Community News
Benld Council authorizes Civic Center repairs, approves lead water service line inventory
Members of the Benld City Council on Monday night approved upward of $14,000 of work to correct a long-standing problem with wall dampness at the rear of the Benld Civic Center and entered into a $30,000 contract to inventory residential water service lines using lead pipes. Council members also debated a proposed ordinance to govern Air B&Bs in the city limits and approved partial payment for a recently completed water tower painting and maintenance project.
Ald. John Balzraine said the Civic Center work will correct a problem with moisture wicking into the back wall of the Civic Center from the ground. The ongoing problem has caused damage to the plaster interior finish. Balzraine told the council he obtained quotes from Woods Basement Systems, Collinsville, and Watson Construction, Gillespie, to correct the problem and replace concrete, tile and damaged plaster.
Woods Basement Systems plans to jackhammer out concrete at the base of the wall and install a sump pump at a cost of $4,948.08. Watson Construction will oversee the project, repair the damage, and build a closet in the northwest corner of the Civic Center to house equipment.
Woods “guaranteed this will fix the problem,” Balzraine said. “It’s a 100-year-old building that nothing has been done to fix it.”
LEAD SERVICE LINE INVENTORY
On a motion by Ald. Dustin Fletcher, the council voted unanimously to enter into a $30,000 professional services contract with HMG Engineers for grant-funded project to inventory the number of residences in the city that are service by lead water service lines. Justin Vonder Haar, an engineer with HMG Engineers, Breese, told the council the grant cannot be used to reimburse city expenditures. Provisions of the grant require the money to be paid to third-party providers such as HMG.
The goal is to identify homes with lead water service lines with an eye toward replacing those lines with non-toxic materials in the future. Vonder Haar said the state legislature currently is trying to identify funds to assist with the cost of water line replacement statewide. Lead leaching into drinking water through lead service lines is detrimental to human health with long-term exposure.
Now that a contract has been approved, Vonder Haar said HMG would submit an application to the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency to release the first $15,000 of the grant funds.
He said a first step will involve sending a flier to Benld residents encouraging them to voluntarily report to the city whether or not they rely on lead water service lines. Depending upon the initial response, Vonder Haar said HMG may retain a local plumber to canvass door-to-door at non-responsive residences to identify lead service lines. The initial inventory will to involve digging up lines to examine them. In instances where it cannot be determined whether a line is lead or not, surveyors will make a projection based on the nature of other service lines in the immediate area.
When grant funds become available to replace lines, Vonder Haar said the grant award will be based on the number of lead lines identified during the initial inventory.
“At that time, if you dig up a line and it turns out to not be lead, that money can be used to replace other lines,” he said.
On Vonder Haar’s recommendation, the council approved a payment of $72,018 to Neuman Company Contractors for a recently completed painting and maintenance project on the city’s water storage tower, but retained a payment of $19,200 remaining on the contract pending resolution of a problem with a telemetry sensor on the tower. The sensor monitors the water level in the tower and controls a valve to maintain the appropriate level.
PHASE TWO BIDS SOUGHT
The council voted unanimously to advertise for bids from contractors to complete the second phase of work on developing the former site of Benld Elementary School as a sports park facility. The second phase will include installation of underground utilities, including sanitary sewer lines, storm sewers and water lines, along with grading work in advance of construction of park facilities. Upon completion, the park will include a softball field, baseball field and soccer/football field, along with other amenities.
In association with the non-profit Benld Sports Association, the city is developing the 11-acre site as a sports and outdoor recreation park. Community Unit School District 7 transferred the property to the city several years after a mine subsidence event destroyed the then seven-year-old Benld Elementary School. With the city acting as the sponsoring agency, the project was awarded a $600,000 Open Spaces Land Acquisition and Development Grant through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Once construction is complete, maintenance and operation of the facility will be the responsibility of the Sports Association.
AIR B&Bs
Council members spent several minutes discussing provisions they want included in a new ordinance governing the operation of short-term rental properties popularly known as Air B&Bs within the city limits. Mayor Jim Kelly said at least one property owner is operating as a short-term rental facility already.
City Attorney Rick Verticchio is expected to draft a proposed ordinance for action at the council’s October meeting.
Among the provisions council members directed Verticchio to include:
- A license application fee of $50 per property, which is the same fee that applies for a business license.
