Community News
July 25 School Board Meeting: Bernot Suggests Halt Construction
Published
14 years agoon
By
BenGil Staff
CUSD #7 school board met on the evening of July 25 for their regular scheduled meeting. Assistant Superintendent Joe Tieman replaced Superintendent Paul Skeans while he is away on vacation. After 58 minutes in executive session, the board appeared before the public. All 7 board members were in attendance Monday night. After the Pledge of Allegiance was repeated, first tab under open action was personnel issues.
The board certificated many open vacancies tonight; they are as follows:
- Motion made by Bernot, seconded by Dobrino to appoint Matt Brawner as Gillespie High School Scholar Bowl Sponsor for FSY 2012.
- Motion made by Griffel, seconded by Carter to appoint Tina (Niehaus) Blevins as Gillespie High School Prom Sponsor for FSY 2012.
- Motion made by Schmidt, seconded by Bernot to appoint Andy Easton as Middle School Girls Assistant Basketball Coach for FSY 2012.
- Motion made by Alerpa, seconded by Carter to accept the resignation of Dennis Tiburzi as Gillespie High School Freshmen Boys Basketball Coach for FSY 2012 and to post the position of Gillespie High School Freshmen Boys Basketball Coach for FSY 2012. Griffel added to the discussion after the job was posted. “I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr. Tiburzi,” Griffel said, “on an excellent job as freshmen coach. He has been coach for over 20 years and I have had 2 sons go through his program. I greatly commend him and all I can say is, he will be greatly missed.”
- Motion made by Bernot, seconded by Carter to recall CUSD #7 paraprofessionals as presented for FSY 2012; Amy Baker (BES), Trinity Bray-Jet (GMS), Theresa Carter (BES), Sharon Heyen (BES – Title), Misty Parker (BES – Title), Ella May Roemer (GHS), Tim Wargo (GMS), Kathy Wheeler (GHS – Staunton), and Nicole Zenner (Pre-Kindergarten Aide).
In legal action, motion made by Alepra, seconded by Griffel to accept legal easements as presented. Griffel added that the drainage of the water on the new elementary site will drain from the east instead of the west. He provided that this will be very convenient, there were no other comments made.
Under the consent agenda, motion made by Carter, seconded by Schmidt to approve the minutes of the regular meeting and executive session minutes of June 27 and the special meeting minutes and executive session minutes of July 13, 2011. In further action, the board approved the payment of July bills. Motion made by Bernot, seconded by Dobrino to approve payment of the July bills as follows:
- Education Fund: $88,774.29
- Building Fund: $191,894.51
- Transportation Fund: $8,031.00
- Total Insurance Fund: $25,116.00
- For a Grand Total of: $313,815.80
With no recognition of the public, Mr. Tieman read the superintendent’s report. Tieman advised the public that Mr. Paul Skeans recently attended a city council meeting to advice them that road was being built from Route 16 to the site of the new elementary school so there will be no destruction to Kelly Street. Tieman also provided that the school is only 54% of the property taxes. As many residents taxes are increasing, the school is not fully accountable for the increase since it is only about half of it. Tieman added that the 5 year plan is available in the library and advised the public to get one and view what is in store for the district in the next 5 years. Alepra added that the past plans have been changed 11 times due to the amount of progress the school is making.
Mr. Tieman then turned it over to the principals. Ms. Angela Turcol (Benld) discussed Family Literacy Night. The program is funded by an IRC Grant which was awarded to the Title Reading Teachers: Dana Tieman, Suzie Tiburzi, Lorraine Strutner, and Kimberly Link. The grant is $1500 and is to be used to promote family reading. The family literacy night is planned for September 8 from 6:00-8:00pm. Every student who attends the program will leave with book to keep as their own. Turcol went on to discuss the summer reading program. The program was instated at the end of the last school year when each student was given a summer reading packet to encourage them to read throughout the summer. When the students return in August, they will turn in the reading form to their teacher and be given a token for a Dairy Queen treat as well as other recognition. Turcol is working on the ISAT report for the teachers so they will know how last year’s students scored as well as enable them to begin working on the students’ skills immediately.

