Community News
Gillespie Police Report: January 22-28, 2023
SUNDAY, JANUARY 22, 2023
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Hickory Street in Benld in reference to a theft.
An officer was dispatched to the 2200 block of Staunton Road in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 1200 block of Jane drive in reference to criminal trespass. Damon J. Trumpy, 47, of Chatham was arrested on a Sangamon County warrant for driving on a suspended driver’s license. Rachel M. Power, 31, of Decatur was issued a citation for driving on a suspended driver’s license.
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 600 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in Benld in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Avenue and Main Street in Benld. Brittney L. Sherfy, 37, of Benld was issued a citation for operating an uninsured motor vehicle.
An officer was out in the 700 block of South Second Street with a male subject in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 4th Street in Benld in reference to an animal call.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Pine Street and Montgomery Street. Brandon N. Blevins, 28, of Gillespie was issued a citation for expired registration.
An officer initiated a traffic stop in the 100 block of South Macoupin Street. Elizabeth D. Polach, 32, of Gillespie was issued a citation for expired registration.
MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 2023
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 500 block of East Central Avenue in Benld in reference to a warrant. Jordan A. Black, 23, of Benld was arrested on a Montgomery County warrant for violation of bail bond.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to the theft of a dog in the 1300 block of Second Street.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Illinois Avenue and Springfield Road in East Gillespie. Jace Z. Timmermeier, 23, of Litchfield was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Avenue and Second Street in Benld. Brianna M. Hancock, 23, of Benld was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Southern Street in reference to an alarm sounding.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 24, 2023
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Broadway Street in reference to a dog at large. Christian M. Streitmatter, 27, of Gillespie was issued a citation for a dog at large.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 500 block of Central Avenue in Benld in reference to criminal damage.
An officer spoke with a male in the 200 block of West Hickory Street in Benld in reference to harassment by telephone.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of West Elm Street in reference to a noise complaint.
An officer was advised of suspicious activity in the 100 block of East Maple Street.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Park Avenue in reference to an ordinance issue.
A male called the Gillespie Police Department in reference to not being able to find his granddaughter. She was later found at a school function.
Kathryn J. Ayres, 51, of Gillespie was arrested for criminal trespass to state-supported property, criminal damage to state-supported property, and theft.
An officer was to North 7th Street and Chestnut Street in Benld in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of LJ Avenue in reference to criminal trespass.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25, 2023
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with a male in reference to a theft in the 900 block of South Macoupin Street.
An officer was dispatched to the end of South Street in reference to someone burning.
An officer responded to the 1400 block of South Second Street in reference to a 911 call.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 26, 2023
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Easton Street and the 700 block of Biddle Street in reference to criminal trespass. Eric S. Cunningham, 39 of Gillespie was arrested for disorderly conduct.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department from the 800 block of Rotary Street in reference to a theft.
An officer spoke with a female in the 1300 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to suspicious circumstances.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Hickory Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of East Maple Street in reference to an animal complaint.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2023
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 100 block of South Hard Road in Mt. Clare in reference to a report of theft.
An officer was dispatched to the 900 block of South Macoupin in reference to an officer assisting a wildlife rehabilitator.
An officer went with an alderman to assist him with an ordinance issue for illegal burning. William J. Bruhn, 36, of Gillespie was issued a citation for illegal burning.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Chestnut Street in reference to a noise complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Dorsey Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a civil standby.
An officer was dispatched to the 1300 block of Hickory in reference to a a medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Hickory in Benld in reference to suspicious circumstances.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 28, 2023
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Staunton Road and Charles Street in Gillespie. Jessica M. Bondy, 36, of Gillespie was issued citations for speeding, improper passing, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at South Macoupin Street and West Pine Street. Scott A Stallard, 35, of Benld was issued a citation for operating a vehicle when registration was suspended.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Avenue and North 7th Street in Benld. Felicia M. Willows, 32, of Benld was issued citations for operation of a vehicle when registration is suspended and operating an uninsured motor vehicle. Shane D. Robbins, 37, of Benld was arrested on a warrant for failure to report.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Hickory Street in reference to a noise complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Charles in reference to a wellbeing check.
An officer was dispatched to 2nd Street and Berry Street in Mt. Clare in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Richards Street in reference to harassment.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South 1st Street in Benld in reference to fraud.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Avenue and Illinois in Benld. Achyuth G. Kari, 24, of St. Louis, Missouri was issued a citation for operating an uninsured motor vehicle.
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.
