Community News
Gillespie Council eyes new lake rules
Bob Rieman, owner of former Castle Resale Shop on Macoupin Street, appeared before the council to announce plans for using the building for a bar/nightclub.
The Gillespie City Council is poised to consider new rules governing recreational uses at Gillespie Lake, some of which may be codified as municipal ordinances. Lake Chair Ald. Frank Barrett briefly discussed some of the revisions under consideration during the council’s regular monthly meeting on Monday night.
Barrett said he wants to implement new rules on a trial basis to allow personal watercraft such as jet skis on the lake for the first time in many years. Under the proposed rules only persons who are current lease-holders for Gillespie Lake lots would be allowed to operate personal watercraft on the lake. They would be required to buy permits at a cost of $100 per watercraft, and permits would be limited to no more than two per lease-holder. Personal watercraft could be operated only during the regular boating season from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday, Tuesday and Thursday only. They would be banned on weekends.
Penalties for enforcing the rules could be stringent, according to Barrett, and could include revocation of lot leases for violators. Lake Supervisor Gary Thornhill set the $100 permit fee after checking with surrounding communities. Litchfield charges a permit fee of $200 for personal watercraft, he said, while Springfield charges $300.
Ald. Dave Tucker suggested that the rules also include a speed limit for personal watercraft. “Some of those really fly,” he said.
Barrett says he wants to allow personal watercraft on a trial basis for at least one season.
Barrett says he wants to allow personal watercraft on a trial basis for at least one season.
“We banned them years ago for some reason,” Mayor John Hicks commented.
Barrett said the Lake Committee also is suggesting additional rules regarding lake lots and campground use. One proposed rule would ban refrigerators outdoors. “Some of them out there have started putting down a pallet and setting a mini-fridge on it,” Barrett said. “It’s unsightly.”
The committee also would like to impose a new rule allowing one tent per campsite for an additional fee of $10. The measure is an apparent response to complaints registered last year by camping lot owners who were told they could not allow guests to tent camp on their sites.
The council took no action on the proposed rules, presumably to give City Attorney Kevin Polo time to review the proposals and determine which, if any, should be codified as city ordinances.
Provisions for revoking lake lot leases, for example, probably would need to be backed up with an ordinance, according to Polo. “If you want it to rise to the level of an ordinance violation, you would need to pass an ordinance,” he said.
PART-TIME POLICE CLERK
Council members tabled a request by Police Chief Jared DePoppe to hire a part-time police dispatcher to work one day per week. DePoppe said a current full-time dispatcher is doing some work as a clerk but an increasing volume of paperwork is putting more demands on her time. He asked for permission to hire a part-time dispatcher, which would free the current dispatcher for clerical work one day a week.
City Attorney Polo said he would like to check the city’s contract with dispatchers to make sure hiring a part-time dispatcher would not violate the contract.
“Let Kevin (Polo) check that,” said Mayor Hicks. “If it’s okay with the union, we’ll do it.”
DERELICT CARS
Ald. Dona Rauzi reported on her frustration with dealing with complaints about derelict cars in the city. She said she had received several complaints about unlicensed or immobile vehicles in her ward. Citing a city ordinance, she said owners of such vehicles are required to keep them in a garage or cover them with a custom car cover.
Despite the ordinance, Rauzi said owners of derelict vehicles often cover them with blue tarps that eventually deteriorate and litter neighborhoods. According to the ordinance, owners of uncovered or improperly covered vehicles can be given 10 days to move them.
“If they can’t move that car in 10 days, let’s tow those puppies and charge them for it,” she said.
If they can’t move that car in 10 days, let’s tow those puppies and charge them for it.
Mayor Hicks said Rauzi was acting properly in notifying police about the infractions.
Ald. Jan Weidner said the ordinance allows for immobile vehicles to be covered because not everyone has a garage. “If they have a car that they’re saving for their kids or going to work on and they don’t have a garage, what are they supposed to do?” she asked.
Ald. Dolliger said residents resort to using tarps because custom car covers can be expensive, costing $150 or more.
“It (the ordinance) is being abused,” Ald. Tucker said, adding that the issue would be resolved “if we enforce our own rules.”
