Community News
Village of Wilsonville commits $87,500 to rehab sewer system
President Annetta Veres (right) questions which police supplies the Wilsonville Police Department is needing. The supply purchase was later unanimously approved.
City officials in the Village of Wilsonville are hoping a grant will fix the town’s current lift station and lagoon issues.
The board voted unanimously last Monday, July 6, during their monthly business meeting to ratify a resolution supporting pursuit of a $262,500 federal Community Development Assistance Program (CDAP) grant and committing to a $87,500 local match.
If obtained, the project costing an estimated $350,000 could begin as early as 2016.
The CDAP application also stipulates that the project help benefit low to moderate income citizens, so village officials canvassed the community with income surveys to enhance the grant options. President Annetta Veres reported the village achieved the required quota of 185 completed surveys and ended up with a 67.5% low income rating.
“I know it doesn’t sound good, but it should really help our grant options,” Veres said of the low income rating obtained from the completed surveys. Veres thanked members of the board for canvassing the community and thanked everyone who wrote letters regarding the current lift station and lagoon issues.
Board increases Community Center Rental fee
In other action, the board approved to change the rental fee for the Community Center to a flat-rate of $100 with a $50 cleaning fee to be collected up front. The rental price is up from $50, which was charged to in-town residents, because the board cited numerous occasions where an in-town resident rented the establishment for an out-of-town resident.
Prior to the flat-rate rental proposition that was approved last week, out-of-town residents were charged $100 and in-town residents were charged $50 with an additional fee to be collected later if the Community Center was not cleaned after the event.
The rental fee is waived for funeral luncheons of in-town residents and community service events.
Shady Oak Park repairs
The board reviewed a material bid to repair the roofs of the remaining buildings located at the village-owned Shady Oak Park, but the board opted to accept more bids after the initial estimate a board trustee received was over $4,000.
[pullquote]We need to fix our property[/pullquote]The buildings remain include the fish stand and bingo stand. “This is city property,” trustee John Veres said of the run-down buildings. “We have invested in every other city-owned building in this village besides these. We need to fix our property.”
City officials voted 4-1 to accept bids to remove both buildings and also voted 5-0 to accept bids to replace the roofs on both buildings with shingles and metal.
Public Recognition
Violet VanDee complained that many yards in the village are in “bad shape” and asked the board to stay on the property owners who have yards that are in bad condition. VanDee explained she didn’t get any leniency when her yard was in rough shape and doesn’t believe anyone else should get such treatment.
Shirley Pomatto reported that her white clothing come out yellow after she washes her fabrics and asked if the village could be of any assistance. Board trustee Pam Zaksas explained that Pomatto’s experience has been known to happen when summers get dry and hot.
“It is very, very annoying,” Pomatto continued. Board members advised her to talk to her neighbors to see if any nearby neighbors are having the same issue to better understand how many residents are affected. Mayor Veres explained she would take a water sample from Pomatto’s residence to Gillespie to have it tested.
Sharon Borgini thanked trustee John Veres and wife Annetta for all the things they have done. “You may not know it, but people do appreciate the things you do. We do appreciate all you have done,” Borgini said. “I would just like our cop to issue some tickets on these junk cars and clean-up these yards.”
Ryan Montoro closed the public recognition forum by saying the village is just after the money in regard to occupancy permits. “I pay $100 for them and every time I get my house inspected, the building inspector tells me what is wrong with it,” Montoro said. “But then when he comes back, he always finds one more thing wrong – he should have found that the first time he inspected it.”
He continued by saying there are many houses in the community that people should not be living in, but they are and the building inspector is letting many violations “slide”. “People are living in houses that are not safe,” he closed. “It looks like he is just there for the money. Why are we wasting $100 for an occupancy permit if he is going to let things slide?”
[pullquote]You may not know it, but people do appreciate the things you do[/pullquote]President Veres defended the inspector saying she knows for a fact sometimes he has considered a submitted image of a repaired item as sufficient evidence to not return for another inspection.
New Business
The board explained they had a pump failure at the Center Street lift station and Flo Systems out of Troy, Illinois picked up the pump and reported it a total loss after examination. The board approved a new purchase to replace the pump for a cost of $924.16 and explained the village will submit a claim to Illinois Municipal League for partial reimbursement.
President Veres reported Wilsonville received a grant payment of $4,000 from Georgia Pacific at a special luncheon on July 2. “Thank you very much to the seniors for preparing and hosting the luncheon and to John Veres for his hard work to achieve the grant,” she added. Veres said the grant is being matched by the village to update the handicap accessibility at the Community Center.
The board unanimously approved to charge residents $20/scoop for rock purchases which also includes delivery.
The board also unanimously approved to spend $186 per a request from the village’s police officer to restock necessary supplies. The supplies purchased include reports, door tags and evidence bags.
Old Business
President Veres reported the village received the replacement title on the former police car and that the audit for the village is going well.
She continued by saying the barricades and batteries purchased worked out very well for closing streets during the July 4 celebration and extended her thanks to John Veres, Keith Mohr and David Day for setting up the barricades and controlling the traffic during that evening.
NEXT MEETING: The village’s next all-committee meeting will be held on Monday, July 27 at 7 p.m. and the next regular board meeting will be held on Monday, August 3 at 7 p.m.
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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.
