Community News
Benld Council Tables Bill from Gillespie
Tilashalski expressed his concerns over the bank property.
In old business, the City of Benld received a bill from the City of Gillespie for the amount of $1,600 for repair of their street when Benld installed the water line. The bill indicated the $1,600 would fix the street. Mickey Robinson advised the council that when the project was started, a superintendent of Gillespie signed off on it before construction. “We aren’t liable,” Robinson went on to say. Other council members said the warranty on construction runs out after a year. Mayor Hendricks advised the council to see what the attorneys say and go from there. No action was taken.
Under other old business, the council wants to see repairs being made on the nutrition center. A guest advised the council that she has spoken with the owner, ‘Fritz’, and he has been very uncooperative. The owner would like exact information of what is wrong with the building and what needs fixed. “He can work with us or we will take him to court,” Mayor Hendricks said.
For present business, the council voted to approve minutes of previous meeting under an amendment made on page 2: Robinson did not approve all bills last month, none were approved. Robinson still went on to vote no to approve the minutes, but the decision was still carried out with a 5-1 vote.
The council then heard from several guests in attendance, but Mayor Hendricks noted that this will be the last meeting that they will recognize guests that are not on the agenda. All guests will have to sign up to be placed on the agenda and they have until the prior Thursday to do so as stated in the city ordinances. After no disagreements, the council heard from:
Ferdinand Girardi. “I am glad to see we are starting to enforce ordinances,” Ferdinand greeted the council with. Ferdinand wants to see action taken on the clothes drop off on main street. His suggestion was to take a city bulldozer and remove the “eye sore” from main street and cash it in for scrap, “maybe we can get some money out of it.” Girardi advised the council that some action has been taken on junk houses on his street and they are attempting to clean some of it up, but he advised the council to continue to stay on them so it looks “half way decent.” Girardi also expressed issues with some of the vehicles on his street. “The license plates are from the 1900s,” Girardi said, “Can we do something about that?”
Girardi advised the council that there were license plates from the 1900s on his street.
In other concerns, Girardi would like to see the maintenance men earn as much as a part-time police officer does. Girardi would also like the city to apply for more grants. Alderman Hedricks advised Girardi that the city does apply for grants, but has not been awarded any lately. Ferdinand then asked where he should sign up to speak at the meetings and Mayor Hendricks told him there would be a form in the city clerks area. Hendricks went on to advise Girardi that you have to give your name and your reason. Girardi responded with, “Miscellaneous goes a long way these days.
Casey Willham. Willham advised the council that she is ready to take action on the vacant property next to her house on Walnut Street. Willham wants to purchase the property and has already contacted numerous excavating companies and received bids for demolition. Willham has been mowing the grass on the property ever since she has lived there and is tired of the animals and bad smell. Mayor Hendricks advised Willham that the city is in the final stages of getting the property and will open a bidding process once it has received full ownership.
Lynn Fraelle. Fraelle presented the mayor a design for the lot Build Benld received from Community Area Hospital. The lot will host a park which will feature a gazebo. Fraelle said the project could be completed within one year, but the Build Benld committee has to open the bidding process again on construction of the gazebo after the loss of their prior carpenter.
Roy Makler. Makler, from First National Bank of Staunton, visited the council to donate the Terimarket property. The property would be donated to the city, if the city wants it. The bank acquired it through a foreclosure and would like to donate it to Build Benld or the city for beautification. The city would be responsible for fixing the building up or demolishing it and the bank would receive a tax deductive gift from it. Alderman Tilashalski advised Makler that the City was in no position to take on the cost of tearing down a building and putting money into a free lot. Mayor Hendricks tabled the decision as community members are going to look into grants that might cover the cost of the building.
Both the police and treasurer reports were carried 6-0 without any discussion, but there was minimal discussion under committee reports:
- Robinson advised the council that he has received 17 invoices on city property. 6 of the invoices are authorized to pay, but only 1 of them has no mistakes. The single one is set to paid.
- Finance: pay all bills.
- Police: pay all bills.
- Maintenance: pay all bills.
- Sewer: pay all bills.
- Water: pay all bills.
- All approved warrants were approved and carried out with a 5-1 vote, the no coming from Robinson.
Lynn Fraelle presents the mayor with the design for the Build Benld lot.
In new business, the council voted 6-0 to accept the resignation of part time police officer Brent Rogers. Rogers has been with the city for a few years, but has not served in numerous months. Rogers submitted his resignation on August 23 as he will be taking a job with the Air Marshall.
The council then voted 6-0 to appoint library trustees as follows: Toni Wargo, Donna Hubert, and Vickie Laughlin. “I suggest we stick with the ones involved with everything going on with the library at this time,” Mayor Hendricks said.
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FELONIES
Austin C. Drake, 30 of Girard, is charged with theft/unauthorized control (>$500<$10k) and bad checks/obtaining control of property in connection with a September 22 and an October 7 incident.
William C. Cooper, 41 of Gillespie, is charged with burglary in connection with a November 1 incident.
Joseph L. Schnurr, 63 of De Soto, Mo, is charged with aggravated fleeing in connection with a November 26 incident.
Derek J. Bultema, 40 of Gillespie, is charged with possession of methamphetamine in connection with a November 26 incident.
Brandon A. Martin, 26 of Wood River, is charged with aiding/abetting/possession/selling a stolen vehicle and aggravated fleeing in connection with a November 26 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Richard J. Williams, 44 of Staunton, is charged with criminal trespass to a vehicle in connection with a November 14 incident.
Ryne L. Manion, 41 of Mt. Olive, is charged with criminal trespass to a building in connection with a November 20 incident.
