Community News
Gillespie approves appropriations ordinance, purchases police car
Mark Stewart of the Coal Country Sports Complex addresses members of the Gillespie City Council Monday night regarding the group’s plans for a fireworks display and Fourthof July Celebration on July 4.
Gillespie City Council members on Monday night approved a $4.7 million annual appropriation for the fiscal year that began May 1 and approved the purchase of a new $35,000 police car.
Approval of the appropriation ordinance followed a 15-minute mandated public hearing prior to the regular council meeting. No one from the public attended the hearing, but City Treasurer Dan Fisher used the time to briefly outline some details included in the ordinance. Fisher called the ordinance a first step in a three-step process enabling the city to spend funds. While not a formal budget, the ordinance estimates revenues and anticipated expenditures for the coming year. The approved ordinance essentially sets spending ceilings for specific line items that the council cannot exceed without special action.
During the fiscal year, Fisher said, items that are not routine bills, such as equipment purchases, come before the council for authorization. Payment for those items, as well as routine bills, are subject to the council’s approval on a monthly basis.
The total appropriation approved Monday night amounts to $4,739,305—up $294,510 from last fiscal year’s appropriation
Fisher noted that actual expenditures for the fiscal year just concluded were substantially less than the amount appropriated last spring. “That doesn’t mean we came in under budget,” he said. “It only means we spent less than what we thought we might.”
Anticipated increased expenditures included in the new appropriation include $50,000 for capital expenditures, $25,000 for equipment needed for the new police station, $35,000 for a new police car (approved Monday night), an increase of $3,000 for police training, and an increase of $5,000 for donations.
In addition to the appropriation ordinance, Fisher distributed to council members a budget document breaking down expected expenditures on a month by month basis and totaling slightly more than $3,193,000—about $1.5 million the current appropriation. He indicated that expenditures for the Water and Sewer departments are largely offset by revenue. The city expects to spend $500,000 to $600,000 on police protection while the Police Department brings in only approximately $71,000 in fines.
“The Street Department is the same kettle of fish and there is nothing we can do about that,” he said.
He also warned against viewing Gillespie Lake as a “cash cow” for the city. While the Lake Fund collected about $183,000 in revenue last year, its expenditures exceeded $162,000.
“That’s with one part-time employee,” Fisher said. “If we added another part-time employee, that would wipe out that surplus.”
POLICE CAR & TRAINING
Council members voted 5-1 to purchase a 2017 all-wheel drive utility vehicle from Morrow Brothers, Greenfield, at a cost of about $35,000.
Police Committee Chair Steve Kluthe recommended the purchase, citing the Police Department’s aging fleet of squad cars.
“It’s been several years since the city bought a new squad car,” he said. “The last time we purchased cars was in October 2012 when we purchased two used cars. If you remember, that was an emergency situation, and we are getting back into that situation again.”
One car with 120,000 miles on the odometer has been taken out of service, he said. Yet another high-mileage car has required $800 in repairs last month to keep it on the road.
Kluthe said United Community Bank would finance the purchase at 1.9 percent. An alternative to the utility vehicle, he said, would be a sedan costing about $5,000 less. He recommended the utility vehicle, however, for its versatility and comfort for police officers using it.
“The SUV is more money,” said Ald. Janice Weidner, who voted against the purchase, “and the SUV is a lot thirstier on gas.”
It’s been several years since the city bought a new squad car
His motion to purchase the vehicle was seconded by Ald. Frank Barrett.
Council members unanimously approved a measure to send two individuals–Austin Semplowski of Gillespie and Josh Montine of Benld–to police academy training at a cost of $1,900 each to qualify them for service as part-time city police officers. Police Chief Jared DePoppe said the cost of the training is 100 percent reimbursable if the candidates successfully complete the training. The additional part-time officers will enable DePoppe to better control overtime costs, but will not be a factor in filling a full-time vacancy on the police force.
“My part-time list is full of people who work elsewhere full-time,” DePoppe said, which often makes them unavailable for service when needed.
DePoppe reported that part-time office Doug Hubbard resigned as of May 31 to accept a full-time position with the Bunker Hill Police Department. He said he has posted a full-time position to fill the void left by Hubbard’s resignation and the dearth of available part-time officers.
