Community News
County board approves tight annual budget for 2025-26
Members of the Macoupin County Board on Tuesday night voted unanimously to approve a county budget for fiscal 2025-26 authorizing expenditures of $28.2 million. The budget totals includes $17.9 million in expenditures from special funds, which are primarily funds from state and federal sources that are earmarked for specific purposes, and $10.3 million in General Fund expenditures. The new fiscal year starts Sept. 1 and continues through Aug. 31, 2026.
The General Fund is the fund responsible for keeping county government running, and it was the focus of Tuesday night’s discussion. Facing predictions of even tighter budgets over the next five years, the board voted unanimously night to conditionally approve an austere $10.3 million General Fund budget with a projected end-of-the-year surplus of only $14,660.
“That doesn’t leave us a lot of room if we keep staffing at the current levels,” County Clerk Pete Duncan said. Salaries account for 77 percent of the county government’s annual expenditures from the General Fund, he said.
Duncan told the board that General Fund revenue is projected at $10,360,822 for the fiscal year beginning Sept. 1, while expenditures are projected at $10,346,162, which includes scheduled salary increases, plus four percent to account for an American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) contract which has not yet been negotiated.
Duncan said intergovernmental sources will account for about 58 percent of the county’s General Fund revenue ($6,011,041), followed by property taxes accounting for $2,200,000 (21.2 percent). Fees and charges for services will been an anticipated $1.5 million, accounting for 15 percent of revenues, and transfers will make up five percent with $590,000.
On the expenditure side of the General Fund budget, the county expects to spend $8,004,107 on salaries and benefits. A total of $2,108,175 is projected for operational expenses (20 percent). Transfers and intergovernmental charges are expected to account for two percent and .3 percent, respectively.
If revenue and expenditures continue to grow at the current rates, Duncan predicted deficit budget beginning with the 2026-27 fiscal year. Property tax revenue is expected to grow by two percent annually, while intergovernmental revenues are expect to increase by a modest one percent annually. Revenue resulting from fees and charges for services, as well as revenue from fund transfers, are expected to remain flat over the next the next five years.
Duncan is calling the 2025-26 budget and budgets in the coming years as “maintenance” budgets with no surplus revenue for new or expanding programs.
Duncan’s projections show increasing expenditures for the next five years, reaching a total of $11.59 million in fiscal 2030-31, and driven primarily by an expected three percent annual increase in salaries and benefits.
Based on Duncan’s projections, expenditures will outpace revenue by $118,506 next fiscal year. For the second fiscal year, the deficit is expected to be $259,649, followed by annual deficits of $405,684, $556,810 and culminating in fiscal 2030-31 with a deficit of $713,230.
“These numbers are not cumulative,” Duncan pointed, noting the deficits represent spending that exceeds revenue for each year. “When I get antsy about the budget, this is why. We’re in a tight spot.”
Duncan noted, however, that county government has taken several positive steps to prepare for leaner budget years ahead. Since 2010, the county has paid off $1.3 million in long term debt and is currently debt free. The General Fund surplus has grown by $6.8 million since 2010. Additionally, the county has fully funded a Budget Stabilization Fund for the past five years, establishing a balance of $1.35 million, compared with zero in 2010.
The new budget was conditionally approved because of a line item requesting a 13.6 percent increase in the Supervisor of Assessments’ current salary of $73,404. John Bresnan, Supervisor of Assessments, told the board via telephone that he was requesting the increase to bring his salary in line with his peers after accepting several years of salary increases that were lower than those offered to other employees. The increase, if approved, would boost Bresnan’s salary by $10,000, half of which would be reimbursed by the state.
“I’m only asking to be put where I should be,” he said.
“We haven’t even settled with AFSCME yet and here we are doing this?” Kristi Dunnagan objected. “Most of our employees are getting four percent and he’s getting 13?”
“I think we need much more information,” said Molly Rosentreter. “What we’ve gotten now is just what he presented.”
Ultimately the board agreed to pass the budget to meet the deadline for the start of the new fiscal year, with a provision that it can be amended when the board revisits the Bresnan salary issue in September.