Tieman reads the superintendent's report.
Ms. Lori Emmons then gave the principals report for the middle school. Emmons said registration is set to begin August 2nd, and all information regarding sign-ups can be found on the districts website. Emmons also advised the board that baseball practice will begin next week. The ISAT data was compiled from individual student scores by Emmons through the student information systems on the ISBE website. According to her data, 6th grade had 51 students increase in Language Arts while 25 fell and 66 students increased in Math while 15 fell. In 7th grade, 80 students increased in Language Arts while 13 fell and 63 increased in Math while 17 fell. In 8th grade, 49 students increased in Language Arts and 13 fells while 52 students increased in Math and 5 fell. Overall, the middle school noticed a slight increase, but is still not meeting comparing to the rest of the nation.
Mr. Dennis Tiburzi then updated what is going on in the high school. Tiburzi stated that registration is slated for next week and an informational meeting on “8th period” is scheduled for Tuesday, August 9 at 6:00 pm in the cafeteria. Tiburzi also advised the board that the freshmen orientation is scheduled for Thursday, August 11 at 6:00pm and a meet and greet with the new band director is scheduled for July 30 at 1:00 in the afternoon. Tiburzi provided insight on the athletics also. 10 footballs helmets were received from a $1500 grant from USA Football, this is the fourth year the program has received this grant. The football team just got back from Vanderbilt were they competed in a 7 on 7 passing tournament. The girls volleyball team competed in a summer tournament and the JV squad did very well in Auburn, Tiburzi said. Both the girls and boys basketball summer programs are wrapping up as well as the boys soccer program. The soccer program just completed a summer camp and Tiburzi announced that all home games will now be played at the Coal County Sports Complex near Little Dog Mine now.

Board listens to Hyde explaining the energy efficient features incorporated in the new school.
In old business, Hyde and Bernot explained the school in Richardsville they viewed over the weekend. Bernot explained the school is one of his greatest experiences in his life and he highly advised the board to consider halting construction and having Hyde draw up a 2 story plan that could potentially save the district 10 million dollars. After much debate from Griffel and other board members, no action was taken. Griffel said the contracts for the mine grouting is already signed and to reject the contract now would be a tedious process as well as a possible lawsuit. Bernot assured him that the contract has not even been signed “for one” and “If you read the contract,” Bernot stated, “we have the option to null any contract at any time.” Alepra added that waiting on construction could jeopardize the CBD grant. Bernot persistently went on to advice the board that they are just a phone call away. “I am sure they would understand that we could potentially save them millions of dollars, I am sure we would get our extension then,” Bernot said. With much debate, the board decided it was proper to go ahead with the $27 million dollar school and there will be no changes to the design.
Bernot seemed to get the last word in again, “There is an elephant in here; is it our objective to spend the most money on this school and send the bill to the taxpayers? No, but that is what it seems like you all want to do! We had 2 designs for the school, a ‘H’ design and a ‘V’ design. As you all know, the ‘H’ was $150,000 cheaper and yet we still went with the ‘V’. Now that is only $150,000, we are talking $10 million dollars here! Our architect just stood before you and told you that 2 story building would be cheaper, and yet none of you blink. I went to Kentucky to compare two schools and I come back and tell yous that this new design could save $10 million dollars and none of you blink an eye.”
With no other comments, the board moved on to awarding bids. The board awarded trash, fuel, milk, and bread bids. With a motion made by Alepra, seconded by Dobrino, the district awarded the trash bid to Merritt of Bunker Hill. Merritt will cost $17,550 for 3 years and there will be no increase each year. The fuel bid was awarded to M&M Service Company of Carlinville, the milk bid to Prairie Farms in Carlinville, and the bread bid to IBC Sales Preparation of Peoria for FSY 2012 as presented.
In new business, motion made by Hayes, seconded by Carter to approve student fees for FSY 2012 as presented. All $20 classes were raised to $25. Driver’s Education remained at $50 for this year, but is expected to be raised FSY 2013. Welding class was raised from $50 to $60. The parking sticker fee was also raised from $50 to $60. The textbook rental fees remained the same as well as the locker fee and all cafeteria food prices.