In a matter related to police business, the council accepted a bid of $500 from Lou Kenkle of Mount Clare to purchase a non-operable police car that has been taken out of service.
FUTURE PROJECTS
In a series of actions recommended by City Treasurer Fisher, the council agreed to investigate the possibility of installing solar panels to reduce utility expenditures, move forward with a remediation study targeting the New Gillespie Lake dam and developing bidding specifications to purchase new remote-read water meters, but balked at approving further exploration of development for the former United Community Bank building on Macoupin Street.
Fisher said the cost of electrical service for city properties ballooned to $125,000 last fiscal year, and is headed toward $200,000 per year. Installation of solar panels, he said, could help mitigate those costs and he asked for authority to work with Curry and Associates Engineers to investigate the issue.
“There are a lot of business that are going to these and I think we need to take a hard look at them,” Fisher said. He indicated there is enough space on the south-facing wall of the former UCB building, now owned by the city, to install enough panels to power downtown city offices.
He said the city needed to move forward with developing specifications for repairs at the New Lake dam, and that the city needed to decide next month what it intends to do with remaining space in the UCB building. A portion of the building is occupied by the Coal Mining Heritage Museum. Fisher also asked for approval to move forward with developing specifications for the purchase of remote-read water meters. He asked for a single motion to approve all four measures, but Ald. Weidner asked to vote on them separately.
“Some of these I’m in favor of and there are some that I’m not,” Weidner noted.
Weidner cast the single negative vote on a measure to develop specifications to bid remote-read water meters. Fisher said installing the meters would free up Water Department employee time and that the time saved could be used to start replacing aging water lines with city labor.
“We already raised our water rates to do this,” Fisher said. “I don’t know why we’re having this discussion because we’re doing what we promised the taxpayers we would do.”
Weidner’s motion to move forward with the dam remediation study was approved unanimously, as was Ald. Kluthe’s motion to look into solar power. However, Weidner was joined by Ald. Colin Mussatto and Ald. Jerry Dolliger in voting down a measure to explore further development of the former UCB building.
Ald. Jim Alderson, who moved to approve the measure, noted the city would be spending TIF district money for the project.
“We’re not taking money away from the Street Department or Water Department or anyone else,” Alderson said. “You can’t leave that building the way it is.”
PAY INCREASE FOR CITY TREASURER, CITY CLERK
On a motion by Weidner, seconded by Barrett, the council voted unanimously to adopt an ordinance increasing the salaries of the City Clerk and City Treasurer to equal that of city aldermen. The increase, first proposed by Fisher last month, will not take effect until after the next election for those offices. The increase will take those office-holders from a stipend of $200 a month to $250.
Council members also unanimously approved an ordinance certifying that the city will hire only contractors who pay prevailing wages as established by the Department of Labor. The ordinance is a routine measure that is required on an annual basis.
Council members tabled action on an ordinance revising building permit fees because of a discrepancy in the ordinance language. The new measure was supposed to call for a fee of $25 for construction projects costing up to $6,000, with an additional fee of $2 per $1,000 for projects costing more than $6,000. Ald. Alderson pointed out, however, that a provision was inadvertently left in the new ordinance proposal calling for $4 per $1,000 for projects exceeding $7,000 in cost. The council opted to table the measure until the language can be corrected.
MFT FUNDS
On a motion by Ald. Barrett, seconded by Ald. Mussatto, the council voted unanimously to “close out” the motor fuel tax fund from last fiscal year. Last year’s appropriation was for $100,000, of which the city spent about $22,000 on MFT-eligible expenditures. Fisher said the new MFT appropriation, included in the city’s appropriation ordinance, sets a spending ceiling of $150,000 and includes all MFT-eligible expenditures, including sidewalks, mowing, street cleaning, snow removal and labor.
One reason for the increase in the appropriation is the inclusion of power expenses for street lights.
“We’ve never done it before, but we are allowed to pay for street lights with motor fuel tax funds,” Fisher said. Paying those expenses from MFT funds will preclude using General Revenue funds for those costs.
Fisher noted that last fiscal year, the cost for electrical power for street lights totaled $58,000—up from $38,000 the previous fiscal year.
