Community News
Gillespie Council approves zoning change for solar power field
Members of the Gillespie City Council on Tuesday night voted 7-1 to approve a zoning change to accommodate a proposed solar field project on the east side of the city. The 45-acre project site, located off Washer Road, technically is outside the corporate limits but falls within a 1.5-mile buffer zone subject to city zoning.
The regular monthly meeting was switched from Monday to Tuesday because of the Columbus Day holiday.
Acting upon the recommendation of the Zoning Board, the council approved an ordinance changing the property’s designation from “open spaces” to “conditional use.” The conditional use designation allows the city to approve projects on a case-by-case basis, as opposed to “permitted use,” which would allow any entity to develop a project on the project as long as they had a proper permit. Conditional use requires a hearing before the Zoning Board during which the applicant must present evidence regarding the nature of the project and how the project will benefit the community. That hearing was held before the Zoning Board two weeks ago, after which the board voted unanimously to recommend reclassifying the property.
Jim Griffin, representing Cypress Creek Renewables, told the council Monday night that the proposed solar field will generate electricity that will go onto the Ameren power grid. Local residents can become subscribers, which will save them an estimated 10 percent on their monthly power bills.
“It will bring significant economic benefits,” Griffin said, “and it will bring additional tax dollars for local taxing bodies.”
The project is part of the state’s solar energy initiative authorized by the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, which became law two years ago. The legislation sets a target of meeting 50 percent of the state’s energy needs with renewable energy sources by 2040, and establishes a 10-year ramp-up to build a network of community solar projects capable of generating five megawatts each.
Having cleared the zoning hurdle, the proposed project will need state approval before construction begins.
Letitia Lew, a Cypress Creek engineer overseeing the project, said the proposed project site is located on the south side of Washer Road on the east side of the city. The estimated $10 million project will generate enough electricity for about 1,100 homes.
Previously released information indicates Cypress Creek plans to spend about $4 million locally during construction and provide about 21 prevailing wage jobs. When the system is up and running, Cypress Creek estimates it will contribute $40,000 a year to the local economy.
The expected lifespan of the project is 40 years, after which the developers are obligated to remove solar panels and infrastructure—essentially returning the site to it’s original condition.
The council accepted the Zoning Board’s recommendation on a motion by Ald. Bob Fritz, seconded by Ald. Bill Hayes. Ald. Wendy Rolando cast the sole negative vote. Rolando offered no reason for her vote but hers was one of two votes cast against the project in
June when Cypress Creek first approached the city for a hearing before the Zoning Board.
CATS, CATS, CATS
Ald. Rolando pledged to reach out to 4 Paws 4 Rescue, a St. Louis-based no-kill animal shelter, after three residents complained to the council about a proliferation of feral cats in their neighborhood. Bonnie Robinson, a resident of the neighborhood located two blocks east of Macoupin Street on Maple Street, said 15 to 20 cats were left behind at a house in the neighborhood when the tenants moved away. She said she has since heard that another family plans to move into the area with another 15 or more cats.
Robinson said the cats have not been neutered or vaccinated, pose a health hazard and are reproducing.
“No one is taking care of them,” said Tina Whitfield, another neighbor. “The whole neighborhood smells of cat poop.” Young children, she said, cannot play in sandboxes outside because of the cat waste.
Mayor John Hicks said feral cats are a problem in other parts of the city as well. “I can sympathize with your problem,” he said, adding that some people exacerbate the issue by regularly feeding strays. He said he once proposed trapping and neutering stray cats to preclude them from breeding and expanding the population.
Ald. Rolando noted that city ordinances limit the number of cats a resident can maintain but that ordinance will not address the issue of stray cats. Adopt-A-Pet animal shelter in Benld is filled to capacity, she said, as are other no-kill shelters in the immediate area. Additionally, Macoupin County Animal Control has implemented a policy of responding to municipal complaints only when a single animal has been identified as a threat to public safety.
Responding to a suggestion from another resident at the meeting, Rolando said she would contact 4 Paws 4 Rescue to see if they would accept cats for shelter and adoption. If a facility can be found, the city can then begin a program to trap and remove feral cats in the neighborhood.
“I have nothing against cats,” Robinson said. “I have something against 20 or 30 cats.”
SPECIAL MEETING
Council members agreed to meet in special session at 6 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 18, to consider a new contract with the Fraternal Order of Police, as well as a memorandum of understanding extending Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund benefits to all city employees.
City Attorney Rick Verticchio said the city’s negotiating committee reached an agreement with the police union but copies of the new contract had not yet been provided to all members of the council. He said the council could schedule a special meeting after the bull council had an opportunity to review the contract or it could simply vote to accept the recommendation of the negotiating committee. The negotiating committee included Verticchio, City Treasurer Dan Fisher, Chief of Police Jared DePoppe and aldermen Dona Rauzi and Bill Hayes.
When council members started to ask specific questions about provisions of the contract, Verticchio reiterated his opinion that it would be more practical to hold a special meeting.
The new contract, when approved, will cover police officers and dispatchers. It will be retroactive to Jan. 1 and will remain in effect until May 31, 2025.
A provision of the contract will allow police department employees to participate in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund. IMRF rules preclude the city from offering that option to only one classification of employees. Consequently, the council will consider during the special meeting a memorandum extending the IMFR option to all employees.
Ald. Rauzi said she may also present a recommendation during the special meeting for a caterer to cater the city’s annual Seniors Christmas Dinner on Dec. 3.
