Community News
Gillespie Council takes steps toward TIF district creation
Members of the Gillespie City Council on Monday night took significant steps toward establishing a second Tax Increment Financing district, the objective of which will primarily be to spur new housing development in the city. Additionally, the council approved a new levy for 2021 property taxes to be collected in 2022, approved lake fee hikes, and authorized the city attorney to prepare an ordinance to raise local water rates.
On a motion by Ald. Wendy Rolando, seconded by Ald. Bob Fritz, the council voted unanimously to place on file for 10 days the TIF district plan and feasibility study and to send copies of those documents to all affected tax districts. The 10-day review period is expected to start Dec. 28, presuming Keith Moran of Moran Economic Development is able to deliver a revised district map on Monday, Dec. 27, which council committee meetings are scheduled.
The original map outlined an area on the city’s northwest side, encompassing substantial areas of vacant lots owned by either the city or the local school district. TIF districts work by capturing increases in property taxes resulting from assessment increases associated with property improvements. Essentially, the revenue the city, school district or any other taxing body receives from properties within the district is frozen at their current levels with future increases going into a Tax Increment Financing Fund which can be used to fund infrastructure improvements and other improvements within the TIF district.
Upon the recommendation of Ald. Landon Pettit, however, Moran plans to produce a revised map that will include a substantial area on the city’s south side. Pettit said he would like to see the TIF district include Big Brick Park, taking note that such inclusion would make the park eligible for TIF funds to make improvements. If the objective of the district is to attract new families to Gillespie, he said, then being able to offer improved park facilities will play a role in attracting and retaining young families.
“If we’re going to do another TIF, I really think that part of town would benefit,” Pettit said.
A feasibility study synopsis presented by Moran Monday night indicated that the area included on the original map met all criteria for TIF district inclusion. The proposed district contains a large number of vacant lots and/or lots owned by local taxing bodies, Moran said. “A lot of this property is tax-exempt,” Moran said, “or they are undeveloped, which means they have little potential for growth in tax revenue.”
“The developed portion of the area contains conditions that qualify it as a Conservation Area,” according to the feasibility synopsis. A total of 86 percent of structures are 35 years old or older. All of the developed parcels exhibit inadequate utilities in some form, with 73 percent exhibiting obsolescence in some form. A total of 68 percent of the parcels and 47 percent of the structures are deteriorating. Perhaps most significantly, property values have grown at a lower rate than in the balance of the city for at least three of the last five years.
Likewise, in the undeveloped portion of the proposed district area, property values are stagnant or declining. A total of 68 percent of undeveloped parcels are located adjacent to parcels with deteriorating site improvements. More than half the undeveloped parcels are affected by obsolete platting, and there is a diversity of ownership which would make it difficult to assemble a tract of properties for redevelopment.
“This is largely a residential-focused TIF,” Moran said. “Pretty significantly, the area qualifies for TIF.”
Ald. Rolando told Moran that the area Ald. Pettit asked to be included would also qualify for TIF designation because of the same factors applicable to the original area.
Placing the feasibility study and TIF plan on file for inspection by the public and affected taxing bodies is the first significant step toward formally creating a new TIF district. Moran presented a tentative timeline for meeting legal requirements culminating in the formal creation of the new TIF district when the council meets in regular session on April 11.
The new TIF district will join a previously created TIF district created more than a decade ago to create funding to redevelop the downtown commercial area. The new district, if approved, will utilize the former interurban railroad right-of-way to make it contiguous with the existing TIF.
In a number of related actions, the council approved a resolution declaring the city’s intent to reimburse itself for “certain project costs.” Moran said the resolution, while not a requirement, will allow the city to reimburse itself for costs associated with creating the TIF district from TIF funds once the district starts to generate revenue. The council committed last month to paying Moran’s firm $23,900 for work associated with shepherding the council through the TIF creation process.
Council members also voted unanimously to accept Moran’s completed feasibility study and approved a resolution to establish an interested parties registry and rules. The interested parties resolution, Moran said, creates a registry for taxing body officials and members of the public who want to examine documents related to creating the TIF district. Moran said citizens would be authorized to review such documents under provisions of the state’s Freedom of Information Act but the resolution further formalizes transparency and public access.
