Community News
Gillespie Council hears objections from landlords, tables action on inspection ordinance
Gillespie City Council (Archived photo)
The Gillespie City Council tabled action on an ordinance that would have changed requirements for housing inspections for rental properties during its regular monthly meeting Monday night after hearing objections from several landlords who said the new ordinance would unfairly penalize property owners who keep water service in their own name.
The proposed ordinance would have required annual housing inspections at a cost of $75 per year for properties where landlords keep the water service in their own names. Rental properties where the water service is in the name of the renter would have been inspected only when one tenant leaves and another tenant moves in. The objective of the ordinance was to encourage landlords to put water service in the names of their tenants to ensure the properties are inspected when tenants change.
Property owner Rusty Fredericks, however, told the council the proposed ordinance is unfair since the property owner, not the tenant, is responsible for unpaid water bills regardless of whose name is on the account. He said he has had instances when a tenant moved out while owing a water bill larger than what the renter’s water deposit would cover. In those instances, the property owner is responsible for paying the balance before water is turned on for a new tenant.
“I’d rather have the bill in my name so I can make sure it’s paid, since I’m responsible for it anyway,” Fredericks said, adding that property owners should be able to provide the city with some sort of alternative proof to show that the same tenant is living in a rental unit from one year to the next. “If I have proof the same person is living there, why should I have to pay for another inspection.”
[pullquote]The purpose of the ordinance was to encourage property owners to have water service in the names of their tenants[/pullquote]Fredericks also questioned a provision of the ordinance that would have required a $20 re-inspection fee if a property happens to fail the initial inspection. He said he might inspect a property for himself, make repairs and inadvertently miss one or two items. In such circumstances, he would be responsible for paying a $20 inspection fee. Fredericks suggested there should be a courtesy, one-time re-inspection free of charge. If the property fails the re-inspection, the owner could then be charged the full amount for a third inspection. The $20 re-inspection fee could be especially unfair for landlords who own multiple properties and could become liable for several hundred dollars in re-inspection fees simply to address relatively minor issues.
Mayor John Hicks said the re-inspection fee was in place in the proposed ordinance to cover the city’s cost of sending the housing inspector out for a second inspection.
Ald. Janice Weidner said the purpose of the ordinance was to encourage property owners to have water service in the names of their tenants so the city can make sure the properties are inspected before new tenants move in. “Otherwise,” she said, “we don’t know the comings and goings of who is living there.”
Fredericks argued that it should be the responsibility of the property owner, not the city, to provide notice of when tenants change and a housing inspection is required.
“We want it to be our responsibility,” Hicks said, “so we don’t having people living in places that haven’t been inspected. If it (the water service) is in the renter’s name, then we know when a renter moves out.”
Rick Fenton, who also owns rental properties in Gillespie, noted the proposed ordinance also would have created a discrepancy between owners of multi-unit properties where the water service for several apartments runs through a single meter and multi-unit properties that have separate water meters for each apartment. Under the proposed ordinance, a multi-unit property would be subject to re-inspection once a year if it has only one water meter, while each individual apartment would be inspected when tenants change in a multi-unit property with multiple water meters. Under that scenario, a property owner with water service in his or her name would pay $75 once a year for the entire building, while the owner of a building where apartment dwellers pay their own water bill would be required to pay $75 to inspect a single apartment when tenants move out.
Jeff Moss, who recently purchased a multi-unit building in Gillespie, said Ameren-Illinois has a program to notify city officials when utility services are switched to a new tenant, which would eliminate the need for the ordinance and relieve both property owners and the city of keeping track of when tenants move out and move in. City Attorney Kevin Polo, however, said Ameren has ended that practice except for larger cities that qualify as home-rule municipalities. Moss said he would contact Ameren and confirm whether or not Gillespie is eligible to participate.
Hicks, who appeared to initially defend the proposed ordinance, ultimately referred the issue back to committee “to consider what you guys have said and see if there is some kind of happy medium.” He invited the landlords to attend the committee meeting in two weeks and provide additional input into drafting a revised ordinance that achieves the city’s objectives while protecting the interests of the property owners. City Treasurer Dan Fisher advised the property owners to put their concerns in writing for presentation to the committee.
The expectation is that the committee will return to the council next month with a revised ordinance for possible action.
