Community News
From the Librarian’s desk by Steve Joyce
While rummaging through some articles at the Coal Museum, I came across one that struck my fancy. It was from the Illinois State Journal and the Headline was, “Miners, anarchists, soldiers combine for tense faceoff.” The date was March 21, 1911. I decided to follow up on the story and see what other newspapers had to say. I was shocked by the headlines around the U.S., splashing the controversy. Some of the headlines were as follows:
“1,000 armed foreigners parade streets of town.”—Knoxville, TN Sentinel
“Immigrant coal miners terrorize Illinois town, driving Americans before them with guns.” —Chattanooga, TN News
“Armed foreigners drive miners from work in Gillespie.”—Birmingham, AL News
“Armed foreigners arm for battle.”—Spokane, WA Chronicle
“One Thousand on the march.”—Wilmington, DE News Journal
“Foreigners demonstrate.”—Salt Lake City, UT Deseret News
“Foreigners at Benld are ugly”—Bloomington, IL Pantagraph
There were major news stories across the country, north, south, east and west. Major cities carried the stories from Boston to San Francisco and Bismarck to Waco, Texas. The stories were inflammatory and struck an opinion that our area had radical, troublemakers working in the mines.
Throughout the country these headlines made people fear that the foreign miners were anarchists and armed mobs. Most of the stories were somewhat exaggerated although there were protests, marches, armed miners and troops. The Gillespie News, while other national newspapers highlighted the situation, played it down as an over-zealous protest, stirred up by “yellow journalism.”
Here are the facts that brought about this national uproar.
Coal production in Illinois is in the decline, salaries are slipping and the mines are cutting back on working days, sometimes only two to three days a week. Many foreigner miners see this as a threat to their livelihood. The Superior Mines employ around 1,850 men. When working, salaries are around $80 a month. The Illinois State Legislature was informed that 20,000 Illinois miners were idle in March and this produced hardship on the miners. A mild winter and mechanization were causes of this problem.
Superior Coal Company decided to add another machine in Mine #2 in Sawyerville and the United Mine Workers Union supported the move. Machines for the past two years were being placed in the Sawyerville mine. Most of the workers were foreign Italians from Benld and thought this was cutting into their work opportunities. The miners retaliated by cutting back on their mining quotas. Miners were fired. Because of this, the miners refused to work. All three of the Superior mines were shut down by Superior Coal Co. for a couple of days. The situation between the company and the foreign miners did not change. The miners stayed on strike.
The state officials of the UMW ordered the miners of all three UMW Locals to go back to work or be subject to fines because the striking miners violated the union agreement and constitution. A large miner meeting of all three locals met in Gillespie and informed the striking miners of the decision of the UMW. Gillespie also had the Superior Coal offices.
Most of the American miners were willing to go back to work, however Macoupin County Sheriff Etter anticipating trouble from the foreigners called out deputies to patrol Mine #1 in Eagarville. On Monday March 20, 1911, approximately 250 armed miners prevented other miners from going to work at the Eagerville mine. Etter’s deputies were out-numbered. Fearing that this could escalate Etter asked for state troops. Governor Deneen ordered 10 companies of militia to Gillespie on Tuesday, March 21.
Here is where the newspaper headlines took their information.
Prior to arrival of troops on Tuesday morning, approximately 700 armed foreigners, mostly miners marched from Benld to Eagarville to Gillespie and back to Benld through Mt. Clare Mine #3.
The Springfield State Journal called this march as follows, “Strikers from Benld marched into Gillespie this morning, making a show of arms, with a numerical strength that paralyzed the lovers of peace. The red flag of anarchy floated proudly at the head of the procession.”
The impression by Gillespie residents, who being alarmed, was that they were being attacked by an armed mob. However, there was no conflict or trouble and 350 National Guardsmen set up camp in Benld to stop any potential rioting, while only one company of troops were stationed in Gillespie. The troops stayed in camp for about one week.
The Gillespie News publisher S P Preston took a very dim view of the incident and condemned the miners always referring to them as foreigners preventing American union miners from doing their work. But there was no condemnation of the town of Benld. The outcry in the Gillespie paper was far toned-down to those throughout the U.S. There were no headlines. There were not a thousand marchers, there was no trouble but newspapers cried out that the foreign miners were an armed mob looking for trouble.
To compound the situation, several citizens received “black hand” letters. These letters threatened death. The “Black Hand” was an Italian community extortion organization threating violence, usually found in large eastern cities.
