Community News
Gillespie Council honors retiring police officer
Members of the Gillespie City Council on Monday night voted unanimously to approve a proclamation recognizing Wade Hendricks, who recently retired from the Gillespie Police Department after more than 30 years of service in law enforcement.
Additionally, the council continued its debate regarding a possible city-wide trash hauling program, approved a payment of more than $300,000 for work completed on the ongoing Streetscape project, and approved police protection contracts with two nearby communities.
Hendricks was recognized for his law enforcement service with the City of Benld, City of Gillespie and Macoupin County Sheriff’s Department. Most recently, he served several years as a Resource Officer assigned to Community Unit School District 7. The proclamation acknowledges and thanks Hendricks for his “tireless service” as he retires from his “many-faceted involvement in law enforcement.”
In addition to his law enforcement career, the proclamation recognized Hendricks for volunteering “his time to cause his communities . . . to be better places to live and raise our families.” Focusing on his most recent position, the proclamation states that Hendricks’ work as a Resource Officer has “earned the respect of city officials (and) school officials, and the admiration of parents and students for his dedication and willingness to provide both protection and guidance to this community’s most valuable asset, being our youth.”
“My own kids hate to see you leave the school,” Mayor Landon Pettit told Hendricks. “I thought you were exactly what we needed in a Resource Officer.”
TRASH HAULING DEBATE
Ald. Dona Rauzi distributed an informal proposal from a local waste hauler to implement a city-wide waste hauling program similar to a program in place in Benld. The proposed plan would include at least one city-wide clean-up day, standardize pick-up rates city-wide, and allow two waste haulers to continue operating in the city. City Attorney Rick Verticchio, however, warned the proposal could not be considered by the council until after the vendor has provided a formal proposal in response to a Request for Proposals.
“To stay within the legal process, he would have to put this in a proposal for us to consider,” Verticchio said. It would be improper for the city consider the proposal until after the deadline for submitting proposals has passed in January. “In theory there will be two proposals, but there could be 10,” Verticchio said
Resident Loren Scheller approached the council to voice objection to a city-wide trash hauling program.
“What do you do when you have three elderly people using the same trash can?” Scheller asked. Additionally, he asked whether or not a resident could choose to use a different trash hauler if the city enters into a contract with a single vendor. Further, he objected to “members of this community getting something shoved down their throats” with no input from the public.
“None of this is set in stone,” Mayor Pettit said. “This is not a fly by night kind of thing. This is months in the future.”
Once vendors have responded to the the Request for Proposals, Pettit said, the council will review the proposals and hold a community forum for public input before making a final decision.
“We may decide to go in a completely different direction,” Pettit said. In that case, the city will contact vendors “and say, ‘This is what we want to do,’ and ask them to submit bids.”
Pettit noted that he personally opposes adding trash hauling to city water bills.
“I think there are other ways to do it, and I can’t see shutting off someone’s water because they didn’t pay their trash bill,” he said. “What works for Benld may not work for Gillespie, as we have seen before.”
STREETSCAPE PROJECT
On a motion by Ald. Rauzi, seconded by Ald. Frank Barrett, the council approved payment of a third installment in the amount of $339,930.77 to Stutz Excavating for work completed on the downtown Streetscape improvement project. The $4 million project is underwritten with a $4 million federal Rural Development grant.
In a related matter, the council agreed to make Chestnut Street a one-way street for one block both east and west off of Macoupin Street.
Ethan Martin, overseeing the project on behalf of the city, reported that he is hoping to get a partial shipment of streetlights soon “so we can at least get some lights up” on Macoupin Street. There currently are no streetlights on Macoupin Street. Mayor Pettit noted that installing new streetlights is being pushed back for a third time. With current backorder status, it may be January before all the streetlights are installed.
“The lights have always been six to eight weeks out,” Martin said. At the outset, Stutz Excavating and Curry and Associates Engineers “couldn’t agree on the number of lights,” according to Martin. Ultimately, 10 lights were shaved from the original plan for a savings of $100,000, but the delay resulted in Macoupin Street going dark for the immediate future.
In the meantime, city officials are encourage businesses on Macoupin Street to leave their lights on at night to provide at least minimal illumination.
Earlier in the meeting, former Mayor John Hicks urged the council to address the west side of the 200 block of Macoupin Street. Hicks said accumulations of inoperable vehicles, trailers and other items create a blight on the appearance of Macoupin Street.
