Community News
Gillespie Council eyes bids for sewer re-lining project
Members of the Gillespie City Council on Wednesday night gave Mayor John Hicks power to act on accepting a contractor’s bid to re-line sewer mains in downtown Gillespie as a first step toward an extensive streetscape project to improve the appearance of the business district and stimulate economic growth. The council also approved new contracts to provide police protection to the villages of East Gillespie and Mt. Clare and voted to send a second candidate to Police Academy training, but tabled action on a proposed ordinance to govern residential fencing in the city.
The meeting was rescheduled from Monday night, the council’s regular meeting date, due to the Columbus Day holiday.
The meeting also featured a heated exchange between Ald. Bill Hayes and resident Randy Link, who announced his intention to run for an aldermanic seat next spring.
While city engineers Curry and Associates recommended accepting the low bid, the council ultimately opted to give Mayor Hicks power to act after discussing two bids received for a project to re-line sewer mains in downtown Gillespie. Hicks opened two bids for the project—one from Insituform Technologies, Inc., Chesterfield, Mo., in the amount of $529,435.60, and one from Visu-Sewer, Bridgeport, in the amount of $319,833. The project is the first phase of the city’s ambitious downtown streetscape project.
Ald. Landon Pettit, however, urged Hicks to consult with the engineers to ensure the bids are comparable before taking final action to accept either contract. Citing issues the city experienced with Haier Plumbing and Heating, Inc., on the recently completed water infrastructure project, Landon asked Hicks to check into any “overages” included in the bids.
“If the high bidder has an overage of three percent and the low bidder has an overage of five percent, the high bid may actually be lower,” Pettit said. “You see what I’m saying? I just don’t want to run into with what we had with Haier.”
Ultimately, the council voted unanimously to give Hicks power to act on a motion by Ald. Wendy Rolando, seconded by Dona Rauzi.
PUBLIC COMMENT
During a public comment segment, a discussion about residents parking vehicles on the sidewalk became heated when resident Dave Link accused Ald. Hayes of targeting him for alleged ordinance violations. Link has frequently appeared before the council to complain about residents parking on the sidewalk in some areas of the city, particularly on South Macoupin Street. During previous council meetings, Link alleged the city dealt with the problem by removing the sidewalks, and he has frequently accused city officials of failing to issue citations for the offense.
“We have an ordinance that prohibits parking on the sidewalk,” City Attorney Rick Verticchio told Link. “The police can’t be everywhere. If you see one parked on the sidewalk, I would suggest you call the police to issue a citation.”
“I’d hate to say anything,” Link commented. “If I call someone, they take the sidewalk out. Now they’re parking on the street.”
Link said Ald. Hayes had sent him a letter alleging Link had an unlicensed vehicle on the property at 111 Spruce Street in retaliation against Link apparently for his frequent appearances before the council. Link said he has no unlicensed vehicle at 111 Spruce.
Verticchio asked Link if he owned property at 114 Spruce. Link acknowledged he owned the property and that he had an unlicensed vehicle there. It was unclear whether Link received a citation or if Hayes’ letter was simply a notification of a violation. Still, Verticchio advised that if the case were in court, citing a mistaken address would not be a defense.
“That would be like saying, “Judge, I wasn’t driving 78 miles-per-hour, I was only going 75,” Verticchio said. “The judge is still going to find you guilty.”
Link insisted Hayes wrote to him as part of a long-term animosity against him. Meanwhile, Link cited numerous alleged ordination violations in Hayes’ ward, including some he claimed were on Hayes’ property.
“You’ve had a vendetta against Bill,” Ald. Pettit retorted, citing Link’s frequent criticism of Hayes.
“I’m just saying he needs to take care of his ward,” Link said. “If he can write me a letter, he needs to write a letter to some of his neighbors.”
“You can’t get out of an ordinance violation by saying there are other ordinance violations around,” said Verticchio.
Link said he wasn’t trying to “get out of” anything, but wanted to point out the disparity in Hayes calling him out for an ordinance violation while allegedly ignoring violations in his ward. He said he planned to correct the violation at 114 Spruce by covering the vehicle in compliance with the city code.
“Maybe you should run for city council,” Mayor Hicks said as he gaveled an end to the discussion.
“I’m going to,” said Link, apparently indicating he will be a candidate for the consolidated election.
POLICE PROTECTION CONTRACTS
Council members unanimously approved resolutions to provide police protection services to the villages of East Gillespie and Mt. Clare. Both contracts are for three-year terms. East Gillespie will pay a new rate of $600 per month, while Mt. Clare will pay $2,000 monthly. Both contracts have provisions for increasing rates mid-term if the city’s costs increase.
