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Gillespie Council hires full-time police officer, approves Gerdes detective assignment

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Mayor John Hicks signs the audit presented by Brenda Masters-Stout, an account with Flemming-Tawfall Certified Public Accountants.

A reticent Gillespie City Council on Monday night concurred with Police Chief Jared DePoppe’s recommendation to make Laurie Gerdes’ assignment as detective a permanent position, and to hire a full-time officer to essentially fill Gerdes’ former assignment as a patrol officer and reduce the need for overtime to fill vacant shifts. Making Gerdes’ assignment as detective comes at the conclusion of a six-month trial period to determine whether or not having a full-time investigator was effective.

In other action, the council accepted the city’s annual audit and authorized City Attorney Kevin Polo to enter into negotiations with the Laborers Union to hopefully resolve a grievance regarding health insurance coverage without going to arbitration.

Both DePoppe and Ald. Steve Kluthe, Police Committee Chair, recommended permanently assigning Gerdes as detective and promoting T.J. Rakey from a part-time officer to a full-time position. Gerdes was appointed detective in June on a temporary basis to serve a six-month trial to determine whether or not a permanent assignment was warranted. From June to the end of December, DePoppe said, Gerdes has been involved with investigating nearly 45 criminal cases, the majority of which have been resolved. She also has been responsible for organizing and maintaining the Police Department’s evidence room to ensure a proper chain of custody for evidence. “Cases are won or lost on evidence,” DePoppe said.

In addition, DePoppe said Gerdes has covered Sunday patrol shifts when needed and provided back-up on an as-needed basis. She also has taken on responsibility for maintaining the city’s sex offender registry and parole list, which has resulted increased compliance among sex offenders registering when required and an increase in the collection of registration fees.

Prior to Gerdes’ reassignment, DePoppe said he alone had been responsible for investigations in addition to his other duties as Police Chief. He also noted the position is not new. The position existed six years ago when DePoppe was hired as police chief, but it has remained vacant.

In my opinion, as chief, I feel the need to continue this position

“In my opinion, as chief, I feel the need to continue this position,” DePoppe said.

City Attorney Kevin Polo openly wondered about whether the change would require the city to renegotiate aspects of the city’s contract with the Fraternal Order of Police, the union representing local officers. Polo expressed special concern over hiring a full-time officer, essentially adding a full-time employee to the Department’s head count. Polo suggested the union may expect the newly created full-time position to be permanent, which could create issues if the city later determines to eliminate the position for cost management.

DePoppe said the FOP agreed to allow Gerdes to serve as detective for the past six months because it was a “temporary” arrangement. Regarding Rakey’s potential hiring as a full-time officer, Kluthe pointed out that he must serve a one-year probationary period before becoming eligible to join the union. If the city opted to eliminate the position before the end of the probationary period, the union would have no standing to object.

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“I don’t think it’s safe to say there will be no complications with FOP,” Polo commented. “My concern is about whether there will be an expectation that staffing will continue at that level.”

DePoppe told the council Rakey has served as a part-time officer for the past year and has completed required Police Academy training.

“He has done very well as a part-time officer,” DePoppe said. “I think he has proven he can handle the responsibilities of a full-time officer.

As the discussion continued, Ald. Kluthe asked DePoppe specifically about the number of cases that had been resolved as a result of Gerdes’ work. DePoppe said he did not have exact numbers with him, but said that “most” of the cases Gerdes had worked on have been solved. Kluthe then asked DePoppe to bring a detailed report to the next meeting of the Police Committee.

“I think we have to prove that because she’s working these cases that we are getting dispositions,” Kluthe said.

Before the issue came to a vote, however, City Treasurer Dan Fisher noted how hiring a full-time officer could impact the city’s overall budget.

After this hiring, I would recommend a moratorium on hiring until we have a financial plan in place.

“We’ve got a cushion of 100 grand,” Fisher said. “Hiring a full-time employee with benefits is about $40,000. That’s almost half of what we have to work with, and there is no way to get it back. I’m not saying we shouldn’t do this, but sometimes we have to look not only at the need but also at the means. After this hiring, I would recommend a moratorium on hiring until we have a financial plan in place.”

Fisher said hiring an employee for the water department would be somewhat different because the city has the power to increase water rates to cover personnel salaries.

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“I didn’t speak out to be against what you’re wanting to do,” Fisher said. “This particular hiring is different because it happens to be a department where we don’t have the ability to make up that money.”

