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.
Comments
FELONIES
Austin C. Drake, 30 of Girard, is charged with theft/unauthorized control (>$500<$10k) and bad checks/obtaining control of property in connection with a September 22 and an October 7 incident.
William C. Cooper, 41 of Gillespie, is charged with burglary in connection with a November 1 incident.
Joseph L. Schnurr, 63 of De Soto, Mo, is charged with aggravated fleeing in connection with a November 26 incident.
Derek J. Bultema, 40 of Gillespie, is charged with possession of methamphetamine in connection with a November 26 incident.
Brandon A. Martin, 26 of Wood River, is charged with aiding/abetting/possession/selling a stolen vehicle and aggravated fleeing in connection with a November 26 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Richard J. Williams, 44 of Staunton, is charged with criminal trespass to a vehicle in connection with a November 14 incident.
Ryne L. Manion, 41 of Mt. Olive, is charged with criminal trespass to a building in connection with a November 20 incident.
TRAFFIC
Terence L. Binion, 51 of University City, MO, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with a November 22 incident.
Andrew J. Goewey, 34 of Sawyerville, is charged with driving on a revoked license and driving 21-25 mph above the limit in connection with a November 22 incident.
Teresa J. Niewiadomski, 47 of Bethalto, is charged with driving on a suspended license, expired registration, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a November 19 incident.
Keona D. Roos, 22 of Freeburg, is charged with driving on a suspended license, improper use of registration/title, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and no valid registration in connection with a November 21 incident.
Zachary A. Johnston, 44 of Gillespie, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with a November 23 incident.
Alexis R. Spann, 32 of Auburn, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a November 19 incident.
Alicia N. Tamosaitis, 29 of Girard, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with a November 19 incident.
Justin A. Collins, 37 of Gillespie, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with a November 20 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Allan L. Petit versus Teresa M. Pettit
Comments
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of West Wilson Street in reference to a domestic battery. Ashley A. Esmon, 39 of Staunton, was arrested for domestic battery.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Calcari Street in East Gillespie. Angel L. Bricker, 22 of East Alton, was cited for operating an uninsured vehicle and driving while registration was suspended.
An officer was dispatched to Spruce Street and Laura Street in reference to a noise complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Elm Street in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of East Elm Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Charles Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Elm Street. Zachary A. Johnston, 44 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for driving while license was revoked.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Chestnut Street in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 400 block of East Central in Benld in reference to suspicious activity.
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Cloud Street in reference to a domestic dispute. Steven O. Smith, 36 of Chicago, was arrested on a warrant out of Chicago on a weapons charge.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Abba Street in reference to theft and criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 300 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 300 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to criminal damage to property and criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Charles Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 900 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a 911 call.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of West Wilson Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of East Locust Street in Benld in reference to the removal of a subject.
An officer was dispatched to Circle Drive at Gillespie Lake in reference to an alarm sounding.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Penny Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to South 2nd Street in Benld in reference to unwanted solicitors.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2025
An Officer was dispatched to the 900 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Easton Street. Joseph L. Schnurr, 63 of Eagarville, was arrested for reckless driving, fleeing/eluding a peace officer, squealing tires, failing to obey a stop sign, improper use of registration, and operating an uninsured vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Chestnut Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of East Chestnut Street in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 300 block of South Illinois Street in Benld.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Elm Street in reference to a suicidal subject.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Broadway Street in reference to a fire alarm sounding.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to criminal trespass to property.
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 Henry Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Cedar Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Francis Street in reference to a 911 call
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Henrietta Street in reference to an animal complaint.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Walnut Street in Benld in reference to a theft.
An officer was dispatched to the 900 block of North Hard Road in Mt. Clare in reference to disorderly conduct.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Central in Benld in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to a reckless driver.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Elm Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 900 block of North Hard Road in Mt. Clare in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Central Avenue in Benld in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 300 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer spoke with a male on Dorsey Road in Mt. Clare in reference to a vehicle that was parked on the lot for a few days.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2025
An officer was dispatched to West Central Street and North Trolley Street in Benld in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Lynn Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Broadway Street at Gillespie High School in reference to the fire alarm sounding.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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Ye Olde Christmas is the theme of the Macoupin County Historical Society’s annual Christmas Show, which will be held Friday through Sunday, December 5–7, at the John C. Anderson Home and Museum, 920 West Breckenridge in Carlinville.
“The Christmas Show is one of the most magical times to visit the Anderson Home,” said MCHS Board Member and House Manager Brandy England. “Some families make it an annual Christmas tradition to visit the Anderson Home when it is decorated for Christmas. It’s a great opportunity to get into the Christmas spirit and pick up some ideas for decorating your own home for the holidays.”
MCHS member Kendra Mize, of Bunker Hill, who has coordinated the decorating effort for more than two decades, has again marshalled a small army of volunteers to decorate all 13 rooms of the home. Each room features a themed Christmas tree, along with mantle pieces, centerpieces, tabletop decor, garlands and florals, and other special touches.
The home will be open for self-guided tours from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, December 5; from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, December 6; and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, December 7.
“We’re very excited to offer for the first time candlelight tours from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday,” said Shawna Ashby, who serves as a co-manager with England. “Viewing the decorated home by candlelight promises to be a magical experience.”
The final candlelight tours on Friday and Saturday start at 7:30 p.m. Admission to the home is five dollars for adults and one dollar for children ages five to 12, with four-year-olds and younger admitted free of charge.
The Anderson Home Gift Shop will be open during tour hours, offering one-of-a-kind gift items and stocking stuffers. Santa Claus will be on hand in the downstairs parlor to greet children and listen to their Christmas wishes from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, December 6.
While the decorated home is the centerpiece of the Christmas Show, several other features on the Historical Society’s grounds will be open. The Red Barn will be open and serving hearty beef stew, chili, homemade pies, and warming holiday beverages such as wassail and hot chocolate on Friday and Saturday.
The General Store and Print Shop will be decorated and open to the public, with the Print Shop offering its popular handmade Christmas cards and other items produced in the shop; kids can print their own blank “Santa List” to keep track of their Christmas wishes.
“The General Store offers unique gift items, including some small antiques, for shoppers to peruse,” England noted.
Local blacksmiths will demonstrate their craft in the MCHS Blacksmith Shop located on the north side of the Historical Society Grounds, with wrought iron gift items, including stocking hooks and decorative pieces, available for purchase.
The Macoupin County Historical Society’s Christmas Show runs concurrently with the Carlinville Christmas Market and Downtown Christmas events, and a free trolley and shuttle buses include the Anderson Home as a regular stop during the festivals, enabling visitors to ride from the square or the Macoupin County Fairgrounds to the Historical Society grounds.
