Community News
City Council offers Ambulance Service one-year agreement for dispatching services
The Gillespie City Council on Monday night voted unanimously to offer a one-year dispatching services agreement for the Gillespie-Benld Ambulance Service at a cost of $12,000. The measure is subject to approval by the Ambulance Service Board of Trustees later this month. If approved by the Ambulance Board, the council could finalize the agreement as early as next month.
Under terms of the proposed agreement, the city would re-open negotiations with the Ambulance Service in the 10th month to start hammering out a new agreement. If no consensus is reached by the end of the agreement, the city would begin assessing a $1,000 per month fee until the Ambulance Service is able to find a new provider for dispatching services.
The new offer from the city council marks the latest chapter in the ongoing debate over how much the Ambulance Service should be expected to reimburse to the city for dispatching services. Ald. Dona Rauzi, Police Chief Jared DePoppe and City Treasurer Dan Fisher entered into negotiations with the Ambulance Board in March 2020 with a goal of reaching an agreement on a three-year contract.
‘We need to make a decision,” Rauzi advised the council, reporting that the committee had “discussed the possibility” of offering a one-year, $15,000 contract, with provisions to reopen negotiations in the 10th month and charge $1,000 per month once the agreement expired. Mayor John Hicks, however, advocated for a lesser amount.
“Personally, I’d rather see $12,000, and see how the (taxing) district is going to help them,” Hicks said, referencing an Ambulance Service Region tax referendum approved by voters last November. Property tax revenue from that new tax is not expected until 2023.
The most recent counteroffer from the Ambulance Board was for a three-year contract at a cost of $12,000 per year, with provisions to increase the payment to reflect increases in the city’s cost of providing dispatch services. Last month, the council sent back to the Ambulance Board a proposal for a three-year contract calling for $15,000 the first year, $17,500 the second and $25,000 for the third year.
The Ambulance Service relies upon the Police Department to dispatch ambulances for non-emergency “transfer” calls—essentially calls to transport a patient from one hospital to another or calls to transport a nursing home resident to a hospital. For medical emergencies, ambulances are dispatched by the county’s 911 emergency telephone system.
Speaking to the council Monday night before the vote, Ambulance Board member Larry Norville said he had served on the Ambulance Board since its inception.
“We started with virtually nothing,” he recalled. In the early years, the city provided dispatching services free of charge. When the Ambulance Service was in the financial position to do so, it began making annual “donations” to the city to at least partially compensate the city for the expense of dispatching ambulances. Additionally, the Ambulance Service made other contributions, according to Norville, including the purchase of the Police Department’s first computer system for dispatchers.
Josh Ross, also representing the Ambulance Board, noted that the Ambulance Service also paid for repairs to the street in front of the ambulance garage.
During last month’s meeting of the council, City Treasurer Dan Fisher said the city should be compensated for the actual cost of providing dispatching services. Fisher said that based on the number of ambulance calls and the amount of time dispatchers spend on each call, the city’s actual cost for providing the service is in the neighborhood of $25,000 to $26,000 per year.
Both Norville and Ross suggested the city is paying for dispatchers whether or not the police department continues to providing dispatching services for ambulances. Essentially “kicking out” the Ambulance Service would only deprive the city of revenue it’s currently getting.
For the first time Monday night, Norville confirmed the Ambulance Service has identified another party that could provide dispatching services at a lower cost than the City of Gillespie is demanding.
“Do we have someone we could go to for less money? Yes, we do,” said Norville. “We do not want to leave the City of Gillespie for dispatch but if we have to, we will.”
Ross told the council the Ambulance Service is not as flush with cash as previous discussions among city council members seemed to indicate. There is a “nest egg” on which the Ambulance Service earns a modest amount of interest. The annual budget for the not-for-profit organization, however, is virtually break even.
In 2020, Ross said, the Ambulance Service responded to 2,450 calls for which it billed $1.9 million. About $691,000 was “written off” because of Medicare and Medicaid limits, and a small percentage was written off as uncollectible. The organization’s gross for the year was $1.1 million, with expenses totaling $952,000. Ross said the organization’s net for the year was $209,000.