Ald. Kluthe noted that making the detective assignment permanent without also hiring a full-time officer could result in continued overtime costs.

“We have been very proactive in hiring,” Kluthe said, adding the Police Department has maintained a roster of trained part-time officers from which to hire full-time officers when needed without having to incur additional costs for training. Managers with other city departments, he alleged, have not been as aggressive about limiting overtime costs as the Police Department.

Ald. Jim Alderson pointedly questioned whether it would be fiscally feasible to hire a full-time officer. Further, he questioned the need for two separate motions when the two issues were so closely linked.

Ultimately, Ald. Kluthe moved to have Gerdes continue in her position as detective, and Ald. Dave Tucker seconded. Alderson voted “no.” Ald. Janice Weidner asked the clerk to come back to her when she was asked to vote. After the rest of the council voted, Weidner reluctantly voted “yes,” along with Ald. Tucker, Kluthe, Jerry Dolliger, Frank Barret and Diane Brickey.

Kluthe’s follow-up motion to hire Rakey as a full-time officer, also seconded by Tucker, was approve 6-1 with Alderson voting “no.”

CITY AUDIT

Without taking a formal vote, Mayor John Hicks signed documents accepting the annual city audit following a brief presentation by Brenda Masters-Stout, an account with Flemming-Tawfall Certified Public Accountants. Though Masters-Stout did not specifically mention the auditors’ findings, the audit presumably gave the city a clear opinion regarding its accounting procedures.

Masters-Stout said she is working with personnel in the City Clerk’s office to convert the city’s accounting procedures to the popular QuickBooks computer accounting program.

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“I’m really excited about that,” she said. “I think it will improve transparency.”

Mayor Hicks also noted that switching to QuickBooks will reduce the amount of time clerical workers spend on accounting tasks and will make the annual audit go smoother.

Mayor Hicks also noted that switching to QuickBooks will reduce the amount of time clerical workers spend on accounting tasks and will make the annual audit go smoother.

The bulk of Masters-Stout’s comments focused on the city’s financial condition at the conclusion of the last fiscal year.  Cash on hand for governmental accounts amounted to $922,172 as of April 30, 2017, compared with $342,340 six years earlier in 2011. Total assets for governmental accounts totaled about $1.9 million, compared to $1.3 million in 2011. With $78,299 in long-term liabilities, the audit projected $1.8 million in equity for governmental accounts.

Governmental revenues totaled $1.4 million, with expenditures of about $1.5 million.

Both revenue and expenses for governmental funds were “similar” to the previous year, according to Masters-Stout.

Business type accounts, which include water and sewer accounts, reported revenue of slightly more than $2 million, with liabilities of about $1.1 million.

Masters-Stout reminded city officials that some of the money included in the business-type accounts is restricted, such as Motor Fuel Tax funds that can be spend only for street and bridge purposes. With grants and loans anticipated for the city’s upcoming $10 million water infrastructure improvement project, Masters-Stout said the city will be dealing with even more restricted funds than in the past.

“With your project coming up, you’re going to see that more,” she said. “Even though you have the cash, you’ll be restricted as to how you can spend it.”

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The council approved the hiring of TJ Rakey as a full-time police officer.

Regarding the city’s financial position, Masters-Stout said, “I think you’re doing good.” She said she was surprised a few months ago to conclude that it was financially feasible for the city undertake the water infrastructure project. “I still think that,” she said.

City Treasurer Fisher praised Masters-Stout’s presentation, taking note of the long-term comparisons shown in her summary sheet presented to the council.

“If you remember when Brenda came onboard, that’s when we started to get this so we could make year to year comparisons,” Fisher said. While the audit showed a sound financial condition for the city, Fisher warned that the margin between revenue and expenditures is relatively thin. “We operate at about a 92 to 93 percent ration. That means we have a 10 percent or less gap between revenue and expenditures. When we look at new expenditures, that’s something we have to keep in mind. We have relatively little ability to increase revenue.”

Masters-Stout agreed. “You have very little control over your general revenue,” she said. “You do have some control over your water and sewer rates.”

LABORERS UNION GRIEVANCE

Following a 40-minute executive session to discuss personnel and possible litigation, the council voted unanimously to approve an unspecified modification to the city’s collective bargaining agreement.

With one dissenting vote cast by Ald. Weidner, the council also authorized City Attorney Polo to attempt to negotiate a resolution to a grievance filled by the Laborers Union. Mayor Hicks said the union had proposed a possible resolution and it’s believed the city can negotiate a resolution without going to arbitration. The grievance, according Hicks, has to do with health care insurance coverage.

