Community News
Benld Council seats re-elected officials, eyes maintenance truck purchase
The Benld City Council on Monday night saw the swearing-in of recently re-elected aldermen and officers but otherwise dealt with routine business during a relatively brief monthly meeting.
City Attorney Rick Verticchio, asking officeholders to place their right hands on his mother’s Bible, administered oaths of office to newly re-elected Mayor Jim Kelly, City Clerk Terri Koyne, along with Ald. John Balzraine, Lance Cooper and Mickey Robinson.
Council members ratified the Mayor’s reappointment of Verticchio to continue serving as City Attorney and Ald. Balzraine as Mayor Pro Tem to act in his absence or incapacitation.
Kelly announced his appointment of members on a Police Liaison Committee which includes, Ald. Robinson, Ald. Dustin Fletcher and citizen representative Jack Burns.
The Mayor’s committee appointments for the current term are largely consistent with the past year with the exception of his decision to revive the Police Committee which had been dismantled after the city contracted with Gillespie to provide police protection. Kelly said he decided to resurrect the committee in part because of the council’s decision last year to employ an ordinance enforcement officer. The new Police Committee is chaired by Ald. Robinson, with Ald. Fletcher and Ald. Brian Frensko serving as members.
Other committee assignments are as follows:
- CITY PROPERTY: Ald. Blazraine, chair; Ald. Fletcher: and Ald. Jim Tilashalski.
- HOUSING: Ald. Frensko, chair; Ald. Cooper: and Ald. Robinson.
- ORDINANCE/JUDICIAL: Ald. Tilashalski, chair; Ald. Coope:r and Ald. Frensko.
- FINANCE: Ald. Cooper, chair; Ald. Tilashalski; and Ald. Balzraine. City Clerk Koyne serves as co-chair in an advisory-only capacity.
- PROPRIETARY: Ald. Fletcher, chair; Ald. Balzraine; and Ald. Robinson.
EXECUTIVE SESSION/LEGAL ACTION
The council met for a half-hour in executive session with City Attorney Verticchio to discuss litigation but took little direct action upon returning to open session. Mayor Kelly apologized to spectators for the length of the closed-door session. “Sorry it took longer than we thought,” he said. “We had a lot to talk about but it was all things that will be good for the city.”
On Verticchio’s recommendation, the council voted unanimously to approve a resolution declaring a property at 615 S. Eighth Street a public nuisance. The declaration paves the way for Verticchio to seek a court order requiring the nuisance to be abated.
Though not discussed in open session, Verticchio apparently reported to the council that Macoupin County Circuit Court has entered a court order allowing the city to demolish a nuisance structure at 301 Central Avenue.
The Council heard briefly from a resident who complained about nearby neighbors on South Sixth Street operating four-wheel all-terrain vehicles recklessly on city streets. “One of them about hit my wife the other day,” he said. The resident said he and other neighbors had contacted the police and he confirmed police officers had contacted the alleged offenders but the behavior was continuing.
“It doesn’t seem much is getting to them,” he said. “This has been going on for a long time.”
Mayor Kelly said he would contact the Gillespie Police Department and ask for extra patrol in the area with an eye toward catching them in the act. “Riding four-wheelers on city streets is a violation of city ordinance,” he said.
NEW COMPUTERS
The council unanimously approved the purchase of two new computers to replace two aging units in the City Clerk’s Office. Carpani Technical Solutions, Gillespie, will provide the new computers, install them and transfer data from the older machines at a cost of $1,778.
City Clerk Terri Koyne reminded aldermen that they’ve been supplied with copies of a proposed appropriation ordinance to be formally approved next month. She urged any alderman with questions or suggestions to contact her or the Finance Committee as soon as possible. The appropriation ordinance, which sets spending limits for specific line items, must be passed before the end of June.
SUMMER HELP
Council members voted unanimously to give the Mayor authority to hire temporary summer help to assist with mowing and other maintenance duties. Temporary employees will work approximately 32 hours per week at $11 per hour.
Mayor Kelly reported that former Police Chief Jim Zirkelbach, who transferred to the Maintenance Department when the city Police Department was disbanded, has been sidelined by health issues and will be unable to return to work for at least the foreseeable future.
OTHER ACTION
Ald. Balzraine reported he attended a recent meeting of the Library Board of Trustees after being appointed to replace Ald. Tilashalski as the council’s representative. He said board members had a number of questions for him and that he scheduled a July 14 meeting with the trustees, the Mayor and himself to answer concerns.
Mayor Kelly reported he had started getting prices for a new truck to replace the deteriorating 2002 Dodge currently used by the Maintenance Department. The issue is likely to be brought to a vote after additional information is collected.
Council members voted unanimously to declare as surplus property a backhoe bucket and agreed to sell it to the Village of Sawyerville via intergovernmental agreement for a price of $300.
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The Wilsonville Progressive Club will celebrate and host a 90 year Anniversary Party on Saturday, May 11. The party will include a catered dinner, a live band, and fireworks.
Doors will open at 2 pm with a catered dinner being served at 4 pm. The Shane Kessinger Experience (live band) will play at 5 pm, and a grand fireworks display will be held at dusk.
