Community News
Gillespie Police Report: April 10-16, 2022
SUNDAY, APRIL 10, 2022
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of South Macoupin Street regarding a suicidal subject.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of North 5th Street in Benld regarding the theft of a motor vehicle.
Layne J. Withers, 28, of Benld was arrested for theft of a motor vehicle and possession of stolen property. He also had a warrant out of Macoupin County for failure to appear for theft and a warrant out of Morgan County for probation violation.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Spruce Street and 8th Street in Benld. Christa M. Migut, 20, of Gillespie was issued a citation for suspended registration and possession of cannabis in a motor vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to Carney Lane at Gillespie Lake regarding criminal damage to property. A 17-year-old female from Litchfield was issued a citation for malicious mischief.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of North 8th Street in Benld regarding criminal trespass to property. Cyle W. Conlee, 29, of Gillespie was issued a citation for criminal trespass to real property.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of North 4th Street in Benld regarding suspicious activity.
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department regarding domestic trouble.
An officer was dispatched to Walnut Lane at Gillespie Lake regarding a wellbeing check.
MONDAY, APRIL 11, 2022
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Elm Street regarding deceptive practice and retail theft.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Frey Street regarding criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Locust Street in Benld regarding a suicidal subject.
An officer was out in the 2400 block of Staunton Road in Mt. Clare regarding a suspicious male.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of North 4th Street in Benld regarding a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Harding Avenue in East Gillespie regarding an order of protection issue.
TUESDAY, APRIL 12, 2022
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Burton Street regarding a wellbeing check.
Andrew M. White, 33, of Benld was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for domestic battery.
An officer was dispatched to Staunton Road and Charles Street regarding a juvenile in the roadway.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of South Macoupin regarding a male being belligerent on a job site. Derek D. Roberts, 44, of Gillespie was arrested for being an intoxicated pedestrian on the roadway.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Illinois Avenue in Benld regarding a juvenile runaway.
An officer spoke with a juvenile at Gillespie Police Department regarding threats. The juvenile was turned over to his parents.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13, 2022
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department regarding criminal trespass to property.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department regarding fraud.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Maple Street regarding a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of North 4th Street in Benld regarding a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of East Central Avenue in Benld regarding an alarm sounding.
An officer was dispatched to the 1400 block of Second Street regarding suspicious camera footage.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of North Kentucky Street in Benld regarding electronic harassment by phone.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South 2nd Street in Benld regarding an alarm sounding.
An officer was dispatched to the 2200 block of Staunton Road in Mt. Clare regarding a disturbance.
THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 2022
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Central Avenue in Benld regarding burglary and criminal damage to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of South 5th Street in Benld regarding theft.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of East Walnut Street regarding a suicidal subject.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Macoupin Street regarding a suspicious male.
An officer was dispatched to North 8th Street in Benld regarding a dog at large.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Richard Street regarding a dog at large.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of West Maple Street regarding an unregistered vehicle parked on the roadway.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Illinois Avenue in East Gillespie. Kelsey J. Horn, 29, of Troy was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Elm Street regarding a suspicious person.
FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2022
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of East Central Avenue in Benld regarding a suspicious male.
An officer initiated a traffic stop in the 600 block of Broadway Street in Gillespie. Kristina M. Gladden, 40, of Springfield was arrested for driving while her license is revoked.
An officer was dispatched to the area of Central Avenue and Staunton Road in Benld for a possible child endangerment complaint. Officers completed a traffic stop at Staunton Road and Clark Street. Nicky M. Vonderheidt, 29, of East Alton was issued a citation for illegal transportation of alcohol and David L. Clark, 29, of Jerseyville was arrested for resisting and obstructing a peace officer.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Horizon Street regarding criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Easton Street regarding a suspicious vehicle.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department regarding a child custody issue.
