Community News
Benld Council names Kelly as acting mayor
City Attorney Rick Verticchio administers the oath of office to Jim Kelly, acting mayor of Benld.
Ward 3 Ald. Jim Kelly will serve as acting mayor in Benld for the next seven months as a result of action taken by the council during a special meeting convened Wednesday night to name a successor to former Mayor Gloria Sidar, who resigned earlier this month. Kelly’s term will continue until the council’s regular meeting in April 2017 at which time whoever is elected mayor during the April 4, 2017, consolidated election will be sworn in and seated.
[pullquote]The appointment was not without a few twists and turns.[/pullquote]The appointment was not without a few twists and turns. In addition to Kelly, Ald. Jim Tilashalski was nominated for the post and both nominees initially received three votes each. With a tie vote on the table, Tilashalski agreed to withdraw his candidacy, paving the way for Kelly to be elected as acting mayor.
Kelly, appointed by Sidar to serve as Mayor Pro-Tem in her absence during her tenure in the office, presided over the meeting and explained the legal procedures for naming an acting mayor. Benld has three wards with two aldermanic representatives from each ward, creating a potential for a three-three tie vote.
“The way I understand it, if there is a tie vote, I will remain as Mayor Pro-Tem until such time that there is a vote to name an acting mayor,” Kelly said. “If someone has at least four votes, that person becomes the temporary mayor until April.”
City Attorney Rick Verticchio had not yet arrived in the council chambers when Kelly opened the floor for nominations.
Ald. Mickey Robinson immediately nominated Kelly for the appointment with a second by Ald. Teresa Tucker. Ald. Peyton Bernot then nominated Jim Tilashalski for the mayor’s seat with a second from Ald. Brian Frensko.
With the nominations closed, Tilashalski asked to make a statement regarding his candidacy for the mayor’s spot.
“This is for seven months,” he said. “I want to make it clear that I have no interest in running for full term as mayor.”
[pullquote]Tilashalski said that if he were appointed, he would want to focus on more accountability in the Police Department, Maintenance Department and the city office.[/pullquote] Tilashalski said that if he were appointed, he would want to focus on more accountability in the Police Department, Maintenance Department and the city office. He said he had thought hiring an additional police officer were help reduce the city’s expenditures for overtime among police officers, but he had not seen any significant reduction in overtime hours. In addition, he said he believed police reports to the council should be more detailed–clarifying, for example, whether or not a “chase” involved local officers going out of their jurisdiction.
“I would strongly think that we should consider the model Gillespie uses,” he said, in which the chairman of the Police Committee takes a more hands-on, active role in administering the police department.
Tilashalski said the city also should consider hiring another person for the Maintenance Department for greater efficiency and putting the city comptroller in charge of the city office as a manager.
“We’re setting the tone on things that can be done over the next seven months,” he said.
Kelly said he agreed with many of Tilashalski’s concerns and announced that he is circulating nominating petitions to run for election to the mayor’s office next spring. He noted that his term as Ward 3 Alderman also is expiring and that if he loses the election, he will depart from city government.
Regarding upcoming negotiations with the union representing the city’s police officers, Kelly said he would like to appoint a committee to negotiate a contract, which would then be subject to council approval.
“If I’m here as mayor, it will be through a committee with the consent of the council,” he said. “I’m not much for having seven people in a room trying to negotiate a contract.”
Brought to a vote, Kelly voted for himself, along with Robinson and Tucker. Likewise, Tilashalski voted for himself, along with Bernot and Frensko.
By that time, Verticchio was in the room and stood to interpret the results.
“If no one has four votes, you haven’t elected a mayor,” he said. “Until someone gets a majority, Jim remains as Mayor Pro-Tem. Unless there is some reason to vote again, you’re done for tonight.”
Verticchio said the issue could be put on the agenda for upcoming council meetings until someone on the council secured at least four votes to be elected as temporary mayor.
Tilashalski asked if the council could vote a second time Wednesday night.
“Sure you can,” Verticchio said. “You can stay here all night and vote 35 ballots if you want.”
“Oh, no, that’s not what I’m suggesting,” Tilashalski responded before withdrawing his name from consideration.
[pullquote]With Tilashalski’s name out of consideration, Kelly was then appointed with all six aldermen voting to affirm.[/pullquote]With Tilashalski’s name out of consideration, Kelly was then appointed with all six aldermen voting to affirm.
The oath of office was administered by Verticchio and Kelly was seated as the city’s acting mayor.
Verticchio said the newly appointed acting mayor could chose to retain his aldermanic seat, or he could chose to resign as alderman and appoint a successor, subject to council approval.
“I think there should be full representation on the council,” Kelly said. “We very seldom have to have it, but I think we do need a tie-breaker.” On most matters before the council, the mayor, whether elected or appointed, votes only when there is a tie vote among the aldermen.
Kelly said a couple of Ward 3 residents had talked to him about being appointed, but he had not yet made up his mind about who he would like to present to the council.
“I didn’t know where I would be here tonight,” he said. “I don’t like to dot my I’s or cross my T’s ahead of time.”
He said he intended to call a special meeting well before the October meeting of the council in order to seat a new alderman in advance.
“I think a special meeting is the way to go, so whoever it is will have a chance to get their feet wet,” he said.
Addressing the council, Kelly said he intends to seek input from each of the aldermen on city business, and he committed to conducting city business openly and transparently.
[pullquote]I firmly believe everyone should have input on what we do.[/pullquote] “I’m planning to listen to every alderman,” he said. “I firmly believe everyone should have input on what we do. I firmly believe we should have this room filled with citizens for every meeting. That’s the best of the best. If I have to move the meeting into the Civic Center because of the crowd, I’m good with that.”
Kelly was appointed as an alderman in August 2013, replacing Dave Chiardo,who had resigned. He ran without opposition for election to a full four-year term in 2013. That term will expire in April 2017.
He said he decided to seek the mayor’s office after consulting with his wife, as well as his children, all of whom are adults who no longer live at home.
“It was kind of a family decision,” he told The BenGil Post.
“I was very sad to see Gloria (Sidar) leave,” he said. “She did a good job and she left some big shoes to fill. She had graciously said I can contact her anytime I want.”
Among his priorities, he said, is making application for an infrastructure grant for sewer improvement, an initiative that was already started under Sidar’s administration. Otherwise, he said he is content with the direction the city is headed for the next seven months.
“I kind of want to stay the course and basically take care of business,” he said.
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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.
