Community News
Gillespie Police Report: December 18, 2022, – January 7, 2023
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2022
An officer initiated a traffic stop on Dorsey Road in Mt. Clare. Jason M. Ray, 37, of Staunton was arrested for driving while his license is suspended, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and expired registration.
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with a couple in reference to a battery.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Park Avenue in reference to a theft.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Charles Street in reference to an aggravated battery.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Pine Street. Jessica M. Reiman, 38, of Gillespie was arrested for driving while license is suspended.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of North 6th Street in Benld in reference to a civil standby.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Chestnut Street in reference to medical assistance.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2022
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of North Main Street in reference to a fire call.
An officer was dispatched to the 1000 block of Madison Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to an order of protection.
An officer spoke with a female in reference to phone harassment in the 600 block of Mor Street in East Gillespie.
An officer was dispatched to the area of Oregon Street and Broadway Street in reference to a suspicious person.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2022
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Lincoln Street and Benld Street in Eagarville. Amanda G. Shelby, 37, of Staunton was issued citations for failing to stop at a stop sign, speeding, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to take a report of theft in the 400 block of East Oak Street.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Spruce Street in reference to a theft.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Elm Street. A 16-year-old male from Gillespie was issued a citation for reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 200 block of Southern Street in reference to a suspicious person in the store.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Park Avenue in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South 7th Street in Benld in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Oak Street in reference to a house check.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Shelby Street in reference to a suspicious person.
A female called into Gillespie Police Department to report a theft in the 200 block of Henrietta Street.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2022
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South 4th Street in Benld in reference to a theft.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Olive Street in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of South Main Street in Benld in reference to a wellbeing check.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Chestnut Street. Hunter R. Blevins, 18, of Gillespie was issued a citation for expired registration.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of LJ Avenue in reference to suspicious circumstances.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to an alarm sounding.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2022
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of South Main Street in Benld in reference to aggravated battery and criminal damage to property. Kaleb N. Beck, 23, of Benld was arrested for aggravated battery and criminal damage to government-supported property.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to a traffic crash.
A female called Gillespie Police Department in reference to an animal complaint in the 600 block of East Spruce Street.
An officer was out in the 400 block of East Central in Benld in reference to a road blockage.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of North 5th Street in Benld in reference to a wellbeing check.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Chestnut Street in reference to a house check.
An officer was dispatched to West Spruce Street in reference to a road blockage.
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to an ordinance issue.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a suspicious person.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2022
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with a male in reference to a civil issue in the 500 block of South Main Street in Benld.
An officer was dispatched to East Willow Street and 8th Street in Benld in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
A female called Gillespie Police Department with an animal complaint on Dorsey Road in Mt. Clare.
An employee at a business in the 300 block of North Macoupin Street called in with an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to North Hard Road and Staunton Road in Mt. Clare in reference to a motorist assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a business check.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2022
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of First Street in reference to a report of a structure fire.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a theft.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to criminal damage to government-supported property.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to possible theft.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Southern Street in reference to a burglar alarm sounding.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South Main Street in Benld in reference to a wellbeing check.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Diana Drive in reference to an animal complaint.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2022
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Park Avenue in reference to a suspicious vehicle parked in a driveway. Dominick A. Bolton, 21, of Springfield was arrested on a Montgomery County warrant for possession of methamphetamine.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to criminal damage to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to criminal damage to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Springfield Road in reference to the theft of a motor vehicle.
Jason A. Keffer, 45, of Gillespie was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for driving while license is suspended.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Montgomery Street and Spruce Street. Keona D. Roos, 19, of Freeburg was issued a citation for suspended registration and operating an uninsured motor vehicle. Korena A. Haller, 36, of Carlinville was arrested on a warrant for driving while license is suspended.
An officer was out with a suspicious subject at Macoupin Street and Chestnut Street.
An officer was dispatched to East Elm Street in reference to a report of reckless driving.
