Community News
Gillespie Council inks new FOP contract, approves streetscape change order
Visitors Stacey Hart, Tim Loveless and Kim Henderson each addressed the Gillespie City Council during the Council’s regular meeting on Monday, April 14.
With Mayor John Hicks presiding over the last meeting of his tenure, the Gillespie City Council approved a new three-year contract with the Fraternal Order of Police last Monday night, April 14, and approved a change order reducing the expected cost of a major downtown streetscape project prior to the start of construction.
Approval of the FOP contract came after an hour-long executive session to discuss collective bargaining and a possible real estate transaction.
The 33-page FOP contract calls for salary increases of $7 spread over three years for police officers and dispatchers. Starting June 1, salaries for both classifications will increase by $5, followed by increases of $1 per hour for each of the remaining two years of the contract. The contract also establishes pay rates for various rankings and assignments. Under terms of the contract, Sergeants and Detectives are entitled to an additional 75 cents per hour, while Lieutenants will make an additional $1.50. The Police Department’s School Resource Officer will make an additional 25 cents per hour, while the LEADS coordinator will earn an additional 50 cents per hour.
Officers and dispatchers working the midnight shift will earn an additional 35 cents per hour, while those working the afternoon shift will be entitled to an additional 25 cents.
The contract also calls for salary increases of three percent for longevity upon completion of 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 years of service.
The new contract was unanimously approved on a motion by Ald. Dona Rauzi, seconded by Ald. Landon Pettit, who will assume duties as Gillespie Mayor next month. After serving four terms as Mayor, Hick elected to not run in the April 1 consolidated election. Likewise, three-term City Clerk Frances Smith did not seek re-election. Tammy Beechler, who will be sworn in as City Clerk next month, shadowed Smith Monday night to familiarize herself with procedures.
STREETSCAPE CHANGE ORDER
On the recommendation of City Treasurer Dan Fisher, the council voted 5-1 to approve a pre-construction change order to reduce the scope and the cost of a long-anticipated Streetscape improvement project aimed at boosting the business climate for the downtown business district. The changes are expected to reduce the cost of the project by about $800,000.
Last month, the council voted 5-2 to provisionally approve a $4 million bid from Stutz Excavating, Inc. to execute the project, which includes new street lights, sewer work, sidewalks, green spaces and a realignment of parking spaces. The council greenlit the project on the condition that grant funds previously awarded by the federal Rural Development program actually materialize. Fisher warned last month that the grant funds could be at risk due to confusion of federal spending cuts and personnel reductions.
To shave the cost of the project down to $3,295,000, again provided grant funds are made available to the city, the council approved changing the style of street lights to a less expensive model, and eliminating the first block of Chestnut Street east and west of Macoupin Street from the project.
Fisher said he, Ald. Pettit and Ald. Janet Odell-Mueller met with Stutz representatives to discuss cost reductions.
“The contractor has reviewed this,” Fisher said, “and they’re fine with making these changes.”
Brought to a vote on a motion by Pettit, seconded by Odell-Mueller, the council approved the measure with Ald. Bob Fritz voting “no.”
The council also agreed to buy two additional street lights matching those used for the Streetscape Project with an eye toward using city workers to install them at Pomatto Park, replacing two defective streetlights currently located at the park.
PLUM STREET DAMAGE
After an extensive discussion, the council reached no definitive solution to mitigating damage caused to Plum Street by increased school bus traffic. Community Unit School District 7 has been using Plum Street extensively this year to facilitate synchronizing starting times and dismissal times for students at all three attendance centers. As a result, Plum Street’s integrity has become degraded, especially at the intersection with LJ Avenue where buses make a left turn onto Plum.
“There’s no bus traffic on Oak Street,” said Ald. Wendo Rolando. “It’s all on Plum. Plum Street is falling apart even more than last year.” She recommended leaving the situation “as is” until the end of the current school year, but addressing the problem with the school district before the 2025-26 school year.
