Community News
Gillespie Council approves payments for water plant, sewer improvements
Members of the Gillespie City Council on Monday night approved a final payment to Korte & Luitjohan Contractors for renovation work done at the city’s water treatment plant and authorized a first payment request to Visu-Sewer of Missouri for work completed in the downtown business district as a first step toward implementing an extensive streetscape program to improve the business climate on Macoupin Street.
The council also took action on several fairly routine issues during a relatively brief meeting that was long on discussion and short on actions.
On a motion by Ald. Landon Pettit, the council voted unanimously to approve a final payment of $39,521 to Korte & Luitjohan for renovations at the water treatment plant, contingent upon the Water Plant Operator accepting the work. The amount includes an $8,736 change order approved by the council earlier in the meeting upon the recommendation of City Treasurer Dan Fisher.
Council members also unanimously approved a $57,362 pay estimate to Visu-Sewer for relining work done to the sanitary sewer system in downtown Gillespie. The approved payment, with includes a $25,000 change order, is a prelude to completing the city’s ambitious $320 million streetscape improvement project expected to improve aesthetics and efficiency downtown. The plan is expected to add green spaces, reconfigure parking and result in other improvements.
Fisher briefly discussed upcoming issues the council will need to consider, including building needs and the possibility of extending the life of the downtown Tax Increment Financing District. Fisher said he plans to convene a meeting of the Finance Committee in March to discuss future capital improvement needs.
“Whether you’re talking about buying a building or remodeling a building, you’re probably going to be looking at some long-term debt,” Fisher warned, emphasizing the city’s limited financial resources. “We need to be really cautious and we need to know how we’re going to pay for that.”
Since the Gillespie Fire Department moved out of the Gillespie Civic Center, the council has looked at the vacated space as a possible location for the Gillespie Police Department. Tentative cost estimates for that proposed renovation range upward of $750,000.
“I don’t think we’re ready to move on any of this,” Fisher said. Fisher advised that the committee needs to assess building needs, determine the cost of any projects the city wants to consider and determine how those projects could be financed.
Fisher also said the council may want to extend the life of the TIF District currently in place for the downtown area. The TIF system captures increases in property tax revenue and diverts that money to a TIF fund to finance infrastructure improvements in the TIF District. One of the programs funded by the TIF District is a business facade grant program under which business owners can recoup half of the cost of making improvements to the front of their buildings. Fisher said demand for facade improvement grants has been sporadic through much of the life of the TIF District but has picked up in recent years.
“I think we should at least look into extending it for another 12 years,” he said. “If you want to do that, it will need to be done this year.”
In a somewhat related matter, the council approved a facade grant application from T.J. Allan to install an awning and signage at Ageless Fitness. The grant will reimburse Allan $2,300 of the project’s $4,600 cost upon completion.
RULE CHANGES AT GILLESPIE LAKE
Upon a motion by Lake Chair Frank Barrett, the council authorized City Attorney Rick Verticchio to draft a new ordinance to implement rule changes regarding lot leases at Gillespie Lake. The new ordinance, subject to final approval by the council, will create a new category of lake lot leases for “year-round” use. The annual fee for a year-round lease will be $1,200 as opposed to $700 for typical picnic lots. The new category will allow leaseholders to use their lot at any time of year instead of being restricted to the summer season. The new rules also will double the size of existing picnic lots.
Barrett said it is hope the change will encourage greater recreational use at the lake. In addition, he said there is an expectation the change could reduce instances of vandalism and theft at the lake.
“People know the lake closes down,” he said. “This way, there will be people out there,” who can monitor neighboring properties and report suspicious activities. Barrett said vandalism has not been a major problem but most years at least a few part-time residents report damage or theft that occurred over the winter.
A finalized ordinance is likely to be acted upon next month.
RESPIRATOR PURCHASE
City aldermen unanimously approved the purchase of respirators for Water Treatment Plant employees in order to comply with an OSHA mandate. Ald. Dona Rauzi reported OSHA requires respirators to be on hand for each of the water plant’s four employees. She recommended buying five respirators at a cost of $311.90 each in order to have one spare available at the plant.
“We don’t have a choice,” Rauzi said. “We have to do this because OSHA is requiring it.”
The respirators, costing a total of $1,559.50, will be custom fitted for each employee once the equipment arrives.
Also to comply with OSHA mandates, Ald. Bob Fritz reported the Street Department plans to spend about $5,000 to replace hoses on a recently purchased vacuum truck.
ESDA ISSUES
Council members voted unanimously on a motion by Fritz to purchase a large computer monitor that will facilitate storm spotting by Fire District 7 personnel stationed on the north side of East Gillespie. Storm spotting, reporting and activating storm sirens is the responsibility of the city’s ESDA coordinator—a position that is currently vacant.
