Community News
Benld Council hears from County Clerk Pete Duncan: UPDATED
Council opts to not advertise for inspector position
Gloria Sidar updated the council on police department issues.
County Clerk Pete Duncan explained the April 2013 election to the council on Monday, September 10. “This is the first time I have been county clerk start to finish,” Duncan opened. He just wanted to make sure everyone was on the same page as him.
According to Duncan, petitions are going to start circulating on September 25. Duncan said the county’s list is showing the mayor seat will be vacant, city clerk, and city treasurer are all up. He went on to add that one seat is up in Ward 1 and the other Ward 1 seat is just a two year position rather than the four year. “They are just filling out the term.”
Pete Duncan explains how the 2013 election is going to work.
Ward 2 has one seat that will normally be up and one seat in Ward 3. “Double check if that is accurate, but that is what we are showing.” Duncan stressed it is important for candidates to indicate whether they want to run for the full term or 2 year term in Ward 1.
Other than that, he explained that everyone will run as independents. 14 signatures are the minimum and 64 is the maximum amount of signatures needed to run for the mayor, city clerk, and treasurer. The paperwork for all candidates was handed over to the City Clerk. Filing for positions is from December 17 to December 24. That means the City Clerk’s office has to be open until 5pm on Christmas Eve. “The only exception would be if Governor Quinn changes December 24 to a state holiday,” Duncan said. “That would bump it back to December 26.”
After meeting in executive session for approximately 20 minutes discussing the city inspector position, Peyton Bernot motioned to advertise for applicants for a “state qualified housing inspector.” Bernot explained that anyone with interest can write a letter to the council and fill out an application. The deadline would be 2 weeks.
Nepute seconded the motion, but the motion was only able to receive 3 “yes” votes from Bernot, Tilashalski, and Nepute. With the vote at a stalemate, Mayor Robinson was required to break the decision by either voting “yes” in favor of advertising for applicants or “no” in favor of not to advertise. Robinson voted “no.”
The council will now have to wait for applicant to be mailed in since they cannot advertise or wait for Rich Plavonich to get his certification. Plavonich is currently the housing inspector, but lacking the state qualified certification. The council does not know if he is planning on obtaining that or not. He mentioned at a previous meeting he would in November.
For the time being, the City of Benld has asked Bob Lancaster to fill in as the city building inspector. Lancaster is currently the building inspector in Gillespie. According to him, he has a few papers to sign and that’s it. Lancaster will be inspecting the buildings until Rich Plavonich gets his certification or the council hires an applicant.
Recognition of Public
Kathy Petrak presented the council with a bid for the plumbing at the Nutrition Center. “That is a union, state-certified bid,” she added. According to Petrak, this has to be done before “Mr. Bussmann” is all over us. The bid was added under old business and the council approved Stern’s Plumbing bid to do the plumbing. The bid contained installation of a grease trap in the basement and a couple other items to total $868.09. Robinson explained the city is only going to pay half of the amount while the Nutrition Center picking up the other half.
Petrak also clarified that the Municipal Band has to contact the city council to play at any function. “There was an article published in the Staunton paper about why Staunton paid their bill and Benld did not,” she explained. According to the council, the band was never asked to play. They just showed up because they thought it was Benld and they always play. The band director was actually questioned on Memorial Day why he brought the band to play. Petrak added that she is going to mail a letter to the new director and explain the process to him.
As confirmed before, Peyton Bernot announced that Ray Weller confirmed the fact that back-flow preventers do not need to be installed.
City Attorney Report
The city attorney updated the council on the video gambling ordinance. “It has been turned over to the Department of Revenue,” Gina explained. “5% of the 30% tax will be forwarded to the city.” She also went on to pass around the new ordinance that raises the home inspection fee to $75. It also includes a reinspection if the 60 days since the original inspection has not expired.
She also advised the city not to take any action on the 218 West Walnut property until the council speaks with Casey Willmann. “We want her to sign an agreement if we clean up the property.” She moved on to the Conlee property where they received a judgment against them. The Vertichio office is working with the EPA to help with the demolition removal. “We had a case in Virden where the EPA provided the dumpsters to help with any waste.”
Committee Reports
Gloria Sidar, police chairwoman, advised the council that the police department got the police report published last week. She also said she checked on having an “ordinance reminder” published in the paper once or twice a month. “The paper charges $20 per month,” Sidar explained. Robinson advised her to take it back to her committee to bring back a recommendation for the next meeting.
In other committee reports, Jim Tilashalski explained the bid packet he received from B&R Utility Services. “They also included a cost factor in connection with reading the water meters,” he added.
Peyton Bernot updated the council on the water committee meeting held earlier in the day Monday. The grant administrator and engineer was present along with Ray Weller, the Benld Water Operator. According to Bernot, Weller confirmed back flow preventers are not necessary for installation. “If we were to put back flow preventers in, we would have to notify the residents and they would have to put in an expansion tank in their home before we could put the back flow preventer in.”
