Community News
UCB turns over the old bank building keys to Gillespie
Jennifer Alepra (right), branch manager of UCB, hands over the keys to Mayor John Hicks
Gillespie Mayor John Hicks told the city council that the City of Gillespie are the new owners of the old United Community Bank (UCB) building that is located at 121 South Macoupin in Gillespie. Jennifer Alepra, branch manager of UCB’s Gillespie location, made the transaction official by presenting Hicks the keys to the building during Gillespie’s county meeting on January 12, 2015.
The action comes after UCB offered the building to Gillespie during a special city council meeting on December 3 with one exception, to close the transaction by the end of 2014. Treasurer Dan Fisher and other city council members jumped on the idea saying the building can be used as a “cornerstone for future development”.
Fisher reminded the council that they can move at their own pace on the building
Fisher reminded the council that they can move at their own pace on the building, but also told them he has been to three city municipal buildings over the last week that happened to be former bank buildings. He said the buildings were located in Carterville, Palmer and Vandalia. “I took pictures of what the renovations and how they decorated them,” Fisher closed.
City adds stop signs near daycare
The city council passed three ordinances Monday night in an attempt to slow traffic down near Teresa Pettit’s daycare on Fillmore Street in Gillespie. Ordinance #15-1 included a provision for a 4-way stop intersection on Easton and Fillmore Streets, #15-2 removed a yield right of way on Fillmore while #15-3 included a provision for a 4-way stop intersection on Edwards and Fillmore Streets.
The ordinances come after Teresa Pettit complained to the council during the December 2014 meeting. Pettit said vehicles travel too fast near her daycare which had five children during her presentation in December, but has a 12 child capacity.
The street department installed “Children Playing” signs back in December while the police committee reviewed the complaint.
Council reviews final plans of new Housing units
Jeff Meyer of Hurst Rosche presented the council with the final plans for the 15 new housing units that will be located on the North West side of Gillespie near Ash Street. Meyer said the council raised concerns about the drainage of the area and said engineers will fill the area with approximately two feet of fill. “I think that takes care of all the concerns,” Meyer said.
Fisher asked Meyer to have the engineers send the run-off water calculations to the city’s engineers to make sure the city is in agreement.
Jeff Meyer of Hurst Rosche presents the council with the final drawings for the new subdivision being construction by MCHA.
Meyer continued by asking the city to waive a stipulation for the housing department. The stipulation, which only pertains to subdivision developments, requires developers to file a security bond with the city. Meyer said the developer building the new housing units isn’t the average developer.
The council passed the waiver for the housing units and also passed Ordinance #14-21 vacating an Alleyway (Part of Block 11 Martin’s Subdivision) for the purpose of the housing.
Water Plant Demolition
Mayor Hicks opened and read eight different proposals from companies bidding to demolish the old water plant. The
The bids spanned from $15,000 to $146,500
Guest Recognition
Rick Fulton questioned the council if the funds were still allotted for the culvert project on Cedar Street. According to Fulton, a bus and car cannot pass in that area and the drainage is a problem as well. Mayor Hicks says IDOT approved the plans and the project is still on the books for warmer weather.
Monthly Police Report
Police Chief Jared DePoppe presented the council with December’s police report saying the department brought in $2,169.44 during the month. DePoppe noted $400 came from ordinance violations and $230 came from towing and impounds, court fines were unavailable for the month. Council members complimented the number ordinance violations the police department had.
The city council continued by accepting a $3,000 bid from B&B Auto Sales for the two retired police cars – a 2005 Crown Victoria and 2006 Crown Victoria. The bid was accepted unanimously.
Committee Reports
Lake chairman Frank Barrett requested permission to order boat stickers for 2015.
The street department has had six recent water breaks
Jerry Dolliger reported the street department has had six recent water breaks with two being in East Gillespie. He continued by saying the street sweeper is broke down, but he didn’t think it was a severe problem. The company that fixes it will be coming to pick it up since the city cannot haul it.
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SPRINGFIELD — Lincoln Land Community College has announced its full-time and part-time President’s and Vice President’s lists for the spring 2025 semester. Part-time students are enrolled in six to 11 credit hours while full-time students are enrolled in 12 or more credit hours.
