Community News
City of Gillespie eyes Power Savings Solution
Would save at least $1,021 each month at the Sewer Plant
Clint Newingham demonstrates how his product will save the City money.
During a regularly scheduled meeting on February 13, the City of Gillespie heard from Clint Newingham from Power Savings Solution LLC. The company corrects the power in a place and anything with an inductive load which would be lighting, air conditions, and electric motors. When the company corrects the problem, it will save on total kilowatt hours and will also make any equipment last 60-80% longer because it will take away the power that is not being used to make the equipment run more efficiently. Newingham recently visited the sewer facility and ran a test.
Kara Schoen explains that she has to walk a block sometimes because parking is not available.
Newingham covered the multiple page packet that each board member was handed. The company broke down how much energy is being used now and compared it to how much energy would be used after Power Savings Solution corrects the problem. The City would save $1,021 each month after testing the energy used in the blower building, the intercept plant, and the normal flow building. The total cost to install the unit in each building is $13,625 with a 7-year warranty, so it would pay for itself after 13.3 months. The unit has a surge protector so if lighting would strike any building, the unit would take the hit and not the electric motors at each plant and then it is a free replacement for 7 years. Each unit is built specifically for the need, so the units cannot be used anywhere else. The council decided that it will discuss the savings and contact Newingham if they are interested.
The council discussed the issue later in the meeting and said it would be a “win-win” if they get the grant money and save that much money each month. The council decided they are going to table the decision until next week when the council has a finance meeting to see if the finances are there. A motion was made to accept the offer if the finances were available. The motion was carried with a 5-0 vote.
Mayor Hicks then read a letter that he received from Gus Ottersburg. Gus resigned his position as alderman, “I am resigning my position as alderman of Ward 4 effective immediately,” Hicks read, “It has been a pleasure to serve the City of Gillespie for the past 5 years, thank you.” Hicks went on to recommend to appoint Steve Kluethe for the open alderman position to replace Gus and fill in for one year until he has to run for reelection. The council voted 5-0 to appoint Kluethe to the vacant position and will swear him in on February 27 during a special council meeting.
Kara Schoen along with Ruth Loveless informed the City that the new parking restrictions on Madison Street have caused real havoc for everyone in the 115 block. “It is causing a real mess,” Kara explained, “There are times I have to walk a block away because there are so many cars.” Kara explained that there are always numerous cars because of the the library, senior housing, apartments, or AA meetings. There are six apartments in Ruth Loveless’ complex and there are only 4 spaces on side of the street.
“Even if we could just put parking lines, it would help,” Ruth Loveless added, “Because people don’t park right and take up too many spaces.” The council discussed that anybody can park on Chestnut street. City Attorney Kevin Polo explained that the renter has to provide as many parking spots as there are renters, so it should be Ruth Loveless’ responsibility to provide parking spots and not the City’s.
Dave Link hands over a bid to the council for the work that still needs to be done.
Another parking issue was brought to the council by Steve Joyce. Joyce said the real problem is at the middle school when parents are picking up their children from school. “I just can’t understand how stupid people are, plain and simple,” Joyce stated, “It is a mess, especially when it is muddy or raining. Someone is going to get hurt and I am surprised no one hasn’t yet.” Cars are supposed to line up in a double file line and wait to drive through the hair pin to pick up their kids without getting out of the car. The process would be simple, but parents would rather park and walk up and get their kid. That is the problem Joyce is alluding to.
“They double park, they block administrators in, and it is crazy.” Joyce went on to say that the school does not seem to be too concerned about the issue because he has never seen an administrator directing traffic in the two years he has been picking his grandchildren up from school. “I think the City needs to step in because the school doesn’t care,” Joyce closed, “When you go out there and see teachers directing kids and see no administration, I am just flabbergasted.”
Dave Link was back with an estimate of what still needs to be done at the property on Main Street. “I thought we would have this worked out by now,” Link explained, “There is stuff hanging on the building and both the front and the back are still jagged.” Last time they took the wood off, they through it behind Link’s building instead of taking it with them. “If they would have done what they said they were going to do before they started, we would not have this damage,” Link closed, “Then they filled the well with bricks and I don’t know if that is illegal or not.”
Mayor Hicks said the council is holding money back from Burns Excavating to make sure the job gets completed. The council is working to get to a solution while they still owe $43,000. Alderman Dan Fisher recommended that the council pay Burns Excavating $28,079 to tie this over until the problem is solved with Dave Link. “Some of this list should have been done before they left the job-site,” Dave Tucker added. The council then decided that no money will be paid until all the problems are solved.
Under ordinances and resolutions, the council tabled to lease a lot located at 120 North Jersey to the Macoupin County Public Health with the provisions set in the contract until the council decided what will be charged for snow removal. The council then voted 5-0 to support resolution #12-2 supporting Taylorville Energy Center.
In closing, the council voted 5-0 to buy one 2011 police car. “The finances are there,” Dave Tucker explained. The new car will be a Crown Victoria and white in color.
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Community News
County marks 250th Anniversary of Declaration with reading and archive projects at Spring Festival on May 23
The Macoupin County Historical Society (MCHS) is hosting the first in a series of local celebrations & activities on May 23, 2026, 11:00 a.m. at the Spring festival highlighting the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The public is encouraged to attend a reading of the Declaration aloud at the Red Barn Pavillion.
