Community News
Gillespie Council revisits Yard Sale Permit
Police Department collected over $800 in ordinance violations from February
DePoppe explained the police department collected over $800 in ordinance violations in February and $720 in towing and impound fees.
During a regular scheduled city council meeting on March 12, 2012, the Gillespie City Council discussed revisiting the yard sale permit after Janice Weidner made the suggestion to look over the ordinance. Weidner and Barrett suggested just going after the homes making a business out of “yard-saleing.” Majority of the aldermen were in favor of changing it because “it is not fair to 97% of the people in the community.” Mayor Hicks suggested leaving the ordinance and just see what happens when yard sale season comes.
Then when there is an issue, Hicks said the city would write an ordinance violation. “We haven’t even tested it yet,” Hicks noted. Weidner explained that there is no administration to enforce it and no one to “police” it. Weidner made a motion to resend the yard sale permit ordinance and after a second from Barrett, the council discussed it further and made note that anyone that wants to have a yard sale has to come to the city clerk’s office and fill out the paperwork.
According to Barrett, it would make more work for the girls in the office. Frank Barrett then withdrew his second, so the council could not vote on it without a second. “Let’s just spin it this summer and see how it works,” Hicks closed.
Chief of Police Jared DePoppe then explained that the police department collected over $800 in ordinance violations in February and $720 in towing and impound fees. Also from February, the ordinance officer handed out 16 self-initiated ordinances as well as one old one.
Steve Kluthe, police committee, assessed violations for animals running at large and reported that ordinance citations are not being done. Kluthe said the ordinances are going to have to be enforced rather than giving a verbal warning. He then said he would like to send DePoppe to a 40-hour police executive training course. The course would take place in April and would be no cost to the city.
Tanya Hill approached the council to see if she could have anything done with her bill due to a recent leak.
The council then heard from Donnie Shuey who is head of the water department. Shuey explained to the council that the city is losing “a lot” of money on the satellite meters. “Some of the master meters are losing us money because of their age,” Donnie explained, “One customer is a big customer and uses nearly 2 million gallons a month. That is reading on the old meter.” Hicks said the council needs to check on this issue.
The second issue brought by Donnie was the clear wells at the water plant have been leaking “forever” due to their age. One was built in the 1920’s and the other was built in the 1950’s. He explained that they have a sump pump hooked up and it cycles every half hour. The wells are 7.5 feet and hold nearly 230,000 gallons of water. To repair the issue, the wells would need to be sprayed with a liner to prevent leaks. Shuey is going to get an estimates to spray the wells and return them to the council.
Alderman Janice Weidner then explained that she contacted Carrollton about the power saving capacitors that the city was eyeing for the water and sewer plants. “They think they have done better than the projected savings,” Weidner explained, “The capacitors sound like a good thing.” George Halekso explained that over the average, the city should see a reduction. “My recommendation is to find out what they took out because they said there are eight points and only seven are listed,” George explained, “I do believe, you will be able to monitor it and see the reduction.” The power savings solution could save the city upwards toward $1,000 each month. The total cost to install the capacitors in each building is $13,625 with a 7-year warranty, so it would pay for itself after 13.3 months.
The council then heard from Dave Link, who questioned the council about the progress on the bids on Macoupin Street. Dan Fisher responded and said the city has received one more bid to fix the remaining work that needs down. He went on to say that there may be one more coming in, but the city will give the finance committee power to act once the bids are in. The remaining work that needs to be done, according to Fisher, is the well work, the dirt around the bottom of the building along with the debris behind Link’s building, and the top of the building.
The next visitor was Tim DeSherlia. Tim requested to buy property on 309 Park Avenue. Mayor Hicks explained to DeSherlia that the property is not for sale because it gives the city the right away to the creek. It also has three sewers running through the lot, which makes the lot unsellable. “Selling the property with easement to the sewer would not get you anything because you cannot build on the lot,” Hicks explained.
Tim went on to say that he does not want to build; he just wants it for himself since he has taken care of it for five years. “I want it all for myself because people drag their yard waste on the lot,” Tim said. Hicks said to notify the police when the occurrence happens again and the police will take care of the problem. The council also said they could post “no dumping” signs on the vacant lot.
Tanya Hill then approached the council about their water bill. The family did not notice they had break and it got progressively worse. Mayor Hicks said he would print out the last five months and compare them to previous months to see how much water was actually lost. From there, the council will make a decision whether to refigure the bill or not.
In new business, the council went on to declare a house on 304 Baker a public nuisance. The City Attorney will proceed with a nuisance abatement order. After the council declared the house a nuisance, the council made a motion to donate the same amount of money as previous years to Safe Families and Post Prom.
In closing under standing committee reports, Frank Barrett reported storm damage to one of the docks at Gillespie Lake. Barrett said there would not be a temporary fix and the entire dock would need to be fixed.
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FELONIES
Austin C. Drake, 30 of Girard, is charged with theft/unauthorized control (>$500<$10k) and bad checks/obtaining control of property in connection with a September 22 and an October 7 incident.
William C. Cooper, 41 of Gillespie, is charged with burglary in connection with a November 1 incident.
Joseph L. Schnurr, 63 of De Soto, Mo, is charged with aggravated fleeing in connection with a November 26 incident.
Derek J. Bultema, 40 of Gillespie, is charged with possession of methamphetamine in connection with a November 26 incident.
Brandon A. Martin, 26 of Wood River, is charged with aiding/abetting/possession/selling a stolen vehicle and aggravated fleeing in connection with a November 26 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Richard J. Williams, 44 of Staunton, is charged with criminal trespass to a vehicle in connection with a November 14 incident.
Ryne L. Manion, 41 of Mt. Olive, is charged with criminal trespass to a building in connection with a November 20 incident.
