Connect with us

Community News

School Board lays groundwork for $1.8 million bond issue

Published

on

As part of a District Focus segment, the board recognized the eighth-grade girls volleyball team, which recently won a sectional tournament against Hillsboro.

Members of the Community Unit School District 7 Board of Education on Monday night approved a resolution that lays the groundwork for issuing up to $1.8 in alternate revenue bonds to finance school facility improvements. Actually issuing the bonds, however, could be another three months or more away if the board ultimately decides to proceed with the bond issue.

Kevin Wills of Bernardi Securities, O’Fallon, the firm that would handle the bond issue, told board members the bonds would be repaid with revenue the school district receives from the County School Facilities sales tax.  According to Wills, the school district receives $400,000 to $450,000 annually from the School Facilities sales tax. The bond issue would enable the district to leverage enough funds to pay for several major projects and pay off the bonds with money accruing from the special sales tax. Because the bonds will be repaid with an “alternate” revenue source in lieu of property taxes, the bond issue is not necessarily subject to a referendum election.

With the approval of the resolution Monday night, Wills said his firm would place a public notice in a local newspaper advising of a 30-day period during which local voters could petition to require voter approval for the bond issue. Under Illinois law, such a petition would require signatures from at least 10 percent of registered voters who live within Community Unit School District 7. The 30-day petitioning period begins with the date of publication for the public notice.

Wills said his firm also will publish a public notice advising of a mandatory public hearing on the issue set for 7 p.m., Monday, April 24, at the district office. The public hearing coincides with the board’s regular monthly meeting for April.

“What you’re doing tonight is a first step,” Wills said. “You’re stating your intention to the public that you want to go down this route. You’re not committing to issuing bonds tonight or in this amount.”

In theory, the district could issue bonds at any time after the public hearing. Meeting the requirements for issuing the bonds essentially gives the board “elbow room,” according to Wills, to issue the bonds when interest rates are most attractive. While Wills said most bond issues of this nature are completed within 90 days, the board can opt to issue them much later. Noting that a new board will be seated April 24 following the April 4 Consolidated Election, Wills said the school has no obligation to issue bonds at all if the new board chooses to stop the process.

“All you would be out is the cost of publishing two public notices,” he said.

Because of the “cushion” built into the proposal, both Wills and Supt. Shane Owsley confirmed the actual bond issue would be less than $1.8 million. Wills said a more likely figure would be $1.6 million or less. Owsley said the final amount would be contingent upon estimates the district receives for projects currently on the “wish list.”

Advertisement

“We don’t have a firm figure,” Owsley said. Among the projects under consideration according to Owsley, are a circular drive in front of the high school, a new weight room, softball and baseball field improvements, and safety features.

“The Board has several projects it would like to get started,” said Board President Mark Hayes, “some maybe as early as this summer.”

Kevin Wills of Bernardi Securities, O’Fallon, discussed issuing bonds with the school borard.

“We need to prioritize and discuss that (list of projects),” board member Weye Schmidt noted. “Right now, we don’t know what we need.”

Regardless of the amount of the bond issue, Wills recommended structuring the pay down for 10 to 12 years and keeping the annual payments at about $200,000—approximately half of the district’s revenue from the School Facilities sales tax. “You can go out as much as 40 years,” Wills said. “Most investors don’t want to wait that long to get their money. Most districts that go that long are building a new facility. As a practical matter, you want something more like 25 or 30 years.”

With anticipated interest rates ranging from 3.74 to 4.25 percent, Wills said the bond issue could be structured for about 10 years and keep payments at the $200,000 level. “If we need to go out further, we can extend the term by one or two years to 11 or 12,” he noted. The board has committed 25 percent of School Facilities sales tax revenue to retiring bonds issued for construction of the BenGil Elementary School. In August, the district will make its final payment of $175,000 to pay off a five-year loan taken out to build the Gillespie Middle School STEM lab.

“Your payments are going to end up being about what you’re paying now,” according to Wills.

Wills noted that the alternate revenue bonds will not count against the district in calculating the district’s debt limit, meaning the district could borrow additional funds if the need arises or in the event of an emergency.

Wills also explained to the board that the School Facilities sales tax legislation ensures the tax cannot be revoked while school districts are using the revenue to pay off debt. Neither the county government nor voters themselves have the ability to end the tax.

If the revenue source were to “dry up” for whatever reason before the bond issue is retired, there is an underlying property tax levy that would be activated to service the debt. Because the levy is in place, Wills said the board would be required to instruct the County Clerk to abate that tax in lieu of the sales tax revenue being used for debt service.

