Community News
Gillespie Council moves forward on new TIF district, tables action on Canna Theater for second time
Gillespie City Council members on Monday set a public hearing on a new proposed Tax Increment Financing district for 5:30 p.m., Monday, March 14, at Gillespie City Hall. Keith Moran of Moran Economic Development, participating in Monday’s meeting via phone, said the hearing will collect comments from interested parties, including persons living in the proposed district or within 750 feet of its boundaries.
Additionally, after a lengthy, sometimes contentious, discussion, the council tabled for the second time action on whether or not to accept the donation of the former Canna Theater from the Illinois Assemblies of God Church.
Moran told council members the boundaries of the Gillespie TIF 2 had been adjusted to include Big Brick Park at the request of Ald. Landon Pettit, chair of the council’s Parks Committee. Including the park required Moran to include other areas near the park to ensure that all portions of the district are contiguous. That expansion, Moran said, will not only expand the opportunity for capturing revenue for the district but also expand the area in which the city could pursue TIF-funded projects during the life of the TIF district.
Pettit specifically asked to include Big Brick Park last month, saying he hoped the city could use TIF funds for needed upgrades at the park. Later in Monday night’s meeting, he asked that the appropriation for parks be increased next year to authorize expenditures needed to upgrade the park. Replacing playground equipment, he noted, would cost a minimum of $24,000—a sum that far exceeds the annual appropriation for parks.
City Treasurer Dan Fisher said the city’s hands are tied because the tax levy for parks is restricted by tax caps. Mayor John Hicks suggested the possibility of creating a Park District as a separate taxing body, but Pettit suggested it would be difficult to get public support for a referendum. Likewise, according to Fisher, shifting a levy, such as the Municipal Band levy, to parks would not be possible without a public referendum.
The newly proposed district also is contiguous to an existing TIF district encompassing the downtown business district that is set to expire in 2026 if not renewed. Making the two districts contiguous, according to Moran, will facilitate transferring TIF funds from the old district to the new one when the old district is dissolved.
Moran said the new district is “residentially based,” focusing on developing lots currently owned by the city or school district on the west side of the city. Those lots currently are exempt from property taxes. Tax Increment Financing districts generate revenue by capturing increases in property tax collections within the district over the life of the TIF—meaning the total tax bill for formerly tax-exempt properties will go into the TIF purse.
Within the proposed TIF district, Moran said, there also are opportunities to upgrade sub-standard housing units, extend utilities into undeveloped areas to promote development and possibly spur commercial development on Broadway and Route 16 in the area of Community Unit School District 7 schools.
Moran also noted some undeveloped property on the south side of the city that is not currently within the city limits that could be included in the TIF district if the city chooses to annex those properties at a later date.
Once the city fulfills the public hearing requirement, it is expected the council will formally approve the TIF district map and plan, and submit a request for state approval to the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.
CANNA THEATER
The council again tabled action on whether or not to accept the donation of the former Canna Theater from the Illinois Assemblies of God Church organization.
Ald. Wendy Rolando, who chaired a committee to investigate the structural stability of the building and possible uses for it if the city takes possession, moved to accept the donation. Her motion, however, failed to secure a second.
“My concern is that we keep tabling and tabling and tabling,” Rolando said. “What I foresee happening if we don’t take it, the church has already told us they’re washing their hands of it. If we don’t take it, it’s going to continue to deteriorate and eventually it’s going to end up being our problem. I think it’s in the best interest of the city to accept the building.”
Two structural engineers have declared the building sound but the city is awaiting a report from a third engineer hired by the city to evaluate the building. Several aldermen said they were unwilling to vote for taking the building without having the report from the city’s engineer in hand.
“The only way I would vote for that,” said Ald. Bob Fritz, “is if the motion has a provision in it to raze the building if the engineer’s report says it needs to come down.”
“I understand wanting to see the report before we decide what we’re doing with it,” Rolando said, But she said the fate of the building is a secondary decision to be made after the city takes possession. “I think it’s a simple yes or no question. Then we can do steps two and three and four. We’ve waited and waited and waited and we have a town waiting for a decision.”