The mayor also explained that he received another applicant for the housing inspector position. “We have two now,” Robinson explained.
Old Business
In old business, the council looked over the two bids they have for the meter reader contracts. Greg Beckwith of Midwest Environmental spoke up. “We currently have a contract in the waste water lagoon system for the last decade and we have another contract with the city to read the meters,” Greg started. “I was given a verbal agreement from the previous mayor to go past the current contract to adjust the reads after the new meters were put in. We were not aware you were accepted bids for a job we are already doing.”
Midwest Environmental’s bid is $1.15 per each meter bid while B&R Utility was at $0.95 each meter. The council notified Greg that the council never advertised for bids. “We just have your bid from 2 months ago and this other bid that we received,” Robinson explained. Beckwith stated he thought his company felt like they did the City a good job. The council decided to take the bids back to the committee and report back to the council next meeting.
New Business
The council then amended liquor ordinance 3-4-14 to prohibit persons from remaining on the property of a tavern rather than just remaining in the building. There have been past incidents where patrons come out of the tavern on time, but remain outside on the property after hours and continue to consume alcohol. “This ordinance will state that they cannot remain inside the building or on the property,” Gloria Sidar explained. “There have been multiple calls about this. The ordinance was approved 6-0.
The council also passed a new ordinance prohibiting the riding of ATV’s, go-karts, dirt bikes, or any sound amplifying device on private property. There have been numerous complaints in the past, Sidar added. The council passed the ordinance 5-1 with objection from Nepute.
Mickey Robinson, mayor, then explained to the council that the City of Benld will receive bonus money from the third quarter motor fuel tax review. The council should receive $6,692 by November 1.
Police
The council then requested action to amend Chief of Police Ordinance 5-1-3,/D. Duties, 3. The amendment will remove from the ordinance that the chief or the deputy is not required to attend all City Council meetings. The new amendment passed 4-2 with objection from Tilashalski and Bernot.
Drew Sloan was then hired as a part time police officer to fill in as needed. All council members voted in favor of the action as Tilashalski explained he voted “yes” because he is now involved with the police committee and is in favor of the openness now.
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The American Red Cross is proud to partner with the Mt. Olive VFW to host an upcoming blood drive on Thursday, May 29th, from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. This important community event aims to help save lives and provide critical blood supplies.
Presenting donors will receive an exclusive American Red Cross solar lantern, available while supplies last. Additionally, all donors will be automatically entered for a chance to win a U.S. trip of their choice for two — an exciting opportunity to explore new destinations.
Appointments are encouraged to ensure a smooth donation process, but walk-ins are also welcome. To save time on the day of the drive, donors are encouraged to complete RapidPass online on the day of the event.
The American Red Cross invites community members to participate, share, and help spread the word about this vital event. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit RedCrossBlood.org.
Help make a difference in our community — donate blood and help save lives!
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SUNDAY, APRIL 27, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 8th Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespass to property, criminal trespass to residence, and theft.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 8th Street in Benld in reference to an assault.
Anita S. Northcutt, 49 of Gillespie, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for unlawful use of possession of weapons by a felon.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Green Street in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 100 block of South Main Street in Benld.
An officer was dispatched to Hard Road in Benld in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to an animal complaint.
MONDAY, APRIL 28, 2025
An officer initiated a traffic stop at East Elm and Springfield Road in East Gillespie. Nathaniel D. Ward, 33 of Sawyerville, was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and illegal transportation of alcohol.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South 5th Street in Benld in reference to a domestic battery. Cody A. Barksdale, 28 of Benld, was arrested for domestic battery.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South Illinois Street in Benld in reference to a violation of an order of protection.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of South Second Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
TUESDAY, APRIL 29, 2025
William T. Overturf, 38 of Benld, was arrested on a warrant out of Macoupin County for failure to appear for criminal trespass to a vehicle.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to harassment through electronic communication.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of North Main Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Henrietta Street in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
An officer was asked to check out a suspicious vehicle that was parked in the 200 block of North Hard Road in Mt. Clare.
An officer was dispatched to Spruce Street and Second Street in reference to vehicles blocking the intersection.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Park Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Dorsey Road in Mt. Clare in reference to neighborhood trouble.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Park Avenue in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Park Street in Benld in reference to a medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Baker Street in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Litchfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to an alarm call.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30, 2025
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 200 block of Southern Street in reference to a medical assist.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a violation of an order of protection.
Robert M. Keffer, 37 of Benld, was arrested on an Edwardsville warrant for driving while license was suspended.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Main Street in Benld in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Green Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Park Avenue in reference to a neighbor dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Broadway Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue on South 5th Street in Benld.
THURSDAY, MAY 1, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 8th Street in Benld in reference to a dog at large. Ryan K. Horn, 42 of Benld, was issued a citation for dog at large.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 8th Street in Benld in reference to criminal damage to property.
