Community News
Public Library is “almost done”: Benld Council Meeting
Veteran’s Memorial Ceremony Slated for January 21
Toni Wargo from the library visited the council meeting on January 9th to update the council on the work being done. The project started in September of 2011 and is “almost complete,” Wargo said of the work. The library has been a mess the entire time the work has been underway and it is still a mess, according to Toni. “I would like to tell you all that Jim Savant has been a huge help to us,” Toni informed the council, “He worked there and he was always there when we called for advice or input.”
The project at the library started at $29,000 and finished with a total bill of $69,000. A nice donation came from the Frank Bertetti Foundation, which was very helpful. “The job got complicated because they kept finding things wrong,” Wargo explained. They started out by putting 13 piers under the library on the parking lot side. That worked out fine, so they were going to do some grouting and mud-jacking. That work would have cost $29,000.
Mike Hedricks questions Andy Hopper about his new business.
When the crew started digging, there were voids under the floor of the library. “Big voids,” Toni clarified. Helitech went back to the drawing board from there and came back with some unfortunate news. “We don’t think the building will hold,” Wargo said of Helitech’s thoughts. Of course, they do not know for sure, but it was not safe.
After that, the library changed their mind and opted for better grouting and more grouting. After starting that grouting, they came back with some more unfortunate news. “They wanted us to use permeation grouting now,” Wargo explained, “Which is grouting that you put in after you already grout so it fills the smaller cracks and crevices.” The library decided that move would be the best, so they did it on the back half of the building because there was a basement there. In the spring, the library will undergo some tuck-pointing on the side next to the parking lot.
Mary Newman, head librarian, filed for a grant about a year and a half ago for the amount of $25,000. The library received the grant, but has been unable to use it due to all the other ongoing problems. Since the work has been finished, a painter has came in and painted the whole place while a laminate floor was installed. The library is going to replace the back door with a brand new one and replace the locks on the front door. All the windows will have a sun screen shade. A new circulation desk will be purchased if funds are still available from the grant.
Toni Wargo went on to say that the library is in need of a new sidewalk. Most of the sidewalk was already torn up, so the rest was torn out and the area was leveled. Rock was brought in and leveled on top off the ground. Wargo went on to ask if the city could help with the new sidewalk or decide to purchase parking blocks for a summer job. “It is something that needs to be done and anything the city could do to help would be appreciated,” Wargo closed.
Mickey Robinson explains that the emergency exit lights are required to light up.
Vickie Laughlin invited all the aldermen and the mayor to come visit the library. “It is really a nice place,” Laughlin said. The library will order a book if you need one and can have it in about three days. There is a lot of things going on at the library and all the helpers are proud of it.
Lynn Fralle from Build Benld advised the council that the Veteran’s Memorial Sign was installed in Veteran’s Park in front of the tank on Benld Main Street. The press conference for the sign is scheduled on Saturday, January 21 at 11:00am. Fralle went on to ask if a notice of completion of new improvement be handed out with the building permit and returned to the city clerk of Benld or sent to the SOA office in Carlinville. “They are not getting that information and by right, they are supposed to be getting it,” Fralle explained.
Andrew Hopper then spoke the council about getting a business license for a business he is wishing to start. The business would be at his property on 8th street and it would be just an automotive repair shop inside of his single care detached garage. Hopper explained that it would be something he would do on the weekends. No cars would be sitting outside, according to Hopper, and all cars would be properly tagged. The fairly big workstation would be used to repair one or two cars at a time. After much speculation, the city passed the business license with a 6-0 vote.
The only committee report came from Mickey Robinson. Robinson opened with an abandoned house on North 5th Street. Mickey went on to show pictures of the property and asked if a city building inspector would check it out. After discussion from the council, Hedricks advised Mickey that the property is on Walnut Street and not 5th Street. Bernot went on to advise Robinson that the pictures were dated back from 2005.
Robinson then went on to say that the civic center has 27 tables in “operating condition.” He has a few organizations that would donate a total of $500 to purchase about 10 new tables for the center. “The table would be a strong, sturdy table that would be in good condition,” Robinson stated. A motion was passed 6-0 that Robinson could purchase tables pending donations from civic organizations.
In other property news, the emergency exit light bulbs in the civic center were replaced. Robinson would like to see a buffer and scrubber rented to “get the center in running condition for the main usage season.” There has been a few stains that have been spotted and a few spots were bubble gum is stuck to the floor. Since then, a required deposit will be collected for rental of the civic center. The deposit will be refunded if nothing is wrong, but the organization will not get their money back if the center is not in the same condition it was prior to the organization entering.
In closing, the council accepted resignation of part-time police officer Eric Howard 6-0 effective 12-12-2011.