BUSINESS LICENSE ENFORCEMENT
At Ald. Kluthe’s request, Mayor Hicks directed Kluthe to develop a form for ensuring that licensed businesses in Gillespie are engaging in the business for which they are licensed. Kluthe said at least one business in the community was granted a license for fabrication, but has since started selling used cars. He said the city needs to take steps to make sure businesses are engaged in the type of business for which they were granted a license, and that those responsible for the business have the proper state licensing and certifications.
MAPLE STREET PARKING
The council deferred action on a request by Macoupin County Public Health Department Director Kent Tarro to allow Maple Street Clinic employees to park on the city hall parking lot. Tarro said the clinic is attracting more clients and to make room for client parking, he has asked employees to park behind the Tropical Snow business. That area, he noted is earmarked for future construction by the Community Unit 7 Fire Protection District.
Council members deferred action on the request after Ald. Jerry Dolliger reported that the start of construction may be several years in the future.
The council members voted unanimously to permit Coal Country Sports Complex supporters to solicit for cash donations on June 25, but took no action on a request for a city donation to support a Fourth of July celebration planned by the group.
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Members of the Community Unit School District 7 Board of Education on Monday night voted to adopt an amended budget for the fiscal year that ended June 30, committed $189,000 in CEJA grant funds to partnering with the City of Gillespie to improve Plum Street, and reviewed ongoing and upcoming facilities improvement projects.
During a public hearing prior to the regular board meeting, Supt. Shane Owsley told the board an amended budget is required anytime “you spend even a penny” over what was initially budgeted for a specific fund. For the just concluded fiscal year, the district overspent the budget in the Bond & Interest Fund, Transportation Fund, and IMRF/Social Security Fund.
With funding uncertainties and uncertainty about when state payments will be received, Owsley said it is nearly impossible to draft a budget a year out that will be completely accurate at the end of the year. For example, at the time he was preparing the amended budget presentation, nearly $40,000 in state money had not been processed by the comptroller. That money did arrive on Monday but if it had come a day later, it would have been considered revenue for fiscal 2026.
Expenses from the Bond & Interest Fund exceeded the budget because a $500 service fee previously paid by the bond broker fell on the school district because of a change in state law. That unanticipated expense pushed expenditures to $1,120,974—$500 more than the $1,120,475 the board initially budgeted. The amended budget increases expenditures to $1,120,975. With $1,117,397.85 already received, the amended budget boosts revenues to $1,123,614.
Salary and benefits for additional support personnel, bus inspections, and additional expenses for contractural services boosted Transportation Fund expenditures to $892,631.25, nearly $60,000 more than the $836,090 initially budgeted. The amended budget approved Monday night increases the amount allotted for expenditures to $921,800.15, with revenue increased from $860,242 to $926,788, with $817,752 already received.
Owsley pointed out the amended budget allots $210,726 for bus driver salaries, compared with $190,000 initially budgeted. Salaries for special education drivers is increased from $81,357 to $115,374, while expenditures for bus aides salaries is increased from $79,833 to $102,759. Expenditures for special education transportation is increased from $7,150 to $7,650, and expenditures for inspections are increased from $1,500 to $2,000.
According to Owsley, expenditures from the IMRF/Social Security Fund exceeded the initial budget in part because of an increase in the IMRF employer rate that become effective Jan. 1. IMRF operates on a calendar year that does not coincide with the school district’s fiscal year. Additionally IMRF/Social Security expenses were influenced by higher than expected expenses for overtime and substitute teacher wages, new hires and position changes.
In total, the district spent $440,078 from the IMRF/Social Security Fund—about $60,000 over the $410,887 initially budgeted. The amended budget increases the expenditure line item to $472,402, with the revenue side increased from $219,308 to $219,846.
Owsley said he added a small contingency to the affected fund budgets “just in case something unexpected happens before July 1.”
The board is expected to get a first look at the new budget proposal for the current fiscal year in August with final approval usually coming in September.
CEJA GRANT
The board agreed with Owsley’s plan to commit about $89,000 in anticipated grant funds from the federal Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) to partner with the City of Gillespie to make improvements to Plum Street. The street has been a focus of discussion for the City Council for several months after the school district rerouted bus traffic to Plum to facilitate synchronizing starting times and dismissals at each of the district’s three attendance centers. City officials say the bus traffic over the past year has severely deteriorated the condition of the street, which was not designed to carryheavy traffic.
