Community News
Gillespie Council discusses fate of former Dollar General building
The Gillespie City Council appears likely to approve an ordinance establishing a vacancy tax to leverage occupancy for vacant downtown commercial properties. City Attorney Rick Verticchio agreed to write a draft ordinance for council action following a lengthy discussion during Monday night’s regular monthly council meeting regarding the status of the building that formerly housed the Dollar General Store at 109 N. Macoupin St.
The building has been vacant since Dollar General moved to a new building about five years ago. The building, which features early 20th century architectural details on the second-story facade, is listed for sale online for an asking price of $600,000.
Local business owner Ruth Loveless, who owns a business across the street, told the council she inadvertently became involved with the building’s current owners and their attempts to dispose of the property. Loveless said the building actually is owned by a 101-year-old man in New York who is the beneficiary of a trust. Getting the trustees to commit to anything in writing has been challenging, according to Loveless.
Originally, the trustees agreed to deed the building to the city with the provision the city would provide the estate with an appraisal placing the worth of the building at a minimum of $250,000. Based on local property values, the city apparently responded that no appraiser would place the value that high. After withdrawing the original offer, Loveless said the trust offered to pay for replacing the roof if the city could find a tenant willing to make repairs to the interior. In exchange, the trust reportedly agreed to allow the tenant to use the space rent-free for an unspecified period of time. Loveless said that offer fell apart when she pressed the trust to commit to the amount of time the tenant could use the building rent-free in writing.
More recently, she said the trust took all previous deals off the table and said they would attempt to sell the building outright in an “as-is” condition. The trust reportedly told Loveless they would not accept less than $250,000.
Loveless said her recommendation to the city would be to condemn the building and take possession via court order.
Verticchio said that option is not available to the city at this time. “I can’t tell you that building is in nuisance condition,” Verticchio said. The city attempted to declare the building a public nuisance last year, which prompted a building inspection by an engineer who confirmed the building is structurally sound. Even though the interior may not be fit for commercial use, Verticchio said there is no danger of bricks falling, etc., that would qualify the structure as a nuisance.
Ald. Dave Link, who sold the building to the trust, said he offered to buy it back for what he paid for it originally—$37,500—but was told the owners “would rather let it fall in than sell it for that price.”
“If they did that, we could take action,” Verticchio said, “when things start falling off and threatening public safety.”
Treasurer Dan Fisher offered a “vacancy tax” as a possible incentive for property owners to find tenants for their spaces. He said he learned of the strategy from attending municipal conferences where other communities reported having success with the tactic.
“This is not an uncommon problem,” he said. “You have to have a Downtown Business Association, which we have.” The tax can be stringent and can be collected after an extended period of time during which a building has been vacant. He said the period of time before the tax is imposed should be fairly liberal to give owners time to locate a tenant when their property becomes vacant.
Verticchio agreed to research the issue and draft an ordinance for the council to review.
NEW BOAT DOCK
After several minutes of discussion, the council voted to accept a $253,757 bid from Blue Ridge Boat Docks, Lake of Egypt, to build a new multi-slip boat dock at the New Gillespie Lake. The company expects to start construction the first or second week of May and have the facility available for use by the Memorial Day weekend.
Two other bids, ranging from $378,900 to $475,280, were received for the project.
The city received a $200,000 grant to subsidize the project and discussion Monday night focused on where the remaining $53,000 would come from and whether or not the city should authorize the additional expense. Fisher said he expected the city’s share of the project would come from the Lake Fund and the Bond & Interest Fund, but several aldermen expressed concerns about spending the money at all.
The measure passed unanimously, however, after Ald. Landon Pettit pointed out that failing to use the grant money would not only cost the city $200.000 but also jeopardize future grant applications.
CEJA GRANT APPLICATION
On Fisher’s recommendation, the council unanimously authorized the Mayor to sign a grant application for grant funds under the federal Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) program. The grants are aimed at helping to replace lost revenue resulting from the idling of the Shay Coal Mine, formerly Monterey Coal, in Brushy Mound Township. Taxing bodies within 20 miles of the mine.
To reduce costs associated with the application process, Fisher said Gillespie will act as the sponsoring agency for 17 other taxing entities. In addition to the City of Gillespie, the associated applicants include Community Unit School District 7, the Gillespie-Benld Area Ambulance Service, Gillespie, Cahokia and Brushy Mound Townships, the Benld and Gillespie public libraries, and the communities of Benld, Staunton, Bunker Hill and Royal Lakes.
If the application is successful, Fisher said the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity will award a lump sum which will be distributed among the other applicants. Individual awards will amount to a minimum of $50,000, Fisher said.
