Community News
Gillespie Police Report: August 28-September 10, 2022
SUNDAY, AUGUST 28, 2022
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Broadway Street in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of West Osie Street in reference to a medical call.
An officer spoke with a female in the 100 block of Madison Street in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Henry Street in reference to a wellbeing check.
An officer was dispatched to the 1300 block of Staunton Road in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
An officer spoke with a couple at Gillespie Police Department in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 300 block of West Osie Street in reference to a suspicious person.
MONDAY, AUGUST 29, 2022
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Hickory Street in Benld in reference to fraud.
William D. Lehotz, 60, of Kansas City, MO was arrested for failure to register as a sex offender.
An officer was dispatched to Montana Street and Ash Street in reference to found property.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Berry Street in Mt. Clare in reference to a domestic dispute. Jamie S. Rhodes, 39, of Mt. Clare was arrested for domestic battery.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to harassment.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 30, 2022
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of West Pine Street in reference to a traffic crash. Jessica M. McCoy, 24, of Wilsonville was issued a citation for operating an uninsured motor vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to a suspicious male.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to theft.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of East Spruce Street in reference to stalking and harassment.
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with a female in reference to threats and electronic harassment.
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to theft.
An officer was dispatched to the 1100 block of Abba Street in reference to criminal trespass.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 31, 2022
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of North Clinton Street to assist an alderman with an ordinance issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of South Main Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespass to a residence.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to an alarm sounding.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Park Avenue to assist an alderman with an ordinance issue.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2022
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Charles Street in reference to an online harassment.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Adams Street in reference to criminal trespassing to a residence.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Spruce Street in reference to a suicidal threat.
The School Resource Officer was out on Wilson Street in reference to a fight that took place at the school.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2022
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Park Avenue in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
The School Resource Officer met with a student and the high school principal in reference to threats that were being made.
An officer was dispatched to Carney Lane at Gillespie Lake in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil standby for a child exchange.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Oak Street in reference to harassment.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a loud noise complaint.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2022
An officer was dispatched to Elm Street and Macoupin Street in reference to a traffic crash.
Dennis R. Roeske, 30, of Gillespie was arrested on warrants out of Macoupin County for aggravated fleeing and driving while license is suspended.
Caleb J. Obeakfell, 19, of Gillespie was arrested for driving while under the influence of alcohol and leaving the scene of an accident.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Madison Street in reference to a theft.
Jessica L. Gibbs, 39, of Gillespie was arrested on a warrant out of Macoupin County for driving while her license was suspended.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Madison Street in reference to criminal damage to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Madison Street in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at South Hard Road and Walnut in Benld. Raymond Weber, 37, of Litchfield was issued a citation for an operating uninsured motor vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of LJ Avenue in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Hickory Street in Benld in reference to a neighborhood dispute.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2022
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of East Walnut Street in reference to a theft.
Alexis N. Compton, 19, of Taylor Springs was arrested on a Montgomery County warrant for burglary.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Gillespie Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Charles Street in reference to a noise complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Kentucky Street in Benld in reference to a noise complaint.
An officer was out at a business in the 400 block of East Central in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2022
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of 1st Street in Benld in reference to a found item.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Madison Street in reference to a theft.
An officer was dispatched to Western Drive and Circle Drive at Gillespie Lake in reference to criminal damage to state supported property.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of West Oak Street in reference to a residential burglary.
Alan W. Hampton, 36, of Glen Carbon was arrested on a warrant out of Glen Carbon for failure to appear for driving under the influence of alcohol.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the old Ben-Gil Elementary in Benld in reference to go-carts and dirt bikes on the property.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at South Hard Road and Spruce Street in Benld. Gavin J. Huebner, 20 of Edwardsville, was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with a male in reference to theft of services.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2022
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of East Central Avenue in Benld in reference to criminal damage to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Chestnut Street in reference to criminal damage to property.
An officer was dispatched to Clark Street and Second Street in reference to found property.
An officer was dispatched to Second Street and Pine Street in reference to a neighborhood dispute.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at East Spruce Street and South 6th Street in Benld. Brittany M. Shrum, 24, of Benld was issued a citation for expired registration.
An officer was dispatched to the Benld City Park in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of First Street in reference to a mini bike on the roadway.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of West Wilson Street in reference to suspicious circumstances.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Central in Benld in reference to a wellbeing check.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Walnut Street in reference to criminal damage to state supported property.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2022
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with a male in reference to electronic harassment in the 700 block of Westwood Street in East Gillespie.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a suspicious vehicle in the 700 block of North 4th Street in Benld.
An officer took a report of a vehicle following to close at Staunton Road and Wilson Street.
An officer was dispatched to Oregon Street and Plum Street in reference to a dog at large.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2022
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Park Avenue in reference to criminal damage to property.
Andrew M. White, 34, of Benld was arrested on a warrant on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for theft and a warrant out of Montgomery County for failure to appear for domestic battery.
An officer was dispatched to Shady Lane at Gillespie Lake in reference to damage to state supported property.
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with a male in reference to theft in the 600 block of West Oak Street.
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department in reference to a report of a possible sexual assault.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to a missing juvenile.
The School Resource Officer requested an officer to the high school football field for a possible fight.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Clinton Street to assist an alderman with an ordinance issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Lynn Street in reference to a wellbeing check.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a suspicious person.
Daniel W. Tucker, 50, of Gillespie was issued a citation for unlawful accumulation of garbage and debris.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2022
An officer was dispatched to several businesses in the community in reference to an individual who was criminally trespassing.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to a female being unruly with customers. Rachel L Marsala, 37, of Litchfield was arrested for disorderly conduct.
An officer was dispatched to the 2000 block of Staunton Road in reference to domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 1000 block of Madison Street in reference to a theft.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Walnut Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to Second Street and Cedar Street in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Madison Street in reference to a suspicious person
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block North Main Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2022
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of North Main Street in Benld in reference to a dog at large.
An officer was dispatched to Wilson Street and Madison Street in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of North Main Street in Benld. Cole W. Law, 32, of Benld was issued a citation for dog at large.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Illinois Avenue in East Gillespie. Christina M. Overstreet, 23, of Union, Missouri was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South Street in reference to a violation of an order of protection.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Comments
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
Comments
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.
Comments
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.