- An initial housing inspection at a cost of $75, plus a $50 housing inspection every six months thereafter.
- A city tax of four percent of revenue or $20 per rental day, whichever is less.
- A provision requiring tenants to be 18 years old or older.
The proposed ordinance also will provide for the owner to lose their license to operate if the property is found to be a public nuisance by a court of law. That provision is expected to control issues such as loud music, parties or criminal activity.
Verticchio suggested that zoning could be an issue, but the consensus of the council was that the city could not ban Air B&Bs from operating within areas zoned as residential areas.
Ald. Balzraine asked if the city could simply ban the practice of short-term rentals completely, but Verticchio said the municipality was not empowered to dictate what types of businesses could operate in the city as long as the business is otherwise legal.
CITY COMPTROLLER HOURS
The council approved an amendment to an ordinance to increase the number of hours for which the City Comptroller can be paid from a maximum of 40 hours per month to 60 hours. City Clerk Terri Koyne currently serves as the City Comptroller by appointment by the mayor. The ordinance provides for the comptroller to be paid minimum wage as established by Illinois law. Kelly said Koyne has been required to devote more time to the position because of grant application writing and grant administration duties.
MINIMUM SEWER CHARGE
On a motion by Ald. Fletcher, seconded by Ald. Mickey Robinson, the council unanimously approved a measure to set the minimum fee for sewer services at $20 per month. Mayor Kelly said provisions of a grant used for recent sewer improvements require the city to collect at least a minimum fee for all residences with a sewer connection. Monthly bills include charges for water, plus a charge for sewer based on the volume of water used. However, Kelly said there are some residents who are not connected to water services and who claim to bring in water for drinking, cleaning and flushing toilets—which precludes the city from determining how much waste that household contributes to the sewer system. The new fee structure will require such households to pay $20 monthly for sewer services despite the lack of city water service.
ORDINANCE VIOLATIONS
No specific action followed a 10-minute executive session requested by Ald. Jerry Saracco.
City Clerk Koyne announced that she plans to have a binder available at city hall in which to record ordinance violations issued by city aldermen. She asked that the responsible alderman report back as to whether or not the violation had been corrected by the deadline specified by the citation. Violations that have not been corrected by the deadline can then be referred to the City Attorney for further enforcement.
Koyne also announced that a Clean-Up Day for city residents has been set for Oct. 14. Residents who have refuse to be picked up should have their items on the curb for pick-up by 6 a.m.
TRICK OR TREAT
Annual trick or treating hours were set at 6 to 8 p.m., Oct. 30 and 31 by a unanimous vote of the council.
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FELONIES
Justine D. Pocklington, 27 of Standard City, possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams), aggravated feeling police/21 mph over, no valid registration, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a February 2 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Katlyn N. Pilger, 21 of Benld, is charged with theft/unauthorized control (<$500) in connection with a March 28 incident.
Donald L. Lloyd, 46 of Staunton, is charged with criminal trespass to land in connection with an April 5 incident.
TRAFFIC
Tarina S. Slaughter, 47 of Girard, is charged with improper use of registration/title, unlicensed, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with an April 4 incident.
William C. Geiser, 60 of Gillespie, is charged with reckless driving in connection with an April 6 incident.
Lauren E. Wolfe, 21 of Granite City, is charged with improper use of registration/title and expiration of registration in connection with an April 3 incident.
Jim T. Wahl, 53 of Cottage Hills, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with an April 8 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Nora Washington versus Joseph D. Washington
- Samantha Lehnen versus Chad Wallace
MARRIAGE LICENSES
- Colton D. West of Hettick and Alina M. Carver of Scottville.
- Devin J. Martin and Mariah P. Crane, both of Bunker Hill.
- Jonathon E. Swisher of Shipman and Mackenzie P. Calvin of Saint Charles, MO.
- Lucas Boschelli and Danielle J. Boatman, both of Carlinville.
- Todd R. Leverton and Jennifer L. Bowman, both of Carlinville.
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SUNDAY, APRIL 5, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Oak Street in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Oak Street in reference to harassment.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South Main Street in Benld in reference to a civil standby.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Park Avenue in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Elm Street in reference to a civil standby.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
MONDAY, APRIL 6, 2026
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
Jonathan M. Kirkwood, 29 of Benld, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for traffic.