“Your Streetscape project is beautiful but it needs to go a block further north,” Hicks said. Visitors arriving from the north, he said, will see the blighted property before seeing the improved Streetscape. “You’re going to see a beautiful street, but you’re going to see this first.”
Ald. Rauzi said the property owners have been contacted about several issues, including parking trailers in such a way that they interfere with pedestrian traffic on the sidewalk
Police Chief Jared DePoppe reported that the Police Department has completed its move into it new headquarters located at 124 N. Macoupin St. However, because of ongoing Streetscape construction members of the public with business to do with the Police Department will have to use a rear entrance to access the building.
parcel of property on Macoupin Street.
Likewise, because of the Streetscape construction, persons visiting city hall are required to access city offices via a rear entrance to the Civic Center.
EMERGENCY SIRENS
Council members voted unanimously to spend $1,260 to Table Rock Alerting Systems, Kimerling City, Mo., for work done to get older emergency sirens in the city’s siren system working, plus $2,860 for further equipment and software upgrades. Table Rock Alerting Systems was awarded a contact in August to install a new $40,000 siren near the city maintenance building. Upon testing the system, however, it was discovered that an older siren at Welfare Park failed to sound.
City ESDA Director Colin Mussatto said personnel from Table Rock was able to use equipment from the Community Unit 7 Fire Protection District to reach the siren, make repairs and lubricate the mechanism that allows the siren to revolve. Upon subsequent testing, all sirens were operable and could be heard as far away as Eagarville.
The older sirens are “100 percent obsolete,” Mussatto said but Table Rock has a “boneyard” from which it can salvage parts to keep the sirens operable for another five to 10 years. Eventually, however, the city should plan to replace the aging sirens, Mussatto said.
Mussatto said the older sirens became inoperable because of a lack of maintenance.
“I don’t remember any of the older sirens being maintained,” he said, adding that they need to be lubricated annually.
Upon his recommendation, the council approved a $900 annual expenditure for siren maintenance. Table Rock’s bid for maintenance is contingent upon the city being able to use equipment from the Fire District to reach the equipment.
POLICE PROTECTION
In separate actions, the council agreed to offer police protection contracts to the villages of Eagarville and Mount Clare.
Eagarville was offered a two-year contract for police protection at a cost of $750 per month, an increase of $150. Mt. Clare was offered a three year contract for $3,000 a month, up from $2,000 a month the village paid previously. Both contracts are subject to final approval by the respective village boards.
City officials said the increases were comparable with increases imposed on the City of Benld and Village of East Gillespie for ongoing police protection.
SURPLUS PROPERTY
With two dissenting votes, the council agreed to sell two city-owned lots in East Gillespie in the 700 block of Westwood Street to Corey and Elisha Miller for $2,001. The Millers were the sole bidders for the surplus property.
The measure was approved 4-2 with Ald. Rauzi and Ald. Janet Odell-Mueller casting the “no” votes.
The council also agreed to declare as surplus six acres of city-owned property east of Hickory Street on the city’s southeast side. The timbered parcel will be sold via sealed bids.
STOP SIGNS
The council spent several minutes discussing stop signs but ultimately voted 5-1 only to replace a stop sign on Chestnut Street at South Street with a Yield sign.
Mayor Pettit presented proposals to add stop signs at the intersections of Walnut and Jersey streets, and Madison and Osie streets. Both intersections have two-way stops currently. Pettit said there have been frequent vehicle collisions at both intersections.
“They need to be four-way stops,” he said.
Ald. Odell-Mueller asked if Pettit could quantify the number of collisions at each intersection. Essentially, she asked if there is a formula to determine whether or not an intersection can be classified as a “dangerous” intersection. Pettit said he consulted with Police Chief to document the number of accidents over an open-ended period of time.
“The way this works, if you have an intersection that you think is a problem, contact your alderman,” Pettit said. “The police will call up a record of the number of accidents at that intersection. That’s how we make the decision. Normally, people call us and say people are flying down the street. That’s not the question. The question is whether the intersection is dangerous. We can’t afford to have a stop sign at every intersection.”
Ald. Odell-Mueller suggested adding an advisory to stop signs on Walnut at Jersey to indicate “Cross Traffic Does Not Stop.” Further there was a suggestion that the question of adding stop signs be referred to the alderman representing the wards in which the intersections are located to make a recommendation to the council.
When Pettit asked for a motion to add stop signs at either intersection, none of the aldermen moved to approve the measure.
