Community News
Gillespie Police Report: June 2-8, 2024
SUNDAY, JUNE 2, 2024
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 100 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to an aggravated battery.
An officer was dispatched to an accident at Springfield Road and Elm Street in East Gillespie. Gregory A. Ferrel, 55, of Bethalto was arrested for driving under the influence and improper lane usage.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of 8th Street in Benld in reference to a theft.
An officer was dispatched to Farley Lane at Gillespie Lake in reference to a battery.
An officer was dispatched to a business at the 900 block of North Hard Road in Mt. Clare in reference to an alarm sounding.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of East Walnut Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to Charles Street and Staunton Road in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of North Kentucky Street in Benld in reference to an ordinance issue of illegal burning.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Cahokia Street in Benld in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to Route 4 and Pingolt Road to assist the Macoupin County Sheriff Department with a well-being check.
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to harassment.
MONDAY, JUNE 3, 2024
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a theft in the 700 block of Western Street.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of East Maple Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to Springfield Road and Elm Street in East Gillespie in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Lincoln Avenue in Eagarville in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Central Avenue in Benld in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of South Main Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
TUESDAY, JUNE 4, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Charles Street in reference to criminal damage to a property and domestic dispute.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Illinois Avenue in East Gillespie. Kaleb N. Beck, 24, of Benld was arrested for violation of an order of protection.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a battery. Merrill L. Vanvleck, 49, of Benld was arrested for battery and aggravated assault.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Madison Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 100 block of the South Hard Road in Mt. Clare in reference to criminal trespassing.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Park Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a civil stand-by.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a battery.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2024
An officer was dispatched to North Main and Willow in Benld in reference to an item found in the creek.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Abba Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Broadway Street in reference to illegal parking.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of West Baker in reference to an animal complaint. Heather L. Kimberlin, 48, of Gillespie was issued a citation for dog at large.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Central Avenue in Benld in reference to criminal damage to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South Illinois Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
THURSDAY, JUNE 6, 2024
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Avenue and 4th Street in Benld. Roger C. Conlee Jr. 52, of Gillespie was issued a citation for suspended registration and operating an uninsured motor vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with a female in reference to identity theft.
Ashley N. Goth, 39, of Highland was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for a traffic offense.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of South Kentucky Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Illinois Avenue in East Gillespie. Michael A. Gagnon, 46, of Edwardsville was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer was dispatched to Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a controlled burn.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South 8th Street in Benld in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to Eagarville Road and the railroad track in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Pine in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to Baker and Abba Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Illinois Avenue in East Gillespie. Amanda K. Ewin, 33, of Mt. Clare was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Fulton Street in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Shelby Street in reference to a noise complaint.
FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2024
An officer was dispatched to Route 138 South of Ameren in Mt. Clare to assist with an injured animal in the roadway.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Adams Street in reference to a battery.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of South 4th Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to illegal burning.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of West Maple Street in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to an alarm in the 200 block of North 2nd Street in Benld.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Spring Street in reference to a noise complaint.
An officer was dispatched to Central Avenue and 5th Street in Benld in reference to reckless driving.
SATURDAY, JUNE 8, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South 2nd Street in Benld in reference to a domestic battery. Douglas C. Blodgett, 39, of Benld was arrested for domestic battery.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of East Walnut in reference to an animal complaint. Angela M. Waugh, 52, of Gillespie was issued a citation for dog running at large.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Sawyerville Hills Road and Route 138 in Mt. Clare. Brittany N. Stinnett, 33 of Bethalto was arrested for driving while her license was suspended and operating an uninsured motor vehicle.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Pine Street. Dylan M. Swank, 21, of Gillespie was issued a citation for operating an uninsured motor vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to Park Street and 2nd Street in Benld in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Osie Street in reference to a medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to the North Hard Road in Mt. Clare in reference to reckless driving.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Avenue and Main Street in Benld. Liberty D. King, 22, of Gillespie was issued a citation for operating an uninsured motor vehicle.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Comments
FELONIES
Austin C. Drake, 30 of Girard, is charged with theft/unauthorized control (>$500<$10k) and bad checks/obtaining control of property in connection with a September 22 and an October 7 incident.
William C. Cooper, 41 of Gillespie, is charged with burglary in connection with a November 1 incident.
Joseph L. Schnurr, 63 of De Soto, Mo, is charged with aggravated fleeing in connection with a November 26 incident.
Derek J. Bultema, 40 of Gillespie, is charged with possession of methamphetamine in connection with a November 26 incident.
Brandon A. Martin, 26 of Wood River, is charged with aiding/abetting/possession/selling a stolen vehicle and aggravated fleeing in connection with a November 26 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Richard J. Williams, 44 of Staunton, is charged with criminal trespass to a vehicle in connection with a November 14 incident.
Ryne L. Manion, 41 of Mt. Olive, is charged with criminal trespass to a building in connection with a November 20 incident.
TRAFFIC
Terence L. Binion, 51 of University City, MO, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with a November 22 incident.
Andrew J. Goewey, 34 of Sawyerville, is charged with driving on a revoked license and driving 21-25 mph above the limit in connection with a November 22 incident.
Teresa J. Niewiadomski, 47 of Bethalto, is charged with driving on a suspended license, expired registration, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a November 19 incident.
