Community News
Gillespie Police Report: July 9-15, 2023
SUNDAY, JULY 9, 2023
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Charles Street in reference to a child custody issue and criminal trespass.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Olive Street in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Penny Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a missing person.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Charles in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to an alarm sounding.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Charles in reference to a suspicious noise.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a suspicious person.
MONDAY, JULY 10, 2023
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to theft of services.
An officer was dispatched to Broadway Street and Elm Street in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of East Chestnut Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Francis Street in reference to criminal damage to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Charles Street in reference to well being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Oak Street in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
TUESDAY, JULY 11, 2023
An officer was dispatched to LJ Avenue and Maple Street in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Illinois Avenue in Benld in reference to found property.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 100 block of South Hard Road in Mt. Clare in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to Wilson Street and Second Street in reference to two juveniles fighting. Both juveniles were issued citations for fighting.
An officer was dispatched to the Lake Road in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to 700 block of Donaldson Street in reference to a property check.
An officer was dispatched to Burton Street and Fillmore Street in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Park Street in Benld in reference to a vehicle blocking the alleyway.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 100 block of South Hard Road in Mt. Clare in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Park Avenue to assist an alderman with an ordinance issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 900 block of South First Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 12, 2023
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of South Kentucky Street in Benld in reference to unwanted solicitors.
An officer was dispatched to Lincoln Avenue in Eagarville in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the 1000 block of Clinton Street in East Gillespie in reference to an unwanted solicitor.
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a noise complaint in the 400 block of Park Avenue.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Park Avenue in reference to a well-being check.
An officer assisted Department and Children Family Services with a call in the 300 block of Park Avenue.
An officer was dispatched to Southern View Lane at Gillespie Lake in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to the 900 block of North Hard Road in Mt. Clare in reference to a child custody issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a medical assist.
An officer on normal patrol through the 700 block of Litchfield Road in East Gillespie noticed that the latch on a couple of the storage units had been broken. The officer made contact with Central Illinois Storage unit owners so they were able to notify the owners.
THURSDAY, JULY 13, 2023
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Macoupin Street in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of East Spruce Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to Route 138 by Benld City Cemetery in reference to traffic control.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Spruce Street in reference to an alarm sounding.
FRIDAY, JULY 14, 2023
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with a male in reference to a theft on Meadowlark Drive in Benld.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South Main in Benld to assist Department and Children Family Services. Michael M. Lambert Hoyt, 48, of Benld was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for possession of methamphetamine.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to littering. A juvenile male was issued a citation for littering.
An officer was dispatched to Big Brick Park in reference to people in the park after dark.
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 300 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Oak Street in reference to a noise complaint.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Avenue and 2nd Street in Benld. Matthew D. Allen, 42, of Gillespie was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer was dispatched to East Elm Street and Adams Street in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the 1100 block of South Second Street in reference to a noise complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Elm Street in reference to unwanted solicitors.
An officer was dispatched to South Mt. Olive Road in Eagarville in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Illinois Avenue in East Gillespie. Daisy E. Caudell, 66, of Carmi was issued a citation for speeding.
SATURDAY, JULY 15, 2023
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of East Oak Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 700 block of Broadway Street in reference to an alarm sounding.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Pine Street and Macoupin Street. Anita L. Wolf, 36, of Gillespie was issued citations for the operation of an uninsured motor vehicle and suspended registration.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Hard Road in Mt. Clare to retrieve found property.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Broadway Street and Francis Street. Luis F. Us Benito, 24, of St. Louis was arrested for no driver’s license, speeding, operating an uninsured motor vehicle and improper use of evidence of registration.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Dorsey Road in Mt. Clare in reference to a noise complaint.
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with a female in reference to fraud.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Central in Benld in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
An officer was out with a suspicious vehicle in the 2400 block of Staunton Road in Mt. Clare.
An officer was out in the 400 block of Locust Street in Benld with unwanted solicitors.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Comments
The Gillespie community is proud to partner with ImpactLife to host a Community Blood Drive on Monday, May 12 from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The event will take place at the Gillespie Methodist Church Gym, located at 900 Broadway.
This vital event offers community members an opportunity to help save lives by donating blood, which is essential for patients in local hospitals and medical facilities. The blood drive is open to donors of all eligible ages and backgrounds.
Event Details:
What: Gillespie Community Blood Drive
When: Monday, May 12th, 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Where: Gillespie Methodist Church Gym, 900 Broadway, Gillespie, IL
Appointments are encouraged to ensure a smooth experience. To schedule your donation, please contact Brenda Lowe at (217) 710-1336, visit bloodcenter.org and use code 60020 to locate the drive, or call ImpactLife directly at 800-747-5401.
Donor Eligibility:
Potential donors must be at least 17 years old (or 16 with parental permission available online), weigh over 110 pounds, and present a valid photo ID. Donors who have given blood on or before March 17, 2025, are eligible to participate. Individuals with controlled diabetes or high blood pressure may also be eligible to donate. For further eligibility questions, contact ImpactLife at (800) 747-5401.
