Community News
Gillespie City Council rejects Canna Theater offer
After months of sometimes acrimonious debate, the Gillespie City Council on Monday night voted 4-3 to reject the Assembly of God Church’s offer to transfer ownership of the deteriorating Canna Theater to the city. Ald. Dona Rauzi cast the deciding vote, saying she was “torn” between accepting or rejecting the offer. Despite the vote, Mayor John Hicks left the door open a crack to possibly save the building from the wrecking ball.
Hicks said he favors “saving historic buildings” whenever possible and held out the possibility of striking some sort of deal with the church. One possibility, he said, could involve the church paying the city the estimated cost of razing the building as a condition for the city accepting ownership. If the council had tied on the vote, Hicks made it clear he would have broken the tie in favor of taking the building, noting he had hopes of seeing the building restored as an entertainment venue for live performances. The building has sat vacant for several years after being used as a church sanctuary for a short time. The building currently is owned by the Assembly of God Church of Illinois.
There was some indication that Rauzi mistakenly believed her vote would have resulted in a tie. After casting her vote, she looked to Hicks and said, “It’s a tie.” Upon being told the vote was 4-3, Rauzi seemed somewhat surprised.
The decision could be the final blow sealing the fate of the building, which has been in limbo at least since October. Former Peace Corps Fellow Ethan Fogg helped negotiate the deal with the church to donate the building to the city. Before his tenure in Gillespie ended in November, he strongly advocated for the city to take possession of the building, arguing that even if the ultimate outcome was to demolish the building, the donation would allow the city to avoid the legal costs of acquiring the building later. Ald. Wendy Rolando and Ald. Larry Greene were assigned to investigate the structural integrity of the building and potential uses for it if the city took possession. At a public meeting to discuss the issue, a number of city residents articulated a plan to establish a non-profit corporation to restore the building as a performing arts venue. At the time, proponents said a performing arts center could host concerts, plays, lectures and other events to draw out-of-town visitors to Gillespie, contributing to the local economy and increasing sales tax revenue for the city.
Rolando and Greene’s recommendation to the council was to accept the building and commit up to $175,000 in Tax Increment Finance funds to stabilize the building. Rolando said the commitment of TIF funds would not be a lump sum but would be paid out over several years as work progressed. During that time, volunteers with the non-profit group could begin work on the interior to create a viable performing arts space. Once the building was stabilized, Rolando said the city would turn the facility over to the non-profit group, which would then administer its operation. If restoring the building turned out to be impossible, Rolando and Greene pointed out, the city would have ownership of the building and would not have to sue the Assembly of God for possession in order to tear it down.
Several opponents on the council had voiced their objection to spending TIF money on a building that, in their view, was destined for demolition.
While interested citizens had enlisted a report from a Staunton architect on the structural soundness of the building, the council delayed action on the issue until it could get a report from an independent structural architect hired by the city. With that new report in hand, Ald. Bill Hayes on Monday night strongly opposed taking possession of the building.
“It’s going to cost a lot more money than we thought to do this,” Hayes said. “Everything about the building is bad.”
Hayes said the new report identifies issues with the building—including a new roof and work needed on exterior walls—that would cost far more than $175,000. Meanwhile, he said, the city already has invested thousands of dollars in TIF funds in the Illinois Coal Mining Museum. Additionally, the city is looking at $40,000 for a new roof on the Civic Center, the cost of demolishing the former Street Department Building and the cost of condemning and razing a number of derelict homes.
“We don’t need another building,” he said.
Ald. Bob Fritz said he spoke with James Spouse, who prepared the city’s report.
“I asked him what it would cost to put that building in shape,” Fritz said, “and he said, his words, ‘several million dollars’.” Fritz said Spouse told him the roof replacement and exterior work alone would run about $200,000.
“We’ve been upfront about the condition of that building all along,” Rolando said. “That’s why we put a cap on the TIF funds.” She said the new report identifies six major issues, which are the same six issues identified by the original report. Volunteers are committed to providing labor for the necessary work, she said, meaning the city would be responsible for materials only. “There are one to three things that are immediate needs,” she said. Once those needs are addressed, the non-profit would seek grants and sponsor fund-raising activities to pay for interior work.
Ald. Greene offered the evening’s most impassioned plea for salvaging the theater. Reading from a statement, Greene said he and his wife moved to Gillespie three and a half years ago and were troubled by the lack of opportunities for new residents to meet neighbors and made new friends. Being an “outsider,” he said, gave him the advantage of looking at the issue with a “fresh set of eyes and ears.”
Greene said he took advantage of an invitation from Jim Allan, a local musician who spearheaded the movement to save the Canna, to inspect the building in person. “I saw an opportunity for a project that could draw people together,” he said. “I see the Lyric (the theater’s original name) as the centerpiece draw for our town, to bring people to downtown Gillespie where they can visit the Coal Museum, eat at one of our restaurants, shop and buy gas. It offers a thrilling opportunity that we have right now to revitalize downtown.”
Greene said a public meeting in October convinced him that citizens are in favor of the city accepting the building. In regard to the structural needs, he said those in favor of taking the building have been aware of needed repairs from the beginning of the discussion.
“It seems to me that some of the naysayers on the council had their minds made up from the start,” he said.
He likened the project to recent initiatives by the council to make improvements at the lake and to make improvements to Big Brick Park, both aimed at increasing the quality and availability of recreational opportunities. Revitalizing the theater, he said, could be another key toward development that would tie in with the city’s upcoming streetscape project in downtown Gillespie. A 10 percent loss in population since the last census, he said, translates into a $350,000 annual loss in tax revenue for the city, he said. The theater and similar projects could be steps toward recovering those lost tax dollars, he said.