“Next week, we have to take delivery on a new ambulance that cost $242,000,” he said. “Our margin is razor-thin.”
Ross cited some of the Ambulance Service’s recent success stories. A heart attack victim, he reported, was picked up by an ambulance crew, which was able to take an EKG en route to the hospital, which enabled doctors to evaluate the patient before his arrival. Upon arrival, he was taken directly to the heart catheterization lab.
“It was 48 minutes from the time we picked him up to the time he was in the cath lab,” Ross said. He said the service also transported nine people who were “clinical,” meaning they had no pulse or respiration. “Those nine people were ‘dead’ and walked out of the hospital because of the people we have. That doesn’t happen by accident. It’s because of our investment in people. We are more than lights, sirens and driving fast. We are an essential service in the community.”
Both Norville and Ross contended the city would be paying its dispatchers regardless of whether or not the Police Department was dispatching non-emergency ambulance calls. But Ald. Wendy Rolando indicated the city has had to hire additional dispatchers to handle the volume of calls. Ald. Rauzi pointed out the Ambulance Service could not hire its own dispatchers for less money than the city wanted to charge. She said figures provided by Ross earlier in the negotiating process indicated up to 600 hours a year that Gillespie dispatchers spend on ambulance calls.
Police Chief Jared DePoppe said dispatchers handle 150 to 200 ambulance calls per month. Last year dispatchers answered 1,990 ambulance calls.
Noting an agenda item for hiring a full-time dispatcher, Ross pointedly asked if the council would make that hire if the Ambulance Service pulled out to contract with an alternative dispatching service. Rauzi said she could not answer that question since it would be a decision made by the full council.
“We’re only talking about a difference of $3,000,” Rauzi said.
“We need to save money,” Ross said. “We’re not trying to save money for the city, we’re not trying to save money for the Ambulance Service. We’re trying to save money for the community. Those transfer calls are what pays our bills.”
Later in the meeting, following a 10-minute executive session with Chief DePoppe, the council unanimously approved Rauzi’s motion to authorize the Chief of Police to hire a full-time dispatcher.
CANNA THEATER GIFT
While informally agreeing in principle to accept the Assembly of God Church’s proposed gift of the Canna Theater property, the council stopped short of accepting a quitclaim deed for the property, citing pending legal issues. Council members declined to formally accept the gift last month on the advice of City Attorney Dan O’Brien who advised the city could not accept the property until an existing mortgage on the property was released.
Peace Corps Fellow Ethan Fogg, who negotiated the deal with the church, told the council Monday night the church had secured a mortgage release and had prepared a quitclaim deed to transfer the property. Fogg said a title search would be needed and that the church was asking the city to be responsible for the title search cost. Fogg also sought a second action to declare the contents of the building as surplus property to facilitate the removal of the contents.
“We haven’t decided what we want to do with that building yet,” Ald. Rolando objected, noting there were some contents that might be of historical value.
Fogg said the surplus designation would enable the city to transfer property to other departments and would not necessarily signal an intent to auction off the contents. An ice machine, for example, might be transferred to the Street Department. Items of historical value would be handled appropriately, he said. The Museum of Coal Mining, he said, had already requested possession of the Lyric Theater marquee sign stored in the building.
Meanwhile, the building is rapidly deteriorating, according to Fogg, which could endanger some of the contents. “I think it would behoove us to move things out sooner rather than later,” he said.
O’Brien, however, advised moving with greater deliberation. The council quickly accepted the donation of property this spring which led to later legal issues, he said. State law, he indicated, requires treating property donations the same as any other acquisition of real estate by public bodies.
“There’s a whole procedure there,” he said. “I would highly recommend having everything in order before moving forward.” He said there is no urgency at this point since the title search remains to be done and most title companies are “backed up” at this time.
Based on O’Brien’s advice, the council approved Rolando’s motion to direct the City Attorney to prepare a city ordinance for the acquisition of the property.
The general consensus is that the city will have the building demolished once it takes possession, a measure that Ald. Landon Pettit said the city should take into consideration. “I think it would be smart to do more research,” Pettit said. He estimated the cost of demolishing the building and removing debris could cost up to $50,000—more if the job requires asbestos abatement.
