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Vertichio tells Newingham the water line is a big problem: Benld City Council

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Shari Albrecht explains the benefits of joining MEDP.

In a regular scheduled council meeting on December 12, Mickey Robinson questioned city attorney Rick Vertichio about a problem “that has risen in the past year and has been pending for a long time.” There is a water line that was put in and tapped onto off Benld’s main line that runs down Macoupin and Clark Street in Gillespie. “Someone that lives in the outside of Gillespie city limits is supposedly tapping onto our line,” Alderman Robinson went on to say, “He was supposedly told by the City of Benld that he has permission and I never gave him permission under my time as water commission. Also, no one knows who gave him permission to him to dig.”

The problem Robinson is referring to is Ned Newingham tapping onto Benld’s main water line that runs down Macoupin Street in Gillespie and then to Benld. Newingham lives outside of Gillespie’s city limits, but does not live in Benld’s municipality either. “My question is if he has tapped on it and he builds more buildings, what happens if there is a water break and who is responsible for the water loss?” Mickey questioned.

According to Rick Vertichio, no one is allowed to tap onto Benld’s line without permission but Mayor Jeff Hendricks assured everyone that Newingham did have permission. “I have been in contact with Mr. Newingham and the Gillespie mayor,” Mayor Hendricks opened, “We approved that tap, sold him that tap and he is legally tapped for that matter.” Hendricks went on to state that problems lie on how the water lines were ran by Newingham through the City of Gillespie.

Vertichio went on to say that the problem has nothing to do with the City of Benld yet because Benld can legally sell Newingham water even if he lives outside of Benld city limits under the permission of the City of Gillespie. “As long as that line is not serving residents inside of Gillespie’s corporate limits,” Vertichio stated, “I see no problems.” If there is any leaks or problems with the 930 feet of water line Newingham installed, Newingham has to fix the problems himself.

The tap on point where Newingham tapped on at is at the driveway of Ameren substation and is beyond Benld’s main meter. The only problem with the installed water line is there is no water meter where Newingham tapped on at and according to previous meeting minutes, he was told to have a shut off valve and a meter at the tap on point. There is a shut off valve installed, but there is no meter until the very end of the installed line.

“I realize what you are saying, “Newingham spoke up, “But when I talked to people here, they told me a meter by the tap was not needed.” Vertichio advised Newingham that 930 feet of unmetered water line is a huge problem and the meter needs to be moved up to tap on point.

Jesse Maynard from HMG Engineers provided some insight on when the project came through. “It was decided that the 4 inch tap was not included in the permit either. So as of now, there is 930 feet of 4″ water line that is obviously not permitted,” Maynard explained. “So not only does he need a 4″ meter tap on his tap-on point, he needs a permit for 930 feet of water line.” Maynard went on to say he is going to check from the EPA, but he is pretty sure Newingham would need a permit for a 4″ service tap from the EPA.

Jesse Maynard from HMG Engineers explains that Newingham's water line is not even permitted.

“I wish all of this would have been done sooner because it is a lot harder to put a meter in now,” Newingham advised, “But I will offer the City of Benld 750 feet of my water line, I got $10,000 in it.” Mayor Hendricks explained that it is up for discussion later, but that line would have to go through numerous EPA inspections. “There has not been a drop of water that has gone through that line,” Hendricks closed, “It has not been charged.”

Maynard went on to say that the Eiler Avenue project is complete and the amount due to Korte Luitjohan is $26,092. Maynard recommended passing the payment pending record drawings. The payment was passed 6-0 with all funds coming from a grant.

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Tilashakski then went on to question city attorney Rick Vertichio if the property on Kentucky and Park Avenue was all tied up or is it available for the city. “There is nothing that is all tied up, the only thing there is to do now is sell it,” Vertichio informed, “You have the complete go-ahead. If you can get a buyer, then let me know and I can draw up a contract.”

