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Gillespie Council weighs fate of Canna Theater

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The Gillespie City Council on Tuesday night approved an ordinance authorizing a sewer rate hike and heard a presentation on city finances from City Treasurer Dan Fisher. But it was a lengthy discussion regarding the Canna Theater that took center stage during the council’s regular monthly meeting. The meeting was scheduled for Tuesday because of the Columbus Day holiday on Monday.

Ultimately no action was taken on accepting the Assembly of God Church’s offer to donate the building to the city, but Mayor John Hicks appointed Ald. Wendy Rolando and Ald. Larry Greene to meet with Jim Allan of Gillespie and report back to a committee meeting in two weeks. Allan is spearheading a loosely organized group advocating for the preservation of the aging structure. Allan’s vision involves the city taking possession of the building and either leasing or transferring ownership to his group with a goal of rehabbing the building as a performance venue.

City Attorney Dan O’Brien said the proposal could be problematic from a legal standpoint because of state laws regarding the acquisition of properties by municipal governments.

“If the city takes any property, it has to be for a public purpose,” O’Brien said. “It has to be for the citizens of Gillespie. If you take it in order to transfer it to a third party, that becomes more problematic.” O’Brien said “public purpose” can be broadly defined but generally would mean acquiring property for a parking lot or some other public purpose. Transferring the property to a third party, even a non-profit organization, could be done but would require a stretch of the “public purpose” definition, according to O’Brien.

O’Brien said a simple solution would be for the church to transfer it directly to Allan’s group. City Treasurer Fisher, however, indicated there would be some advantages to having the city act as the middle entity. Having the facility is owned by the city, he noted, would increase eligibility for grant funds. Moreover, for some grant programs, government entities may be eligible for twice as much money as a private entity. “If you need $200,000, the city might be able to get the whole amount,” Fisher said, “while a private group would only get half that.”

Fisher also noted that if Tax Increment Financing funds were used the city could authorize any amount for improvements if it owned the building. If it was privately owned, however, it would only be eligible for the amount the property had previously paid into the fund.

Fisher said he was impressed by the coalition Allan has put together. He said he fielded a phone call earlier from a supporter of the project from Chicago who had done some research and compiled a list of more than 30 potential sources for grant funds.

Jim Allan is spearheading a loosely organized group advocating for the preservation of the Canna Theatre.

“I would argue that if you have an alliance involving the city, a church and a non-profit, that’s kind of the holy trinity for grants,” Fisher said.

Another advantage of city ownership, according to Fisher, would be facilitating demolition if Allan’s project fails to bear fruit.

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“If our fall back is to tear it down, then we’d have to own it,” Fisher said.

The potential for the city owning the building and allowing someone else to administer it is not unprecedented, Fisher told the council. Welfare Park, for example, was transferred to the city to facilitate eligibility for a Department of Natural Resources grant. The Canna itself “has been in and out of public or semi-public ownership” for many years, Fisher said.

The city’s original intent was to acquire the building in order to demolish it as a public nuisance. In recent years, the building has fallen into disrepair. Deterioration of the roof, in particular, has allowed water to enter the building, causing extensive damage.

Staunton architect Dennis Schuete said the building is sound enough to be salvaged. The main issue, he said, is the roof, which could be secured at a cost of about $15,000—compared with the $62,000 it would cost to raze the building and remove the debris.

Schuete developed a list of materials that would be needed to rehabilitate the building. The checklist includes the roof, restoration of the block walls, repair of a rotted wooden floor backstage and other items. In total, the tab for materials would come to more than $100,000.

The project’s cost, however, could be significantly reduced with the donation of materials and labor.

Without donated materials and labor, Schuete estimated the tab for restoration would come to $500,000. But he put the value of the rehabilitated property at $2 million.

“I’m just one voice interested in seeing this building preserved,” Schuete said. He said he is heartened when he sees projects like the Illinois Coal Mining Museum, adding the project is feasible “if people work together and volunteer labor and materials.”

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Community Fire District Chief Larry Norville, however, said he was asked to look at the building and give his opinion of its status.

“I’m not a structural engineer,” Norville said. “At this point, I think the building is a terrible liability to whoever owns it. If that building caught fire tonight, I would not send firefighters into it.”

Termite damage and rot, he said, have rendered the floor joist unsalvageable. All wiring would need to be removed and replaced. Norville said they used the Fire District’s snorkel truck to get a look at the roof, where it was noted the side walls are bowed, indicating they’ve separated from the rest of the structure.