Before approving the 2025-26 General Fund budget, the board approved two resolutions to update appropriations for the fiscal year expiring at the end of August. Amending the appropriations is a routine housekeeping measure to ensure the appropriation on record is congruent with actual expenditures during the year. Duncan said the adjustments were “budget neutral,” involving increasing some line items while reducing others.
BOARD MEMBER TRAGEDY
Soon after convening the board’s regular meeting, Board Chair Larry Schmidt told the board that District 7 Board Member Bernie Kiel, Virden, was absent due to a family tragedy earlier Tuesday in which his 16-year-old grandson died as a result of a tractor rollover accident.
“We need to keep the family in our prayers,” Schmidt noted.
HIGHWAY PROJECTS
On the recommendation of County Engineer Tom Reinhardt, the board awarded a $1,174,200 bid submitted by C-Hill Civil Contractors, Campbell Hill, to replace a bridge carrying Moore Cemetery Road over Richardson Branch. The bridge is located east of Carlinville in Carlinville Township.
C-Hill was the lower of two bidders, although the successful bidders price exceeds the engineer’s estimate of $1,118,225 by slightly more than five percent.
The board also approved a $103,780 contract with Hampton, Lenzini and Renwick, Inc., Springfield, to oversee a project to mill and resurface and 2.6-mile section of the Staunton-Bunker Hill Road near its intersection with Illinois Route 4.
“We’ve used them (Hampton, Lenzini and Renwick, Inc.) before,” Reinhardt told the board. “They have the ability to do the pavement testing we will need.” The employee assigned to the job resides in Staunton, Reinhardt noted, cutting down on travel time and expense.
Last month, the board gave the Road and Bridge Committee power to act on awarding a contract for the resurfacing project in order to get work started as soon as possible. The committee awarded the contract during its July 18 meeting to Charles E. Mahoney Co., Swansea. Mahoney, the low bidder for the project, will do the milling and resurfacing work at a cost of $999,956.82. Mahoney’s bid exceeds the engineer’s estimate of 918,595 by 8.8 percent.
The board approved two 50/50 township cost-sharing projects. The county will pay half of the $7,500 cost to replace a 43-foot, 64-inch culvert under Edwards Road in North Otter Township, and half of the $3,000 cost to replace a 40-foot, 245-inch culvert under Boy Scout Road in Barr Township.
COUNTY EMPLOYEE HEALTH CARE INSURANCE
Matt Dowland and Michael Davis of Dowland Financial Services, Carlinville, addressed the board about the issue of soliciting bids from insurers to provide health care coverage for county employees. Dowland Financial is apparently one of five companies that have requested group information in order to solicit bids from insurers.
Dowland said their efforts to solicit bids has been an inability to obtain a “Blue Insight” report that tracks the group’s insurance claims for the past 24 months. The county’s current insurance broker apparently has the information but has not released it.
“Pete (Duncan) has given us everything we’ve asked for” Davis said. But without the claims report, no other broker can effectively solicit the lowest bids for health insurance.
Board Chairman Schmidt said Duncan is preparing a letter to secure the Blue Insight report and that Schmidt planned to sign it on Wednesday. Time is of essence, however, as the current policy coverage is nearing the end of its term. The board expects to approve a new policy in September or by mid-October at the latest.
Blue Cross-Blue Shield is the current health care coverage provider for county employees.
“We are here in Macoupin County,” Dowland explained. “We pay taxes here. My office is less than a mile from the courthouse. I think the decision for the board is ‘who do you want to work with?’ If not us, then someone in the county.”
“This is our back yard,” Davis said, “and that means something to us. We are perfectly capable of doing this for you. Blue Cross-Blue Shield is not going to give a better deal to one agent over another.”
ANIMAL CONTROL
With one dissenting vote, the board approved an amended animal control ordinance that raises fines for allowing animals to roam at large from $25 to $50 for a first offense and from $50 to $75 for a subsequent offense.
“We’ve been having an increasing number of running at large offenses,” said District 6 Board Member Leann Barr.
The ordinance also authorizes the Animal Control agency to purchase a $350 tranquilizer dart gun to subdue dangerous or aggressive animals.
“We don’t expect to have to use it a lot,” Barr said.
District 6 Board Member Gordon Heur, Shipman, cast the sole negative vote.
