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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The American Red Cross is proud to partner with the Mt. Olive VFW to host an upcoming blood drive on Thursday, May 29th, from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. This important community event aims to help save lives and provide critical blood supplies.
Presenting donors will receive an exclusive American Red Cross solar lantern, available while supplies last. Additionally, all donors will be automatically entered for a chance to win a U.S. trip of their choice for two — an exciting opportunity to explore new destinations.
Appointments are encouraged to ensure a smooth donation process, but walk-ins are also welcome. To save time on the day of the drive, donors are encouraged to complete RapidPass online on the day of the event.
The American Red Cross invites community members to participate, share, and help spread the word about this vital event. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit RedCrossBlood.org.
Help make a difference in our community — donate blood and help save lives!
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SUNDAY, APRIL 27, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 8th Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespass to property, criminal trespass to residence, and theft.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 8th Street in Benld in reference to an assault.
Anita S. Northcutt, 49 of Gillespie, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for unlawful use of possession of weapons by a felon.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Green Street in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 100 block of South Main Street in Benld.
An officer was dispatched to Hard Road in Benld in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to an animal complaint.
MONDAY, APRIL 28, 2025
An officer initiated a traffic stop at East Elm and Springfield Road in East Gillespie. Nathaniel D. Ward, 33 of Sawyerville, was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and illegal transportation of alcohol.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South 5th Street in Benld in reference to a domestic battery. Cody A. Barksdale, 28 of Benld, was arrested for domestic battery.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South Illinois Street in Benld in reference to a violation of an order of protection.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of South Second Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
TUESDAY, APRIL 29, 2025
William T. Overturf, 38 of Benld, was arrested on a warrant out of Macoupin County for failure to appear for criminal trespass to a vehicle.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to harassment through electronic communication.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of North Main Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Henrietta Street in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
An officer was asked to check out a suspicious vehicle that was parked in the 200 block of North Hard Road in Mt. Clare.
An officer was dispatched to Spruce Street and Second Street in reference to vehicles blocking the intersection.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Park Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Dorsey Road in Mt. Clare in reference to neighborhood trouble.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Park Avenue in reference to a civil issue.
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 500 block of Baker Street in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Litchfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to an alarm call.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30, 2025
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 200 block of Southern Street in reference to a medical assist.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a violation of an order of protection.
Robert M. Keffer, 37 of Benld, was arrested on an Edwardsville warrant for driving while license was suspended.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Main Street in Benld in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Green Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Park Avenue in reference to a neighbor dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Broadway Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue on South 5th Street in Benld.
THURSDAY, MAY 1, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 8th Street in Benld in reference to a dog at large. Ryan K. Horn, 42 of Benld, was issued a citation for dog at large.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 8th Street in Benld in reference to criminal damage to property.
An officer spoke with a male subject at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block to speak with a male in reference to a report of reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Dorsey Road in Mt. Clare in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Broadway Street and Kelly Street. Caleb D. Fraley, 19 of Jerseyville, was issued a citation for operating an uninsured vehicle.
FRIDAY, MAY 2, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of North Main Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Cedar Street in reference to a medical 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to East Locust and North 4th Street in reference to suspicious circumstances.
An officer was dispatched to Mt. Clare Drive in Mt. Clare in reference to a suicidal subject.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Richard Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to Dorsey Road in Mt. Clare in reference to an alarm sounding.
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 Benld City Park in Benld in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North 6th Street in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to neighborhood trouble.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to criminal trespass in the 200 block of West Walnut Street.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 8th Street in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Central Avenue in Benld in reference to suspicious circumstances.
SATURDAY, MAY 3, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 900 block of First Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Oak Street in Benld in reference to a suicidal subject.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Shelby Street in reference to a medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie City Cemetery in reference to a suicidal subject.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Walnut Street in Benld in reference to a domestic battery. Cynthia E. Randle, 64 of Benld, was arrested for domestic battery.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Chestnut Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Madison Street in reference to a suspicious noise.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Montgomery Street in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Walnut Street in Benld in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Berry Street in Mt. Clare in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Green Street in reference to a neighborhood trouble.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of North Main Street in Benld in reference to a civil standby.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Francis Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Walnut Street in Benld in reference to a fight. Kelly M. Lyons, 36 of Benld, was arrested for battery.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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FELONIES
Britteny D. M. Herr, 31 of Brighton, is charged with violation of a protection order in connection with an April 27 incident.
Camilla D. Cox, 29 of Carlinville, is charged with failure to return from furlough in connection with an April 21 incident.
Emily H. Eckhardt, 33 of Staunton, is charged with aggravated assault/use of a firearm/peace officer in connection with an April 30 incident.
Jacklyn M. Wichman, 30 of Decatur, is charged with possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams) in connection with an October 13, 2024 incident.
Matthew C. Tibbs, 32 of Virden, is charged with possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams) in connection with an April 19 incident.
Amy J. Williamson, 50 of Tovey, is charged with possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams) in connection with an April 19 incident.
Dominique M. Kierbach, 27 of Benld, is charged with possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams) in connection with an April 13 incident.
Brendan M. Stamper, 27 of Jerseyville, is charged with aggravated battery to someone pregnant or handicapped, criminal trespass to residence/person present, and battery/causing bodily harm in connection with an April 29 incident.
Rebecca L. Loker, 45 of Benld, is charged with possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams) in connection with an April 12 incident.
Christian A. Lyerla, 28 of Girard, is charged with aggravated battery of a peace officer in connection with an April 30 incident.
Elijah B. Deffenbaugh, 18 of Hillsboro, is charged with unlawful possession of a credit/debit card in connection with a March 29 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Bradyn A. Striplin, 18 of Carlinville, is charged with theft/unauthorized control (<$500) in connection with a February 5 incident.
Joseph D. Washington, 42 of Palmyra, is charged with possession of cannabis (>30<100 grams) in connection with an April 9 incident.
Eric M. Streeb, 36 of Staunton, is charged with disorderly conduct in connection with an April 30 incident.
Nicholas O. Landolt, 37 of Gillespie, is charged with resisting a peace officer/firefighter/corrections employee in connection with a March 24 incident.
TRAFFIC
Kyli K. Jackson, 21 of Jacksonville, is charged with driving on a suspended license and driving 15-20 mph above the limit in connection with an April 25 incident.
Randy L. Dean, 67 of Hillsboro, is charged with driving on a revoked license and driving 21-25 mph above the limit in connection with an April 23 incident.
Johnelle B. Crawford, 53 of Gillespie, is charged with driving on a suspended license, canceled/revoked/suspended registration, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with an April 25 incident.
Amy M. Hart, 41 of Granite City, is charged with reckless driving, disregarding official traffic control device, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and being unlicensed in connection with an April 23 incident.
Carl R. Albracht, 50 of Plamyra, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with an April 29 incident.
Jessica R. M. Green, 37 of Carlinville, is charged with driving on a suspended license and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with an April 29 incident.
Antonio C. Yorke, 25 of Des Plaines, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with an April 27 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Adam Priester versus Danielle Priester
- John Contratto versus Frankie Giles-Contratto
MARRIAGE LICENSES
- Grace Jenny Van Doren and Brandy Isabelle Lasko, both of Gillespie
- Brett Michael Lacy and Cambria Faye Admire, both of Virden
- Keith James Moreland and ELizabeth Ann Morgan, both of Mount Olive
- Kane Michael Sneed and Daphne Lynalexa Smith, both of WIlsonville
- Chandler McDaniel and Lilly Booth, both of Gillespie
- Dylan Reed Releford and ALyssa Marie Hermes, both of Carlinville