DUMP TRUCK

On a motion by Ald. Dolliger, the council voted to accept a bid from Rush Truck Center, Springfield, for a new International dump truck to replace an aging dump truck currently owned by the Public Works Department. The city will spend $95,553 for the truck body and chassis, plus $55,155 for a stainless steel bed. The truck will come equipped with a salt spreader and snow plow. The city was able to authorize the purchase without seeking competitive bids because Rush Truck Center holds the state bid to supply trucks for the Illinois Department of Transportation. The pricing offered to the city is identical to the pricing the company offers IDOT under the state contract.

Ald. Brickey offered the only negative vote, citing concerns about warranty details.

CHEMICAL BIDS

On the recommendation of Water Plant Operator Don Shuey, the council accepted chemical bids for 2018. Shuey presented low bidders as follows: Brenntag Group: Aluminum, $394 per dry ton; chlorine, 33 cents per pound; and carbon, 8.95 cents per pound; Hawkins, Inc.: Ammonium sulfate, 35 cents per pound; and Water Solutions Unlimited: Potassium permanganate, $2.90 per pound; and flouride, 32 cents per pound.

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Shuey described the bids as similar to last year’s.

“A couple of the high dollar items went down a little this year,” he said. “Most of them remained about the same.”

OTHER ACTION

In other action, the council:

  • Approved an ordinance authorizing an intergovernmental agreement between the City of Gillespie and the Village of East Gillespie regarding the city’s upcoming water infrastructure improvement project.
  • Approved the appointment of Kathy Ruyle to the Gillespie Public Library Board. Ruyle will replace long-serving board member Denise Wirth, who resigned because she no longer resides in the city.
  • Agreed to rent a pump to pump water out of pits dug to repair water main breaks with an eye toward purchasing a new pump at a later date. Ald. Dolliger said city workers have had problems displacing enough water from major water main breaks in order to make repairs. In some instances, the city has brought in fire trucks to supplement pumps in removing water. “Having a $200,000 fire engine out there is not the right thing to be doing,” Dolliger said. “Rent one tomorrow (Tuesday),” Mayor Hicks told Dolliger, “then we will look into buying one.”

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Police News

Gillespie Police Report: March 17-23, 2024

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SUNDAY, MARCH 17, 2024

An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Elm Street in reference to criminal damage to property.

An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Biddle Street in reference to child abuse.

An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of East Walnut Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.

An officer was dispatched to Madison Street and Wilson Street in reference to suspicious activity.

An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of East Chestnut Street in Benld in reference to a well-being check.

An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a civil issue.

An officer was out in the 400 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a security check. 

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MONDAY, MARCH 18, 2024

An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Abba Street in reference to a domestic dispute.

An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of LJ Avenue in reference to a domestic battery. Regan M. Treadway, 22, of Hillsboro was arrested for domestic battery.

Gillespie Police Department assisted the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department with a criminal investigation.

An officer was dispatched to the 900 block of South Madison Street in reference to criminal damage to property.

An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of East Burton Street in reference to an ordinance issue of illegal burning. Charles H. Daubman, 62, of Gillespie was issued a citation for illegal burning.

An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Harding Avenue in East Gillespie in reference to a noise complaint.

An officer during normal patrol in the 100 block of South 7th Street in Benld noticed a trunk open on a vehicle. The officer made contact with the owners and they secured the trunk after checking it.

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An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of North 4th Street in Benld in reference to a suspicious person.

An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with a male in reference to illegal dumping.

An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Hickory in reference to a civil standby.

An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South 2nd Street in Benld in reference to a well-being check.

An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Easton Street in reference to a civil standby.

The School Resource Officer called in requesting assistance in reference to a female student that had left the school.

TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2024

An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Madison Street in reference to criminal damage to property.

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An officer was dispatched to Route 4 by the nursing home to check on a person on a bike with no lights.

An officer was dispatched to Maple Street and Route 138 in Benld in reference to a suspicious vehicle.

An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of East Spruce Street in reference to a suspicious vehicle.

An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Gillespie Street in reference to juvenile issues.

An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Walnut Street in reference to a dog at large.

An officer was dispatched to a business in the 300 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to an animal complaint.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20, 2024

An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Avenue and 2nd Street in Benld. Logan G. Lawson, 22, of Roodhouse was issued a citation for speeding.