Later in the meeting, Ald. Bob Fritz moved to remove a stop sign on Chestnut at South Street and replace it with a Yield sign.
“My recollection is that when we voted to put that stop sign in, you voted in favor of it,” Pettit said, noting the stop sign was installed in response to complaints from senior citizens living in a housing development. “You don’t have to listen to the complaints. The people who were complaining are the older people who live there and couldn’t pull out of their driveways.”
Fritz responded that he would withdraw his motion.
“No, go ahead and make your motion,” Pettit replied.
Fritz’s motion to place a Yield sign in lieu of the Stop Sign at the intersection was approved 5-1, with Ald. Rauzi voting “no.”
WATER/SEWER RATES
The possibility of increasing water and sewer rates was referred to the Finance Committee after Ald. Rauzi approached the subject.
Due to salary increases and other cost increases, she said, “we’re going to have to look at raising water and sewer rates. This is not something we want to do, but our rates are among the lowest in the area.”
LED LIGHTS FOR CITY HALL
On a motion by Fritz, seconded by Odell-Mueller, the council voted to spend up to $1,000 for LED lighting to replace the traditional “icicle lights” traditionally installed for the holiday season. Pettit said he has similar lights at his residence and leaves them up year-round. The color of the lights can be changed for various holidays throughout the year.
OTHER ACTION
No specific action followed a 20-minute executive session to discuss personnel, legal issues and real estate.
In other action, the council:
• Agreed to spend $10,000 from the city’s CEJA grant funds to pay for a business bootcamp conducted by Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville for local business owners.
• Agreed to enter into an interim credit agreement with United Community Bank which will allow the city to continue to meet obligations while federal payments to the city are delayed due to the month-long government shut-down.
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FELONIES
Christopher L. Black, 43 of Virden, is charged with home invasion/causing injury and two counts of aggravated battery of a peace officer in connection with a January 4 incident.
Casey W. Sobberi, 40 of Wilsonville, is charged with burglary in connection with a January 3 incident.
Eugene Arnold, 62 of Royal Lakes, is charged with aggravated battery/great bodily harm, aggravated battery/use of a deadly weapon, and domestic battery/bodily harm in connection with a January 6 incident.
Michael A. Upton, 34 of Palmyra, is charged with twelve counts of child pornography and possession of methamphetamine (5 grams) in connection with multiple dates in 2025.
Bryer D. Greff, 31 of Virden, is charged with aggravated battery/public place, resisting a peace officer/firefighter/corrections employee, and two counts of disorderly conduct in connection with a January 7 incident.
Shayne W. Dugger, 26 of Palmyra, is charged with possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams) in connection with a September 28 incident.
Sarah L. Winston, 36 of Carlinville, is charged with possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams) in connection with a November 4 incident.
TRAFFIC
Austin D. Courier, 30 of Vriden, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a December 30 incident.
Courtney N. Lomelino, 23 of Virden, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit in connection with a December 25 incident.
William R. Dyer, 55 of Carlinville, is charged with leaving the scene, driver failing to give notice of a crash, transporting/carrying alcohol/driver, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, improper traffic lane usage, seat belt required/driver, and failure to reduce speed in connection with a January 4 incident.
Billy R. Austin, 44 of Modesto, is charged with expired registration, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and being unlicensed in connection with a January 4 incident.
Richard W. Wallis, 63 of Nilwood, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a January 5 incident.
Stephanie E. Jennings, 34 of Girard, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration in connection with a January 6 incident.
Bruce A. Day, 60 of Carlinville, is charged with driving on a revoked license and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a January 5 incident.
Clayton R. Sampson, 19 of Palmyra, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit in connection with a January 6 incident.
Dakota R. Lavely, 20 of Troy, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a January 5 incident.
Wayne E. Mitchell, 46 of Brighton, is charged with driving on a revoked license, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and expired registration in connection with a December 30 incident.
Monty M. Gardner, 55 of Brighton, is charged with driving on a suspended license and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a January 2 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Catherine Harrison versus David Breen
- Margaret Putman versus Justin S. Putman
- Taunia R. Moore versus Blake A. Moore
MARRIAGE LICENSES
- Wade Logan Yates of Brighton and Anna Catherine Marcy of Riverton.
- Douglas Guennewig and Buffy Riddens, both of Staunton.
Comments
SUNDAY, JANUARY 4, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South 4th Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Charles Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to South Hard Road in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of East Walnut Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to harassment.
