Community News
New 730 area code coming to Illinois 618 area code region
With new telephone numbers in southern Illinois in high demand, the Illinois Commerce Commission approved the implementation of the new 730 area code to overlay the existing 618 area code region.
The 618 area code serves all or part of 37 counties and includes communities such as Alton, Belleville, Cairo, Carbondale, Centralia, Collinsville, East St. Louis, Edwardsville, Effingham, Granite City, Edwardsville, and Marion, as well as many other smaller communities.
Starting on July 7, 2023, customers in the 618 area code overlay region may be assigned a number in the new 730 area code when they request new service or an additional line. The 730 area code will co-exist everywhere in this region with the 618 area code. Customers receiving the 730 area code will be required to dial 10 digits (the area code and phone number) for all local calls, just as customers with telephone numbers from the 618 area code do today.
Telephone customers should know the following key facts about the 618/730 area code overlay:
- Telephone numbers, including current area code, will not change.
- The price of a call, coverage area, or other rates and services will not change due to the overlay.
- What is a local call now will remain a local call.
- Customers in the overlay region will continue to dial 10 digits for local calls within and between the overlay area codes, and 1+10 digits for long distance calls.
- Customers can still dial just three digits to reach 911 and 988, as well as 211, 311, 411, 511, 611, 711 or 811 if those are currently available in their community.
Customers should continue to identify their telephone number as a 10-digit number (3-digit area code + 7-digit telephone number), and include the area code when giving the number to friends, family, business associates and customers, etc.
Customers should ensure that all services, automatic dialing equipment, or other types of equipment recognize the new 730 area code as a valid area code and should continue to store or program telephone numbers as 10-digit numbers.
Some examples include but are not limited to: stored telephone numbers in contact lists in wireless and cordless phones, PBXs, fax machines, Internet dial-up numbers, speed dialers, call forwarding settings, voicemail services, medical alert devices, safety alarm security systems and gates, ankle monitors, and or other similar equipment.
Customers should also ensure their websites, personal and business stationery and printed checks, advertising materials, contact information, and personal or pet ID tags include the area code.
For more information, please contact your local telephone service provider or visit the Illinois Commission website at https://www.icc.illinois.gov/programs/Area-Codes.
Comments
FELONIES
Andrew K. Ridens, 37 of Staunton, is charged with possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams) in connection with a November 28 incident.
William T. Overturf, 39 of Benld, is charged with unlawful possession of a credit/debit card and theft/unauthorized control (<$500) in connection with a December 2 incident.
Justin A. Collins, 37 of Gillespie, is charged with aggravated fleeing police (21 mph over the limit) and aggravated fleeing (disregarding two or more traffic control devices) in connection with a November 20 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Bradyn W. Blum, 23 of Gillespie, is charged with criminal trespass to a building in connection with a November 30 incident.
Joseph L. Schnurr, 63 of De Soto, MO, is charged with criminal trespass to a vehicle/physical control and criminal trespass to a building in connection with a November 2 incident.
Noel J. Kennon, 47 of Benld, is charged with criminal trespass to a residence in connection with a December 4 incident.
Aaron M. Slifka, 33 of Livingston, is charged with violation of an order of protection in connection with a November 18 incident.
TRAFFIC
Anna R. Wallace, 41 of Staunton, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration and driving 21-25 mph above the limit in connection with a November 22 incident.
Jonah L. Rogers, 46 of Gillespie, is charged with driving while never issued a license, improper passing of an emergency vehicle, and transporting/carrying alcohol/driver.
Joseph M. Holt, 19 of Milwaukee, WI, is charged with driving while never issued a license and not driving on the right side of the road in connection with a November 28 incident.
Dylan T. Baker, 26 of Gillespie, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit in connection with a November 27 incident.
Micah D. Cooper, 25 of Saint Louis, MO, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit in connection with a November 27 incident.
Brian L. Breeden Jr, 41 of Carlinville, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a November 21 incident.
Zackarie A. McDuffie, 30 of Nilwood, is charged with driving on a revoked license, unlawful possession of cannabis/driver, and no window treatment/adjacent/driver in connection with a December 2 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Cindy Cozad versus Christopher Cozad
MARRIAGE LICENSES
- Zachary V. Sutton and Christine M. Burley Hill, both of Virden.
