Petersburg Police Department

09/04/2021

On 09/04/21 at approximately 12:23pm, Menard County Sheriff’s Deputies and members of the US Marshal’s Violent Fugitive Task Force took Raymond D. Gum into custody at a residence in the 300 block of E. Liberty in Petersburg, on a Missouri arrest warrant for murder in the first degree and armed criminal action.

The sheriff’s office would like to extend our appreciation to the US Marshals Violent Fugitive Task Force, Missouri Highway Patrol, Petersburg Police, and Athens Police for their assistance in this investigation. We would also like to thank the public for their information, support, and cooperation. No further details are available regarding this matter.

The public is reminded that all suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. We ask that any and all comments on this page remain civil and respectful. Thank you.

09/04/2021

**UPDATED — THIS INDIVIDUAL IS IN CUSTODY**

09-03-21, the Menard County Sheriff's Office was contacted by the Missouri State Highway Patrol – Division of Criminal investigation regarding a homicide investigation. MHP advised that they were currently investigating a homicide and had identified Raymond D. Gum, age 34, as a person of interest in the investigation. Gum has previously been a resident of Petersburg and has numerous ties to the area. Sheriff's deputies and Petersburg officers attempted to locate Gum, but were unsuccessful.

During the evening hours on 09/03/21, the vehicle that Gum was alleged to have been driving was located in a remote location in rural Petersburg. Deputies were able to confirm that during the early morning hours of 09/03/21, Gum was in the area where the vehicle was located. Deputies and officers are continuing to attempt to locate Gum at this time, but it is believed he is no longer in the area where the vehicle was located.

A warrant has been issued by the State of Missouri for the arrest of Raymond D. Gum for the offenses of Murder in the First Degree and Armed Criminal Action. Gum is described as a white male, approximately 5'10” and weighing approximately 240 pounds. Please see attached photos.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Gum is urged to please contact the Menard County Sheriff's Office at 217-632-2273 or Sangamon/Menard County Crime Stoppers at 217-788-8427. Gum should be considered armed and dangerous and should not be approached. This investigation remains active and ongoing.

All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

01/10/2021

***ATTENTION***

PLEASE TAKE THE EXTRA 2 SECONDS TO MAKE SURE YOUR VEHICLE IS LOCKED!!

Reminder, PLEASE lock your vehicles and remove valuables from the inside. It appears vehicle thefts and theft from motor vehicles are starting back up in the area. Petersburg had a vehicle stolen and a car that had been rummaged through in the evening of 01/08/21. Athens had cars rummaged through and stuff stolen the same night. Last night, 01/09/21, a surrounding community had a vehicle stolen.

This is a crime of opportunity! If your keys are in your house and your vehicle is locked, it significantly betters your chances of NOT being a victim of this crime.

01/08/2021

For Immediate Release-

On Thursday, January 7, 2021, around 2:40pm, an unidentified adult male was located in the Sangamon River near Hurie Park in Petersburg. The individual was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Menard County Coroner’s Office. At this time, foul play is not suspected. The official cause and manner of death will be determined once a final autopsy and toxicology report are received. ISP Zone 4 was requested to conduct the death investigation. Zone 4 investigators were assisted by the Menard County Sheriff’s Office, Menard County Coroner’s Office, Petersburg Police Department, ISP Crime Scene Services, Illinois Department of Conservation Police, Menard County Rescue Squad, and the Petersburg Fire Department.

12/03/2020

-For Immediate Release
12-03-2020

The Petersburg Police Department, with assistance from the Menard County Sheriff’s Office and the Athens Police Department, is currently conducting a missing persons investigation.
On 11-14-2020, Petersburg Police received a complaint of a Hispanic male causing a disturbance and attempting to enter a residence in 300 block of E. Douglas. Officers responded, and the male fled the scene prior to their arrival. Officers could hear what appeared to be a subject running through the timber east of the residence, near the Sangamon River. Petersburg officers and sheriff’s deputies searched the area extensively for a lengthy period of time, but were unable to locate him. The male subject was believed to be Alberto A. Reyes, age 50.