The three Superior mines remained closed temporarily. In early April the three locals of Eagerville, Sawyerville and Mt Clare all eventually returned to work and the strike ended after four weeks. The decision by local miners was not unanimous to return to work, but in the end all three union locals ended their strike.
This exaggerated reporting was not unusual throughout the U.S. Unionism and strikes were making big headlines. As an example, in March 1910 a major coal strike in Pennsylvania lasted for over a year involving 15,000 miners known as the Slovak Strike because 70% of the strikers were foreigners. Combine the fact that many unionists were both American-born and foreigners, it was the foreigners that were blamed for the trouble. But because of these unions, both American and foreign born, laws are being made by legislatures to protect the worker.
It is unfortunate that at the time of this mine strike on March 25, 1911, the famous Triangle Shirtwaist Fire in NYC occurred causing the death of 150 factory workers bringing an uproar about conditions of the American worker.
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Meeting in their new quarters for the first time, members of the Benld City Council voted unanimously Monday night to approve a property tax levy request, approved a first installment payment for work completed at the Benld Family Sports Complex, and appointed a new deputy city clerk.
As of the last two weeks of December, Benld City Hall has been relocated to its new location at 218 East Central Avenue. The new building, the former location of First National Bank and Associated Bank, provides an improved venue for public meetings, a private room for executive sessions, plus office space and a drive-up window for water customers to drop off payments.
On a motion by Ald. Jerry Saracco, the council voted unanimously to approve a property tax levy request of $123,576.03 for 2024 taxes to be collected in 2025. The new levy request is about $3,000 more than the 2024 levy of $120,605.29. The Property Tax Extension Limitation Law (PTELL), approved by Macoupin voters in 1995 limits annual increases of no more than five percent or the Consumer Price Index, whichever is less. The current CPI, essentially the rate of inflation, currently is 3.4 percent. The levy approved Monday night represents an increase of less than three percent over the previous year’s levy.
Broken down by line item, the new levy seeks property tax revenue of $30,500 for administration, compared with $30,000 last year; $5,900 for the annual municipal audit, compared with $5,800 a year ago; $1,200 for the municipal band, which is unchanged from the previous year; $6,250 for street and bridge maintenance, compared with $6,090 the previous year; $5,350 for parks, compared with $5,250 last year; $44,636 for police protection, compared with $43,169 last year; $5,000 for social security, which is unchanged from the previous year; $1,200 for unemployment insurance, which also is unchanged from a year ago; $2,450 for workers’ compensation insurance, compare with $2,400 a year ago; and $6,500 for liability insurance, compared with $6,386 a year ago.
Additionally, the levy request includes $14,590.03 for the Benld Public Library, compared with $14,110.29 the previous year. Though included in the city’s tax levy request, the library is considered a separate taxing body.
The new levy will be submitted to the Macoupin County Clerk, who is responsible for calculating the appropriate tax rates to generate the levy.
BENLD FAMILY SPORTS COMPLEX PAYOUT
The council voted unanimously to authorize payment of $54,347,94 to J.P. Solutions, Benld, the general contractor for the Benld Family Sports Complex, located on the former site of Benld Elementary School.
The payment covers preliminary earth work at the site, including excavating and grading, sidewalk removal and trenching. City Clerk Terri Koyne reported that workers currently are installing playground equipment.
Community Unit School District 7 transferred the site to the city after a mine subsidence event destroyed the sever-year-old Benld Elementary School. The city secured a $600,000 Open Spaces Land Acquisition and Development grant through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources last year. The city will oversee development of the park, after which management and maintenance will be turned over the Benld Sports Association.
Ald. Saracco noted the city has received half of the grant money and voiced concerns that the city could lose the second half if the facility is not completed by the end of April. Mayor Jim Kelly assured the council that HMG Engineers confirmed the facility will be completed on schedule and if the construction does go past April, the second installment of the grant will not be withdrawn.
Earlier in the meeting, Ald. Saracco reported he attended a meeting at Gillespie City Hall regarding the status of nearly $60,000 in CEJA grant funds due to the City of Benld. Saracco said the money was expected to last November or December but has been delayed. Originally, the city planned to use the money to pay for demolition of the former Tarro Supermarket on East Central Avenue. When emergency circumstances arose, however, the city had to proceed with the demolition before receiving the funds. He recommended using the money, when it arrives, to purchase a new emergency siren or to replace a culvert on East Central Avenue.