Rauzi also started to read from a letter she had received from a resident complaining about the amount of money the city has devoted to the former United Community Bank building and the Illinois Coal Museum it now houses. The letter writer said the museum generates no revenue for the city and suggested the money would be better spent supporting tax-generating businesses.
“Wait a minute,” Mayor Hicks interjected, “is that letter signed?”
When Rauzi acknowledged the letter was anonymous, Hicks took the document, tore it in half and threw it into a nearby trash can. “That’s where unsigned complaints go!” he said.
PIPELINE/FIBER OPTIC EASEMENTS
On a motion by Ald. Tucker, seconded by Ald. Barrett, the council agreed to enter into an agreement with MCC Network Services, Sullivan, allowing the company to install underground fiber optic cable along city boulevards. Hicks said the company expects to use the cable to access two mobile phone towers in the city.
“It may help with cell phone service for people with T-Mobile,” he said. “That’s their intent—to be more competitive with AT&T.”
The council also reconsidered a request from Nustar Pipeline for an easement on city property south of the city limits to replace an existing pipeline. The company originally asked for an easement to go under the Benld-Gillespie Bike Trail. Hicks said he contacted the company and pointed out the bike trail is not owned by the city and is still subject to ownership by the railroad owning the right-of-way.
“I called them and said we don’t own the bike trail,” Hicks said. “He said, ‘Yeah, you do. We’ve got a copy of the deed.’ So he sent me the deed and it’s for our sewage treatment plant.”
Hicks said Polo researched the easement and found that it would run between two of the city’s sewage treatment lagoons. Further, the agreement with Nustar would prohibit ponds or lakes over the area of the easement.
“We need to tell them that they can’t go under our lagoons,” Hicks said.
Public Works Supervisor Dale Demkey asked to look at the easement and suggested it refers to a pipeline easement that already exists. “We need to get a proper engineer’s drawing,” he said.
“That’s what we’ll do,” said Hicks, deferring a final decision to another meeting.
LIQUOR LICENSE REQUEST
Bob Rieman, owner of former Castle Resale Shop on Macoupin Street, appeared before the council to announce plans for using the building for a bar/nightclub. He said he stopped operating the resale shop after his wife experienced health issues.
“I need to use the building for something that will make some money,” he said. “My son wants to have a bar where he can have live music. I won’t be doing any gaming machines or anything like that. On dance nights, I want to have an off-duty police officer there. Sometimes you get people who get a little liquored up and they can cause problems.”
Hicks said there is a liquor license available for an establishment without gaming, but he suggested that Rieman have Fire Chief Larry Norville inspect the building to ensure there is an adequate number of exits before he formally applies for a license.
CEO SPONSORSHIP
The council tabled action on donating to support the CEO Program, an educational program aimed at developing high school entrepreneurs. Hicks said the city originally committed to donating $1,000 a year for years. The first three years have transpired and Hicks said it is time to renew the financial commitment if the council approves.
“I’d like to know how many other towns in Macoupin County are sponsors,” Ald. Weidner said.
Hicks agreed to table the measure until he can get a list of other municipalities that have committed to sponsoring the program.
OTHER ACTION
In other action, the council:
- Agreed to renew membership in the Coal Country Chamber of Commerce for an annual payment of $100.
- Approved the purchase of an $800 locator for the Street Department.
- Referred to the Finance Committee the possibility of purchasing a used Hyundi truck at a cost of $17,000.
- Approved low bids for the purchase of water treatment chemicals for the coming year.
- Approved $1,121 in repairs for a city truck.
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Community News
School board approves elementary school principal’s retirement, accepts resignation of high school teacher/coach
Long-serving BenGil Elementary School principal will retire in two years following the Community Unit School District 7’s Board of Education’s approval during Tuesday night’s regular monthly meeting of the board. On a motion by Kellie Vesper, seconded by Amanda Ross, the board voted unanimously to accept “with regret” the retirement of Elementary Principal Angela Sandretto, effective at the end of the 2026-27 school year.
At the time of her retirement, Sandretto will have been a district employee for 31 years, including 21 years as an administrator. Sandretto’s tenure predates the construction and collapse due to mine subsidence of the former Benld Elementary School. She started her career when the old Benld High School served as the district’s elementary school. She was principal when the new Benld school was built and when the seven-year-old building was destroyed by mine subsidence in 2009. She continued to serve as principal during the transition from the damaged school to the new BenGil Elementary School in Gillespie.
