Community News
Gillespie Council approves $17.1 million appropriation ordinance
Members of the Gillespie City Council on Monday night approved the appropriation ordinance for fiscal 2025, rescinded a housing inspection ordinance approved last month, and took steps toward condemning a former commercial building in downtown Gillespie.
The newly approved appropriation ordinance authorizes expenditures of up to $17,130,799 during the fiscal year that began May 1. Unanimous approval of the ordinance came after a 10-minute public hearing held immediately prior to the council’s regular monthly meeting.
The appropriation sets spending ceilings for expenditures from specific line item funds, Treasurer Dan Fisher told the council, but it is not an indication the city will spend anywhere near the total appropriation amount. While this year’s appropriation is in excess of $17 million, Fisher pointed out, actual annual expenditures for the city are expected to hover around $3 million to $4 million.
“The appropriation is the first step in a three-part process to allocate expenditures,” Fisher said. “The best way to think of the appropriation is, ‘What would be the most we would spend on any line item if we found the money?’ It doesn’t mean we are going to spend that much.”
Once appropriated, Fisher said the funds cannot be expended until the council approves individual expenditures during the course of the fiscal year. A final step in the three-part process comes when the council formally approves payment to projects and programs previously approved by the council.
“Appropriation, authorization, and payment,” Fisher said. “This is just the first step.”
Ald. Dave Link questioned a line item authorizing up to $350,000 for a new building.
“What new building?” he asked.
Fisher said the appropriation was included in the event the council moves on building a new Street Department building or remodels existing space at the Civic Center to house the Police Department. Neither project is a certainty, he said.
“We try to think of things we might do if we have the money,” Fisher said. “That’s what this is.”
The fiscal 2025 appropriation ordinance exceeds last year’s appropriations of about $14.7 million by more than $2 million. Part of that increase is accounted for by $4.5 million appropriated for the city’s ambitious Streetscape Program and $1.3 million Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) grant the city will receive but immediately parcel out to other agencies. Excluding the appropriations for the Streetscape Program and CEJA grant, the lion’s share of the new appropriation is devoted to the Water Department and Police Department, followed by General Administration, Street Department and Sewer Department, all of which have appropriations exceeding $1 million.
The Water Department appropriation totals $2,845,700, down from last year’s appropriation of $3,391.500, which was inflated by the injection of grant and loan funds for the city’s water infrastructure replacement project. A total of $2,316,000 is appropriated for the Police Department, compared with $1,281,000 last year. The appropriation for General Administration Expenses totals $1,356,500, compared with $1,341,500 last year. Funds appropriated for the Street Department total $1,281,500, compared with $1,120,500 a year ago.
The new ordinance appropriates $846,000 for Recreation and Parks, compared with $553,300 last year. Up to $600,000 in expenditures are authorized from the Motor Fuel Tax Fund, compared with $500,000 last year. Expenditures of up to $280,000 are authorized from the Tax Increment Financing Fund (TIFF), compared with $270,000 last year. A total of $200,000 is appropriated for Parks and Recreation Areas, compared with $190,000 last year.
The ordinance sets a spending limit of $220,000 for the Administrative Building, compared with $210,100 last year; $160,000 for FICA, compared with $150,000 a year ago; and $42,020 for Elected and Appointed City Officials’ Salaries.
The ordinance sets spending ceilings of $65,000 for Liability Insurance, $40,670 for the Public Library, and $33,900 for Emergency Services and Disaster Administration—all of which are unchanged from the previous year.
INSPECTION ORDINANCE RESCINDED
On a motion by Ald. Bob Fritz, seconded by Ald. Bill Hayes, the council unanimously voted to rescind an ordinance approved last month which would have required annual housing inspections for all rental properties in the city. Mayor John Hicks called for the vote before proceeding with the regular order of business. Several rental property owners who attended the meeting and asked to publicly address the council, left the council chambers immediately after the vote.
Hicks said council members did not realize the city already had an ordinance governing housing inspections when it voted 7-1 to approve a new ordinance last month. The existing ordinance calls for an inspection before a new tenant moves in after a former tenant moves out.
“If you have a good renter and they stay for several years, we don’t need to have an inspection,” Hicks said.
The council apparently approved the rescinded ordinance in an effort to make inspection requirements for long-term rental properties the same as those recently approved for short-term rental properties.
Later in the meeting, Tim Loveless, a local landlord, questioned why the council doesn’t announce proposed ordinances before acting on them. That practice, he said, would give residents an opportunity to voice concerns before an ordinance is actually ratified by the council.