About Blood Donation:
The blood donation process is safe, quick, and typically takes 45 minutes to an hour. It is a simple procedure that can make a significant difference in the lives of patients in need.
ImpactLife is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing blood products and services to over 100 hospitals and emergency providers across Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, and Wisconsin, as well as supporting medical research and resource sharing nationwide. To learn more about ImpactLife, visit www.bloodcenter.org and follow them on social media @impactlifeblood.
Special Donor Incentives:
All successful donors will receive a choice of an e-Gift Card, Bonus Points for ImpactLife’s Rewards Store, or the option to donate their reward to a nonprofit of their choice.
Join us in making a difference—your donation could be the reason someone in our community receives the life-saving care they need.
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Eagarville, IL — The Village of Eagarville is delighted to announce its highly anticipated annual Craft Fair and Vendor Festival, set to take place on Saturday, May 3, 2025. The event will be held at the Gillespie Civic Center from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
This festive celebration will feature the work of 30 talented local artisans, crafters, and vendors showcasing a diverse array of handmade goods. It’s the perfect opportunity for residents and visitors alike to shop local, support our community’s artists, and find unique, one-of-a-kind gifts—ideal for Mother’s Day or to celebrate your favorite graduate!
Attendees can enjoy delicious food options served throughout the day, including hearty biscuits and gravy in the morning, as well as savory sloppy joes and chicken salad for lunch.
Admission is just $1 for adults, with children under 16 admitted free.
Come out, explore the creative talents of our community, and enjoy a fun-filled day of shopping, food, and fellowship!
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Members of the Benld City Council on agreed to spend $319,000 for continuing work on the Benld Family Sports Park and voted to temporarily extend the city’s contract with the City of Gillespie for police protection while the two municipalities continue negotiations to renew the agreement, but it was horses and zoning that dominated the discussion during the council’s regular monthly meeting Monday night.
Appearing before the council as a visitor, Jennifer Zippay, 304 North Eighth Street, voiced concerns about a neighbors plans to board up to three horses on a neighboring lot zoned for agricultural use. Zippay said the property owner plans to fence the lot and build a stabling structure at the rear of the lot. The lot has been zoned for agricultural use since the city approved its zoning ordinance in 2016 and the parcel has been cropped for many years. Zippay said it never occurred to her or her neighbors that “agriculture” could also mean “livestock.”
“What is ‘agriculture’?” she asked. “To me there’s a difference between crops and horses or pigs.” Her concern she said is that the zoning ordinance does not define what animals are allowable, nor does it limit the number of animals the owner of an agricultural property can keep.
“I’m not in disagreement with you,” Mayor Jim Kelly told Zippay. “We should have a limit on the number of animals.”
The lot reportedly comprises about 220,000 square, prompting Zippay to question how many animals the property could accommodate.
“It’s well within the council’s prerogative to limit the number of animals allowed,” City Attorney Rick Verticchio advised, “but we can’t do something about something that hasn’t happened yet.” Without provisions in the zoning ordinance regarding the types and numbers of farm animals allowed, Verticchio said the city’s only option would be to pursue a public nuisance action if the animals become a nuisance.
“How many are too many?” Verticchio asked rhetorically. “Two hundred and forty seven pigs would be too many, but one goat is probably okay. The maximum number is somewhere in between.”
Responding to a question from Ald. John Balzraine, Verticchio said there is no way to preclude the property owner from implementing his plans other than to approve a zoning ordinance amendment before the individual starts to build stabling structure or fencing. The property owner reportedly has not applied for building permits to build on the property or erect a fence. Kelly told Zippay that any fencing would have to comply with the city’s fencing code.
“The council could do something now,” Verticchio said. “Someone could make a motion. Otherwise it would have to be a nuisance.”
Ald. Dustin Fletcher noted the property owner “did the right thing” by approaching the city to familiarize himself with the zoning provisions before making plans to board horses on the property. “I have to give him credit for that,” Fletcher said.
Balzraine later suggested amending the zoning ordinance to define “agriculture” as cropland only. “I wouldn’t want to smell horse poop either,” he told Zippay.
Verticchio said he could prepare the amendment for action within 10 days. “If you want to call a special meeting to approve it, you can.”
“We’ll get this rolling,” Kelly assured Zippay.
POLICE PROTECTION CONTRACT
On a motion by Ald. Mickey Robinson, seconded by Fletcher, the council voted unanimously to extend the city’s police protection contract with the City of Gillespie for 90 days while the two municipalities continue negotiations for a new contract. For the three months, the city will continue to pay the current $20,000 monthly fee for police protection.
Verticchio said the current police protection contract is set to expire April 30. Depending upon negotiations, the new rate could be charged retroactively or commence upon approval of the contract by both parties, according to Verticchio.
Verticchio said the contract can be terminated by giving 30 day’s notice to the City of Gillespie.
OFFICERS AND ALDERMEN SEATED
Before considering new business, the council paused to swear-in newly elected and re-elected officers and aldermen. Verticchio administered the oath of office, using a Bible belonging to his mother “who died 29 years ago today,” he said.