Advertisement

“Your County Clerk is familiar with the process,” Wills said. “Several other schools have already blazed this trail, including some in Macoupin County.”

GPA RECONFIGURATION

Board members approved a proposal presented by Gillespie High School Principal Jill Rosentreter to reconfigure the way grade point averages are calculated to selected senior valedictorians—a move that is expected to eliminate the phenomenon of having multiple valedictorians presenting speeches during commencement ceremonies. A GPA of 3.67 to 4.0 is an “A,” according to Rosentreter. In past years any “A” was counted as 4.0 regardless of where the student’s actual grade fell within the spectrum.

“We’ve had multiple years with multiple valedictorians,” Rosentreter said.

As a result of the board’s action Monday night, GPAs will be calculated on the basis of actual numerical values.  High ranking students would be identified in the commencement program as cum laude, summa cum laude or magna cum laude.

“It’s a big change,” Rosentreter said. “This would minimize or eliminate having a valedictorian altogether.” She said some surrounding schools that use a similar system for calculating GPAs have the top student from the graduating class give an address or have the class president address the graduates.

“You can’t expect better performance without raising standards,” Owsley commented. “Right now an A+ and an A- count the same, and that just sounds crazy to me.”

Under the new system, students currently enrolled in high school will be subject to the former GPA standard. The new standards will be implemented starting with the 2023-24 freshman class.

Board member Dennis Tiburzi voiced some objection to the new system, saying he likes the idea of recognizing as many top-performing students as possible.

Advertisement

“I know there have been years when we had five or seven but I don’t remember having 15 or more,” he said. “I’d like to see data on when that has happened. I want to see that students are recognized.”

Tiburzi left the meeting before the issue came to a vote but it was unclear if he left because of his objection or needed to leave for other reasons. He also was absent for the bond issue resolution vote.

PERSONNEL

The board was in executive session for 80 minutes before returning to open session to take action on a number of personnel issues.

Board members voted unanimously to rehire all tenured teachers for the 2023-24 school year. The list includes 32 tenured teachers at BenGil Elementary School, 14 Gillespie Middle School teachers, and 21 Gillespie High School teachers.

GMS Principal Patrick McGinthy reported to the board about a couple projects undertaken by Kim Henderson. Henderson assigned her students to pick a notable personality to research and then perform a presentation in costume.

In separate actions, the following teachers were rehired and granted tenure: Amber Allan, Chase Peterson, Jessica Kelly, Korben Clark and Jill Stole.

Additionally, the following non-tenured teachers were re-employed for the coming school year: Nikki Jenner, Katie Livers, Alex Plovich, Pete Visintin, Jay Weber, Rachel Bouillon, Radeana Taylor, Kaylee Collins, Jacob West, Ben McCullough and Cory Bonstead.

Board members voted unanimously to hire Brad Taupe as band instructor for the 2023-24 school year, replacing Zach Simon whose resignation was accepted last month.

The board voted unanimously to hire Jacob West as the middle school girls track and field coach for the 2023-24 school year, accepted West’s resignation as a high school assistant track and field coach, and posted the high school position as vacant.

Dennis Kellebrew and Glenn Kellebrew were hired as volunteer assistant bass fishing coaches pending routine background checks.

Advertisement

Board members voted unanimously to post a vacancy for a District Student Services Director.

The board voted unanimously to post vacancies for six elementary summer school positions, a middle school summer school English teacher contingent upon enrollment, a high school summer school English teacher contingent upon enrollment, a summer school drivers’ education position, and two summer school cafeteria positions.

SCHOOL CALENDAR

On a motion by Schmidt, the board unanimously voted to adopt the school calendar for 2023-24. The newly adopted calendar started with teacher institutes on Aug. 14 and 15 with the first day of student attendance on Aug. 16 and the final day of student attendance on May 22. School holidays are set for Labor Day, Sept. 4; Columbus Day, Oct. 9, Thanksgiving, Nov. 22-26; Martin Luther King Day, Jan. 15; and  President’s Day, Feb. 19. The winter break is slated for Dec. 22-Jan. 2 and the spring break will occur March 27-April. There will be no school on Oct. 27 and Jan. 3 for teacher institutes, and early dismissals on Oct. 25 and 26, Dec. 1, Feb. 2, March 1 and May 3. Commencement is set for May 19.

