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”.
[pullquote]Fisher reminded the council that they can move at their own pace on the building[/pullquote]The city council later accepted the building by a 6-1 vote back in December and finalized the paperwork over the remainder of the month to make sure everything was completed by the bank’s deadline. Alepra made the transaction official on Monday evening.
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 [pullquote]The bids spanned from $15,000 to $146,500[/pullquote]bids spanned from $15,000 to $146,500 with several companies not bidding to remove the hazmat items inside. The council turned the bids over to the water committee to review and compare all of the bids while urging the committee members to contact the companies if they have any questions.
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.
[pullquote]The street department has had six recent water breaks[/pullquote]Alderman Gus Ottersburg motioned to purchase a 20 foot long trailer that is 8.5 feet wide for the water department. The trailer, which includes a side door and ramp on the end, is $5,125 from Victory Lane Ford of Litchfield. Ottersburg said it would replace the water department’s van and be much easier to load tools and machines into. The council unanimously approved his motion.
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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FELONIES
Andrew K. Ridens, 37 of Staunton, is charged with possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams) in connection with a November 28 incident.
William T. Overturf, 39 of Benld, is charged with unlawful possession of a credit/debit card and theft/unauthorized control (<$500) in connection with a December 2 incident.
Justin A. Collins, 37 of Gillespie, is charged with aggravated fleeing police (21 mph over the limit) and aggravated fleeing (disregarding two or more traffic control devices) in connection with a November 20 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Bradyn W. Blum, 23 of Gillespie, is charged with criminal trespass to a building in connection with a November 30 incident.
Joseph L. Schnurr, 63 of De Soto, MO, is charged with criminal trespass to a vehicle/physical control and criminal trespass to a building in connection with a November 2 incident.
Noel J. Kennon, 47 of Benld, is charged with criminal trespass to a residence in connection with a December 4 incident.
Aaron M. Slifka, 33 of Livingston, is charged with violation of an order of protection in connection with a November 18 incident.
TRAFFIC
Anna R. Wallace, 41 of Staunton, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration and driving 21-25 mph above the limit in connection with a November 22 incident.
Jonah L. Rogers, 46 of Gillespie, is charged with driving while never issued a license, improper passing of an emergency vehicle, and transporting/carrying alcohol/driver.
Joseph M. Holt, 19 of Milwaukee, WI, is charged with driving while never issued a license and not driving on the right side of the road in connection with a November 28 incident.
Dylan T. Baker, 26 of Gillespie, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit in connection with a November 27 incident.
Micah D. Cooper, 25 of Saint Louis, MO, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit in connection with a November 27 incident.
Brian L. Breeden Jr, 41 of Carlinville, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a November 21 incident.
Zackarie A. McDuffie, 30 of Nilwood, is charged with driving on a revoked license, unlawful possession of cannabis/driver, and no window treatment/adjacent/driver in connection with a December 2 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Cindy Cozad versus Christopher Cozad
MARRIAGE LICENSES
- Zachary V. Sutton and Christine M. Burley Hill, both of Virden.
Comments
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of South Second Street in reference to criminal trespass to a residence.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Baker Street in reference to a motorist assist.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2025
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
Jessie J. Waugh, 27 of Gillespie, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear on a traffic offense.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Berry Street in Mt. Clare in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Lincoln Avenue in Eagarville in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Broadway Street in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of South 6th Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of West Elm Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Lincoln in Eagarville in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of East Elm Street in reference to a theft.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 1100 block of Abba Street in reference to neighborhood trouble.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of North 8th Street in Benld in reference to security check.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Elm Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Oak Street in reference to a 911 call.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of West Pine Street in reference toa vehicle theft. Joseph L. Schnurr, 63 of Eagarville, was arrested for criminal trespass to state-supported property and motor vehicle theft.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a theft. William T. Overturf, 39 of Benld, was arrested for theft.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of North 2nd Street in Benld in reference to a keep the peace.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Shelby Street in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Locust Street in Benld in reference to a security check.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Park Avenue in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
The School Resource Officer was dispatched to a juvenile issue that took place at Gillespie High School.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of LJ Avenue in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Western Street in reference to a theft.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to a 911 call.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Gillespie Street in reference to a residential burglary and criminal damage to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of East Locust Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespass. Noel J. Kennon, 47 of Benld, was arrested for criminal trespass to a residence and resisting a peace officer.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to child custody issues.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of 7th Street in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Avenue and Main Street in Benld. Jammie L. Tomblingson, 45 of Shipman, was issued a citation for driving on a suspended registration.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to an alarm sounding.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Hard Road in Mt. Clare in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 1100 block of Abba Street in reference to neighborhood trouble.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of North Kentucky Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 200 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 300 block of East Oak Street.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to East Maple Street and North Macoupin Street in reference to reckless driving.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2025
An officer was out with a suspicious vehicle in the 100 block of South Main Street in Benld, blocking traffic.
Officers were dispatched to a fully engulfed structure fire in the 100 block of South Lincoln in Eagarville. Illinois State Fire Marshals were contacted.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Hard Road in Benld in reference to a suicidal subject.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 600 block of Broadway Street in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to disorderly conduct.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of East Chestnut Street in reference to illegal burning.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Walnut Street in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer made contact with a female in the 100 block of East Oak Street in reference to recovered property.
An officer was dispatched to the 2300 block of Staunton Road in Mt. Clare in reference to a civil issue
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Broadway Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to a 911 call.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Comments
FELONIES
Austin C. Drake, 30 of Girard, is charged with theft/unauthorized control (>$500<$10k) and bad checks/obtaining control of property in connection with a September 22 and an October 7 incident.
William C. Cooper, 41 of Gillespie, is charged with burglary in connection with a November 1 incident.
Joseph L. Schnurr, 63 of De Soto, Mo, is charged with aggravated fleeing in connection with a November 26 incident.
Derek J. Bultema, 40 of Gillespie, is charged with possession of methamphetamine in connection with a November 26 incident.
Brandon A. Martin, 26 of Wood River, is charged with aiding/abetting/possession/selling a stolen vehicle and aggravated fleeing in connection with a November 26 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Richard J. Williams, 44 of Staunton, is charged with criminal trespass to a vehicle in connection with a November 14 incident.
Ryne L. Manion, 41 of Mt. Olive, is charged with criminal trespass to a building in connection with a November 20 incident.
TRAFFIC
Terence L. Binion, 51 of University City, MO, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with a November 22 incident.
Andrew J. Goewey, 34 of Sawyerville, is charged with driving on a revoked license and driving 21-25 mph above the limit in connection with a November 22 incident.
Teresa J. Niewiadomski, 47 of Bethalto, is charged with driving on a suspended license, expired registration, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a November 19 incident.
Keona D. Roos, 22 of Freeburg, is charged with driving on a suspended license, improper use of registration/title, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and no valid registration in connection with a November 21 incident.
Zachary A. Johnston, 44 of Gillespie, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with a November 23 incident.
Alexis R. Spann, 32 of Auburn, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a November 19 incident.
Alicia N. Tamosaitis, 29 of Girard, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with a November 19 incident.
Justin A. Collins, 37 of Gillespie, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with a November 20 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Allan L. Petit versus Teresa M. Pettit