A preliminary plan for using the building calls for the potential expenditure of TIF funds to stabilize the structure, after which volunteers would be responsible for cosmetic work to facilitate the building becoming an entertainment venue. Ald. Fritz reported Monday night that volunteers have been already working in the building despite the city having not yet taken possession.
“Once we take it, it’s going to be secured and nobody is getting in,” Mayor Hicks said, noting the city would be liable for any injuries sustained by the volunteer workers.
City Treasurer Dan Fisher said that because of the current condition of the building the city probably would be able to buy liability insurance only, and would not be able to purchase property insurance. He said an engineer hired by the city is expected to examine the building before the end of the month but questioned whether or not the engineer’s report would be available in time for the council’s February meeting. “We might have it in time,” he said, “we may not.”
“I think we’re too short-sighted,” Fisher said of the council’s resistance to investing TIF funds in the project. “We have a good track record of taking buildings no one else wanted and turning them into something positive.” He cited the Maple Street Clinic and the Illinois Coal Museum as examples of “white elephants” that have become assets.
Still, Ald. Bill Hayes objected to the idea of spending TIF money on the theater, saying those funds might be better used to encourage Randy’s Market to reopen.
“Aren’t we getting the cart before the horse?” Ald. Dona Rauzi asked. “Our first step is to accept the building and then decide the next step.”
Ultimately, Mayor Hicks and some aldermen successfully argued that the decision should be delayed pending receipt of the engineer’s report. They seemingly suggested the current owner should be held responsible for the cost of demolishing the building if the engineer’s report indicates the building is unsafe.
“It could be a very viable venue for entertainment,” Hicks said, “but we need that engineer’s report. Get the report first. If the report says it’s not worth a nickel, then we go to the church and say it’s a derelict building and it’s up to you to do something with it.”
Earlier in the meeting, city resident Kelly Hatlee addressed the council in favor of accepting the building. “I think it’s in the best interest of the city to take it now when no cost is involved, rather than have to fight for it in court later,” Hatlee said.
The council also tabled action on an ordinance to raise city water rates and resolutions to increase sewage rates for East Gillespie and Eagarville. City Attorney Dan O’Brien said he discovered after the items were added to the agenda that the city’s contracts with its satellite water and sewer customers require a public hearing prior to taking final action. Upon his recommendation, the council set a public hearing on the issues at 5:30 p.m., Monday, Feb. 14, immediately prior to the council’s next regularly scheduled meeting.
WATER ISSUES
The council took no action on a request from Tim Loveless to waive tap-on fees for a home he is buying on Henrietta Street. As part of the closing, Loveless said, it was discovered the city had a lien against the property for an unpaid water bill. Loveless said he paid the lien as part of the closing costs, but also found there was no water service to the home.
Loveless said the Deputy City Clerk told him the house was skipped during the city’s extensive water infrastructure replacement project because the house was vacant at the time. She told him he would have to pay a $350 tap-on fee to restore water service to the residence.
“I wouldn’t say I’m here to dispute that but it doesn’t seem right,” Loveless said. He pointed out that he gave the city an easement for water lines on other property in Gillespie at no charge and paid off past due bills for several houses he has purchased in the past.
City Treasurer Fisher told Loveless the USDA rules allowed workers to only connect houses that were currently occupied. He said there were several houses that were not connected in addition to the one on Henrietta Street. USDA financed the project through its Rural Development program. “We could only connect houses that would be generating revenue to pay back the loan,” Fisher said.
While making no formal decision, the council left the door open to consider waiving the fee.
“I think we could work with him if he pays the old bill,” Ald. Pettit said, noting the $400 past due bill exceeds the $350 tap-on fee.
“The first step is to pay the old bill,” Fisher said.
Loveless said he paid the old bill as part of his closing costs and that the city should soon receive a check from the title company.
In other action related to the Water Department, the council:
- Voted to pay a $7,671.60 bill to Korte & Luitjohan Contractors, Inc., for engineering work related to planned improvements at the water treatment plant.
- Agreed to spend $24,500 for new blow down control panel at the water treatment plant, provided the equipment meets the approval of the engineer.