In other new business, motion made by Alepra, seconded by Dobrino to keep executive session minutes from March 2010 to February 2011 closed and to destroy executive session tapes from September 2008 to August 2009.
Meeting was adjourned at 8:18 and the next board meeting is scheduled for August 15 at 7:00pm.
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Community News
School board adopts amended budget, commits CEJA money to Plum Street upgrade
Published
14 hours agoon
July 9, 2025By
Dave A
Members of the Community Unit School District 7 Board of Education on Monday night voted to adopt an amended budget for the fiscal year that ended June 30, committed $189,000 in CEJA grant funds to partnering with the City of Gillespie to improve Plum Street, and reviewed ongoing and upcoming facilities improvement projects.
During a public hearing prior to the regular board meeting, Supt. Shane Owsley told the board an amended budget is required anytime “you spend even a penny” over what was initially budgeted for a specific fund. For the just concluded fiscal year, the district overspent the budget in the Bond & Interest Fund, Transportation Fund, and IMRF/Social Security Fund.
With funding uncertainties and uncertainty about when state payments will be received, Owsley said it is nearly impossible to draft a budget a year out that will be completely accurate at the end of the year. For example, at the time he was preparing the amended budget presentation, nearly $40,000 in state money had not been processed by the comptroller. That money did arrive on Monday but if it had come a day later, it would have been considered revenue for fiscal 2026.
Expenses from the Bond & Interest Fund exceeded the budget because a $500 service fee previously paid by the bond broker fell on the school district because of a change in state law. That unanticipated expense pushed expenditures to $1,120,974—$500 more than the $1,120,475 the board initially budgeted. The amended budget increases expenditures to $1,120,975. With $1,117,397.85 already received, the amended budget boosts revenues to $1,123,614.
Salary and benefits for additional support personnel, bus inspections, and additional expenses for contractural services boosted Transportation Fund expenditures to $892,631.25, nearly $60,000 more than the $836,090 initially budgeted. The amended budget approved Monday night increases the amount allotted for expenditures to $921,800.15, with revenue increased from $860,242 to $926,788, with $817,752 already received.
Owsley pointed out the amended budget allots $210,726 for bus driver salaries, compared with $190,000 initially budgeted. Salaries for special education drivers is increased from $81,357 to $115,374, while expenditures for bus aides salaries is increased from $79,833 to $102,759. Expenditures for special education transportation is increased from $7,150 to $7,650, and expenditures for inspections are increased from $1,500 to $2,000.
According to Owsley, expenditures from the IMRF/Social Security Fund exceeded the initial budget in part because of an increase in the IMRF employer rate that become effective Jan. 1. IMRF operates on a calendar year that does not coincide with the school district’s fiscal year. Additionally IMRF/Social Security expenses were influenced by higher than expected expenses for overtime and substitute teacher wages, new hires and position changes.
In total, the district spent $440,078 from the IMRF/Social Security Fund—about $60,000 over the $410,887 initially budgeted. The amended budget increases the expenditure line item to $472,402, with the revenue side increased from $219,308 to $219,846.
Owsley said he added a small contingency to the affected fund budgets “just in case something unexpected happens before July 1.”
The board is expected to get a first look at the new budget proposal for the current fiscal year in August with final approval usually coming in September.
CEJA GRANT
The board agreed with Owsley’s plan to commit about $89,000 in anticipated grant funds from the federal Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) to partner with the City of Gillespie to make improvements to Plum Street. The street has been a focus of discussion for the City Council for several months after the school district rerouted bus traffic to Plum to facilitate synchronizing starting times and dismissals at each of the district’s three attendance centers. City officials say the bus traffic over the past year has severely deteriorated the condition of the street, which was not designed to carryheavy traffic.
“There was talk that we would not be able to continue using Plum Street,” Owsley noted.
While no engineering has been done for the project, the expected price tag is expected to be in the range of $250,000. City officials have said the city cannot afford the improvements on its own and would require the school district’s participation to make the improvements. The project would likely include re-establishing a thicker base along with resurfacing.