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An officer initiated a traffic stop in the 200 block of North Hard Road in Mt. Clare. David E. Schmidt, 46, of Staunton was issued citations for speeding, expired registration, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle.

An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Spruce Street in reference to illegal parking.

An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South Jersey Street in reference to an open line 911 call.

An officer initiated a traffic stop at Broadway Street and LJ Avenue. Candace N. Carlen, 36, of New Douglas was issued a citation for speeding.

An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a theft in the 200 block of West Oak Street.

An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a suspicious noise.

An officer was dispatched to West Dorsey Street and South Kentucky Street in Benld in reference to a suspicious person.

An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of East Walnut Street in reference to suspicious activity.

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An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Elm Street in reference to reckless driving.

An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Biddle Street in reference to a medical assist.

An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Avenue and Main Street in Benld. Esha V. Bhatt, 30, of Edwardsville was issued a citation for speeding.

An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Avenue and Main Street in Benld. Nicole L Richey, 34, of Wilsonville was issued a citation for speeding and expired registration.

THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 2024

An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South 4th Street in Benld in reference to a suspicious person.

An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of 9th Street in Benld in reference to a suicidal subject

An officer was out with a suspicious person at Main Street and Spruce Street in Benld.

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An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Elm Street. Walter L. Vester, 29, of Gillespie was arrested on a Glenn Carbon warrant for larceny.

An officer initiated a traffic stop at Broadway Street and LJ Avenue. Jordan L. Jett, 23, of Hillsboro was issued a citation for speeding.

An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Litchfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to aggravated assault. Levi T. Kroll, 34, of Carlinville was arrested for aggravated assault, criminal damage to property, and operation of a vehicle with suspended registration.

An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of North 5th Street in Benld in reference to a theft.

An officer was dispatched to LJ Avenue where multiple vehicles were parked in a no-parking zone. After multiple announcements asking them to move, two vehicles remained and received citations. Jeromy J Moore, 47, of Greenfield and Matthew E. Raffety, 52, of Bunker Hill were issued citations for parking in a no-parking zone.

An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of East Walnut Street in reference to a domestic battery. Mitchela P. Zbornak, 34, of Gillespie was arrested for domestic battery.

An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Wilson Street in reference to a suspicious vehicle.

An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a juvenile issue.

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An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Madison Street in reference to an animal complaint.

An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of West Oak Street in reference to an ordinance issue for illegal burning.

An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Oak Street in reference to a possible burglary.

The School Resource Officer called in reckless driving in the high school parking lot.

FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2024

An officer was dispatched to a business in the 900 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to retail theft and criminal trespass.

An officer was dispatched to Illinois Street and Kentucky Street in Benld in reference to a loud vehicle.

An officer was dispatched to a business in the 500 block of East Elm Street in reference to a suspicious person. 

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SATURDAY, MARCH 23, 2024

An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Oak Street in reference to a well-being check.

An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Chestnut Street in reference to a 911 hang-up call.

An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of East Oak for a 911 untraceable call the officers checked the area and were unable to find an emergency.

An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South Illinois Street in Benld in reference to a medical assist.

An officer was dispatched to down wires at Dorsey Road and 1st Street in Mt. Clare. Ameren was contacted to remove the wiring.

All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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Gillespie Police Report: March 10-16, 2024

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SUNDAY, MARCH 10, 2024

An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Avenue and Main Street in Benld. Stephanie M. Lasica, 29, of Mt. Clare was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol, speeding, and overtaking on the left lane.

An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of West Wilson Street in reference to a domestic dispute.

An officer was dispatched to 600 block of Frey Street in reference to an assault.

An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Elm Street in East Gillespie. Thor S. Barnes, 43, of Forest Grove, OR was arrested for operating an uninsured motor vehicle, illegal transportation of alcohol, and improper use of evidence of registration.

An officer was dispatched to South Main and South 2nd Street in Benld in reference to a suspicious vehicle.

An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a well-being check.

An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Willow Street in Benld in reference to harassment by telephone.

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MONDAY, MARCH 11, 2024

Gaberial A. Desherlia, 22, of Gillespie was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia.

An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Chestnut Street in reference to a suspicious item that was left by a building.

An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to a traffic crash.

An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Park Street in Benld in reference to a domestic battery. Cynthia D. Edwards, 55, of Benld was arrested for domestic battery.

An officer was dispatched to a business in the 900 block of North Hard Road in Mt. Clare in reference to an alarm sounding.

An officer was dispatched to the 900 block of First Street in reference to disturbing the peace.

