Community News
Gillespie Council approves appropriation, hires police officer
Members of the Gillespie City Council on Monday night approved a $14 million appropriation ordinance for the current fiscal year, hired a new city police officer, and accepted the resignations of two city employees.
Totaling $13,933,250, the annual appropriation covers anticipated spending for the fiscal year that began May 1 and nearly double last year’s appropriation of $7,229,050. The additional expenditures are related to anticipated expenditures of grant funds in the amount of $1.2 million for continued water line improvements and $4.5 million for an anticipated streetscape project in downtown Gillespie.
Approval of the appropriation was preceded by a brief public hearing, required by law, during which no members of the public appeared to ask questions or make comments.
Appropriation ordinances are required by law and set the maximum amounts a municipality is allowed to spend for specific line items. They are not necessarily budgetary documents. Setting a spending ceiling for specific line items does not necessarily mean the city will spend that much. The appropriation simply sets the amount of spending the city cannot legally exceed.
The Water Department appropriation totals $3,208,500, including $1,200,000 for water line improvements, compared with a $1,983,500 last year. Other line items for which more than $1 million is appropriated include $4.5 million for the Streetscape program; $1,172,500 for the Police Department, compared with $1,081,500 last year; $1,113,000 for the Street Department, compared with $978,000 last year; and $1,313,400 for General Administrative Expenses, compared with $1,308,400 last year;
The newly adopted ordinance sets the appropriation for City Lakes and Parks at $518,800 and $190,000 for Parks and Recreation. Both appropriations were combined for one line item last year totaling $478,100.
The newly adopted ordinance sets maximum spending for the Sewer Department at $759,160, compared with $604,160 last year; $42,020 for elected and appointed city officials’ salaries which is identical to last year’s appropriation; and $201,300 for Municipal Administrative Building costs (which includes $150,000 for repairs and maintenance), compared with $66,300 last year.
Other appropriations include $33,900 for Emergency Services and Disaster Administration, compared with $21,400 last year; $40,670 for the Public Library which is identical to a year ago; $5,000 for the Municipal Band, compared with $3,000 last year; $150,000 for FICA participation, compared with $110,000 last year; and $65,000 for Liability Insurance, compared with $50,000 a year ago.
A total of $350,000 is appropriated from Motor Fuel Tax funds for street maintenance, compared with $200,000 last year.
The ordinance appropriates $270,000 in potential TIF Fund expenditures, compared with $215,000 last year.
PERSONNEL
Early in the meeting, the council voted unanimously to accept Police Chief Jared DePoppe’s recommendation to hire David Schaeffer as a full-time police officer. Schaeffer currently is employed as a Springfield Park Police officer, according to DePoppe.
Following a 45-minute executive session, the council approved a motion to suspend Water Department employee James Graves for the final two days of his employment without pay. Council members also voted unanimously to accept Graves’ formal resignation, along with that of Jared Link, a Gillespie Lake employee.
On. a motion by Ald. Landon Pettit, the council voted unanimously to hire Justin Johnson as a full-time Lake employee.
LAKE MANAGER AUTHORITY
Upon the recommendation of City Attorney Rick Verticchio, the council voted unanimously to grant Lake Manager Gary Thornhill authority to suspend lake privileges for guests who commit serious violations of lake rules. Under terms of the motion, Thornhill’s actions to suspend privileges will be subject to review and final approval by the full city council.
The action follows two recent incidents during which City Police were summoned to the lake to deal with serious infractions. Thornhill said in one case, local police did not know how to respond because the incident involved possible environmental issues. A lake user reportedly discharged an estimated 25 gallons of gasoline onto the ground near the lake shore, requiring lake workers to bring in tractors and materials to clean up the spill before it could contaminate the water supply. Thornhill said firefighters and other personnel were on scene for upward of four hours to contain the gasoline.
The individuals involved claimed they thought the tank they were emptying contained water and only discovered it was gasoline after they discharged the material onto the ground. Thornhill said the city incurred $1,183 in expenses to clean up the spill. Verticchio said he planned to draft a letter to the responsible party to seek recovery of the city’s expenditure. No charges apparently were filed.