BACKHOE PURCHASE/CITY FINANCES
With one dissenting vote, the council agreed to borrow $60,000 over a period of five years for the purchase of a new backhoe to replace a nine-year-old machine the city currently owns. Public Works Committee Chair Jerry Dolliger reported during the last city council meeting that the current backhoe has significant issues with its hydraulic systems, causing the bucket to drop without warning when the machine is in transit and causing the backhoe to randomly lurch when it is being used to dig trenches. As a result, Dolliger had directed that no workers could be in the trench when the backhoe was in use as a safety precaution.
The committee proposed Monday night that the city trade in the old backhoe and buy a new John Deere backhoe from ERB Equipment, Mitchell, at a cost of $60,000. But Ald. Weidner said she reviewed the repair history for the machine now being used and questioned the necessity of the purchase.
“We really don’t have that many repairs in it,” she said.
Fisher concurred, saying that if the council was considering the purchase of a police car, it would take into consideration how much the city had spent in repairs for it and weighed the cost of needed repairs against the total value of the car. “What you have here is a $100,000 piece of equipment that is worth $30,000,” he said. “The question is would it cost $30,000 to fix it?”
[pullquote]That tractor is going to kill someone and that’s going to cost you a lot more than $60,000[/pullquote]Dolliger said a factor figuring into the decision to purchase a replacement has to do with the number of hours on the machine, not its age. With 4,500 hours of use, the trade-in is worth about $30,000. A year from now, he said, the trade-in value would be cut by about half.
“That tractor is going to kill someone,” said Street Department employee Landon Pettit, “and that’s going to cost you a lot more than $60,000.” He said he was struck by the bucket recently when he was standing five feet away from the hole when the bucket lurched to the side. The incident was not operator error, he said, noting that he was watching the operator at the time of the accident.
“You’re talking about spending $60,000 for a piece of equipment that isn’t going to kill someone and will give us more productivity,” Dolliger said. The backhoe is used by both the Street Department and Water Department for a number of tasks.
Fisher said the city has the money to make the purchase, but recommended that the purchase be weighed against other anticipated expenses over the next 12 to 24 months, including major infrastructure projects the city intends to undertake if it can secure grant money to subsidize some of the costs. Even with grants in place, Fisher said, the city will be required to provide matching funds. He asked for the Public Works Department to develop a list of major purchases that might be expected in the next two years. The Water Department reportedly has already identified about $6,000 in anticipated expenditures for pumping equipment. Dolliger said the committee also wants to spend about $3,000 to buy a spare pump for the sewer treatment operation.
Fisher also reported that a local bank is willing to loan money for the backhoe purchase if the city wished to finance the purchase.
“We can pay cash, we have the money,” he said, “but the bank is willing to loan it to us at two percent interest.”
Ald. Steve Kluethe’s motion to borrow $60,000 for the purchase was approved with Ald. Weidner casting the only negative vote.
In a related matter, Fisher provided council members with a financial report indicating the city has enough money on hand to cover about 2.9 times the city’s current obligations, just shy of the three times obligations that is recommended as a target for cash on hand.
“We are in pretty good financial condition despite late payments from the state,” he said. “But we have some big expenditures coming up. This money looks good on paper, but it could go away really quick.” He said the city has a total of about $1.5 million in reserve cash, but anticipates about $6 million in upcoming expenditures for infrastructure improvements including repairs to the dam at Gillespie Lake.
Though no action was taken Monday night, Fisher also recommended drafting an ordinance to increase sewer rates by $1 for the first 1,000 gallons and by 25 cents for each additional 1,000 gallons. The increase, if enacted, would generate close to $30,000 in additional revenue annually, according to Fisher–money that he says is need to cover increasing costs for providing sewer service and for anticipated future improvements and repair.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Council members took no immediate action after meeting in executive session for nearly an hour to discuss personnel and real estate issues. Agenda items apparently discussed but not acted upon included setting wages for the city’s non-union employees; revising language regarding the position of foreman included in a contract accepted last month between the city and Laborers International of North America Local 338, the union representing the city’s Public Works employees; and setting a staff meeting with city employees regarding the employee evaluation process.
Apparently as a result of executive session discussion, the council voted to raise the hourly wage for part-time Public Works employee Nathan Thornhill from $8.25 to $10, with a proviso that he can work no more than 30 hours per week.