- Agreed to pay a $175 registration fee, plus lodging expenses and per diem, for Dave Pickett and Mark Bertolis to attend a three-day water conference in Effingham.
Ald. Pettit also reported that a preliminary “dry-run” to read water meters remotely was successful and the Water Department has switched to radio reading of meters. The meter reading process will now take one day, compared with the two-week period manual reading required. Consequently, Pettit said, some customers may see fluctuations in their monthly water bills.
TALLMAN LEASE
The council directed City Attorney O’Brien to approach Adam Tallman with a proposal to purchase a parking lot area behind the Police Department after O’Brien revealed that terms of a lease-to-own agreement had been changed after Tallman consulted with his bank. Originally, Tallman had offered to lease the property at a cost of $500 per month with the lease payments applied to the purchase of the lot at the end of the lease.
O’Brien said a new agreement offered by Tallman called for a two-year lease at a cost of $500 a month with an option to purchase at the end of the lease. The lease payments, however, would not have applied to the purchase.
Mayor Hicks said he’d be unwilling to commit the city to two years of lease payments “and have nothing to show for it.”
“At this point, I think we let him take it back,” Hicks said. “We’ve already put money into it.” He asked O’Brien to pursue the possibility of an outright purchase.
YOGA SESSIONS
The council informally granted permission for Candi Katchmar to use the Civic Center for weekly yoga classes. She told council members she tentatively planned to offer the hour-long classes at 4:30 p.m. on Mondays.
She said the program would be offered on a donation basis to cover her expenses, similar to a yoga class she currently offers in Benld.
“We have four or five participants in Benld but I anticipate more interest as the weather gets warmer and word gets around,” she said.
OTHER ACTION
In other action, the council:
- Voted unanimously to hire Dean Anderson as a full-time police officer.
- Adopted an ordinance formally adopting redrawn boundaries for the city’s four wards. Last month, City Attorney O’Brien outlined the boundary adjustments that were required to more precisely equalize the population in each ward on the basis of the 2020 census.
- Agreed to pay for sending a part-time police officer for state police academy training once a part-time candidate is hired.
- Authorized city workers to remove a deteriorating concrete wall at the Gillespie Lake Beach, authorized Lake Manager Gary Thornhill to seek bids for electrical work at the lake and approved expenditure of up to $1,500 to replace the decking on the Lake Department’s work boat.
- Approved a resolution to increase non-union employee wages by the same percentage as approved for union workers, with a provision ensuring that all wages are in compliance with minimum wage laws in the future.
- Approved payment of $3,471.37 from the TIF fund to Verticchio Law Offices, representing a facade improvement grant. The amount authorized represents 50 percent of the project’s total cost.
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Community News
School board approves elementary school principal’s retirement, accepts resignation of high school teacher/coach
Long-serving BenGil Elementary School principal will retire in two years following the Community Unit School District 7’s Board of Education’s approval during Tuesday night’s regular monthly meeting of the board. On a motion by Kellie Vesper, seconded by Amanda Ross, the board voted unanimously to accept “with regret” the retirement of Elementary Principal Angela Sandretto, effective at the end of the 2026-27 school year.
At the time of her retirement, Sandretto will have been a district employee for 31 years, including 21 years as an administrator. Sandretto’s tenure predates the construction and collapse due to mine subsidence of the former Benld Elementary School. She started her career when the old Benld High School served as the district’s elementary school. She was principal when the new Benld school was built and when the seven-year-old building was destroyed by mine subsidence in 2009. She continued to serve as principal during the transition from the damaged school to the new BenGil Elementary School in Gillespie.
In other action, the board accepted without comment the resignation of Dalton Barnes as a physical education/social studies teacher, and as Gillespie High School head football coach. The resignation, accepted unanimously, appears to be related to recent controversy over alleged abusive behavior toward students.
Gillespie Police Chief Jared DePoppe and School Resource Officer Wayne Hendricks both attended the meeting, and left soon after the board completed actions related to personnel. Supt. Shane Owsley told the BenGil Post the police presence was a precaution due to concerns that “accusations and rumors on social media could spill over” into Tuesday’s meeting. An attorney from the law firm representing the school district accompanied the board into a one-hour executive session early in the evening to discuss personnel issues and other items.
