Community News
Wilsonville Community Center will get new sign
The design of the sign that will be placed on the Wilsonville Community Center.
Wilsonville’s Community Center will get a new sign to identify the building as a result of action taken Monday night by the Wilsonville Village Board. The board also approved a resolution calling upon state government leaders to release motor fuel tax funds currently held in limbo by the state budget stalemate, cited a village resident for an ordinance violation, placed ditch mowing responsibility on residents and discussed billing residents for water used if a fire occurs at their residence.
The board selected one of three designs presented by local graphic artist Brandace Cloud and asked Cloud to produce the design in burgundy and gray to coordinate with the cream colored siding on the Community Center. They also asked Cloud to add the slogan “The Little Town that Roared” to the design, a reference to the village’s landmark battle four decades ago to force the Earthline Corp. to remove toxic materials from a dump site adjoining the village.
Cloud will present a revised version of the design, before transferring it to a piece of three-quarter-inch plywood. The logo’s irregular shape will be cut out of the plywood panel before the sign is mounted on the side of the building, replacing a decades-old sign that recently was taken down.
Board votes to cite resident with ordinance violation
Board members met in executive session for about 30 minutes before voting to cite a village resident for allegedly tampering with a corporation turn-on and illegally cutting off a lock on a meter setter valves. The ordinance violation carries a fine of $75. The board directed the city police chief to serve the citation on Martin.
Board places ditch mowing responsibility on residents
By a vote of 5-1, the board approved a new ordinance requiring village property owners to mow grass in ditches adjoining their property and maintain culverts associated with the ditch. The ordinance includes provisions for the city to mow ditches if the property owner fails to do so at a cost of $1 per lineal foot with a minimum of $25. It also authorizes city workers to maintain culverts when necessary at a cost to the property owner of $20 per hour with a minimum of $40, plus the cost of equipment rental.
Trustee Dave Day initially objected to the ordinance, saying it was unfair to elderly property owners who may not be physically able to mow their ditches and maintain culverts. The ordinance also makes no provision for ditches that may be too steep or too deep to mow.
I don’t think it’s fair to penalize older people because they can’t cut their grass
“I wanted to make it steep because I don’t want us to get into the business of cutting the grass in ditches,” said Trustee John Veres, who chairs the ordinance committee. Expecting further reductions in state and federal funding to the village, Veres said residents must start taking more financial responsibility for maintaining infrastructure. “It’s not an entitlement. Small communities like ours cannot afford to do this kind of work. This puts the onus back onto the property owner.”
After the discussion, Day moved to adopt the ordinance with a second by Pam Zaksas. The measure passed with Carr casting the single dissenting vote.
Village considering billing residents for water used to fight fires
Trustee Veres told the council that he plans to research policies in place in nearby communities regarding water usage during firefighting activities. He indicated that he wants to propose an ordinance that would bill property owners for water usage when fire fighters respond to a fire on their property. It would be relatively easy to estimate the amount of water used during an incident, he said, but he noted that some communities charge a flat fee for water usage. Such fees, he said, should be covered by the property owner’s insurance policy.
“If you’re talking 20,000 gallons, look at how much we’re losing,” he explained.
Village calls on State of Illinois
On a motion by John Veres, seconded by Bob Carr, the council voted unanimously to approve a resolution calling upon the state government to release motor fuel tax funds as well as other non-general fund tax collections. The state has withheld distribution of such funds to local municipalities because the budget stalemate precludes appropriating the funds for distribution. The resolution argues the funds are collected for specific purposes and should not be subject to appropriation while the legislature and governor continue to debate the budget.
The state has been without a budget since the close of the last fiscal year on June 30. Copies of the resolution approved Monday night will be sent to the governor, senate president, speaker of the house, and majority and minority leaders in both houses of the legislature.
Board tables noise ordinance
The board tabled action on adopting a noise ordinance suggested by a village resident until each of the trustees has a copy of an updated ordinance book so they can compare the existing ordinance on noise to the proposal. The resident had suggested that the board adopt an ordinance based on the noise ordinance in place in the City of Benld, which bans excessive noise that disturbs the peace from vehicles, sound amplification systems and from shouting or yelling, and sets a fine of $75 for a first offense and up to $750 for subsequent offenses.