The Progressive Club was originally established in 1934 by the Progressive Miners and was located on the northwest side of Wilsonville’s main street. The Club moved to their new building in January of 1949 and today this is still the current location at 212 Wilson Street in Wilsonville.
Wilsonville was founded in 1917 when Superior Coal Co. Mine No. 4 was sunk and this was the most modern mine in the Superior field. At that time, the little settlement which grew up around the mine was called Wilson. One day a worker paused and asked, “What are we going to name this town?” President Wilson was in office, thus the town was then and there named Wilson until 1919 when it was incorporated and the name expanded to Wilsonville.
The Wilsonville Progressive Club is operated and maintained by an elected panel of trustees and loyal members. The Club is open to the public and membership is always welcome. The large outdoor covered pavilion and manicured grassy side lot offer an attractive and convenient venue for any event along with inside facilities.
If you are interested in renting for any kind of event, call 217-835-3122 during open hours which are Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 4 pm to close, and Sunday doors open at 2 pm. Every Sunday afternoon at 4 pm is the Queen of Hearts drawing and the Club is on Facebook as well.
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SUNDAY, APRIL 14, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Oak Street in reference to a dog bite.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Abba Street to pick up a found item.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Chestnut Street in reference to a burglary.
An officer was out in the 200 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to a motorist assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Schmidt Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South 1st Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Broadway Street in reference to a medical call.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of South Illinois Street in Benld in reference to illegal burning.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South 5th Street in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Horizon Street in reference to a 911 call.
MONDAY, APRIL 15, 2024
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with a male in reference to a theft in the 100 block of South Main Street in Benld.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of West Osie Street in reference to a violation of an order of protection.
Nicholas O. Landolt, 36, of Gillespie was arrested on multiple warrants including one out of St. Clair County for possession for methamphetamine, a second one out of Montgomery County for failure to appear for driving while license was revoked, and a third out of Macoupin County for failure to appear for methamphetamine.
An officer was dispatched to East Walnut Street in reference to a suspicious noise.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Abba Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Broadway Street in reference to a medical alarm.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a theft in the 200 block of West Oak Street.
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to criminal damage to her property.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to identity theft.
An officer spoke with a female in the 100 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a neighbor dispute.
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a violation of an order of protection.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Southern Street in reference to a suspicious person.
TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 1100 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to criminal damage to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 900 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of East Walnut Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespass to property. Melissa J. Hughes, 49, of Benld was arrested on a Montgomery County warrant for theft/larceny.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Francis Street in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 700 block of Rose Street in Benld.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South 5th Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Pine Street to assist the Department of Children and Family Services.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Broadway Street in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Central Avenue in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17, 2024
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to fraud in the 200 block of South Macoupin.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 500 block of East Elm Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to Route 4 and Staunton Road in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Gillespie Street in reference to unwanted solicitors.
An officer was dispatched to High Street and Gillespie Street in reference to a suspicious noise.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of High Street in reference to unwanted solicitors.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil standby.
An officer was flagged down at Elm Street and Clinton Street and spoke with an individual in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Mt. Olive Road in Eagarville in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a suspicious circumstance.
THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2024
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a panic alarm sounding.
An officer was dispatched to the 1300 block of South Second Street in reference to a civil standby.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Osie Street in reference to a dog bite. Heather L. Kimberlin, 47, of Gillespie was issued a citation for dog at large.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Baker Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was out with a suspicious vehicle in the alley in the 500 block of Park Avenue.
An officer was dispatched to East Walnut and South Main Street in Benld in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the Veterans Memorial Park in Benld in reference to a suspicious vehicle that had been parked there for a couple of days.
Gillespie Police Department was requested for traffic control by the Gillespie Fire Department for a fire on Eagarville Road.
FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of East Walnut Street in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South Street in Gillespie in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Litchfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a suspicious person at the storage units. Kathy J. Henderson, 49, of Sawyerville was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for bad checks
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Maple Street and Macoupin Street. Kenny L. Fults, 18, of Belleville was issued a citation for possession of cannabis.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Mt. Olive Road in Eagarville in reference to civil standby.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of West Burton Street in reference to an animal complaint.
SATURDAY, APRIL 20, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Abba Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespassing. Timothy J. Dalpozzo, 57, of Benld was arrested for criminal trespassing to residence and a Macoupin County warrant for criminal trespassing to a residence.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at South Street and Chestnut Street and charges are pending crime lab results.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to Macoupin Street and Elm Street in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Osie Street in reference to a dog at large.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of North 8th Street in Benld in reference to medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Spruce Street in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Baker Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Street in Benld in reference to a medical call.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to an ordinance issue.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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LITCHFIELD, Ill. — HSHS St. Francis Hospital is offering service opportunities to area teens this summer through the 2024 Junior Volunteer Program. Applications are being accepted now through May 1.
Applicants must be high school students maintaining at least a “C” average, be a minimum of 14 years of age by June 1 and be willing to volunteer at least two hours per week during the summer program. Junior volunteers will perform a variety of duties in various hospital departments.
Registration materials are available on the hospital’s website volunteer page at https://www.hshs.org/st-francis/community/volunteer.
All participants in the program will be required to present proof of immunizations for MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella), and Varicella (chicken pox). An additional requirement includes attendance at a hospital orientation.
A limited number of positions will be available. For more information, contact HSHS St. Francis Hospital at 217-324-8200.
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