Community News
Gillespie Council approves Yard Sale permit
Citizens of Gillespie will now have to obtain a yard sale permit before having a yard sale after Monday’s city council meeting on October 10. The Gillespie City Council amended Ordinance #11-15 in relationship to yard sales. The permit is going to be $10 for every yard sale in the city. The city passed the amendment after a 7-0 vote in hopes of preventing citizens from having a yard sale every weekend.
Lumpy questions the city about the demolition progress.
The council will have to post a yard sale permit similar to the building permit at the time of the yard sale. The council then discussed placing a town bulletin board up to display the yard sales, but further action will be taken at a later date.
Gus Ottersburg advised the city of the economic development proper executive equal opportunity grant awarded to the city. The grant was for the amount of $58,000 and will be used for public facilities.
Under new business, the council revised numerous ordinances:
- Resolution #11-15, the council voted 7-0 to modify the employees’ wage rate.
- Ordinance #11-10, the council granted conditional use permit to Dale Demkey to zone his residential area to commercial for the use of recycling.
- Ordinance #11-11, the council amended chapter 17, article 1, section 17-18 which states discharging of firearms within city limits is illegal. The council revised the section to include air pistols and paintball guns.
- Ordinance #11-12, direct the sale of real estate. The council owns property by the KC Hall and behind a school lot.
- Ordinance #11-13, the council approved the placement of a stop sign on Walnut Street at its eastbound intersection with Fulton Street.
- Ordinance #11-14, the council approved the placement of a stop sign on Walnut Street at its westbound intersection with Springfield Road.
The council recognized a few guests on hand during Monday’s nights regular scheduled meeting:
Rachel and John Hoppes spoke to the council regarding their property on 308 East Elm Street. The couple attended the meeting because of the letter he received in the mail concerning the cat litter. The couple used contaminated cat litter as a levee to prevent their yard from flooding from the culvert. In 2008, the couple removed all the cat litter and feces in the yard and replaced it with dirt. The couple built the levee up with dirt now to keep the water out and sodded the site. Dan Fisher addressed the couple, “The feces in the water is an issue because when the water dries, the feces dries, and then mosquitos feed on the feces and then the EPA gets involved.” The couple received a 30 day nuisance abatement and will be checked out to see if the problem is clear in the upcoming days.
Dave Link, Lumpy, just came to see if the demolition work on Macoupin Street was complete yet. “They are not done yet,” Dan Fisher said. Lumpy said he was wanting to start working on his front of the building, which is the window bay that was saved from the demolition. The south end will not be done yet for a couple weeks, Fisher went on to say. Some of the work that needs to be complete includes covering a well and working on a set of stairs that went down underground. “You make a list for us, and then we will take it to the contractors,” Fisher addressed Link.
John Hoppes shows the council the letter he received in the mail concerning the cat litter feces.
In new business, the council approved Halloween hours for 6:00-8:00pm on October 30 and October 31 after a 7-0 vote. The council then approved a bid from Chuck Fellin to replace the fencing around the Illinois Power lot for the amount of $1,475.00. The bid includes labor and the materials. The fencing will be seven feet tall.
Under a special request, Dave Tucker asked city attorney Kevin Polo about the liquor licenses. Polo said the city can change the number of licenses awarded per population, but the city cannot change the law that a resident outside the city can obtain a liquor license within the city unless they form a corporation.
The council has one person waiting for a license now. The council asked Polo to change the ordinance so they can incorporate two additional liquor licenses.
The council also voted to raise the liquor license fee from $275 to $300.
The council then discussed paying Curry for the completion of the water tower pending the EPA inspection. The bill was approved 7-0.
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The American Red Cross is proud to partner with the Mt. Olive VFW to host an upcoming blood drive on Thursday, May 29th, from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. This important community event aims to help save lives and provide critical blood supplies.
Presenting donors will receive an exclusive American Red Cross solar lantern, available while supplies last. Additionally, all donors will be automatically entered for a chance to win a U.S. trip of their choice for two — an exciting opportunity to explore new destinations.
Appointments are encouraged to ensure a smooth donation process, but walk-ins are also welcome. To save time on the day of the drive, donors are encouraged to complete RapidPass online on the day of the event.
The American Red Cross invites community members to participate, share, and help spread the word about this vital event. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit RedCrossBlood.org.
Help make a difference in our community — donate blood and help save lives!
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SUNDAY, APRIL 27, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 8th Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespass to property, criminal trespass to residence, and theft.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 8th Street in Benld in reference to an assault.
Anita S. Northcutt, 49 of Gillespie, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for unlawful use of possession of weapons by a felon.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Green Street in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 100 block of South Main Street in Benld.
An officer was dispatched to Hard Road in Benld in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to an animal complaint.
MONDAY, APRIL 28, 2025
An officer initiated a traffic stop at East Elm and Springfield Road in East Gillespie. Nathaniel D. Ward, 33 of Sawyerville, was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and illegal transportation of alcohol.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South 5th Street in Benld in reference to a domestic battery. Cody A. Barksdale, 28 of Benld, was arrested for domestic battery.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South Illinois Street in Benld in reference to a violation of an order of protection.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of South Second Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
TUESDAY, APRIL 29, 2025
William T. Overturf, 38 of Benld, was arrested on a warrant out of Macoupin County for failure to appear for criminal trespass to a vehicle.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to harassment through electronic communication.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of North Main Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Henrietta Street in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
An officer was asked to check out a suspicious vehicle that was parked in the 200 block of North Hard Road in Mt. Clare.