DOAP
Board members unanimously approved an annual application for a $1,129,800 Downstate Operations Assistance Program grant to subsidize the county’s public transport program for the upcoming fiscal year. The Macoupin Transit System is administered by the Macoupin County Department of Public Health.
GRANT MANAGER REPORT
Newly hired Grant Manager Joseph Chirwa addressed the board, urging the board to participate in the development of Economic Development Plan (EDP) for Macoupin County. Chirwa said an EDP is needed to help the county plan for economic transitions such as the closure of a major employer. Such proactive planning will improve the county’s access to federal and state resources, Chirwa said, and it will make the county more competitive when it comes to applying for grant funds.
Chirwa outlined a four-phase process to develop a comprehensive EDP for Macoupin County. The process, which will include public input, is expected to result in a written EDP by June 2026.
In the meantime, the board’s Economic Development Committee reported the Chirwa has applied for grants worth more than $1.3 million. The grant applications encompass economic development, workforce training, family services, homelessness, infrastructure, and rural wellness.
He reported that a grant application for $840,000 for Community Energy Transition has been approved, but will require the board’s commitment to finalizing a plan to use the money before it is released.
APPOINTMENTS
The board approved the appointment of Deanna Taylor and Mike Winsel to serve five-year terms ending Aug. 16, 2030, on the Macoupin County Housing Board, and approved the appointment of Bill Carter to complete the unexpired term of Amanda Steward, ending Aug. 21, 2026.
Board members also approved the appointment of Adam Edwards to fill an unexpired term ending April, 30, 2028, on the South Palmyra Rural Water District Board.
TAX COLLECTION & DISTRIBUTION
District 6 Board Member Aaron Stayton told the board that the Administration Committee had met with county officials to investigate delays in collecting and distributing property taxes, and reported the committee is satisfied that this year’s delay was “a one-time thing.”
Josh Ross, representing the Gillespie-Benld Area Ambulance Service, raised the issue during public comments at last month’s meeting. Ross criticized the delays and said they disrupt financial planning on the part of local taxing bodies that rely on receiving their share of property taxes in a timely matter.
According to the committee report, a lack of township assessors is a component in lagging tax collections. Currently there are only two local level assessors for the entire county, one of whom—Scott Rogers—has been hired as the new 911 Emergency Phone System Director.
Township assessors are expected to submit assessment lists to the Supervisor of Assessments in early fall of the tax year. The Supervisor of Assessments reviews the information, makes necessary adjustments and publishes notice before convening the Board of Review to hear appeals. Assessments for individual properties reach the County Clerk’s office, usually in March or April. The County Clerk requires four to six weeks to process tax extensions. The assessments and extensions then go to the County Treasurers office. The Treasurer typically requires a month to prepare tax bills, plus another 10 days to print and mail tax bills.
In a typical year, the due date for the first installment of property taxes lands in July, with the second installment due in September. Distributions to local taxing bodies begin within 30 days of the first due date, with the second distribution occurring 30 days after the tax sale.
Public officials involved in the process said this year’s bills, and subsequently distributions, occurred because of software conversion issues, staff turnovers and a dearth of township assessors.
“There were things that happened this year that can be straightened out for next year,” said Board Chair Schmidt, who attended the committee meeting.
OTHER ACTION
In other action, the board approved a routine end-of-the-fiscal-year resolution granting the Finance Committee power to act on approving payment of end-of-the-year bills, and briefly discussed the potential sale of county-owned real estate located north of Carlinville.
The Economic Development Committee has sought advice from State’s Attorney Jordan Garrison about whether the county could sell the property to a private individual without going through a bidding process. The property is a small parcel that was once part of a county-designated industrial park. Garrison reported Tuesday night that the only legal options for selling the property were either a sealed bid process or a public auction.
Comments
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2026
Edwin L. Rhodes, 68 of Gillespie, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for dangerous drugs/methamphetamine delivery.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Elm Street and Fulton Street. Sebastian S. Nessl, 31 of Gillespie, was issued citations for suspended registration due to no insurance, operating an uninsured vehicle, and expired registration.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Avenue and Hard Road in Benld. Ricky L. Murphy of Fillmore, was issued a citation for failure to change address and suspended registration.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Cottage Avenue in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Francis Street in reference to a child custody issue.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Pine Street. Adam M. Wagner, 33 of Benld, was issued citations for suspended registration and expired registration.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Avenue and Hard Road in Benld. April R. McNealy, 39 of Mt. Olive, was issued citations for disobeying a stop sign and expired registration.
