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Residents of Benld tell council “It is time to work together”

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Residents would like “police beat” published in newspapers

Tom Hubuert asked the council to start working as one now.

A handful of residents spoke up during the council’s regular meeting on Monday, August 13. Tom Hubuert asked the council “something that will not cost a penny.” Hubuert asked for the council to start working as one now.” There are no differences among yous and I know there have been differences, but there is a new council, new mayor and people need to work together for the better of the town.” Hubuert advised the council to vote how they feel right.

After a round of applause, Gina Mendenhall thanked the council “for stepping up to the plate for a job that is not always wanted.” Mendenhall advised the board to listen to a wise man as she pointed to Hubuert. Mendenhall questioned whether rental property is inspected and whether tenants can have a background check done.

Rick Vertichio, city attorney, explained that the property is inspected at least once per year and it would be illegal for the city to request or run a background check on tenants. “That would be the landlords job,” Vertichio added. Mayor Robinson said this is the way the city has been running it and will keep running it this way.

Phyllis Spurney, Mayor of Sawyerville, questioned if anyone said she turned the building on 6th street in to the EPA.

Mendenhall also questioned why Benld does not have their police news published in the newspapers. “I read Staunton’s, Litchfield’s, Gillespie’s, but not Benld’s. Why?” Mayor Robinson said it has been Benld’s choice to only publish arrests as someone in the audience referred to the rest as “noisy business.”

Ferdinand Gerardi agreed with Mendenhall. “I stay up late at night, I don’t go to bed early,” he started. “I see our police working hard. Publish in the paper what they are doing, when they are doing it, and what they hand out so people know what they are up to!” The audience agreed with Ferdinand.

Phyllis Spurney, Mayor of Sawyerville, greeted the council with a question: “Who turned me in?” She went on to say that she has heard many rumors that someone has turned her in for reporting a building on 6th street to the EPA. “I would not do this. I worry about Sawyerville and Sawyerville only. I take care of my plate.”

Jim Tilashalski responded to Spurney. He advised her that many people have confronted him as well. “I was for tearing that building down and I never wanted it to stop.” Tilashalski went on to say, he wanted to make it clear that he did not name any names when he questioned the EPA why demolishment had halted. Spurney told him, and the council, that people are saying this and she wants answers.

“People are also saying that I want to get rid of the police department,” Tilashalski responded. “These things start. I guess we find out what happens in small towns.” Spurney said she tries to work with Benld and she does not want any trouble with Benld.

Daniel Pinkerton of the boy scouts then asked permission from the council to work at the library in Benld. As pictures were passed around the room, he noted this would be project to earn his Eagle Badge. According to Pinkerton, he received approval from the library board already and Mary Newman advised him materials would be provided to him. Without any objections, the council applauded the fellow for his achievements.

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After the police report was approved, Jim Tilashalski noted that there is an ordinance that reads, “The police chief or anyone he designates must attend all city council meetings.” He went on to say he was struck when everyone was sworn in and they were swearing to uphold all the ordinances, “and that is an ordinance.” Mayor Robinson tabled any action, but notified Jim not to let it loose.

Daniel Pinkerton requested permission from the council to pour a sidewalk at the Benld Library to earn his Eagle Badge.

In new business, Bernot informed the council that he contacted a gentleman from the United States Environmental Protection Agency in Washington, D.C. First he talked with him via phone and then via email to document the conversation. After Bernot questioned whether backflows were mandated on residential water meters, his response was: there are not any U.S. EPA requirements for backflow preventions to be installed on new meters. He handed forth the letter to the mayor.

Alderman Nepute explained to Bernot he is “exactly right.” There are no restrictions, but it will do the city good to install them on all the meters. The only problem is the City of Benld cannot afford backflows for the meters. The backflows are $116 each plus tax which would add up to nearly $96,420 for the city as there are over 800 meters in Benld.

Bernot went on to add that until these meters are installed, the grant that purchased these meters will not be closed out. This means, Benld cannot apply for any other grants through this agency until the previous grant is closed out. The city has already applied for another grant through the agency for sewer lift stations. This grant is a matching grant and will provide the funds to purchase 4 brand new sewer lift stations. But, to even be eligible for this, the city has to install the meters. A small minority of the meters in the ground now do have backflow preventers. Backflow preventers can be installed at a later date or as funds arise.

In other old business, the mayor is going to call to have the same company that repaired the floor in the civic center to put a fresh “buffing” on the floor. Robinson also said the general assumption of the post office is “Benld is without one.” Vertichio noted that USPS was not happy with the work the volunteers did inside the police office and requested more work that totaled nearly $16 thousand dollars.

