Community News
Residents of Benld tell council “It is time to work together”
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.
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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FELONIES
Christopher L. Black, 43 of Virden, is charged with home invasion/causing injury and two counts of aggravated battery of a peace officer in connection with a January 4 incident.
Casey W. Sobberi, 40 of Wilsonville, is charged with burglary in connection with a January 3 incident.
Eugene Arnold, 62 of Royal Lakes, is charged with aggravated battery/great bodily harm, aggravated battery/use of a deadly weapon, and domestic battery/bodily harm in connection with a January 6 incident.
Michael A. Upton, 34 of Palmyra, is charged with twelve counts of child pornography and possession of methamphetamine (5 grams) in connection with multiple dates in 2025.
Bryer D. Greff, 31 of Virden, is charged with aggravated battery/public place, resisting a peace officer/firefighter/corrections employee, and two counts of disorderly conduct in connection with a January 7 incident.
Shayne W. Dugger, 26 of Palmyra, is charged with possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams) in connection with a September 28 incident.
Sarah L. Winston, 36 of Carlinville, is charged with possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams) in connection with a November 4 incident.
TRAFFIC
Austin D. Courier, 30 of Vriden, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a December 30 incident.
Courtney N. Lomelino, 23 of Virden, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit in connection with a December 25 incident.
William R. Dyer, 55 of Carlinville, is charged with leaving the scene, driver failing to give notice of a crash, transporting/carrying alcohol/driver, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, improper traffic lane usage, seat belt required/driver, and failure to reduce speed in connection with a January 4 incident.
Billy R. Austin, 44 of Modesto, is charged with expired registration, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and being unlicensed in connection with a January 4 incident.
Richard W. Wallis, 63 of Nilwood, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a January 5 incident.
Stephanie E. Jennings, 34 of Girard, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration in connection with a January 6 incident.
Bruce A. Day, 60 of Carlinville, is charged with driving on a revoked license and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a January 5 incident.
Clayton R. Sampson, 19 of Palmyra, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit in connection with a January 6 incident.
Dakota R. Lavely, 20 of Troy, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a January 5 incident.
Wayne E. Mitchell, 46 of Brighton, is charged with driving on a revoked license, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and expired registration in connection with a December 30 incident.
Monty M. Gardner, 55 of Brighton, is charged with driving on a suspended license and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a January 2 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Catherine Harrison versus David Breen
- Margaret Putman versus Justin S. Putman
- Taunia R. Moore versus Blake A. Moore
MARRIAGE LICENSES
- Wade Logan Yates of Brighton and Anna Catherine Marcy of Riverton.
- Douglas Guennewig and Buffy Riddens, both of Staunton.
Comments
SUNDAY, JANUARY 4, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South 4th Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Charles Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to South Hard Road in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of East Walnut Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to harassment.
MONDAY, JANUARY 5, 2026
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to neighbor trouble.
Jiles R. Lyons, 36 of Benld, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for possession of another’s credit/debit card.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to an animal complaint in the 600 block of North 7th Street in Benld.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of East Burton Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to Osie Street and Handy Street in reference to a security check.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South Hard Road in Benld in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Burton Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to harassment.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Walnut Street in reference to a neighborhood dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of North Francis Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Elm Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to Macoupin Street and Walnut Street in reference to suspicious activity.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of South 5th Street in Benld in reference to a burglary.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Virginia Street in East Gillespie. Debra A. Brooks, 65 of Carlinville, was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Adams Street in reference to ordinance issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of South Illinois Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Osie Street. Kylee P. Cothern, 18 of Benld, was issued a citation for expired registration and operating uninsured vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a hit and run traffic crash.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Virginia Street in East Gillespie. Tiana F. McFarland, 28 of Staunton, was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Virginia Street in East Gillespie. Debra A. Brooks, 65 of Carlinville, was issued a citation for speeding.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026
The School Resource Officer was dispatched to the High School office in reference to a fight.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Illinois Street in East Gillespie. Darlene Karns, 70 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at 7th Street and Pine Street in Benld. Dylan S. Richards, 32 of Staunton, was issued a citation for suspended registration.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of South Illinois Street in Benld in reference to a security check.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Spruce Street in reference to criminal damage.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South Montgomery Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a theft in the 500 block of South Jersey Street.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to an animal complaint in the 200 block of West Maple Street.
The School Resource Officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Oak Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 10, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Frey Street in reference to criminal damage.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Pine Street. Racheal A. Aleshire, 47 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for driving while her license was revoked.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Hard Road and Central Avenue in Benld. Amber R. Brackett, 31 of Gillespie, was issued citations for suspended registration and for no insurance.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Elm Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to an intoxicated pedestrian.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of West Virginia Street in East Gillespie in reference to stalking.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Comments
FELONIES
Micah J. Ramsey, 39 of Carlinville, is charged with aiding/abetting/selling a stolen vehicle and driving on a revoked license in connection with a December 27 incident.
Shawn M. McBride, 38 of Staunton, is charged with obstructing justice/destroying evidence in connection with a December 18 incident.
Riley G. Rhodes, 18 of Carlinville, is charged with possession/displaying an altered ID card in connection with a December 18 incident.
Shane S. Bell, 35 of Girard, is charged with possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams) in connection with a November 6 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Ted. E. Hanner, 50 of Bunker Hill, is charged with obstructing identification in connection with a December 3 incident.
Brittany M. Lyons, 35 of Benld, is charged with criminal trespass to a building in connection with a December 19 incident.
Betty J. Jamieson, 75 of Carlinville, is charged with violating the animal control act in connection with a December 29 incident.
James J. Denby, 27 of Carlinville, is charged with criminal trespass to land in connection with a December 8 incident.
Tricia J. Pfeiler, 37 of Carlinville, is charged with battery/cause bodily harm and cruelty to animals in connection with a January 1 incident.
Rodney J. Rosentreter, 60 of Gillespie, is charged with criminal damage to property (<$500) and resisting a peace officer/firefighter/corrections employee in connection with a January 1 incident.
TRAFFIC
Rustin L. Reed, 19 of Springfield, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit in connection with a December 27 incident.
Passion M. Kinzey, 33 of Chicago, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration in connection with a December 27 incident.
Ella R. Robinson, 20 of Bonne Terre, MO, is charged with speeding 35 mph over the limit in connection with a December 30 incident.
Julie B. Kruse, 55 of Staunton, is charged with driving on a suspended license and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a December 18 incident.
Gregory A. Knezic, 60 of Staunton, is charged with driving on a suspended license and improper use of registration/title in connection with a December 23 incident.
Dixie L. Moffitt, 73 of Worden, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration in connection with a December 22 incident.
Dakota L. Schoondyke, 28 of Virden, is charged with driving on a suspended license and operating a motor vehicle with suspended registration in connection with a December 26 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Debra E. Seago versus Carl L. Seago Jr.
MARRIAGE LICENSES
- David L. Ehlers and Shirley Marie Lee Haines, both of Bunker Hill.
- Steven D. Clattenburg and Billie Jo Croll, both of Virden.
- Robert J. Halpin and Chelsea L. Kirkover, both of Gillespie.