The school board originally earmarked the CEJA funds to install more solar panels but agreed with Owsley to divert the money to the Plum Street project.
Owsley said he would ask the school attorney to draft an agreement clarifying that the district would be able to continue using the street for bus traffic in exchange for its financial participation.
PERSONNEL
Following an 80-minute executive session the board took extensive action in the area of personnel.
The board accepted the resignations of Jennifer Brown as high school prom sponsor, and Chase Peterson as a middle school cross-country coach. Vacancies were posted for both positions.
The board accepted the resignation of Mike Smith as a part-time bus driver, and appointed him as a substitute driver. Additionally, the board posted vacant positions for two full-route bus drivers, and exercised a Reduction In Force (RIF) to lay off half-time bus driver Jeff Nehls.
The board voted unanimously to hire Tom Turiglatto as a district custodian, pending a background check.
By a unanimous vote, the board agreed to post vacancies for three paraprofessional positions. Owsley said those hires could be or not be new positions depending upon final enrollment figures for the 2025-26 school year.
After some discussion, the board agreed to rehire coaches for middle school and high school sports programs. Board member Weye Schmidt briefly questioned rehiring Athletic Director Jeremy Smith as head coach for the high school baseball program. Schmidt said the board discussed whether or not Smith should continue his coaching duties while also serving as Athletic Director.
“I remember we said we would try it for a year and see how it worked out,” Schmidt said. As baseball coach, Smith is responsible for supervising upward of 30 games, board member Dennis Tiburzi commented.
Supt. Owsley said the roster of coaches proposed for rehires was approved by the high school principal.
Board President Mark Hayes said Monday night was the deadline for rehiring coaches. “You either have to hire him or fire him tonight,” Hayes said.
In addition to Smith, Tim Wargo, Dan Smith, Adam Tallman and Tate Wargo were rehired as assistant high school high school baseball coaches. Michelle Smith was rehired to coach high school softball, along with Jim Matesa, Joe Kelly and Melissa Heigert as assistant coaches. Jay Weber was rehired as head high school boys track coach, with Alex Ottersburg rehired as assistant coaches. The board rehired Korbin Clark to coach high school girls track with Ottersburg rehired to assist. Casey Fellin was rehired to coach high school girls soccer with Michael Otten rehired to assist. For high school bass fishing, the board rehired head coach Jake Kellebrew, JQ Hartman and Ryan Bossman rehired to assist. Chase Peterson was rehired to coach middle school boys track, while Jacob West was rehired to coach middles school girls track. Jarrod Herron was rehired to coach both middle school and high school scholar bowl.
EMPLOYEE HEALTH INSURANCE
On the advice of Supt. Owsley, the board agreed to contract with Blue Cross-Blue Shield to provide employee health care coverage for a period of 14 months with a premium increase of about nine percent. Owsley said the board was locked into choosing an insurance provider Monday night because the Teacher Retirement System requires teacher salaries and benefits to be documented before the end of July.
During the 14-month term of the newly approved policy, the Owsley and the board are likely to look further into the potential for entering into a self-insurance consortium. Under the plan, the school district would cover employees for up to $75,000 of medical expenses, after which the consortium would kick in to cover up to $300,000 in medical expenses. Anything above $300,000 would be covered by an umbrella policy.
Owsley said it could take five to eight years of expense experience to tailor the program specifically to meet CUSD 7 needs.
“This is a big thing in some states,” Owsley said. “With increased costs in pharmaceuticals and health care, this is seen by some as a way to combat rising costs. There’s more risk at the beginning, but it potentially could result in greater reward.”
FACILITY IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS
Owsley briefly reported on the status of a number of improvement projects at district facilities using grant funds and funds generated from the sale of alternate revenue bonds. Major projects already completed include a new intercom system at the middle school, new fire alarm system for the middle school and high school, new HVAC and lighting at the middle school, a key card system to control entry to the middle school and high school, and other projects.