Reyes was most recently residing with a subject in Athens, IL. On 12-01-2020, the Athens Police Department reported to the Petersburg Police Department that an individual Reyes previously resided with informed Athens PD that she had not seen or heard from Reyes since 11-14-2020. Petersburg PD began investigating the possible whereabouts of Reyes, and an extensive search ensued. Unfortunately, efforts to locate Reyes have been unsuccessful. Reyes is also wanted on a Menard County arrest warrant.

Reyes is a Hispanic male, approximately 5’5” tall and weighing 230 pounds. He was last seen wearing a grey t-shirt and blue jeans. Anyone having information regarding the possible whereabouts of Alberto A. Reyes is asked to please contact the Petersburg Police Department at 217-632-2251.

12/03/2020

The City of Petersburg and Petersburg Police Dept along with all other agencies involved in the efforts yesterday would like to thank Hardee’s for the hot lunch they provided us with.

12/02/2020

For immediate release – 12/01/2020

Joint press release from the Petersburg Police Department and Menard County Sheriff’s Office.

On 12-01-2020, the Menard County Sheriff’s Office and Petersburg Police Department began investigating a potential missing persons case. Limited information is available regarding the individual who may be missing, including whether or not they are indeed missing.

Officers and deputies began a search in the area the individual was last seen in, which includes the eastern edge of Petersburg and part of the Sangamon River. Assistance was provided by the Menard County Rescue Squad, Illinois Department of Natural Resources Conservation Police, Illinois State Police – Air Operations, and the Petersburg Fire Department. The search was halted at dusk, and the investigation into this matter will continue tomorrow. It is still unconfirmed whether or not the individual is indeed missing.

This information is being released to inform the public of law enforcement and first responder activities that were ongoing in the Petersburg area today and will continue tomorrow. No further information regarding this investigation will be released at this time.

PIO Contacts –

Chief Deputy Sheriff Ben Hollis, Menard County Sheriff’s Office

Assistant Chief of Police Mike Nichols, Petersburg Police Dept.

09/28/2020

Home | City of Petersburg Illinois

Be sure to go on to Petersburg’s new website... www.petersburgil.org to sign up for alerts! All you have to do is hit the subscribe button.

Eventually all notifications will be posted through that website, not the page. Thank you!

This is the Official Website of the City of Petersburg, IL

06/02/2020

The Petersburg Police Department would like to thank Hardee's for providing breakfast to the City of Petersburg employees.

05/28/2020

Effective June 1st 2020:
All City park playgrounds will be reopened.

05/03/2020

ATTENTION: The DQ drive thru traffic should flow in the same manner as the photograph below! There are signs and cones. The entire roadway can NOT be blocked by parked cars waiting in line! There have been several complaints about the road being blocked. There is plenty of roadway on Madison St. to be parked waiting in line while still allowing traffic through.

04/24/2020

As of 04-24-2020:
The City Parks will be open, except for the playground equipment.

04/22/2020

In reference to the attached post, this was reported to the Petersburg Police Department at approximately 10:30 this morning. It is currently being looked into by Officers. As always if you see something suspicious, contact the Police immediately, prompt reporting gives us much greater ability to successfully complete investigations.

04/10/2020

Update:
As of 04-10-2020 the boil order has been lifted.

04/08/2020

ATTENTION: DUE TO ANOTHER WATER MAIN BREAK,THE CITY OF PETERSBURG HAS ISSUED ANOTHER BOIL ORDER EFFECTIVE WEDNESDAY APRIL 8, 2020 UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. THE LOCATIONS AFFECTED ARE AS FOLLOWS: ALL WATER SERVICES ON EAST STEPHENSON FROM THIRD STREET THROUGH FIFTH STREET, EAST STEPHENSON FROM FOURTH STREET THROUGH LIBERTY, AND LIBERTY STREET FROM FOURTH STREET TO FIFTH STREET. AGAIN SORRY FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE.

