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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Members of the Benld City Council on Monday night approved two zoning variances for David Wycoff and Ben Maracacci but decline to override the Zoning Board’s decision to deny a petition for a zoning reclassification on the city’s east side.
Amanda Yeager appeared before the council, hoping the council would override the recommendation of the Benld Zoning Board regarding reclassification for a parcel of property on the east side of Illinois Route 138 across from the Cabin Bar and Restaurant. Yeager was referred to the Zoning Board in January after she appeared before the council hoping to have the parcel reclassified from residential to agricultural use. At that time, she told the council she wanted the property rezoned to make it more sellable. On Monday night, however, she indicated that she plans to build a house on the property a keep one to three farm animals—horses, goats and/or sheep.
Yeager pointed out that the property is surrounded by property already zoned for agricultural use. Two out of five property owners neighboring the Yeager property objected to the Zoning Board regarding the reclassification. One of those property owners, Yeager pointed, lives on property that already is zoned for agricultural used.
“It’s not a democratic process,” City Attorney Rick Vericchio explained. Even though a majority of the neighbors either supported or have no opinion on the matter, the Zoning Board could base its recommendation on other factors.
According to Yeager, some members of the Board told her privately after the hearing that if they had known about the number of neighbors who supported or had no objection, they would have voted to recommend reclassification.
“You want this council to override the Zoning Board?” Mayor Jim Kelly asked Yeager.
When Kelly called for a motion to reclassify the property, none of the aldermen responded. “I would need more information before I vote on this,” said Ald. Jerry Saracco. With no motion on the floor, the matter died.
Ald. Norm Emmons advised Yeager to reapply to the Zoning Board and restart the hearing process, after which the council could vote on the Board’s recommendation.
The council was unanimous in granting a zoning variance for Ben Marcacci to build duplexes on two of three lots at 311 W. Central Avenue, 208 West Spruce and 210 West Spruce. Marcacci reportedly plans to build a home on speculation on the third lot.
The council also was unanimous in granting a variance to David Wykoff to bring in a mobile home for 18 months while he builds a new home on 4.83 acres of property just off Cahokia Street. Wykoff said he will consult with the Macoupin County Department of Public Health to advise him on installing a septic system to service the new home.
In other housing action, the council voted unanimously to declare 206 South Second Street a public nuisance—a formality that authorizes the City Attorney to send a letter to the owners demanding they clean up the property within 60 days. The home reportedly is vacant and needs to have the grass mowed.
Council members also discussed an ongoing public nuisance case against property at 306 Park Avenue. Brian Komanetsky, owner of the house, is pursuing an eviction action against the occupant and has promised the city he will clean up the property once the tenant is removed. An eviction hearing is set for April 28.
“By our next meeting we’ll have a better handle on when she will be out,” Veritcchio advised. “Does he intend to clean it up? He says he does.”
STOP SIGN
On the recommendation of Ald. Dustin Fletcher, the council voted 5-1 to install a stop sign on Short Street at Willow Street. Fletcher said residents in the area complained about speeding vehicles on Short Street.
Ald. John Balzraine cast the single “no” vote.
ANNUAL AUDIT
The council gave the Mayor power to act to retain Scheffel Boyle Public Accountants to complete the city’s annual audit at a cost not to exceed $20,000. The accounting firm had not submitted a formal proposal before Monday night’s meeting. Last year, the audit was completed at a cost of $18,500.
City Clerk Terri Koyne reminded aldermen the firm already has been retained at a cost of $5,000 for a special audit of IDNR grant funds expended on building the new Benld Family Sports Complex.
CEJA PROJECT
Council members voted unanimously to spend about $5,000 in Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) grant money to install a new floor and paint in the former City Hall when the CEJA grant funds become available. The renovated space will be offered as a community meeting venue for civic group meetings.
GOLD STANDARD AWARD
Ald. Balzraine announced that the DeStefane Events Center was recognized as a Gold Standard award recipient by the Macoupin County Department of Public Health for compliance with food handling safety regulations. The Events Center was one of 33 recipients recognized by the Health Department.