An officer initiated a traffic stop in the 7500 block of Staunton Road. Jessica G. Floyd, 31, of Gillespie was issued a citation for improper use of registration and operating an uninsured motor vehicle.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Avenue and Main Street in Benld. David A. Murray, 62 of Benld was issued a citation for expired registration.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Avenue and 8th Street in Benld. Ann R. McGee, 56, of Mt. Olive was issued a citation for expired registration.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Avenue and 8th Street in Benld. Rachel A. Presnell, 53, of Gillespie was issued a citation for expired registration.
SATURDAY, APRIL 16, 2022
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of West Osie Street regarding a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Charles Street regarding a domestic battery and Curtis M. Lee, 26, of Gillespie was arrested for domestic battery.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department regarding a traffic crash that happen in the 500 block of Broadway Street.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of North 6th Street in Benld regarding a noise complaint.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department regarding criminal trespass in the 200 block of Lincoln Avenue in Eagarville.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Comments
Mt. Olive, IL — The vibrant community of Mt. Olive is proud to host the 4th Annual International Mother Jones Festival on Sunday, May 4th, celebrating the life and legacy of the legendary labor leader and activist, Mother Jones. The festival runs from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and will feature a variety of live music, engaging programs, and historic tours, culminating in a special tribute at Union Miners’ Cemetery, where Mother Jones is laid to rest.
Highlights of the Festival Include:
- Live Music: Enjoy performances by Casting Runes, Wildflower Conspiracy, and Piasa Canyon.
- Family Activities: Kids and the young at heart can participate in a magic and medicine show by Dr. Longhair, as well as a hands-on shoe-making activity inspired by Mother Jones’ famous footwear used in her miners’ strikes.
- Historical Reenactments: Loretta Williams, the only actress to portray Mother Jones in both her native Ireland (City Cork) and at her final resting place, will perform a special program at the library, bringing Jones’ story to life for audiences of all ages.
Special Events & Tours:
- A shuttle bus will be available to transport visitors between downtown and Union Miners’ Cemetery.
- Guided tours will be offered by docents at the cemetery and the Friends of Mother Jones Museum, providing insight into her life and enduring impact.
Food & Refreshments:
Kazoo Coffee will serve their signature Hell Raiser blend—created in honor of Mother Jones—along with B&K Bakery cookies, as well as a variety of food and beverages to keep festival-goers energized.
In Case of Weather Changes:
All downtown activities will relocate indoors to City Hall and the library, ensuring the celebration continues rain or shine.
Come celebrate the spirit of activism, history, and community at this meaningful event honoring one of America’s most influential labor leaders. Everyone is welcome to join the festivities!
For more information, contact the Mother Jones Museum at 618-659-8759 or email friendsofmotherjonesmuseum@gmail.com.
Comments
The Friends of the Library are excited to invite the community to an exclusive “Snap-On Jewelry” demonstration hosted by jewelry artist Jodi Flack. The event will take place on Monday, May 5th, at 6 p.m. in the Gillespie Public Library.
During this engaging program, Jodi will showcase her beautiful collection of snap-on jewelry, featuring versatile necklaces and bracelets with interchangeable pendants. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore the various styles and options available, making it a perfect occasion to find a special gift or add a unique piece to their jewelry collection.
Jewelry will be available for purchase at the event, making it an ideal opportunity to find a thoughtful Mother’s Day gift or a special treat for yourself.
Don’t miss this chance to discover stylish, customizable jewelry and support the Friends of the Library. All are welcome!
Comments
The Illinois Department of Transportation announced that a 14-mile patching and resurfacing project on Interstate 55 from Litchfield to the Macoupin/Madison County line begins Monday, April 21. Work is expected to be completed by the end of September.
Additionally, ramps for Litchfield (exit 52), Mount Olive (exit 44) and Staunton (exit 41) will be resurfaced. Most of the work is expected to take place between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. Sunday nights through Friday mornings.
Lane closures are expected, and message boards will be used to direct traffic through the work zones. Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area. Benefits of this project include a smoother driving surface.
To avoid the work area, when feasible, use of alternate routes should be considered. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to changed conditions and signs in the work zones, obey the posted speed limits, refrain from using mobile devices and be alert for workers and equipment.