An officer was out with a suspicious subject in the 400 block of South Macoupin Street.
An officer was dispatched to the 1100 block of South Madison Street in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Staunton Road and Clark Street. Jeffrey R. Stierwalt, 50, of Gillespie was issued a citation for expired registration.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2022
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with a male in reference to identity theft.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of High Street in reference to found property.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Central in Benld to assist the Montgomery County Sheriff Department.
An officer made contact with suspicious subjects at Charles Street and Madison Street.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2022
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Litchfield Road in reference to theft and criminal trespass to a motor vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to criminal trespass to a motor vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Central in Benld in reference to a hit-n-run traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 4th Street in Benld in reference to a suicidal subject.
An officer Spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department and took a report of possible child abuse in the 300 block of East Elm Street.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Abba Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Oak Street in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of North Main in Benld in reference to an ordinance issue.
An officer was dispatched to East Elm and Springfield Road in reference to a suspicious person.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2022
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Litchfield Road in reference to criminal damage to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of East Pine Street in reference to a wellbeing check.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Burton Street in reference to a theft.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Osie Street in reference to an animal complaint.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2022
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a fight. Gary A. Parker, 44, of Gillespie was arrested for aggravated battery.
An officer was out with two suspicious subjects on LJ Avenue.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Abba Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Street and Main Street in Benld. Anna M. Stack, 52, of Granite City was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer called in an open door at a residence in the 600 block of East Pine Street.
An officer was dispatched to the 1100 block of South Second Street in reference to a residential burglary.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Henry Street in East Gillespie. Taylor M. Schramm, 22, of Palmyra was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer called in an open door at a residence in the 100 block of Henry Street.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Cedar Street and Second Street. Aaron J. Bennett, 23, of Gillespie was issued citations for driving while license is suspended, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and suspended registration.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Broadway in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to Pine Street and Shelby Street in reference to a civil issue.
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 100 block of North 5th Street in Benld.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Dorsey Road and 3rd Street in Mt. Clare. Mason D. Weller, 19, of Gillespie was issued a citation for speeding.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2022
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Charles Street in reference to a report of a subject sleeping in a dumpster.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of West Central in reference to a vehicle obstructing the highway.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to a civil issue. Leslie R. Hoffman, 37, of Gillespie was arrested on a warrant out of Collinsville.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to an attempted residential burglary.
Bob E. Hughes, 64, of Gillespie was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear on a traffic offense.
An officer was dispatched to the 900 block of Abba Street in reference to wellbeing check.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of West Elm Street in reference to an alarm sounding.
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with a female in reference to neighbor issues.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2022
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South 4th Street in Benld in reference to a noise complaint.
An officer was dispatched to Elm Street and Macoupin Street in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to North 6th Street in Benld in reference to fireworks.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Elm Street in reference to a suspicious person.
SUNDAY, JANUARY 1, 2023
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Oak Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 500 block of East Elm Street in reference to a burglary.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Avenue and 4th Street in Benld. Erica J. Tilley, 37, of Gillespie was issued a citation for operating an uninsured motor vehicle and expired registration.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North 6th Street in Benld in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 2400 block of Staunton Road in Mt. Clare in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Charles Street in reference to a civil issue.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a domestic dispute.
MONDAY, JANUARY 2, 2023
An officer made contact with a suspicious subject in the 400 block of Springfield Road.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Avenue and Main Street in Benld. Rebecca L. Scheller, 22, of New Douglas was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer was dispatched to the area of Dorsey Street and South 1st Street in Benld in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of East Central in Benld in reference to a wellbeing check.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Springfield Road in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of North 4th Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 3, 2023
An officer initiated a traffic stop on Springfield Road and Illinois Avenue in East Gillespie. Michael D. Middleton, 31, of Gillespie was arrested for no valid registration and operating an uninsured motor vehicle.