City Attorney Rick Verticchio said municipalities used to place ordinances on a “first reading” before taking formal action the following month. Ordinances approved by the council, however, do not take effect for 30 days, Verticchio said, which essentially gives interested persons time to object or comment before the ordinance is enforced.
NUISANCE PROPERTY DESIGNATION
Council members voted unanimously to declare a property at 118 West Chestnut Street as a public nuisance after hearing a complaint from Christine Blank, Macoupin County Public Health Department Administrator. Blank said MCPHD owns a neighboring property at 112 West Chestnut Street, which the department currently is offering for sale.
“We have some major problems with the property next door, which attaches directly to ours,” Bland said.
“We’ve been watching it closely for the last two years.”
Blank said the owner of the neighboring property established a fenced-in area for storage, essentially closing off an alleyway between the two buildings. Within the fenced-in area, the owner placed a storage unit but more recently has allowed trash to accumulate inside the fenced area. Because of the accumulation of trash and junk, she said, the area has become infested with rodents. Moreover, she said, there are indications that one or more homeless persons are “squatting” in the area. Additionally, trees that have been allowed to grow up in the alleyway, encroaching on the foundation of the MCPHD’s building and allowing water to enter the agency’s building.
Blank said the building itself is open to the elements and there is evidence animals are living inside.
Blank said at least one person has expressed interest in buying the MCPHD building as well as the neighboring property but the neighboring property owner has been uncooperative.
Ald. Bill Hayes said he sent the property owner an ordinance violation notification, demanding that he owner clean up the property.
“All an ordinance does is impose a fine,” Verticchio said. “If he’s not taking care of the property, he’s not going to pay the fine.”
Verticchio recommended declaring the building a public nuisance with an eye toward eventually getting permission from the court to raze the building and clean up the site.
“Declare it a nuisance,” he said, “and give them 30 days to fix it. They won’t do that. They can’t do that. It can’t be fixed, so the court will give the city permission to tear it down. The problem with that, of course, is that it’s expensive.”
Since MCPHD has an interested buyer for both properties, Verticchio said the city might be able to get a court order to take possession of the nuisance property and sell it to a new owner with the provision that the new owner will tear down the old building.
“Someone else might be interested in that property,” said Ald. Dave Link.
“No problem,” Verticchio replied. “We can advertise it for bids.”
Blank also complained about the deteriorating condition of the sidewalk in front of the MCPHD property. Fisher said the sidewalk already is scheduled for replacement and bids will be let next month.
IMRF ISSUES
Without taking formal action, the council gave Fisher permission to negotiate with city employees to come up with a way to make retroactive payments of the employees’ shares into the Illinois Municipal Retirement System. City employee participation in IMRF became effective March 1, but the city was not immediately notified, according to Fisher. As a result, six pay periods went by with no IMRF payments being made into the system.
Fisher said the amount owed will be about $650 to $700 per employee. In addition, the retirement system is owed the city’s share for the same period.
“I would recommend that we come up with a method for us to pay the employees’ share and for them to pay us back,” Fisher said. Even such a straight-forward solution could become complicated, however. Fisher said that if employees draw on their deferred compensation funds to repay the loan, the payments would be taxable. Deducting a repayment plan from future paychecks will avoid the tax issue but will result in complicating bookkeeping procedures.
“We need direction from the council on how you want us to do this,” Fisher said. “It’s not going to be easy from a bookkeeping standpoint. Once we’re caught up, it will be much easier.”
Fisher said the issue may be further complicated by the fact the nearest pay period started on March 3—two days after IMRF membership became effective. He said he is trying to find out now if IMRF is going to demand a prorated contribution for two days.
Council members generally agreed the city should cover the back payments for employees and give the employees the option of determining how they wish to pay back the funds.
“This is not the employees’ fault,” Fisher noted, “but I don’t feel it’s our fault either.”
CEJA GRANT
Fisher informed the council that an application for a federal CEJA grant has been awarded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, the agency responsible for administering the program. Gillespie was the lead agency among 16 area units of government that collectively applied for the award. Fisher said the total grant amounts to $1.1 million, of which Gillespie will retain $70, 248.57.
Under terms of the grant, the City of Gillespie will receive the entire grant, then be responsible for disbursing funds to other participating units.