NEW DEPUTY CLERK
On a motion by Ald. John Balzraine, seconded by Ald. Lance Cooper, the council voted unanimously to appoint Geir Perkins as Deputy City Clerk to assist the City Clerk with office work. In a separate action, the council approved expenditure of about $125 to have Perkins certified as a Notary Public and to buy a notary stamp for her use.
CITY PROPERTIES AND ORDINANCE VIOLATIONS
No action followed a 20-minute executive session requested by City Attorney Rick Verticchio to discuss a small claims lawsuit filed against the city by Monte Oberman in connection with property at 215 East Central Avenue that Oberman agreed to sell to the city in lieu of abating a public nuisance.
In related property matters, the council directed Verticchio to send notice of an ordinance violation to the owners of the former Benld Senior Nutrition Center, 205 East Central Avenue, for bricks falling from the front wall onto the sidewalk.
Verticchio also was directed to pursue action against the owners of 407 and 409 South Fourth Street for allegedly allowing persons to live in the residences without passing a building inspection. Ald. Balzraine said someone is living in a mobile home at 407 South Fourth and in a home located at 409 South Fourth.
Verticchio said he is working in court to get authorization to enter the mobile home for purposes of an inspection. A hearing is scheduled this Friday to obtain an administrative search warrant that will allow the city’s housing inspector to enter the residence.
CULVERT PURCHASE
On a motion by Ald. Dustin Fletcher, the council approved replenishing the city’s stockpile of culvert materials at a cost of $9,506.17.
SNOW REMOVAL COMPLAINT
Ferdinand Girardi appeared before the council to voice concerns about snow removal practices following the most recent snowstorm. Girardi said city workers threw up a three-foot embankment in front of his driveway when city streets were plowed and refused to plow access to his driveway. Ald. Balzraine disputed that there was a three-foot embankment in front of Girard’s home and confirmed that city crews are not responsible for plowing private driveways.
“What do you expect me to do?” Girardi wanted to know.
“I want you to take care of your driveway like everyone else,” Balzraine replied.
“You expect a 97-year-old man to get out and shovel out a driveway?”
“No,” Balraine responded, “I expect you to hire someone like everyone else does.”
Mayor Kelly reiterated that cars must be moved off streets during a snow emergency.
“If there’s a car in the road,” Kelly said, “the police will call you to move it. If you don’t move the car, it will be towed. Cars have to be off the road and plows have to be able to get through when there’s a snow emergency.”
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SUNDAY, JANUARY 12, 2025
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Staunton Road and Southern Street. Emily J. Peper, 42 of Greenville, was issued citations for expired registration, suspended registration for mandatory insurance and operating an uninsured motor vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 900 block of North Hard Road in Mt. Clare in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Abba Street in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Biddle Street in reference to a medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to a medical assist.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Elm Street and Jersey Street. Tommie L. Jones, 38 of East St. Louis, was issued a citation for suspended registration.
An officer was out in the 7800 block of Staunton Road assisting Illinois State Police in reference to a traffic crash.
MONDAY, JANUARY 13, 2025
An Officer was dispatched to North Macoupin Street and Maple Street in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of South 8th Street in Benld in reference to a medical assist.
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to possible fraud in the 400 block of 1st Street in Benld.
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with female in reference to harassment.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Broadway Street in reference to a child custody issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of East Elm Street in reference to an altercation. Jonathan R. Heiens, 39 of Gillespie, was arrested for aggravated battery.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Hard Road and Spruce Street in Benld. Amarion L. Saulsberry, 20 of Alton, was issues citations for operating an uninsured motor vehicle and suspended registration.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South Illinois Street in Benld in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Horizon Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South 2nd Street in Benld in reference to lane blockage.
An officer was out in the 200 block of West Oak Street in Benld for a medical assist.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of West Maple Street in reference to criminal trespass to residence.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Charles Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to South Jersey Street in reference to a noise complaint.
An officer was dispatched to 2nd Street in Benld in reference to disorderly conduct.
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Middle School to speak with a parent in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Oak Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Adams Street in reference to a 911 call.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of South 8th Street in Benld in reference to a car verses deer traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South 2nd Street in Benld in reference to a death investigation.
An officer was dispatched to Rice Street and Spruce Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 900 block of North Hard Road in Mt. Clare in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Spruce Street in Benld in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Harding Avenue in East Gillespie in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Broadway Street and Kelly Street. Jaylie K. Jett, 26 of Mt. Olive, was issued a citation for speeding.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2025
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with a female in reference to criminal trespass in the 400 block of Dorsey Road in Mt. Clare.