The spring property acquisition to which O’Brien referred apparently was a donation of a small parcel from Adam Tallman to be used as a parking area for the City Police Department. Later in the meeting, the council approved a resolution to hire an appraiser to determine the value of the property in order to comply with state requirements associated with the acquisition.
BOAT DOCK GRANT
On a motion by Rauzi, seconded by Pettit, the council voted unanimously to apply for a grant of up to $200,000 from Illinois Department of Natural Resources to build a boat dock at Gillespie Lake. Fogg said the application period was to open on July 15 and would be a fairly simple grant for him to write.
The grant, if awarded, would cover 100 percent of the project’s cost. Since it is a reimbursement grant, however, the city would have to make the initial outlay.
Ald. Frank Barrett, Lake Chair, said the Lake Committee has tentative plans for a 15-slip dock at an estimated cost of $183,000. He said the project would be a source of revenue for the Lake Fund since the city would be able to rent the slips to boat owners.
STREET REPAIRS
On a motion by Ald. Pettit, seconded by Ald. Rick Fulton, the council unanimously approved a measure to spend up to $25,000 for rock and up to $25,000 for road oil from the Water Fund to repair streets damaged by the recently completed water infrastructure replacement project. City Treasurer Dan Fisher said the measure has no impact on the city’s regular Motor Fuel Tax street maintenance program scheduled to take place later this summer. While contractors bored under streets to install new water lines, Fisher said there was some damage caused to some streets as a result of the operation. The measure approved Monday night ensures the Water Department incurs the expense of correcting those issues.
NUISANCE HOUSING GRANT
Though no formal action was required, Ald. Rauzi briefly updated the council on plans to seek a state grant to help pay for the demolition of derelict houses in the city. Rauzi said the city is eligible for up to $75,000 to assist with demolition costs. However, to be eligible for the grant, the city must have possession of the properties it intends to raze.
The grant application period for the next round of grants has not been announced, but Rauzi said Fogg has been working to “get everything together” to get the grant.
In the meantime, she said the city should move on completing court actions against nuisance properties in order to take possession and get a court order for demolition before applying for the grant.
“We need to actually have the properties we want to tear down,” she said, “so if we get the grant, we’ll be ready to go ahead and tear them down.”
BLACK DIAMOND DAYS BUILDING
On a motion by Barrett, seconded by Ald. Bill Hayes, the council voted to pay the Black Diamond Days Committee $3,000 for one-half of a metal pole building located behind city hall and used to store materials for the Black Diamond Days festival. Black Diamond Days Committee member Pettit, who voted “present” on the measure, said the committee is moving the festival permanently to Gillespie Lake and is building a building at the lake to store the stage, picnic tables and other materials.
The cost of building the original pole building was shared by the city and the committee, though Pettit said neither he nor the assistant city clerk could find documentation for that fact. The city currently uses the building for storing Christmas decorations and other materials.
In a related matter, the council voted to reimburse the Black Diamond Days Committee $500 from the Municipal Band Fund to put toward the cost of hiring bands for this year’s event. City Treasurer Fisher pointed out last month that a surplus fund balance in the Municipal Band Fund has enabled the city to reimburse organizations for sponsoring public entertainment in the city.
OTHER ACTION
In other action, the council:
- Voted to giver permission to the Black Diamond Days Committee to sponsor a Labor Day Bash at Gillespie Lake.
- Authorized expenditure of about $2,000 to build a new parking area at Big Brick Park.
- Authorized opening a checking account for a communications tower lease at Welfare Park.
- Approved a resolution for a final payment of $3,538.69 to Curry and Associates Engineers for work completed on the water infrastructure project.
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Community News
School board approves elementary school principal’s retirement, accepts resignation of high school teacher/coach
Long-serving BenGil Elementary School principal will retire in two years following the Community Unit School District 7’s Board of Education’s approval during Tuesday night’s regular monthly meeting of the board. On a motion by Kellie Vesper, seconded by Amanda Ross, the board voted unanimously to accept “with regret” the retirement of Elementary Principal Angela Sandretto, effective at the end of the 2026-27 school year.