EARLY GRADUATION

The board approved early graduation requests for the following students, provided the students meet all requirements for graduation: Cole Conner, Kylie Cordie, Logan Bethard, Nolan Hamilton, Ryder Koniak and Josh Feeley.

DISTRICT FOCUS

As part of a District Focus segment, the board recognized the eighth-grade girls volleyball team, which recently won a sectional tournament against Hillsboro.

“You did the school very well,” Owsley told the girls. “We’re very proud of you.”

GMS Principal Patrick McGinthy reported to the board about a couple projects undertaken by Kim Henderson. Henderson assigned her students to pick a notable personality to research and then perform a presentation in costume. A total of 33 students participated in a parent’s night event, presenting a first-person biography of the subject they selected.

McGinthy also took note of a project in which Henderson had students write poetry which was then collected into a hard cover book available for students to purchase.

Advertisement

OTHER ACTION

In other action, the board:

  • Authorized the district to participate in the National Cooperative Purchasing Alliance, a purchasing cooperative that provides discounts on goods and services.
  • Authorized Supt. Owsley to either renew certificates of deposit as they mature or invest the funds with the Illinois School Districts Liquid Asset Fund+, depending upon which instrument offers the best interest rate at the time.
  • Accepted a low bid from M & M Services to provide gasoline at a cost of $3.52 per gallon and diesel fuel at a cost of $3.90 per gallon.
  • Voted to renew the district’s membership in the Illinois High School Association.
  • Approved a schedule for regular monthly board meetings for the coming year. The board will continue to meet on the fourth Monday of each month, except December when the meeting is one week earlier to accommodate the winter break. Meetings start with an executive session at 6 p.m., followed by an open session at 7 p.m.

Share this story

Comments

comments

Police News

Gillespie Police Report: March 17-23, 2024

Published

on

SUNDAY, MARCH 17, 2024

An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Elm Street in reference to criminal damage to property.

An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Biddle Street in reference to child abuse.

An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of East Walnut Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.

An officer was dispatched to Madison Street and Wilson Street in reference to suspicious activity.

An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of East Chestnut Street in Benld in reference to a well-being check.

An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a civil issue.

An officer was out in the 400 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a security check. 

Advertisement

MONDAY, MARCH 18, 2024

An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Abba Street in reference to a domestic dispute.

An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of LJ Avenue in reference to a domestic battery. Regan M. Treadway, 22, of Hillsboro was arrested for domestic battery.

Gillespie Police Department assisted the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department with a criminal investigation.

An officer was dispatched to the 900 block of South Madison Street in reference to criminal damage to property.

An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of East Burton Street in reference to an ordinance issue of illegal burning. Charles H. Daubman, 62, of Gillespie was issued a citation for illegal burning.

An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Harding Avenue in East Gillespie in reference to a noise complaint.

An officer during normal patrol in the 100 block of South 7th Street in Benld noticed a trunk open on a vehicle. The officer made contact with the owners and they secured the trunk after checking it.

Advertisement

An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of North 4th Street in Benld in reference to a suspicious person.

An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with a male in reference to illegal dumping.

An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Hickory in reference to a civil standby.

An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South 2nd Street in Benld in reference to a well-being check.

An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Easton Street in reference to a civil standby.

The School Resource Officer called in requesting assistance in reference to a female student that had left the school.

TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2024

An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Madison Street in reference to criminal damage to property.

Advertisement

An officer was dispatched to Route 4 by the nursing home to check on a person on a bike with no lights.

An officer was dispatched to Maple Street and Route 138 in Benld in reference to a suspicious vehicle.

An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of East Spruce Street in reference to a suspicious vehicle.

An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Gillespie Street in reference to juvenile issues.

An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Walnut Street in reference to a dog at large.

An officer was dispatched to a business in the 300 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to an animal complaint.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20, 2024

An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Avenue and 2nd Street in Benld. Logan G. Lawson, 22, of Roodhouse was issued a citation for speeding.

Advertisement

An officer initiated a traffic stop in the 200 block of North Hard Road in Mt. Clare. David E. Schmidt, 46, of Staunton was issued citations for speeding, expired registration, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle.

An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Spruce Street in reference to illegal parking.

An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South Jersey Street in reference to an open line 911 call.

An officer initiated a traffic stop at Broadway Street and LJ Avenue. Candace N. Carlen, 36, of New Douglas was issued a citation for speeding.

An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a theft in the 200 block of West Oak Street.

An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a suspicious noise.

An officer was dispatched to West Dorsey Street and South Kentucky Street in Benld in reference to a suspicious person.

