Community News
Benld Council votes not to waive failed inspection
Council decides not to sign agreement with TJ’s
Bonnie Zirkelbach holds up the shirts she purchased for Jim Savant and Jim Zirkelbach.
Judy Spencer Dona, real estate agent of Century 21, addressed the Benld City Council on November 10th during a regular scheduled board meeting. Dona explained she has a buyer interested in purchasing a property located on 707 North 6th Street. An offer is on the table, but the house failed the inspection.
The buyer would like to move in and make the repairs later because they cannot get all of the items completed before they move in. The house failed inspection because of two broken windows, two windows cannot open, back door has a keyed deadbolt, hand rail to the basement, GFCI duplex in the kitchen, wiring needs put in the basement, the home needs a smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector, and the main issue is two walls in the basement are caving in.
The inspection was made two weeks ago, but a second inspection has not been completed yet. The first inspection was incomplete as the garage was locked, so the inspector could not inspect the wiring inside the garage. Sidar noted that the second inspection needs to made anyway.
The buyer’s agent explained most of the items can be repaired within 30 days, but the buyer would like 6 months to fix the basement walls. The council explained they are very concerned about the basement walls and wish to stand behind the inspector at this time. “He is licensed, he knows what he is looking for and I don’t think many people would want to inspect houses for us if we waive what they have completed,” Sidar concluded. The council denied the request for a waiver by a 6-0 vote.
Gloria Sidar then brought up Terry Plovich’s offer to the City of Benld. In October, Plovich submitted a request to the council that all gas for city vehicles be purchased from TJ’s. He would take $0.05 off per gallon for all Benld vehicle and offer free coffee, fountain soda, and cappuccino to all on-duty city employees. He also added that he would subtract all the taxes from the fuel prices.
Bernot explained he checked on Casey’s bills and they give the city a five-cent discount as well, which is the same as TJ’s is offering. “The discounts are the same, so you guys can do whatever you want,” Bernot explained. Lynn Fraelle questioned whether the council needs a vote or not. Nepute said no vote is needed and the maintenance does get gas at TJ’s anyway. “They alternate back and forth,” Nepute explained.
Judy Spencer Dona of Century 21 questioned the council about waving the inspection on a house that has an offer on it.
New Business
The council approved a renewal notice for required training for law enforcement officers. The City of Benld has been sending both full time and part time officers to required training for the past 25 years.
Mayor Robinson questioned Bernot on “all the water meters that have problems.” Some meters are coming up zero that have been installed and read Robinson clarified. The mayor explained the meters that are reading zero are getting billed the minimum. “Why is that,” he questioned. “It means they are broke. I am not aware of any problems, no one has told me anything,” Bernot responded.
Robinson then questioned Bernot how much water was used in the fire two weeks ago. “I am not aware of that unless they start putting meters on the fire extinguishers,” Bernot responded. “How is he supposed to know that,” Nepute asked Robinson. “Well, you know they used over 200,000 gallons of water and that means your water budget is going to be really crazy this month. I guess you got all kinds of money then,” Robinson added.
The council voted 6-0 to give city employees a Christmas bonus. Full time employees will get $100 while part time employees will get $50.
Public Recognition
Cathy Petrak reported to the council on how the Senior Christmas Dinner went. Petrak noted over 80 seniors were in attendance and over 30 meals were delivered. She noted extra food was delivered to families in need.
Bonnie Zirkelbach took it upon herself to have shirts made for Jim Savant and Jim Zirkelbach. No one preapproved it, but she wanted to give the maintenance crew shirts to wear since the city does not pay for work apparel anymore. “The city normally buys coveralls and a jacket for winter,” Bonnie said as she holds a t-shirt up for them to wear.
She purchased t-shirts, long-sleeved, and sweatshirts for them to wear personalized with their names and explained the city can reimburse her if they want, but she does not expect them to. “You haven’t done that for eight years now.” The bill, from the Cubby Hole of Carlinville, totaled $487.18 for the shirts. The council voted 6-0 not to reimburse Zirkelbach of any of the cost.
Mike Cavanaugh went through the grant process again with the council. “I helped you get a lot of grants,” he started. “It’s very competitive. You are up against the entire State of Illinois.” He noted the money was federal money handled by the state. He confirmed the grant had a typo and contained the words “water tower”, but he assured the council that was not the reason the first grant rejected.
He explained the first grant was an engineering grant and the second grant is the construction grant. Mike explained he builds engineering into the second grant just in case the engineering part gets denied and the construction grant is approved. He advised the council they can resubmit the same grant next year in hopes of success.
Old Business
Alderman Peyton Bernot brought up the Altrazene Settlement and displayed the calculations to the council. The mayor and city attorney Rick Vertichio questioned what he was doing as it was already brought up and already approved. Bernot explained he was just showing the calculations. “Well, the calculation comes to an estimated $275,000,” he went on. “That’s what I was told by the law firm that represents us.”
“Actually, they represent the class, they don’t represent you,” Vertichio clarified. “You are a member of the class.” “Are we paying for this?” Mayor Robinson questioned. Without a response, Bernot went on to say he called and they told him they were looking at the city’s sheet. “It read $275,000,” Bernot said they told him.
George Nepute, alderman, said he was not going to hold his breath. “Oh, you did the calculation,” Robinson questioned. “No, I did the same math the law firm gave me and it matched up,” Bernot responded.
“I wish it was that much, I wish it was twice that much, but it isn’t going to be that much,” Vertichio added. “I will double check this.”
Mayor Robinson explained that the Cahokia Township Committee finally got the railroad’s boxcars and all other things from the railroad removed with the help of the EPA and other parties. “No, nothing has been removed,” Cathy Petrak clarified. “That is not correct, Channel 5 is working with these different entities to try and get something done. Everyone is still in limbo with it and progress is being made, but very small progress.”