Students who earned a 4.0 grade point average (GPA) are noted with an asterisk and earned President’s list honors. Students who earned between a GPA of 3.5-3.99 earned Vice President’s list honors. The excerpt below features Macoupin County students.
FULL-TIME STUDENTS
Bunker Hill – Logan R. Helling
Carlinville – Reid P. Evans*, Brody M. Reif
Gillespie – Maris E. Brill, Austin L. Grace*
Girard – Max Allen*, Katie Angulo*, Mick B. Downs*, Josh Hagerman, Reed Lewis, Michael S. Prose*
Mount Olive – Jakobb E. Brown*, Georgia G. Kampwerth
Palmyra – Alexis R. Bowman*
Staunton – Paige N. Horstmeyer*, Michael J. Matesa*, Lauren R. Mathis, Brandon Mo
Virden – Zorah E. Austin*, Michaeh N. Barnhouse*, Maddie Carver, Jackson R. Pierce*, Morgan C. Snell*, Grant M. Strickler, Courtney N. Ulinski*
PART-TIME STUDENTS
Benld – Christopher Young*
Carlinville – Alex C. Nance*, Jerry D. Nance Jr.*
Gillespie – Jessica L. Tiek*
Girard – Lindsey J. Ferguson*, Jackson R. Henke*, Natalie Moriconi*
Mount Olive – Kara A. Harmon*, Justin D. O’Neill*, Hayden Wylder*
Virden – Candace L. Carlile*, Lillian M. Carlile*, Natalie M. Little*, Josie P. Patterson, Luciano Pierce*
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The 2:18 Missions Team, a dedicated local outreach group based in Gillespie, is excited to announce its upcoming cookout fundraiser to support its community initiatives. The event will take place on Saturday, June 21st, at Randy’s Market in Benld.
From approximately 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., community members are invited to enjoy delicious homemade food while supporting a worthy cause. The menu will feature pork chops, pork burgers, hot dogs, and refreshing water — perfect for a summer day of good food and fellowship.
“All proceeds from this event will go directly toward our mission efforts to serve and uplift our community,” said a spokesperson for 2:18 Missions Team. “We’re grateful for the support of our neighbors and look forward to seeing everyone there!”
Come out to Randy’s Market in Benld on June 21st to enjoy a tasty meal, support local endeavors, and connect with others in the community.
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CARLINVILLE, IL – On June 14th, concerned citizens are invited to join a coalition of grassroots organizations to nonviolently protest in front of the Macoupin County Courthouse at 201 E. Main St. in Carlinville, IL, from 2:00pm – 4:00pm. This protest is one of over 1,400 protests taking place nationwide with millions of participants as part of the NO KINGS National Day of Action and mass mobilization in response to the increasing authoritarian excesses and corruption of the Trump administration.
Trump’s unconstitutional actions include suppressing free speech, detaining people for their political positions, deporting American citizens, defying the courts, and much more – all while enriching himself and his billionaire allies.
“Now Donald Trump is planning a military parade in Washington, D.C. on June 14th. This display of might is intended to intimidate opponents and solidify his image as a strongman, while paying for it with taxpayer dollars.”, said Kelley Hatlee, a volunteer organizer with the Macoupin County 50501and Indivisible movements. “Instead of allowing this military parade to be the center of attention, the NO KINGS nationwide protests make action everywhere else the story of America on June 14th: people coming together in communities across the country to reject strongman politics and corruption.”, said Hatlee.
“We’re showing up together as neighbors, friends, and fellow community members to say NO to authoritarianism and yes to a government that serves everyone,” said Chelsa Pruden, a volunteer organizer with Macoupin PRIDE and Macoupin County 50501 and Indivisible. “We’re tired of watching powerful people trample our rights and our voices. This protest is about reminding everyone, especially those in power, that real strength comes from the people.”
Participants are encouraged to make protest signs that convey their personal messages. Packaged, nonperishable food items will be accepted for donation to local food pantries to help low-income families who will be hit hardest by Trump’s policies.
The NO KINGS protest in Carlinville is organized by a volunteer coalition of the Macoupin PRIDE and the Macoupin County 50501 and Indivisible grassroots movements. The coalition has created a Facebook page titled “Macoupin County 50501 and Indivisible” for concerned citizens to follow.
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Madison Communications technicians and SCTE Gateway Chapter win first place
Beleagured board chairman responds to critics as County Board prepares to start budgeting process