Also based on discussion that took place in executive session, Fisher announced plans to raze the current Police Department building once the department has completed its move to new facilities on Pine Street. In addition, the Street Department would move into an existing green metal building located to the east of the current Police Department. The vacant property created by the demolition would be used to store salt, other materials and equipment. He recommended drawing up specifications for demolishing the old building and seeking bids for the project. He said the demolition and remodeling could be paid for with Tax Increment Financing funds.
Ald. Kluethe, Chairman of the Public Safety Committee, said he expect the Police Department to be out of the old building by late April or early May.
It was reported that Walnut Gardens, the Illinois Valley Economic Development facility for developmentally disabled adults, may be willing to take over the city’s collection facility for recyclable materials, which could free up additional space for the Street Department.
As part of the project, a generator located at the current Police Department would be moved to City Hall.
SCHOOL TAX
Community Unit School District Supt. Joe Tieman visited the council to provide information about an upcoming county-wide referendum to impose a one-cent sales tax for the benefit of local schools. He said he is prohibited from expressing an opinion on how people should vote, but wanted to make sure voters have the information they need to make an informed decision in March. A similar referendum failed in 2014.
“Since then, I’ve heard from a lot of people who either didn’t vote or voted no because they didn’t know what it was about,” Tieman said. He said city officials are welcome to refer people with questions about the issue to his office or to the school’s website. There also is a Facebook page devoted to the issue, he said.
The measure, if approved by voters, would add one cent of sales tax onto purchases in Macoupin County that are already subject to sales tax collections. Groceries, prescription drugs and other sales-tax exempt items also will be exempt from the school tax. CUSD 7 is expected to receive about 18.5 percent of the revenue collected, based on the number of students it enrolls–about $400,000 annually. The school board voted last month to devote 20 percent of the new revenue toward paying down bonds issued for the construction of the new Ben-Gil Elementary School.
The supplemental sales tax already has been approved in Greene and Jersey counties, Tieman said. The new revenue can be used only for school facilities and cannot be used for salaries.
LAKE LOTS & OTHER BUSINESS
The council approved a five-page lake lot lease agreement that not only incorporates a recently approved lake lot lease rate hike, but also outlines rules and regulations governing the lots. Ald. Jim Alderson requested a correction to one item which required all decks and patios to be elevated at least four inches off the ground, noting that the rule should not apply to paved patios. Ald. Frank Barrett agreed, noting that the stipulation was meant to apply to wooden decks only. The document also includes specifications regarding the size of cabins allowed on permanent lots and provides provisions for converting a “picnic lot” to a “permanent residence” lot.
Also regarding the lake, council members approved a lake lot transfer at 3 Stump Lane from William Bomkamp to Frank and Sherri Barrett. Barret abstained from the vote.
While voting to approve the document, Alderson said it seemed the city was allowing for an expansion in residential uses at the lake without having an overall master plan in place.
Kluethe, a member of the committee, agreed, but noted the new document “is a good first step” toward developing and management plan.
OTHER ACTION
- Referred to committee the issue of renewing a lease with Royell Communications for a communications tower located at the city’s impoundment lot. A three-year contract allowing the company to lease the tower for $240 a month has expired.
- Authorized the purchase of a Quickbooks program to streamline accounting processes in the City Clerk’s office. Power to act on the purchase was given to the committee. Fisher noted that in addition to streamlining accounting for the city, the program also includes links with the Water Department’s accounting system, creating the potential for creating detailed revenue and expenditure reports to guide future decisions.
- Agreed to purchase a tennis net at a cost of $416 for one of the city’s two tennis courts. Barrett said he still intends to use one of the courts for a batting cage, at least temporarily, to see if there is enough interest in having the facility and it doesn’t displace too many tennis players.
- Authorized the Lake Committee to buy a used refrigerator to replace one that has stopped working at a cost of $150, to be paid with cash generated from the sale of scrap metal from the lake. The refrigerator will be used for bait sold at the Lake Office.
- Approved a resolution regarding a deferred compensation plan update from Massachusetts Mutual. Polo said the document brings the plan’s administration into alignment with current IRS rules.