“Please, please join us in getting involved,” he concluded.
Hayes remained skeptical.
“If we can’t support a store, what makes you think we can support this,” he said, referring to last summer’s closure of Randy’s Market. He said several operators had attempted to run the Canna as a movie house and failed, indicating doubt that the facility could succeed as a live entertainment venue.
City Attorney Dan O’Brien advised the council that the city could accept the building only by ordinance, so Monday night’s vote would be only to have him draw up the ordinance, which would be formally voted upon later.
Brought to a vote, Hayes, Fritz, Rauzi, Landon Petitt and Rick Fulton voted against taking the building. Rolando, Greene and Frank Barrett voted to accept it.
“If it had come down to me to vote, when it comes to saving a historic building, I would have voted for it,” Hicks said after the vote. Whether the Canna is restored or torn down, Hicks said he is afraid it will be the responsibility of the city. “We’re going to end up with it one way or another.”
Additionally, he said the Canna is the first of several buildings the city will be called upon to deal with. The downtown building that once housed the Dollar General Store, he said, is on the radar as one the city may be asked to take over. In that case, Hicks said he would favor taking the building to preserve the architecture at the top of the building. “That’s the last of ‘old’ buildings in downtown Gillespie,” he said. “You can’t find that architecture anywhere else except downtown Staunton.”
Hicks asked aldermen to harbor “no hard feelings” over the vote and to continue “working together” on other issues.
“There may still be some options,” he said, regarding the Canna issue.
WATER RATE INCREASE
In other action, the council voted unanimously to adopt an ordinance increasing local water rates by five percent. According to City Treasurer Dan Fisher, the city plans to raise rates for its satellite customers by five percent. A provision in the contract between the city and the satellite customers, however, binds the city to increase satellite rates by no more than what it raises rates for city customers.
Fisher said the minimum bill for the first 1000 gallons of usage includes money dedicated to debt service and money earmarked for operations and maintenance. The five percent increase, applies only to the operations and maintenance portion of the bill, increasing the minimum charge from $18.53 to $18.86. The rate for additional usage up to 50,000 gallons will increase by 33 cents to $6.91 under the new ordinance.
The city plans to conduct a public hearing with the satellite customers in the near future to comply with contractual provisions to increase their rates.
Mayor Hicks noted that American Water Co., a private water supplier based in Alton, recently announced rate increases of $14 for 1,000 gallons of usage.
“Some people will say our rate is excessive,” he said. “We keep our rates as low as possible. This is not excessive at all, compared to other communities.”
In a related matter, Ald. Petitt announced that work has begun on a major upgrade at the Water Treatment Plant.
VISITOR COMMENTS
The council took under advisement comments from Kent Tarro, director of the Macoupin County Public Health Department, regarding pedestrian crossings on Macoupin Street in the area of Maple Street Clinic. He asked for either signage or traffic control lights to slow or stop traffic for pedestrians crossing the street. He said a number of Maple Street employees park on the west side of Macoupin Street and have to cross the street to get to work. Several have reported near misses with vehicles that fail to slow down or stop for pedestrians. Several years ago, he said, a dentist employed at the clinic was hospitalized after being struck while crossing the street.
Tarro said he was among those who lobbied for traffic lights on West Main Street in Carlinville after students attending Carlinville schools were hit by vehicles.
“The first kid got hit and nothing happened. The second kid was hit and that still didn’t do it. The third kid was hit and that was enough to get traffic lights,” he said. “I’m very protective of my staff and I don’t want to get to three here.”
Police Chief Jared DePoppe said the issue is being worked on. One issue, he said, is that Macoupin Street is a state route and the city cannot erect lights or signage without permission from the Illinois Department of Transportation. Tarro was told he would be given contact names at IDOT. In the meantime, the city may place temporary sandwich boards during peak traffic periods.
The council also heard from Jeremy Anderson regarding plans for CTI Fiber Intenet-TV-Phone to bring fiber optic internet services to Gillespie. A franchise agreement is not needed, but Anderson said his company wanted the consent and cooperation of the city. He said fiber internet services offering more reliable service and greater speeds at less cost should be available this spring.
“We definitely need more options for internet in this town,” Ald. Pettit said.
Dave Tucker of the Illinois Coal Mining Museum said the museum was able to raise enough money on its own to pay for a facade improvement project and would be returning a facade improvement grant awarded by the city.
CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS
Ald. Rauzi announced the city is beginning contract negotiations with the Fraternal Order of Police this week, will soon begin negotiations with the Village of Mt. Clare to provide police protection services and will begin negotiations in March on a new contract to provide dispatching services for the Gillespie-Benld Area Ambulance Service.
OTHER ACTION
In other action, the council:
- Approved the hiring of Jake Lenhardt as a full-time police officer. Formerly employed as a part-time officer, DePoppe said Lenhardt recently completed academy training qualifying him for full-time status.
- Approved a facade improvement grant for up to $4,031.90 for Cee-Jos tavern on Macoupin Street. The facade grants, paid from TIF funds, typically cover half of a business’s facade improvement project.
- Voted to establish a separate bank account for funds associated with the Streetscape Program.
- Approved resolutions to pay $5,361 to Griffith Plumbing and Heating, Carlinville, and $2,400 to S & S Concrete from TIF funds for work completed at the Maintenance Shed.
- Approved payment of $1,401.66 to Curry & Associates Engineering for work completed in conjunction with establishing a new Tax Increment Financing District.
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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.