Accusations on social media in recent weeks alleged Barnes and an assistant coach engaged in verbal and physical abuse of students. With a goal of 1,000 signers, an online petition urging the termination of employment for Barnes and the assistant coach has garnered 639 electronic signatures. The petition accuses the two men of “child abuse,” citing alleged “verbal abuse, physical abuse, influencing and coercing student athletes to act against other student athletes that have spoken out against the abuse, and attempting to limit the First Amendment rights of student athletes with threats and manipulation.” The petition alleges there have been numerous instances of abuse and that the abuse has been allowed to continue despite “multiple red flags and complaints.”
No members of the public appeared before the board to address the complaints. Several teachers and teachers union officials attended the meeting but, likewise, made no public comments.
ADDITIONAL PERSONNEL ISSUES
In other personnel action, the board:
- Voted unanimously to accept “with regret” the resignation for purposes of retirement of GHS/GMS guidance counselor Jill Strole at the conclusion of the current school year, and to post the position as vacant.
- Hired Aubrey Morgan as a first-year, non-tenured teacher tentatively assigned as the BenGil Elementary School music teacher for the 2024-25 school year, pending verification of certification requirements and a background check. Morgan is expected to receive her bachelor’s degree in music education this spring from Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville.
- Voted to appoint Nikki Brawner as the GHS head women’s basketball coach for the 2024-25 school year. Additionally, the board accepted Brawner’s resignation as an assistant GHS women’s basketball coach and posted that position as vacant.
- Voted, in separate actions, to hire Alex Jasper and James Bryant as GMS paraprofessionals, pending verification of certification requirements and a background check. Additionally, the board voted to appoint Bryant as the GMS eighth-grade boys basketball coach for the 2024-25 school year.
- Voted to employ Alexis Lupkey as GHS head cheerleading coach for the 2024-25 school year.
- Voted, in separate actions, to hire Nikki Hunter and Rebecca Leitschuh-Birdsell as full-route bus drivers for the 2024-25 school year, pending verification of certification and background checks.
On a motion by Ross, seconded by Peyton Bernot, the board voted to employ Jennifer Parker, Nancy Schmidt, Amy Price, Marci Johnson, Karissa Smith and Vanessa Barrett as teachers for the 2024 elementary school summer school program.
In separate actions, the board hired Shanna Connor as a math teacher, Casey Edgerton as a science teacher, and Jessica Kelly as an English/language arts teacher for the Gillespie Middle School summer school program.
The board hired Ashlee Gibbs as a high school summer school math teacher, contingent upon student enrollment, and hired Jennifer Brown as the high school summer school driver’s education teacher. Penny Feeley and Janice Hammann were hired unanimously as summer school food service workers.
SAFETY GRANT PROJECTS
The board authorized Supt. Owsley to seek bids for several capital improvement projects related to student safety for which plans are still being developed. In January, Owsley reported to the board the district was successful in its application for a $466,365 state-funded Safety Grant. Matching the grant money with $155,000 in local funds, gave the district more than $600,000 in funding for capital improvements related to safety.
Owsley said architects are continuing to develop plans and bidding specifications for several projects, including installation of a new fire alarm system, installation of a new intercom system, installation of bullet-proof glass in the office area, and application of a bullet-resistant film on exterior windows. The Superintendent said he would advertise for bids as specifications become available.
FISCAL 2025 BUDGET
On a motion by Weye Schmidt, seconded by Bill Carter, the board voted to direct Supt. Owsley to prepare a tentative budget for fiscal year 2025, which will run from July 1 this year through June 30, 2025. The new budget typically is presented to the board in August with final approval coming in September.
In a related action, the board approved expenditures from fiscal 2025 funds to cover operating costs from July 1, when the new fiscal year begins, until the new budget is adopted.
Though not a given, the board could amend the fiscal 2024 budget in June in the event actual revenue and expenditures for the current fiscal year differ significantly from projections made in the budget approved last summer.
INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT
Board members approved an intergovernmental agreement between CUSD 7 and Lewis and Clark Community College to offer dual credit courses at Gillespie High School. Under the agreement, Gillespie students can take college-level courses that will count as credit toward an LCCC associate’s degree. Teachers offering dual credit courses at GHS must hold a master’s degree and offer a curriculum approved by the college.
DISTRICT FOCUS
In a District Focus segment, the board was introduced to several High School FFA members who have excelled this year in competitions.
“These kids are doing some amazing things,” said High School Principal Jill Rosentreter. “They are going to competitions and bringing home trophies right and left.”
FFA sponsor Kayla Wills said she has led the program for six years. “This is the most outstanding group we’ve had since I’ve been here,” she said.
Wills introduced two teams––the Parliamentary Procedure team and the Ag Mechanics team––that have ascended to state competition set for May 2. Team member Emily Hauser explained the areas of expertise on which the Parliamentary Procedure team will be judged. Caleb Oberfall spoke about the Ag Mechanics team.
The Ag Mechanics team includes a carpenter, a welder, a surveyor, an electrician and a mechanic, according to Wills.
“These kids have worked really hard and put in a lot of time,” Wills said. “I am very proud of them.”
FOOD SERVICES ISSUE
A former district cook and current substitute cook, who identified herself as Mandy, addressed the board on behalf of district cooks regarding the possibility of contracting with Opaa! Food Management, Inc. to provide meals in the local district. Opaa! representatives offered a detailed sales presentation to the board last month.
“I worked for Opaa! at Staunton,” she said. “You need to look into them. They’re not what they say they are.”
She alleged the “homemade meals” are not homemade, and are, in fact, the same quality as any other food provider.
“I’ve been in food services for a long time and I know what food should look like,” she said. “It shouldn’t look like dogfood.”
The fact the company offers choices, she said, is a good thing but is a double-edged sword. If a child doesn’t care for the main selection on a particular day, they can have a peanut butter sandwich or salad instead.
“But if little Johnny doesn’t like peanut butter or salad, he doesn’t eat that day,” she said.
Having worked in the local district, she said she could attest that the food services staff cares about students.
In a related matter, Union Secretary Jennifer Parker read a statement from the food services staff thanking the board and Supt. Owsley “for the opportunity to continue to pursue options to bring more choices to the food program.”
OTHER ACTION
In other action, the board:
- Voted to renew membership in the Illinois Elementary Schools Association (IESA).
- Approved a finalized calendar for the 2024-25 school year. Owsley said the calendar is unchanged from a tentative calendar presented to the board earlier, except “snow days” have been designated as “emergency days.”
- Approved a fee schedule for the 2024-25 school day. Owsley said the new fee schedule is nearly identical to the fee schedule used this year except that the cost for adult breakfasts and lunches is increased by 10 cents. In addition, the district will now offer free breakfast and lunch to students in all grade levels thanks to a federal reimbursement grant for districts with high numbers of students from low income households. In the past, free breakfast and lunch was available only to kindergarten, elementary, and middle school students. This year, Owsley said, the high school also qualified for reimbursement. According to Owsley, the reimbursement program is locked in for four years, after which the district may again apply. “Hopefully, this will help our parents and students,” Owsley said.
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The Wilsonville Progressive Club will celebrate and host a 90 year Anniversary Party on Saturday, May 11. The party will include a catered dinner, a live band, and fireworks.
Doors will open at 2 pm with a catered dinner being served at 4 pm. The Shane Kessinger Experience (live band) will play at 5 pm, and a grand fireworks display will be held at dusk.
The Progressive Club was originally established in 1934 by the Progressive Miners and was located on the northwest side of Wilsonville’s main street. The Club moved to their new building in January of 1949 and today this is still the current location at 212 Wilson Street in Wilsonville.
Wilsonville was founded in 1917 when Superior Coal Co. Mine No. 4 was sunk and this was the most modern mine in the Superior field. At that time, the little settlement which grew up around the mine was called Wilson. One day a worker paused and asked, “What are we going to name this town?” President Wilson was in office, thus the town was then and there named Wilson until 1919 when it was incorporated and the name expanded to Wilsonville.