Keona D. Roos, 22 of Freeburg, is charged with driving on a suspended license, improper use of registration/title, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and no valid registration in connection with a November 21 incident.
Zachary A. Johnston, 44 of Gillespie, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with a November 23 incident.
Alexis R. Spann, 32 of Auburn, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a November 19 incident.
Alicia N. Tamosaitis, 29 of Girard, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with a November 19 incident.
Justin A. Collins, 37 of Gillespie, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with a November 20 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Allan L. Petit versus Teresa M. Pettit
Comments
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of West Wilson Street in reference to a domestic battery. Ashley A. Esmon, 39 of Staunton, was arrested for domestic battery.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Calcari Street in East Gillespie. Angel L. Bricker, 22 of East Alton, was cited for operating an uninsured vehicle and driving while registration was suspended.
An officer was dispatched to Spruce Street and Laura Street in reference to a noise complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Elm Street in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of East Elm Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Charles Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Elm Street. Zachary A. Johnston, 44 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for driving while license was revoked.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Chestnut Street in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 400 block of East Central in Benld in reference to suspicious activity.
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Cloud Street in reference to a domestic dispute. Steven O. Smith, 36 of Chicago, was arrested on a warrant out of Chicago on a weapons charge.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Abba Street in reference to theft and criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 300 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 300 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to criminal damage to property and criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Charles Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 900 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a 911 call.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of West Wilson Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of East Locust Street in Benld in reference to the removal of a subject.
An officer was dispatched to Circle Drive at Gillespie Lake in reference to an alarm sounding.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Penny Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to South 2nd Street in Benld in reference to unwanted solicitors.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2025
An Officer was dispatched to the 900 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Easton Street. Joseph L. Schnurr, 63 of Eagarville, was arrested for reckless driving, fleeing/eluding a peace officer, squealing tires, failing to obey a stop sign, improper use of registration, and operating an uninsured vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Chestnut Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of East Chestnut Street in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 300 block of South Illinois Street in Benld.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Elm Street in reference to a suicidal subject.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Broadway Street in reference to a fire alarm sounding.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Horizon Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Henry Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Cedar Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Francis Street in reference to a 911 call
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Henrietta Street in reference to an animal complaint.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2025
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 900 block of North Hard Road in Mt. Clare in reference to disorderly conduct.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Central in Benld in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to a reckless driver.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Elm Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 900 block of North Hard Road in Mt. Clare in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Central Avenue in Benld in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 300 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer spoke with a male on Dorsey Road in Mt. Clare in reference to a vehicle that was parked on the lot for a few days.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2025
An officer was dispatched to West Central Street and North Trolley Street in Benld in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Lynn Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Broadway Street at Gillespie High School in reference to the fire alarm sounding.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Comments
Ye Olde Christmas is the theme of the Macoupin County Historical Society’s annual Christmas Show, which will be held Friday through Sunday, December 5–7, at the John C. Anderson Home and Museum, 920 West Breckenridge in Carlinville.
“The Christmas Show is one of the most magical times to visit the Anderson Home,” said MCHS Board Member and House Manager Brandy England. “Some families make it an annual Christmas tradition to visit the Anderson Home when it is decorated for Christmas. It’s a great opportunity to get into the Christmas spirit and pick up some ideas for decorating your own home for the holidays.”
MCHS member Kendra Mize, of Bunker Hill, who has coordinated the decorating effort for more than two decades, has again marshalled a small army of volunteers to decorate all 13 rooms of the home. Each room features a themed Christmas tree, along with mantle pieces, centerpieces, tabletop decor, garlands and florals, and other special touches.
The home will be open for self-guided tours from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, December 5; from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, December 6; and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, December 7.
“We’re very excited to offer for the first time candlelight tours from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday,” said Shawna Ashby, who serves as a co-manager with England. “Viewing the decorated home by candlelight promises to be a magical experience.”
The final candlelight tours on Friday and Saturday start at 7:30 p.m. Admission to the home is five dollars for adults and one dollar for children ages five to 12, with four-year-olds and younger admitted free of charge.
The Anderson Home Gift Shop will be open during tour hours, offering one-of-a-kind gift items and stocking stuffers. Santa Claus will be on hand in the downstairs parlor to greet children and listen to their Christmas wishes from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, December 6.
While the decorated home is the centerpiece of the Christmas Show, several other features on the Historical Society’s grounds will be open. The Red Barn will be open and serving hearty beef stew, chili, homemade pies, and warming holiday beverages such as wassail and hot chocolate on Friday and Saturday.
The General Store and Print Shop will be decorated and open to the public, with the Print Shop offering its popular handmade Christmas cards and other items produced in the shop; kids can print their own blank “Santa List” to keep track of their Christmas wishes.
“The General Store offers unique gift items, including some small antiques, for shoppers to peruse,” England noted.
Local blacksmiths will demonstrate their craft in the MCHS Blacksmith Shop located on the north side of the Historical Society Grounds, with wrought iron gift items, including stocking hooks and decorative pieces, available for purchase.
The Macoupin County Historical Society’s Christmas Show runs concurrently with the Carlinville Christmas Market and Downtown Christmas events, and a free trolley and shuttle buses include the Anderson Home as a regular stop during the festivals, enabling visitors to ride from the square or the Macoupin County Fairgrounds to the Historical Society grounds.