Donavon M. Holmes, 22, of Wilsonville was arrested on a warrant out of Macoupin County for possession of methamphetamine.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of South 7th Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of South Madison Street in reference to found property.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 300 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to a traffic crash. Kathleen A. Parish, 20, of Staunton was issued a citation for operating an uninsured motor vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 500 block of East Elm Street in reference to Theft. Aaron J. Bennett, 23, of Gillespie was arrested for theft and criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of West Osie Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to West Wilson Street and Green Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2023
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with a male in reference to fraud.
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to property damage.
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with a female in reference to a battery that took place in the 500 block of Dorsey Road in Mt. Clare.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Dorsey Road in Mt. Clare in reference to a theft.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Park Avenue in reference to a dog bite.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to aggravated battery.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 5, 2023
An officer was dispatched to Dorsey Street and 1st Street in Benld in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Oak Street in reference to a house check.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Springfield Road in reference to a wellbeing check.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Elm Street. Darien L. Gill, 26, of Gillespie was issued a citation for expired registration.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Park Avenue in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of LJ Avenue in reference to a wellbeing check.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Madison Street and Pine Street. Dominick A. Bolton, 21, of Springfield was issued a citation for operating an uninsured motor vehicle.
An officer made contact with a suspicious person in the 400 block of South Macoupin Street.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 6, 2023
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Shelby Street and Pine Street. Kelly E. Lyons, 57, of Gillespie was issued citations for no registration and operating an uninsured motor vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to criminal damage to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of South Main Street in reference to an ordinance issue. Brittany M. Shrum, 24, of Benld was issued an ordinance citation for more animals than allowed per city ordinance.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to an alarm sounding.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Avenue and Main Street in Benld. Darryl M. Doty, 57, of Granite City was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Dorsey Road and 2nd Street in Benld. Terry A. Petty, 32, of Benld was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Springfield Road in reference to a suspended driver.
The School Resource Officer was out in the 200 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a home visit.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 7, 2023
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 200 block of West Central Avenue in Benld in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to criminal damage to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Broadway Street in reference to found property.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of North 5th Street in Benld in reference to a wellbeing check.
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 500 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a theft.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Dorsey Road and Route 4 in Mt. Clare. A 16-year-old was issued a citation for having no valid driver’s license.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Illinois Avenue in East Gillespie. Brian F. Rodgers, 44, of Granite City was issued a citation for speeding.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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Community News
County marks 250th Anniversary of Declaration with reading and archive projects at Spring Festival on May 23
The Macoupin County Historical Society (MCHS) is hosting the first in a series of local celebrations & activities on May 23, 2026, 11:00 a.m. at the Spring festival highlighting the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The public is encouraged to attend a reading of the Declaration aloud at the Red Barn Pavillion.
Following the reading, participants and the public will be encouraged to have a conversation about what’s important to them, their families and to America examining the past and looking at the future.
Attendees may also enter a Birthday Wish for America & sign the America @ 250 Macoupin County Time Capsule book. The book will become a permanent archive of the Macoupin County Historical Society.
Individuals, families, & friends can also be a part of “Community Conversations” recorded by Illinois Voices 250, a Story Telling group affiliated with Illinois Humanities. The recordings will take place in all 102 counties in Illinois. Illinois Voices 250 will be on site most of the day at the Historical Society Spring Festival. The stores recorded will be digitalized and become a permanent part of the Library of Congress.
Those interested in participating are welcome to bring family and friends into a casual conversation about their life story. Both projects were made possible through a grant from Illinois Humanities to Carlinville Winning Communities, a local non profit organization that supports activities in the community. It’s a very successful partnership between Carlinville Winning Communities, Illinois Humanities and the Macoupin County Historical Society, said Mary Tinder, who is coordinating the activities.
This year, 2026, is also a time to “Bring Back the Strawberries”, a specialty desert from the Red Barn Kitchen. For many years, strawberry shortcake was the signature desert at the festivals. The MCHS Board of Directors and Red Barn Kitchen Crew chose this historic occasion to put them back on the menu.