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SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2026
Edwin L. Rhodes, 68 of Gillespie, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for dangerous drugs/methamphetamine delivery.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Elm Street and Fulton Street. Sebastian S. Nessl, 31 of Gillespie, was issued citations for suspended registration due to no insurance, operating an uninsured vehicle, and expired registration.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Avenue and Hard Road in Benld. Ricky L. Murphy of Fillmore, was issued a citation for failure to change address and suspended registration.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Cottage Avenue in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Francis Street in reference to a child custody issue.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Pine Street. Adam M. Wagner, 33 of Benld, was issued citations for suspended registration and expired registration.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Avenue and Hard Road in Benld. April R. McNealy, 39 of Mt. Olive, was issued citations for disobeying a stop sign and expired registration.
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to a battery. Eric M. Streeb, 37 of Staunton, was arrested for aggravated battery.
Timothy J. Dalpozzo, 58 of Benld, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear on larceny.
An officer was out in the 200 block of East Locust Street in Benld in reference to a security check.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Oak Street in reference to a 911 call.
Kourtney K. Claro, 34 of Benld, was arrested on a Madison County Warrant for failure to appear on unlawful possession.
An officer was dispatched to the Gillespie Police Department to speak with a male in reference to identity theft.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to Clay Street and Park Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of West Burton Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to fraud.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of East Walnut Street in reference to an alarm sounding.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of North Main Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a stolen vehicle from the 200 block of North Kentucky in Benld.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Elm Street in East Gillespie. Hannah E. Naugle, 25 of Gillespie, was given a citation for expired registration.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Elm Street and Macoupin Street. Ruthie J. Kahl, 35 of Carlinville, was issued a citation for expired registration.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Illinois Avenue and Springfield Road in East Gillespie. Christopher T. Brickey, 30 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for driving while his license was suspended.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Illinois Avenue. Jess P. Barker, 69 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of South Hard Road in Benld in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to criminal trespass to property in the 400 block of Broadway Street.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 300 block of Park Avenue.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Francis Street in reference to a 911 call.
Anita S. Grizzle, 49 of Gillespie, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for possession of a controlled substance, dangerous drugs, and a Madison County warrant for failure to appear on dangerous drugs.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer recovered a vehicle that was reported stolen from the 200 block of North Kentucky Street in Benld.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of West Wilson Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Francis Street in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Oak Street in reference to a civil issue.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to fraud in the 200 block of North Kentucky Street in Benld.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of North 6th Street in Benld in reference to a civil issue.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Staunton Road and Hard Road in Mt. Clare. Chandler M. Hayes, 26 of Thayer, was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Avenue and 5th Street in Benld. Amanda L. Martinek, 35 of Mt. Olive, was issued a citation for operating uninsured vehicle.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2026
Cody R. Ikerman, 35 of Gillespie, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for driving while license was suspended.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to harassment in the 600 block of Broadway Street.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 200 block of North Hard Road in Mt. Clare in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Dorsey Street in Benld in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Oak Street in reference to criminal trespass.
The School Recourse Officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Horizon Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Street in reference to unwanted solicitors.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South 5th Street in Benld to assist DCFS.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of West Wilson Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at South Street and Macoupin Street. Claudette N. Cruse, 48 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for improper use of registration.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to harassment.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of North 2nd Street, 400 block of West Oak Street, and the 200 block of South 4th Street in Benld in reference to criminal defacement of property. The juvenile suspects were located.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Walnut Street in Benld in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of North 5th Street in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of West Oak Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to Schmidt Street in East Gillespie in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to suspicious activity.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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Stacy L. Marshall, 59 of Wilsonville, is charged with stalking/cause fear of safety and driving under the influence of alcohol in connection with a January 23 incident.
Jarod A. Fagan, 41 of Carlinville, is charged with aggravated use of a communications device/death, two counts of aggravated DUI/crash/death, driving under the influence of alcohol, registration expiration, improper traffic lane usage, transporting/carrying alcohol, and seat belt required in connection with a December 9 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Frederic J. Skinner, 22 of Carlinville, is charged with criminal damage to property (<$500) in connection with a December 30 incident.
Noel J. Kennon, 47 of Benld, is charged with criminal trespass to a building in connection with a January 12 incident.
TRAFFIC
Jessica D. Jackson, 37 of Girard, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a January 27 incident.
Mason C. Marquette, 18 of Virden, is charged with speeding 35+ mph over the limit and transporting/carrying alcohol in connection with a January 21 incident.