In other action, the board accepted without comment the resignation of Dalton Barnes as a physical education/social studies teacher, and as Gillespie High School head football coach. The resignation, accepted unanimously, appears to be related to recent controversy over alleged abusive behavior toward students.
Gillespie Police Chief Jared DePoppe and School Resource Officer Wayne Hendricks both attended the meeting, and left soon after the board completed actions related to personnel. Supt. Shane Owsley told the BenGil Post the police presence was a precaution due to concerns that “accusations and rumors on social media could spill over” into Tuesday’s meeting. An attorney from the law firm representing the school district accompanied the board into a one-hour executive session early in the evening to discuss personnel issues and other items.
Accusations on social media in recent weeks alleged Barnes and an assistant coach engaged in verbal and physical abuse of students. With a goal of 1,000 signers, an online petition urging the termination of employment for Barnes and the assistant coach has garnered 639 electronic signatures. The petition accuses the two men of “child abuse,” citing alleged “verbal abuse, physical abuse, influencing and coercing student athletes to act against other student athletes that have spoken out against the abuse, and attempting to limit the First Amendment rights of student athletes with threats and manipulation.” The petition alleges there have been numerous instances of abuse and that the abuse has been allowed to continue despite “multiple red flags and complaints.”
No members of the public appeared before the board to address the complaints. Several teachers and teachers union officials attended the meeting but, likewise, made no public comments.
ADDITIONAL PERSONNEL ISSUES
In other personnel action, the board:
- Voted unanimously to accept “with regret” the resignation for purposes of retirement of GHS/GMS guidance counselor Jill Strole at the conclusion of the current school year, and to post the position as vacant.
- Hired Aubrey Morgan as a first-year, non-tenured teacher tentatively assigned as the BenGil Elementary School music teacher for the 2024-25 school year, pending verification of certification requirements and a background check. Morgan is expected to receive her bachelor’s degree in music education this spring from Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville.
- Voted to appoint Nikki Brawner as the GHS head women’s basketball coach for the 2024-25 school year. Additionally, the board accepted Brawner’s resignation as an assistant GHS women’s basketball coach and posted that position as vacant.
- Voted, in separate actions, to hire Alex Jasper and James Bryant as GMS paraprofessionals, pending verification of certification requirements and a background check. Additionally, the board voted to appoint Bryant as the GMS eighth-grade boys basketball coach for the 2024-25 school year.
- Voted to employ Alexis Lupkey as GHS head cheerleading coach for the 2024-25 school year.
- Voted, in separate actions, to hire Nikki Hunter and Rebecca Leitschuh-Birdsell as full-route bus drivers for the 2024-25 school year, pending verification of certification and background checks.
On a motion by Ross, seconded by Peyton Bernot, the board voted to employ Jennifer Parker, Nancy Schmidt, Amy Price, Marci Johnson, Karissa Smith and Vanessa Barrett as teachers for the 2024 elementary school summer school program.
In separate actions, the board hired Shanna Connor as a math teacher, Casey Edgerton as a science teacher, and Jessica Kelly as an English/language arts teacher for the Gillespie Middle School summer school program.
The board hired Ashlee Gibbs as a high school summer school math teacher, contingent upon student enrollment, and hired Jennifer Brown as the high school summer school driver’s education teacher. Penny Feeley and Janice Hammann were hired unanimously as summer school food service workers.
SAFETY GRANT PROJECTS
The board authorized Supt. Owsley to seek bids for several capital improvement projects related to student safety for which plans are still being developed. In January, Owsley reported to the board the district was successful in its application for a $466,365 state-funded Safety Grant. Matching the grant money with $155,000 in local funds, gave the district more than $600,000 in funding for capital improvements related to safety.
Owsley said architects are continuing to develop plans and bidding specifications for several projects, including installation of a new fire alarm system, installation of a new intercom system, installation of bullet-proof glass in the office area, and application of a bullet-resistant film on exterior windows. The Superintendent said he would advertise for bids as specifications become available.
FISCAL 2025 BUDGET
On a motion by Weye Schmidt, seconded by Bill Carter, the board voted to direct Supt. Owsley to prepare a tentative budget for fiscal year 2025, which will run from July 1 this year through June 30, 2025. The new budget typically is presented to the board in August with final approval coming in September.
