Community News
Jim Savant resigns from Benld Supervisor duties
Jim Savant resigns as supervisor.
Jim Savant, Supervisor of the streets and alleys in Benld, informed the City Council that he is resigning “from all supervisor duties” during a regular scheduled meeting on November 14th. Savant has worked for the City of Benld for 22 years, which is “a decade longer than anyone else in this town,” according to Savant. He never asked for a pay raise in all of the 22 years with the City because it was a job he enjoyed doing and never did for the money. However, last year Savant asked for a week of vacation time for all previous years service, but the vacation time never happened.
“I personally think highly of loyalty,” Savant noted. He went on to recall that the deposit slip he fills out is the exact same as it was 10 years ago. “As much as I like and appreciate compliments, they do not pay for braces, glasses, and college tuition,” Savant hammered. The supervisor job is the only job in the City that becomes from every department in the town when many other nearby towns have a supervisor for each department, Savant overlooks all of them in the City of Benld. As his workload continually grows and he is constantly short-changed, “I am severely underpaid.”
“Do I deserve a raise,” Savant questioned, “Damn right, a big one.” According to Savant, he is forced to ask for a raise after he realized how much money he saves the community. “I am a man of my word,” Savant keyed, “To me, it is all about making Benld better.” He went on to say he does not enjoy messing around in political games and tries to avoid them as much as possible, but “I have had enough, I do not get paid enough to care anymore and I am exhausted from this nonsense.”
Something has to change, Savant continued. “I am pretty sure I know where a raise will go and I know all the excuses that I will have to except,” Savant pressed on, “I resign all my supervisor duties until my work is recognized and my salary now covers my years of experience without the headaches that come from Supervisor and the target I now I have on my back.” The Supervisor title has lost a little luster to Savant anyhow as his kids at home do not need a supervisor, they need their dad, Savant noted.
“I have always been there for every single person in this town,” Savant closed, “One way or another, you will realize how valuable I am to this town. This is my home and my work reflects how much I love this town.”
Rick Vertichio sees no problem collecting a new business fee from new businesses in town.
Without a motion made to accept the resignation of Jim Savant as Supervisor of streets and alleys, council members discussed Savant’s decision to leave. According to Gruey, the City of Benld cannot lose Jim. “He has done way more for the sewer department than he has supposed to,” Gruey noted. Bernot cut off Gruey to make a motion to go into executive session, but Mayor Hendricks broke the 3-3 tie with a ‘no’ decision and remained in open session. Robinson made a motion to table the acceptance of resignation and after 5-1 vote, objection from Bernot, the motion was carried to table the decision to the next present meeting.
Under old business, the city revised the contract to rent any city property. The rental contracts have not been changed much. The dram shop insurance is the only thing that has been changed and rental fees will always apply to the every day rentals. The contract applies to civic organizations that do not have to pay to rent the civic center. The simplified contract was approved after a 6-0 vote.
In new business, the council hired Josh Carter as full time police officer effective immediately. In other business, the council tabled the 2012 MEDP membership fees. The 2012 fee is $1,448 for the City of Benld, but the council will take action on this fee at the regular scheduled meeting in December.
The council then heard from Lynn Fralle and Gloria Sidar. “It would be a dreadful mistake to let Jim Savant walk away from this,” Fralle opened, “In the last 2 years I have been coming to these meetings, there has never been any complaints about Jim until the last few months and I think it is ridiculous.” Fralle went on to say that the gazebo is going up and is 5-7 days away from completion, weather permitting. Fralle went on to request a dusk-to-dawn light that would flood the whole area and outlets for the gazebo and also requested the city to collect a “business license” from a new business in town.
Rick Vertichio advised the City that the business fee idea Fralle mentioned is a good idea, but it has to be set up right in the books. It has to undergo proper inspection and proper documentation. “A general business license can be passed and any owner or commercial business can pay a fee with their water deposit,” Vertichio stated. Vertichio suggested that if anything is done, it has to be done across the board and everything has to be coordinated together.
Peyton Bernot shed light on what Vertichio was alluding to. “The discussion was about an ordinance I wrote to prevent slums in blight in the city,” Bernot started, “Basically it would just be to renters and landowners, the owner of the property would apply for a license to rent and the license expires every year on each property they rent.” The renter would pay a fee to occupy the house and the fee would be whatever is deemed appropriate, Bernot closed.