At the beginning of this school year, the district routed buses west on Broadway to Kelly Street, south on Kelly Street to deliver or pick up students at BenGil Elementary School, then east on Plum Street for one block, then north on LJ Avenue to deliver and pick up students at the middle school/high school.
“Plum was never meant to be a heavily travelled street,” Ald. Pettit said. “We limited the weight on Plum because of the disintegration.”
CUSD 7 Transportation Director Tim Besserman, however, told the council that if Plum is no longer available for bus traffic, the district would be forced to return to staggered start and dismissal times. “That’s going to be terrible for everyone,” he said.
Fisher said stabilizing the street to accept bus traffic will cost upward of $250,000. The project would require removing subsurface soil at the intersection, and replacing it with more compactable soil or concrete. “That would be in addition to $100,000 or so for resurfacing,” he said.
“I think we could come up with a plan but it would it would need to involve some kind of cost-sharing with the school,” Fisher speculated. “We don’t have $200,000 to $250,000 to upgrade that street.”
Odell-Mueller, who has a background with the Illinois Department of Transportation, said the street has to be repaired immediately. “The school wanted to use Plum Street and didn’t want to listen to anyone else,” she said. “We don’t have the money” to upgrade the street.
The council reached no conclusion on the issue but will likely open conversations with CUSD 7 officials to outline an alternative route or reach a cooperative agreement to stabilize the street.
MOTOR FUEL TAX MAINTENANCE ESTIMATE
Council members approved a $608,700 cost estimate for Motor Fuel Tax maintenance costs during the 2025 calendar year. Ald. Fritz said the cost estimates include oil and chipping for 20 to 30 streets, plus milling and resurfacing for specific sections of Osie, Baker and Adams streets.
While the document specifies streets for maintenance, Fisher pointed out the bid is a “linear bid” for specific lengths of maintenance work. The streets that ultimately get oil and chips can change, depending on the Maintenance Department’s determination.
“It doesn’t have to be these streets,” Fisher noted. “Let’s let the Street Department decide.”
NEW BURNING ORDINANCE
The council referred to committee the issue of drafting a new ordinance governing the burning of yard waste in the city limits.
Ald. Fritz said the city’s ordinance apparently has no time restriction on burning, meaning residents can burn waste at any time during the day or night.
“I wouldn’t want to sit outside on a nice night and have to smell someone’s leaves or grass smoldering,” Friz said.
Ald. Pettit said he searched the ordinance book and found the city has no fewer than four ordinances governing burning, some with conflicting provisions.
“Technically, by the way our ordinances are written, you can’t burn leaves at all,” Pettit said. “You can only burn branches. We need to condense and clarify our ordinances.”
City Attorney Rick Verticchio said he would include a clause in the new ordinance to rescind provisions of all previous ordinances to eliminate confusion about what is allowed.
After a brief discussion, Verticchio also agreed to provide copies of an ordinance he wrote for the City of Benld to implement a city-wide trash hauler program. Fritz said using one trash hauler for the entire city would help control damage to alleys caused by trash pick-up executed by multiple companies. Other aldermen, however, said residents have opposed such a program in the past.
Verticchio said residents would be likely to embrace a city-wide trash program when they realize their rates will be lower than what they pay now. Under the Benld model, trash haulers bid for the city-wide contract, resulting in lower prices. The cost of trash pick-up is added to residents’ monthly water bills. Residents can opt out of the program and hire their own trash hauling service, but would still pay the monthly trash pick-up surcharge.
“All it takes is for me to write it up,” Verticchio said. “You pass it and put it into effect.”
DUMPSTER RESTRICTIONS
Verticchio agreed to write and present an ordinance to enforce restrictions on dumpsters, which had been previously approved by the council. Mayor Hicks said he remembered the council discussing the issue but apparently no subsequent action was taken to enact an ordinance. According to BenGil Post archives, the council discussed the issue in March last year and directed Verticchio to draft a proposed ordinance.
Based on the previous discussion, the ordinance will ban dumpsters in excess of three yards in size in residential areas. The new ordinance will carve out exceptions, however, for temporary dumpsters in place for construction, remodeling and similar projects. In those instances, the dumpsters can remain no longer than 30 days without council approval. The ordinance will also prohibit placing dumpsters on city sidewalks or rights-of-way.