An officer was dispatched to Maple Street and Adams Street in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was out with a female at Trolley Street and Central Avenue in Benld in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the Gillespie Police Department to speak with a male in reference to a civil issue in the 200 block of South Main Street in Benld.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Henry Street in East Gillespie. Camden G. Zumwalt, 18 of Staunton, was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a well-being check.
TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2026
Cory D. Norton, 33 of Columbus, NC, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for driving while driver’s license was suspended. He also has a warrant out of Montgomery County for failure to appear while driver’s license was suspended.
An officer was dispatched to the intersection of Madison Street and Wilson Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was out with a male at Staunton Road and Charles Street in reference to a traffic crash. Tanner E. Moore, 28 of Gillespie, was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol, improper lane usage, using an electronic communication device, and failure to change address.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Frey Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Staunton Road in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South 4th Street in Benld in reference to unwanted solicitors.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Maple Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Richards Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was out in the 100 block of South Main Street in Benld. Amanda L. Broderick, 37 of Benld, was issued citations for unlawful possession of traffic signs and obstruction. Luther C. Welch, 31 of Shipman, was issued a citation for obstruction.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Berry Street in Mt. Clare in reference to a death investigation.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 300 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to illegal dumping and criminal trespass.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 6th Street in Benld in reference to criminal damage to property.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to identity theft in the 1200 block of Second Street.
An officer initiated a traffic stop in the 400 block of South Macoupin Street. Andrea M. Hulsey, 30 of Mt. Clare, was issued a citation for her minor child not wearing a seatbelt.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Broadway in reference to a neighbor dispute.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 900 block of Springfield Road in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Abba Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was dispatched to Ben-Gil Elementary School in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Elm Street in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to Kentucky Street and Hickory Street in Benld in reference to a noise complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Walnut Street to assist the Macoupin County Sheriff Department in serving an eviction notice.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Dorsey Road in Mt. Clare in reference to a well-being check.
THURSDAY, APRIL 9, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Dorsey Street in Benld in reference to a medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Donaldson Street in reference to criminal damage to property.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Avenue and Main Street in Benld. Trinity A. Pruitt, 22 of Benld, was issued citations for speeding and for illegal transportation of cannabis.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a civil issue.
The school resource officer brought a child to the Gillespie Police Department in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 200 block of West Spruce Street.
An officer was dispatched to the 2300 block of Staunton Road in Mt. Clare in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Clay Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of East Central Avenue in Benld in reference to suspicious activity.
FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2026
An officer was dispatched near the water plant in reference to juveniles fighting.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South Second Street in Benld in reference to assisting the Litchfield Police Department with a case.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Wilson Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Charles Street in reference to a civil issue.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Henry Street in East Gillespie. Leonard J. Schwartz, 55 of Edwardsville, was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Pine Street. Scott A. Byrd, 49 of Wilsonville, was issued a citation for expired registration.
SATURDAY, APRIL 11, 2026
Larry E. Conlee, 42 of Mt. Clare, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for dangerous drugs. He was also arrested for resisting a peace officer and aggravated battery.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to an animal complaint on Bishop Drive at Gillespie Lake.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South Hard Road in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of East Walnut Street in reference to solicitation.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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Community News
“History Belongs to All of Us”: Focus of Carlinville Community Conversation Series starting May 4
“History Belongs to All of Us,” a three-month series of events and activities commemorating the 250th anniversary of American independence and emphasizing Illinois’ role in seizing liberty for the American people will kick off Monday, May 4, and continue through July 16, 2026.
The series is project of Carlinville Winning Communities funded by a grant from Illinois Humanities. The events will encourage participants to examine and discuss the Declaration of Independence and other primary historical documents through facilitated conversations, according to Mary Tinder, a Macoupin County Historical Society & Carlinville Winning Communities board member.
Carlinville Winning Communities was one of only 13 entities statewide to receive an Illinois Humanities grant to support the Community Conversations Series.
We are fortunate to have received Illinois Humanities funding for this unique project, With 2026 being the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the 100th anniversary of Route 66, it is altogether fitting to explore where we’ve been and where we’re going, as well as to reflect on both and the cultural impact of our independence, Tinder said.