Fritz also reported the ESDA Committee is looking into updating the city’s emergency siren system. The siren located at city hall, he said, is currently non-functioning. To replace all five sirens in the city, according to Fritz, would cost about $192,000 but he said the city may be able to cut costs by installing a lesser number of more efficient sirens.
NUISANCE PROPERTIES
On a motion by Ald. Rauzi, seconded by Ald. Bill Hayes, the council voted to accept a property at 204 Baker Street that previously was declared a nuisance. City Attorney Verticchio said the owner had offered to give the property to the city to avoid legal action that would force the owner to abate the nuisance or pay for the city doing it. In the meantime, Verticchio said, property owners on either side of the nuisance property expressed an interest in buying the property. Verticchio said the city could legally authorize that sale with a provision for the new owners to clean up the nuisance within 60 days or allow the ownership to revert to the city.
“You’re going to save a lot of money by doing this and not going to court,” Verticchio said.
Similarly, Verdicchio said he secured an agreement from a buyer to purchase a nuisance property at 608 Adams Street for $3,500, which would recoup legal fees and court costs the city has expended on the property. The city has a court order allowing city workers to abate the nuisance, but Verticchio said it will save the city time and money to sell to a new owner and require the new owner to abate the nuisance.
Verdicchio also reported he expects to get a court order authorizing clean up of property in the 500 block of Park Avenue. While the city has authority to proceed with the clean-up, Verticchio said he is trying to convince the private company that acquired the property to do the work.
SURPLUS PROPERTY
After hearing a request from Harold Besserman, owner of the Superbowl bowling alley, the council voted to declare a strip of city-owned property behind the business as surplus property and offer it for sale via sealed bid. Besserman said the city approached him five years ago about buying the entire parcel, the majority of which is marshy wetland. While he still does not have an interest in buying the parcel, Besserman said he would like to purchase a strip of land that remains dry to facilitate installation of solar energy panels.
Verticchio said the city could not negotiate the sale of the property directly with Besserman, but could declare the property surplus and offer it for sale.
The council referred to committee a request from Besserman to adjust an excessive water bill he incurred as a result of a water leak. He said his water bill more than tripled—from $50 to $170 as a result of the break. The break occurred, he said, inside the building in a wall adjacent to a rear patio.
Ald. Rauzi pointed out that city ordinance permits the council to credit a water customer one third of the customers average monthly bill if the break occurs between the meter and the foundation of the building. However, the city code does not authorize adjustments when the break occurs inside the building.
Ald. Pettit suggested there might be room for negotiation on the sewer portion of the bill since the water loss did not enter the sewer system.
The council also heard briefly from John Hilgert of the 600 block of West Oak Street who complained about dust arising from traffic on gravel the city used on his street. “It’s just a dust storm every day,” he said. Mayor John Hicks said the city had planned to sweep the street on Monday but city crews were diverted to deal with a water main break. With rain expected on Tuesday, Hicks said city workers would address the issue as soon as possible.
OTHER ACTION
In other action, the council:
- Approved a resolution authorizing an intergovernmental agreement to provide police protection services in the Village of Eagarville.
- Accepted a low bid from Republic Sanitation to pick up trash from city-owned facilities at a cost of $1,819 per month, compared with the $1,128.78 monthly contract that just expired.
- Agreed to close the 100 block of Pine Street, along with Montgomery Street between Pine and Chestnut for a Gears and Grub Festival and 5K run on June 10. The event will feature a classic car show and up to 10 food trucks.
- Agreed to lease a 100-by-100-foot plot of unused land at Gillespie Lake for an ATT communications tower.
- Agreed to advertise for applicants for a Street Department position requiring a CDL license.
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FELONIES
Justine D. Pocklington, 27 of Standard City, possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams), aggravated feeling police/21 mph over, no valid registration, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a February 2 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Katlyn N. Pilger, 21 of Benld, is charged with theft/unauthorized control (<$500) in connection with a March 28 incident.
Donald L. Lloyd, 46 of Staunton, is charged with criminal trespass to land in connection with an April 5 incident.
TRAFFIC
Tarina S. Slaughter, 47 of Girard, is charged with improper use of registration/title, unlicensed, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with an April 4 incident.
William C. Geiser, 60 of Gillespie, is charged with reckless driving in connection with an April 6 incident.
Lauren E. Wolfe, 21 of Granite City, is charged with improper use of registration/title and expiration of registration in connection with an April 3 incident.