An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of East Walnut Street in reference to suspicious activity.

Advertisement

An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Elm Street in reference to reckless driving.

An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Biddle Street in reference to a medical assist.

An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Avenue and Main Street in Benld. Esha V. Bhatt, 30, of Edwardsville was issued a citation for speeding.

An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Avenue and Main Street in Benld. Nicole L Richey, 34, of Wilsonville was issued a citation for speeding and expired registration.

THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 2024

An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South 4th Street in Benld in reference to a suspicious person.

An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of 9th Street in Benld in reference to a suicidal subject

An officer was out with a suspicious person at Main Street and Spruce Street in Benld.

Advertisement

An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Elm Street. Walter L. Vester, 29, of Gillespie was arrested on a Glenn Carbon warrant for larceny.

An officer initiated a traffic stop at Broadway Street and LJ Avenue. Jordan L. Jett, 23, of Hillsboro was issued a citation for speeding.

An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Litchfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to aggravated assault. Levi T. Kroll, 34, of Carlinville was arrested for aggravated assault, criminal damage to property, and operation of a vehicle with suspended registration.

An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of North 5th Street in Benld in reference to a theft.

An officer was dispatched to LJ Avenue where multiple vehicles were parked in a no-parking zone. After multiple announcements asking them to move, two vehicles remained and received citations. Jeromy J Moore, 47, of Greenfield and Matthew E. Raffety, 52, of Bunker Hill were issued citations for parking in a no-parking zone.

An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of East Walnut Street in reference to a domestic battery. Mitchela P. Zbornak, 34, of Gillespie was arrested for domestic battery.

An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Wilson Street in reference to a suspicious vehicle.

An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a juvenile issue.

Advertisement

An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Madison Street in reference to an animal complaint.

An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of West Oak Street in reference to an ordinance issue for illegal burning.

An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Oak Street in reference to a possible burglary.

The School Resource Officer called in reckless driving in the high school parking lot.

FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2024

An officer was dispatched to a business in the 900 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to retail theft and criminal trespass.

An officer was dispatched to Illinois Street and Kentucky Street in Benld in reference to a loud vehicle.

An officer was dispatched to a business in the 500 block of East Elm Street in reference to a suspicious person. 

Advertisement

SATURDAY, MARCH 23, 2024

An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Oak Street in reference to a well-being check.

An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Chestnut Street in reference to a 911 hang-up call.

An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of East Oak for a 911 untraceable call the officers checked the area and were unable to find an emergency.

An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South Illinois Street in Benld in reference to a medical assist.

An officer was dispatched to down wires at Dorsey Road and 1st Street in Mt. Clare. Ameren was contacted to remove the wiring.

All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Advertisement
Share this story

Comments

comments

Continue Reading

Police News

Gillespie Police Report: March 10-16, 2024

Published

on

SUNDAY, MARCH 10, 2024

An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Avenue and Main Street in Benld. Stephanie M. Lasica, 29, of Mt. Clare was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol, speeding, and overtaking on the left lane.

An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of West Wilson Street in reference to a domestic dispute.

An officer was dispatched to 600 block of Frey Street in reference to an assault.

An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Elm Street in East Gillespie. Thor S. Barnes, 43, of Forest Grove, OR was arrested for operating an uninsured motor vehicle, illegal transportation of alcohol, and improper use of evidence of registration.

An officer was dispatched to South Main and South 2nd Street in Benld in reference to a suspicious vehicle.

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 Willow Street in Benld in reference to harassment by telephone.

Advertisement

MONDAY, MARCH 11, 2024

Gaberial A. Desherlia, 22, of Gillespie was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia.

An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Chestnut Street in reference to a suspicious item that was left by a building.

An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to a traffic crash.

An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Park Street in Benld in reference to a domestic battery. Cynthia D. Edwards, 55, of Benld was arrested for domestic battery.

An officer was dispatched to a business in the 900 block of North Hard Road in Mt. Clare in reference to an alarm sounding.

An officer was dispatched to the 900 block of First Street in reference to disturbing the peace.

An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North 4th Street in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.

Advertisement

An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue.

An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Lincoln Street in Eagarville in reference to a domestic dispute.

TUESDAY, MARCH 12, 2024

An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Osie Street in reference to a suspicious noise.

An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a medical assist.

Logan M. Billings, 34, of Benld was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for aggravated battery.

The officers were dispatched to 5th Street and Spruce Street in Benld in reference to a suspicious noise.