Robinson explained that the boxcars have chemicals in them that have been inside there for over 30 years. “Now, they are working on the trailers to get out. That is where we are at now,” Robinson explained.
Committee Reports
Jim Kelly reported to the council there is an issue with electricity in the City Clerk’s office. “No big deal, but this needs done.” According to Kelly, it could be around $200 for the work to be done. The council approved the repairs to be done in the city clerk’s office to be done 6-0.
Gloria Sidar explained to the council the police department is going to look into applying for a grant to purchase a new police car. The grant the department is looking at is a 75/25 grant where the city would be responsible for 25% of the grant. The council approved the police committee to pursue a grant to purchase a new vehicle after a 6-0 vote.
Miscellaneous
The City Clerk’s office will be closed on Christmas Eve now after the general assembly passed the bill. So, they will be closed on both December 24 and 25 and December 31 and January 1.
Mayor Robinson wanted to inform the public about a Vandalia/Centralia tree trimming company scamming people out of money. “They say they are going to cut your tree, but never show up or never do much work.”
Next meeting: The City of Benld will not meet again until 2013. They will meet on January 14, 2013 at 7:00 in the evening.
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SUNDAY, MAY 4, 2025
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Henrietta and Staunton Road. Asa M. Proctor, 46 of Gillespie, was arrested for driving while license revoked.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Illinois Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of North Main Street in Benld in reference to harassment through electronic communication.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to a dog at large. Nathan S. Thornhill, 38 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for dog at large.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Walnut Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
Edgar Olivero, 22 of Gillespie, was arrested on a warrant out of Granite City for failure to appear on illegal possession of ammunition.
Kyle J. Lancaster, 34 of Gillespie, was arrested on a Montgomery County warrant for failure to appear for possession of methamphetamine. He was also given citations for possession of a firearm with a revoked FOID and for possession of ammunition with a revoked FOID.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of South 6th Street in Benld in reference to theft.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Westwood Street in East Gillespie in reference to a medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 8th Street in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 200 block of North Lincoln in Eagarville.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Pine Tree Lane in Eagarville in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Street in Benld in reference to a medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Wilson Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
MONDAY, MAY 5, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Green Street in reference to theft.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South Street in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 1100 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
The school resource officer was called to the Gillespie Middle School in reference to a theft.
An officer was dispatched to the Gillespie Police Department to speak with a female in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 500 block of Broadway Street in reference to a battery.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Pine Street and Macoupin Street. Brian L. Musgrove, 48 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for expired registration.
An officer was dispatched to Western Avenue in reference to suspicious circumstances.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Cloud Street in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South 5th Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
TUESDAY, MAY 6, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Illinois Street in Benld in reference to a battery and criminal damage to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 1000 block of Chestnut Street in Benld in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 1000 block of Chestnut Street in Benld in reference to a stolen vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to the Gillespie Police Department in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to the Gillespie Police Department in reference to juvenile issues at Gillespie High School.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Park Street in Benld in reference to a noise complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of South 6th Street in Benld in reference to theft.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to illegal parking.
An officer was dispatched to Circle Drive at Gillespie Lake in reference to a 911 call.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 7, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Harding Avenue in East Gillespie in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of South 7th Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Park Avenue in Benld in reference to disorderly contact.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 200 block of Southern Street in reference to a stolen vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of West Oak Street in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of West Baker Street in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to child custody issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Green Street in reference to a civil standby.
An officer was dispatched to the Gillespie High School in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer spoke to a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to neighborhood trouble in the 100 block of Green Street.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Oak Street in Benld in reference to a medical assist.
THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Berry Street in Mt. Clare in reference to theft.
An officer was dispatched to Frey Lane at Gillespie Lake in reference to suspicious circumstances.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Osie Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Dona Road in Eagarville in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Jersey in reference to a medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Walnut Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 200 block of North Illinois Street in Benld.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to criminal damage to property in the 300 block of Dona Road in Eagarville.
FRIDAY, MAY 9, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Charles Street in reference to a missing child.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Henry Street in East Gillespie in reference to a golf cart on fire.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to a juvenile issue. A 12-year-old male from Gillespie was issued a citation for disorderly conduct.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to criminal damage to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Illinois Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of West Central Avenue in Benld in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Gillespie Street in reference to a noise complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the Gillespie High School in reference to illegal parking.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Walnut Street in Benld in reference to neighborhood trouble.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Henrietta Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer responded with the school resource officer to a medical call at the Gillespie High School track.
SATURDAY, MAY 10, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Henrietta Street in reference to a theft.
An officer was out with a suspicious person on East Maple Street.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Rose Street in Benld in reference to a security check.
An officer was dispatched to West Walnut Street and Kentucky Street in Benld in reference to a suspicious noise.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of North 6th Street in Benld in reference to a dog bite.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Cloud Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to 4th Street and Oak Street in Benld in reference to theft and possession of stolen property.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to criminal trespass and criminal damage to property on Fries Lane at Gillespie Lake.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Hickory Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 6th Street in Benld in reference to disorderly conduct.
An officer initiated a traffic stop in the 7500 block of Staunton Road in Mt. Clare. Kyrstyn J. Kordish, 33 of Gillespie, was arrested for driving while license was suspended.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Avenue and 2nd Street in Benld. Brennden D. Cobine, 21 of Gillespie, was issued citations for possession of paraphernalia and possession of alcoholic liquor.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of East Chestnut Street in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of West Charles Street in reference to a medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Park Avenue in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Central in Benld in reference to an ordinance issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Henrietta Street in reference to a theft.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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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.