Ald. Dona Rauzi said city officials will meet with officials from Eagarville next month to negotiate terms for continuing to provide police protection in that community.
On the recommendation of Police Chief Jared DePoppe, the council voted to give DePoppe permission to send a second candidate to the Southwest Illinois Police Academy for training starting in January. DePoppe said he has identified the candidate for employment and plans to hire the individual when background checks and other formalities are completed.
Later in the meeting, Elijah Dannenbrink of Bunker Hill introduced himself to the council as a new hire for the Police Department, filling one of two full-time vacancies on the force. Council members previously approved Police Academy enrollment for one candidate for a full-time assignment.
DePoppe also arrived at the meeting with a certificate of appreciation to be presented to the individual who reported a suspicious vehicle in Benld which led to the arrest of a double-homicide suspect from Sangamon County. DePoppe announced, however, that the individual chose to remain anonymous and would receive the certificate privately.
DePoppe said he is continuing to collect information on a program to lease police patrol vehicles in lieu of purchasing them. Among the information he is awaiting is financial information to be provided by City Treasurer Dan Fisher, who did not attend Wednesday’s meeting. DePoppe said he expects to present the issue to the council next month.
“Again, I believe it is a very good program for the city,” he said. He said the program will allow the city to replace aging vehicles in a more timely manner while saving money.
The council took no formal action on a request from Officer Justin Klopmeier seeking permission for the department’s dispatchers to join the Fraternal Order of Police, which represents police in contract negotiations and labor disputes. Klopmeier said union representatives, local police and the dispatchers are in agreement in regard to switching unions. Dispatchers are expected to start negotiating a new contract in January.
While expressing no objection to the measure, the council took no formal action on advice of the City Attorney.
“I think it’s a good idea and it would make everything easier,” said Verticchio. “I don’t know that the city is in a position to approve anything tonight. Until they (dispatchers) come away from the other union, I don’t want the council to approve anything.” A premature approval, he said, may prompt the current union to sue the city for union interference.
WATER ISSUES
Water Operator Dave Pickett briefly reported to the council on improvements being made at the water treatment plant. He said plumping work is complete and work is progressing on upgrading electronic controls. Other changes, he said, should result in him being able to virtually eliminate overtime expenses at the plant.
Pickett also said he is experimenting with a new chemical which, if it proves successful, will reduce the cost of operation. The city spends about $73,000 annually for alum, lime and polymers.
“With the new product, rather than $73,000, you’re looking at $32,000,” he said. “It’s really looking good at this point.”
“We’re not getting any complaints and that’s the big thing,” Ald. Rick Fulton commented.
On a motion by Ald. Rauzi, the council agreed to send Zach Besserman to night classes to become certified as a water operator.
Ald. Rauzi said the city is continuing to collect phone numbers for residents who want to be added to a call system to receive phone messages advising of water main breaks, boil orders and other emergencies. At this point, she said the city has only 60 phone numbers out of 1,700 water customer households. She said water bills are going out with a message asking for Gillespie residents to submit their phone numbers, or customers may call city hall.
“We’re looking for everyone in Gillespie who would like to be added to the system,” she said.
POTENTIAL SKIDSTER PURCHASE
Mayor Hicks asked the Public Works Committee to return to the council next month with a proposal for the possible purchase of a new skidster. The directive followed a brief discussion led by Ald. Rauzi, who noted the council went on record last March that it would consider selling the city’s current skidster in the fall when prices would be up.
Pettit said the discussion last spring was about either selling the machine or using it as a trade-in for a new machine. He said the intent is still to use the machine as a trade-in.
“They’re thinking of going with Caterpillar,” he said. “It’s a little better machine, a little more durable.”
OTHER ACTION
No action followed a 15-minute executive session to discuss real estate and litigation.
In other action, the council:
- Accepted bids from Ringwood Motors, Ringwood, to sell two surplus police vehicles. The successful bidder agreed to buy a 2012 Chevrolet with no engine for $408 and a 2015 SUV for $1,080. The only other bids came from local bidders who bid $100 for each of the vehicles.
- Tabled action on a fencing ordinance after Ald. Rauzi raised questions about whether or not the ordinance should require a survey before allowing neighbors to erect fencing on the property line between neighboring properties.
- Agreed to extend a lake lot lease for permanent lake resident Dan Corbin for another eight years.
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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.