An officer was dispatched to South Hard Road and West Oak Street in Benld in reference to a motorist assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of South Street in reference to unwanted solicitation.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South Main Street in Benld in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Central Avenue in Benld in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of East Chestnut Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to Harmony Lane at Gillespie Lake to assist Locust Street Resource Center on a call.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to 8th Street and Eiler Street in Benld in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the Gillespie Middle School and then Gillespie Police Department in reference to a child custody issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 900 block of Second Street in reference to a motorist assist.
An officer was dispatched to Route 4 South of Benld in reference to an animal complaint.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 18, 2025
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 200 block of Southern Street in reference to a hit and run traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 1000 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Walnut Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Staunton Road and Clark Street. Kimberly L. Henderson, 55 of Mt. Olive, was issued a citation for improper use of registration.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Edwards Street in reference to a 911 medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South Main Street in Benld in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to an alarm call.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of East Spruce Street in reference to an unwanted solicitor.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Division Street in Mt. Clare in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Broadway and 800 block of Broadway Street in reference to a suspicious person.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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Macoupin County Board members voted unanimously Tuesday night to authorize a $1 million project to resurface about 2.7 miles of Staunton-Bunker Hill Road.
County Engineer Tom Reinhart told the board that the section of Staunton-Bunker Hill Road was selected to expend remaining Rebuild Illinois funds because it could be improved with an overlay without extensive patching or rebuilding. The board resolution approved Tuesday night appropriates $997,904.40, representing the balance of RBI funds allotted to the county, to mill and resurface more than 13,200 feet of Staunton-Bunker Hill Road, proceeding west from the county highway’s intersection with Illinois Route 4 near Staunton. Additionally, the board voted unanimously to approve a resolution entering into a $29,542 contract with Veenstra & Krimm, Inc., Springfield, to provide engineering, consulting and oversight services for the project.
A bid letting for the resurfacing is expected this spring.
In other action, the board agreed to sell 2.5 acres of surplus property and approved a controversial division of one lot in the Gander Subdivision between Brighton and Bunker Hill.
PROPERTY SALE
After an extensive discussion, the board voted unanimously to declare 2.55 acres of county-owned land lying to the east of Poggenpohl Redi-Mix and Construction, north of Carlinville, as surplus property and offer it for sale via sealed bids. Bids are due by Feb. 28.
Board member Todd Armour said at least one potential buyer has expressed interest in acquiring the property but “some members of the committee thought there might be other buyers.”
The board, however, tabled action on another six acres of property located west of the Poggenpohl facility.
“There’s another six acres out there,” Armour said. “The committee wondered if we should get an appraisal on all of it, advertise it for sale and get the county out of the property business.”
The additional six acres is contingent to the Macoupin County Fairgrounds, Armour said. A potential buyer expressed interest in buying it and allowing the Fair Board to use the property for overflow parking during the fair and other events.
Armour reported the committee retained Aumann Auctions to appraise the initial properties. The 2.55 acres now offered for sale was appraised at $60,000, with the initial 5.99 acres appraised at $110,000. A new appraisal would include the initial 5.99 acres, plus an additional six acres. State law requires the county to sell the property for a sum no less than 80 percent of the appraisal.
Board member Holly Klausing commented that selling the first 5.99 acres without including the second six-acre parcel could be problematic. “I’m afraid that if we sell these two parcels,” she said, “no one will be interested in the other six acres because it will be landlocked.”
Armour also noted that a farmer who is renting the land from the county has already added soil amendments for the upcoming growing season. “If we sell it out from under him, we’ll have to reimburse him for that,” Armour said.
Ultimately, the board agreed to offer the initial 2.55 acres east of Poggenpohl for sale while tabling a decision on the remaining property pending an appraisal and additional information.
GANDER POINTE SUBDIVISION
With three dissenting votes, the board approved a plan to subdivide Lot 1 of the Gander Pointe Subdivision near Brighton into three separate lots ranging from one acre to 1.5 acres in size.The issue has been under discussion by the board since December, with some board members questioning whether or not the subdivision owners were attempting to circumvent county ordinances defining the difference between major and minor subdivision developments. Gander Pointe currently is a minor subdivision subject to fewer rules and regulations than a major subdivision.