Allan disputed Norville’s report, saying the roof is supported by steel beams and the remainder of the building is salvageable. Asked how he expected to raise money for the project, Allan listed several well-known musicians associated with Nashville or St. Louis bands who would be willing to perform benefit concerts.

“We want the city to be involved,” Allan said, “but if the city refuses, the church will turn it over to us.” He said his group is in the process of establishing a non-profit group to helm the project. Upon completion, he said the building would be a performing arts center available to the school district and other performers.

Ald. Frank Barrett suggested a residential apartment on the second floor could be rented out to help generate funds.

“We don’t want anyone living in it,” Allan stated, adding the apartment space might be used for music lessons or as an art gallery.

Although a final decision will not be made until Rolando and Greene report back to the full council, some aldermen expressed reticence about moving forward with the project.

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“It’s going to take money to fix it and I do not believe it would be money well spent,” said Ald. Landon Pettit.

“How can we justify this when there are so many other things that need to be done in this town?” Ald. Bob Fritz asked.

“I’d want to see the bottom dollar before I vote for it,” said Ald. Rick Fulton. “What is it going to cost the city?”

FINANCIAL REPORT

City Treasurer Fisher provided a brief overview of the city’s income versus expenditures, and how he determines which funds to use for certain bills and the importance of structuring expenditures for efficiency.

“We have to figure out how to do more with less,” Fisher said. “It’s not just how we pay for things but when we pay for it and how we pay for it.”

Staunton architect Dennis Schuete said the building is sound enough to be salvaged.

Fisher said the city “operates in the red more months than we operate in the black,” in part because of fluctuations in income. The city receives relatively large influxes of cash in January and March, followed by October and April. For those months, along with August, the city ended the month in the black. For the rest of the year, however, the city ended each month with a deficit.

Fisher said he also faces restrictions on how certain funds can be used. Of the $3,023,832 cash on hand at the end of September, less than half was available for expenditures other than salaries. The percentage of funds available for non-salary expenditures varies by fund. Out of $284,485 in the General Fund account, for example, all but about $5,000 was committed to salaries. Other funds, including water and sewer, are slightly more flexible with seven to 15 percent of monies earmarked for salaries.

Over the course of the past 12 months, according to a graph presented by Fisher, the deficits at the end of seven months varied from $3,297 to as much as $95,305. Those deficits were somewhat offset by positive balances ranging from $7,600 to $157,300 at the end of five months. Still, at the end of September, the city was running $14,500 in the red.

With such tight financial constraints, Fisher said the city has to be careful about when and how it spends. “It’s not that we don’t have the money but we have to look at which funds we can pay those expenses from,” Fisher said. “The lake made a $4,000 profit last year. You can’t buy a truck for $4,000 so when we buy a truck for the lake, it gets split up among several funds.”

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Comparing Gillespie’s financial picture with those of neighboring communities reveals that Gillespie has more limited resources for hiring police officers, according to Fisher. Consequently, the city has to be creative with its expenditures in order to compete with other cities when it comes to hiring new officers.

“When you guys ask me if we can afford something, my answer usually is ‘it depends’,” Fisher said. “If you don’t structure it the right way, the answer is ’no.’ If you structure it the right way, the answer can be ‘yes.’ It all fits into a big jigsaw puzzle. It depends on how it’s structured and how it fits in with the rest of the obligations we know we’re going to have.”

Fisher’s explanation of financial structuring came to the forefront when the council voted 6-2 to approve the purchase of a four-door diesel pick-up truck with a snowplow at a cost of $57,997. Ald. Pettit said the city had an option to buy a Ford F450 dump truck for $63,000 with no plow for $63,000 to replace a Chevrolet pick-up at the Street Department and shift an existing dump truck to the Lake Department.

“I think we’d be crazy not to do that and move the existing truck to the Lake Department,” Pettit said.

“We have a way we could buy that truck,” Fisher reported. “But if we do that, it would probably be the last piece of equipment we’re able to buy for a while.”

After more discussion, Pettit agreed with a proposal to buy the four-door pick-up for the Street Department and ship an existing dump truck to the Lake Department with the understanding it would come back to the Street Department during the winter months. His motion to buy the vehicle from Victory Lane Ford was seconded by Ald. Fritz and was approved with Ald. Rolando and Ald. Donna Rauzi both voting against the purchase.

