Community News
Kluthe seated on Gillespie Council
Replaces Gus Ottersburg
City Attorney Kevin Polo swears newly appointed alderman Steve Kluthe in.
Just two weeks after Gus Ottersburg resigned from the City Council of Gillespie, Steve Kluthe gets sworn in to fulfill the position until he has to run for reelection. He will be on the council for one year until he up for reelection. The council voted 5-0 to appoint Kluthe to the vacant position on February 13.
In other issues, Ruth Loveless was asked to be at the meeting to discuss the new parking ordinance on Madison Street. The ordinance stated that no vehicles can park on the East side of the street in between the “no parking” signs. City Attorney Kevin Polo explained to Ruth that the City of Gillespie has an ordinance that states a certain number of parking spaces should be provided for each unit which is essentially one per unit. Loveless has 6 units in the building and two are used for offices.
Loveless explained that there is room for about four parking spots behind the building, but explained tires were vandalized hen she parked her trailer there due to the lack of lighting. The street light casts a shadow on the spots, so it is still dark. “I don’t know how safe it would be to park back there at night,” Loveless explained.
“It has been like this for 50 years,” Loveless referred to the parking situation, “I don’t see why there is any need to change it now.” Mayor Hicks explained that the street is narrow when there is parking on both sides and the city is just trying to reduce the “bottleneck.” He went on to say that you can only fit one car down the road when there are cars lined on both sides of the street and then questioned what if there is a fire or emergency, a fire engine or ambulance might have to travel down the road.
Newly seated alderman Steve Kluthe explained to Ruth that she has three options. “I think the tenants are going to have to be flexible,” Kluthe noted, “The street is more dangerous than the parking spaces. They have to learn with something too.” The council decided they were going to study the situation for one more month and see if the tenants get used to the new ordinance.
The council went on to pass five ordinances. Ordinance #12-2 was passed after the council decided they would charge the Macoupin County Public Health $50 per each time for snow removal. The lot, which is the old Illinois Power building, was recently finished with a chain link fence. The council then modified the employees’ wage rate in resolution #12-1. “It essentially it institutes a health insurance premium freeze and eliminates vision coverage,” Polo explained.
Boat licenses then increased one dollar for the yearly rate due to the sticker. The ordinance #12-3 was passed, but included that the daily fee for using a boat at the lake would not increase. Ordinance #12-4 was passed and read the the restoration of the street must be made if the street is not returned to its prior condition after the “person doing the cutting” has completed the job. The final ordinance #12-5, the golf court ordinance for use at the lake was passed. Ordinance #12-5 will be enforced by the caretaker of the lake and can issue violations.
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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.
