Community News
Gillespie City Council moves closer to new squad cars
At Gillespie’s regularly scheduled city council meeting on November 14th Jim Alderson expressed concerns over the Clark Street water line. Alderson presented some of the past history of the work done on the street. Rock was delivered to possibly fix the street, but according to Hicks, “That is patching the problem, that is not fixing the street.”
Alderson went on to say the city would be negligent if the city did not do everything in their power to get that property into corporate limits for the tax revenue. Kevin Polo spoke with Benld’s attorney and according to Polo, the attorney assured him the water would not be turned on to the property even though the physical connection has been hooked up.
Lumpy questions the City on the progress on Macoupin Street.
“State law states that another municipality can not provide any service in or through another municipality without their consent,” Kevin Polo stated. Alderson went on to say he would like the council to protect their own territory and would take it as far as court action to stop it, we will. The council voted 5-0 to take the necessary measures that Benld does not supply water to the property.
In new business, Mayor Hicks asked Dan Fisher if he came to a conclusion on the decision to purchase new police cars. Fisher said he always thought it was a good idea, but there is no grant funding available in the short term. Grant money may be available in possibly a year from now to purchase a squad car.
Fisher suggested that the council would shift some funds around, but the city cannot use water or sewer money except as a loan. “Depending upon the method the city wanted to use, we could probably float somewhere between $18,000-$25,000 through our normal cash flow over a years period,” Dan Fisher noted. Fisher went on to say we have to have a plan and rotate cars on a regular schedule. The average squad car in town puts 25,000 miles on it per year and we want to keep each car for at least 5 years.
Mayor Hicks, Dan Fisher, and Chief Jared DePoppe are going to return next Monday to decide what route they want to go. If things go right, there can be action taken at the next regular board meeting. According to Chief Jared DePoppe, the department is in dire need of new squad cars.
In other new business, the council voted 7-0 to hire Gerry Smith as maintenance for the city.
The council voted 6-1 to adjust Henry Dubbs’ water bill. Dubbs’ water bill usually ranges between $12-$24, but his bill was $415 in the month of September and the only reason he could think of was kids playing in his yard with the hose. Dubbs was on a trip to St. Louis for a week and he assumes the action took place then. It was not an inside leak or anything inside the house. The council voted to subtract his regular bill off the $415 and then adjust the difference by 1/3 for Dubbs to pay.
Rosalie Garrett sent her payment in for her water bill, but the City never received payment and Garrett would like her balance credited at least by the late fees. Garrett submitted paperwork from her bank documenting the check was written and the checks before and after that one were written as well. The council voted 5-2 to drop the additional late fees.
Barrett explains where the Christmas trees will be dropped at in Gillespie Lake.
Tom Hyde, architect of CUSD #7, contacted Mayor Hicks to see if there was any ordinances against a wind turbine. CUSD #7 retained a grant for a wind turbine to provide energy to the new school. The new elementary school will be powered by electricity only.Mayor Hicks told Hyde there were no ordinances established.
Mayor Hicks advised the city to check into establishing an ordinance to prevent construction of a wind turbine on residential property because as technology improves, there more be more that pop up and “we need to adopt something” that some other community has already put into place.
A group of boy scouts contacted the City about their Christmas tree collection. After the Christmas holiday, the boy scouts would like to drop the trees into the Gillespie Lake to act as bedding for fish. With no objections, it was passed.
The council later voted 7-0 to adopt a class from Benld Elementary, the donation was in the amount for $50.
Mayor Hicks presented the council a bill for repairing the beer cooler in the Civic Center. The new compressor with a 1-year warranty costs $665.60. The beer cooler only is used when there is a function or event at the Civic Center. Mayor Hicks is going to check to see if one compressor can cool the beer cooler and will return the subject to the next regular scheduled board meeting.
Gus Ottersburg expressed his concern on the intersection of Francis and Walnut. There has been a few accidents recently and he would like the council to look into putting up stop signs in all directions.
The city council went on to approve several ordinances and resolutions:
- Ordinance #11-17: Accept the Tax Levy Ordinance
- Ordinance #11-18: CUSD #7 is the owner of certain real estate in the municipality of the City of Gillespie where as the board of CUSD #7 has annexed certain contiguous territory into the City of Gillespie.