In a related action, the board approved expenditures from fiscal 2025 funds to cover operating costs from July 1, when the new fiscal year begins, until the new budget is adopted.
Though not a given, the board could amend the fiscal 2024 budget in June in the event actual revenue and expenditures for the current fiscal year differ significantly from projections made in the budget approved last summer.
INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT
Board members approved an intergovernmental agreement between CUSD 7 and Lewis and Clark Community College to offer dual credit courses at Gillespie High School. Under the agreement, Gillespie students can take college-level courses that will count as credit toward an LCCC associate’s degree. Teachers offering dual credit courses at GHS must hold a master’s degree and offer a curriculum approved by the college.
DISTRICT FOCUS
In a District Focus segment, the board was introduced to several High School FFA members who have excelled this year in competitions.
“These kids are doing some amazing things,” said High School Principal Jill Rosentreter. “They are going to competitions and bringing home trophies right and left.”
FFA sponsor Kayla Wills said she has led the program for six years. “This is the most outstanding group we’ve had since I’ve been here,” she said.
Wills introduced two teams––the Parliamentary Procedure team and the Ag Mechanics team––that have ascended to state competition set for May 2. Team member Emily Hauser explained the areas of expertise on which the Parliamentary Procedure team will be judged. Caleb Oberfall spoke about the Ag Mechanics team.
The Ag Mechanics team includes a carpenter, a welder, a surveyor, an electrician and a mechanic, according to Wills.
“These kids have worked really hard and put in a lot of time,” Wills said. “I am very proud of them.”
FOOD SERVICES ISSUE
A former district cook and current substitute cook, who identified herself as Mandy, addressed the board on behalf of district cooks regarding the possibility of contracting with Opaa! Food Management, Inc. to provide meals in the local district. Opaa! representatives offered a detailed sales presentation to the board last month.
“I worked for Opaa! at Staunton,” she said. “You need to look into them. They’re not what they say they are.”
She alleged the “homemade meals” are not homemade, and are, in fact, the same quality as any other food provider.
“I’ve been in food services for a long time and I know what food should look like,” she said. “It shouldn’t look like dogfood.”
The fact the company offers choices, she said, is a good thing but is a double-edged sword. If a child doesn’t care for the main selection on a particular day, they can have a peanut butter sandwich or salad instead.
“But if little Johnny doesn’t like peanut butter or salad, he doesn’t eat that day,” she said.
Having worked in the local district, she said she could attest that the food services staff cares about students.
In a related matter, Union Secretary Jennifer Parker read a statement from the food services staff thanking the board and Supt. Owsley “for the opportunity to continue to pursue options to bring more choices to the food program.”
OTHER ACTION
In other action, the board:
- Voted to renew membership in the Illinois Elementary Schools Association (IESA).
- Approved a finalized calendar for the 2024-25 school year. Owsley said the calendar is unchanged from a tentative calendar presented to the board earlier, except “snow days” have been designated as “emergency days.”
- Approved a fee schedule for the 2024-25 school day. Owsley said the new fee schedule is nearly identical to the fee schedule used this year except that the cost for adult breakfasts and lunches is increased by 10 cents. In addition, the district will now offer free breakfast and lunch to students in all grade levels thanks to a federal reimbursement grant for districts with high numbers of students from low income households. In the past, free breakfast and lunch was available only to kindergarten, elementary, and middle school students. This year, Owsley said, the high school also qualified for reimbursement. According to Owsley, the reimbursement program is locked in for four years, after which the district may again apply. “Hopefully, this will help our parents and students,” Owsley said.
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The Wilsonville Progressive Club will celebrate and host a 90 year Anniversary Party on Saturday, May 11. The party will include a catered dinner, a live band, and fireworks.
Doors will open at 2 pm with a catered dinner being served at 4 pm. The Shane Kessinger Experience (live band) will play at 5 pm, and a grand fireworks display will be held at dusk.
The Progressive Club was originally established in 1934 by the Progressive Miners and was located on the northwest side of Wilsonville’s main street. The Club moved to their new building in January of 1949 and today this is still the current location at 212 Wilson Street in Wilsonville.
