Community News
Future of former bank site in Benld is in question
While the Benld City Council approved a maintenance contract for the city’s water tower and voted to enact an ordinance calling for a $500 fine when residents reconnect water services the city previously disconnected, it was a lengthy discussion about the former site of the Benld National Bank that dominated Monday night’s council meeting.
Derrick Tibruzi, along with his parents, Dennis and Susan Tiburzi, appeared before the council to again seek an extension on the deadline for establishing a permanent business building on the former site of the First National Bank of Benld in the 200 block of East Central Avenue. Derrick Tiburzi was the successful bidder in April 2022 to acquire the site from the city a month after the city had the former two-story brick building razed and removed. Under the terms of the contract, Tiburzi agreed to pay $6,000 down and retire the remaining $24,000 by making monthly $1,000 payments for two years. The contract also bound Tiburzi to establish a permanent business on the site within three years or forfeit whatever money he had paid the city and surrender the property to the city.
At the time, Derrick Tiburzi said he planned to build a barbecue restaurant on the site.
The contract reportedly allows for the city to authorize extensions on the construction requirement in the event of “extenuating” circumstances.
The Tiburzis on Monday night said they’ve since discovered the land was not adequately compacted to support a commercial building after the old bank was demolished, an assertion the city contests. In previous meetings with city officials, Derrick Tiburzi contended a concrete contractor he hired to pour a slab for the building refused to guarantee his work, citing improper compaction. Likewise, excavator Mike Ranger reportedly confirmed the site will not support new construction.
Citing extenuating circumstances, the Tiburzis reportedly sought an indefinite extension while they attempt to resolve the issue with the property’s condition. In lieu of such an extension, Derrick Tiburzi offered a proposal under which the city would refund a portion of the money he paid for the property once the entire $30,000 had been paid. Under that proposal, the city would return $19,245 to Tiburzi, while retaining the remaining $10,765. Tiburzi said he arrived at the numbers by applying an average price for Benld real estate of $1.48 per square foot and deducting the footprint of the former bank building.
Ald. John Balzraine reported Monday night he had talked to Mark Ranger, another local excavator, who said he has equipment to drill and staggered grid of 18-inch holes to a depth of three feet and fill them with water. “He said that property will drop within six months,” Balzraine said.
“Will he guarantee that is the solution to my problem?” Derrick Tiburzi asked.
“I don’t see how drilling to three feet is going to help when they excavated to seven feet,” Dennis Tiburzi commented. He alleged that below seven feet, the area was backfilled with construction debris, including loose bricks.
Balzraine disputed Tiburzi’s contention, saying the contractor that razed the building excavated to a depth of only five feet, which was the depth of the existing basement, and removed all debris from the demolition before filling the pit with clay and compacting the soil.
City Attorney Rick Verticchio said the brick debris below seven feet apparently is from a previous structure that no one knew about.
“Then that’s even more of a problem,” Dennis Tiburzi said.
Derrick Tiburzi said his concrete contractor told him that bringing the site up to standards for commercial construction would cost upward of $98,000.
“We can’t do that,” Tiburzi said. “I’d end up spending a quarter of a million dollars and I’d never see a return on my investment.”
Verticchio insisted that Tiburzi has a “contractual obligation” to build on the site. “The bank building stood on that site for 100 years and never had any structural problems with the foundation,” he said. “If you were going to build a four-story brick building, you might have a problem, but I think you could build a one-story building on a concrete slab on that site with no problem. If you don’t want it, you can walk away from it, we’ll keep the money you’ve paid so far and start working with the next guy.”
Derrick Tiburzi said he has paid about $26,000 toward the acquisition of the property at this time.
“We want the property,” Susan Tiburzi said. “If that’s the issue, I could write you a check for it tonight.” But she confirmed the family has no immediate plans to build while the stability of the site remains in doubt.
“The contract says we’ll give you a ‘reasonable extension’ for unforeseen circumstances,” Verticchio said. “If you think a ‘reasonable extension’ means you’d never have to build on it, then we’d probably have to go to court on that issue.”
“We would probably already have had a building-up if not for unforeseen circumstances,” Derrick Tiburzi insisted. “My whole plan was do do something good for the city but, unfortunately, plans have changed due to the circumstances we’re in. We have two experts who say the site is unbuildable. We would never have been here if it had been compacted appropriately.”
“I want something in writing from Mike Ranger saying the property is not buildable,” Ald. Jerry Saracco said. Verticchio agreed, saying the city would need written statements from the Tiburzis’ experts before it could consider altering the contract or releasing them from it.
