Community News
Gillespie Police Report: May 31-June 6, 2020
SUNDAY, MAY 31, 2020
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 400 block of South Macoupin Street to retrieve some suspicious items that were found by the clerk.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Central Ave in Benld for a child custody issue.
MONDAY, JUNE 1, 2020
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of North 8th Street in Benld for a domestic dispute. Gabriel R. Ferratto, 33, of Benld was arrested for disorderly conduct and transported to the Macoupin County Jail.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 500 block of East Elm Street for an unconscious male in a vehicle. Dustin M. Luketich, 30, of Gillespie was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia. Further charges may be filed pending crime lab results. The male was released with a notice to appear in court.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Park Avenue in Benld regarding lost items.
An officer was flagged over at a business in the 400 block of South Macoupin Street for a domestic dispute that took place in the 600 block of East Spruce Street. Clinton T. Hill, 57, of Gillespie was arrested for domestic battery and transported to Macoupin County Jail.
TUESDAY, JUNE 2, 2020
An officer made contact with a suspicious male at 5th Street and Spruce Street in Benld. Jimmy D. Fann, 38, of Benld was arrested for possession of a controlled substance and was given a notice to appear in court.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of North Main Street in Benld for a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Horizon Street for trespassing and criminal damage to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of East Elm Street for a traffic crash involving the destruction of property.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Hardroad in Mt. Clare for a fuel drive off.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of South 2nd Street in Benld for criminal trespassing to land and a suicide threat.
Evelyn R. Barksdale, 47, of Benld was issued a citation for operating an uninsured motor vehicle.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3, 2020
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Locust Street and North Main Street in Benld. Ricky M. Starr, 40, of Gillespie was arrested for driving while license is revoked. He was given a citation and a notice to appear in court.
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with a couple for criminal trespassing in the 400 block of West Baker Street.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of South 6th Street in Benld for a domestic dispute.
THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2020
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Central Street in Benld for a domestic dispute. Samuel M. Roach, 36, of Benld was arrested on an Illinois Department of Corrections warrant for violation of parole and transported to the Macoupin County Jail.
An officer was dispatched to the Gillespie Police Department regarding a missing person.
An officer was dispatched to the Gillespie Police Department to speak with a female regarding fraud and theft.
An officer was dispatched to the 1100 block of Madison Street for a hit and run traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Elm Street regarding a domestic dispute. Jesse C. Rushing, 27, of Troy was arrested for battery. He posted bond and was released with a notice to appear in court.
Shyrea N. Cunningham, 23, of Litchfield was issued a citation for operating an uninsured motor vehicle.
FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 2020
An officer was dispatched to the 1000 block of South Macoupin Street regarding criminal damage to property.
An officer was dispatched 400 block of South Main Street in Benld for a dog at large.
Aaron M. Wilcox, 27, of Hillsboro was arrested for possession of cannabis in a motor vehicle, possession of cannabis with the intent to distribute and to deliver more than 30g and less than 500g, and speeding. He was transported to the Macoupin County Jail.
Sandra V. Maher, 58, of Jerseyville was issued a citation for speeding 41 mph in a 30 mph zone.
SATURDAY, JUNE 6, 2020
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Mt. Olive Road in Eagarville to assist on a civil matter.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 200 block of North Hardroad in Mt. Clare regarding a possible aggravated assault.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Central in Benld regarding harassment by telephone.
An officer was dispatched to the 1100 block of South Macoupin Street for a possible altercation. Tristian C. Wentler, 34, of Gillespie was arrested for battery and given a notice to appear in court. Robert A. Carr II, 22, of Wilsonville was arrested for battery and given a notice to appear in court.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Dorsey Road in Mt. Clare for a report of harassment by telephone by an electronic device.
Kara R. Eden, 37, of Bunker Hill was issued a citation for disobeying a stop sign.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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Community News
County marks 250th Anniversary of Declaration with reading and archive projects at Spring Festival on May 23
The Macoupin County Historical Society (MCHS) is hosting the first in a series of local celebrations & activities on May 23, 2026, 11:00 a.m. at the Spring festival highlighting the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The public is encouraged to attend a reading of the Declaration aloud at the Red Barn Pavillion.
Following the reading, participants and the public will be encouraged to have a conversation about what’s important to them, their families and to America examining the past and looking at the future.
Attendees may also enter a Birthday Wish for America & sign the America @ 250 Macoupin County Time Capsule book. The book will become a permanent archive of the Macoupin County Historical Society.
Individuals, families, & friends can also be a part of “Community Conversations” recorded by Illinois Voices 250, a Story Telling group affiliated with Illinois Humanities. The recordings will take place in all 102 counties in Illinois. Illinois Voices 250 will be on site most of the day at the Historical Society Spring Festival. The stores recorded will be digitalized and become a permanent part of the Library of Congress.