In the other incident, boaters rode a jon boat over the spillway and down the concrete apron on the front side of the dam.
Apparently council action is required to permanently revoke lake privileges but Monday’s action authorizes Thornhill to revoke privileges, pending review and final action by the council.
DRAINAGE ISSUES/WATER IMPROVEMENTS
The council referred to committee a proposal from Ald. Wendy Rolando to prepare a public notice to inform residents that work on the city’s water infrastructure improvement project is ongoing.
“I’d like to draft something to let people know that yes, we are continuing to work on the water project; no, it’s not finished; and hopefully it will be finished by such and such a time,” Rolando said. She said she is hearing complaints from residents and that the public’s patience is “wearing thin.”
On a motion by Rolando, seconded by Ald. Dona Rauzi, the council directed Rolando to prepare a draft notice to be reviewed by committee and ultimately published to bring residents up to date regarding the project’s status.
Rolando also discussed drainage issues on Plum Street and the surrounding neighborhood.
“I’ve been out there a week after a big rain and there is still water standing,” she said. The standing water, she said, is a breeding ground for mosquitos and poses a health hazard for residents. She asked for an engineering survey to determine what can be done to alleviate the problem.
City Treasurer Dan Fisher, however, said such a study already has been done and there is literally no solution to the issue. Prior to the construction of BenGil Elementary School, he said, the city attempted to piggyback with the school district to improve drainage in the area. Because the school project was grant-funded, the school district could not expand the project to include municipal drainage. He said the city also looked into diverting drainage into the Illinois Route 16 ditch but was rebuffed by the Department of Transportation.
“The only way to take care of that is to put in a storm sewer with a lift station to lift water to the top of the grade to flow away from the area,” Ald. Pettit said. A lift station, he said, would cost a minimum of $500,000, excluding the associated storm sewer work. “You’re looking at a million-dollar project.”
Early in the meeting, resident Mary Gucciardo approached the council with concerns about a clogged drain on her property in the 600 block of Edwards Street. She said she has complained about the issue for at least 15 years.
“When we get a big rain, it overflows the road,” she said.
Ald. Pettit said lack of money has prevented the city from addressing the issue previously but plans are in place to rent a vacuum truck this fall to clean storm drains throughout the city. With two to three workers on the truck, he said it may take three days or more to get around to all the drains the Street Department has identified as problems.
ROYELL COMMUNICATIONS LEASE
City Treasurer Dan Fisher reported that a three-year lease allowing Royell Communications to provide internet service to Gillespie residents expired on June 14. Before the city had a chance to contact Royell to renegotiate terms of the lease, Royell sent a check to cover 2022-23 at the current rate of $3,047. Fisher said the City Clerk had not deposited the check, awaiting direction from the council on how the city wanted to proceed.
Acting on the advice of City Attorney Verticchio, the council voted to deposit the check, essentially extending the current contract for one year at the same rate, with an eye toward renegotiating the lease at the end of the contract.
NUISANCE PROPERTIES
Continuing the city’s more aggressive stance toward derelict properties, the council approved resolutions declaring 206 Frey Street, 414 West Walnut Street and 503 West Chestnut Street as public nuisances. The resolutions formally empower the city attorney to pursue legal action to seek court orders requiring property owners to remedy deficiencies on the properties. If the lawsuits are successful, the city ultimately could win authority to raze the houses and take possession of the properties if the owners fail to abate the nuisances.
Additionally, the council authorized Verticchio to contact the owners of alleged nuisance properties at 608 North Adams Street, 602 North Adams Street and 702 North Francis Street. The letters will give responsible parties a specified period of time to abate the nuisances to avoid court action.
With the actions approved Monday night, Ald. Rauzi said the city has addressed 10 properties out of 19 originally identified by the city for nuisance abatement.
SPECIAL MEETING
Mayor John Hicks announced a special meeting of the council set for 6 p.m., Wednesday, June 29, with representatives of the Illinois Housing Development Authority to discuss the results of a housing survey conducted in conjunction with IDHA’s Revitalization and Repair Program.