“There was talk that we would not be able to continue using Plum Street,” Owsley noted.
While no engineering has been done for the project, the expected price tag is expected to be in the range of $250,000. City officials have said the city cannot afford the improvements on its own and would require the school district’s participation to make the improvements. The project would likely include re-establishing a thicker base along with resurfacing.
The school board originally earmarked the CEJA funds to install more solar panels but agreed with Owsley to divert the money to the Plum Street project.
Owsley said he would ask the school attorney to draft an agreement clarifying that the district would be able to continue using the street for bus traffic in exchange for its financial participation.
PERSONNEL
Following an 80-minute executive session the board took extensive action in the area of personnel.
The board accepted the resignations of Jennifer Brown as high school prom sponsor, and Chase Peterson as a middle school cross-country coach. Vacancies were posted for both positions.
The board accepted the resignation of Mike Smith as a part-time bus driver, and appointed him as a substitute driver. Additionally, the board posted vacant positions for two full-route bus drivers, and exercised a Reduction In Force (RIF) to lay off half-time bus driver Jeff Nehls.
The board voted unanimously to hire Tom Turiglatto as a district custodian, pending a background check.
By a unanimous vote, the board agreed to post vacancies for three paraprofessional positions. Owsley said those hires could be or not be new positions depending upon final enrollment figures for the 2025-26 school year.
After some discussion, the board agreed to rehire coaches for middle school and high school sports programs. Board member Weye Schmidt briefly questioned rehiring Athletic Director Jeremy Smith as head coach for the high school baseball program. Schmidt said the board discussed whether or not Smith should continue his coaching duties while also serving as Athletic Director.
“I remember we said we would try it for a year and see how it worked out,” Schmidt said. As baseball coach, Smith is responsible for supervising upward of 30 games, board member Dennis Tiburzi commented.
Supt. Owsley said the roster of coaches proposed for rehires was approved by the high school principal.
Board President Mark Hayes said Monday night was the deadline for rehiring coaches. “You either have to hire him or fire him tonight,” Hayes said.
In addition to Smith, Tim Wargo, Dan Smith, Adam Tallman and Tate Wargo were rehired as assistant high school high school baseball coaches. Michelle Smith was rehired to coach high school softball, along with Jim Matesa, Joe Kelly and Melissa Heigert as assistant coaches. Jay Weber was rehired as head high school boys track coach, with Alex Ottersburg rehired as assistant coaches. The board rehired Korbin Clark to coach high school girls track with Ottersburg rehired to assist. Casey Fellin was rehired to coach high school girls soccer with Michael Otten rehired to assist. For high school bass fishing, the board rehired head coach Jake Kellebrew, JQ Hartman and Ryan Bossman rehired to assist. Chase Peterson was rehired to coach middle school boys track, while Jacob West was rehired to coach middles school girls track. Jarrod Herron was rehired to coach both middle school and high school scholar bowl.
EMPLOYEE HEALTH INSURANCE
On the advice of Supt. Owsley, the board agreed to contract with Blue Cross-Blue Shield to provide employee health care coverage for a period of 14 months with a premium increase of about nine percent. Owsley said the board was locked into choosing an insurance provider Monday night because the Teacher Retirement System requires teacher salaries and benefits to be documented before the end of July.
During the 14-month term of the newly approved policy, the Owsley and the board are likely to look further into the potential for entering into a self-insurance consortium. Under the plan, the school district would cover employees for up to $75,000 of medical expenses, after which the consortium would kick in to cover up to $300,000 in medical expenses. Anything above $300,000 would be covered by an umbrella policy.
Owsley said it could take five to eight years of expense experience to tailor the program specifically to meet CUSD 7 needs.
“This is a big thing in some states,” Owsley said. “With increased costs in pharmaceuticals and health care, this is seen by some as a way to combat rising costs. There’s more risk at the beginning, but it potentially could result in greater reward.”