Jim T. Wahl, 53 of Cottage Hills, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with an April 8 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Nora Washington versus Joseph D. Washington
- Samantha Lehnen versus Chad Wallace
MARRIAGE LICENSES
- Colton D. West of Hettick and Alina M. Carver of Scottville.
- Devin J. Martin and Mariah P. Crane, both of Bunker Hill.
- Jonathon E. Swisher of Shipman and Mackenzie P. Calvin of Saint Charles, MO.
- Lucas Boschelli and Danielle J. Boatman, both of Carlinville.
- Todd R. Leverton and Jennifer L. Bowman, both of Carlinville.
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SUNDAY, APRIL 5, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Oak Street in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Oak Street in reference to harassment.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South Main Street in Benld in reference to a civil standby.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Park Avenue in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Elm Street in reference to a civil standby.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
MONDAY, APRIL 6, 2026
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
Jonathan M. Kirkwood, 29 of Benld, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for traffic.
An officer was dispatched to Maple Street and Adams Street in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was out with a female at Trolley Street and Central Avenue in Benld in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the Gillespie Police Department to speak with a male in reference to a civil issue in the 200 block of South Main Street in Benld.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Henry Street in East Gillespie. Camden G. Zumwalt, 18 of Staunton, was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a well-being check.
TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2026
Cory D. Norton, 33 of Columbus, NC, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for driving while driver’s license was suspended. He also has a warrant out of Montgomery County for failure to appear while driver’s license was suspended.
An officer was dispatched to the intersection of Madison Street and Wilson Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was out with a male at Staunton Road and Charles Street in reference to a traffic crash. Tanner E. Moore, 28 of Gillespie, was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol, improper lane usage, using an electronic communication device, and failure to change address.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Frey Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Staunton Road in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South 4th Street in Benld in reference to unwanted solicitors.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Maple Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Richards Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was out in the 100 block of South Main Street in Benld. Amanda L. Broderick, 37 of Benld, was issued citations for unlawful possession of traffic signs and obstruction. Luther C. Welch, 31 of Shipman, was issued a citation for obstruction.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Berry Street in Mt. Clare in reference to a death investigation.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 300 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to illegal dumping and criminal trespass.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 6th Street in Benld in reference to criminal damage to property.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to identity theft in the 1200 block of Second Street.
An officer initiated a traffic stop in the 400 block of South Macoupin Street. Andrea M. Hulsey, 30 of Mt. Clare, was issued a citation for her minor child not wearing a seatbelt.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Broadway in reference to a neighbor dispute.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 900 block of Springfield Road in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Abba Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was dispatched to Ben-Gil Elementary School in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Elm Street in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to Kentucky Street and Hickory Street in Benld in reference to a noise complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Walnut Street to assist the Macoupin County Sheriff Department in serving an eviction notice.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Dorsey Road in Mt. Clare in reference to a well-being check.
THURSDAY, APRIL 9, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Dorsey Street in Benld in reference to a medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Donaldson Street in reference to criminal damage to property.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Avenue and Main Street in Benld. Trinity A. Pruitt, 22 of Benld, was issued citations for speeding and for illegal transportation of cannabis.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a civil issue.
The school resource officer brought a child to the Gillespie Police Department in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 200 block of West Spruce Street.
An officer was dispatched to the 2300 block of Staunton Road in Mt. Clare in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Clay Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of East Central Avenue in Benld in reference to suspicious activity.
FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2026
An officer was dispatched near the water plant in reference to juveniles fighting.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South Second Street in Benld in reference to assisting the Litchfield Police Department with a case.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Wilson Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Charles Street in reference to a civil issue.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Henry Street in East Gillespie. Leonard J. Schwartz, 55 of Edwardsville, was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Pine Street. Scott A. Byrd, 49 of Wilsonville, was issued a citation for expired registration.
SATURDAY, APRIL 11, 2026
Larry E. Conlee, 42 of Mt. Clare, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for dangerous drugs. He was also arrested for resisting a peace officer and aggravated battery.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to an animal complaint on Bishop Drive at Gillespie Lake.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South Hard Road in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of East Walnut Street in reference to solicitation.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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Community News
“History Belongs to All of Us”: Focus of Carlinville Community Conversation Series starting May 4
“History Belongs to All of Us,” a three-month series of events and activities commemorating the 250th anniversary of American independence and emphasizing Illinois’ role in seizing liberty for the American people will kick off Monday, May 4, and continue through July 16, 2026.
The series is project of Carlinville Winning Communities funded by a grant from Illinois Humanities. The events will encourage participants to examine and discuss the Declaration of Independence and other primary historical documents through facilitated conversations, according to Mary Tinder, a Macoupin County Historical Society & Carlinville Winning Communities board member.