DUMPSTER ORDINANCE
Verticchio agreed to draft an ordinance for action next month regarding oversized trash dumpsters in residential areas after a brief discussion about the issue.
“I don’t think dumpsters belong in residential areas on a permanent basis,” Mayor Hicks told the council. There were several minutes of debate, however, before the council agreed to ban dumpsters in excess of three yards in size in residential areas. The new ordinance will carve out exemptions for temporary dumpsters placed for construction, remodeling and similar projects. In those instances, the dumpsters can remain no longer than 30 days without council approval.
“If you’re going to do this, they need to be off the sidewalk and off the city right-of-way,” Ald. Link noted.
PORTABLE BUILDING SETBACKS
In response to questions from Ald. Link, Verticchio agreed to write a draft ordinance for council action next month regarding setback rules for portable storage buildings and unattached carports. Link initially wanted to know if such structures were subject to building permit requirements.
Ald. Pettit said such structures currently are not subject to the property tax code and are exempted from needing a building permit unless they are not erected on a permanent foundation. “As of right now, there’s nothing on our books,” he said, regarding building permits or setbacks for portable structures.
Link suggested portable buildings should be subject to setbacks outlined in the zoning code in consideration of fire hazards to neighboring properties, and Verticchio agreed to write a proposed ordinance.
Also in response to Link, Verticchio advised he would write a draft ordinance to require housing inspections on an annual basis for rental properties. Link said he was approached by a landlord who said he would welcome annual inspections to protect his properties. Currently, housing inspections are required only before a new tenant moves in after a former tenant moves out. Annual inspections, the landlord told Link, would have prevented his property from being damaged by a tenant who allowed a water leak go unaddressed for several years, causing structural damage to his property.
Earlier in the meeting, Gillespie landlord Tim Loveless addressed the council over his concerns regarding a recently approved ordinance governing the operation of Airbnbs. Loveless, who operates one Airbnb in the city, said the ordinance is “an affront” to the “freedom to start and run any business without governmental interference.” Loveless said the ordinance unfairly targets Airbnbs by imposing a tax on the proceeds.
Loveless asserted he would close his operation rather than comply with the new ordinance, adding that having places to stay for short-term visitors is a benefit to the city.
Loveless also briefly addressed concerns about a dumpster at his newly relocated business office.on Spruce Street. He said he uses a backhoe to press down trash in the dumpster and any trash that escapes is picked up immediately.
In a related matter, Ald. Rauzi encouraged aldermen to report substandard housing units in their wards so the properties can be added to a growing list of potential nuisance properties. Rauzi said there are at least 24 houses on the list now, with three or four burned out houses yet to be added.
Additionally, Ald. Rolando said she would write an ordinance citation against the owner of a property on Oak Street who allegedly piled debris from a downed tree on the sidewalk, and allowed junk to accumulate on the property. She said she would ask the Police Department to serve the ticket on the defendant.
REMOTE VOTING AND PARTICIPATION
On the recommendation of Ald. Rauzi, the council authorized Verticchio to draft an ordinance permitting council members to participate and vote during council meetings via telephone or Zoom. Rauzi said municipalities routinely held remote meetings during the COVID crisis but at least one municipality encountered legal issues after allowing a member to vote remotely after the pandemic ended.
Rauzi said several council members travel extensively in connection with their jobs and remote voting will better ensure full participation.
“This will put it on our books so there is no question about whether it’s allowed,” Ald. Pettit commented.
ORDINANCE OFFICER
A proposal to hire a special officer to enforce ordinance violations was put on hold after Ald. Rauzi said the concept will need extensive thought and work. She said she contacted the City of Benld, which has a police protection contract with Gillespie, and was told the neighboring community is interested but wants more details before signing on.
“How are we going to pay for it?” Rauzi asked. “How many hours are they going to work? I think it is going to require quite a bit of work.”
THUMBS DOWN ON UTV PURCHASE
Council members narrowly defeated a measure to purchase a new Utility Vehicle (UTV). Ald. Bob Fritz said the new equipment is needed and presented eight bids ranging from $10,562 to $20,662. Mayor Hicks, however, said the city could buy a used UTV for $5,500 and that there currently is no place to store the vehicle when not in use. Moreover, he suggested the expenditure would be unwise when the city is facing costs of up to a half-million dollars to build a new city garage and renovate the former Fire Department space for use by the Police Department.
The UTV currently used by the Street Department is under a lease that will end at the end of this month.
When brought to a vote, the council tied with Ald. Frank Barrett, Bill Hayes, Pettit and Fritz voting “yes,” and Ald. Janet Odell-Mueller, Dona Rauzi, Wendy Rolando and Link voting “no.”