“Is this more detailed than ours?” Zaksas asked.
“They are pretty much the same,” said Day, who is compiling updated ordinance books for board members. “Ours is actually better than theirs.” Day said the existing Wilsonville ordinance not only is more detailed in defining the types of excessive noise covered, but also provides for a permit residents can purchase if they are hosting a party or some other event likely to result in higher noise levels for a temporary period of time.
Other business action
- As a result of discussions taking place in executive session, the board voted to retain Flower’s Sanitation to remove debris from around a shed owned by Danny Holden on Washington Street at Stemme Street. The property reportedly was previously deemed a public nuisance, but has not yet been cleaned up by the property owner.
- Board members also voted to issue an ordinance violation citation to the owner of a burned out mobile home located in the 100 block of Mor Street.
- Board members voted unanimously to repair a pump from the Liberty Lift Station at a cost of $1,315. Mayor Annetta Veres said the repair bill will be turned in to the village’s insurance company. The policy carries a $500 deductible. John Veres said the repair will give the village its third working pump available for back-up.
- Upon the recommendation of Zaksas, the board voted unanimously to reinvest a $16,165 certificate of deposit coming due on Dec. 4. Zaksas will check with local banking institutions and reinvest the CD at the best available interest rate.
- Board members also voted unanimously to reappoint Trustee Deno Filippini to represent the village on the Gillespie/Benld Area Ambulance Service board of trustees for a two-year term. “I started with the Ambulance Service in 1988,” said Filippini, “and I’m going to stay with it.”
- Mayor Veres announced three upcoming events scheduled at the Community Center. A free turkey dinner and dance is set for Saturday evening, Nov. 7, with the meal served at 5:30 p.m. and dancing to begin at 6:30 p.m. Those attending are asked to being a side dish. A children’s Christmas Party for children of village residents is set for Dec. 5. The annual senior citizens Christmas party, catered by Fema’s of Benld, is set for Dec. 13. The cost for the village is $9 per person, but is free for village seniors.
- Veres also announced the city recently purchased 100 new chairs for the Community Center. On her recommendation, the board declared the old chairs as surplus property and offer them for sale for $5 each. Village residents will have the first opportunity to purchase used chairs at the Community Center on Saturday, Nov. 7. Tables also will be available at a cost of $20 for smaller tables and $30 for the larger ones. Furniture remaining after Saturday will be offered for sale on a regifting Facebook site.
- Mayor Veres asked board members to consider pledging money privately for her participation in a One Step at a Time challenge sponsored by the Illinois Coalition for Community Services to raise money for youth and family programming in Wilsonville. Through the challenge, supporters can pledge $1 per step. Each step is about 2.5 feet in length. Veres said her goal is to raise $20,000–the equivalent of 10 miles. Money raised locally will remain in the community, she said. The walk will take place later this month.
- Trustee Carr reported that McKay Auto Parts had donated to the city a Porta Power jack to be used for opening collapsed culverts.
- The board voted to pay $14,351 in dues to the Illinois Municipal League, The amount includes a $145 discount for early payment.
- The board voted to pay $1,351.70 bill from Sievers Equipment for repairing a tractor radiator and to submit the bill to the village’s insurance company.
NEXT MEETING: The Wilsonville Village board will meet again on December 7, 2015, at 7 p.m.
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FELONIES
Rex J. White, 49 of Mount Olive, is charged with aggravated fleeing police (21 mph over), reckless driving, improper use of registration/title, unlicensed, operating a motor vehicle with registration/suspended , and driving 1-10 mph above the limit in connection with a November 15 incident.
Britteny D M Herr, 30 of Brighton, is charged with violation of an order with a prior violation in connection with a November 17 incident.
Christopher L. Black, 42 of Virden, is charged with aiding/abetting/selling a stolen vehicle and driving on a revoked license in connection with a November 17 incident.