FINAL POLICE STATION PAYMENTS
The council approved three resolutions authorizing payments from the city’s Tax Increment Financing funds to Watson Contracting for work completed on remodeling a building at 124 N. Macoupin Street to become the Police Department’s new headquarters. The separate actions authorized a third payment of $39,018.42 and a fourth payment of $17,759.77, plus a final payment of $5,919.94 due upon completion and acceptance of the project.
The council also approved a payment of $14,700 to Watson for work required after a sewer back-up in the basement resulting from excessive rain last month. The additional work included repairs plus installation of a backflow device to prevent back-ups in the future.
In a related matter, the council approved payment to Global Technologies of $11,699 for a new radio tower, plus $1,500 for installation. Police Chief DePoppe told the council the city originally intended to move an existing tower at the current Police Station but Global strongly advised against that plan.
The council also authorized DePoppe to hire up to three new full-time police officers to restore the department to a full complement.
PUBLIC COMMENT
The council denied a request registered by Tim Loveless to forgive and sewer portion of two excessive water bills he received as a result of water leak at 411 Elm Street. Loveless said he became aware of the leak after receiving a $1,600 water bill for the address. He said he shut of the water service at the house but did not have the city shut off the meter. A month later, he received a bill for $600. He asked that the city forgive the portion of the bill for sewer service, indicating the water collected under the house and in the yard but did not enter the sewer. Loveless said forgiving the sewer bill would save him about $400.
Mayor Hicks told Loveless, however, that the past practice of the council had been to hold homeowners responsible for charges resulting from water passing through the meter.
“Anything that goes through the meter is yours,” Hicks said.
The council took under advisement and referred to the Police Department a complaint from Park Avenue resident Stacey Hart regarding ATVs and side-by-sides allegedly attempting to run her off the road when she is operating a motorized scooter she uses for mobility issues. She also asked for clarification about the permissibility of placing “no trespassing” signs on her property. She said she once placed “no trespassing” signs but was later told by police that she had to remove them. Upon further questioning from City Attorney Verticchio, it was learned that the officer who allegedly told her to take down the signs has not been on the police force for two decades.
Verticchio told Hart she has a right to erect “no trespassing” signs on her on property, and that the city had no authority to advise her on where those signs have to be placed.
The council also gave permission for Kim Henderson to locate temporary vendors in front of Gotcha Latte for a Tea Party event on May 4 or 10. Henderson expressed concerns about the Streetscape project possibly precluding her from using the sidewalk at the time she wants to schedule the event. Mayor Hicks told her the project will proceed a block at a time. While the city doesn’t yet know the construction schedule, Hicks said Henderson could relocate her vendors if the space in front of the coffee shop is not available.
OTHER ACTION
In other action, the council:
• Heard a report from Ald. Rolando, regarding a city clean-up project scheduled for May 2. The city plans to use CUSD 7 students completing community service requirements for the project, and will enlist city workers to assist.
• Accepted a bid of $30 from Mark Rauzi to purchase grass seed declared as surplus property.
• Directed the Lake Committee to work on revising the rules and lease agreement for Gillespie Lake lots. Ald. Pettit said the current document runs to 15 pages and contains overlapping policies.
Comments
SUNDAY, MAY 4, 2025
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Henrietta and Staunton Road. Asa M. Proctor, 46 of Gillespie, was arrested for driving while license revoked.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Illinois Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of North Main Street in Benld in reference to harassment through electronic communication.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to a dog at large. Nathan S. Thornhill, 38 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for dog at large.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Walnut Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
Edgar Olivero, 22 of Gillespie, was arrested on a warrant out of Granite City for failure to appear on illegal possession of ammunition.