FACILITY IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS
Owsley briefly reported on the status of a number of improvement projects at district facilities using grant funds and funds generated from the sale of alternate revenue bonds. Major projects already completed include a new intercom system at the middle school, new fire alarm system for the middle school and high school, new HVAC and lighting at the middle school, a key card system to control entry to the middle school and high school, and other projects.
For the current 2025-26 year, Owsley said plans are underway to install new playground equipment at the elementary school, paint the press boxes at the softball and baseball fields, install new window coverings for the elementary school gym, install lighting for the track and a sidewalk from the elementary school to the high school, and remove carpeting from high school classrooms.
Starting with the summer of 2026, the district plans to resurface the track, add new doors for the weight room, install new breezeway windows, and update the lights and ceiling in the GHS/GMS cafeteria. With the recommendation of Building Manager Brian Page, Owsley said the school will begin a program of annually inspecting building roofs and making minor repairs as needed with an objective to avoid major expenditures for roof replacement.
DISTRICT HANDBOOK
The board approved a Student Handbook for district students. Owsley said a major change include increasing the number of credits required for graduation from 23 to 24, requiring an additional science credit. To mitigate against impacting vocational programs, the district is designating Animal Science as a qualifying science course. Owsley said the graduation credit hike corresponds to other schools in the area. Carlinville requires 26 and Litchfield reportedly requires 25 credits for graduation.
The handbook also requires students to store cellphones in their locked lockers during class time. Previous policy allowed teachers to set their own policies regarding cellphones.
OTHER ACTION
In other action, the board:
- Awarded the 2025-26 food contract to Kohl Wholesale, Quincy.
- Approved a course description book that updates course offerings and includes classes offered through the South Central Illinois Regional Workforce Training and Innovation Center in Litchfield.
- Approved an intergovernmental transportation agreement with the Jersey Community School District to provide bus transportation for the CUSD 7 student who attends the Illinois School for the Deaf in Jacksonville.
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FELONIES
Kelsey E. McKinney, 36 of Virden, is charged with possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams) in connection with a June 27 incident.
Natosha L. Michaelis, 38 of Carlinville, is charged with theft/unauthorized control (>500<10k) in connection with a June 29 incident.
Ashleigh K. Bethe, 41 of Benld, is charged with possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams) in connection with a June 30 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Natosha L. Michaelis, 38 of Carlinville, is charged with violation of an order of protection in connection with a June 28 incident.
Trey W. Fenton, 34 of Mount Olive, is charged with violation of a no contact order in connection with a June 30 incident.
TRAFFIC
Clinton H. Turner, 51 of Franklin, is charged with failure to notify of damage to an unattended vehicle in connection with a June 25 incident.
Drew M. Sickler, 31 of Litchfield, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration in connection with a June 4 incident.
Dawn M. Malone, 58 of Collinsville, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a June 19 incident.
Ian J. Martin, 29 of Springfield, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration in connection with a June 20 incident.
Drequille S. Snow, 24 of Springfield, is charged with driving on a suspended license and driving 15-20 mph above the limit in connection with a June 20 incident.
Brandon L. Pollard, 22 of Highland, is charged with driving on a revoked license, unlawful possession of cannabis, transporting/carrying alcohol/driver, and no seatbelt in connection with a June 19 incident.
Shane A. Smith, 50 of Girard, is charged with reckless driving, fleeing/attempting to elude an officer, failure to stop for a train or signal, improper turn signal, and driving/operating a non-highway vehicle in connection with a June 19 incident.
Lyndsey M. McCann, 29 of Bunker Hill, is charged with driving on a suspended license and operating a motor vehicle with suspended registration in connection with a June 20 incident.
James S. Adams, 32 of Waterloo, IA, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a June 23 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Dylan Wright versus Charcsey Wright
- Adrienne L. Sullivan versus Michael J. Sullivan
- Lydia Michelle Brandon versus Sophia Rose Marie Brandon
- Steven Sadler versus Patricia Sadler
MARRIAGE LICENSES
- Conner James Pollard and Elizabeth Marie Wasylenko, both of Gillespie
- David Keith Grider and Brandi Luann Defrates, both of Greenfield
- Issac Jacob Gotcher and Johannah Grace Martin, both of Carlinville
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SUNDAY, JUNE 29, 2025
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Ave and Kentucky Street in Benld. Dawson J. Clark, 18 of Benld, was issued citations for improper lane usage and driving while under the influence of alcohol.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Hard Road in Mt. Clare in reference to illegal dumping.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Frey Street in reference to a theft.