Aaron Coe, the county’s GIS Manager and Plat Officer, told the board that State’s Attorney Jordon Garrison had researched the issue and found no language in the county’s ordinances that would prevent Gander Pointe owners from further subdividing a lot depicted in the original plat. Further, the cities of Bunker Hill and Brighton, exercising their one and one-half-mile jurisdiction, both agreed to the resubdvision plan.
While the Road and Bridge Committee reviewed the resubdivision plan and recommended approval, a resolution to approve the plan was approved 15-3 with board members Tony Wiggins, Ross Arden and Gordon Heuer voting “no.”
LOTUS WIND FARM AGREEMENT
The board tabled a resolution to approve an engineering agreement totaling $941,000 for work in connection with improving roads to and from the Lotus Wind Farm project in northwestern Macoupin County. County Clerk Pete Duncan said there were numerous questions about the resolution, including the cost of the contract. Scott Jansen, senior development manager for APEX Clean Energy, participated via telephone, telling the board he questioned the $941,000 figure. Questioned by Duncan, Jansen was unable to confirm whether or not the company would pay the cost directly or reimburse the county for the expense.
“I think the best thing to do is to table this agreement tonight,” Duncan told the board. “Let the committee talk about it and come back next month. We’re talking about a lot of money.”
Reinhardt agreed, suggesting the board invite Jansen to the February board meeting to answer questions and provide additional information.
If approved, the resolution would authorize the county to enter into a contract with Cummins Engineering, Springfield, to oversee road improvements to support the weight of heavy equipment used in developing the wind farm.
“This resolution is solely for oversight,” Reinhardt said. “APEX is paying for it all. There’s no county money involved.”
Stretching across North Palmyra and North Otter Townships, the Lotus Wind Farm will have about 50 wind turbines capable of generating 200 megawatts of power—enough to operate 77,500 homes. The company website claims the project will create more than 100 jobs during the construction phase, plus nine permanent jobs when the facility is up and running. The wind farm is expected to generated upward of $57 million in new property tax revenue over the life of the project.
FOUR MONTH REVENUE REPORT
Duncan presented a financial report for the first four months of the current fiscal year, show revenues for the General Fund to be down by $32,000 from a year ago at this time. He said revenue from sales tax, income tax and the personal property replacement tax have been significantly higher in past years.
“Obviously, it’s going to be tight,” Duncan said, “and that’s why I’ll be doing a review every month.”
GREAT RIVERS AND ROUTES TOURISM BUREAU
Board members unanimously approved a routine resolution in support of the Great Rivers and Routes Tourism Bureau. The annual resolution is assists the Bureau in seeking annual re-certification from the State of Illinois.
“In my opinion, they do a good job for us,” said Armour in moving to approve the measure.
OTHER ACTION
In other action, the board:
- Appointed Dale Lawrence and Joe Perkins, and re-appointed Noah Sisson to three-year terms ending on Feb. 28, 2028, on the Emergency 911 Board, and designated Perkins as an “at-large” member.
- Appointed Duncan as the Freedom of Information Act officer for the county board.
- Approved Chairman Larry Schmidt committee appointments as follows:
- Building and Grounds: Harry Starr, chair; Jim Ibberson, vice-chair; John Blank, Gordon Heuer, Ryan Kilduff, John Trevino, Tony Wiggins.
- Courts: Kristi Dunnagan, chair; Kilduff, vice-chair; John Payne, Molly Rosentreter, Arron Stayton, Blank, Wiggins.
- Economic Development: Holly Klausing, chair; Starr, vice-chair; Blank, Kilduff, Dunnagan, Payne, Rosenterer.
- Finance: Payne, chair; Todd Armour, vice-chair; Ross Adden, Mark Dragovich, Bernie Kiel, Blank, Heuer,
- General Administrative: Kiel, chair; Stayton, vice-chair; Leann Barr, Klausing, Ibberson, Trevino.
- Labor Management: Armour, chair;Dunnagan, vice-chair; Stayton, Dragovich, Heuer, Klausing, Trevino.
- Liquor Commission: Ibberson, chair; Klausing, vice-chair; Barr, Blank Rosentreter, Starr, Wiggins.
- Public Safety: Stayton, chair; Dragovich, vice-chair; Barr, Adden, Ibberson, Payne, Starr.
- Road and Bridge: Kiel, chair; Heuer, vice-chair; Adden, Armoiur, Barr, Rosentreter, Wiggins.
No action followed a five-minute executive session to discuss employment in the State’s Attorney’s office.