Jesse D. Cimino, 42 of Troy, is charged with possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams) in connection with a September 1 incident.
Jennifer R. Haneline, 39 of Godfrey, is charged with burglary and theft/authorized control (>500<10k) in connection with an August 6 incident.
Simone R. Para, 51 of Girard, is charged with possession of a controlled substance and driving under the influence of drugs in connection with an October 13 incident.
Crystal D. Hoffman, 45 of Staunton, is charged with obstruction of justice/destroying evidence and driving under the influence of alcohol in connection with a November 11 incident.
Andrew P. Hansen, 47 of Carlinville, is charged with received/possession/selling stolen vehicle and possession of meth (<5 grams) in connection with a November 20 incident.
Justin C. Grider, 42 of Carlinville, is charged with two counts of aggravated assault/operating a motor vehicle in connection with a November 21 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Jacqueline B. Jessen, 42 of Girard, is charged with giving/selling liquor to a minor in connection with a November 14 incident.
Perry L. Lair, 62 of Virden, is charged with giving/selling liquor to a minor in connection with a November 14 incident.
Kara E. Estes, 37 of Girard, is charged with giving/selling liquor to a minor in connection with a November 14 incident.
Melissa R. Robinson, 36 of Farmersville, is charged with giving/selling liquor to a minor in connection with a November 14 incident.
Kenneth J. Barker, 38 of Litchfield, is charged with resisting a peace officer/firefighter/corrections employee in connection with a November 19 incident.
Julio Isaias Pedro Felipe, 36 of Springfield, is charged with giving/selling liquor to a minor in connection with a November 14 incident.
TRAFFIC
Amanda J. Eberwein, 27 of Virden, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a November 12 incident.
Katherine F. Fugitt, 33 of Springfield, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with a November 15 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Michael C. Cummings versus Tracy L. Cummings
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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2024
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Pine Street. Michael C. Malone, 59 of Melbourne, Florida, was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and disregarding a stop sign.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South Illinois Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Henry Street in reference to suspicious persons.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Hickory Street in Benld in reference to a suspicious noise.
An officer was dispatched to South Second Street in reference to reckless driving.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Illinois Avenue in East Gillespie. Matthew R. Bowen, 18 of Fairview Heights, was issued a citation for operating an uninsured motor vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Pine Street in reference to a medical assist.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Park Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Chestnut Street in reference to a medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Chestnut Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Elm Street and Clinton Street. Samantha L. Jansen, 53 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for operating an uninsured motor vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to Staunton Road in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to the 200 block of East Locust Street in Benld in reference to trespassing.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Charles Street in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of East Oak Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Broadway Street in reference to a business security check.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Green Street and Easton Street. McKenna N. Kampwerth, 21 of South Roxana, was arrested on multiple warrants. The South Roxana warrant was for failure to appear for traffic leaving the scene, the warrant out of Wood River was for possession of meth, and the warrant out of Collinsville was for possession of meth.
An officer was dispatched to East Gillespie on Route 16 East to Assist an Illinois State trooper with a call.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 300 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to an electrical fire.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Walnut Street in reference to a battery.
Keshawn K. Bush, 40 of Gillespie, was arrested for criminal trespass to state supported property.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Oak Street reference criminal trespass to property.
Brandon L. Smith, 29 of Gillespie, was arrested on a warrant out of Macoupin County for failure to appear on a traffic offense.
Ryan D. Shoger, 37 of Gillespie, was arrested on a warrant out of Macoupin County for failure to appear on possession of methamphetamine.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Elm Street. Jesus E. Cabrera-Ramirez, 33 of Gilbert, AZ, was issued a citation for disregarding a stop sign and operating an uninsured motor vehicle.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Elm Street. Alison M. Whitehead, 29 of Staunton, was issued a citation for expired registration.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Willow Street in Benld in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to an order of protection in the 700 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2024
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Broadway Street and LJ Avenue. Layla R. Eden, 18 of Bunker Hill, was arrested for driving while license was suspended and possession of alcoholic liquor under the age of 21.