No action followed a 15-minute executive session requested by Ald. Rauzi to discuss real estate.
THREE-WAY STOP INTERSECTION
Over the objection of Ald. Janet Odell-Mueller, the council approved an ordinance to make the intersection of South Street and Chestnut Street a three-way stop. The intersection currently is a one-way stop, with yield signs for the other two approaches.
“The problem is people don’t yield,” Mayor Hicks said.
“There seems to be a lot of stop signs going up in this part of town (pointing northwest) and not so much in this part (pointing southwest),” Ald. Mueller said. “You don’t put up stop signs for speed control. You need to have a traffic study done to decide where you really need a stop sign.”
Mayor Hicks, however, pointed out the Police Department concurred with the need to make the intersection a three-way stop.
Brought to a vote on a motion by Ald. Landon Pettit, the measure was approved on a 7-1 vote.
“What Jan brought up is absolutely correct,” Treasurer Fisher commented after the vote. “You can’t use stop signs for speed control. We probably do need to tap the brakes on adding stop signs just because someone requested one.”
HALLOWEEN EVENT INSURANCE
After a sometimes heated exchange, the council voted 6-2 to subsidize the cost of liability insurance for a Halloween event planned at Gillespie Lake. The Spooky Halloween Fright is set for Friday evening, Oct. 20, and all day on Saturday, Oct. 21, and Saturday, Oct. 28. Theresa Pettit, who is planning the event along with several other lake residents, approached the council in August to ask the city’s permission to hold the event on city-controlled property.
At that time, the council voted to waive a $20 permit fee for participating vendors but stopped short of authorizing the event until the sponsors could provide proof of insurance. Pettit went into some detail regarding her search for an insurance policy, including consideration of adding the event to the city’s policy for an additional cost. She brought documentation to show she found a policy with a premium of $411, which she acquired in her name and submitted a request for the city to reimburse the cost of the policy.
City Attorney Verticchio and some aldermen, however, objected to Pettit having apparently distributed fliers identifying the event as a city-sponsored event. Verticchio said the council told Pettit last month that the group would need to get its own insurance for the activities but did not agree to any kind of sponsorship.
“I don’t know how you could leave that meeting thinking the city was sponsoring this event,” Verticchio said. “Yet, you have fliers all over town saying the city is sponsoring this event.”
Pettit agreed the fliers were in error. The sponsoring group was under the impression the city would reimburse them for the insurance. At other events when the city or other donors have subsidized specific aspects of activity, the sponsoring group has posted signs saying a particular band or attraction was “sponsored by” whoever provided the money. She characterized it as a courtesy to acknowledge donors. She told council members that any future fliers would eliminate any mention of city sponsorship.
“I think it’s a moot point,” Ald. Rolando said. “Next year, we will know the protocol.”
Ald. Hayes said he saw no difference between providing money for insurance and providing money for a band, which is a fairly common practice for the council. Fisher agreed, saying that the city occasionally donates $500 to an organization that can be used to hire a band but that does not mean the city is a sponsor of the event.
Brought to a vote, the council approved the expenditure with Ald. Dave Link and Ald. Rauzi voting “no.” Ald. Pettit, son of Theresa Pettit, voted “present.” In addition to vendors, the event will feature bounce houses, games and crafts for kids, a chili cook-off, a wings cook-off, a fishing tournament, bonfires, and a “haunted” trail. There will be a cakewalk, best costume contests and a best decorated campsite contest. Additional activities include a scavenger hunt, pumpkin decorating, raffles, 50/50 drawings, a trunk or treat event and a costumed Halloween parade.
BACKGROUND CHECKS
Mayor Hicks appointed an ad hoc committee to make a recommendation regarding the type of background checks the city would require for potential lake lot renters. Previously, persons seeking to enter into a lake lot lease were subject to a “soft” background check that could be completed in a few minutes online. More recently, city officials demanded a more detailed check conducted through the Illinois State Police.
Lake Committee Chair Ald. Frank Barrett said the more detailed checks were taking up to three months to get back, creating unreasonable delays in approving lease applicants.
“I don’t know why this is even being changed,” said Lake Manager Gary Thornhill. He said he checked with surrounding municipalities and discovered most of them require no background check at all. “In their lease, it states that if the police are called out to their cabin, their lease will be terminated.”
“So they just wait until there is a problem?” Mayor Hicks asked. “I think it would be better to find out if there is a problem before rather than after.”
Barrett lobbied to return to soft background checks. “We’ve only had a handful of problems,” he said, “and we were able to get rid of those ourselves.”
Hicks appointed Barrett, Thornhill and Police Chief DePoppe to work on a recommendation to bring back to the council.
OTHER ACTION
In other action, the council:
- Set trick-or-treating hours from 5 to 8 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday, Oct. 30 and 31.
- Approved installation of a total of four street lights at Gillespie Lake and the Welfare Park ballfields.
- Formally approved a resolution amending the lake lot lease agreement for full- and part-time residents, setting the monthly rental fee at the same level. The changes means part-time residents can use their lots for short-term stays throughout the year instead of limiting their use to the spring-fall season.
- Formally approved an ordinance amendment incorporating new rules regarding the operation of golf carts within the city limits. The changes require golf carts to be equipped with seatbelts and reduces the legal age of operators from 18 to 16, provided the operator has a valid driver’s license.
- Approved payment of $1,159 from the Tax Increment Finance Fund to Poggenpohl Redi-Mix, Carlinville.
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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.