Kyle J. Lancaster, 34 of Gillespie, was arrested on a Montgomery County warrant for failure to appear for possession of methamphetamine. He was also given citations for possession of a firearm with a revoked FOID and for possession of ammunition with a revoked FOID.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of South 6th Street in Benld in reference to theft.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Westwood Street in East Gillespie in reference to a medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 8th Street in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 200 block of North Lincoln in Eagarville.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Pine Tree Lane in Eagarville in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Street in Benld in reference to a medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Wilson Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
MONDAY, MAY 5, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Green Street in reference to theft.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South Street in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 1100 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
The school resource officer was called to the Gillespie Middle School in reference to a theft.
An officer was dispatched to the Gillespie Police Department to speak with a female in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 500 block of Broadway Street in reference to a battery.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Pine Street and Macoupin Street. Brian L. Musgrove, 48 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for expired registration.
An officer was dispatched to Western Avenue in reference to suspicious circumstances.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Cloud Street in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South 5th Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
TUESDAY, MAY 6, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Illinois Street in Benld in reference to a battery and criminal damage to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 1000 block of Chestnut Street in Benld in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 1000 block of Chestnut Street in Benld in reference to a stolen vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to the Gillespie Police Department in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to the Gillespie Police Department in reference to juvenile issues at Gillespie High School.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Park Street in Benld in reference to a noise complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of South 6th Street in Benld in reference to theft.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to illegal parking.
An officer was dispatched to Circle Drive at Gillespie Lake in reference to a 911 call.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 7, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Harding Avenue in East Gillespie in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of South 7th Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Park Avenue in Benld in reference to disorderly contact.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 200 block of Southern Street in reference to a stolen vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of West Oak Street in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of West Baker Street in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to child custody issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Green Street in reference to a civil standby.
An officer was dispatched to the Gillespie High School in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer spoke to a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to neighborhood trouble in the 100 block of Green Street.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Oak Street in Benld in reference to a medical assist.
THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Berry Street in Mt. Clare in reference to theft.
An officer was dispatched to Frey Lane at Gillespie Lake in reference to suspicious circumstances.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Osie Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Dona Road in Eagarville in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Jersey in reference to a medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Walnut Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 200 block of North Illinois Street in Benld.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to criminal damage to property in the 300 block of Dona Road in Eagarville.
FRIDAY, MAY 9, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Charles Street in reference to a missing child.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Henry Street in East Gillespie in reference to a golf cart on fire.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to a juvenile issue. A 12-year-old male from Gillespie was issued a citation for disorderly conduct.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to criminal damage to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Illinois Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of West Central Avenue in Benld in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Gillespie Street in reference to a noise complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the Gillespie High School in reference to illegal parking.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Walnut Street in Benld in reference to neighborhood trouble.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Henrietta Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer responded with the school resource officer to a medical call at the Gillespie High School track.
SATURDAY, MAY 10, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Henrietta Street in reference to a theft.
An officer was out with a suspicious person on East Maple Street.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Rose Street in Benld in reference to a security check.
An officer was dispatched to West Walnut Street and Kentucky Street in Benld in reference to a suspicious noise.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of North 6th Street in Benld in reference to a dog bite.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Cloud Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to 4th Street and Oak Street in Benld in reference to theft and possession of stolen property.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to criminal trespass and criminal damage to property on Fries Lane at Gillespie Lake.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Hickory Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 6th Street in Benld in reference to disorderly conduct.
An officer initiated a traffic stop in the 7500 block of Staunton Road in Mt. Clare. Kyrstyn J. Kordish, 33 of Gillespie, was arrested for driving while license was suspended.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Avenue and 2nd Street in Benld. Brennden D. Cobine, 21 of Gillespie, was issued citations for possession of paraphernalia and possession of alcoholic liquor.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of East Chestnut Street in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of West Charles Street in reference to a medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Park Avenue in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Central in Benld in reference to an ordinance issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Henrietta Street in reference to a theft.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Comments
The American Red Cross is proud to partner with the Mt. Olive VFW to host an upcoming blood drive on Thursday, May 29th, from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. This important community event aims to help save lives and provide critical blood supplies.