An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Avenue and Main Street in Benld. A 16-year-old from Gillespie was issued a citation for speeding.

Advertisement

An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of North 5th Street in Benld in reference to a found item left on a porch.

An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespass to property.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13, 2024

An officer dispatched to the 200 block of East Locust Street in Benld in reference to a domestic battery. Brandon M. Lyons, 43, of Gillespie was arrested for aggravated domestic battery.

An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to criminal damage to property.

An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Oregon Street in reference to a suspicious circumstance.

An officer was dispatched to West Maple Street and North Jersey Street in reference to reckless driving.

An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a well-being check.

Advertisement

An officer assisted an Alderman with an Ordinance issue in the 100 block of Henry Street.

THURSDAY, MARCH 14, 2024

An officer was dispatched to 200 block of West Dorsey Street in Benld in reference to a violation of an order of protection.

An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Central Avenue in Benld in reference to criminal damage to property.

An officer initiated a traffic stop at Spruce Street and 5th Street in Benld. Dallas W. Richardson, 29, of Benld was arrested for improper use of evidence of registration and expired registration.

An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a violation of an order of protection.

An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of South Hard Road in Benld in reference to a well-being check.

An officer was dispatched to LJ Avenue and Broadway Street in reference to illegal parking.

Advertisement

An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to criminal trespass to property.

FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 2024

An officer was approached by a female in the 900 block of North Hard Road in Mt. Clare and reported suspicious behavior.

An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Charles Street in reference to a medical assist.

An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Pine Street in reference to a security check.

An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Dorsey Street in reference to the violation of an order of protection.

An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Mor Street in East Gillespie in reference to a well-being check.

An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Broadway Street in reference to a suspicious person.

Advertisement

An officer was out in the 100 block of South 4th Street in Benld to speak with a male in reference to criminal trespass.

An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to an ordinance issue of illegal burning.

An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of South Main Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespass.

An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Francis Street in reference to a suspicious person.

An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 500 block of Horizon Street.

SATURDAY, MARCH 16, 2024

An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Green Street in reference to a suspicious noise.

An officer was dispatched to the 900 block of Broadway Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.

Advertisement

An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a theft in the 700 block of Frey Street.

An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Easton Street in reference to a domestic. David L. Clark, 31, of Gillespie was arrested for domestic battery.

An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 200 block of South Macoupin Street.

An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of North 5th Street in reference to traffic control.

An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 300 block of South Street

An officer was out at Madison Street and Spruce Street in reference to juvenile issues.

An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Chestnut Street in reference to juvenile issues.

An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Green Street in reference to juvenile issues.

Advertisement

All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Share this story

Comments

comments

Continue Reading

Police News

Gillespie Police Report: March 3-9, 2024

Published

on

SUNDAY, MARCH 3, 2024

An officer was dispatched to the Benld Sports Center Complex in reference to criminal damage to property.

An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to fraud in the 600 block of Olive Street.

An officer was dispatched to the 1100 block of Second Street in reference to a noise complaint.

An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Chestnut Street in reference to a house check.

An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Broadway Street in reference to an animal complaint.

An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of North Hard Road in Benld in reference to dogs at large.

An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of West Henrietta Street in reference to a 911 open line. The officer checked the area and discovered it was a child playing with the phone.

Advertisement

An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Ave and Main Street in Benld. Christy L. Williams, 39, of Bunker Hill was issued a citation for speeding.

An officer was dispatched to the 15000 block of Harmony Lane at Gillespie Lake in reference to a 911 call.

MONDAY, MARCH 4, 2024

An officer was dispatched to a business in the 100 block of Maple Street in reference to assistance with a suicidal subject.

An officer was dispatched to the 900 block of Broadway in reference to a domestic battery. Lee A. Pollard, 23, of Gillespie was arrested for domestic battery.

An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of East Burton Street in reference to harassment by electronic communication.

An officer spoke with a female in the 100 block of Cahokia Street in Benld in reference to a juvenile runaway.

An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of North 6th Street in Benld in reference to a civil issue and to recover property.

Advertisement

An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of East Chestnut Street in reference to a well-being check.

An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Ave in reference to improper parking.

An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Gillespie Street in reference to an ordinance issue.

An officer was dispatched to Route 138 and Benld Cemetery in Benld in reference to a suspicious person.

TUESDAY, MARCH 5, 2024

An officer was dispatched to Broadway Street and Francis Street in reference to a traffic crash/hit-and-run.