Forced to break the tie, Mayor Hicks voted “no,” but urged Fritz to bring the issue back next month when the city might have a better idea about financial resources available for the purchase.
NEIGHBOR COMPLAINT
Verticchio told Shelly Montgomery there was nothing the council could do to help her after the Park Avenue resident complained about numerous bogus police calls to her house, allegedly instigated by her neighbor. Montgomery said she moved into her home last October. Since that time, her neighbor has called police to her home no fewer than eight times. Further, she alleged the neighbor has set up surveillance cameras aimed onto her property and into her home in violation of her property rights.
“Nobody in my block is a criminal,” Montgomery said. “It has to stop. We have to be able to live in our own homes without being harassed.”
Verticchio said the city council has no power to address Montgomery’s complaint, but suggested she could retain a private attorney to pursue a civil lawsuit. In the alternative, he recommended she contact the Police Department to see if the neighbor has criminal liability, in which case her complaint might be referred to the States Attorney for prosecution.
Comments
FELONIES
Austen W. Nieder, 31 of Gillespie, is charged with aggravated battery in a public place in connection with an October 20 incident.
Nathan A. Baker, 47 of Hettick, is charged with obstructing justice/destroying evidence, driving under the influence of alcohol, and illegal stopping/standing/parking in connection with an April 13 incident.
Teresa K. Tucker, 83 of Benld, is charged with aggravated battery/use of a deadly weapon and domestic battery causing bodily harm in connection with an October 26 incident.
Janet L. Andrews, 44 of Gillespie, is charged with possession of a controlled substance, DUI any amount of drug, driving under the influence of alcohol, failure to reduce speed, carrying/displaying license, and transporting/carrying alcohol/driver in connection with an October 31 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Jamie M. Griffiths, 53 of Palmyra, is charged with violation of an order after being served a notice in connection with an October 24 incident.
TRAFFIC
Aiden A. Knodel, 18 of Mount Olive, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit in connection with an October 17 incident.
Matthew T. Troeckler, 38 of Mount Olive, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with an October 18 incident.
James C. Fitzwater, 54 of Mount Olive, is charged with driving on a revoked license and disregarding a stop sign in connection with an October 18 incident.
John E. Tisdale, 43 of Modesto, is charged with headlight violation and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with an October 27 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Jacquelyn Simons versus Jason Simons
- Ashline L. M. Harris versus Jeffrey Harris
- Jennifer L. Parker versus Darrin C. Parker
- Heather R. Elliot versus Ray K. Elliot III
MARRIAGE LICENSES
- Jesse Clay Wright and Rebecca Lyn Mouser, both of Gillespie
- Colin David Robertson and Earl Reah Pastidio Sacabin, both of Staunton
- Gary Eugene Bellm and Micky Sue Cody, both of Virden
- Michael David Pratt and Bailey Ann Schmidt, both of Staunton
Comments
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2025
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Litchfield Road in East Gillespie. Cheri L. Bagwell, 48 of Carlinville, was arrested for operating a vehicle with a suspended driver’s license, improper use of title, operating an uninsured vehicle, and operating a vehicle without valid registration.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Street in Benld in reference to a domestic battery. Teresa K. Tucker, 83 of Benld, was arrested for aggravated domestic battery.
An officer was dispatched to the 900 block of South Madison Street in reference to a death investigation.
Skylar A. Stewart, 33 of Gillespie, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for methamphetamine delivery.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 500 block of East Central Avenue in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 300 block of North Kentucky in Benld.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a juvenile issue that took place in the 100 block of North Macoupin Street.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Illinois Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of West Wilson Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Spruce Street in reference to illegal burning.
An officer was dispatched to Fillmore Street and Burton Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of East Burton Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to 6th Street in Benld in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Oak Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of North 8th Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of North 5th Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute. Peyton R. Pehrson, 26 of Benld, was issued a citation for disorderly conduct.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Olive Street in reference to a death investigation.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of East Easton Street in reference to an ordinance issue. Richard D. Grove, 76 of Gillespie ,was issued a citation for nuisance prohibited-obstructed alleyway.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Avenue and Hard Road in Benld. Summer J. Blevins, 24 of Gillespie, was issued citations for uninsured vehicle and suspended registration.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South 1st Street in Benld in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to Burton Street and Fillmore Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South 5th Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute. Lucas I. Smith, 35, of Benld was arrested for domestic battery.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Henrietta Street in reference to a medical call.
An officer initiated a traffic stop in the 2300 block of Staunton Road in Benld. Jessica M. Brackman, 34 of Gillespie, was arrested on a Madison County warrant for fraud/bad checks. She was also issued a citation for expired registration.
Douglas D. Davis, 58 of Pekin, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for driving while license was revoked.