MONDAY, JANUARY 5, 2026
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to neighbor trouble.
Jiles R. Lyons, 36 of Benld, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for possession of another’s credit/debit card.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to an animal complaint in the 600 block of North 7th Street in Benld.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of East Burton Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to Osie Street and Handy Street in reference to a security check.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South Hard Road in Benld in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Burton Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to harassment.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Walnut Street in reference to a neighborhood dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of North Francis Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Elm Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to Macoupin Street and Walnut Street in reference to suspicious activity.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of South 5th Street in Benld in reference to a burglary.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Virginia Street in East Gillespie. Debra A. Brooks, 65 of Carlinville, was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Adams Street in reference to ordinance issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of South Illinois Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Osie Street. Kylee P. Cothern, 18 of Benld, was issued a citation for expired registration and operating uninsured vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a hit and run traffic crash.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Virginia Street in East Gillespie. Tiana F. McFarland, 28 of Staunton, was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Virginia Street in East Gillespie. Debra A. Brooks, 65 of Carlinville, was issued a citation for speeding.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026
The School Resource Officer was dispatched to the High School office in reference to a fight.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Illinois Street in East Gillespie. Darlene Karns, 70 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at 7th Street and Pine Street in Benld. Dylan S. Richards, 32 of Staunton, was issued a citation for suspended registration.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of South Illinois Street in Benld in reference to a security check.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Spruce Street in reference to criminal damage.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South Montgomery Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a theft in the 500 block of South Jersey Street.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to an animal complaint in the 200 block of West Maple Street.
The School Resource Officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Oak Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 10, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Frey Street in reference to criminal damage.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Pine Street. Racheal A. Aleshire, 47 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for driving while her license was revoked.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Hard Road and Central Avenue in Benld. Amber R. Brackett, 31 of Gillespie, was issued citations for suspended registration and for no insurance.
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 East Elm Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to an intoxicated pedestrian.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of West Virginia Street in East Gillespie in reference to stalking.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Comments
FELONIES
Micah J. Ramsey, 39 of Carlinville, is charged with aiding/abetting/selling a stolen vehicle and driving on a revoked license in connection with a December 27 incident.
Shawn M. McBride, 38 of Staunton, is charged with obstructing justice/destroying evidence in connection with a December 18 incident.
Riley G. Rhodes, 18 of Carlinville, is charged with possession/displaying an altered ID card in connection with a December 18 incident.
Shane S. Bell, 35 of Girard, is charged with possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams) in connection with a November 6 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Ted. E. Hanner, 50 of Bunker Hill, is charged with obstructing identification in connection with a December 3 incident.
Brittany M. Lyons, 35 of Benld, is charged with criminal trespass to a building in connection with a December 19 incident.
Betty J. Jamieson, 75 of Carlinville, is charged with violating the animal control act in connection with a December 29 incident.
James J. Denby, 27 of Carlinville, is charged with criminal trespass to land in connection with a December 8 incident.
Tricia J. Pfeiler, 37 of Carlinville, is charged with battery/cause bodily harm and cruelty to animals in connection with a January 1 incident.
Rodney J. Rosentreter, 60 of Gillespie, is charged with criminal damage to property (<$500) and resisting a peace officer/firefighter/corrections employee in connection with a January 1 incident.
TRAFFIC
Rustin L. Reed, 19 of Springfield, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit in connection with a December 27 incident.
Passion M. Kinzey, 33 of Chicago, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration in connection with a December 27 incident.
Ella R. Robinson, 20 of Bonne Terre, MO, is charged with speeding 35 mph over the limit in connection with a December 30 incident.
Julie B. Kruse, 55 of Staunton, is charged with driving on a suspended license and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a December 18 incident.
Gregory A. Knezic, 60 of Staunton, is charged with driving on a suspended license and improper use of registration/title in connection with a December 23 incident.
Dixie L. Moffitt, 73 of Worden, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration in connection with a December 22 incident.
Dakota L. Schoondyke, 28 of Virden, is charged with driving on a suspended license and operating a motor vehicle with suspended registration in connection with a December 26 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Debra E. Seago versus Carl L. Seago Jr.
MARRIAGE LICENSES
- David L. Ehlers and Shirley Marie Lee Haines, both of Bunker Hill.
- Steven D. Clattenburg and Billie Jo Croll, both of Virden.
- Robert J. Halpin and Chelsea L. Kirkover, both of Gillespie.