An officer was out on Handy Street and Easton Street in reference to a motorist assist and property damage.

An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Park Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespass to property and harassment.

Advertisement

An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of South 6th Street in Benld in reference to domestic trouble and juvenile issues.

An officer was dispatched to Staunton Road and Clark Street in reference to a hit-and-run.

An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with a female in reference to harassment in the 200 block of South 2nd Street in Benld.

An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Harding Ave in East Gillespie in reference to a noise complaint.

An officer was dispatched to a business in the 900 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to an animal complaint.

An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Abba Street in reference to a suspicious person.

An officer was dispatched to Route 4 and Dollar General in East Gillespie in reference to a suspicious person walking in the roadway.

An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Ave in reference to improper parking.

Advertisement

An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South Hard Road in Benld for unwanted solicitors.

An officer was out in the 600 block of Edwards Street in reference to unwanted solicitors.

An officer was dispatched to Easton Street and Handy Street in reference to a traffic crash.

An officer was dispatched to Central Ave and Route 4 in Benld in reference to reckless driving.

An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of North 5th Street in Benld in reference to juvenile issues.

An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in Benld in reference to a civil standby.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6, 2024

An officer was dispatched to Gillespie High School in reference to a juvenile issue.

Advertisement

An officer was dispatched to Henrietta Street and Green Street in reference to suspicious circumstances.

An officer was dispatched to Staunton Road and Route 4 in reference to an animal complaint.

An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Ave in reference to improper parking.

An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Illinois Ave in East Gillespie. Elizabeth A. Knight, 54, of Washington was issued a citation for speeding.

An officer was dispatched to the area of East Easton and South Second Street for smoke coming from under a bridge.

An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Dorsey Road in Mt. Clare in reference to fraud.

An officer met with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to the return of found property.

An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to criminal damage to property.

Advertisement

THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2024

An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Oak Street in reference to a 911 hang-up call.

An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Baker Street for a vehicle complaint. Tammy M. Dunn, 53, of Gillespie was issued a citation for illegal squealing/screeching of tires.

An officer was dispatched to the 900 block of Broadway Street in reference to a civil standby.

An officer was out at Park Street and Pine Street in Benld in reference to a trailer truck stuck under the train trestle. Chase E. Schultz, 21, of New Baden was issued a citation for disobeying a traffic device.

An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with a female in reference to a suspicious person in the 200 block of Dorsey Street in Benld.

An officer was dispatched to a business in the 500 block of East Elm Street in reference to a 911 open line. Once an officer arrived on scene, they discovered it to be a misdial.

An officer was dispatched to a business in the 500 block of East Elm Street in reference to assistance in removing an intoxicated subject.

Advertisement

An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Gillespie Street in reference to a well-being check.

An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Dorsey Road in Mt. Clare in reference to an intoxicated female.

FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2024

An officer was dispatched to Jersey Street and Spruce Street in reference to a traffic crash.

An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with a female in reference to cyber-bullying.

An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of South 4th Street in Benld in reference to theft and aggravated assault.

An officer was dispatched to South 8th Street and Central Ave in Benld in reference to reckless driving.

An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to fraud.

Advertisement

An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a dog at large.

An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue.

An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of West Baker in reference to a juvenile issue.

Tammy M. Dunn, 53, of Gillespie was issued a citation for illegal squealing/screeching of tires.

An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Lincoln in Eagarville in reference to a well-being check.

SATURDAY, MARCH 9, 2024

An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Henry Street in reference to a domestic dispute and child custody issue.

An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Henrietta Street in reference to a domestic dispute.

Advertisement

Halli L. Thompson, 23, of Benld was arrested on a warrant out of Montgomery County for failure to appear while driving while their license was suspended.

An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Ave and Main Street in Benld.  Heaven L. Kopsie, 31, of Benld for operating an uninsured motor vehicle.

An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of South 6th Street in reference to an accidental 911 misdial.

An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 200 block of South Macoupin Street.

An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Berry Street in reference to a suspicious vehicle.

An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a suspicious vehicle.

An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of East Central Ave in Benld in reference to a suspicious vehicle.

An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of East Central Ave in Benld in reference to suspicious circumstances

Advertisement

An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Charles Street in reference to a suspicious vehicle.

An officer was out at Oak Street and Macoupin Street in reference to juvenile issues.

All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Share this story

Comments

comments

Continue Reading

Trending

×

We need your support. If you value having timely, accurate news about your community, please become one of our subscribers. Subscribe