Kelly was sworn-in to begin his third term as Mayor, along with incumbent City Treasurer Cindy Crites and incumbent City Clerk Terri Koyne, both of whom were elected to their third terms.
Verticchio also administered oaths to incumbent Ward 1 Ald. Balzraine, re-elected April 1 to his third term; Ward 2 Ald. Mickey Robinson, currently the longest-serving member of the council, becoming an alderman in 1991; and newly elected Ward 3 Ald. Brant McFarland, who replaces two-term Ald. Lance Cooper, who chose to not seek re-election.
Immediately after being seated, Mayor Kelly thanked Cooper for his “time and dedication to the city.”
“You did a good job,” Kelly said.
On a motion by Balzraine, seconded by Ald. Jerry Saracco, the council ratified Kelly’s new committee appointments as follows:
- CITY PROPERTY: Balzraine (chair), Fletcher, McFarland, Robinson, Saracco.
- HOUSING; Ald. Norm Emmons (chair), Saracco, Robinson, McFarland, Balzraine.
- ORDINANCE/JUDICIAL: Robinson (chair), Emmons, Saracco, Fletcher, Balzraine.
- FINANCE: Saracco (chair), Emmons, Balzraine, Fletcher, McFarland, and City Clerk Koyne as an advisory co-chair.
- POLICE: McFarland (chair), Fletcher, Robinson, Saracco, Emmons.
- PROPRIETARY: Fletcher (chair), Balzraine, Robinson, Emmons, McFarland.
The Mayor’s appointments run for two years and include Verticchio as City Attorney, Balzraine as Mayor Pro-Tem, and Robinson, Fletcher and Jack Burns as members of a Police Liaison Committee.
SPORTS PARK EXPENDITURES
With Ald. Saracco casting the only “no” vote, the council approved expenditures of $319,244.89 for work completed on the new Benld Family Sports Complex, located on the former site of Benld Elementary School. Community Unit School District 7 deeded the property to the of Benld several years after a mine subsidence event destroyed the school. The city secured a $600,000 Open Spaces Land Acquisition and Development grant through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources last year to underwrite developing the parcel as a park. Once completed, the Benld Sports Association will take over operation and maintenance of the facility.
Monday night’s action authorized payment of $132,305 to Hayes Contractor, the project’s general contractor; $88,342.40 to DeLaurent Construction, Wilsonville, for paving a basketball court and walking path; and $98,597.49 to HHH Construction for construction of a pavilion and dugouts, and installation of basketball equipment, scoreboards and goal posts.
To finish the grant, the city estimates another $25,000 in expenditures, including $19,100 for concrete to dugouts and the pavilion, and $6,000 for accounting/audit fees
MFT BID
The council unanimously approved a bid of $32,818 from Illini Road Oil, LLC, Moro, to supply road oil for the city’s annual motor fuel tax street maintenance program. Illini Road Oil offered the lowest of three bids to supply 12,200 gallons of road oil at a cost of $2.69 per gallon. Other bidders were Macoupin County Asphalt, Inc., Carlinville, and Evergreen Roadworks, Urbana.
PARKING LOT BID
Council members accepted a bid of $5,342 from DeLaurent Construction to repave parking areas at the back and on the east side of the newly opened Benld City Hall, formerly First National Bank.
PROPERTY BID
Council members unanimously accepted a bid of $1,000 from Don Pratt for a surplus parcel at 205 South Seventh, provided Pratt demolishes and removes an existing nuisance structure within 120 days. Answering a question from the council, Verticchio said the council could extend the 120-day deadline in the event of extenuating circumstances. Otherwise, the property could revert to the city if the deadline is not met.
Pratt’s lives next door to the property and was the only bidder.
FOIA REQUEST
Monte Oberman, who has a small claims action pending against the city, appeared before the council, complaining that a flash drive he received in response to a Freedom of Information Act request could not be opened. Oberman said he asked for minutes from last month’s meeting of the council during which he also appeared to address the council. Since the flash drive was defective, he asked for written minutes of the meeting.
City Clerk Koyne said she could provide Oberman with a copy of the minutes since the minutes were approved by the council earlier Monday evening.
Verticchio told Oberman that future requests for information should be directed to him since Oberman is a litigant against the city.
“One of the grounds for denying a FOIA request is if the requestor is involved in litigation against the city,” Verticchio said. “I’m not criticizing the way you asked for information, I’m just saying you may not have been doing it the right way. The proper procedure would be for you to contact the city attorney and then I have to give it to you.”
In response, Oberman handed his written request to Verticchio and noted he also is asking for all other written communication about his case.
Property owned by Oberman is the subject of a public nuisance action initiated by Verticchio on behalf of the city. Vertichio told Oberman last week that the city’s nuisance complaint will be dropped after Oberman’s small claims case is adjudicated.
A bench trial set for April 4 was rescheduled for June 19 on a motion by Oberman late last month.
ITALIAN CLUB RECOGNITION
Balzraine publicly thanked the Benld Italian Club for paying for electrical work at the food stand in Benld City Park at a cost of $1,080.
