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Gillespie Police Report: July 23-29, 2023

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SUNDAY, JULY 23, 2023

An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of West Osie Street in reference to a domestic dispute.

An officer was dispatched to Mt. Clare Park on Berry Street in reference to a suspicious vehicle.

Stephanie N. Wallace, 18, of Youngtown, AZ, was arrested for unlawful use of a weapon and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.

An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Dorsey Road in Mt. Clare in reference to a domestic dispute and criminal trespass.

An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of South 7th Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespass.

An officer was dispatched to Route 4 and Route 138 in reference to in Mt. Clare a male riding a bike in the highway with no lights. The male was given a warning that he has to have lights on his bicycle when riding in the dark.

An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of West Osie Street in reference to a domestic dispute.

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An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Broadway Street in reference to a suspicious person.

An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Henry Street in East Gillespie. Brandon D. Bracher, 30, of Benld was issued a citation for speeding.

An officer was dispatched to a business in the 300 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to a medical assist.

An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Blevins in Benld to check on suspicious activity.

An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department in reference to identity theft.

An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of South Main Street in Benld in reference to a suspicious person.

An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Illinois Avenue in East Gillespie. Neil J. McKinney, 31, of Gillespie was issued a citation for driving while license is suspended.

MONDAY, JULY 24, 2023

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An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to theft and criminal trespass in the timber behind Benld City Cemetery.

An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with a female in reference to fraud.

Kenneth E. Hannah, 44, of Gillespie was arrested on a warrant out of Macoupin County for meth delivery.

An officer was dispatched to a business in the 500 block of East Elm Street in reference to a suspicious vehicle.

An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of West Osie Street in reference to a domestic dispute.

An officer was dispatched to the 1100 block of Madison Street in reference to an abandoned vehicle.

An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a violation of a court order.

An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a suspicious person.

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An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South Street for the well-being check of an animal.

An officer spoke with an Alderman in reference to an ordinance issue on Spring Street.

An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Illinois Avenue in East Gillespie. Hannah M. Davidson, 28, of Staunton was issued a citation for speeding.

An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Avenue and 2nd Street in Benld. Seth A. Ring, 25, of Gillespie was issued a citation for speeding.

An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Park Avenue in reference to an animal complaint.

TUESDAY, JULY 25, 2023

An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a domestic battery. Siera A. Smyser, 27, of Gillespie was arrested for domestic battery and Jaykob D. Lewis, 28, of Benld was arrested for domestic battery.

An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with a female in reference to stalking.

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An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Broadway Street in reference to theft and criminal damage to state-supported property.

Jakota M. Emery, 35, of Wilsonville was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for driving while license was suspended.

An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with a female in reference to harassment by an electronic device.

An officer initiated a traffic stop at Elm Street and Macoupin Street. A 17-year-old male from Benld was issued a citation for operating an uninsured motor vehicle.

An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Avenue and Main Street in Benld. Morgan R. Campbell, 24, of Benld was issued a citation for operating an uninsured motor vehicle.

An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Avenue and 1st Street in Benld.  Alexis S. McCallister, 23, of Staunton was issued a citation for driving a vehicle with a suspended registration.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 26, 2023

An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Park Avenue in reference to found property.

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An officer was dispatched to the 900 block of North Hard Road in Mt. Clare in reference to a child custody exchange.

An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Oak Street in reference to a well-being check.

An officer initiated a traffic stop at Pine Street and Macoupin Street. Jeffrey A. Brown, 47, of Granite City was issued citations for driving a vehicle with suspended registration and operating an uninsured motor vehicle.

An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with a female in reference to fraud.

An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to a juvenile issue.

An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with a male in reference to fraud.

An officer initiated a traffic stop at Staunton Road and Clark Street. Justin C. Dyer, 37, Gillespie was arrested for driving while his license is revoked.

An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a well-being check, criminal damage trespass to property, and criminal damage to property.

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An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with a female in reference to criminal damage to property.

THURSDAY, JULY 27, 2023

An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Oak Street in reference to criminal trespass. 

Nicholas O. Landolt, 35, of Gillespie was arrested on a warrant out of Macoupin County for failure to appear on retail theft/larceny.

An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Henrietta Street in reference to a domestic dispute.

An officer was dispatched to Central Avenue and Rt.4 in reference to a traffic crash.

An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of East Elm Street in reference to a neighbor dispute.