TRAFFIC
Terence L. Binion, 51 of University City, MO, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with a November 22 incident.
Andrew J. Goewey, 34 of Sawyerville, is charged with driving on a revoked license and driving 21-25 mph above the limit in connection with a November 22 incident.
Teresa J. Niewiadomski, 47 of Bethalto, is charged with driving on a suspended license, expired registration, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a November 19 incident.
Keona D. Roos, 22 of Freeburg, is charged with driving on a suspended license, improper use of registration/title, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and no valid registration in connection with a November 21 incident.
Zachary A. Johnston, 44 of Gillespie, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with a November 23 incident.
Alexis R. Spann, 32 of Auburn, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a November 19 incident.
Alicia N. Tamosaitis, 29 of Girard, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with a November 19 incident.
Justin A. Collins, 37 of Gillespie, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with a November 20 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Allan L. Petit versus Teresa M. Pettit
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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of West Wilson Street in reference to a domestic battery. Ashley A. Esmon, 39 of Staunton, was arrested for domestic battery.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Calcari Street in East Gillespie. Angel L. Bricker, 22 of East Alton, was cited for operating an uninsured vehicle and driving while registration was suspended.
An officer was dispatched to Spruce Street and Laura Street in reference to a noise complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Elm Street in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of East Elm Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Charles Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Elm Street. Zachary A. Johnston, 44 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for driving while license was revoked.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Chestnut Street in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 400 block of East Central in Benld in reference to suspicious activity.
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Cloud Street in reference to a domestic dispute. Steven O. Smith, 36 of Chicago, was arrested on a warrant out of Chicago on a weapons charge.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Abba Street in reference to theft and criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 300 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 300 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to criminal damage to property and criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Charles Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 900 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a 911 call.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of West Wilson Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of East Locust Street in Benld in reference to the removal of a subject.
An officer was dispatched to Circle Drive at Gillespie Lake in reference to an alarm sounding.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Penny Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to South 2nd Street in Benld in reference to unwanted solicitors.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2025
An Officer was dispatched to the 900 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Easton Street. Joseph L. Schnurr, 63 of Eagarville, was arrested for reckless driving, fleeing/eluding a peace officer, squealing tires, failing to obey a stop sign, improper use of registration, and operating an uninsured vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Chestnut Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of East Chestnut Street in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 300 block of South Illinois Street in Benld.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Elm Street in reference to a suicidal subject.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Broadway Street in reference to a fire alarm sounding.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Horizon Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Henry Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Cedar Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Francis Street in reference to a 911 call
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Henrietta Street in reference to an animal complaint.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Walnut Street in Benld in reference to a theft.
An officer was dispatched to the 900 block of North Hard Road in Mt. Clare in reference to disorderly conduct.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Central in Benld in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to a reckless driver.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Elm Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 900 block of North Hard Road in Mt. Clare in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Central Avenue in Benld in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 300 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer spoke with a male on Dorsey Road in Mt. Clare in reference to a vehicle that was parked on the lot for a few days.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2025
An officer was dispatched to West Central Street and North Trolley Street in Benld in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Lynn Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Broadway Street at Gillespie High School in reference to the fire alarm sounding.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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Ye Olde Christmas is the theme of the Macoupin County Historical Society’s annual Christmas Show, which will be held Friday through Sunday, December 5–7, at the John C. Anderson Home and Museum, 920 West Breckenridge in Carlinville.
“The Christmas Show is one of the most magical times to visit the Anderson Home,” said MCHS Board Member and House Manager Brandy England. “Some families make it an annual Christmas tradition to visit the Anderson Home when it is decorated for Christmas. It’s a great opportunity to get into the Christmas spirit and pick up some ideas for decorating your own home for the holidays.”
MCHS member Kendra Mize, of Bunker Hill, who has coordinated the decorating effort for more than two decades, has again marshalled a small army of volunteers to decorate all 13 rooms of the home. Each room features a themed Christmas tree, along with mantle pieces, centerpieces, tabletop decor, garlands and florals, and other special touches.
The home will be open for self-guided tours from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, December 5; from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, December 6; and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, December 7.
“We’re very excited to offer for the first time candlelight tours from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday,” said Shawna Ashby, who serves as a co-manager with England. “Viewing the decorated home by candlelight promises to be a magical experience.”
The final candlelight tours on Friday and Saturday start at 7:30 p.m. Admission to the home is five dollars for adults and one dollar for children ages five to 12, with four-year-olds and younger admitted free of charge.
The Anderson Home Gift Shop will be open during tour hours, offering one-of-a-kind gift items and stocking stuffers. Santa Claus will be on hand in the downstairs parlor to greet children and listen to their Christmas wishes from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, December 6.
While the decorated home is the centerpiece of the Christmas Show, several other features on the Historical Society’s grounds will be open. The Red Barn will be open and serving hearty beef stew, chili, homemade pies, and warming holiday beverages such as wassail and hot chocolate on Friday and Saturday.
The General Store and Print Shop will be decorated and open to the public, with the Print Shop offering its popular handmade Christmas cards and other items produced in the shop; kids can print their own blank “Santa List” to keep track of their Christmas wishes.
“The General Store offers unique gift items, including some small antiques, for shoppers to peruse,” England noted.
Local blacksmiths will demonstrate their craft in the MCHS Blacksmith Shop located on the north side of the Historical Society Grounds, with wrought iron gift items, including stocking hooks and decorative pieces, available for purchase.
The Macoupin County Historical Society’s Christmas Show runs concurrently with the Carlinville Christmas Market and Downtown Christmas events, and a free trolley and shuttle buses include the Anderson Home as a regular stop during the festivals, enabling visitors to ride from the square or the Macoupin County Fairgrounds to the Historical Society grounds.