Next, Tilashakski questioned if there was any way the library could get any money back since they have put over $70,000 into it for repairs. “As I understand since Helitech got in there, it is a not a mine situation,” Tilashakski noted. Vertichio explained that the library was not constructed correctly and yes, there is a statute of repose but on the downside it is only 10 years and the library is past that. All claims against the construction of a building is 4 years from when the damage is discovered, but no more than 10 years from when the discovery occurs.

After voting 6-0 to renew the Macoupin County Economic Development membership, the council heard from Shari Albrecht. The rate is based on population and is $1 per person according to the 2010 census information. “I am sure you all are aware that MEDP was awarded $75,000 from the State of Illinois to award small businesses with energy efficient grants,” Albrecht opened. MEDP recruited 7 new businesses this year to Macoupin County as well as hosted 4 business education workshops. MEDP also maintains a business insight database which is a national listing of Macoupin County proprieties available for purchase or lease.

Shari went on to explain that Ken Snider purchased a building in downtown Benld to open a winery and applied for a grant to upgrade the furnace and air conditioning. Since Benld is a member of MEDP, the grant was available and awarded to Ken for the amount of $5,000.

“I would like to thank MEDP and Shari Albrecht for the tremendous amount of help for my project,” Ken stated, “I thank everyone for their support.” The building Snider bought is the previous Benld Packing Company that rests on 5th and Central.

Lynn Fraelle thanked the council for their help in the Benld Christmas dinner and referred to the event “a huge success.” Fraelle went on to say that Build Benld had a sign made for the Veteran’s Memorial. The sign will be erected in the park and the frame will be made by Chuck Voyles.

After hearing from the pubic, Mickey Robinson gave his report on city properties. First and foremost, the civic center has been upgraded after the south wall was painted. The only thing left is to paint the bathrooms. Secondly, Robinson stated there is a 60-80 foot tree that is about 70% dead on the east side and about 95% dead on the west side at 604 North 6th Street. All other committee reports paid and approved all bills.

Mayor Jeff Hendricks reads the new insurance proposals.

Under new business, the tax levy ordinance was approved for the amount of $1,905,092.00. Last year the levy was increased 1.5%, but this year it remained the same and is identical to last year’s. Recently, the mayor met with the insurance group and received the new proposal based on the amount of employees and current employees the city has.

The new proposal increased the deductible from $500 to $1,000 and increased the out of pocket from $2,000 to $2,500 and the city will save an overall 5% from last years premium by doing so. The city will take the 5% savings and will set up and insurance fund so when the employees reach the out of pocket expense, the city will cover $500 so that will leave the employees where they are at benefit wise. The new insurance proposal was passed 6-0.

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Gillespie teen wins drive safe Chicago video contest

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Wins $2,000 Prize and Video She Created will Air on 160 TV Stations Nationwide

CHICAGO – Emily Bergen, 16, a student at Gillespie High School in Gillespie, has won the annual Drive Safe Chicago public service announcement contest.  Antonio Knott, 15, of Merrillville High School in Merrillville IN, placed second in the voting, and Noelani Elizalde, 17, also from Merrillville High School, was third. 

Sponsored by the National Road Safety Foundation in partnership with the Chicago Auto Show, teens from Illinois and surrounding states were invited to submit ideas for a 30-second PSA about sharing the road with other passenger vehicles, trucks, motorcycles and pedestrians.

Three finalists were selected and each worked with an Emmy Award-winning producer to transform their PSA submissions into 30-second TV public service announcements.  The public was then able to vote for their favorite online.  More than 1,400 online votes were cast.

The winner received $2,000 and will be featured on nationally-syndicated Teen Kids News, reaching more than 160 TV stations across the country. The first runner-up got $1,000 and the second runner-up won $500.  All three finalists’ teachers received $100 gift cards.