An officer spoke with a male subject at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block to speak with a male in reference to a report of reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Dorsey Road in Mt. Clare in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Broadway Street and Kelly Street. Caleb D. Fraley, 19 of Jerseyville, was issued a citation for operating an uninsured vehicle.
FRIDAY, MAY 2, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of North Main Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Cedar Street in reference to a medical 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to East Locust and North 4th Street in reference to suspicious circumstances.
An officer was dispatched to Mt. Clare Drive in Mt. Clare in reference to a suicidal subject.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Richard Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to Dorsey Road in Mt. Clare in reference to an alarm sounding.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Park Street in Benld in reference to a medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to Benld City Park in Benld in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North 6th Street in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to neighborhood trouble.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to criminal trespass in the 200 block of West Walnut Street.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 8th Street in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Central Avenue in Benld in reference to suspicious circumstances.
SATURDAY, MAY 3, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 900 block of First Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Oak Street in Benld in reference to a suicidal subject.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Shelby Street in reference to a medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie City Cemetery in reference to a suicidal subject.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Walnut Street in Benld in reference to a domestic battery. Cynthia E. Randle, 64 of Benld, was arrested for domestic battery.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Chestnut Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Madison Street in reference to a suspicious noise.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Montgomery Street in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Walnut Street in Benld in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Berry Street in Mt. Clare in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Green Street in reference to a neighborhood trouble.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of North Main Street in Benld in reference to a civil standby.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Francis Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Walnut Street in Benld in reference to a fight. Kelly M. Lyons, 36 of Benld, was arrested for battery.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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FELONIES
Britteny D. M. Herr, 31 of Brighton, is charged with violation of a protection order in connection with an April 27 incident.
Camilla D. Cox, 29 of Carlinville, is charged with failure to return from furlough in connection with an April 21 incident.
Emily H. Eckhardt, 33 of Staunton, is charged with aggravated assault/use of a firearm/peace officer in connection with an April 30 incident.
Jacklyn M. Wichman, 30 of Decatur, is charged with possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams) in connection with an October 13, 2024 incident.
Matthew C. Tibbs, 32 of Virden, is charged with possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams) in connection with an April 19 incident.
Amy J. Williamson, 50 of Tovey, is charged with possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams) in connection with an April 19 incident.
Dominique M. Kierbach, 27 of Benld, is charged with possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams) in connection with an April 13 incident.
Brendan M. Stamper, 27 of Jerseyville, is charged with aggravated battery to someone pregnant or handicapped, criminal trespass to residence/person present, and battery/causing bodily harm in connection with an April 29 incident.
Rebecca L. Loker, 45 of Benld, is charged with possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams) in connection with an April 12 incident.
Christian A. Lyerla, 28 of Girard, is charged with aggravated battery of a peace officer in connection with an April 30 incident.
Elijah B. Deffenbaugh, 18 of Hillsboro, is charged with unlawful possession of a credit/debit card in connection with a March 29 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Bradyn A. Striplin, 18 of Carlinville, is charged with theft/unauthorized control (<$500) in connection with a February 5 incident.
Joseph D. Washington, 42 of Palmyra, is charged with possession of cannabis (>30<100 grams) in connection with an April 9 incident.
Eric M. Streeb, 36 of Staunton, is charged with disorderly conduct in connection with an April 30 incident.
Nicholas O. Landolt, 37 of Gillespie, is charged with resisting a peace officer/firefighter/corrections employee in connection with a March 24 incident.
TRAFFIC
Kyli K. Jackson, 21 of Jacksonville, is charged with driving on a suspended license and driving 15-20 mph above the limit in connection with an April 25 incident.
Randy L. Dean, 67 of Hillsboro, is charged with driving on a revoked license and driving 21-25 mph above the limit in connection with an April 23 incident.
Johnelle B. Crawford, 53 of Gillespie, is charged with driving on a suspended license, canceled/revoked/suspended registration, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with an April 25 incident.
Amy M. Hart, 41 of Granite City, is charged with reckless driving, disregarding official traffic control device, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and being unlicensed in connection with an April 23 incident.
Carl R. Albracht, 50 of Plamyra, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with an April 29 incident.
Jessica R. M. Green, 37 of Carlinville, is charged with driving on a suspended license and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with an April 29 incident.
Antonio C. Yorke, 25 of Des Plaines, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with an April 27 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Adam Priester versus Danielle Priester
- John Contratto versus Frankie Giles-Contratto
MARRIAGE LICENSES
- Grace Jenny Van Doren and Brandy Isabelle Lasko, both of Gillespie
- Brett Michael Lacy and Cambria Faye Admire, both of Virden
- Keith James Moreland and ELizabeth Ann Morgan, both of Mount Olive
- Kane Michael Sneed and Daphne Lynalexa Smith, both of WIlsonville
- Chandler McDaniel and Lilly Booth, both of Gillespie
- Dylan Reed Releford and ALyssa Marie Hermes, both of Carlinville