Tiburzi pledged to “reach out” to Mike Ranger for a written opinion.
“Please don’t think we’re trying to do anything against the city,” Susan Tiburzi told the council. She said the family was attempting to protect her son’s interests while doing something to benefit the city.
While the lengthy, sometimes emotional, discussion reached no resolution, Mayor Jim Kelly encouraged Derrick Tiburzi to sit down with him and Mark Ranger to “see if we can work something out.”
POST OFFICE LEASE
The council again tabled action on a contract with the U.S. Postal Service to lease the Benld Post Office for another five years. The council delayed action last month, citing a provision calling for the city to include snow removal in the lease agreement. Verticchio said Monday night he discovered the snow removal clause was in the previous lease, although the city never provided snow removal services during the term of the lease.
“They say we accept the terms of the previous lease, or they don’t want to renew,” Verticchio said.
The current lease does not expire until the end of this year.
The new lease proposal would increase payment to the city from $25,000 to $25,500 per year. Upon accepting the proposal, the city will owe the brokerage firm that handles post office leases a commission of $1,500.
WATER SERVICE RECONNECTION
On Verticchio’s recommendation, the council authorized him to draft a proposed ordinance to implement a fine of $500 against property owners when disconnected water services are illegally reconnected. Verticchio said the Macoupin County State’s Attorney’s office has declined to pursue criminal charges in such circumstances because the city cannot prove beyond a reasonable doubt that a specific person is responsible for reconnecting the services.
The new ordinance will provide the city with an avenue to collect damages without having to prove criminal responsibility in court.
In a somewhat related matter, the council voted unanimously to file a lien against a property at 404 South First Street for about $3,500 in unpaid water bills.
“After a year, you’re allowed to foreclose on the lien, sell the property and keep the $3,500 you’re owed,” Verticchio advised.
NEWMAN COMMENDATION
Council members voted unanimously to send a letter of commendation to Mary Newman, director at the Frank Bertetti Benld Public Library, for 25 years of service to the community. The action followed a report from Ald. Norm Emmons, the city’s representative on the library board of directors, indicated the board had recently presented Newman with a plaque in recognition of her years of service.
“She has done a fantastic job,” Emmons said.
FIBER OPTIC INSTALLATION
Ald. Balzraine asked about the authority for crews installing fiber optic cables in the city limits for internet service.
Verticchio said the crews are authorized by state and federal law under legislation to boost rural access to internet services.
“They have a right to lay lines,” Verticchio said. “They can’t lay lines on top of any existing utilities, like water and sewer lines. I can tell you from the experience of other municipalities, they don’t pay any attention to that. They lay line over a water line, so if we have a water main break, we’re going to hit their line. What we need to do is to document that so we know where their lines are.”
City Clerk Terri Koyne said the company is supposed to provide a map showing the location of their lines.
Responding to a question, Verticchio further advised that one the company starts adding subscribers and connecting homes to the line, the city will have a right to impose a franchise fee.
CHICKEN ORDINANCE
The council declined to take any action toward amending the city’s zoning ordinance to allow residents to maintain more than six chickens on residential properties in the city. Last month, Travis Darling approached the council about expanding the number of chickens allowed to 15, saying he wanted to raise more chickens for meat and eggs to feed his family.
Verticchio said another option for Darling would be to petition the Zoning Board to rezone his property for agricultural use.
WATER TOWER MAINTENANCE
the council voted unanimously to contract with CorrPro, Chesterfield, Mo., to perform a routine annual inspection of the city’s water tower at a cost of $925. The inspection will include replacing bulbs in warning lights atop the tower. CorrPro has performed the annual inspection for the past several years.
BUSINESS LICENSES
The council unanimously approved a business license for Grace VanDoren, owner of Bells and Whistles, for a food truck to be permanently located at 301 Central Avenue. The business serves coffee and currently operates in various locations in the city and county.
The council, however, deferred action on a business license application from Anthony Girdner for Chunx Food Truck. Gardner said he was hoping to acquire a truck to serve snow cones and ice cream but had not arranged for a permanent location.
“We have a food truck ordinance,” Verticchio pointed out. “You don’t need a business license for that.” Verticchio said the ordinance requires the food truck operation to be certified by the Macoupin County Public Health Department and to pay a fee of $100 for one day of operation, plus $24 for each additional day. He said a business license would only be required if Girdner establishes a permanent location from which to operate.
TRUCK REPAIR
In other action, the council authorized payment of $6,647.84 to Area Diesel Service, Carlinville, for repairs to the city’s dump truck.
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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.