At the time of her retirement, Sandretto will have been a district employee for 31 years, including 21 years as an administrator. Sandretto’s tenure predates the construction and collapse due to mine subsidence of the former Benld Elementary School. She started her career when the old Benld High School served as the district’s elementary school. She was principal when the new Benld school was built and when the seven-year-old building was destroyed by mine subsidence in 2009. She continued to serve as principal during the transition from the damaged school to the new BenGil Elementary School in Gillespie.
In other action, the board accepted without comment the resignation of Dalton Barnes as a physical education/social studies teacher, and as Gillespie High School head football coach. The resignation, accepted unanimously, appears to be related to recent controversy over alleged abusive behavior toward students.
Gillespie Police Chief Jared DePoppe and School Resource Officer Wayne Hendricks both attended the meeting, and left soon after the board completed actions related to personnel. Supt. Shane Owsley told the BenGil Post the police presence was a precaution due to concerns that “accusations and rumors on social media could spill over” into Tuesday’s meeting. An attorney from the law firm representing the school district accompanied the board into a one-hour executive session early in the evening to discuss personnel issues and other items.
Accusations on social media in recent weeks alleged Barnes and an assistant coach engaged in verbal and physical abuse of students. With a goal of 1,000 signers, an online petition urging the termination of employment for Barnes and the assistant coach has garnered 639 electronic signatures. The petition accuses the two men of “child abuse,” citing alleged “verbal abuse, physical abuse, influencing and coercing student athletes to act against other student athletes that have spoken out against the abuse, and attempting to limit the First Amendment rights of student athletes with threats and manipulation.” The petition alleges there have been numerous instances of abuse and that the abuse has been allowed to continue despite “multiple red flags and complaints.”
No members of the public appeared before the board to address the complaints. Several teachers and teachers union officials attended the meeting but, likewise, made no public comments.
ADDITIONAL PERSONNEL ISSUES
In other personnel action, the board:
- Voted unanimously to accept “with regret” the resignation for purposes of retirement of GHS/GMS guidance counselor Jill Strole at the conclusion of the current school year, and to post the position as vacant.
- Hired Aubrey Morgan as a first-year, non-tenured teacher tentatively assigned as the BenGil Elementary School music teacher for the 2024-25 school year, pending verification of certification requirements and a background check. Morgan is expected to receive her bachelor’s degree in music education this spring from Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville.
- Voted to appoint Nikki Brawner as the GHS head women’s basketball coach for the 2024-25 school year. Additionally, the board accepted Brawner’s resignation as an assistant GHS women’s basketball coach and posted that position as vacant.
- Voted, in separate actions, to hire Alex Jasper and James Bryant as GMS paraprofessionals, pending verification of certification requirements and a background check. Additionally, the board voted to appoint Bryant as the GMS eighth-grade boys basketball coach for the 2024-25 school year.
- Voted to employ Alexis Lupkey as GHS head cheerleading coach for the 2024-25 school year.
- Voted, in separate actions, to hire Nikki Hunter and Rebecca Leitschuh-Birdsell as full-route bus drivers for the 2024-25 school year, pending verification of certification and background checks.
On a motion by Ross, seconded by Peyton Bernot, the board voted to employ Jennifer Parker, Nancy Schmidt, Amy Price, Marci Johnson, Karissa Smith and Vanessa Barrett as teachers for the 2024 elementary school summer school program.
In separate actions, the board hired Shanna Connor as a math teacher, Casey Edgerton as a science teacher, and Jessica Kelly as an English/language arts teacher for the Gillespie Middle School summer school program.
The board hired Ashlee Gibbs as a high school summer school math teacher, contingent upon student enrollment, and hired Jennifer Brown as the high school summer school driver’s education teacher. Penny Feeley and Janice Hammann were hired unanimously as summer school food service workers.
SAFETY GRANT PROJECTS
The board authorized Supt. Owsley to seek bids for several capital improvement projects related to student safety for which plans are still being developed. In January, Owsley reported to the board the district was successful in its application for a $466,365 state-funded Safety Grant. Matching the grant money with $155,000 in local funds, gave the district more than $600,000 in funding for capital improvements related to safety.