Other participants that will receive funding include: Village of East Gillespie, $51,654.72; City of Benld, $58,721.50; Village of Eagarville, $50,684.28; City of Staunton, $80,929.61; Gillespie Public Library, $70,248.57; Benld Public Library, $58,721.50; Gillespie Township, $73,458.48; Cahokia Township, $69,004.42; Community Unit School District 7, $98,167.33; North Mac CUSD 34, $98,584.12; Gillespie-Benld Ambulance Service, $133,202.60; Village of Royal Lakes, $51,038.87; City of Bunker Hill, $60,102.51; Village of Mount Clare, $51,878.67; and Brushy Mound Township, $53,919.08.
The Climate and Equitable Jobs Act is a federal program to mitigate against economic conditions that result as the nation moves away from fossil fuels to embrace renewable, “green” energy sources. The local grant award is related to job losses resulting from the idling of Shay Mine No. 1, formerly Monterey Mine No., 1. Each entity was awarded $50,000 plus additional funds based on “job loss” and “revenue loss” factors.
Fisher said he planned to meet with representatives of the other applicants on Tuesday night. In the meantime, he recommended council members think about how the city will use its share of the grant money. He said there had been previous discussion about using it for park improvements, but he also recommended setting aside three percent for administrative costs, including the cost of additional auditing services. Macoupin County, which also is receiving a CEJA grant, plans to use its award for economic development, and Fisher recommended that the city also use at least 10 percent of the award for economic development purposes.
OTHER ACTION
- Declared a pumper truck used by the Street Department as surplus property and voted to offer it for sale to the highest qualified bidder. While the truck is operable, the water tank is rusted out and incapable of being repaired.
- Donated $100 to the GHS cross-country program.
- Approved allowing the CeeJo’s tavern and grill to offer bingo gaming to its patrons.
- Gave the mayor power to act on either repairing a broken beer tap appliance at the Civic Center, or buying a new one at a cost of $2,184 if the old one cannot be repaired.
- Learned that the local Masonic Lodge recently donated $3,000 to the city to be used for park improvements.
Comments
Members of the Benld City Council on Monday night approved two zoning variances for David Wycoff and Ben Maracacci but decline to override the Zoning Board’s decision to deny a petition for a zoning reclassification on the city’s east side.
Amanda Yeager appeared before the council, hoping the council would override the recommendation of the Benld Zoning Board regarding reclassification for a parcel of property on the east side of Illinois Route 138 across from the Cabin Bar and Restaurant. Yeager was referred to the Zoning Board in January after she appeared before the council hoping to have the parcel reclassified from residential to agricultural use. At that time, she told the council she wanted the property rezoned to make it more sellable. On Monday night, however, she indicated that she plans to build a house on the property a keep one to three farm animals—horses, goats and/or sheep.
Yeager pointed out that the property is surrounded by property already zoned for agricultural use. Two out of five property owners neighboring the Yeager property objected to the Zoning Board regarding the reclassification. One of those property owners, Yeager pointed, lives on property that already is zoned for agricultural used.
“It’s not a democratic process,” City Attorney Rick Vericchio explained. Even though a majority of the neighbors either supported or have no opinion on the matter, the Zoning Board could base its recommendation on other factors.
According to Yeager, some members of the Board told her privately after the hearing that if they had known about the number of neighbors who supported or had no objection, they would have voted to recommend reclassification.
“You want this council to override the Zoning Board?” Mayor Jim Kelly asked Yeager.
When Kelly called for a motion to reclassify the property, none of the aldermen responded. “I would need more information before I vote on this,” said Ald. Jerry Saracco. With no motion on the floor, the matter died.
Ald. Norm Emmons advised Yeager to reapply to the Zoning Board and restart the hearing process, after which the council could vote on the Board’s recommendation.
The council was unanimous in granting a zoning variance for Ben Marcacci to build duplexes on two of three lots at 311 W. Central Avenue, 208 West Spruce and 210 West Spruce. Marcacci reportedly plans to build a home on speculation on the third lot.
The council also was unanimous in granting a variance to David Wykoff to bring in a mobile home for 18 months while he builds a new home on 4.83 acres of property just off Cahokia Street. Wykoff said he will consult with the Macoupin County Department of Public Health to advise him on installing a septic system to service the new home.
In other housing action, the council voted unanimously to declare 206 South Second Street a public nuisance—a formality that authorizes the City Attorney to send a letter to the owners demanding they clean up the property within 60 days. The home reportedly is vacant and needs to have the grass mowed.
Council members also discussed an ongoing public nuisance case against property at 306 Park Avenue. Brian Komanetsky, owner of the house, is pursuing an eviction action against the occupant and has promised the city he will clean up the property once the tenant is removed. An eviction hearing is set for April 28.
“By our next meeting we’ll have a better handle on when she will be out,” Veritcchio advised. “Does he intend to clean it up? He says he does.”