Fisher’s presentation was further illustrated when he responded to a question from visitor Dave Link who wanted to know why the city allowed a sizable surplus build-up in the Motor Fuel Tax Fund when there are many streets in need of attention.

Fisher said the city anticipates a major storm and sanitary sewer project within the next 15 months. While MFT funds cannot be used for sanitary sewers, they can be used for storm sewers.

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“We anticipate we’re going to need half a million dollars or $650,000 to pay our share of those projects,” Fisher said. For that reason, the council approved relatively modest MFT street maintenance programs in recent years, allowing surplus money to build up in the fund. What wasn’t anticipated, he said, was a substantial increase in MFT distributions from the state this year. As a result, he predicted the next MFT maintenance program will be $210,000 to $220,000 and include more streets than in recent years.

LABOR ISSUE

Link also questioned why Street Department employees have not had a contract since Dec. 31. Link said his understanding was that the sticking point was a one-time $1,500 longevity bonus.

“I’m sure your attorney costs you more than $1,500 for four guys,” Link said, referring to the continuing negotiations.

“It’s not that we’re denying them their money,” said Mayor Hicks, “we’re just trying to get the contract settled.” Before City Attorney O’Brien advised against negotiating contract issues in a public meeting, Hicks said his understanding was that the four Street Department employees were in favor of the contract proposal. It was unclear, however, what position other employees covered by the contract had taken.

Dave Link also questioned why Street Department employees have not had a contract since Dec. 31

SEWER RATE HIKE

Council members voted unanimously to approve an ordinance to increase consumer sewer rates by $3.50 per 1,000 gallons of usage. The new rate will be effective with the next billing cycle.

Increasing the rate has been under discussion since August when City Treasurer Fisher recommended increasing the rate to ensure eligibility for sewer improvement grants.

TREE REMOVAL

In other action, the council approved a contract with Niehaus Tree Service to remove a dead tree at Pine and Second streets and three dead trees at the Gillespie Lake campground at a total cost of $550.

Aldermen also approved a resolution to release Tax Increment Finance funds to pay for a new metal roof on the Police Department building.

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Police News

Gillespie Police Report: March 17-23, 2024

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SUNDAY, MARCH 17, 2024

An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Elm Street in reference to criminal damage to property.

An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Biddle Street in reference to child abuse.

An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of East Walnut Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.

An officer was dispatched to Madison Street and Wilson Street in reference to suspicious activity.

An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of East Chestnut Street in Benld in reference to a well-being check.

An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a civil issue.

An officer was out in the 400 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a security check. 

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MONDAY, MARCH 18, 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 LJ Avenue in reference to a domestic battery. Regan M. Treadway, 22, of Hillsboro was arrested for domestic battery.

Gillespie Police Department assisted the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department with a criminal investigation.

An officer was dispatched to the 900 block of South Madison Street in reference to criminal damage to property.

An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of East Burton Street in reference to an ordinance issue of illegal burning. Charles H. Daubman, 62, of Gillespie was issued a citation for illegal burning.

An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Harding Avenue in East Gillespie in reference to a noise complaint.

An officer during normal patrol in the 100 block of South 7th Street in Benld noticed a trunk open on a vehicle. The officer made contact with the owners and they secured the trunk after checking it.

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An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of North 4th Street in Benld in reference to a suspicious person.

An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with a male in reference to illegal dumping.

An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Hickory in reference to a civil standby.

An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South 2nd Street in Benld in reference to a well-being check.

An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Easton Street in reference to a civil standby.

The School Resource Officer called in requesting assistance in reference to a female student that had left the school.

TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2024

An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Madison Street in reference to criminal damage to property.

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An officer was dispatched to Route 4 by the nursing home to check on a person on a bike with no lights.

An officer was dispatched to Maple Street and Route 138 in Benld in reference to a suspicious vehicle.

An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of East Spruce Street in reference to a suspicious vehicle.

An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Gillespie Street in reference to juvenile issues.

An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Walnut Street in reference to a dog at large.

An officer was dispatched to a business in the 300 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to an animal complaint.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20, 2024

An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Avenue and 2nd Street in Benld. Logan G. Lawson, 22, of Roodhouse was issued a citation for speeding.

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An officer initiated a traffic stop in the 200 block of North Hard Road in Mt. Clare. David E. Schmidt, 46, of Staunton was issued citations for speeding, expired registration, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle.