An officer was dispatched to a business in the 400 block of South Macoupin in reference to criminal trespass.

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An officer was dispatched to the 1400 block of Madison Street in reference to open doors. The officer made contact with the owner and he will take care of it.

An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Charles Street in reference to suspicious circumstances.

An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Lincoln Street in Eagarville in reference to a domestic dispute.

An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Frey Street in reference to an animal complaint.

An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of South 4th Street in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.

An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Rotary in reference to a 911 open line call.

FRIDAY, JULY 28, 2023

An officer was dispatched to a business in the 500 block of East Elm Street in reference to theft and criminal trespass.

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An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with a female in reference to a child custody issue.

An officer was dispatched to a business in the 500 block of East Elm Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.

An officer was dispatched to Staunton Road in reference to a traffic crash.

An officer spoke with a male at 200 North Lincoln in Eagarville wanting to report his vehicle stolen. He later called back stating the vehicle had been returned.

An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Henrietta Street in reference to a civil issue.

An officer was dispatched to the 1100 block of Abba Street in reference to an animal complaint.

An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of LJ Avenue in reference to a medical assist.

An officer took a report of a dog bite in the 100 block of Richards Street.

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An officer was dispatched to South Macoupin Street and Henrietta Street in reference to a theft.

An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a traffic crash at Springfield Road and Route 16.

An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a well-being check.

An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Central Avenue in Benld in reference to a suspicious vehicle.

SATURDAY, JULY 29, 2023

An officer was out with a group of individuals in front of a business in the 100 block of North Macoupin Street. James D. Gipson, 24, of Mt. Olive was issued a citation for public intoxication.

An officer was out in the 100 block of West Walnut Street in reference to criminal trespass to property. Mary K. Hughes, 71, of Gillespie was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for criminal trespass.

An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a theft in the 300 block of West Easton Street.

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An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Henry Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.

An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in the 800 block of Harding Avenue in East Gillespie mental issue.

An officer was dispatched to Dorsey Road in Mt. Clare in reference to an alarm sounding.

An officer was dispatched to the area of Broadway Street and Tower Road in reference to an animal complaint.

An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Route 138 in Benld in reference to a well-being check.

An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Broadway Street in reference to well-being check on animals.

An officer was out in the 400 block of East Walnut Street in reference to juveniles shooting off fireworks.

All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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Community News

Macoupin County house fire claims lives of three family members

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A devastating house fire in Virden on Saturday, February 15 has left the community mourning the loss of a father and his two sons. The fire occurred in the 200 block of West Neal Street and was reported by a passerby around 9:20 in the morning.

Sangamon County Coroner Jim Allmon confirmed that Kyle James, 34, and his 13-year-old son, Hunter James, were pronounced dead at Springfield Memorial Hospital following the tragic incident on Saturday morning. The fire also claimed the life of 10-year-old Jacob James, who was pronounced dead at the scene by Macoupin County Coroner Anthony Kravanya shortly after 10 a.m. Saturday. All victims succumbed to smoke inhalation.

Jacob was a sixth grader at the Springfield Sangamon Area Special Education District (SASED), while Hunter was an eighth grader who attended school in Auburn. Both boys were part of the North Mac school district. Kyle was known in the community as a cook at Jo’s Place, a local restaurant in Virden.

Multiple fire departments from surrounding areas including Chatham, Auburn, and Girard, responded to the scene in an attempt to control the blaze. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, with the State Fire Marshal now leading the inquiry.

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Community News

Record turnout at Partnership for Educational Excellence trivia night, Grand raffle kicked off

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FRONT ROW: Bill Hayes; Lindsay Irwin; Marena Hayes; Diana Hayes; Scott Haenel. 
BACK ROW: Nolan Hayes, Blake Hayes; Matt Irwin; Ashlen Hayes; Heather Hayes.

The Partnership for Educational Excellence raised nearly $4,500 at its “For the Love of Education” Trivia Night on Saturday, February 15 at the Gillespie Civic Center.  The evening’s highlights included a record turnout of 25 tables, great participation in the latest Grand Raffle kickoff, and generous donations from winning teams and absentee “Out to Recess” businesses.

The evening is the Partnership’s one and only fund raiser to support programs for CUSD7 students: district-wide classroom grants and academic tuition scholarships for GHS grads. The current school year marks a three year $90,000 gift to CUSD7 for student computers.  And an all-time record was set last year when 38% of the GHS Class of 2024 won college scholarships.