Following the reading, participants and the public will be encouraged to have a conversation about what’s important to them, their families and to America examining the past and looking at the future.
Attendees may also enter a Birthday Wish for America & sign the America @ 250 Macoupin County Time Capsule book. The book will become a permanent archive of the Macoupin County Historical Society.
Individuals, families, & friends can also be a part of “Community Conversations” recorded by Illinois Voices 250, a Story Telling group affiliated with Illinois Humanities. The recordings will take place in all 102 counties in Illinois. Illinois Voices 250 will be on site most of the day at the Historical Society Spring Festival. The stores recorded will be digitalized and become a permanent part of the Library of Congress.
Those interested in participating are welcome to bring family and friends into a casual conversation about their life story. Both projects were made possible through a grant from Illinois Humanities to Carlinville Winning Communities, a local non profit organization that supports activities in the community. It’s a very successful partnership between Carlinville Winning Communities, Illinois Humanities and the Macoupin County Historical Society, said Mary Tinder, who is coordinating the activities.
This year, 2026, is also a time to “Bring Back the Strawberries”, a specialty desert from the Red Barn Kitchen. For many years, strawberry shortcake was the signature desert at the festivals. The MCHS Board of Directors and Red Barn Kitchen Crew chose this historic occasion to put them back on the menu.
“Fifty Years of Festivals” has helped finance operations for MCHS and we are working towards another fifty years, said board member Patty Ambrose, Vendor and Outreach Coordinator for MCHS. These activities are free, open to the public and accessible. The two-day festival is May 23, 24, 2026 at the Macoupin County Historical Society, 900 West Breckenridge Street, Carlinville, Il.
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Community News
Benld prepares to celebrate 72nd annual Italian American Days over Memorial Day weekend
A beloved community tradition returns this Memorial Day weekend as the 72nd Annual Benld Italian-American Days brings three days of food, music, and family fun to Benld City Park from Friday, May 22 through Sunday, May 24.
Hosted by the Italian Club of Benld, the long-running festival celebrates the area’s rich Italian heritage while welcoming visitors from across the region for a full slate of activities.
Festivalgoers can expect a wide variety of homemade Italian favorites served throughout the weekend, including salami and meatball sandwiches, tortellini soup, bagna cauda, and cannoli. A daily fish fry featuring cod and whiting will also be available, along with classic festival fare such as hamburgers, hot dogs, Italian beef, and carnival treats. Beer, wine, and soda will be available for purchase.
In addition to the food, the event will feature carnival rides provided by Conner Family Amusement, Inc., with unlimited ride sessions offered throughout the weekend. Bingo will be held nightly at 7:00 p.m., and festival-themed shirts will be available for purchase.
Live music and dancing will take center stage each evening. Friday night entertainment includes a performance by Flip the Frog from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m., with the park open from 4:00 to 11:00 p.m.
Saturday highlights include the Italian Club Car Show, with registration from 8:00 a.m. to noon and judging beginning at noon. The park opens at 11:00 a.m., and live music will feature Pat Jones in the afternoon followed by Borderline in the evening.
Sunday kicks off with the “Meatballs on the Run” 5K at 9:00 a.m., sponsored by the Gillespie Cross Country Boosters. You can sign-up to participate online here. The day continues with free spaghetti served from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., a bocce ball tournament beginning at noon, and a full lineup of live music throughout the day, including performances by Unbroken, Syner-Gee, and B&B Strings.
Connors Family Amusements will provide carnival armbands for $30. Armbands will be valid Friday (May 22) from 6:00 to 10 :00 p.m. and again on Saturday (May 23rd) and Sunday (May 24th) from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. and again from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m, Advanced armband sales will be available from May 4th through May 21st at the Frank Bertetti Public Library and Benld City Hall for $25. Debit and Credit Cards will NOT be accepted.
Organizers note that no outside beverages are permitted in the park or at club events.
With its mix of tradition, entertainment, and community spirit, the 72nd Annual Benld Italian-American Days promises to once again be a highlight of the summer season in Macoupin County. For more information and updates, follow the festival on Facebook at Benld Italian American Days.
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Gillespie will host a Community Blood Drive with ImpactLife, the provider of blood components for local hospitals. The blood drive will be from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm on Monday, May 11 at 900 Broadway, inside Gillespie Methodist Church Gym.
To donate, please contact Brenda Lowe at (217) 7101336 or visit www.bloodcenter.org and use code 60020 to locate the drive. Appointments are requested. You may also call ImpactLife at 800-747-5401 to schedule.
Potential donors must be at least 17 years of age (16 with parental permission form available
through www.bloodcenter.org) and weigh more than 110 pounds. A photo I.D. is required to donate.
For questions about eligibility, please call ImpactLife at (800) 7475401. Donors who last gave blood on or before March 16, 2026, are eligible to give at this drive.
Blood donation is a safe, simple procedure that takes about 45 minutes to one hour. Individuals with diabetes or controlled high blood pressure may be accepted as eligible donors.
ImpactLife is a nonprofit community organization providing blood products and services to more than 100 hospitals and emergency medical service providers in Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, and Wisconsin, as well as researchers and resource sharing partners across the country.