For the current 2025-26 year, Owsley said plans are underway to install new playground equipment at the elementary school, paint the press boxes at the softball and baseball fields, install new window coverings for the elementary school gym, install lighting for the track and a sidewalk from the elementary school to the high school, and remove carpeting from high school classrooms.
Starting with the summer of 2026, the district plans to resurface the track, add new doors for the weight room, install new breezeway windows, and update the lights and ceiling in the GHS/GMS cafeteria. With the recommendation of Building Manager Brian Page, Owsley said the school will begin a program of annually inspecting building roofs and making minor repairs as needed with an objective to avoid major expenditures for roof replacement.
DISTRICT HANDBOOK
The board approved a Student Handbook for district students. Owsley said a major change include increasing the number of credits required for graduation from 23 to 24, requiring an additional science credit. To mitigate against impacting vocational programs, the district is designating Animal Science as a qualifying science course. Owsley said the graduation credit hike corresponds to other schools in the area. Carlinville requires 26 and Litchfield reportedly requires 25 credits for graduation.
The handbook also requires students to store cellphones in their locked lockers during class time. Previous policy allowed teachers to set their own policies regarding cellphones.
OTHER ACTION
In other action, the board:
- Awarded the 2025-26 food contract to Kohl Wholesale, Quincy.
- Approved a course description book that updates course offerings and includes classes offered through the South Central Illinois Regional Workforce Training and Innovation Center in Litchfield.
- Approved an intergovernmental transportation agreement with the Jersey Community School District to provide bus transportation for the CUSD 7 student who attends the Illinois School for the Deaf in Jacksonville.
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FELONIES
Kelsey E. McKinney, 36 of Virden, is charged with possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams) in connection with a June 27 incident.
Natosha L. Michaelis, 38 of Carlinville, is charged with theft/unauthorized control (>500<10k) in connection with a June 29 incident.
Ashleigh K. Bethe, 41 of Benld, is charged with possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams) in connection with a June 30 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Natosha L. Michaelis, 38 of Carlinville, is charged with violation of an order of protection in connection with a June 28 incident.
Trey W. Fenton, 34 of Mount Olive, is charged with violation of a no contact order in connection with a June 30 incident.
TRAFFIC
Clinton H. Turner, 51 of Franklin, is charged with failure to notify of damage to an unattended vehicle in connection with a June 25 incident.
Drew M. Sickler, 31 of Litchfield, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration in connection with a June 4 incident.
Dawn M. Malone, 58 of Collinsville, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a June 19 incident.
Ian J. Martin, 29 of Springfield, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration in connection with a June 20 incident.
Drequille S. Snow, 24 of Springfield, is charged with driving on a suspended license and driving 15-20 mph above the limit in connection with a June 20 incident.
Brandon L. Pollard, 22 of Highland, is charged with driving on a revoked license, unlawful possession of cannabis, transporting/carrying alcohol/driver, and no seatbelt in connection with a June 19 incident.
Shane A. Smith, 50 of Girard, is charged with reckless driving, fleeing/attempting to elude an officer, failure to stop for a train or signal, improper turn signal, and driving/operating a non-highway vehicle in connection with a June 19 incident.
Lyndsey M. McCann, 29 of Bunker Hill, is charged with driving on a suspended license and operating a motor vehicle with suspended registration in connection with a June 20 incident.
James S. Adams, 32 of Waterloo, IA, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a June 23 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Dylan Wright versus Charcsey Wright
- Adrienne L. Sullivan versus Michael J. Sullivan
- Lydia Michelle Brandon versus Sophia Rose Marie Brandon
- Steven Sadler versus Patricia Sadler
MARRIAGE LICENSES
- Conner James Pollard and Elizabeth Marie Wasylenko, both of Gillespie
- David Keith Grider and Brandi Luann Defrates, both of Greenfield
- Issac Jacob Gotcher and Johannah Grace Martin, both of Carlinville
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Police News
Gillespie Police Report June 29– July 5, 2025
Published
1 day agoon
July 9, 2025By
Averi G
SUNDAY, JUNE 29, 2025
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Ave and Kentucky Street in Benld. Dawson J. Clark, 18 of Benld, was issued citations for improper lane usage and driving while under the influence of alcohol.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Hard Road in Mt. Clare in reference to illegal dumping.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Frey Street in reference to a theft.