STOP SIGN
On the recommendation of Ald. Dustin Fletcher, the council voted 5-1 to install a stop sign on Short Street at Willow Street. Fletcher said residents in the area complained about speeding vehicles on Short Street.
Ald. John Balzraine cast the single “no” vote.
ANNUAL AUDIT
The council gave the Mayor power to act to retain Scheffel Boyle Public Accountants to complete the city’s annual audit at a cost not to exceed $20,000. The accounting firm had not submitted a formal proposal before Monday night’s meeting. Last year, the audit was completed at a cost of $18,500.
City Clerk Terri Koyne reminded aldermen the firm already has been retained at a cost of $5,000 for a special audit of IDNR grant funds expended on building the new Benld Family Sports Complex.
CEJA PROJECT
Council members voted unanimously to spend about $5,000 in Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) grant money to install a new floor and paint in the former City Hall when the CEJA grant funds become available. The renovated space will be offered as a community meeting venue for civic group meetings.
GOLD STANDARD AWARD
Ald. Balzraine announced that the DeStefane Events Center was recognized as a Gold Standard award recipient by the Macoupin County Department of Public Health for compliance with food handling safety regulations. The Events Center was one of 33 recipients recognized by the Health Department.
Balzraine said Sue McCoy is in charge of ensuring the Events Center is in compliance and “she does a fantastic job.”
Comments
FELONIES
Rusty S. Menge, 54 of Hettick, is charged with reckless discharging of a firearm in connection with an April 12 incident.
Brandon L. Allen, 41 of Port Orange, FL, is charged with two counts of unlawful commercial use of game ($500+), two counts of outfitting service without a permit, hunting on others land without permission, five counts of obtain license/revoked in a another state, using license issued to another, and loan/transfer license in connection to an April 16 incident.
Michelle D. Heaton, 51 of East Alton, is charged with possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams) in connection with a December 14, 2025 incident.
Tanner L. Wolff, 24 of Litchfield, is charged with possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams) in connection with a December 13, 2025 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Larry E. Conlee, 42 of Mount Clare, is charged with resisting a peace officer/firefighter/corrections employee in connection with an April 11 incident.
Kenneth W. Bennett, 69 of Carlinville, is charged with violating an order of protection in connection with an April 14 incident.
Gregory A. Swift, 43 of Virden, is charged with heft of lost/mislaid property (<$500) in connection with an October 18, 2025 incident.
Brandon P. Bellm, 33 of Carlinville, is charged with battery/causing bodily harm in connection with a March 18 incident.
Joseph S. Augustine, 50 of Staunton, is charged with tossing/throwing a jackrock on property in connection with an April 14 incident.
TRAFFIC
Casey C. Trebing, 28 of Worden, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with an April 10 incident.
Ayman Y. Omar, 51 of Lake Saint Louis, MO, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit in connection with an April 12 incident.
John M. Steward, 29 of Springfield, is charged with speeding 35+ mph over the limit in connection with an April 12 incident.
Kylie T. Hunter, 29 of Springfield, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit in connection with an April 12 incident.
Diana C. Hardison, 60 of Bunker Hill, is charged with driving on a revoked license and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with an April 12 incident.
Jimmy Monroe, 75 of Carlinville, is charged with driving on a revoked license and improper traffic lane usage.
Richard A. Stuckey, 70 of Brighton, is charged with failure to notify of damage to an unattended vehicle in connection with an April 9 incident.
Camden G. Zumwalt, 18 of Staunton, is charged with speeding 35+ mph over the limit in connection with an April 14 incident.
Trinity A. Pruitt, 22 of Benld, is charged with unlawful possession of cannabis/driver and driving 1-10 mph above the limit.
Keith M. Steele, 27 of Auburn, is charged with speeding 35+ mph over the limit in connection with an April 11 incident.
Joshua D. Strode, 48 of Chatham, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with an April 10 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Marshall Emery versus Maurissa Emery
- Coltan Milton versus Chelsea Milton
- Micah Gotter versus Pamela Gotter
- Katie Ritter versus Thomas Ritter
- James A. Donaldson versus Cheryl A. Donaldson
MARRIAGE LICENSES
- Cristopher C. Miller and Yvonne M. Rendon, both of Carlinville.
- Earl W. Tiepelman and Maria J. Goth, both of Mount Olive
- Phillip L. Randazzo and Trisden M. Haggett, both of Gillespie.
- Christopher T. Bertolis and Jordan R. Ryan, both of Mount Olive.