Those interested in participating are welcome to bring family and friends into a casual conversation about their life story. Both projects were made possible through a grant from Illinois Humanities to Carlinville Winning Communities, a local non profit organization that supports activities in the community. It’s a very successful partnership between Carlinville Winning Communities, Illinois Humanities and the Macoupin County Historical Society, said Mary Tinder, who is coordinating the activities.
This year, 2026, is also a time to “Bring Back the Strawberries”, a specialty desert from the Red Barn Kitchen. For many years, strawberry shortcake was the signature desert at the festivals. The MCHS Board of Directors and Red Barn Kitchen Crew chose this historic occasion to put them back on the menu.
“Fifty Years of Festivals” has helped finance operations for MCHS and we are working towards another fifty years, said board member Patty Ambrose, Vendor and Outreach Coordinator for MCHS. These activities are free, open to the public and accessible. The two-day festival is May 23, 24, 2026 at the Macoupin County Historical Society, 900 West Breckenridge Street, Carlinville, Il.
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Community News
Benld prepares to celebrate 72nd annual Italian American Days over Memorial Day weekend
A beloved community tradition returns this Memorial Day weekend as the 72nd Annual Benld Italian-American Days brings three days of food, music, and family fun to Benld City Park from Friday, May 22 through Sunday, May 24.
Hosted by the Italian Club of Benld, the long-running festival celebrates the area’s rich Italian heritage while welcoming visitors from across the region for a full slate of activities.
Festivalgoers can expect a wide variety of homemade Italian favorites served throughout the weekend, including salami and meatball sandwiches, tortellini soup, bagna cauda, and cannoli. A daily fish fry featuring cod and whiting will also be available, along with classic festival fare such as hamburgers, hot dogs, Italian beef, and carnival treats. Beer, wine, and soda will be available for purchase.
In addition to the food, the event will feature carnival rides provided by Conner Family Amusement, Inc., with unlimited ride sessions offered throughout the weekend. Bingo will be held nightly at 7:00 p.m., and festival-themed shirts will be available for purchase.
Live music and dancing will take center stage each evening. Friday night entertainment includes a performance by Flip the Frog from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m., with the park open from 4:00 to 11:00 p.m.
Saturday highlights include the Italian Club Car Show, with registration from 8:00 a.m. to noon and judging beginning at noon. The park opens at 11:00 a.m., and live music will feature Pat Jones in the afternoon followed by Borderline in the evening.
Sunday kicks off with the “Meatballs on the Run” 5K at 9:00 a.m., sponsored by the Gillespie Cross Country Boosters. You can sign-up to participate online here. The day continues with free spaghetti served from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., a bocce ball tournament beginning at noon, and a full lineup of live music throughout the day, including performances by Unbroken, Syner-Gee, and B&B Strings.
Connors Family Amusements will provide carnival armbands for $30. Armbands will be valid Friday (May 22) from 6:00 to 10 :00 p.m. and again on Saturday (May 23rd) and Sunday (May 24th) from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. and again from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m, Advanced armband sales will be available from May 4th through May 21st at the Frank Bertetti Public Library and Benld City Hall for $25. Debit and Credit Cards will NOT be accepted.
Organizers note that no outside beverages are permitted in the park or at club events.
With its mix of tradition, entertainment, and community spirit, the 72nd Annual Benld Italian-American Days promises to once again be a highlight of the summer season in Macoupin County. For more information and updates, follow the festival on Facebook at Benld Italian American Days.
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Gillespie will host a Community Blood Drive with ImpactLife, the provider of blood components for local hospitals. The blood drive will be from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm on Monday, May 11 at 900 Broadway, inside Gillespie Methodist Church Gym.
To donate, please contact Brenda Lowe at (217) 7101336 or visit www.bloodcenter.org and use code 60020 to locate the drive. Appointments are requested. You may also call ImpactLife at 800-747-5401 to schedule.
Potential donors must be at least 17 years of age (16 with parental permission form available
through www.bloodcenter.org) and weigh more than 110 pounds. A photo I.D. is required to donate.
For questions about eligibility, please call ImpactLife at (800) 7475401. Donors who last gave blood on or before March 16, 2026, are eligible to give at this drive.
Blood donation is a safe, simple procedure that takes about 45 minutes to one hour. Individuals with diabetes or controlled high blood pressure may be accepted as eligible donors.
ImpactLife is a nonprofit community organization providing blood products and services to more than 100 hospitals and emergency medical service providers in Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, and Wisconsin, as well as researchers and resource sharing partners across the country.