An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North 4th Street in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.

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An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue.

An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Lincoln Street in Eagarville in reference to a domestic dispute.

TUESDAY, MARCH 12, 2024

An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Osie Street in reference to a suspicious noise.

An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a medical assist.

Logan M. Billings, 34, of Benld was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for aggravated battery.

The officers were dispatched to 5th Street and Spruce Street in Benld in reference to a suspicious noise.

An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Avenue and Main Street in Benld. A 16-year-old from Gillespie was issued a citation for speeding.

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An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of North 5th Street in Benld in reference to a found item left on a porch.

An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespass to property.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13, 2024

An officer dispatched to the 200 block of East Locust Street in Benld in reference to a domestic battery. Brandon M. Lyons, 43, of Gillespie was arrested for aggravated domestic battery.

An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to criminal damage to property.

An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Oregon Street in reference to a suspicious circumstance.

An officer was dispatched to West Maple Street and North Jersey Street in reference to reckless driving.

An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a well-being check.

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An officer assisted an Alderman with an Ordinance issue in the 100 block of Henry Street.

THURSDAY, MARCH 14, 2024

An officer was dispatched to 200 block of West Dorsey Street in Benld in reference to a violation of an order of protection.

An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Central Avenue in Benld in reference to criminal damage to property.

An officer initiated a traffic stop at Spruce Street and 5th Street in Benld. Dallas W. Richardson, 29, of Benld was arrested for improper use of evidence of registration and expired registration.

An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a violation of an order of protection.

An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of South Hard Road in Benld in reference to a well-being check.

An officer was dispatched to LJ Avenue and Broadway Street in reference to illegal parking.

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An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to criminal trespass to property.

FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 2024

An officer was approached by a female in the 900 block of North Hard Road in Mt. Clare and reported suspicious behavior.

An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Charles Street in reference to a medical assist.

An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Pine Street in reference to a security check.

An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Dorsey Street in reference to the violation of an order of protection.

An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Mor Street in East Gillespie in reference to a well-being check.

An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Broadway Street in reference to a suspicious person.

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An officer was out in the 100 block of South 4th Street in Benld to speak with a male in reference to criminal trespass.

An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to an ordinance issue of illegal burning.

An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of South Main Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespass.

An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Francis Street in reference to a suspicious person.

An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 500 block of Horizon Street.

SATURDAY, MARCH 16, 2024

An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Green Street in reference to a suspicious noise.

An officer was dispatched to the 900 block of Broadway Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.

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An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a theft in the 700 block of Frey Street.

An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Easton Street in reference to a domestic. David L. Clark, 31, of Gillespie was arrested for domestic battery.

An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 200 block of South Macoupin Street.

An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of North 5th Street in reference to traffic control.

An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 300 block of South Street

An officer was out at Madison Street and Spruce Street in reference to juvenile issues.

An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Chestnut Street in reference to juvenile issues.

An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Green Street in reference to juvenile issues.

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All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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Gillespie Police Report: March 3-9, 2024

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SUNDAY, MARCH 3, 2024

An officer was dispatched to the Benld Sports Center Complex in reference to criminal damage to property.

An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to fraud in the 600 block of Olive Street.

An officer was dispatched to the 1100 block of Second Street in reference to a noise complaint.

An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Chestnut Street in reference to a house check.

An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Broadway Street in reference to an animal complaint.

An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of North Hard Road in Benld in reference to dogs at large.

An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of West Henrietta Street in reference to a 911 open line. The officer checked the area and discovered it was a child playing with the phone.

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An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Ave and Main Street in Benld. Christy L. Williams, 39, of Bunker Hill was issued a citation for speeding.

An officer was dispatched to the 15000 block of Harmony Lane at Gillespie Lake in reference to a 911 call.

MONDAY, MARCH 4, 2024

An officer was dispatched to a business in the 100 block of Maple Street in reference to assistance with a suicidal subject.

An officer was dispatched to the 900 block of Broadway in reference to a domestic battery. Lee A. Pollard, 23, of Gillespie was arrested for domestic battery.

An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of East Burton Street in reference to harassment by electronic communication.

An officer spoke with a female in the 100 block of Cahokia Street in Benld in reference to a juvenile runaway.

An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of North 6th Street in Benld in reference to a civil issue and to recover property.

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An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of East Chestnut Street in reference to a well-being check.

An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Ave in reference to improper parking.

An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Gillespie Street in reference to an ordinance issue.