- Ordinance #11-19: Re-zone lots 1, 2, and 3 of Block 11 of S.H. Burtons, 2nd addition
- Ordinance #11-20: Granting a conditional use permit to Janice Kern at 212 Henry Street for a CPA Business
- Ordinance #11-16: Supporting the Route 66 Trail from Chicago to Granite City. Basically the signage is provided and trail will enter on Tower Road and go to the bike trail. The trail is adjustable by the city.
The council will meet next Monday, November 21, to discuss union contracts and possibly new police squad cars.
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The American Red Cross is proud to partner with the Mt. Olive VFW to host an upcoming blood drive on Thursday, May 29th, from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. This important community event aims to help save lives and provide critical blood supplies.
Presenting donors will receive an exclusive American Red Cross solar lantern, available while supplies last. Additionally, all donors will be automatically entered for a chance to win a U.S. trip of their choice for two — an exciting opportunity to explore new destinations.
Appointments are encouraged to ensure a smooth donation process, but walk-ins are also welcome. To save time on the day of the drive, donors are encouraged to complete RapidPass online on the day of the event.
The American Red Cross invites community members to participate, share, and help spread the word about this vital event. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit RedCrossBlood.org.
Help make a difference in our community — donate blood and help save lives!
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SUNDAY, APRIL 27, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 8th Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespass to property, criminal trespass to residence, and theft.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 8th Street in Benld in reference to an assault.
Anita S. Northcutt, 49 of Gillespie, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for unlawful use of possession of weapons by a felon.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Green Street in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 100 block of South Main Street in Benld.
An officer was dispatched to Hard Road in Benld in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to an animal complaint.
MONDAY, APRIL 28, 2025
An officer initiated a traffic stop at East Elm and Springfield Road in East Gillespie. Nathaniel D. Ward, 33 of Sawyerville, was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and illegal transportation of alcohol.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South 5th Street in Benld in reference to a domestic battery. Cody A. Barksdale, 28 of Benld, was arrested for domestic battery.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South Illinois Street in Benld in reference to a violation of an order of protection.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of South Second Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
TUESDAY, APRIL 29, 2025
William T. Overturf, 38 of Benld, was arrested on a warrant out of Macoupin County for failure to appear for criminal trespass to a vehicle.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to harassment through electronic communication.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of North Main Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Henrietta Street in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
An officer was asked to check out a suspicious vehicle that was parked in the 200 block of North Hard Road in Mt. Clare.
An officer was dispatched to Spruce Street and Second Street in reference to vehicles blocking the intersection.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Park Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Dorsey Road in Mt. Clare in reference to neighborhood trouble.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Park Avenue in reference to a civil issue.
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 500 block of Baker Street in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Litchfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to an alarm call.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30, 2025
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 200 block of Southern Street in reference to a medical assist.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a violation of an order of protection.
Robert M. Keffer, 37 of Benld, was arrested on an Edwardsville warrant for driving while license was suspended.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Main Street in Benld in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Green Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Park Avenue in reference to a neighbor dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Broadway Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue on South 5th Street in Benld.
THURSDAY, MAY 1, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 8th Street in Benld in reference to a dog at large. Ryan K. Horn, 42 of Benld, was issued a citation for dog at large.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 8th Street in Benld in reference to criminal damage to property.
An officer spoke with a male subject at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block to speak with a male in reference to a report of reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Dorsey Road in Mt. Clare in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Broadway Street and Kelly Street. Caleb D. Fraley, 19 of Jerseyville, was issued a citation for operating an uninsured vehicle.
FRIDAY, MAY 2, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of North Main Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Cedar Street in reference to a medical 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to East Locust and North 4th Street in reference to suspicious circumstances.
An officer was dispatched to Mt. Clare Drive in Mt. Clare in reference to a suicidal subject.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Richard Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to Dorsey Road in Mt. Clare in reference to an alarm sounding.
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 Benld City Park in Benld in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North 6th Street in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to neighborhood trouble.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to criminal trespass in the 200 block of West Walnut Street.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 8th Street in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Central Avenue in Benld in reference to suspicious circumstances.
