Community News
Gillespie Police Report: February 6-12, 2022
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2022
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Avenue and Main Street in Benld. Robert S. Pirok, 37, of Benld was arrested for driving while license was suspended, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and expired registration.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of West Walnut Street regarding theft.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Broadway Street regarding illegal squealing of tires.
An officer initiated a traffic stop Central Avenue and Illinois Avenue in Benld. Charles A. Satterlee, 62, of Mt. Olive was issued a citation for operating an uninsured motor vehicle.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Hard Road and Oak Street in Mt. Clare. Kimberly L. Barto, 53, of Staunton was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Dorsey Road and 2nd Street in Mt. Clare. Meghan A. Wolff, 24, of Shipman was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Dorsey Road and 2nd Street in Mt. Clare. Linda L. Hamilton, 79, of Gillespie was issued a citation for speeding.
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2022
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of South 5th Street in Benld regarding dogs at large. Devin M. Cunningham, 27, of Benld was issued a citation for dogs at large.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of North 7th Street in Benld regarding suspicious noise in their home.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Benld Road and Lincoln Road in Eagarville. Amber N. Roston, 45, of Gillespie was issued a citation for failure to yield and operating an uninsured motor vehicle.
An officer was out for a motorist assist at North 6th Street and Walnut Street in Benld.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 900 block of North Hard Road regarding a dog at large.
The School Resource Officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Baker Street regarding truancy.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of South 2nd Street in Benld regarding a dog at large.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of North 8th Street in Benld regarding a mental subject.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Dorsey Street in Benld regarding criminal damage to property.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2022
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie High School parking lot regarding a hit and run traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Lincoln Street in Eagarville regarding elder abuse.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department regarding possible criminal sexual assault.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of North 4th Street in Benld regarding a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of South Street regarding a suicide threat.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department regarding a civil issue.
School Resource Officer was out at the 300 block of West Oak Street regarding truancy.
An officer was out in the 200 block of West Spruce Street regarding a motorist assist.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2022
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Park Avenue regarding an alarm call.
An officer initiated a traffic stop in the 700 block of Route 16 in East Gillespie. Stephanie J. Clayton, 48, of Litchfield was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Illinois Avenue in East Gillespie. Melanie L. Destatte, 25, of Staunton was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Illinois Avenue in East Gillespie. Timmy D. Conner, 46, of Pinckneyville was issued a citation for operating an uninsured motor vehicle.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Illinois Avenue in East Gillespie. Jessica L. Mertz, 31, of Benld was issued a citation for expired registration and operating an uninsured motor vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of West Maple Street regarding a hit and run traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 400 block of East Central in Benld regarding a violation of an order of protection. Jason L. Buettner, 49, of Staunton was arrested for resisting arrest and violation of an order of protection.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 of West Elm Street regarding a noise complaint.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department regarding fraud in the 700 block of North 7th Street in Benld.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of North 8th Street in Benld regarding a wellbeing check.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Walnut Street. Rosemarie Salovich, 80, of Gillespie was issued citations for expired registration and operating an uninsured motor vehicle.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2022
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Illinois Avenue in East Gillespie. Sandra D. Hrnyak, 43, of Benld was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at North Hard Road and Oak Street in Mt. Clare. Alysn M. Steinmeyer, 41, of Worden was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department regarding a civil issue.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department regarding a civil issue in the 600 block of North 4th Street in Benld.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Charles Street regarding a dog at large. Michelle Y, Pocklington, 55, of Gillespie was issued a citation for dog at large.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Avenue and Main Street in Benld. Charles H. Gray, 32, of Mt. Olive was issued citations for speed and operating an uninsured motor vehicle.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Avenue and Main Street in Benld. Austin S. Rae, 23, of Staunton was issued citation for expired registration and operating an uninsured motor vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of South Street regarding a juvenile issue.
An officer was dispatched to Western and West Walnut Street regarding traffic control for a fire on 3 Mile Road.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2022
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with a female regarding theft and criminal damage to property in the 100 block of West Chestnut Street.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Avenue and 4th Street in Benld. Marc A. Pierard, 45, of Mt. Olive was issued a citation for operating an uninsured motor vehicle.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2022
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of South 7th Street in Benld regarding a dog at large. Ronald R. Arnold, 33, 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. Christa J. Obucina, 41, of Troy was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin and Chestnut Street. Nicholas D. Smith, 31, of Gillespie was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with a female regarding harassment by telephone.
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.