04/08/2020

Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Lincoln IL
449 PM CDT Wed Apr 8 2020

ILC017-129-137-167-082215-
/O.CON.KILX.SV.W.0014.000000T0000Z-200408T2215Z/
Menard-Sangamon-Cass-Morgan-
449 PM CDT Wed Apr 8 2020

...A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 515 PM CDT
FOR MENARD...NORTHWESTERN SANGAMON...EASTERN CASS AND NORTHEASTERN
MORGAN COUNTIES...

At 449 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located near Chandlerville,
or 8 miles northeast of Virginia, moving east at 45 mph.

HAZARD...Ping pong ball size hail and 60 mph wind gusts.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...People and animals outdoors will be injured. Expect hail
damage to roofs, siding, windows, and vehicles. Expect wind
damage to roofs, siding, and trees.

Locations impacted include...
Springfield, Petersburg, Athens, Ashland, Pleasant Plains, Greenview,
Chandlerville, Tallula, Jerome, Leland Grove, Philadelphia, Cantrall,
Newmansville, Atterberry, Capital Airport, Salisbury, Farmingdale,
Lincolns New Salem, Sweetwater and Prentice.

This includes Interstate 72 between mile markers 92 and 96.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a
building.

&&

LAT...LON 3989 9016 4008 9014 4008 8958 3972 8968
TIME...MOT...LOC 2149Z 276DEG 38KT 4001 9008

HAIL...1.50IN
WIND...60MPH

04/08/2020

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH OUTLINE UPDATE FOR WS 89
NWS STORM PREDICTION CENTER NORMAN OK
305 PM CDT WED APR 8 2020

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH 89 IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 900 PM CDT
FOR THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS

ILC001-005-009-011-013-017-019-021-023-025-027-029-033-035-039-
041-045-049-051-053-057-061-063-067-071-073-075-079-083-095-099-
101-105-107-109-113-115-117-119-121-123-125-129-131-133-135-137-
139-143-147-149-155-159-163-167-169-171-173-175-179-183-187-189-
203-090200-
/O.NEW.KWNS.SV.A.0089.200408T2005Z-200409T0200Z/

IL
. ILLINOIS COUNTIES INCLUDED ARE

ADAMS BOND BROWN
BUREAU CALHOUN CASS
CHAMPAIGN CHRISTIAN CLARK
CLAY CLINTON COLES
CRAWFORD CUMBERLAND DE WITT
DOUGLAS EDGAR EFFINGHAM
FAYETTE FORD FULTON
GREENE GRUNDY HANCOCK
HENDERSON HENRY IROQUOIS
JASPER JERSEY KNOX
LAWRENCE LA SALLE LIVINGSTON
LOGAN MACON MACOUPIN
MADISON MARION MARSHALL
MASON MCDONOUGH MCLEAN
MENARD MERCER MONROE
MONTGOMERY MORGAN MOULTRIE
PEORIA PIATT PIKE
PUTNAM RICHLAND SANGAMON
SCHUYLER SCOTT SHELBY
ST. CLAIR STARK TAZEWELL
VERMILION WARREN WASHINGTON
WOODFORD
$$

Hazardous Weather Outlook
Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Lincoln IL
307 PM CDT Wed Apr 8 2020

ILZ042>057-061>063-066>068-071>073-091200-
Cass-Champaign-Christian-Clark-Clay-Coles-Crawford-Cumberland-
De Witt-Douglas-Edgar-Effingham-Jasper-Lawrence-Logan-Macon-
Menard-Morgan-Moultrie-Piatt-Richland-Sangamon-Scott-Shelby-
Vermilion-
307 PM CDT Wed Apr 8 2020

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of central
Illinois, east central Illinois, southeast Illinois and west
central Illinois.

...SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH UNTIL 9 PM...

.DAY ONE...TONIGHT...

There is an enhanced risk of severe thunderstorms late this
afternoon and early evening. Very large hail is the primary
concern, along with strong damaging winds.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...THURSDAY THROUGH TUESDAY...