Wilsonville was founded in 1917 when Superior Coal Co. Mine No. 4 was sunk and this was the most modern mine in the Superior field. At that time, the little settlement which grew up around the mine was called Wilson. One day a worker paused and asked, “What are we going to name this town?” President Wilson was in office, thus the town was then and there named Wilson until 1919 when it was incorporated and the name expanded to Wilsonville.
The Wilsonville Progressive Club is operated and maintained by an elected panel of trustees and loyal members. The Club is open to the public and membership is always welcome. The large outdoor covered pavilion and manicured grassy side lot offer an attractive and convenient venue for any event along with inside facilities.
If you are interested in renting for any kind of event, call 217-835-3122 during open hours which are Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 4 pm to close, and Sunday doors open at 2 pm. Every Sunday afternoon at 4 pm is the Queen of Hearts drawing and the Club is on Facebook as well.
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SUNDAY, APRIL 14, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Oak Street in reference to a dog bite.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Abba Street to pick up a found item.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Chestnut Street in reference to a burglary.
An officer was out in the 200 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to a motorist assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Schmidt Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South 1st Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Broadway Street in reference to a medical call.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of South Illinois Street in Benld in reference to illegal burning.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South 5th Street in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Horizon Street in reference to a 911 call.
MONDAY, APRIL 15, 2024
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with a male in reference to a theft in the 100 block of South Main Street in Benld.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of West Osie Street in reference to a violation of an order of protection.
Nicholas O. Landolt, 36, of Gillespie was arrested on multiple warrants including one out of St. Clair County for possession for methamphetamine, a second one out of Montgomery County for failure to appear for driving while license was revoked, and a third out of Macoupin County for failure to appear for methamphetamine.
An officer was dispatched to East Walnut Street in reference to a suspicious noise.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Abba Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Broadway Street in reference to a medical alarm.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a theft in the 200 block of West Oak Street.
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to criminal damage to her property.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to identity theft.
An officer spoke with a female in the 100 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a neighbor dispute.
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a violation of an order of protection.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Southern Street in reference to a suspicious person.
TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 1100 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to criminal damage to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 900 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of East Walnut Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespass to property. Melissa J. Hughes, 49, of Benld was arrested on a Montgomery County warrant for theft/larceny.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Francis Street in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 700 block of Rose Street in Benld.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South 5th Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Pine Street to assist the Department of Children and Family Services.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Broadway Street in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Central Avenue in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17, 2024
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to fraud in the 200 block of South Macoupin.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 500 block of East Elm Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to Route 4 and Staunton Road in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Gillespie Street in reference to unwanted solicitors.
An officer was dispatched to High Street and Gillespie Street in reference to a suspicious noise.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of High Street in reference to unwanted solicitors.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil standby.
An officer was flagged down at Elm Street and Clinton Street and spoke with an individual in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Mt. Olive Road in Eagarville in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a suspicious circumstance.
THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2024
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a panic alarm sounding.
An officer was dispatched to the 1300 block of South Second Street in reference to a civil standby.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Osie Street in reference to a dog bite. Heather L. Kimberlin, 47, of Gillespie was issued a citation for dog at large.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Baker Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was out with a suspicious vehicle in the alley in the 500 block of Park Avenue.
An officer was dispatched to East Walnut and South Main Street in Benld in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the Veterans Memorial Park in Benld in reference to a suspicious vehicle that had been parked there for a couple of days.
Gillespie Police Department was requested for traffic control by the Gillespie Fire Department for a fire on Eagarville Road.
FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of East Walnut Street in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South Street in Gillespie in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Litchfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a suspicious person at the storage units. Kathy J. Henderson, 49, of Sawyerville was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for bad checks
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Maple Street and Macoupin Street. Kenny L. Fults, 18, of Belleville was issued a citation for possession of cannabis.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Mt. Olive Road in Eagarville in reference to civil standby.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of West Burton Street in reference to an animal complaint.
SATURDAY, APRIL 20, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Abba Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespassing. Timothy J. Dalpozzo, 57, of Benld was arrested for criminal trespassing to residence and a Macoupin County warrant for criminal trespassing to a residence.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at South Street and Chestnut Street and charges are pending crime lab results.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to Macoupin Street and Elm Street in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Osie Street in reference to a dog at large.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of North 8th Street in Benld in reference to medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Spruce Street in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Baker Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Street in Benld in reference to a medical call.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to an ordinance issue.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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