 for 50 tons of bituminous patch for patching streets.
The program includes an estimated $3,798 for engineering costs.
The proposal to IDOT includes engineer estimates only. Pricing for materials and application will be finalized when IDOT lets bids for MFT programs statewide early next year. The document approved Monday night serves as an appropriation setting spending limits to come from MFT funds.
NUISANCE PROPERTIES
No action followed a 10-minute executive session during which the Mayor and council members met with Jono Verticchio, who attended on behalf of City Attorney Rick Verticchio.
Council members were advised that Robert McLain has agreed to surrender property at 217 South Seventh Street in lieu of abating the nuisance. The city sold the home to McLain three years ago with the agreement that he would either raze and repair the building in a reasonable amount of time. Since McLain is in breach of his contract with the city, Verticchio said no formal action was needed for the city to take possession.
“He wasn’t in compliance with the contract, so I don’t think you need a motion to take the property back,” Verticchio said.
SPORTS COMPLEX PAYMENT
On Ratermann’s recommendation, the council approved payment of $26,808.80 to J.P. Solutions, pending proof of insurance. Ratermann said the company is entitled to payment, having removed lamp post bases and a sewer line at the former site of the Benld Elementary School, currently being developed as a sports complex and public park.
The insurance issue is a technicality, as Ratermann explained. Documents originally provided to him fell short on coverage for individual incidents. Since then, the company has been in contact with its insurance carrier and had coverage amounts adjusted upward. Confirmation, however, has not yet been received by Ratermann.
“We do not have a fully executed contract,” Ratermann said. “My recommendation, if you want to approve this, is to approve it pending receipt of a fully executed contract. A ‘fully executed contract’ just means I get a copy of their insurance.”
The council also authorized Mayor Jim Kelly to approve a contract of up to $25,000 for electrical work at the park site.
“We have all the dirt work done and we’re ready for electrical work,” Kelly said. Among the electrical items to be completed are installation of two four-inch conduits that will go under the street adjacent to the park, and underground conduit to bring electrical service to the yet-to-be-installed scoreboards.
RISK MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION
Council members voted unanimously to renew the city’s liability coverage through the Illinois Municipal League’s Risk Management Association. The shared risk cooperative is available to municipalities that are members of the Municipal League.
Council members authorized a payment of $25,535.51, which includes $250 in dues for the city to remain a member of IML. Municipalities receive a discount for payment in full as opposed to monthly payments for coverage.
The council also voted unanimously to renew its unemployment insurance at a cost of $1,242.80, which includes a brokerage fee.
RESIDENTIAL REQUEST
Jerry and Sheila Springsmeyer approached the council with a request to use four acres behind their home on Eighth Street to raise three horses. The acreage currently is zoned for agricultural use.
Springsmeyer said Illinois recognizes any farmable land as suitable for livestock. Verticchio advised, however, that city ordinance prohibits farm animals within the city limits.
Mayor Kelly said complying with the Springsmeyer’s request would require amending the ordinance. He invited them to return with a detailed plan about what they have in mind and how changing the ordinance would be justified.
“The council could consider an ordinance change,” Kelly said, “but it won’t be an overnight thing.”
“It just seems like a lot of land just setting out there,” Springsmeyer said, noting the couple currently rents the acreage out for crop producation. “We’d like to be able to use it for ourselves.”
OTHER ACTION
In other action, the council:
• Authorized payment of $4,500 to Joe’s Electric for work completed at the City Park.
• Accepted a bid of $3,700 from Emmons Tree Service, Carlinville, to remove dead trees from city rights-of-way.
• Authorized payment of Christmas bonuses in the amount of $125 for full-time employees and $75 for part-time employees.
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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.