Northwest winds will gust up to 40 mph on Thursday, causing travel
difficulty for high profile vehicles.

Temperatures are expected to fall below freezing Thursday night,
and again Monday night. This may damage sensitive vegetation.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation may be needed between 6 pm and 9 pm. Please
relay any information about observed severe weather to the
National Weather Service while following all local, state and CDC
guidelines.

04/07/2020

Update:
As of 04-07-2020 the boil order has been lifted.

04/04/2020

I just spoke with the Water Superintendent, he said Casey's is not under the boil order.

04/03/2020

Just to reiterate...Due to a water main break, the City of Petersburg has issued a boil order. The order is effective Friday April 3, 2020 until further notice. All water services on the north side of Route 123/Sangamon Ave. from 3rd through 5th streets, including Vineyard Hills subdivision are affected. All drinking water needs to be boiled before being consumed. Sorry for any inconvenience. This includes the Vineyard Hills Subdivision.
This does not affect anything West of Fifth Street.

04/03/2020

Due to a water main break, the City of Petersburg has issued a boil order. The order is effective Friday April 3, 2020 until further notice. All water services on the north side of Route 123/Sangamon Ave. from 3rd through 5th streets, including Vineyard Hills subdivision are affected. All drinking water needs to be boiled before being consumed. Sorry for any inconvenience.

03/31/2020

On behalf of the City of Petersburg, we would like to give a special Thank You to Hardees in Petersburg. They provided the city with a complimentary breakfast, for all city employees who are having to work during these challenging times.

03/28/2020

Tornado Watch
TORNADO WATCH OUTLINE UPDATE FOR WT 69
NWS STORM PREDICTION CENTER NORMAN OK
240 PM CDT SAT MAR 28 2020

TORNADO WATCH 69 IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 900 PM CDT FOR THE
FOLLOWING LOCATIONS

ILC001-009-011-013-017-019-021-029-039-041-045-053-057-061-067-
071-073-075-083-095-099-103-105-107-109-113-115-117-123-125-129-
131-135-137-139-143-147-149-155-161-167-169-171-173-175-179-183-
187-195-203-290200-
/O.NEW.KWNS.TO.A.0069.200328T1940Z-200329T0200Z/

IL
. ILLINOIS COUNTIES INCLUDED ARE

ADAMS BROWN BUREAU
CALHOUN CASS CHAMPAIGN
CHRISTIAN COLES DE WITT
DOUGLAS EDGAR FORD
FULTON GREENE HANCOCK
HENDERSON HENRY IROQUOIS
JERSEY KNOX LA SALLE
LEE LIVINGSTON LOGAN
MACON MACOUPIN MARSHALL
MASON MCDONOUGH MCLEAN
MENARD MERCER MONTGOMERY
MORGAN MOULTRIE PEORIA
PIATT PIKE PUTNAM
ROCK ISLAND SANGAMON SCHUYLER
SCOTT SHELBY STARK
TAZEWELL VERMILION WARREN
WHITESIDE WOODFORD

03/20/2020

Update:
With the Governor's "Stay at Home" order that is effective as of 03-21-2020 starting at 5 p.m., We wanted to keep the Citizens of Petersburg informed on how the City of Petersburg will be handling the day to day operations.

* The Water Department /Street Department will only be performing essential duties. The Water Department will still be on call for water emergencies.

* City Hall will remain closed to the public. The Water Collector and Secretary will still work their normal hours 8:00-4:30 Monday-Friday, and will be available to answer questions via telephone at 217-632-3600.

* Water payments must be placed in the drop box.

* All parks will remain closed.

* The Library will remain closed

The Police Department will continue to serve the Citizens of Petersburg as we do every day. We do ask if you need Police assistance, please meet the Officer outside of your home or business, when possible. We understand that this may be an inconvenience, but that is not our intention. Our goal is to keep both the public and our Officers, Firefighters, and EMT's safe and healthy. We ask for your understanding and patience in this matter.

Please, everyone stay safe.