The next major action on the TIF project is expected when the council meets Monday, Jan. 10, at which time it will review the TIF redevelopment plan and set a public hearing date for March 14. Moran Economic Development will convene a meeting in late January with the Joint Review Board to examine the TIF plan and ordinances approved by the council in connection with the TIF creation process. The Department of Economic Development and Opportunity will have final authority to approve the district based on recommendations from the Joint Review Board. The Joint Review Board’s findings are due Feb. 28, about two weeks before the public hearing.
TAX LEVY
With minimal discussion, the council unanimously approved a $375,371 levy for property taxes to be collected in 2022. The new levy represents an increase of about $18,000 over last year’s levy of $357,352.
Broken down by fund, the ordinance levies $61,565 for corporate purposes, compared with $53,639 last year. A total of $26,506 is levied for police protection, compared with $25,247 last year; $35,912 for streets and bridges, compared with $34,206 a year ago; $10,259 for Emergency Services and Disaster Administration (ESDA), compared with $9,772 last year; $59,854 for liability insurance, compared with $57,009 last year; $15,390 for parks, compared with $14,659 a year ago; $3,421 for the municipal band, compared with $3,258 last year; $107,740 for Social Security, compared with $102,619 a year ago; and $54,724 for the public library, compared with $52,123 last year.
The actual tax rate, which is applied to the total equalized assessed valuation, is determined by the County Clerk. Gillespie and other taxing bodies in Macoupin County are subject to the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law which limits taxing bodies to property tax revenue increases that amount to no more than five percent or the Consumer Price Index. The Consumer Price Index, which measures the rate of inflation, is set at 1.4 percent for the 2021 tax year.
If the levy requested by the city exceeds the amount to which the municipality is entitled, the County Clerk is required to reduce the levy to the legal amount. The Clerk cannot, however, increase the levy if the city fails to levy the maximum to which it is entitled.
Property tax revenues account for a fraction of the city’s expenditures. This year’s appropriation authorizes the maximum expenditures the city anticipates for the fiscal year, for example, totals $7.2 million.
Action on the tax levy was preceded by a brief tax hearing but no members of the public attended the hearing to ask questions or offer comments.
WARD REALIGNMENT
Council members voted unanimously to direct the city attorney to draft an ordinance to realign the boundaries of the city’s four wards to reflect the results of the most recent census. Mayor John Hicks told city aldermen he had been contacted by County Clerk Pete Duncan, who advised the existing wards were not adequately equalized in terms of population. Duncan has asked Macoupin municipalities to finalize adjustments to ward boundaries prior to the end of the year so the Elections Office can mail revised voter registration cards in January.
Ward 1 with 870 residents and Ward 4 with 872 residents were larger than Wards 2 and 3 by 150 to 170 people.
To correct the imbalance, the new ward map will move the northern edges of Wards 2 and 3 by one block from Spruce Street to Chestnut Street.
The adjustment will leave Ward 1 with 756 residents, Ward 2 with 816, Ward 3 with 774 and Ward 4 with 823.
The council will formally vote to adopt the new boundaries during its regular meeting on Jan. 10.
LAKE FEE INCREASES
Acting upon Ald. Frank Barrett’s recommendation, the council approved increases in lake lot lease fees, camping fees and golf cart permits.
Barrett said the increases are needed to generate additional revenue to pay for extra dumpsters and porta-potties, road improvements, personnel costs, and future upgrades to campgrounds and playgrounds.
Under the fee structure approved Monday night, lake lot increases for full-time residents will increase from $900 per year to $1,200 per year, plus $400 for each additional lot. Barrett said that recognizing a number of residents are on fixed incomes, the city is willing to collect $900 in April when lake lot leases are due and accept the remaining $300 the following month for this year only.
The cost for leasing a picnic lot will increase from $350 to $400 per year for undeveloped lots, and from $650 to $700 per year for upgraded lots.
Leaseholders who are residents of the City of Gillespie are entitled to a $50 discount.
Golf cart permit fees will double from $25 to $50 for persons who do not have a city sticker.
Fees for the campground dump station are set at $5.
Campground fees will increase by $1 next season.
“A one-dollar increase doesn’t sound like much but when we have a full campground, it’s $80 to $100,” Barrett noted.
POLICE RADIOS
On a motion by Ald. Donna Rauzi, who participated in the meeting by phone, the council approved the expenditure of up to $27,000 to equip police officers and patrol cars with a digital radio system.
Police Chief Jared DePoppe said the existing analog radios are more than 15 years old and have a limited range.