Balzraine said Sue McCoy is in charge of ensuring the Events Center is in compliance and “she does a fantastic job.”
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FELONIES
Rusty S. Menge, 54 of Hettick, is charged with reckless discharging of a firearm in connection with an April 12 incident.
Brandon L. Allen, 41 of Port Orange, FL, is charged with two counts of unlawful commercial use of game ($500+), two counts of outfitting service without a permit, hunting on others land without permission, five counts of obtain license/revoked in a another state, using license issued to another, and loan/transfer license in connection to an April 16 incident.
Michelle D. Heaton, 51 of East Alton, is charged with possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams) in connection with a December 14, 2025 incident.
Tanner L. Wolff, 24 of Litchfield, is charged with possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams) in connection with a December 13, 2025 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Larry E. Conlee, 42 of Mount Clare, is charged with resisting a peace officer/firefighter/corrections employee in connection with an April 11 incident.
Kenneth W. Bennett, 69 of Carlinville, is charged with violating an order of protection in connection with an April 14 incident.
Gregory A. Swift, 43 of Virden, is charged with heft of lost/mislaid property (<$500) in connection with an October 18, 2025 incident.
Brandon P. Bellm, 33 of Carlinville, is charged with battery/causing bodily harm in connection with a March 18 incident.
Joseph S. Augustine, 50 of Staunton, is charged with tossing/throwing a jackrock on property in connection with an April 14 incident.
TRAFFIC
Casey C. Trebing, 28 of Worden, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with an April 10 incident.
Ayman Y. Omar, 51 of Lake Saint Louis, MO, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit in connection with an April 12 incident.
John M. Steward, 29 of Springfield, is charged with speeding 35+ mph over the limit in connection with an April 12 incident.
Kylie T. Hunter, 29 of Springfield, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit in connection with an April 12 incident.
Diana C. Hardison, 60 of Bunker Hill, is charged with driving on a revoked license and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with an April 12 incident.
Jimmy Monroe, 75 of Carlinville, is charged with driving on a revoked license and improper traffic lane usage.
Richard A. Stuckey, 70 of Brighton, is charged with failure to notify of damage to an unattended vehicle in connection with an April 9 incident.
Camden G. Zumwalt, 18 of Staunton, is charged with speeding 35+ mph over the limit in connection with an April 14 incident.
Trinity A. Pruitt, 22 of Benld, is charged with unlawful possession of cannabis/driver and driving 1-10 mph above the limit.
Keith M. Steele, 27 of Auburn, is charged with speeding 35+ mph over the limit in connection with an April 11 incident.
Joshua D. Strode, 48 of Chatham, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with an April 10 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Marshall Emery versus Maurissa Emery
- Coltan Milton versus Chelsea Milton
- Micah Gotter versus Pamela Gotter
- Katie Ritter versus Thomas Ritter
- James A. Donaldson versus Cheryl A. Donaldson
MARRIAGE LICENSES
- Cristopher C. Miller and Yvonne M. Rendon, both of Carlinville.
- Earl W. Tiepelman and Maria J. Goth, both of Mount Olive
- Phillip L. Randazzo and Trisden M. Haggett, both of Gillespie.
- Christopher T. Bertolis and Jordan R. Ryan, both of Mount Olive.
- Robert A. Lee and Dawn M. Hilderbrand, both of Maryville.
- Jason T. Daube and Jamie M. Goble, both of Brighton.
- Gabriel E. Bliss and Grace A. Hobson, both of Virden.
- Matthew G. Weidner of Bunker Hill and Claire A. Wilton of Carlinville
- Michelle L. Dettwiler of Litchfield and Heather N. Geary of Vine Grove, Kentucky
- Hunter Gl. Niemann of Litchfield and Hannah M. Ward of Pawnee
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SUNDAY, APRIL 12, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Spruce Street in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Elm Street in reference to found property.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of South Street in Benld in reference to a noise complaint.