POND CONCERNS
Adam Kilduff appeared before the council to discuss his plans to build a pond on property he is redeveloping on the city’s southeast side. He said he wanted to address concerns the council or residents might have regarding the proposed pond.
“I’m cleaning up the property,” he said, noting he removed three dump truck loads of used tires and cleaned up a burned-out house and garage. “I’m out there at 4 in the morning before I go to work and I’m out there at 9 at night.”
He reported to the council that the property will be fenced to enclose the pond in compliance with city ordinances.
“I think I’m doing a good thing,” he said. “I just don’t want any problems.”
“I don’t think there’s any problem,” said Ald. Frank Barrett. “We just wanted to be sure (it would be fenced).”
“I think it’s an asset,” Ald. Rick Fulton added.
CIVIC CENTER REVAMP
Fisher reported that architect Dennis Schuette has been retained to prepare preliminary architectural drawings to direct discussion about possible uses and configurations for the space formerly occupied by the Gillespie Fire Department. Possibilities include creating multiple use areas or space to house the Gillespie Police Department.
PARK CAMERAS
Ald. Pettit briefly discussed the possibility of purchasing surveillance cameras to combat vandalism in city parks. Earlier in the meeting, Ald. Barrett discussed the purchase of new playground equipment for Welfare Park that has been damaged beyond repair. Pettit suggested that if the city plans to install cameras at the Water Department and other city-owned properties, it might be possible to get a better price by bidding all the city’s camera needs as one project.
Fisher noted that as park of Streetscape program, there has been discussion about installing cameras in the downtown business district. Urban cameras have become a trend, he said, because residents feel more secure with camera surveillance. Curry and Associates Engineers, he said, already is in the process of contacting surveillance camera companies to get prices for cameras and monitoring interfaces that would connect to computers at City Hall. In the event cameras become a part of Streetscape project, Fisher said it might be possible to add cameras at city parks and other properties for the cost of cameras alone. The cost of the interface, the most expensive component of the system, would be borne by the Streetscape project.
OTHER ACTION
In other action, the council:
- Voted to close the 100 block of East Chestnut Street and the 100 block of Montgomery Street for a chili cook-off sponsored by the Lions Club on Sept. 24.
- Approved expenditure of $22,504 from the TIF Fund to pay Bolash Roofing for work completed on the Civic Center Roof.
- Approved expenditure of $3,015.95 from the TIF Fund to Moran Economic Development for consulting work in connection with establishing a new TIF District.
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Community News
School board approves elementary school principal’s retirement, accepts resignation of high school teacher/coach
Long-serving BenGil Elementary School principal will retire in two years following the Community Unit School District 7’s Board of Education’s approval during Tuesday night’s regular monthly meeting of the board. On a motion by Kellie Vesper, seconded by Amanda Ross, the board voted unanimously to accept “with regret” the retirement of Elementary Principal Angela Sandretto, effective at the end of the 2026-27 school year.
At the time of her retirement, Sandretto will have been a district employee for 31 years, including 21 years as an administrator. Sandretto’s tenure predates the construction and collapse due to mine subsidence of the former Benld Elementary School. She started her career when the old Benld High School served as the district’s elementary school. She was principal when the new Benld school was built and when the seven-year-old building was destroyed by mine subsidence in 2009. She continued to serve as principal during the transition from the damaged school to the new BenGil Elementary School in Gillespie.
In other action, the board accepted without comment the resignation of Dalton Barnes as a physical education/social studies teacher, and as Gillespie High School head football coach. The resignation, accepted unanimously, appears to be related to recent controversy over alleged abusive behavior toward students.
Gillespie Police Chief Jared DePoppe and School Resource Officer Wayne Hendricks both attended the meeting, and left soon after the board completed actions related to personnel. Supt. Shane Owsley told the BenGil Post the police presence was a precaution due to concerns that “accusations and rumors on social media could spill over” into Tuesday’s meeting. An attorney from the law firm representing the school district accompanied the board into a one-hour executive session early in the evening to discuss personnel issues and other items.