Assistant Chief Mike Nichols

03/17/2020

Effective Immediately:
In the interest of public safety, Hurie, Jaycee and Rotary Parks will be closed until 03-31-2020. Also, the Petersburg Public Library will be closed as of today (03-17-2020) until 03-31-2020.

03/17/2020

Notice: Tonight's City Council meeting has been postponed until a later date.

03/16/2020

Effective 03-17-2020:

City Hall will be closed to the public until 03-31-2020. Water payments can be placed in the over night drop box and must be paid in the exact amount or any over payment will be applied to next month's bill. Online payments will also be accepted.

If you need to speak to a Police Officer you can call the non-emergency phone number, 632-2251, or if it's an emergency as always dial 911. To limit contact, we will be trying to handle as many calls for service over the phone, if possible. If an Officer is needed at your residence please try to meet them outside to limit human to human contact/interaction. The community's safety is our number one concern.

Thank you for your patience and understanding in this matter,
Assistant Chief
Mike Nichols

03/13/2020

I hope this clears up any confusion...

03/10/2020

The following is shared from the PORTA Superintendent's Blog, which was posted today, and is for informational purposes only.

Continued information in regards to COVID-19... Coronavirus.
3/10/2020

PORTA Students, Staff and Families,
Over the next few weeks all of our community will be affected in some way by the coronavirus that has entered the State of Illinois and the United States. Currently, we have no active cases in Menard County and to our knowledge no staff, student or member of our school community has been in the presence of a known carrier of the Covid-19 virus. As a school district, our goals for the next few weeks are:

1.To make sure our students and families are informed. If you have questions, please feel free to contact your child’s school office, school principal, or superintendent.

2. To spend extra time daily using disinfectant on student desks, door k**b, bathrooms and other flat surfaces.

3. To implement an emergency plan involving E-Learning to handle any situations should the virus impact the State of Illinois and create a State-wide shutdown or specifically our district.

4. To educate and remind students the proper way to wash hands, sanitize, and protect themselves
The health and safety of our students is our top priority, so we want to share with you information that the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has published for schools throughout the state.

The good news at this time is that the health risk to the general public from coronavirus remains low. Currently, the IDPH recommends schools hold classes and events as usual, and follow routine cleaning and disinfecting procedures; no special measures are necessary.
The IDPH also recommends the best way to protect against coronavirus is by taking the same everyday precautions against getting sick in general. These include:

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Avoiding close contact with people who are sick.

Staying home when you are sick.

Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces.

We will continue to closely monitor recommendations regarding coronavirus and will update you as soon as there are any significant changes in recommendations for schools. If you would like more information in regards to the COVID-19 virus the following link is a great resource https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html. Thank you for your support in helping to keep our school community healthy.
Sincerely,
Matthew W. Brue
Superintendent

03/05/2020

On 03-03-20 the City Council enacted Ordinance 2020-01. I have posted it below for everyone to read.

02/12/2020

Getting Around Illinois

WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 9 AM WEDNESDAY TO 3 AMCST THURSDAY...

* WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 2 to 4 inches, locally higher amounts to 5 inches.

* WHERE...Portions of central, east central and west central Illinois from Scott and Cass counties in the west to roughly Interstate 57, including towns from Springfield to Decatur to Charleston.

* WHEN...From 9 AM Wednesday to 3 AM CST Thursday.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions will likely impact the evening commute. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Slow down and use caution while traveling. The latest road conditions for Illinois can be obtained on the Internet at www.gettingaroundillinois.com. &&

Issuing Office: Lincoln

Source: National Weather Service

Issued: Tue, Feb 11, 14:40 CST

Finding information about our roads... Getting Around Illinois is a web-based interactive mapping site that provides the ability to search and display several sources of transportation data. You can find information on winter road conditions, annual average daily traffic, road construction, trucki....

02/05/2020

**Attention**
With the forcasted snowfall, the Street Superintendent has declared a Snow Emergency for tonight from 11:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. Vehicles parked around the square should be moved prior to 11:00 p.m. as to not hinder the efforts of clearing the snow.