Joshua D. Strode, 48 of Chatham, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a January 18 incident.
Rhiannon P. Ewin, 26 of Carlinville, is charged with speeding 35+ mph over the limit and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a January 28 incident.
Denae L. Clements, 32 of Gillespie, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration and expired registration in connection with a January 27 incident.
Anna M. Bearup, 44 of Auburn, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a January 27 incident.
Amanda M. McDowell, 43 of Staunton, is charged with driving on a suspended license, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and expired registration in connection with a January 27 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Ellie J. Ondrey versus Zachary C. Ondrey
- Lillyan Hawkins versus Drew M. Hawkins
MARRIAGE LICENSES
- John Louis Osborne and Melissa Jeannine Harbaugh, both of Hettick
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SUNDAY, JANUARY 25, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Pine Street in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer spoke with the female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a child custody issue.
An officer was dispatched to Staunton Road and Southern Street in reference to a motorist assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Oak Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Abba Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of South Main Street in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South 5th Street in Benld in reference to a civil issue.
MONDAY, JANUARY 26, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Park Avenue in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Central in Benld by the Illinois Department of Transportation in reference to a vehicle that had been parked on their snow route, and they needed to be moved. Amy J. Arnold, 34 of Benld, was issued a citation for illegal parking.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Avenue and 5th Street in Benld. Dakota N. Lytle, 27 of Staunton, was issued a citation for operating an uninsured vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of South 5th Street in Benld in reference to a security check.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Park Street and Illinois Street in Benld. Alexander C. Richardson, 29 of Benld, was issued a citation for expired registration.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Dorsey Road in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North 4th Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was out in the 100 block of West Pine with a subject riding an ATV on the roadway.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Oak Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Elm Street, Chelsa R. Pruden, 36 of Staunton, was issued a citation for operating an uninsured vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of West Maple Street in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Hickory Street in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of North Kentucky Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Walnut Street. Denae L. Clements, 32 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for suspended registration for no insurance and expired registration.
The school resource officer assisted the Department of Children and Family Services in reference to a juvenile issue at Ben-Gil Elementary School.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Illinois Street in East Gillespie. Christian M. Garrison, 25 of Girard, was issued a citation for failure to change address.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to criminal trespass in the 300 block of North Kentucky Street in Benld.
The school resource officer was dispatched for a student who fled from school. The child was located and returned to her residence.
An officer was dispatched to Mt. Clare Drive in Mt. Clare in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was out with a vehicle in the ditch in the 300 block of Kelly Street, assisting until a tow truck could arrive.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Oak Street in reference to a 911 call.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
The school resource officer was dispatched to Gillespie High School in reference to a fight between two juveniles.
An officer was dispatched to the Gillespie High School in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a fight.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Staunton Road and Division Street in Mt. Clare. Donald E. Ruyle, 52 of Benld, was arrested for driving while license was suspended.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Dorsey Road in Mt. Clare in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was out at Francis Street and South Street in reference to a motorist assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Oak Street in reference to an animal complaint.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2026
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue on West Oak Street in Benld.
An officer was out in the 200 block of Locust Street in Benld in reference to a security check.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 30, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of North 6th Street in Benld in reference to theft. Tabitha M. Pratt, 39 of Benld, was arrested for theft, possession of another credit/debit card, and possession of a lost or mislaid credit/debit card.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Walnut Street in Benld in reference to a burglary.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Green Street in reference to criminal damage.
An officer was dispatched to North 8th Street in Benld in reference to a motorist assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Park Avenue in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a theft in Benld.
The school resource officer took a report of an assault on a juvenile and reported it to the Department of Children and Family Services.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 31, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Oak Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at 3rd Street and Dorsey Road in Mt. Clare. Gregory A. Boaz, 32 of Mt. Clare, was issued citations for expired registration and operating an uninsured vehicle.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Elm Street in East Gillespie. Isabelle G. Manning, 21 of Edwardsville, was issued citations for expired registration and operating an uninsured vehicle.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Broadway Street and LJ Ave. Jynnafer E. Marin, 44 of Coffeen, was issued a citation for driving on a suspended registration.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 300 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Broadway Street and Macoupin Street. Kerri D. Felchlin, 43 of Edwardsville, was issued citations for expired registration and operating an uninsured vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Easton Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South Street in reference to a civil standby.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