Bergen’s winning PSA shows a young driver starting her car and pressing a “share the road” button.  As she drives, an AI voice warns her of a bicyclist, a pedestrian and children in a school zone. The voice then reminds her, “Cars don’t come with devices like me, which is why you need to know how to share the road.”

“The carnage on our roads can be reduced if drivers remain aware of others who share the road,” said Michelle Anderson of The National Road Safety Foundation, a non-profit organization that promotes safe driving. “We think the creative ideas about sharing the road from our Drive Safe Chicago winner and runners-up convey that message effectively.”

“Although today’s new cars are safer than ever, with technological advances that are proven to help avoid crashes,” said Chicago Auto Show Chairwoman Kelly Webb Roberts, “drivers must still be aware of others they are sharing the road with, whether it’s a car, truck, motorcycle, bicycle or pedestrians.”

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The National Road Safety Foundation says driver error accounts for 94 percent of all fatal crashes, with speeding and driver distraction among the leading factors.  The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that 40,990 people died on U.S. roads and highways in 2023, with hundreds of thousands of injuries and an estimated annual cost of more than $340 billion.

View Bergen’s winning video below:

Bergen’s video is also featured center on the National Road Safety Foundation’s website with the runners-up videos to the right and to the left: https://m.shortstack.page/NLxMqT

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L&C announces fall 2024 honors lists

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Lewis and Clark Community College

Students earning a cumulative grade point average of 3.75 or higher out of a possible 4.0 are named to the President’s List. Those students earning a grade point average between 3.25 and 3.74 are recognized each semester on the Dean’s List.

Further requirements are listed in the college’s online catalog at http://catalog.lc.edu. All questions should be directed to the Enrollment Center at (618) 468-2222. Below is an excerpt containing students residing in Macoupin County.

President’s List

BENLD – Ryleigh L. Phillips; Zander E. Rieffer; Emily R. Schoen; Tristen B. Wargo;

BRIGHTON – Brandon M. Adams; Ike D. Austin; Lainie L. Behrends; Reagan Beilsmith; Ian C. Brantley; Tina M. Brass; Lane Cox; Madison P. Fenstermaker; Hunter D. Gillis; Hailey Gula; Alexis R. Harrop; Gavin Humm; Thomas D. Kunz; Nicholas O. McGee; Audrey A. Perkins; Ava J. Pulley; Alyssa J. Schuchman; Addison Strohbeck; Sydney A. Valdes; Abby Van Doren; Piper L. Voorhees; Madelyn E. Zarges;

BUNKER HILL – Alex Betts; Grant J. Burch; Kayleigh K. Butler; Abigayle L. Collins; Denise Deias; Braden T. Fulton; Dillon M. Guess; Maya R. Henfling; Hannah J. Herrmann; Madalynn Hilyard; Madelyn Landreth; William Manar; Kaylee L. Richert; Andrew Sanner; Abby N. Spraggs; Noah A. Thyer;

CARLINVILLE – Jack E. Beard; Matthew J. Eldred; Jack Goby; Stephanie K. Harding; Gabriel R. Henson; Alexsis A. Kalaher; Weston E. Kuykendall; Lillian McCurley; Emerald Ondrey; Joanna M. Roemer; Jessica N. Strubbe; Karleina J. Tipps; Samuel L. Wilson;

GILLESPIE – Lauren E. Bertagnolli; Ean L. Davis; Lanie G. Doty; Kennedy G. Helmkamp;

MEDORA – Aubrey M. Reno; Anneliese M. Shatley; Haleigh Sinclair;

SHIPMAN – Alyssa L. Beck; Gracie B. Darr; Addison A. Jeffers; Tyson Kahl; Josiah A. Schuette; Bailee A. Sorgea;

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SOUTH ROXANA – Lyndsey M. Johansen; Caden O. Lara; Savanah M. Stogsdill;