Tilashakski responds to Jim Savant's letter to the council.
Gloria Sidar advised the city council that Build Benld is having a website designed by Carpani Computer Repair & Consulting. Mark Carpani is professionally designing the website for only $65 per month and the initial set-up fee, he will host and maintain the site for Benld. The site will cost $200 to set-up and there is a $50 administration fee per month. The website will be www.benld.com and all monthly expenses will be paid for by Build Benld, but after a 6-0 vote, the initial $200 set up cost will be paid by the City of Benld. The website will have links to all government officials, general information about the city, and all entertainment options in the city and surrounding areas.
Mickey Robinson, city property chairman, requested a building inspection for a building at 105 North 6th Street after he received numerous complaints about animals entering and leaving through holes in the walls. Robinson went on to advise the council that the light was replaced on the flagpole on Veteran’s Parkway. The new light is a dusk-dawn light.
Peyton Bernot, water commissioner, advised residents of Benld that water rates will increase by $0.24 per 1,000 gallons and it will be reflected on December’s billing.
After Peyton Bernot’s motion to rescind the vote to discuss personnel issues in open session did not collect enough votes, the meeting was adjourned. “I think it would be very wise for the council to discuss the issue that has transpired tonight,” Bernot’s motion could only collect two ‘yes’ votes which were Tilashakski and Bernot himself.
The council will meet Monday, November 21 for a special meeting to discuss personnel issues.
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FELONIES
Trey W. Fenton, 34 of Mount Olive, is charged with residential burglary, burglary without causing damage, and criminal damage to property (<$500) in connection with a November 3 incident.
Peyton R. Pehrson, 26 of Benld, is charged with two counts of aggravated DUI/license suspended or revoked, DUI/BAC 0.08, DUI, driving on a suspended license, driving 21-25 mph above the limit, expired registration, disregarding a stop sign, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a November 6 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
John M. Molinar, 40 of Staunton, is charged with criminal trespass to residence in connection with a November 2 incident.
TRAFFIC
Robert M. Keffer, 38 of Benld, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with an October 25 incident.
Haidyn D. Branson, 25 of Hettick, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with an October 25 incident.
Asa M. Proctor, 47 of Gillespie, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with an October 28 incident.
Rodjai A. Johnson, 21 of Gillespie, is charged with driving on a suspended license and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with an October 27 incident.
Amber L. Burgess, 45 of Staunton, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with an October 23 incident.
Shane C. Chance, 29 of Carlinville, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with an October 28 incident.
Jerry J. Wilson, 77 of Carlinville, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration in connection with an October 30 incident.
Shannon J. Ward, 44 of Modesto, is charged with improper use of registration/title, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and being unlicensed in connection with an October 28 incident.
Blake D. Roberts, 28 of Carlinville, is charged with driving on a revoked license, unlawful use of cannabis/driver, and display plate attachment in connection with an October 30 incident.
Shota Gagelidze, 44 of Downers Grover, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit in connection with a November 1 incident.
Christopher P. Smith, 39 of Chesterfield, MO, is charged with driving on a revoked license, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and no valid registration in connection with an October 26 incident.
Chad C. Baumann, 54 of Chicago, is charged with driving on a suspended license and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with an October 27 incident.
David A. Rithe, 44 of Benld, is charged with driving on a suspended license, driver failing to give notice of a crash, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and failure to reduce speed in connection with an October 29 incident.
Donald E. Bruhn, 66 of Gillespie, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with an October 29 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Rocky Lyle Smith versus Rebecca Lee Smith
MARRIAGE LICENSES
- Tyler Luke Semplowski of Peoria and Margaret Anne Moore of Gillespie
- Craig Charles Wicker and Cheryl A. Scroggins, both of Staunton
- Jacob William Feeley and Kaitlin Marie Moore, both of Plainview
- Peyton Scott Hudspeth and Macy Danielle Rhodes, both of Divernon
- Cody Stephen Bradley and Savannah Michelle Norris, both of Auburn
Comments
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Walnut Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Henrietta Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of East Chestnut Street in reference to a 911 call.