An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Spruce Street in reference to illegal parking.

An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South Jersey Street in reference to an open line 911 call.

An officer initiated a traffic stop at Broadway Street and LJ Avenue. Candace N. Carlen, 36, of New Douglas was issued a citation for speeding.

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 was dispatched to the 200 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a suspicious noise.

An officer was dispatched to West Dorsey Street and South Kentucky Street in Benld in reference to a suspicious person.

An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of East Walnut Street in reference to suspicious activity.

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An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Elm Street in reference to reckless driving.

An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Biddle Street in reference to a medical assist.

An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Avenue and Main Street in Benld. Esha V. Bhatt, 30, of Edwardsville was issued a citation for speeding.

An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Avenue and Main Street in Benld. Nicole L Richey, 34, of Wilsonville was issued a citation for speeding and expired registration.

THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 2024

An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South 4th Street in Benld in reference to a suspicious person.

An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of 9th Street in Benld in reference to a suicidal subject

An officer was out with a suspicious person at Main Street and Spruce Street in Benld.

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An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Elm Street. Walter L. Vester, 29, of Gillespie was arrested on a Glenn Carbon warrant for larceny.

An officer initiated a traffic stop at Broadway Street and LJ Avenue. Jordan L. Jett, 23, of Hillsboro was issued a citation for speeding.

An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Litchfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to aggravated assault. Levi T. Kroll, 34, of Carlinville was arrested for aggravated assault, criminal damage to property, and operation of a vehicle with suspended registration.

An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of North 5th Street in Benld in reference to a theft.

An officer was dispatched to LJ Avenue where multiple vehicles were parked in a no-parking zone. After multiple announcements asking them to move, two vehicles remained and received citations. Jeromy J Moore, 47, of Greenfield and Matthew E. Raffety, 52, of Bunker Hill were issued citations for parking in a no-parking zone.

An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of East Walnut Street in reference to a domestic battery. Mitchela P. Zbornak, 34, of Gillespie was arrested for domestic battery.

An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Wilson Street in reference to a suspicious vehicle.

An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a juvenile issue.

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An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Madison Street in reference to an animal complaint.

An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of West Oak Street in reference to an ordinance issue for illegal burning.

An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Oak Street in reference to a possible burglary.

The School Resource Officer called in reckless driving in the high school parking lot.

FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2024

An officer was dispatched to a business in the 900 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to retail theft and criminal trespass.

An officer was dispatched to Illinois Street and Kentucky Street in Benld in reference to a loud vehicle.

An officer was dispatched to a business in the 500 block of East Elm Street in reference to a suspicious person. 

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SATURDAY, MARCH 23, 2024

An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Oak Street in reference to a well-being check.

An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Chestnut Street in reference to a 911 hang-up call.

An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of East Oak for a 911 untraceable call the officers checked the area and were unable to find an emergency.

An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South Illinois Street in Benld in reference to a medical assist.

An officer was dispatched to down wires at Dorsey Road and 1st Street in Mt. Clare. Ameren was contacted to remove the wiring.

All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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Gillespie Police Report: March 10-16, 2024

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SUNDAY, MARCH 10, 2024

An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Avenue and Main Street in Benld. Stephanie M. Lasica, 29, of Mt. Clare was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol, speeding, and overtaking on the left lane.

An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of West Wilson Street in reference to a domestic dispute.

An officer was dispatched to 600 block of Frey Street in reference to an assault.

An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Elm Street in East Gillespie. Thor S. Barnes, 43, of Forest Grove, OR was arrested for operating an uninsured motor vehicle, illegal transportation of alcohol, and improper use of evidence of registration.

An officer was dispatched to South Main and South 2nd Street in Benld in reference to a suspicious vehicle.

An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a well-being check.

An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Willow Street in Benld in reference to harassment by telephone.

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MONDAY, MARCH 11, 2024

Gaberial A. Desherlia, 22, of Gillespie was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia.

An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Chestnut Street in reference to a suspicious item that was left by a building.

An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to a traffic crash.

An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Park Street in Benld in reference to a domestic battery. Cynthia D. Edwards, 55, of Benld was arrested for domestic battery.

An officer was dispatched to a business in the 900 block of North Hard Road in Mt. Clare in reference to an alarm sounding.

An officer was dispatched to the 900 block of First Street in reference to disturbing the peace.

An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North 4th Street in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.

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An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue.