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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
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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of West Wilson Street in reference to a domestic battery. Ashley A. Esmon, 39 of Staunton, was arrested for domestic battery.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Calcari Street in East Gillespie. Angel L. Bricker, 22 of East Alton, was cited for operating an uninsured vehicle and driving while registration was suspended.
An officer was dispatched to Spruce Street and Laura Street in reference to a noise complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Elm Street in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of East Elm Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Charles Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Elm Street. Zachary A. Johnston, 44 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for driving while license was revoked.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Chestnut Street in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 400 block of East Central in Benld in reference to suspicious activity.
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Cloud Street in reference to a domestic dispute. Steven O. Smith, 36 of Chicago, was arrested on a warrant out of Chicago on a weapons charge.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Abba Street in reference to theft and criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 300 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 300 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to criminal damage to property and criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Charles Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 900 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a 911 call.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of West Wilson Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of East Locust Street in Benld in reference to the removal of a subject.
An officer was dispatched to Circle Drive at Gillespie Lake in reference to an alarm sounding.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Penny Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to South 2nd Street in Benld in reference to unwanted solicitors.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2025
An Officer was dispatched to the 900 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Easton Street. Joseph L. Schnurr, 63 of Eagarville, was arrested for reckless driving, fleeing/eluding a peace officer, squealing tires, failing to obey a stop sign, improper use of registration, and operating an uninsured vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Chestnut Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of East Chestnut Street in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 300 block of South Illinois Street in Benld.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Elm Street in reference to a suicidal subject.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Broadway Street in reference to a fire alarm sounding.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Horizon Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Henry Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Cedar Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Francis Street in reference to a 911 call
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Henrietta Street in reference to an animal complaint.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Walnut Street in Benld in reference to a theft.
An officer was dispatched to the 900 block of North Hard Road in Mt. Clare in reference to disorderly conduct.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Central in Benld in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to a reckless driver.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Elm Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 900 block of North Hard Road in Mt. Clare in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Central Avenue in Benld in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 300 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer spoke with a male on Dorsey Road in Mt. Clare in reference to a vehicle that was parked on the lot for a few days.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2025
An officer was dispatched to West Central Street and North Trolley Street in Benld in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Lynn Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Broadway Street at Gillespie High School in reference to the fire alarm sounding.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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Ye Olde Christmas is the theme of the Macoupin County Historical Society’s annual Christmas Show, which will be held Friday through Sunday, December 5–7, at the John C. Anderson Home and Museum, 920 West Breckenridge in Carlinville.
“The Christmas Show is one of the most magical times to visit the Anderson Home,” said MCHS Board Member and House Manager Brandy England. “Some families make it an annual Christmas tradition to visit the Anderson Home when it is decorated for Christmas. It’s a great opportunity to get into the Christmas spirit and pick up some ideas for decorating your own home for the holidays.”
MCHS member Kendra Mize, of Bunker Hill, who has coordinated the decorating effort for more than two decades, has again marshalled a small army of volunteers to decorate all 13 rooms of the home. Each room features a themed Christmas tree, along with mantle pieces, centerpieces, tabletop decor, garlands and florals, and other special touches.
The home will be open for self-guided tours from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, December 5; from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, December 6; and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, December 7.
“We’re very excited to offer for the first time candlelight tours from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday,” said Shawna Ashby, who serves as a co-manager with England. “Viewing the decorated home by candlelight promises to be a magical experience.”
The final candlelight tours on Friday and Saturday start at 7:30 p.m. Admission to the home is five dollars for adults and one dollar for children ages five to 12, with four-year-olds and younger admitted free of charge.
The Anderson Home Gift Shop will be open during tour hours, offering one-of-a-kind gift items and stocking stuffers. Santa Claus will be on hand in the downstairs parlor to greet children and listen to their Christmas wishes from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, December 6.
While the decorated home is the centerpiece of the Christmas Show, several other features on the Historical Society’s grounds will be open. The Red Barn will be open and serving hearty beef stew, chili, homemade pies, and warming holiday beverages such as wassail and hot chocolate on Friday and Saturday.
The General Store and Print Shop will be decorated and open to the public, with the Print Shop offering its popular handmade Christmas cards and other items produced in the shop; kids can print their own blank “Santa List” to keep track of their Christmas wishes.
“The General Store offers unique gift items, including some small antiques, for shoppers to peruse,” England noted.
Local blacksmiths will demonstrate their craft in the MCHS Blacksmith Shop located on the north side of the Historical Society Grounds, with wrought iron gift items, including stocking hooks and decorative pieces, available for purchase.
The Macoupin County Historical Society’s Christmas Show runs concurrently with the Carlinville Christmas Market and Downtown Christmas events, and a free trolley and shuttle buses include the Anderson Home as a regular stop during the festivals, enabling visitors to ride from the square or the Macoupin County Fairgrounds to the Historical Society grounds.