An officer was dispatched to Easton Street and Macoupin Street in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to Oak Street and South 1st Street in Benld in reference to a fire. The officer discovered it was a control burn.
An officer was dispatched to a business at East Central Avenue in Benld in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the 1100 block of Abba Street in reference to an alarm.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Broadway Street in reference to a medical assist.
An officer spoke with a male in the 200 block of Hickory Street in Benld in reference to a civil issue.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Illinois Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
Ashleigh K. Bethel, 40 of Benld, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear while driving while license are revoked.
The school resource officer was contacted by the high school counselor and advised him of a sexual assault.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie Street reference a burglary.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to retail theft. David A. Orear, 33 of Gillespie, was arrested for retail theft.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Illinois Street in Benld in reference to a domestic. Donald E. Ruyle, 51 of Benld, was arrested for domestic battery.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South Jersey Street in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Easton Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer spoke with a male in the 300 block of East Spruce Street in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to Pine Street and Shelby Street in reference to an ordinance issue.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 500 block of East Elm Street in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to 6th Street in Benld in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Illinois Avenue in East Gillespie. Bruce E. Jackson, 64 of Benld, was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Broadway Street in reference to a suspicious person.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Charles Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Broadway Street and LJ Avenue. Joseph W. Webb, 37 of Gillespie, was arrested for no valid driver’s license and driving while license was suspended.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Park Avenue in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to Route 16 East in East Gillespie in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of East Elm Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 700 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie.
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with a female in reference to a civil issue in the 300 block of Park Avenue.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Oak Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of South 8th Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Chestnut Street in reference to a death investigation.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Henry Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 100 block of South Hard Road in Mt. Clare reference a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Plum Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to Grace Street and Clinton Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Walnut Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a civil standby.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a business check.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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FELONIES
Levi T. Kroll, 35 of Eagarville, is charged with aggravated battery of a peace officer in connection with a November 10 incident.
David J. Karrick, 44 of Virden, is charged with residential burglary and criminal trespass to residence in connection with a November 10 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Jason H. Rells, 50 of Virden, is charged with resisting a peace officer/ firefighter/corrections employee in connection with a November 13 incident.
TRAFFIC
Justin H. Bodine, 42 of Springfield, is charged with driving on a suspended license and canceled/revoked/suspended registration in connection with an October 26 incident.
Christopher L. Black, 42 of Virden, is charged with driving on a suspended license, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and no valid registration in connection with an October 30 incident.
Christopher R. Lott, 47 of Carlinville, is charged with failure to notify of damage to an unattended vehicle in connection with a November 2 incident.
Stephanie K. Short, 59 of Bunker Hill, is charged with reckless driving, fleeing/attempting to elude officer, and disregarding a stop sign in connection with an October 31 incident.
Stacey L. Hart, 54 of Gillespie, is charged with reckless driving and leaving the scene in connection with an October 27 incident.
Troy J. Camerer, 52 of Gillespie, is charged with reckless driving, leaving the scene, failure to give notice of crash, and improper traffic lane usage in connection with an October 30 incident.
Lucas J. Edwards, 22 of Caledonia, is charged with reckless driving, fleeing/attempting to elude officers, speeding 26-34 mph over the limit, and being unlicensed in connection with a November 11 incident.
Allen D. James Jr, 62 of Virden, is charged with reckless driving in connection with an October 30 incident.
Zachary S. Hoffstot, 44 of Mount Olive, is charged with driving on a revoked license, operating a motor vehicle with suspended registration, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a November 6 incident.
Dustin P. Cunningham, 33 of Greenfield, is charged with driving on a suspended license and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a November 11 incident.
Courtney R. Coonce, 31 of Carlinville, is charged with driving on a revoked license and transporting/carrying alcohol in connection with a November 8 incident.
Ashley R. Winters, 38 of Kane, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration in connection with a November 12 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Jennifer M. Bushue versus Jesse J. Bushue
MARRIAGE LICENSES
- Daniel Robert Dobrino of Benld and Hannah Marie Pritchett of Edwardsville