TRAFFIC
Terence L. Binion, 51 of University City, MO, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with a November 22 incident.
Andrew J. Goewey, 34 of Sawyerville, is charged with driving on a revoked license and driving 21-25 mph above the limit in connection with a November 22 incident.
Teresa J. Niewiadomski, 47 of Bethalto, is charged with driving on a suspended license, expired registration, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a November 19 incident.
Keona D. Roos, 22 of Freeburg, is charged with driving on a suspended license, improper use of registration/title, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and no valid registration in connection with a November 21 incident.
Zachary A. Johnston, 44 of Gillespie, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with a November 23 incident.
Alexis R. Spann, 32 of Auburn, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a November 19 incident.
Alicia N. Tamosaitis, 29 of Girard, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with a November 19 incident.
Justin A. Collins, 37 of Gillespie, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with a November 20 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Allan L. Petit versus Teresa M. Pettit
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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of West Wilson Street in reference to a domestic battery. Ashley A. Esmon, 39 of Staunton, was arrested for domestic battery.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Calcari Street in East Gillespie. Angel L. Bricker, 22 of East Alton, was cited for operating an uninsured vehicle and driving while registration was suspended.
An officer was dispatched to Spruce Street and Laura Street in reference to a noise complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Elm Street in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of East Elm Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Charles Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Elm Street. Zachary A. Johnston, 44 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for driving while license was revoked.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Chestnut Street in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 400 block of East Central in Benld in reference to suspicious activity.
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Cloud Street in reference to a domestic dispute. Steven O. Smith, 36 of Chicago, was arrested on a warrant out of Chicago on a weapons charge.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Abba Street in reference to theft and criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 300 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 300 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to criminal damage to property and criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Charles Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 900 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a 911 call.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of West Wilson Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of East Locust Street in Benld in reference to the removal of a subject.
An officer was dispatched to Circle Drive at Gillespie Lake in reference to an alarm sounding.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Penny Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to South 2nd Street in Benld in reference to unwanted solicitors.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2025
An Officer was dispatched to the 900 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Easton Street. Joseph L. Schnurr, 63 of Eagarville, was arrested for reckless driving, fleeing/eluding a peace officer, squealing tires, failing to obey a stop sign, improper use of registration, and operating an uninsured vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Chestnut Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of East Chestnut Street in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 300 block of South Illinois Street in Benld.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Elm Street in reference to a suicidal subject.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Broadway Street in reference to a fire alarm sounding.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Horizon Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Henry Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Cedar Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Francis Street in reference to a 911 call
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Henrietta Street in reference to an animal complaint.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Walnut Street in Benld in reference to a theft.
An officer was dispatched to the 900 block of North Hard Road in Mt. Clare in reference to disorderly conduct.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Central in Benld in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to a reckless driver.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Elm Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 900 block of North Hard Road in Mt. Clare in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Central Avenue in Benld in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 300 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer spoke with a male on Dorsey Road in Mt. Clare in reference to a vehicle that was parked on the lot for a few days.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2025
An officer was dispatched to West Central Street and North Trolley Street in Benld in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Lynn Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Broadway Street at Gillespie High School in reference to the fire alarm sounding.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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Ye Olde Christmas is the theme of the Macoupin County Historical Society’s annual Christmas Show, which will be held Friday through Sunday, December 5–7, at the John C. Anderson Home and Museum, 920 West Breckenridge in Carlinville.
“The Christmas Show is one of the most magical times to visit the Anderson Home,” said MCHS Board Member and House Manager Brandy England. “Some families make it an annual Christmas tradition to visit the Anderson Home when it is decorated for Christmas. It’s a great opportunity to get into the Christmas spirit and pick up some ideas for decorating your own home for the holidays.”
MCHS member Kendra Mize, of Bunker Hill, who has coordinated the decorating effort for more than two decades, has again marshalled a small army of volunteers to decorate all 13 rooms of the home. Each room features a themed Christmas tree, along with mantle pieces, centerpieces, tabletop decor, garlands and florals, and other special touches.
The home will be open for self-guided tours from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, December 5; from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, December 6; and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, December 7.
“We’re very excited to offer for the first time candlelight tours from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday,” said Shawna Ashby, who serves as a co-manager with England. “Viewing the decorated home by candlelight promises to be a magical experience.”
The final candlelight tours on Friday and Saturday start at 7:30 p.m. Admission to the home is five dollars for adults and one dollar for children ages five to 12, with four-year-olds and younger admitted free of charge.
The Anderson Home Gift Shop will be open during tour hours, offering one-of-a-kind gift items and stocking stuffers. Santa Claus will be on hand in the downstairs parlor to greet children and listen to their Christmas wishes from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, December 6.
While the decorated home is the centerpiece of the Christmas Show, several other features on the Historical Society’s grounds will be open. The Red Barn will be open and serving hearty beef stew, chili, homemade pies, and warming holiday beverages such as wassail and hot chocolate on Friday and Saturday.
The General Store and Print Shop will be decorated and open to the public, with the Print Shop offering its popular handmade Christmas cards and other items produced in the shop; kids can print their own blank “Santa List” to keep track of their Christmas wishes.
“The General Store offers unique gift items, including some small antiques, for shoppers to peruse,” England noted.
Local blacksmiths will demonstrate their craft in the MCHS Blacksmith Shop located on the north side of the Historical Society Grounds, with wrought iron gift items, including stocking hooks and decorative pieces, available for purchase.
The Macoupin County Historical Society’s Christmas Show runs concurrently with the Carlinville Christmas Market and Downtown Christmas events, and a free trolley and shuttle buses include the Anderson Home as a regular stop during the festivals, enabling visitors to ride from the square or the Macoupin County Fairgrounds to the Historical Society grounds.