Owsley said architects are continuing to develop plans and bidding specifications for several projects, including installation of a new fire alarm system, installation of a new intercom system, installation of bullet-proof glass in the office area, and application of a bullet-resistant film on exterior windows. The Superintendent said he would advertise for bids as specifications become available.
FISCAL 2025 BUDGET
On a motion by Weye Schmidt, seconded by Bill Carter, the board voted to direct Supt. Owsley to prepare a tentative budget for fiscal year 2025, which will run from July 1 this year through June 30, 2025. The new budget typically is presented to the board in August with final approval coming in September.
In a related action, the board approved expenditures from fiscal 2025 funds to cover operating costs from July 1, when the new fiscal year begins, until the new budget is adopted.
Though not a given, the board could amend the fiscal 2024 budget in June in the event actual revenue and expenditures for the current fiscal year differ significantly from projections made in the budget approved last summer.
INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT
Board members approved an intergovernmental agreement between CUSD 7 and Lewis and Clark Community College to offer dual credit courses at Gillespie High School. Under the agreement, Gillespie students can take college-level courses that will count as credit toward an LCCC associate’s degree. Teachers offering dual credit courses at GHS must hold a master’s degree and offer a curriculum approved by the college.
DISTRICT FOCUS
In a District Focus segment, the board was introduced to several High School FFA members who have excelled this year in competitions.
“These kids are doing some amazing things,” said High School Principal Jill Rosentreter. “They are going to competitions and bringing home trophies right and left.”
FFA sponsor Kayla Wills said she has led the program for six years. “This is the most outstanding group we’ve had since I’ve been here,” she said.
Wills introduced two teams––the Parliamentary Procedure team and the Ag Mechanics team––that have ascended to state competition set for May 2. Team member Emily Hauser explained the areas of expertise on which the Parliamentary Procedure team will be judged. Caleb Oberfall spoke about the Ag Mechanics team.
The Ag Mechanics team includes a carpenter, a welder, a surveyor, an electrician and a mechanic, according to Wills.
“These kids have worked really hard and put in a lot of time,” Wills said. “I am very proud of them.”
FOOD SERVICES ISSUE
A former district cook and current substitute cook, who identified herself as Mandy, addressed the board on behalf of district cooks regarding the possibility of contracting with Opaa! Food Management, Inc. to provide meals in the local district. Opaa! representatives offered a detailed sales presentation to the board last month.
“I worked for Opaa! at Staunton,” she said. “You need to look into them. They’re not what they say they are.”
She alleged the “homemade meals” are not homemade, and are, in fact, the same quality as any other food provider.
“I’ve been in food services for a long time and I know what food should look like,” she said. “It shouldn’t look like dogfood.”
The fact the company offers choices, she said, is a good thing but is a double-edged sword. If a child doesn’t care for the main selection on a particular day, they can have a peanut butter sandwich or salad instead.
“But if little Johnny doesn’t like peanut butter or salad, he doesn’t eat that day,” she said.
Having worked in the local district, she said she could attest that the food services staff cares about students.
In a related matter, Union Secretary Jennifer Parker read a statement from the food services staff thanking the board and Supt. Owsley “for the opportunity to continue to pursue options to bring more choices to the food program.”
OTHER ACTION
In other action, the board:
- Voted to renew membership in the Illinois Elementary Schools Association (IESA).
- Approved a finalized calendar for the 2024-25 school year. Owsley said the calendar is unchanged from a tentative calendar presented to the board earlier, except “snow days” have been designated as “emergency days.”
- Approved a fee schedule for the 2024-25 school day. Owsley said the new fee schedule is nearly identical to the fee schedule used this year except that the cost for adult breakfasts and lunches is increased by 10 cents. In addition, the district will now offer free breakfast and lunch to students in all grade levels thanks to a federal reimbursement grant for districts with high numbers of students from low income households. In the past, free breakfast and lunch was available only to kindergarten, elementary, and middle school students. This year, Owsley said, the high school also qualified for reimbursement. According to Owsley, the reimbursement program is locked in for four years, after which the district may again apply. “Hopefully, this will help our parents and students,” Owsley said.
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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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