An officer was dispatched to Route 138 and Benld Cemetery in Benld in reference to a suspicious person.

TUESDAY, MARCH 5, 2024

An officer was dispatched to Broadway Street and Francis Street in reference to a traffic crash/hit-and-run.

An officer was out on Handy Street and Easton Street in reference to a motorist assist and property damage.

An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Park Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespass to property and harassment.

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An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of South 6th Street in Benld in reference to domestic trouble and juvenile issues.

An officer was dispatched to Staunton Road and Clark Street in reference to a hit-and-run.

An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with a female in reference to harassment in the 200 block of South 2nd Street in Benld.

An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Harding Ave in East Gillespie in reference to a noise complaint.

An officer was dispatched to a business in the 900 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to an animal complaint.

An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Abba Street in reference to a suspicious person.

An officer was dispatched to Route 4 and Dollar General in East Gillespie in reference to a suspicious person walking in the roadway.

An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Ave in reference to improper parking.

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An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South Hard Road in Benld for unwanted solicitors.

An officer was out in the 600 block of Edwards Street in reference to unwanted solicitors.

An officer was dispatched to Easton Street and Handy Street in reference to a traffic crash.

An officer was dispatched to Central Ave and Route 4 in Benld in reference to reckless driving.

An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of North 5th Street in Benld in reference to juvenile issues.

An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in Benld in reference to a civil standby.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6, 2024

An officer was dispatched to Gillespie High School in reference to a juvenile issue.

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An officer was dispatched to Henrietta Street and Green Street in reference to suspicious circumstances.

An officer was dispatched to Staunton Road and Route 4 in reference to an animal complaint.

An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Ave in reference to improper parking.

An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Illinois Ave in East Gillespie. Elizabeth A. Knight, 54, of Washington was issued a citation for speeding.

An officer was dispatched to the area of East Easton and South Second Street for smoke coming from under a bridge.

An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Dorsey Road in Mt. Clare in reference to fraud.

An officer met with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to the return of found property.

An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to criminal damage to property.

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THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2024

An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Oak Street in reference to a 911 hang-up call.

An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Baker Street for a vehicle complaint. Tammy M. Dunn, 53, of Gillespie was issued a citation for illegal squealing/screeching of tires.

An officer was dispatched to the 900 block of Broadway Street in reference to a civil standby.

An officer was out at Park Street and Pine Street in Benld in reference to a trailer truck stuck under the train trestle. Chase E. Schultz, 21, of New Baden was issued a citation for disobeying a traffic device.

An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with a female in reference to a suspicious person in the 200 block of Dorsey Street in Benld.

An officer was dispatched to a business in the 500 block of East Elm Street in reference to a 911 open line. Once an officer arrived on scene, they discovered it to be a misdial.

An officer was dispatched to a business in the 500 block of East Elm Street in reference to assistance in removing an intoxicated subject.

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An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Gillespie Street in reference to a well-being check.

An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Dorsey Road in Mt. Clare in reference to an intoxicated female.

FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2024

An officer was dispatched to Jersey Street and Spruce Street in reference to a traffic crash.

An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with a female in reference to cyber-bullying.

An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of South 4th Street in Benld in reference to theft and aggravated assault.

An officer was dispatched to South 8th Street and Central Ave in Benld in reference to reckless driving.

An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to fraud.

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An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a dog at large.

An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue.

An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of West Baker in reference to a juvenile issue.

Tammy M. Dunn, 53, of Gillespie was issued a citation for illegal squealing/screeching of tires.

An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Lincoln in Eagarville in reference to a well-being check.

SATURDAY, MARCH 9, 2024

An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Henry Street in reference to a domestic dispute and child custody issue.

An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Henrietta Street in reference to a domestic dispute.

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Halli L. Thompson, 23, of Benld was arrested on a warrant out of Montgomery County for failure to appear while driving while their license was suspended.

An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Ave and Main Street in Benld.  Heaven L. Kopsie, 31, of Benld for operating an uninsured motor vehicle.

An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of South 6th Street in reference to an accidental 911 misdial.

An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 200 block of South Macoupin Street.

An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Berry Street in reference to a suspicious vehicle.

An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a suspicious vehicle.

An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of East Central Ave in Benld in reference to a suspicious vehicle.

An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of East Central Ave in Benld in reference to suspicious circumstances

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An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Charles Street in reference to a suspicious vehicle.

An officer was out at Oak Street and Macoupin Street in reference to juvenile issues.

All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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