An officer was dispatched to Spruce Street and Second Street in reference to vehicles blocking the intersection.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Park Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Dorsey Road in Mt. Clare in reference to neighborhood trouble.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Park Avenue in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Park Street in Benld in reference to a medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Baker Street in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Litchfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to an alarm call.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30, 2025
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 200 block of Southern Street in reference to a medical assist.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a violation of an order of protection.
Robert M. Keffer, 37 of Benld, was arrested on an Edwardsville warrant for driving while license was suspended.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Main Street in Benld in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Green Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Park Avenue in reference to a neighbor dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Broadway Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue on South 5th Street in Benld.
THURSDAY, MAY 1, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 8th Street in Benld in reference to a dog at large. Ryan K. Horn, 42 of Benld, was issued a citation for dog at large.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 8th Street in Benld in reference to criminal damage to property.
An officer spoke with a male subject at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block to speak with a male in reference to a report of reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Dorsey Road in Mt. Clare in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Broadway Street and Kelly Street. Caleb D. Fraley, 19 of Jerseyville, was issued a citation for operating an uninsured vehicle.
FRIDAY, MAY 2, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of North Main Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Cedar Street in reference to a medical 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to East Locust and North 4th Street in reference to suspicious circumstances.
An officer was dispatched to Mt. Clare Drive in Mt. Clare in reference to a suicidal subject.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Richard Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to Dorsey Road in Mt. Clare in reference to an alarm sounding.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Park Street in Benld in reference to a medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to Benld City Park in Benld in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North 6th Street in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to neighborhood trouble.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to criminal trespass in the 200 block of West Walnut Street.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 8th Street in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Central Avenue in Benld in reference to suspicious circumstances.
SATURDAY, MAY 3, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 900 block of First Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Oak Street in Benld in reference to a suicidal subject.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Shelby Street in reference to a medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie City Cemetery in reference to a suicidal subject.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Walnut Street in Benld in reference to a domestic battery. Cynthia E. Randle, 64 of Benld, was arrested for domestic battery.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Chestnut Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Madison Street in reference to a suspicious noise.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Montgomery Street in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Walnut Street in Benld in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Berry Street in Mt. Clare in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Green Street in reference to a neighborhood trouble.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of North Main Street in Benld in reference to a civil standby.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Francis Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Walnut Street in Benld in reference to a fight. Kelly M. Lyons, 36 of Benld, was arrested for battery.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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FELONIES
Britteny D. M. Herr, 31 of Brighton, is charged with violation of a protection order in connection with an April 27 incident.
Camilla D. Cox, 29 of Carlinville, is charged with failure to return from furlough in connection with an April 21 incident.
Emily H. Eckhardt, 33 of Staunton, is charged with aggravated assault/use of a firearm/peace officer in connection with an April 30 incident.
Jacklyn M. Wichman, 30 of Decatur, is charged with possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams) in connection with an October 13, 2024 incident.
Matthew C. Tibbs, 32 of Virden, is charged with possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams) in connection with an April 19 incident.
Amy J. Williamson, 50 of Tovey, is charged with possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams) in connection with an April 19 incident.
Dominique M. Kierbach, 27 of Benld, is charged with possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams) in connection with an April 13 incident.
Brendan M. Stamper, 27 of Jerseyville, is charged with aggravated battery to someone pregnant or handicapped, criminal trespass to residence/person present, and battery/causing bodily harm in connection with an April 29 incident.
Rebecca L. Loker, 45 of Benld, is charged with possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams) in connection with an April 12 incident.
Christian A. Lyerla, 28 of Girard, is charged with aggravated battery of a peace officer in connection with an April 30 incident.
Elijah B. Deffenbaugh, 18 of Hillsboro, is charged with unlawful possession of a credit/debit card in connection with a March 29 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Bradyn A. Striplin, 18 of Carlinville, is charged with theft/unauthorized control (<$500) in connection with a February 5 incident.
Joseph D. Washington, 42 of Palmyra, is charged with possession of cannabis (>30<100 grams) in connection with an April 9 incident.
Eric M. Streeb, 36 of Staunton, is charged with disorderly conduct in connection with an April 30 incident.
Nicholas O. Landolt, 37 of Gillespie, is charged with resisting a peace officer/firefighter/corrections employee in connection with a March 24 incident.
TRAFFIC
Kyli K. Jackson, 21 of Jacksonville, is charged with driving on a suspended license and driving 15-20 mph above the limit in connection with an April 25 incident.
Randy L. Dean, 67 of Hillsboro, is charged with driving on a revoked license and driving 21-25 mph above the limit in connection with an April 23 incident.
Johnelle B. Crawford, 53 of Gillespie, is charged with driving on a suspended license, canceled/revoked/suspended registration, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with an April 25 incident.
Amy M. Hart, 41 of Granite City, is charged with reckless driving, disregarding official traffic control device, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and being unlicensed in connection with an April 23 incident.
Carl R. Albracht, 50 of Plamyra, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with an April 29 incident.
Jessica R. M. Green, 37 of Carlinville, is charged with driving on a suspended license and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with an April 29 incident.
Antonio C. Yorke, 25 of Des Plaines, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with an April 27 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Adam Priester versus Danielle Priester
- John Contratto versus Frankie Giles-Contratto
MARRIAGE LICENSES
- Grace Jenny Van Doren and Brandy Isabelle Lasko, both of Gillespie
- Brett Michael Lacy and Cambria Faye Admire, both of Virden
- Keith James Moreland and ELizabeth Ann Morgan, both of Mount Olive
- Kane Michael Sneed and Daphne Lynalexa Smith, both of WIlsonville
- Chandler McDaniel and Lilly Booth, both of Gillespie
- Dylan Reed Releford and ALyssa Marie Hermes, both of Carlinville