Comments
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of South Second Street in reference to criminal trespass to a residence.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Baker Street in reference to a motorist assist.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2025
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
Jessie J. Waugh, 27 of Gillespie, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear on a traffic offense.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Berry Street in Mt. Clare in reference to a traffic crash.
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 the 600 block of Broadway Street in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of South 6th Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of West Elm Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Lincoln in Eagarville in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of East Elm Street in reference to a theft.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 1100 block of Abba Street in reference to neighborhood trouble.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of North 8th Street in Benld in reference to security check.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Elm Street in reference to a well-being check.
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 Oak Street in reference to a 911 call.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of West Pine Street in reference toa vehicle theft. Joseph L. Schnurr, 63 of Eagarville, was arrested for criminal trespass to state-supported property and motor vehicle theft.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a theft. William T. Overturf, 39 of Benld, was arrested for theft.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of North 2nd Street in Benld in reference to a keep the peace.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Shelby Street in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Locust Street in Benld in reference to a security check.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Park Avenue in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
The School Resource Officer was dispatched to a juvenile issue that took place at Gillespie High School.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of LJ Avenue in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Western Street in reference to a theft.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to a 911 call.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Gillespie Street in reference to a residential burglary and criminal damage to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of East Locust Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespass. Noel J. Kennon, 47 of Benld, was arrested for criminal trespass to a residence and resisting a peace officer.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to child custody issues.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of 7th Street in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Avenue and Main Street in Benld. Jammie L. Tomblingson, 45 of Shipman, was issued a citation for driving on a suspended registration.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to an alarm sounding.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Hard Road in Mt. Clare in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 1100 block of Abba Street in reference to neighborhood trouble.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of North Kentucky Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 200 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 300 block of East Oak Street.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to East Maple Street and North Macoupin Street in reference to reckless driving.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2025
An officer was out with a suspicious vehicle in the 100 block of South Main Street in Benld, blocking traffic.
Officers were dispatched to a fully engulfed structure fire in the 100 block of South Lincoln in Eagarville. Illinois State Fire Marshals were contacted.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Hard Road in Benld in reference to a suicidal subject.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 600 block of Broadway Street in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to disorderly conduct.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of East Chestnut Street in reference to illegal burning.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Walnut Street in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer made contact with a female in the 100 block of East Oak Street in reference to recovered property.
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 400 block of Broadway Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to a 911 call.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Comments
FELONIES
Austin C. Drake, 30 of Girard, is charged with theft/unauthorized control (>$500<$10k) and bad checks/obtaining control of property in connection with a September 22 and an October 7 incident.
William C. Cooper, 41 of Gillespie, is charged with burglary in connection with a November 1 incident.
Joseph L. Schnurr, 63 of De Soto, Mo, is charged with aggravated fleeing in connection with a November 26 incident.
Derek J. Bultema, 40 of Gillespie, is charged with possession of methamphetamine in connection with a November 26 incident.
Brandon A. Martin, 26 of Wood River, is charged with aiding/abetting/possession/selling a stolen vehicle and aggravated fleeing in connection with a November 26 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Richard J. Williams, 44 of Staunton, is charged with criminal trespass to a vehicle in connection with a November 14 incident.
Ryne L. Manion, 41 of Mt. Olive, is charged with criminal trespass to a building in connection with a November 20 incident.
TRAFFIC
Terence L. Binion, 51 of University City, MO, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with a November 22 incident.
Andrew J. Goewey, 34 of Sawyerville, is charged with driving on a revoked license and driving 21-25 mph above the limit in connection with a November 22 incident.
Teresa J. Niewiadomski, 47 of Bethalto, is charged with driving on a suspended license, expired registration, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a November 19 incident.
Keona D. Roos, 22 of Freeburg, is charged with driving on a suspended license, improper use of registration/title, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and no valid registration in connection with a November 21 incident.
Zachary A. Johnston, 44 of Gillespie, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with a November 23 incident.
Alexis R. Spann, 32 of Auburn, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a November 19 incident.
Alicia N. Tamosaitis, 29 of Girard, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with a November 19 incident.
Justin A. Collins, 37 of Gillespie, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with a November 20 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Allan L. Petit versus Teresa M. Pettit