“Fifty Years of Festivals” has helped finance operations for MCHS and we are working towards another fifty years, said board member Patty Ambrose, Vendor and Outreach Coordinator for MCHS. These activities are free, open to the public and accessible. The two-day festival is May 23, 24, 2026 at the Macoupin County Historical Society, 900 West Breckenridge Street, Carlinville, Il.
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Community News
Benld prepares to celebrate 72nd annual Italian American Days over Memorial Day weekend
A beloved community tradition returns this Memorial Day weekend as the 72nd Annual Benld Italian-American Days brings three days of food, music, and family fun to Benld City Park from Friday, May 22 through Sunday, May 24.
Hosted by the Italian Club of Benld, the long-running festival celebrates the area’s rich Italian heritage while welcoming visitors from across the region for a full slate of activities.
Festivalgoers can expect a wide variety of homemade Italian favorites served throughout the weekend, including salami and meatball sandwiches, tortellini soup, bagna cauda, and cannoli. A daily fish fry featuring cod and whiting will also be available, along with classic festival fare such as hamburgers, hot dogs, Italian beef, and carnival treats. Beer, wine, and soda will be available for purchase.
In addition to the food, the event will feature carnival rides provided by Conner Family Amusement, Inc., with unlimited ride sessions offered throughout the weekend. Bingo will be held nightly at 7:00 p.m., and festival-themed shirts will be available for purchase.
Live music and dancing will take center stage each evening. Friday night entertainment includes a performance by Flip the Frog from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m., with the park open from 4:00 to 11:00 p.m.
Saturday highlights include the Italian Club Car Show, with registration from 8:00 a.m. to noon and judging beginning at noon. The park opens at 11:00 a.m., and live music will feature Pat Jones in the afternoon followed by Borderline in the evening.
Sunday kicks off with the “Meatballs on the Run” 5K at 9:00 a.m., sponsored by the Gillespie Cross Country Boosters. You can sign-up to participate online here. The day continues with free spaghetti served from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., a bocce ball tournament beginning at noon, and a full lineup of live music throughout the day, including performances by Unbroken, Syner-Gee, and B&B Strings.
Connors Family Amusements will provide carnival armbands for $30. Armbands will be valid Friday (May 22) from 6:00 to 10 :00 p.m. and again on Saturday (May 23rd) and Sunday (May 24th) from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. and again from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m, Advanced armband sales will be available from May 4th through May 21st at the Frank Bertetti Public Library and Benld City Hall for $25. Debit and Credit Cards will NOT be accepted.
Organizers note that no outside beverages are permitted in the park or at club events.
With its mix of tradition, entertainment, and community spirit, the 72nd Annual Benld Italian-American Days promises to once again be a highlight of the summer season in Macoupin County. For more information and updates, follow the festival on Facebook at Benld Italian American Days.
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Gillespie will host a Community Blood Drive with ImpactLife, the provider of blood components for local hospitals. The blood drive will be from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm on Monday, May 11 at 900 Broadway, inside Gillespie Methodist Church Gym.
To donate, please contact Brenda Lowe at (217) 7101336 or visit www.bloodcenter.org and use code 60020 to locate the drive. Appointments are requested. You may also call ImpactLife at 800-747-5401 to schedule.
Potential donors must be at least 17 years of age (16 with parental permission form available
through www.bloodcenter.org) and weigh more than 110 pounds. A photo I.D. is required to donate.
For questions about eligibility, please call ImpactLife at (800) 7475401. Donors who last gave blood on or before March 16, 2026, are eligible to give at this drive.
Blood donation is a safe, simple procedure that takes about 45 minutes to one hour. Individuals with diabetes or controlled high blood pressure may be accepted as eligible donors.
ImpactLife is a nonprofit community organization providing blood products and services to more than 100 hospitals and emergency medical service providers in Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, and Wisconsin, as well as researchers and resource sharing partners across the country.