An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Lincoln Street in Eagarville in reference to a domestic dispute.

TUESDAY, MARCH 12, 2024

An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Osie Street in reference to a suspicious noise.

An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a medical assist.

Logan M. Billings, 34, of Benld was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for aggravated battery.

The officers were dispatched to 5th Street and Spruce Street in Benld in reference to a suspicious noise.

An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Avenue and Main Street in Benld. A 16-year-old from Gillespie was issued a citation for speeding.

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An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of North 5th Street in Benld in reference to a found item left on a porch.

An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespass to property.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13, 2024

An officer dispatched to the 200 block of East Locust Street in Benld in reference to a domestic battery. Brandon M. Lyons, 43, of Gillespie was arrested for aggravated domestic battery.

An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to criminal damage to property.

An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Oregon Street in reference to a suspicious circumstance.

An officer was dispatched to West Maple Street and North Jersey Street in reference to reckless driving.

An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a well-being check.

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An officer assisted an Alderman with an Ordinance issue in the 100 block of Henry Street.

THURSDAY, MARCH 14, 2024

An officer was dispatched to 200 block of West Dorsey Street in Benld in reference to a violation of an order of protection.

An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Central Avenue in Benld in reference to criminal damage to property.

An officer initiated a traffic stop at Spruce Street and 5th Street in Benld. Dallas W. Richardson, 29, of Benld was arrested for improper use of evidence of registration and expired registration.

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 500 block of South Hard Road in Benld in reference to a well-being check.

An officer was dispatched to LJ Avenue and Broadway Street in reference to illegal parking.

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An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to criminal trespass to property.

FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 2024

An officer was approached by a female in the 900 block of North Hard Road in Mt. Clare and reported suspicious behavior.

An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Charles Street in reference to a medical assist.

An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Pine Street in reference to a security check.

An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Dorsey Street in reference to the violation of an order of protection.

An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Mor Street in East Gillespie in reference to a well-being check.

An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Broadway Street in reference to a suspicious person.

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An officer was out in the 100 block of South 4th Street in Benld to speak with a male in reference to criminal trespass.

An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to an ordinance issue of illegal burning.

An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of South Main Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespass.

An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Francis Street in reference to a suspicious person.

An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 500 block of Horizon Street.

SATURDAY, MARCH 16, 2024

An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Green Street in reference to a suspicious noise.

An officer was dispatched to the 900 block of Broadway Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.

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An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a theft in the 700 block of Frey Street.

An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Easton Street in reference to a domestic. David L. Clark, 31, of Gillespie was arrested for domestic battery.

An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 200 block of South Macoupin Street.

An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of North 5th Street in reference to traffic control.

An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 300 block of South Street

An officer was out at Madison Street and Spruce Street in reference to juvenile issues.

An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Chestnut Street in reference to juvenile issues.

An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Green Street in reference to juvenile issues.

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All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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Gillespie Police Report: March 3-9, 2024

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SUNDAY, MARCH 3, 2024

An officer was dispatched to the Benld Sports Center Complex in reference to criminal damage to property.

An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to fraud in the 600 block of Olive Street.

An officer was dispatched to the 1100 block of Second Street in reference to a noise complaint.

An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Chestnut Street in reference to a house check.

An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Broadway Street in reference to an animal complaint.

An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of North Hard Road in Benld in reference to dogs at large.

An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of West Henrietta Street in reference to a 911 open line. The officer checked the area and discovered it was a child playing with the phone.

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An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Ave and Main Street in Benld. Christy L. Williams, 39, of Bunker Hill was issued a citation for speeding.

An officer was dispatched to the 15000 block of Harmony Lane at Gillespie Lake in reference to a 911 call.

MONDAY, MARCH 4, 2024

An officer was dispatched to a business in the 100 block of Maple Street in reference to assistance with a suicidal subject.

An officer was dispatched to the 900 block of Broadway in reference to a domestic battery. Lee A. Pollard, 23, of Gillespie was arrested for domestic battery.

An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of East Burton Street in reference to harassment by electronic communication.

An officer spoke with a female in the 100 block of Cahokia Street in Benld in reference to a juvenile runaway.

An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of North 6th Street in Benld in reference to a civil issue and to recover property.

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An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of East Chestnut Street in reference to a well-being check.

An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Ave in reference to improper parking.

An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Gillespie Street in reference to an ordinance issue.

An officer was dispatched to Route 138 and Benld Cemetery in Benld in reference to a suspicious person.