An officer was dispatched to Park Street and South Trolley Street in Benld in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to Fillmore Street and Burton Street in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Shelby Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Central in Benld in reference to a medical issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South 1st Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 2300 block of Staunton Road in Mt. Clare in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of 2nd Street in Benld in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of West Central in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of South Mt. Olive Road in Eagarville in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Walnut Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to Spruce Street and 5th Street in Benld in reference to a well-being check.
MONDAY, APRIL 13, 2026
The school resource officer was dispatched to the Gillespie High School Office in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was dispatched to the Gillespie High School in the 600 block of Broadway Street in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Litchfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to illegal dumping.
Douglas D. Davis, 59 of Benld, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for driving while license revoked.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Francis Street in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Central Avenue in Benld in reference to a battery.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of East Elm Street in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Kentucky Street and Central Avenue in Benld. A 16 year old male from Benld was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of North Francis Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to fraud in the 600 block of Gillespie Street.
TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2026
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Hard Road and Dorsey Road in Benld. Camden G. Zumwalt, 18 of Staunton, was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer was dispatched to the 1400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Charles Street in reference to harassment.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to illegal parking.
An officer was dispatched to Dorsey Street and Hard Road in Benld in reference to a well-being check.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to to harassment in the 300 block of East Maple Street.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Central Avenue in Benld in reference to a security check.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of North Main Street in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of West Pine Street in reference to a well-being check.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Park Street in Benld in reference to a well-being check.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Staunton Road and Henrietta Street. Lester W. Harvill, 56 of Benld, was arrested for improper lane usage and driving under the influence.
Catherine A. Brister, 50 of Staunton, was arrested on a Calhoun County warrant for failure to appear for violation of a court order.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to to harassment.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Harding Avenue in East Gillespie in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Stemmi Street in Wilsonville to assist the Macoupin County Sheriff Department.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to juvenile issue on Dorsey Road in Mt. Clare.
An officer spoke with an officer at Gillespie Police Department in reference to harassment on Fries Lane at Gillespie Lake.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Harding Avenue in East Gillespie in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Litchfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to illegal dumping
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of North 6th Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 2026
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with a female in reference to child abuse.
An officer was dispatched to the Gillespie Police Department to speak with a female in reference to a child custody issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of West Osie Street in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer was dispatched to Staunton Road and Illinois Avenue in East Gillespie in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Harding Avenue in East Gillespie in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of LJ Avenue in reference to a wellbeing check.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Maple Street and Jersey Street. Amy L. Vollintine, 31 of Sorento, was issued a citation for suspended registration.
An officer was dispatched to Benld City Garage in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer was dispatched to Walnut Street and Kentucky Street in Benld in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of East Central in Benld in reference to criminal trespass.
FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of East Chestnut Street in Benld in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Harding Avenue in East Gillespie in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Henrietta Street in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Harding Avenue in East Gillespie in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Berry Street in Mt. Clare in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of North 5th Street in Benld in reference to a civil issue.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Broadway Street and Oregon Street. Daniel L. Harpole, 31 of Brighton, was issued a citation for speeding.
The school resource officer was dispatched to Ben-Gil Elementary School in reference to an issue with a parent.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of East Elm Street with an Alderman in reference to an ordinance issue.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 600 block of West Osie Street.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Harding Avenue in East Gillespie in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was out at a business in the 400 block of East Central in Benld speaking with a male in reference to suspended registration.
SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 2026
John E. Wenzel, 74 of Mt. Clare, was issued citations for driving under the influence and leaving the scene of an accident in the 300 block of North Macoupin Street.
An officer assisted Macoupin County Sheriff Department at South 4th Street and East Spruce Street in Benld.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Hard Road in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of East Locust Street in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to Meadowlark Drive in Benld in reference to unwanted solicitors.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of North 5th Street in Benld in reference to neighborhood issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a security check.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Western Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South 5th Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