An officer made contact with a male at East Maple Street and Adams Street. Jonathan A. Graves, 33 of Wilsonville, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for possession of a controlled substance.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of East Walnut Street in reference to a medical assist.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Dorsey Road and 2nd Street in Mt. Clare. Uzziel C. Stennis, 27 of East Alton, was issued citations for driving while license is suspended and speeding.
An officer was dispatched to the 900 block of South Madison Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to Route 4 and Central Avenue in Benld in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of South 1st Street in reference to suspicious circumstances.
An officer was dispatched to Big Brick Park in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Street in Benld in reference to a medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to Central Ave and 8th Street in Benld in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North 8th Street in Benld in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Walnut Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 100 block of South Hard Road in Mt. Clare in reference to a suspicious vehicle
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Montgomery Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to a well-being check.
MONDAY, JUNE 30, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Lincoln Avenue in Eagarville in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with a male in reference to a fight that took place in the 700 block of North Main Street in Benld.
Edward T. Parker, 31 of St. Louis, Missouri, was arrested at Laura Street and Chestnut Street on a warrant out of Pontoon Beach for driving while license was revoked.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of South 2nd Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Central Avenue in Benld in reference to found property.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of West Maple Street in reference to a security check.
An officer was dispatched to the 2300 block of Staunton Road in Mt. Clare in reference to a civil standby.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Western Street in reference to illegal burning.
TUESDAY, JULY 1, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Hard Road in Benld in reference to criminal trespass. Jacob D. Ruyle, 20 of Benld, was issued a citation for unlawful burning.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Central Street in Benld in reference to a battery.
An officer was dispatched to Central Avenue in Benld in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of First Street in reference to a noise complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a car fire.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 500 block of East Elm Street in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 2, 2025
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Montgomery and Walnut Street. Alex L. Dyer, 19 of Gillespie, was arrested for driving while under the influence of alcohol, reckless driving, and improper lane usage.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Walnut Street in reference to neighborhood trouble.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Chestnut Street in reference to harassment through electronic communication.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Illinois Street in Benld in reference to illegal burning.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Broadway Street in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Chestnut Street in reference to a civil standby.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 400 block of East Central in Benld in reference to a subject still outside the business drinking after hours.
An officer on normal patrol was out at Pomatto Park with a subject and advised him the park was closed after dark.
THURSDAY, JULY 3, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Staunton Road in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Lake in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Berry Street in Mt. Clare in reference to suspicious circumstances.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of East Easton Street in reference to a medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Francis Street in reference to theft.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to suspicious circumstances in the 800 block of North Macoupin Street.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Gillespie Street in reference to a suspicious circumstance.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Penny Street in reference to a medical assist.
FRIDAY, JULY 4, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Broadway Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Francis Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 1400 block of Staunton Road in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Pine Street. Dennis N. Rhodes, 74 of Carlinville, was issued a citation for driving on a cancelled driver’s license.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Park Street in Benld in reference to a medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to fireworks.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South 1st Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer was dispatched to Jersey Street in reference to fireworks being shot off in the street.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to illegal parking.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Abba Street in reference to illegal parking.
An officer was out on Harmony Lane at Gillespie Lake in reference to disorderly conduct.
SATURDAY, JULY 5, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of N 7th Street in Benld in reference to a missing child; she was later found.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Central Avenue in Benld in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of West Baker in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to Rain Street and Carney Lane at Gillespie Lake in reference to a vehicle versus fireworks issue.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Broadway Street and Kelly Street. A 17-year-old male from Staunton was issued a citation for possession of alcoholic liquor, and a 16-year-old male from Staunton was issued a citation for consumption of alcoholic liquor under 21.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Oak Street. Joshua D. Ware, 20 of Trenton, was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Dorsey Road in Mt. Clare in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Spruce Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to fireworks.
An officer was dispatched to Route 16 and Route 4 in East Gillespie in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to Route 4 and Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Gillespie Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to fraud in the 400 block of West Chestnut Street.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