Presenting donors will receive an exclusive American Red Cross solar lantern, available while supplies last. Additionally, all donors will be automatically entered for a chance to win a U.S. trip of their choice for two — an exciting opportunity to explore new destinations.
Appointments are encouraged to ensure a smooth donation process, but walk-ins are also welcome. To save time on the day of the drive, donors are encouraged to complete RapidPass online on the day of the event.
The American Red Cross invites community members to participate, share, and help spread the word about this vital event. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit RedCrossBlood.org.
Help make a difference in our community — donate blood and help save lives!
Comments
SUNDAY, APRIL 27, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 8th Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespass to property, criminal trespass to residence, and theft.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 8th Street in Benld in reference to an assault.
Anita S. Northcutt, 49 of Gillespie, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for unlawful use of possession of weapons by a felon.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Green Street in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 100 block of South Main Street in Benld.
An officer was dispatched to Hard Road in Benld in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to an animal complaint.
MONDAY, APRIL 28, 2025
An officer initiated a traffic stop at East Elm and Springfield Road in East Gillespie. Nathaniel D. Ward, 33 of Sawyerville, was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and illegal transportation of alcohol.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South 5th Street in Benld in reference to a domestic battery. Cody A. Barksdale, 28 of Benld, was arrested for domestic battery.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South Illinois Street in Benld in reference to a violation of an order of protection.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of South Second Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
TUESDAY, APRIL 29, 2025
William T. Overturf, 38 of Benld, was arrested on a warrant out of Macoupin County for failure to appear for criminal trespass to a vehicle.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to harassment through electronic communication.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of North Main Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Henrietta Street in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
An officer was asked to check out a suspicious vehicle that was parked in the 200 block of North Hard Road in Mt. Clare.
An officer was dispatched to Spruce Street and Second Street in reference to vehicles blocking the intersection.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Park Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Dorsey Road in Mt. Clare in reference to neighborhood trouble.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Park Avenue in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Park Street in Benld in reference to a medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Baker Street in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Litchfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to an alarm call.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30, 2025
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 200 block of Southern Street in reference to a medical assist.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a violation of an order of protection.
Robert M. Keffer, 37 of Benld, was arrested on an Edwardsville warrant for driving while license was suspended.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Main Street in Benld in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Green Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Park Avenue in reference to a neighbor dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Broadway Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue on South 5th Street in Benld.
THURSDAY, MAY 1, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 8th Street in Benld in reference to a dog at large. Ryan K. Horn, 42 of Benld, was issued a citation for dog at large.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 8th Street in Benld in reference to criminal damage to property.
An officer spoke with a male subject at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block to speak with a male in reference to a report of reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Dorsey Road in Mt. Clare in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Broadway Street and Kelly Street. Caleb D. Fraley, 19 of Jerseyville, was issued a citation for operating an uninsured vehicle.
FRIDAY, MAY 2, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of North Main Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Cedar Street in reference to a medical 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to East Locust and North 4th Street in reference to suspicious circumstances.
An officer was dispatched to Mt. Clare Drive in Mt. Clare in reference to a suicidal subject.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Richard Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to Dorsey Road in Mt. Clare in reference to an alarm sounding.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Park Street in Benld in reference to a medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to Benld City Park in Benld in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North 6th Street in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to neighborhood trouble.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to criminal trespass in the 200 block of West Walnut Street.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 8th Street in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Central Avenue in Benld in reference to suspicious circumstances.
SATURDAY, MAY 3, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 900 block of First Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Oak Street in Benld in reference to a suicidal subject.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Shelby Street in reference to a medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie City Cemetery in reference to a suicidal subject.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Walnut Street in Benld in reference to a domestic battery. Cynthia E. Randle, 64 of Benld, was arrested for domestic battery.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Chestnut Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Madison Street in reference to a suspicious noise.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Montgomery Street in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Walnut Street in Benld in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Berry Street in Mt. Clare in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Green Street in reference to a neighborhood trouble.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of North Main Street in Benld in reference to a civil standby.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Francis Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Walnut Street in Benld in reference to a fight. Kelly M. Lyons, 36 of Benld, was arrested for battery.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