TUESDAY, MARCH 5, 2024

An officer was dispatched to Broadway Street and Francis Street in reference to a traffic crash/hit-and-run.

An officer was out on Handy Street and Easton Street in reference to a motorist assist and property damage.

An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Park Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespass to property and harassment.

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An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of South 6th Street in Benld in reference to domestic trouble and juvenile issues.

An officer was dispatched to Staunton Road and Clark Street in reference to a hit-and-run.

An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with a female in reference to harassment in the 200 block of South 2nd Street in Benld.

An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Harding Ave in East Gillespie in reference to a noise complaint.

An officer was dispatched to a business in the 900 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to an animal complaint.

An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Abba Street in reference to a suspicious person.

An officer was dispatched to Route 4 and Dollar General in East Gillespie in reference to a suspicious person walking in the roadway.

An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Ave in reference to improper parking.

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An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South Hard Road in Benld for unwanted solicitors.

An officer was out in the 600 block of Edwards Street in reference to unwanted solicitors.

An officer was dispatched to Easton Street and Handy Street in reference to a traffic crash.

An officer was dispatched to Central Ave and Route 4 in Benld in reference to reckless driving.

An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of North 5th Street in Benld in reference to juvenile issues.

An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in Benld in reference to a civil standby.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6, 2024

An officer was dispatched to Gillespie High School in reference to a juvenile issue.

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An officer was dispatched to Henrietta Street and Green Street in reference to suspicious circumstances.

An officer was dispatched to Staunton Road and Route 4 in reference to an animal complaint.

An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Ave in reference to improper parking.

An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Illinois Ave in East Gillespie. Elizabeth A. Knight, 54, of Washington was issued a citation for speeding.

An officer was dispatched to the area of East Easton and South Second Street for smoke coming from under a bridge.

An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Dorsey Road in Mt. Clare in reference to fraud.

An officer met with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to the return of found property.

An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to criminal damage to property.

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THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2024

An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Oak Street in reference to a 911 hang-up call.

An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Baker Street for a vehicle complaint. Tammy M. Dunn, 53, of Gillespie was issued a citation for illegal squealing/screeching of tires.

An officer was dispatched to the 900 block of Broadway Street in reference to a civil standby.

An officer was out at Park Street and Pine Street in Benld in reference to a trailer truck stuck under the train trestle. Chase E. Schultz, 21, of New Baden was issued a citation for disobeying a traffic device.

An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with a female in reference to a suspicious person in the 200 block of Dorsey Street in Benld.

An officer was dispatched to a business in the 500 block of East Elm Street in reference to a 911 open line. Once an officer arrived on scene, they discovered it to be a misdial.

An officer was dispatched to a business in the 500 block of East Elm Street in reference to assistance in removing an intoxicated subject.

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An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Gillespie Street in reference to a well-being check.

An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Dorsey Road in Mt. Clare in reference to an intoxicated female.

FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2024

An officer was dispatched to Jersey Street and Spruce Street in reference to a traffic crash.

An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with a female in reference to cyber-bullying.

An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of South 4th Street in Benld in reference to theft and aggravated assault.

An officer was dispatched to South 8th Street and Central Ave in Benld in reference to reckless driving.

An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to fraud.

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An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a dog at large.

An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue.

An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of West Baker in reference to a juvenile issue.

Tammy M. Dunn, 53, of Gillespie was issued a citation for illegal squealing/screeching of tires.

An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Lincoln in Eagarville in reference to a well-being check.

SATURDAY, MARCH 9, 2024

An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Henry Street in reference to a domestic dispute and child custody issue.

An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Henrietta Street in reference to a domestic dispute.

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Halli L. Thompson, 23, of Benld was arrested on a warrant out of Montgomery County for failure to appear while driving while their license was suspended.

An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Ave and Main Street in Benld.  Heaven L. Kopsie, 31, of Benld for operating an uninsured motor vehicle.

An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of South 6th Street in reference to an accidental 911 misdial.

An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 200 block of South Macoupin Street.

An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Berry Street in reference to a suspicious vehicle.

An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a suspicious vehicle.

An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of East Central Ave in Benld in reference to a suspicious vehicle.

An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of East Central Ave in Benld in reference to suspicious circumstances

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An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Charles Street in reference to a suspicious vehicle.

An officer was out at Oak Street and Macoupin Street in reference to juvenile issues.

All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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