The winning Hayes family team scored a 94% “grade” and donated back their $150 prize.  The third-place team of Semplowski family and friends, dedicated their $50 prize to the ongoing Travis Semplowski scholarship.  Almost all team scores were in the 90% and 80% range.

“Early Bird” drawing of raffle tickets sold that night gave $100 each to Steve Joyce and to Tracy Wilhoit. Their Grand Raffle tickets also make them eligible for the final $5,000 prize to be drawn on Saturday, April 12, 2025. If not all tickets are sold, the prize will be a 50/50 split.  Tickets are available from any Partnership director. Volunteer Cindy Brummett assisted with ticket sales. Ten attendees won gift cards purchased by The Partnership from local merchants. 

In addition to 25 tables of players, several long-time business and professional sponsors bought “absentee” tables through The Partnership’s “Out to Recess” program:  Gene Hebenstreit of Victory Lane Ford in Litchfield; Nick Kravanya DDS of Kravanya and Boente dental offices in Carlinville and Litchfield; Wally Ottersburg of Daley Bruckert Chevrolet in Staunton; Boente Shell Station in Gillespie; Kasten-Goodman Insurance Agency in Carlinville; and Rick Verticchio Law Offices in Carlinville and Gillespie.

The Partnership wishes to thank its all-volunteer board of directors.  On hand that night were Vice President Donna Prevedell, Treasurer Rose Tebbe, Secretary Rosie Emmenderfer, Founder Nancy Grandone, Susan Stromsland, and Mary Kay Griffel.  Other directors who contributed to the evening’s success but were unable to attend Ken Tebbe, Carole Scheller, Ann Marie Bauer Ross, Julie Zirkelbach, Katie Ronald, and President John Fassero.

Special kudos go to the third and fourth generation Partnership volunteers who did stellar work as runners, carrying answer sheets from players to graders Norah Seraphin (9th grade), Augie Seraphin (7th grade), Eve Seraphin (4th grade) – all grandchildren of Donna and Bob Prevedell; and Mackenzie Jo McFarland (4th grade), great granddaughter of Rose and Ralph Tebbe.

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CUSD 7 News

Miners girls basketball clinch SCC championship

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In a nail-biting showdown that will be remembered for years to come, the Gillespie Miners girls basketball team captured the South Central Conference title with a hard-fought 55-52 victory over the Pana Panthers on Thursday night, February 13. This marks Gillespie’s first conference championship since their back-to-back titles in 2001-02, when they shared the honors with Southwestern both finishing with a 9-1 conference record.

The game held at Pana High School was anything but straightforward. After a tumultuous 13-minute delay due to injuries and a technical foul controversy, the Miners rallied their spirits to secure the win. Amari Vickery led the charge with a stellar performance, scoring 21 points, while Mia Brawner added 11, Maggie Heyen contributed 10, Delaney Taylor posted 5, Sadie Sholtis scored 4, and Lainey Edwards and Corrine Fellin each had 2 points.

From the opening tip, it was clear that Pana was not going to roll over easily. The Panthers held leads at the end of the first two quarters, 15-14 and 28-26, showcasing their tenacity. By the time the fourth quarter rolled around, Pana had edged ahead 44-42, setting the stage for a dramatic finish.

However, the game took a chaotic turn in the fourth quarter when a collision between Vickery and teammate Sloane Brawner resulted in both players going down with injuries. Sloane was not able to return the game but Vickery did. The Miners also lost both Delaney Taylor and Sadie Sholtis to fouls and Gillespie was assessed a technical foul under controversial circumstances which tied the game at 49. But Heyen carried the weight through the fourth quarter recording 6 of her 10 points in the final quarter of play.

Despite the setbacks, the Miners displayed remarkable teamwork resilience under the leadership of Nikki and Matt Brawner. With the SCC championship secured and the regular season concluded with a 22-8 overall record and 9-0 conference record, the Miners now shift their focus to the upcoming regional which is being hosted in Gillespie.

Gillespie hosts Alton Marquette on Monday, Feb. 17 for the regional semi-finals after Alton Marquette knocked East-Alton Wood River, 36-29, to face the Miners. The winner advances to the regional championship that will be played on Friday, Feb. 21 at 7 p.m. in Gillespie versus the winner of Staunton/Roxana.

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