Accusations on social media in recent weeks alleged Barnes and an assistant coach engaged in verbal and physical abuse of students. With a goal of 1,000 signers, an online petition urging the termination of employment for Barnes and the assistant coach has garnered 639 electronic signatures. The petition accuses the two men of “child abuse,” citing alleged “verbal abuse, physical abuse, influencing and coercing student athletes to act against other student athletes that have spoken out against the abuse, and attempting to limit the First Amendment rights of student athletes with threats and manipulation.” The petition alleges there have been numerous instances of abuse and that the abuse has been allowed to continue despite “multiple red flags and complaints.”
No members of the public appeared before the board to address the complaints. Several teachers and teachers union officials attended the meeting but, likewise, made no public comments.
ADDITIONAL PERSONNEL ISSUES
In other personnel action, the board:
- Voted unanimously to accept “with regret” the resignation for purposes of retirement of GHS/GMS guidance counselor Jill Strole at the conclusion of the current school year, and to post the position as vacant.
- Hired Aubrey Morgan as a first-year, non-tenured teacher tentatively assigned as the BenGil Elementary School music teacher for the 2024-25 school year, pending verification of certification requirements and a background check. Morgan is expected to receive her bachelor’s degree in music education this spring from Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville.
- Voted to appoint Nikki Brawner as the GHS head women’s basketball coach for the 2024-25 school year. Additionally, the board accepted Brawner’s resignation as an assistant GHS women’s basketball coach and posted that position as vacant.
- Voted, in separate actions, to hire Alex Jasper and James Bryant as GMS paraprofessionals, pending verification of certification requirements and a background check. Additionally, the board voted to appoint Bryant as the GMS eighth-grade boys basketball coach for the 2024-25 school year.
- Voted to employ Alexis Lupkey as GHS head cheerleading coach for the 2024-25 school year.
- Voted, in separate actions, to hire Nikki Hunter and Rebecca Leitschuh-Birdsell as full-route bus drivers for the 2024-25 school year, pending verification of certification and background checks.
On a motion by Ross, seconded by Peyton Bernot, the board voted to employ Jennifer Parker, Nancy Schmidt, Amy Price, Marci Johnson, Karissa Smith and Vanessa Barrett as teachers for the 2024 elementary school summer school program.
In separate actions, the board hired Shanna Connor as a math teacher, Casey Edgerton as a science teacher, and Jessica Kelly as an English/language arts teacher for the Gillespie Middle School summer school program.
The board hired Ashlee Gibbs as a high school summer school math teacher, contingent upon student enrollment, and hired Jennifer Brown as the high school summer school driver’s education teacher. Penny Feeley and Janice Hammann were hired unanimously as summer school food service workers.
SAFETY GRANT PROJECTS
The board authorized Supt. Owsley to seek bids for several capital improvement projects related to student safety for which plans are still being developed. In January, Owsley reported to the board the district was successful in its application for a $466,365 state-funded Safety Grant. Matching the grant money with $155,000 in local funds, gave the district more than $600,000 in funding for capital improvements related to safety.
Owsley said architects are continuing to develop plans and bidding specifications for several projects, including installation of a new fire alarm system, installation of a new intercom system, installation of bullet-proof glass in the office area, and application of a bullet-resistant film on exterior windows. The Superintendent said he would advertise for bids as specifications become available.
FISCAL 2025 BUDGET
On a motion by Weye Schmidt, seconded by Bill Carter, the board voted to direct Supt. Owsley to prepare a tentative budget for fiscal year 2025, which will run from July 1 this year through June 30, 2025. The new budget typically is presented to the board in August with final approval coming in September.
In a related action, the board approved expenditures from fiscal 2025 funds to cover operating costs from July 1, when the new fiscal year begins, until the new budget is adopted.
Though not a given, the board could amend the fiscal 2024 budget in June in the event actual revenue and expenditures for the current fiscal year differ significantly from projections made in the budget approved last summer.
INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT
Board members approved an intergovernmental agreement between CUSD 7 and Lewis and Clark Community College to offer dual credit courses at Gillespie High School. Under the agreement, Gillespie students can take college-level courses that will count as credit toward an LCCC associate’s degree. Teachers offering dual credit courses at GHS must hold a master’s degree and offer a curriculum approved by the college.
DISTRICT FOCUS
In a District Focus segment, the board was introduced to several High School FFA members who have excelled this year in competitions.
“These kids are doing some amazing things,” said High School Principal Jill Rosentreter. “They are going to competitions and bringing home trophies right and left.”
FFA sponsor Kayla Wills said she has led the program for six years. “This is the most outstanding group we’ve had since I’ve been here,” she said.
Wills introduced two teams––the Parliamentary Procedure team and the Ag Mechanics team––that have ascended to state competition set for May 2. Team member Emily Hauser explained the areas of expertise on which the Parliamentary Procedure team will be judged. Caleb Oberfall spoke about the Ag Mechanics team.
The Ag Mechanics team includes a carpenter, a welder, a surveyor, an electrician and a mechanic, according to Wills.
“These kids have worked really hard and put in a lot of time,” Wills said. “I am very proud of them.”
FOOD SERVICES ISSUE
A former district cook and current substitute cook, who identified herself as Mandy, addressed the board on behalf of district cooks regarding the possibility of contracting with Opaa! Food Management, Inc. to provide meals in the local district. Opaa! representatives offered a detailed sales presentation to the board last month.
“I worked for Opaa! at Staunton,” she said. “You need to look into them. They’re not what they say they are.”
She alleged the “homemade meals” are not homemade, and are, in fact, the same quality as any other food provider.
“I’ve been in food services for a long time and I know what food should look like,” she said. “It shouldn’t look like dogfood.”
The fact the company offers choices, she said, is a good thing but is a double-edged sword. If a child doesn’t care for the main selection on a particular day, they can have a peanut butter sandwich or salad instead.
“But if little Johnny doesn’t like peanut butter or salad, he doesn’t eat that day,” she said.
Having worked in the local district, she said she could attest that the food services staff cares about students.
In a related matter, Union Secretary Jennifer Parker read a statement from the food services staff thanking the board and Supt. Owsley “for the opportunity to continue to pursue options to bring more choices to the food program.”
OTHER ACTION
In other action, the board:
- Voted to renew membership in the Illinois Elementary Schools Association (IESA).
- Approved a finalized calendar for the 2024-25 school year. Owsley said the calendar is unchanged from a tentative calendar presented to the board earlier, except “snow days” have been designated as “emergency days.”
- Approved a fee schedule for the 2024-25 school day. Owsley said the new fee schedule is nearly identical to the fee schedule used this year except that the cost for adult breakfasts and lunches is increased by 10 cents. In addition, the district will now offer free breakfast and lunch to students in all grade levels thanks to a federal reimbursement grant for districts with high numbers of students from low income households. In the past, free breakfast and lunch was available only to kindergarten, elementary, and middle school students. This year, Owsley said, the high school also qualified for reimbursement. According to Owsley, the reimbursement program is locked in for four years, after which the district may again apply. “Hopefully, this will help our parents and students,” Owsley said.
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The Wilsonville Progressive Club will celebrate and host a 90 year Anniversary Party on Saturday, May 11. The party will include a catered dinner, a live band, and fireworks.
Doors will open at 2 pm with a catered dinner being served at 4 pm. The Shane Kessinger Experience (live band) will play at 5 pm, and a grand fireworks display will be held at dusk.
The Progressive Club was originally established in 1934 by the Progressive Miners and was located on the northwest side of Wilsonville’s main street. The Club moved to their new building in January of 1949 and today this is still the current location at 212 Wilson Street in Wilsonville.
Wilsonville was founded in 1917 when Superior Coal Co. Mine No. 4 was sunk and this was the most modern mine in the Superior field. At that time, the little settlement which grew up around the mine was called Wilson. One day a worker paused and asked, “What are we going to name this town?” President Wilson was in office, thus the town was then and there named Wilson until 1919 when it was incorporated and the name expanded to Wilsonville.
