Community News
Shop BenGil revealed to local business owners
TJ Allan, co-founder of Shop BenGil, explains to business owners it is all about convenience.
Shop BenGil is the first online e-commerce site in Macoupin County that will benefit the shop local initiative as well as support the community. The site, which has been under creation for the last 16 months, is in the final stages before launch and about 80% complete. Launching is planned for early February in 2012, but the site was revealed to local business owners on Thursday evening at Ageless Fitness Center.
Local business owners and potential business owners were invited to witness the revealing of the first ever e-commerce ‘mall’ site in Macoupin County as Shop BenGil is going to be working with these local business owners in the last 2 building months to get their virtual store front available on the site.
E-commerce is an important component to business development, therefore Shop BenGil and Macoupin Economic Development Partnership will be teaming up to aid merchants in this essential on-line transition. MEDP will be expanding its business service offerings in 2012; e-commerce, business marketing, development and access to capital will all play key components.
“Every small business needs to take advantage of this opportunity to reach a larger customer base and increase sales,” Executive Director Shari Albrecht opened. “Successful small businesses adapt to their customer needs; virtual storefronts are that need.”
TJ Allan, co-founder, explained that a web presence is so crucial to the vitality of a small business these days and his main initiative was to create a venue that would be user friendly, easy to operate and increase sales of merchants in the community.
“I think many of our businesses are missing sales because we are only open 8am-5pm which is the regular work shift,” Allan explained, “Therefore we are missing the people that are at work with all the money.” The web presence will be the middle-man in this equation and will allow customers the convenience to shop local establishments 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year.
The solution to bring customers back to shopping local is convenience and according to Allan, we think we have the solution. Shop BenGil is going to be no different than a shopping mall and essentially, that is all it is. All of the stores will be posted on one site and consumers will be able to purchase products from any local store with just a few clicks.
One debit card or credit card transaction can get you a toy from Torpani’s or a decoration from Sullivan’s and even a walker from Michelle’s to a cheesecake from CP’s Five & Dine. “Everyone recognizes the shop local drive, but for some odd reason most of us are not shopping local,” Allan went on to say, “I really think it comes down to convenience and this is the perfect time to get our stores on the internet and selling online through an e-commerce channel.”
An e-commerce site compared to a brick and mortar store will hopefully expand the selection and lower expenses. As long as business owners get their products online, customers can shop their products at any time of the day or year. Business owners will now be able to offer more products online since they will be able to tell what products are popular and not.
Business owners watch as TJ Allan reveals the site to them first hand.
They can consider bringing the popular items into their store and not bringing the unpopular items in, but yet still offer them to their customers because they can order them at any time so the business does not have to tie their money up into inventory.
All the costs associated with a brick and mortar store will not be associated with an e-commerce site. A warehouse full of products is replaced with data on an e-commerce site and this is why internet businesses can make much more money.
“We are not trying to change your business model,” Allan noted, “Brick and mortar stores are essential to downtown Gillespie, but we believe in a hybrid type of business which will combine a brick and mortar store with an e-commerce site and we think this site will be the solution.”
Local business owners will have so much data through the Shop BenGil site that they will not know what to do with all of it. The data will make the business so much more efficient when it comes to marketing and even the day to day operations. Business owners will be able to see what customers are choosing to buy and what they are not and offer to ship the purchased items out or have them available for pickup.
People shop local because they trust the business owners and the relationship is based on trust. The BenGil area is the pilot segment of this e-commerce platform. Eventually this model will incorporate other communities and additional facets creating a new hybid business model.
Business owners will be able to manage their own products as well as all pictures and/or videos. Shop BenGil will take 5% off each product ordered and use that small amount of money to pay their merchant accounts. Anything rest will be pulled together and used for advertising to advertise the site which will stair step down to advertising for all the businesses featured on the site.
TJ Allan displays what Shop BenGil will look like and how easy it will be to make purchases off the site.
“I applaud any business that is uptown right now,” TJ Allan closed, “I know for a fact Ageless would have been out of business in 6 months if we would have stayed up town on Main Street.” Allan went on to say he realizes the cost that brick and mortar stores have and Shop BenGil will hopefully relieve some of that. If a business can build their foot traffic online, hopefully they can eventually move into a store front in downtown Gillespie.
All the sales tax generated through the Shop BenGil will go back into the community and this is just another way that it will be beneficial to everyone.
“This is really a good example of a public/private partnership,” Executive Director of MEDP Shari Albrecht closed, “MEDP is very proud to work with Shop BenGil. This approach to business development is ground-breaking and we are very excited to bring this to local business owners.”
Comments
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.