An officer made contact with a male at East Maple Street and Adams Street. Jonathan A. Graves, 33 of Wilsonville, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for possession of a controlled substance.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of East Walnut Street in reference to a medical assist.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Dorsey Road and 2nd Street in Mt. Clare. Uzziel C. Stennis, 27 of East Alton, was issued citations for driving while license is suspended and speeding.
An officer was dispatched to the 900 block of South Madison Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to Route 4 and Central Avenue in Benld in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of South 1st Street in reference to suspicious circumstances.
An officer was dispatched to Big Brick Park in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Street in Benld in reference to a medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to Central Ave and 8th Street in Benld in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North 8th Street in Benld in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Walnut Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 100 block of South Hard Road in Mt. Clare in reference to a suspicious vehicle
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Montgomery Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to a well-being check.
MONDAY, JUNE 30, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Lincoln Avenue in Eagarville in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with a male in reference to a fight that took place in the 700 block of North Main Street in Benld.
Edward T. Parker, 31 of St. Louis, Missouri, was arrested at Laura Street and Chestnut Street on a warrant out of Pontoon Beach for driving while license was revoked.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of South 2nd Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Central Avenue in Benld in reference to found property.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of West Maple Street in reference to a security check.
An officer was dispatched to the 2300 block of Staunton Road in Mt. Clare in reference to a civil standby.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Western Street in reference to illegal burning.
TUESDAY, JULY 1, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Hard Road in Benld in reference to criminal trespass. Jacob D. Ruyle, 20 of Benld, was issued a citation for unlawful burning.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Central Street in Benld in reference to a battery.
An officer was dispatched to Central Avenue in Benld in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of First Street in reference to a noise complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a car fire.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 500 block of East Elm Street in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 2, 2025
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Montgomery and Walnut Street. Alex L. Dyer, 19 of Gillespie, was arrested for driving while under the influence of alcohol, reckless driving, and improper lane usage.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Walnut Street in reference to neighborhood trouble.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Chestnut Street in reference to harassment through electronic communication.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Illinois Street in Benld in reference to illegal burning.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Broadway Street in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Chestnut Street in reference to a civil standby.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 400 block of East Central in Benld in reference to a subject still outside the business drinking after hours.
An officer on normal patrol was out at Pomatto Park with a subject and advised him the park was closed after dark.
THURSDAY, JULY 3, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Staunton Road in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Lake in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Berry Street in Mt. Clare in reference to suspicious circumstances.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of East Easton Street in reference to a medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Francis Street in reference to theft.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to suspicious circumstances in the 800 block of North Macoupin Street.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Gillespie Street in reference to a suspicious circumstance.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Penny Street in reference to a medical assist.
FRIDAY, JULY 4, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Broadway Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Francis Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 1400 block of Staunton Road in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Pine Street. Dennis N. Rhodes, 74 of Carlinville, was issued a citation for driving on a cancelled driver’s license.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Park Street in Benld in reference to a medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to fireworks.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South 1st Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer was dispatched to Jersey Street in reference to fireworks being shot off in the street.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to illegal parking.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Abba Street in reference to illegal parking.
An officer was out on Harmony Lane at Gillespie Lake in reference to disorderly conduct.
SATURDAY, JULY 5, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of N 7th Street in Benld in reference to a missing child; she was later found.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Central Avenue in Benld in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of West Baker in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to Rain Street and Carney Lane at Gillespie Lake in reference to a vehicle versus fireworks issue.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Broadway Street and Kelly Street. A 17-year-old male from Staunton was issued a citation for possession of alcoholic liquor, and a 16-year-old male from Staunton was issued a citation for consumption of alcoholic liquor under 21.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Oak Street. Joshua D. Ware, 20 of Trenton, was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Dorsey Road in Mt. Clare in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Spruce Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to fireworks.
An officer was dispatched to Route 16 and Route 4 in East Gillespie in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to Route 4 and Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Gillespie Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to fraud in the 400 block of West Chestnut Street.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.