Carlinville Winning Communities was one of only 13 entities statewide to receive an Illinois Humanities grant to support the Community Conversations Series.
We are fortunate to have received Illinois Humanities funding for this unique project, With 2026 being the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the 100th anniversary of Route 66, it is altogether fitting to explore where we’ve been and where we’re going, as well as to reflect on both and the cultural impact of our independence, Tinder said.
In keeping with the “History Belongs to All of Us” theme, several of the presentations and discussions will emphasize the role of Native Americans and the impact of American independence on Native American and other cultures.
Program topics will be explored through presentations by Illinois Humanities Road Scholars, live readings of historic documents, art, music and discussions. The programs are free to attend and all venues are handicapped accessible.
The series kicks off with “Illinois in the Revolutionary War,” a presentation by local historian and author Tom Emery, at 7 p.m., Monday, May 4, at the Macoupin County Historical Society’s Ruyle Genealogy Building, 920 W. Breckenridge St., Carlinville. Emery will lead a discussion of information included in his most recently published book, Illinois in the Revolutionary War.
“There was more to the war in Illinois than most people realize,” said Emery. “Revolutionary action took place in many parts of the state, and it was a struggle for all involved. It shows how hard many Americans worked for liberty.”
A discussion of Nicholas Welch’s 1812 Land Grant and the Autobiography of Ma-Ka-Tai-Me-She-Kia-Kiak, better known as Black Hawk, leader of the Sauk/Sac Indian tribes, is set for 7 p.m., Monday, June 1, in the Anderson Home parlor on the Macoupin County Historical Society grounds. Under the Land Grant program, the government set aside more than five million acres in western Illinois to compensate American war veterans with large tracts of land. Though Welch never set foot in Illinois, the granting of land to him displaced Black Hawk from his home in the area of present-day Rock Island. The facilitated discussion will focus on original historic documents, juxtaposing Welch’s land grant with Black Hawk’s experience.
Because of the smaller, more intimate venue, reservations are required. RSVP to marytinder1@gmail.com to reserve a seat.
“Relive the Mother Road: The Edwards Trace,” a collective analysis of documents and a look at contemporary research will be led by Illinois Humanities Road Scholar Anna Sielaff, Friday afternoon, June 26, during an Old Fashioned Route 66 Jubilee on the Macoupin County Courthouse lawn. Sielaff will discuss the 3,000-year-old Edwards Trace, used by Native Americans and early Illinois settlers, that stretched from Cahokia to Peoria. Portions of the trace run through Macoupin County, and some sections lay along the original alignment of Route 66. Imagine Rural Arts also will lead an art project in connection with how the trail was marked.
The Old Fashioned Route 66 Jubilee event runs from noon into the evening with food, musical performances, literary presentations, games, food and other activities.
The date is significant for Carlinville and Route 66 since 6/26/26 happens to be our zip code! The Jubilee offers a variety of experiences and taking a deeper look at the Edwards Trace and the Mother Road is an interesting way to explore local history on this unique date and location, Tinder noted.
Continuing on to the July 4th holiday, Macoupin County high school and college students will read the Declaration of Independence aloud in the main courtroom of the historic Macoupin County Courthouse in Carlinville at 10 a.m. The event also will feature a display of more than 30 historic flags provided by the George Rogers Clark Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution. A facilitated discussion will follow the reading and participants will be invited to sign the “Macoupin County America @ 250 Time Capsule” book. The book will then be on display at the Macoupin County Historical Society, said Andrea Duncan, one of the organizers.
A unique and somewhat mysterious artifact from Macoupin County will be the subject of a presentation at 7 p.m., Monday, July 6, at the Historical Society’s Ruyle Genealogy Building. Sharon Breyden and husband Tommy Breyden will display and discuss the Black Hawk Tablet, uncovered in the 1940s on a farm near Hettick. The odd inscriptions on the lead medallion suggests Black Hawk and an early Macoupin settler formalized an agreement to peacefully coexist in central Illinois.
For the final program of the Carlinville Community Conversations series, Illinois Humanities Road Scholar Kim Sigafus, a member of the Ojibwa Native American tribe, will present “We the Native People” at 7 p.m., Thursday, July 16, at the Historical Society’s Ruyle Genealogy Building. The focus is on Native Americans at the time the Declaration of Independence was signed. The interactive program will use traditional story-telling and music to help audience members understand the groundswell changes in Native American culture and lifestyle resulting from American independence and subsequent western expansion.
For more information and details about the “History Belongs to All of Us” series, contact Carlinville Winning Communities Board members, Andrea Duncan, (217) 204-1446, or Mary Tinder, (217) 825-9699.