“With our expanded area, it’s important to have good reception for officer safety,” he said.
Global Technical Systems, Greeville, will be the vendor supplying the new radios and radio system.
In a related matter, the council met with DePoppe for 20 minutes in executive session to discuss personnel but took no action on an agenda item calling for hiring a new police officer.
BUSINESS CARD EXPENDITURE
After several minutes of debate, the council reluctantly agreed to pay a $50 invoice from Elite Print Co., Gillespie, for 1,000 business cards ordered by Water Plant Supervisor Dave Pickett. Ald. Pettit, who also participated by phone, moved to pay the expense, noting that Pickett planned to give the cards to vendors who call upon the water treatment plant.
“I can’t see not paying it,” Pettit said.
But Mayor Hicks objected to the expenditure, arguing that Pickett should have approached the council for permission before ordering business cards. He expressed concerns that if Pickett’s cards get into the hands of residents, persons with water billing questions or complaints will call the water plant instead of city hall. Had the council been approached, he said, they might have recommended one card order with names and phone numbers for all three Maintenance Department supervisors.
If a city alderman wanted business cards, Hicks said, they would be responsible for that expense out of their own pocket. Moreover, he said business cards could have been produced in-house with a computer and printer. “If anybody wants cards,” he said, “come to me and I’ll give you the card stock.”
City Treasurer Dan Fisher pointed out that paying for business cards for one supervisor could set a precedent for other employees.
“If we do this for Dave, theoretically we’d have to do for any supervisor or any employee,” Fisher said. “Fifty bucks isn’t going to break us, but it’s the principle of it.”
Ultimately, the council voted to pay to invoice with Ald. Rick Fulton voting “no.”
Early in the meeting, the council heard a concern from Andy Hirstein of the 200 block of East Chestnut, who complained that his water bill jumped by 11,000 gallons for one month. For the period from Sept. 1 to Oct. 1, Hirstein said he was billed for 16,000 gallons of usage, compared with 5,000 gallons the month before and the month after.
He insisted he did not have a leak, either in the house or underground.
Mayor Hicks and Ald. Pettit both defended the accuracy of the meter reading, saying that if it was a matter of misreading the meter on Oct. 1, the starting number would have been incongruent for the November billing. Hicks told Hirstein he was welcome to review the raw data from the meter readers, plus the transcriptions to the billing system. Both Hicks and Pettit said Hirstein had to have had a leak—possibly a malfunctioning toilet—to account for the discrepancy.
“You can have a piece of equipment that is leaking and not notice it,” Fisher said. He suggested putting dye in the toilet tank to see if the dye makes its way into the bowl overnight.
Hirstein was advised that he would have to pay the bill but the city agreed to waive late fees as is customary for disputed bills.
WATER RATE INCREASE
The council authorized City Attorney Dan O’Brien to draft an ordinance to be acted upon next month to increase water rates for residential customers by about 2.5 percent. City Treasurer Dan Fisher said the council voted to raise rates for satellite customers but the contract with the satellites specifies such increases must be matched with an equal increase of Gillespie users.
OTHER ACTION
In other action, the council:
- Approved Christmas bonuses of $100 for all city employees. For the first time, the council made no distinction between bonuses for full-time and part-time employees. “What’s the difference?” Ald. Pettit asked. “They’re all employees.”
- Agreed to waive water bills for the Community Unit 7 Fire District facility, now located in East Gillespie. Ald. Pettit said other communities within the district waive water bills for satellite Fire District stations. “Even though they’re located in East Gillespie, their primary service area is the Gillespie community,” Pettit said.;
- Directed the city attorney to draft a resolution for action next month to authorize payment of a facade improvement grant to Rick Verticchio, attorney. The amount of the grant will be determined by the City Treasurer based on the amount for which Verticchio is eligible to receive from the TIF fund.
- Accepted bids to complete work on a Maintenance Garage addition. S & S Concrete will pour a concrete floor for approximately $2,000 and Griffith Plumbing and Heating, Carlinville, will complete plumbing work for slightly more than $10,000.
- Gave the Mayor power to act on negotiating a price with Glass Cutters, Carlinville, to replace windows in the front office at City Hall. Ald. Fritz had secured pricing to replace the windows with standard glass for $9,686.08 but Mayor Hicks said he wanted to look into pricing for tinted glass.
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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.
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