SATURDAY, MAY 3, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 900 block of First Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Oak Street in Benld in reference to a suicidal subject.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Shelby Street in reference to a medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie City Cemetery in reference to a suicidal subject.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Walnut Street in Benld in reference to a domestic battery. Cynthia E. Randle, 64 of Benld, was arrested for domestic battery.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Chestnut Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Madison Street in reference to a suspicious noise.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Montgomery Street in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Walnut Street in Benld 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 200 block of Berry Street in Mt. Clare in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Green Street in reference to a neighborhood trouble.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of North Main Street in Benld in reference to a civil standby.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Francis Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Walnut Street in Benld in reference to a fight. Kelly M. Lyons, 36 of Benld, was arrested for battery.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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FELONIES
Britteny D. M. Herr, 31 of Brighton, is charged with violation of a protection order in connection with an April 27 incident.
Camilla D. Cox, 29 of Carlinville, is charged with failure to return from furlough in connection with an April 21 incident.
Emily H. Eckhardt, 33 of Staunton, is charged with aggravated assault/use of a firearm/peace officer in connection with an April 30 incident.
Jacklyn M. Wichman, 30 of Decatur, is charged with possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams) in connection with an October 13, 2024 incident.
Matthew C. Tibbs, 32 of Virden, is charged with possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams) in connection with an April 19 incident.
Amy J. Williamson, 50 of Tovey, is charged with possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams) in connection with an April 19 incident.
Dominique M. Kierbach, 27 of Benld, is charged with possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams) in connection with an April 13 incident.
Brendan M. Stamper, 27 of Jerseyville, is charged with aggravated battery to someone pregnant or handicapped, criminal trespass to residence/person present, and battery/causing bodily harm in connection with an April 29 incident.
Rebecca L. Loker, 45 of Benld, is charged with possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams) in connection with an April 12 incident.
Christian A. Lyerla, 28 of Girard, is charged with aggravated battery of a peace officer in connection with an April 30 incident.
Elijah B. Deffenbaugh, 18 of Hillsboro, is charged with unlawful possession of a credit/debit card in connection with a March 29 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Bradyn A. Striplin, 18 of Carlinville, is charged with theft/unauthorized control (<$500) in connection with a February 5 incident.
Joseph D. Washington, 42 of Palmyra, is charged with possession of cannabis (>30<100 grams) in connection with an April 9 incident.
Eric M. Streeb, 36 of Staunton, is charged with disorderly conduct in connection with an April 30 incident.
Nicholas O. Landolt, 37 of Gillespie, is charged with resisting a peace officer/firefighter/corrections employee in connection with a March 24 incident.
TRAFFIC
Kyli K. Jackson, 21 of Jacksonville, is charged with driving on a suspended license and driving 15-20 mph above the limit in connection with an April 25 incident.
Randy L. Dean, 67 of Hillsboro, is charged with driving on a revoked license and driving 21-25 mph above the limit in connection with an April 23 incident.
Johnelle B. Crawford, 53 of Gillespie, is charged with driving on a suspended license, canceled/revoked/suspended registration, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with an April 25 incident.
Amy M. Hart, 41 of Granite City, is charged with reckless driving, disregarding official traffic control device, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and being unlicensed in connection with an April 23 incident.
Carl R. Albracht, 50 of Plamyra, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with an April 29 incident.
Jessica R. M. Green, 37 of Carlinville, is charged with driving on a suspended license and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with an April 29 incident.
Antonio C. Yorke, 25 of Des Plaines, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with an April 27 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Adam Priester versus Danielle Priester
- John Contratto versus Frankie Giles-Contratto
MARRIAGE LICENSES
- Grace Jenny Van Doren and Brandy Isabelle Lasko, both of Gillespie
- Brett Michael Lacy and Cambria Faye Admire, both of Virden
- Keith James Moreland and ELizabeth Ann Morgan, both of Mount Olive
- Kane Michael Sneed and Daphne Lynalexa Smith, both of WIlsonville
- Chandler McDaniel and Lilly Booth, both of Gillespie
- Dylan Reed Releford and ALyssa Marie Hermes, both of Carlinville