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to a battery. Eric M. Streeb, 37 of Staunton, was arrested for aggravated battery.
Timothy J. Dalpozzo, 58 of Benld, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear on larceny.
An officer was out in the 200 block of East Locust Street in Benld in reference to a security check.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Oak Street in reference to a 911 call.
Kourtney K. Claro, 34 of Benld, was arrested on a Madison County Warrant for failure to appear on unlawful possession.
An officer was dispatched to the Gillespie Police Department to speak with a male in reference to identity theft.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to Clay Street and Park Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of West Burton Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to fraud.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of East Walnut Street in reference to an alarm sounding.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of North Main Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a stolen vehicle from the 200 block of North Kentucky in Benld.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Elm Street in East Gillespie. Hannah E. Naugle, 25 of Gillespie, was given a citation for expired registration.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Elm Street and Macoupin Street. Ruthie J. Kahl, 35 of Carlinville, was issued a citation for expired registration.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Illinois Avenue and Springfield Road in East Gillespie. Christopher T. Brickey, 30 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for driving while his license was suspended.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Illinois Avenue. Jess P. Barker, 69 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of South Hard Road in Benld in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to criminal trespass to property in the 400 block of Broadway Street.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 300 block of Park Avenue.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Francis Street in reference to a 911 call.
Anita S. Grizzle, 49 of Gillespie, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for possession of a controlled substance, dangerous drugs, and a Madison County warrant for failure to appear on dangerous drugs.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer recovered a vehicle that was reported stolen from the 200 block of North Kentucky Street in Benld.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of West Wilson Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Francis Street in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Oak Street in reference to a civil issue.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to fraud in the 200 block of North Kentucky Street in Benld.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of North 6th Street in Benld in reference to a civil issue.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Staunton Road and Hard Road in Mt. Clare. Chandler M. Hayes, 26 of Thayer, was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Avenue and 5th Street in Benld. Amanda L. Martinek, 35 of Mt. Olive, was issued a citation for operating uninsured vehicle.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2026
Cody R. Ikerman, 35 of Gillespie, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for driving while license was suspended.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to harassment in the 600 block of Broadway Street.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 200 block of North Hard Road in Mt. Clare in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Dorsey Street in Benld in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Oak Street in reference to criminal trespass.
The School Recourse Officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Horizon Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Street in reference to unwanted solicitors.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South 5th Street in Benld to assist DCFS.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of West Wilson Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at South Street and Macoupin Street. Claudette N. Cruse, 48 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for improper use of registration.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to harassment.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of North 2nd Street, 400 block of West Oak Street, and the 200 block of South 4th Street in Benld in reference to criminal defacement of property. The juvenile suspects were located.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Walnut Street in Benld in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of North 5th Street in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of West Oak Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to Schmidt Street in East Gillespie in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to suspicious activity.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Comments
Stacy L. Marshall, 59 of Wilsonville, is charged with stalking/cause fear of safety and driving under the influence of alcohol in connection with a January 23 incident.
Jarod A. Fagan, 41 of Carlinville, is charged with aggravated use of a communications device/death, two counts of aggravated DUI/crash/death, driving under the influence of alcohol, registration expiration, improper traffic lane usage, transporting/carrying alcohol, and seat belt required in connection with a December 9 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Frederic J. Skinner, 22 of Carlinville, is charged with criminal damage to property (<$500) in connection with a December 30 incident.
Noel J. Kennon, 47 of Benld, is charged with criminal trespass to a building in connection with a January 12 incident.
TRAFFIC
Jessica D. Jackson, 37 of Girard, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a January 27 incident.
Mason C. Marquette, 18 of Virden, is charged with speeding 35+ mph over the limit and transporting/carrying alcohol in connection with a January 21 incident.
Joshua D. Strode, 48 of Chatham, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a January 18 incident.