STAUNTON – Julie A. Aloisi; Samantha R. Anderson; Zane P. Anderson; Shane Baker; Lilly M. Bandy; Grace Bekeske; Gianna Bianco; Carson G. Buffington; Kiersten L. Carlson; Karla J. Castillo; Izabella Claussen; Lillian Dothager; Olivia M. Favre; Eli J. Henke; Alexis A. Hester; Samantha D. Hoffman; Harold I. Irvin, III; Dylan Jarden; Korryn O. Keehner; Nicholas L. Raphael; Alexis P. Schaaf; Brady Seelbach; Carli L. Skinner; Cole Sternickle; Tyler J. Thompson; Lilly Trettenero; Lillyan S. Troeckler;

Dean’s List

BENLD – Ridge A. Braundmeier; Kaitlynn E. Conner; Elizabeth M. King; Alyssa S. McCollum; Marria D. Middleton; Alyssa F. Schuette;

BRIGHTON – Garrett R. Beuttel; Troy J. Brooks; Emily Y. Cambron; Jacob G. Carpenter; Lucy Childress; Olivia Cody; Logan T. Crane; Tristyn N. Ditterline; Kaylin G. Gerard; Cooper J. Hagen; Ashlyn K. Hall; Evan Hanold; Samuel J. Harshbarger; Amelia R. Hines-Pattan; Ella J. Kadell; Daylin M. King; Kayla A. Lemarr; Tucker Mayhew; Elizabeth L. Milford; Stacey M. Mynatt; Blythe E. Roloff; Jordan R. Short; Shiann Vinson; Grace A. Wylde;

BUNKER HILL – Cole T. Burch; Hanna N. Heeren; Madelynne K. Heflin; Taylor Miklavic; Katelyn J. Miller; Abigail G. Scott;

CARLINVILLE – Boedy E. Baker; Emily A. Barbre; Zachary Chapman; Ella R. Clevenger; Alana N. Dixon; Alison J. Dixon; Nathan Dyer; Addison Eldred; Saralynn I. Joiner; Henry S. Kalaher; William G. Meyer; Chloe A. Payne; Amy L. Pocklington; Jack Rives; Lanna P. Vanderpoel; Ella C. Wise; Braley M. Wiser;

GILLESPIE – Reese E. Bussmann; Regan E. Bussmann; Addie M. Hayes; Karter Mix; Adrianne B. Niemeyer; Grace J. Vandoren; Shannon L. Wright;

MOUNT OLIVE – Libbie M. Nowell;

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PIASA – Anna C. Fink;

SHIPMAN – Kaden G. Cottingham; Rocky Darr; Kathryn M. Mueller; Sayuri Owada; Rocky J. Rose;

STAUNTON – Rylee K. Baugh; David S. Dann; Belle M. Darte; Jacob A. Dillon; Vivienne Dothager; Sean T. Fleming; Kennedy L. Legendre; Zander MacHota; Savannah M. Missey; Nicholas Monahan; Nicole M. Narup; Kelley Perrine; Christopher S. Pritchett; Alivia Royer; Katie N. Schalk; Lakesi Settles; Priya E. Siegfried; Justin A. Smith; Kylie A. Tomso; Whitney Weller;

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Gillespie to host blood drive on Feb. 17

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Gillespie Community will host a Community Blood Drive with ImpactLife, the provider of blood components for local hospitals. The blood drive will be from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm on Monday, February 17 at 900 Broadway, inside Gillespie Methodist Church Gym.

To donate, please contact Brenda Lowe at (217) 710-1336 or visit www.bloodcenter.org and use code 60020 to locate the drive. You may also call ImpactLife to schedule at 800-747-5401. Appointments are requested.

Potential donors must be at least 17 years of age (16 with parental permission form available through www.bloodcenter.org) and weigh more than 110 pounds. A photo I.D. is required to donate.  For questions about eligibility, please call ImpactLife at (800) 747 5401. Donors who last gave blood on or before 12/23/24 are eligible to give at this drive.

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