In keeping with the “History Belongs to All of Us” theme, several of the presentations and discussions will emphasize the role of Native Americans and the impact of American independence on Native American and other cultures.
Program topics will be explored through presentations by Illinois Humanities Road Scholars, live readings of historic documents, art, music and discussions. The programs are free to attend and all venues are handicapped accessible.
The series kicks off with “Illinois in the Revolutionary War,” a presentation by local historian and author Tom Emery, at 7 p.m., Monday, May 4, at the Macoupin County Historical Society’s Ruyle Genealogy Building, 920 W. Breckenridge St., Carlinville. Emery will lead a discussion of information included in his most recently published book, Illinois in the Revolutionary War.
“There was more to the war in Illinois than most people realize,” said Emery. “Revolutionary action took place in many parts of the state, and it was a struggle for all involved. It shows how hard many Americans worked for liberty.”
A discussion of Nicholas Welch’s 1812 Land Grant and the Autobiography of Ma-Ka-Tai-Me-She-Kia-Kiak, better known as Black Hawk, leader of the Sauk/Sac Indian tribes, is set for 7 p.m., Monday, June 1, in the Anderson Home parlor on the Macoupin County Historical Society grounds. Under the Land Grant program, the government set aside more than five million acres in western Illinois to compensate American war veterans with large tracts of land. Though Welch never set foot in Illinois, the granting of land to him displaced Black Hawk from his home in the area of present-day Rock Island. The facilitated discussion will focus on original historic documents, juxtaposing Welch’s land grant with Black Hawk’s experience.
Because of the smaller, more intimate venue, reservations are required. RSVP to marytinder1@gmail.com to reserve a seat.
“Relive the Mother Road: The Edwards Trace,” a collective analysis of documents and a look at contemporary research will be led by Illinois Humanities Road Scholar Anna Sielaff, Friday afternoon, June 26, during an Old Fashioned Route 66 Jubilee on the Macoupin County Courthouse lawn. Sielaff will discuss the 3,000-year-old Edwards Trace, used by Native Americans and early Illinois settlers, that stretched from Cahokia to Peoria. Portions of the trace run through Macoupin County, and some sections lay along the original alignment of Route 66. Imagine Rural Arts also will lead an art project in connection with how the trail was marked.
The Old Fashioned Route 66 Jubilee event runs from noon into the evening with food, musical performances, literary presentations, games, food and other activities.
The date is significant for Carlinville and Route 66 since 6/26/26 happens to be our zip code! The Jubilee offers a variety of experiences and taking a deeper look at the Edwards Trace and the Mother Road is an interesting way to explore local history on this unique date and location, Tinder noted.
Continuing on to the July 4th holiday, Macoupin County high school and college students will read the Declaration of Independence aloud in the main courtroom of the historic Macoupin County Courthouse in Carlinville at 10 a.m. The event also will feature a display of more than 30 historic flags provided by the George Rogers Clark Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution. A facilitated discussion will follow the reading and participants will be invited to sign the “Macoupin County America @ 250 Time Capsule” book. The book will then be on display at the Macoupin County Historical Society, said Andrea Duncan, one of the organizers.
A unique and somewhat mysterious artifact from Macoupin County will be the subject of a presentation at 7 p.m., Monday, July 6, at the Historical Society’s Ruyle Genealogy Building. Sharon Breyden and husband Tommy Breyden will display and discuss the Black Hawk Tablet, uncovered in the 1940s on a farm near Hettick. The odd inscriptions on the lead medallion suggests Black Hawk and an early Macoupin settler formalized an agreement to peacefully coexist in central Illinois.
For the final program of the Carlinville Community Conversations series, Illinois Humanities Road Scholar Kim Sigafus, a member of the Ojibwa Native American tribe, will present “We the Native People” at 7 p.m., Thursday, July 16, at the Historical Society’s Ruyle Genealogy Building. The focus is on Native Americans at the time the Declaration of Independence was signed. The interactive program will use traditional story-telling and music to help audience members understand the groundswell changes in Native American culture and lifestyle resulting from American independence and subsequent western expansion.
For more information and details about the “History Belongs to All of Us” series, contact Carlinville Winning Communities Board members, Andrea Duncan, (217) 204-1446, or Mary Tinder, (217) 825-9699.