Rhiannon P. Ewin, 26 of Carlinville, is charged with speeding 35+ mph over the limit and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a January 28 incident.
Denae L. Clements, 32 of Gillespie, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration and expired registration in connection with a January 27 incident.
Anna M. Bearup, 44 of Auburn, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a January 27 incident.
Amanda M. McDowell, 43 of Staunton, is charged with driving on a suspended license, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and expired registration in connection with a January 27 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Ellie J. Ondrey versus Zachary C. Ondrey
- Lillyan Hawkins versus Drew M. Hawkins
MARRIAGE LICENSES
- John Louis Osborne and Melissa Jeannine Harbaugh, both of Hettick
Comments
SUNDAY, JANUARY 25, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Pine Street in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer spoke with the female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a child custody issue.
An officer was dispatched to Staunton Road and Southern Street in reference to a motorist assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Oak Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Abba Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of South Main Street in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South 5th Street in Benld in reference to a civil issue.
MONDAY, JANUARY 26, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Park Avenue in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Central in Benld by the Illinois Department of Transportation in reference to a vehicle that had been parked on their snow route, and they needed to be moved. Amy J. Arnold, 34 of Benld, was issued a citation for illegal parking.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Avenue and 5th Street in Benld. Dakota N. Lytle, 27 of Staunton, was issued a citation for operating an uninsured vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of South 5th Street in Benld in reference to a security check.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Park Street and Illinois Street in Benld. Alexander C. Richardson, 29 of Benld, was issued a citation for expired registration.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Dorsey Road in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North 4th Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was out in the 100 block of West Pine with a subject riding an ATV on the roadway.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Oak Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Elm Street, Chelsa R. Pruden, 36 of Staunton, was issued a citation for operating an uninsured vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of West Maple Street in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Hickory Street in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of North Kentucky Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Walnut Street. Denae L. Clements, 32 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for suspended registration for no insurance and expired registration.
The school resource officer assisted the Department of Children and Family Services in reference to a juvenile issue at Ben-Gil Elementary School.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Illinois Street in East Gillespie. Christian M. Garrison, 25 of Girard, was issued a citation for failure to change address.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to criminal trespass in the 300 block of North Kentucky Street in Benld.
The school resource officer was dispatched for a student who fled from school. The child was located and returned to her residence.
An officer was dispatched to Mt. Clare Drive in Mt. Clare in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was out with a vehicle in the ditch in the 300 block of Kelly Street, assisting until a tow truck could arrive.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Oak Street in reference to a 911 call.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
The school resource officer was dispatched to Gillespie High School in reference to a fight between two juveniles.
An officer was dispatched to the Gillespie High School in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a fight.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Staunton Road and Division Street in Mt. Clare. Donald E. Ruyle, 52 of Benld, was arrested for driving while license was suspended.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Dorsey Road in Mt. Clare in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was out at Francis Street and South Street in reference to a motorist assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Oak Street in reference to an animal complaint.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2026
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue on West Oak Street in Benld.
An officer was out in the 200 block of Locust Street in Benld in reference to a security check.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 30, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of North 6th Street in Benld in reference to theft. Tabitha M. Pratt, 39 of Benld, was arrested for theft, possession of another credit/debit card, and possession of a lost or mislaid credit/debit card.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Walnut Street in Benld in reference to a burglary.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Green Street in reference to criminal damage.
An officer was dispatched to North 8th Street in Benld in reference to a motorist assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Park Avenue in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a theft in Benld.
The school resource officer took a report of an assault on a juvenile and reported it to the Department of Children and Family Services.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 31, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Oak Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at 3rd Street and Dorsey Road in Mt. Clare. Gregory A. Boaz, 32 of Mt. Clare, was issued citations for expired registration and operating an uninsured vehicle.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Elm Street in East Gillespie. Isabelle G. Manning, 21 of Edwardsville, was issued citations for expired registration and operating an uninsured vehicle.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Broadway Street and LJ Ave. Jynnafer E. Marin, 44 of Coffeen, was issued a citation for driving on a suspended registration.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 300 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Broadway Street and Macoupin Street. Kerri D. Felchlin, 43 of Edwardsville, was issued citations for expired registration and operating an uninsured vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Easton Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South Street in reference to a civil standby.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