Lastly, Lynn Fraelle made a motion that every alderperson receive a copy of the financial statement for all meetings in the future. The motion was passed 6-0.

The next meeting for the City of Benld is on Monday, August 27 at 6:00pm in the Benld Civic Center.

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CUSD 7 News

Miners girls basketball clinch SCC championship

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In a nail-biting showdown that will be remembered for years to come, the Gillespie Miners girls basketball team captured the South Central Conference title with a hard-fought 55-52 victory over the Pana Panthers on Thursday night, February 13. This marks Gillespie’s first conference championship since their back-to-back titles in 2001-02, when they shared the honors with Southwestern both finishing with a 9-1 conference record.

The game held at Pana High School was anything but straightforward. After a tumultuous 13-minute delay due to injuries and a technical foul controversy, the Miners rallied their spirits to secure the win. Amari Vickery led the charge with a stellar performance, scoring 21 points, while Mia Brawner added 11, Maggie Heyen contributed 10, Delaney Taylor posted 5, Sadie Sholtis scored 4, and Lainey Edwards and Corrine Fellin each had 2 points.

From the opening tip, it was clear that Pana was not going to roll over easily. The Panthers held leads at the end of the first two quarters, 15-14 and 28-26, showcasing their tenacity. By the time the fourth quarter rolled around, Pana had edged ahead 44-42, setting the stage for a dramatic finish.

However, the game took a chaotic turn in the fourth quarter when a collision between Vickery and teammate Sloane Brawner resulted in both players going down with injuries. Sloane was not able to return the game but Vickery did. The Miners also lost both Delaney Taylor and Sadie Sholtis to fouls and Gillespie was assessed a technical foul under controversial circumstances which tied the game at 49. But Heyen carried the weight through the fourth quarter recording 6 of her 10 points in the final quarter of play.

Despite the setbacks, the Miners displayed remarkable teamwork resilience under the leadership of Nikki and Matt Brawner. With the SCC championship secured and the regular season concluded with a 22-8 overall record and 9-0 conference record, the Miners now shift their focus to the upcoming regional which is being hosted in Gillespie.

Gillespie hosts Alton Marquette on Monday, Feb. 17 for the regional semi-finals after Alton Marquette knocked East-Alton Wood River, 36-29, to face the Miners. The winner advances to the regional championship that will be played on Friday, Feb. 21 at 7 p.m. in Gillespie versus the winner of Staunton/Roxana.

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Macoupin County residential fire claims multiple victims on Saturday

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Tragedy struck in the early hours of Saturday morning in Macoupin County as a residential structure fire broke out in the 200 block of West Dean Street, Virden, resulting in the death of a male victim, the Macoupin County Coroner Anthony Kravanya announced.

The individual was pronounced deceased at 10:06 AM but the identity of the deceased has not yet been released, as authorities await the results of an autopsy scheduled for Monday, February 17, 2025. The coroner’s office indicated that a press release will be issued following the autopsy and the positive identification of the victim.

WAND reported a second victim died after being transported to Springfield Memorial Hospital according to Sangamon County Coroner Jim Allmon who confirmed a 13-year-old boy and a 34-year-old male were the victims.

The fire reportedly started around 9:30 a.m. and the home was fully engulfed when first responders arrived. Two people were reportedly rescued and life flight was requested but were not available due to the foggy weather conditions. 

An investigation into the cause of the fire is currently underway, involving multiple agencies including the Macoupin County Coroner’s Office, the Virden Police Department, the Macoupin County Sheriff’s Department, and the Office of the State Fire Marshal.

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Missions group to host trivia fundraiser on March 30

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Come and join us for an exciting afternoon of trivia as we support our local 2:18 Missions! Mark your calendars for Sunday, March 30 from 2 to 5 PM for an event that promises fun, camaraderie, and a chance to make a difference in our community. The event will be held at DeStefane Community Center in Benld, 201 East Central Avenue.

Teams of up to 10 people can participate for just $100 per table. Whether you want to reserve your table in advance or simply show up on the day of the event to pay at the door, we welcome all trivia enthusiasts to join in the competition!

Feel free to bring your own snacks and drinks to enjoy during the game—just please remember, no alcohol is allowed. For your convenience, we will have bottles of water available for purchase.

The stakes are high, and the competition is fierce! The first-place team will take home a prize of $150. Plus, bring some dollar bills to participate in “Heads and Tails” games during breaks and to buy mulligans for your team.

Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to support a great cause while enjoying a lively trivia challenge. To reserve your table or for more information, contact Kristin at 217-691-7469.

Let’s make this a memorable event for our community and the 2:18 Missions!

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