The Wilsonville Progressive Club is operated and maintained by an elected panel of trustees and loyal members. The Club is open to the public and membership is always welcome. The large outdoor covered pavilion and manicured grassy side lot offer an attractive and convenient venue for any event along with inside facilities.
If you are interested in renting for any kind of event, call 217-835-3122 during open hours which are Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 4 pm to close, and Sunday doors open at 2 pm. Every Sunday afternoon at 4 pm is the Queen of Hearts drawing and the Club is on Facebook as well.
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SUNDAY, APRIL 14, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Oak Street in reference to a dog bite.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Abba Street to pick up a found item.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Chestnut Street in reference to a burglary.
An officer was out in the 200 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to a motorist assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Schmidt Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South 1st Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Broadway Street in reference to a medical call.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of South Illinois Street in Benld in reference to illegal burning.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South 5th Street in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Horizon Street in reference to a 911 call.
MONDAY, APRIL 15, 2024
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with a male in reference to a theft in the 100 block of South Main Street in Benld.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of West Osie Street in reference to a violation of an order of protection.
Nicholas O. Landolt, 36, of Gillespie was arrested on multiple warrants including one out of St. Clair County for possession for methamphetamine, a second one out of Montgomery County for failure to appear for driving while license was revoked, and a third out of Macoupin County for failure to appear for methamphetamine.
An officer was dispatched to East Walnut Street in reference to a suspicious noise.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Abba Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Broadway Street in reference to a medical alarm.
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 spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to criminal damage to her property.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to identity theft.
An officer spoke with a female in the 100 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a neighbor dispute.
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 200 block of Southern Street in reference to a suspicious person.
TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 1100 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to criminal damage to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 900 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of East Walnut Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespass to property. Melissa J. Hughes, 49, of Benld was arrested on a Montgomery County warrant for theft/larceny.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Francis Street in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 700 block of Rose Street in Benld.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South 5th Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Pine Street to assist the Department of Children and Family Services.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Broadway Street in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Central Avenue in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17, 2024
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to fraud in the 200 block of South Macoupin.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 500 block of East Elm Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to Route 4 and Staunton Road in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Gillespie Street in reference to unwanted solicitors.
An officer was dispatched to High Street and Gillespie Street in reference to a suspicious noise.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of High Street in reference to unwanted solicitors.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil standby.
An officer was flagged down at Elm Street and Clinton Street and spoke with an individual in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Mt. Olive Road in Eagarville in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a suspicious circumstance.
THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2024
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a panic alarm sounding.
An officer was dispatched to the 1300 block of South Second Street in reference to a civil standby.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Osie Street in reference to a dog bite. Heather L. Kimberlin, 47, of Gillespie was issued a citation for dog at large.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Baker Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was out with a suspicious vehicle in the alley in the 500 block of Park Avenue.
An officer was dispatched to East Walnut and South Main Street in Benld in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the Veterans Memorial Park in Benld in reference to a suspicious vehicle that had been parked there for a couple of days.
Gillespie Police Department was requested for traffic control by the Gillespie Fire Department for a fire on Eagarville Road.
FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of East Walnut Street in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South Street in Gillespie in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Litchfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a suspicious person at the storage units. Kathy J. Henderson, 49, of Sawyerville was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for bad checks
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Maple Street and Macoupin Street. Kenny L. Fults, 18, of Belleville was issued a citation for possession of cannabis.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Mt. Olive Road in Eagarville in reference to civil standby.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of West Burton Street in reference to an animal complaint.
SATURDAY, APRIL 20, 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 North 7th Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespassing. Timothy J. Dalpozzo, 57, of Benld was arrested for criminal trespassing to residence and a Macoupin County warrant for criminal trespassing to a residence.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at South Street and Chestnut Street and charges are pending crime lab results.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to Macoupin Street and Elm Street in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Osie Street in reference to a dog at large.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of North 8th Street in Benld in reference to medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Spruce Street in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Baker Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Street in Benld in reference to a medical call.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to an ordinance issue.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