- Robert A. Lee and Dawn M. Hilderbrand, both of Maryville.
- Jason T. Daube and Jamie M. Goble, both of Brighton.
- Gabriel E. Bliss and Grace A. Hobson, both of Virden.
- Matthew G. Weidner of Bunker Hill and Claire A. Wilton of Carlinville
- Michelle L. Dettwiler of Litchfield and Heather N. Geary of Vine Grove, Kentucky
- Hunter Gl. Niemann of Litchfield and Hannah M. Ward of Pawnee
Comments
SUNDAY, APRIL 12, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Spruce Street in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Elm Street in reference to found property.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of South Street in Benld in reference to a noise complaint.
An officer was dispatched to Park Street and South Trolley Street in Benld in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to Fillmore Street and Burton Street in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Shelby Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Central in Benld in reference to a medical issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South 1st Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 2300 block of Staunton Road in Mt. Clare in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of 2nd Street in Benld in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of West Central in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of South Mt. Olive Road in Eagarville in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Walnut Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to Spruce Street and 5th Street in Benld in reference to a well-being check.
MONDAY, APRIL 13, 2026
The school resource officer was dispatched to the Gillespie High School Office in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was dispatched to the Gillespie High School in the 600 block of Broadway Street in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Litchfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to illegal dumping.
Douglas D. Davis, 59 of Benld, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for driving while license revoked.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Francis Street in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Central Avenue in Benld in reference to a battery.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of East Elm Street in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Kentucky Street and Central Avenue in Benld. A 16 year old male from Benld was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of North Francis Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to fraud in the 600 block of Gillespie Street.
TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2026
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Hard Road and Dorsey Road in Benld. Camden G. Zumwalt, 18 of Staunton, was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer was dispatched to the 1400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Charles Street in reference to harassment.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to illegal parking.
An officer was dispatched to Dorsey Street and Hard Road in Benld in reference to a well-being check.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to to harassment in the 300 block of East Maple Street.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Central Avenue in Benld in reference to a security check.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of North Main Street in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of West Pine Street in reference to a well-being check.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Park Street in Benld in reference to a well-being check.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Staunton Road and Henrietta Street. Lester W. Harvill, 56 of Benld, was arrested for improper lane usage and driving under the influence.
Catherine A. Brister, 50 of Staunton, was arrested on a Calhoun County warrant for failure to appear for violation of a court order.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to to harassment.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Harding Avenue in East Gillespie in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Stemmi Street in Wilsonville to assist the Macoupin County Sheriff Department.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to juvenile issue on Dorsey Road in Mt. Clare.
An officer spoke with an officer at Gillespie Police Department in reference to harassment on Fries Lane at Gillespie Lake.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Harding Avenue in East Gillespie in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Litchfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to illegal dumping
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of North 6th Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 2026
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with a female in reference to child abuse.
An officer was dispatched to the Gillespie Police Department to speak with a female in reference to a child custody issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of West Osie Street in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer was dispatched to Staunton Road and Illinois Avenue in East Gillespie in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Harding Avenue in East Gillespie in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of LJ Avenue in reference to a wellbeing check.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Maple Street and Jersey Street. Amy L. Vollintine, 31 of Sorento, was issued a citation for suspended registration.
An officer was dispatched to Benld City Garage in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer was dispatched to Walnut Street and Kentucky Street in Benld in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of East Central in Benld in reference to criminal trespass.
FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of East Chestnut Street in Benld in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Harding Avenue in East Gillespie in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Henrietta Street in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Harding Avenue in East Gillespie in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Berry Street in Mt. Clare in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of North 5th Street in Benld in reference to a civil issue.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Broadway Street and Oregon Street. Daniel L. Harpole, 31 of Brighton, was issued a citation for speeding.
The school resource officer was dispatched to Ben-Gil Elementary School in reference to an issue with a parent.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of East Elm Street with an Alderman in reference to an ordinance issue.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 600 block of West Osie Street.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Harding Avenue in East Gillespie in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was out at a business in the 400 block of East Central in Benld speaking with a male in reference to suspended registration.
SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 2026
John E. Wenzel, 74 of Mt. Clare, was issued citations for driving under the influence and leaving the scene of an accident in the 300 block of North Macoupin Street.
An officer assisted Macoupin County Sheriff Department at South 4th Street and East Spruce Street in Benld.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Hard Road in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of East Locust Street in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to Meadowlark Drive in Benld in reference to unwanted solicitors.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of North 5th Street in Benld in reference to neighborhood issues.
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 100 block of Western Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South 5th Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