Melissa J. Hughes, 50 of Benld, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for theft.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Central in Benld, in reference to an animal complaint
An officer was out on North Main Street in Benld in reference to a motorist assist.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to reckless driving in the 300 block of North 6th Street in Benld.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to assisting Animal Control with a call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Henrietta Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Central Avenue in Benld in reference to a medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Avenue and Walnut in Benld. Donald E. Bruhn, 66 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for driving while license was revoked.
An officer assisted the City Alderman at Gillespie Lake on a call in the 15000 block of Oak Ln.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Broadway Street in reference to a battery. James J. Hamilton, 19 of Brighton, was issued citations for battery and illegal consumption by a minor. Joshua T. Reese, 19 of Jerseyville, was issued citations for battery and illegal consumption by a minor. Kyle T. Yate, 19 of Wood River, was issued citations for battery and illegal consumption by a minor.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Berry Street in Mt. Clare in reference to an altercation and a suspicious vehicle.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Elm Street. Jessica M. McCoy, 27 of Eagarville was issued a citation for driving while license was suspended.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Mor Street in East Gillespie. Teresa C. Dickerson, 45 of Mt. Olive ,was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Harding Avenue in East Gillespie in reference to an ordinance issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Shelby Street in reference to a violation of an order of protection.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of South 6th Street in Benld in reference to an assault.
An officer was dispatched to South 2nd Street in Benld in reference to an alarm sounding.
An officer was dispatched to Kentucky Street in Benld in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Elm Street to speak with a female in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer was dispatched to Big Brick Park in reference to juvenile issues.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Gillespie Street in reference to a neighbor dispute.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 300 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to a criminal trespass warning.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie. Thor S. Barnes, 45 of Benld, was arrested for criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Chestnut Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Broadway Street in reference to a dog running at large.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 300 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of South 4th Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to East Chestnut Street and 2nd Street in Benld in reference to a suspicious noise.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South Illinois Street in Benld in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to South Macoupin Street and West Burton Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 200 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie.
An Officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Walnut in reference to an unwanted solicitor.
An Officer was dispatched to 5th Street in Benld in reference to reckless driving.
An Officer was dispatched to the 400 block of East Maple Street in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Comments
Believed to be First Work Solely Dedicated to Illinois in the Revolution
A new book on Illinois’ leaders and actions in the Revolutionary War helps celebrate America 250 with an array of little-known stories to inspire and excite readers.
Illinois in the Revolutionary War provides fast-moving, easy-to-read narrative on the events that took place in present-day Illinois during the American Revolution, forty years before statehood. Many of the stories in the book have been overlooked in the 250 years since they happened.
Written by acclaimed Carlinville author Tom Emery, the book is believed to be the first work solely devoted to the state in the Revolution.
“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.”
The book provides much narrative on the dominant figure in the war in Illinois, George Rogers Clark, and his daring capture of Kaskaskia. Clark’s march to the stronghold of Vincennes, which was sometimes through frigid, chest-deep water, is covered in detail.
Information on many of Clark’s lieutenants, including Capt. Joseph Bowman and others, is included, as is a balanced look at the state’s American Indians during the conflict.
Illinois in the Revolutionary War also discusses the 1780 expedition that carried all the way to the present-day Quad Cities, as well as clashes at St. Louis and present-day Michigan that affected Illinois.
The legacy of the war in Illinois, including the celebrated visit of the heroic Marquis de Lafayette to Illinois, the many place names for Revolutionary figures in the state, and the hundreds of Revolutionary veterans buried in Illinois, are also detailed.
Illinois in the Revolutionary War includes in-depth research and an array of artwork, as well as a full bibliography, complete footnotes with annotation, and index.
The book was reviewed by several leading scholars, including Taylor Pensoneau of New Berlin, a former Illinois statehouse reporter for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch with extensive knowledge of Illinois history and politics. Dr. Samuel Wheeler of Springfield, a highly regarded historian and member of the Illinois Supreme Court Historic Preservation Commission, also reviewed the work, as did Kevin Kaegy of Greenville, an authority on the pre-statehood history of southern Illinois.
Illinois in the Revolutionary War appeals to readers of all ages, both sexes, and any level of interest in history, including students, with a fresh look at a topic that has been sorely underwritten in the history of the state. The book also honors the ongoing 250th anniversary celebrations of the United States.
The book sells for $19.95 plus $4.86 postage and $1.19 tax ($26 total). Delivery is expected in mid-December, well in time for Christmas, and supplies will be limited.
Orders may be placed with PayPal (use the e-mail enjoyhistorytoday@gmail.com) or by mail by sending your name, address, phone, and check or money order to History in Print, 337 E. Second South, Carlinville, IL 62626. For more information, call 217-710-8392.