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 2300 block of Staunton Road in Mt. Clare in reference to a theft.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Oak Street in reference to an animal call.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Baker Street in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer initiated a traffic stop in the 200 block of North Hard Road in Benld. Mandy V. Aldridge, 44 of Benld, was issued a citation for driving a vehicle with suspended registration.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Kentucky Street and Central Avenue in Benld. Stormee M. Lyons, 32 of Benld, was issued citations for operating an uninsured motor vehicle and operating a vehicle while using an electronic device.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Lincoln Street and Edgar Street in Eagarville. Tony L. Law, 58 of Benld, was issued citations for operating an uninsured vehicle, no valid driver’s license, and expired registration.
An Officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Elm Street in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 200 block of Southern Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2025
An officer was out with a vehicle in the 300 block of East Central in Benld in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
An officer was out with a subject in the 100 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Frey Street in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer spoke with a juvenile at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a dispute in the 500 block of West Baker Street.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Madison Street in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Broadway Street. Seth E. Bruhn, 45 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for operating a vehicle with expired registration.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the Gillespie Police Department to speak with a female in reference to a domestic battery in the 400 block of South Kentucky Street in Benld. Devon W. Pulley, 18 of Benld, was arrested for domestic battery.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Broadway Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Walnut Street in Benld in reference to an animal complaint. Kussandra D. Hildebrand, 30 of Benld, was issued a citation for a dog at large.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Shelby Street in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Illinois Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Avenue and Main Street in Benld. Crystal D. Bryant, 37 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer was dispatched to Calcari Street in East Gillespie in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 100 block of South Hard Road in Mt. Clare in reference to criminal trespass.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Elm Street in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 200 block of Southern Street in reference to criminal trespass. Melissa J. Hughes, 50 of Gillespie, was arrested on a Montgomery County warrant for failure to appear for theft, and she was also issued a citation for criminal trespass.
An officer dispatched to Cedar Street and Macoupin Street in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to Route 4 and Route 138 in Mt. Clare in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Dorsey Street in Benld in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to Frey Street in reference to unwanted solicitors.
An officer was dispatched to Henry Street in reference to unwanted solicitors.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Avenue and 2nd Street in Benld. Alec T. Laughlin, 20 of Livingston, was issued citations for operating an uninsured vehicle and suspended registration.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a security check.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Broadway Street in reference to a motorist assist.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of South Main Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 1200 block of South Second Street in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the Gillespie Police Department to take a report of fraud in the 600 block of West Oak Street.
An officer was out in the 600 block of Broadway Street in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to the 900 block of North Hard Road in Mt. Clare in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 200 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 300 block of Central Avenue in Benld in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Spruce Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Montgomery Street in reference an animal complaint.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Staunton Road and Henrietta Street. Jackeline K. Hernandez-Montufar, 24 of Beardstown, was issued citations for no valid driver’s license and operating an uninsured vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Trolley Street in Benld in reference to a suspicious vehicle in their driveway.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Pine in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to Route 138 by Benld Cemetery in Benld in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to an ordinance issue.
An officer was dispatched to Osie Street and Madison Street in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was out on 5th Street and Locust Street in Benld in reference to suspicious circumstances.
An officer was out on the 200 block of West Locust Street in Benld in reference to a security check.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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In a decisive finish that underscored his rising dominance in Illinois Class 1A cross country, senior Chaz Oberkfell of Gillespie High School claimed the state title with a time of 14:31.10 at the IHSA State Cross Country Championships held at Detweiller Park on Saturday, November 8.
Finishing just behind Oberkfell, sophomore Evan Knobloch of Toulon (Stark County) crossed the line in 14:46.25, placing second. Rounding out the top five were senior Blake McLeese of Tuscola (14:46.45), senior Luca Bryja of Elgin (Harvest Christian Academy) with 14:48.38, and senior Elijah Teefey of Pleasant Plains at 14:49.02.
This victory marks Oberkfell’s second IHSA Class 1A state championship. He also won the state crown as a junior in 2024 with a time of 14:31.87. In his sophomore year, he finished 21st with a 15:21.43 season-best time.
Looking ahead, Oberkfell is set to compete in the New Balance NXR Midwest Regional Championships on Sunday, November 16, at the LaVerne Gibson Course in Indiana. The meet serves as a critical stepping stone toward the national championships, and Oberkfell will look to carry his state momentum into the regional stage.