The Wilsonville Progressive Club is operated and maintained by an elected panel of trustees and loyal members. The Club is open to the public and membership is always welcome. The large outdoor covered pavilion and manicured grassy side lot offer an attractive and convenient venue for any event along with inside facilities.
If you are interested in renting for any kind of event, call 217-835-3122 during open hours which are Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 4 pm to close, and Sunday doors open at 2 pm. Every Sunday afternoon at 4 pm is the Queen of Hearts drawing and the Club is on Facebook as well.
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SUNDAY, APRIL 14, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Oak Street in reference to a dog bite.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Abba Street to pick up a found item.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Chestnut Street in reference to a burglary.
An officer was out in the 200 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to a motorist assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Schmidt Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South 1st Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Broadway Street in reference to a medical call.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of South Illinois Street in Benld in reference to illegal burning.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South 5th Street in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Horizon Street in reference to a 911 call.
MONDAY, APRIL 15, 2024
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with a male in reference to a theft in the 100 block of South Main Street in Benld.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of West Osie Street in reference to a violation of an order of protection.
Nicholas O. Landolt, 36, of Gillespie was arrested on multiple warrants including one out of St. Clair County for possession for methamphetamine, a second one out of Montgomery County for failure to appear for driving while license was revoked, and a third out of Macoupin County for failure to appear for methamphetamine.
An officer was dispatched to East Walnut Street in reference to a suspicious noise.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Abba Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Broadway Street in reference to a medical alarm.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a theft in the 200 block of West Oak Street.
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to criminal damage to her property.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to identity theft.
An officer spoke with a female in the 100 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a neighbor dispute.
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a violation of an order of protection.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Southern Street in reference to a suspicious person.
TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 1100 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to criminal damage to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 900 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of East Walnut Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespass to property. Melissa J. Hughes, 49, of Benld was arrested on a Montgomery County warrant for theft/larceny.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Francis Street in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 700 block of Rose Street in Benld.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South 5th Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Pine Street to assist the Department of Children and Family Services.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Broadway Street in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Central Avenue in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17, 2024
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to fraud in the 200 block of South Macoupin.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 500 block of East Elm Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to Route 4 and Staunton Road in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Gillespie Street in reference to unwanted solicitors.
An officer was dispatched to High Street and Gillespie Street in reference to a suspicious noise.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of High Street in reference to unwanted solicitors.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil standby.
An officer was flagged down at Elm Street and Clinton Street and spoke with an individual in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Mt. Olive Road in Eagarville in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a suspicious circumstance.
THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2024
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a panic alarm sounding.
An officer was dispatched to the 1300 block of South Second Street in reference to a civil standby.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Osie Street in reference to a dog bite. Heather L. Kimberlin, 47, of Gillespie was issued a citation for dog at large.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Baker Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was out with a suspicious vehicle in the alley in the 500 block of Park Avenue.
An officer was dispatched to East Walnut and South Main Street in Benld in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the Veterans Memorial Park in Benld in reference to a suspicious vehicle that had been parked there for a couple of days.
Gillespie Police Department was requested for traffic control by the Gillespie Fire Department for a fire on Eagarville Road.
FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of East Walnut Street in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South Street in Gillespie in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Litchfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a suspicious person at the storage units. Kathy J. Henderson, 49, of Sawyerville was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for bad checks
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Maple Street and Macoupin Street. Kenny L. Fults, 18, of Belleville was issued a citation for possession of cannabis.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Mt. Olive Road in Eagarville in reference to civil standby.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of West Burton Street in reference to an animal complaint.
SATURDAY, APRIL 20, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Abba Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespassing. Timothy J. Dalpozzo, 57, of Benld was arrested for criminal trespassing to residence and a Macoupin County warrant for criminal trespassing to a residence.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at South Street and Chestnut Street and charges are pending crime lab results.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to Macoupin Street and Elm Street in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Osie Street in reference to a dog at large.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of North 8th Street in Benld in reference to medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Spruce Street in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Baker Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Street in Benld in reference to a medical call.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to an ordinance issue.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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