Community News
Gillespie Council hires interim attorney, discusses fate of Canna Theatre building
With one alderman sidelined in quarantine, the Gillespie City Council voted unanimously Monday night to hire an interim city attorney to pinch hit for City Attorney Kevin Polo, held preliminary discussions regarding the fate of the Canna Theatre building and pledged to address deteriorating conditions at Big Brick City Park.
The meeting was held in the Gillespie Civic Center to allow for social distancing among city officials and guests. Ald. Jerry Dolliger, reportedly in quarantine, was absent. City Treasurer Dan Fisher and City Clerk Fran Smith participated via the Zoom remote conferencing platform.
On a motion by Ald. Rick Fulton, the council unanimously approved a resolution authorizing Mayor John Hicks to contract with Carlinville attorney Dan O’Brien to serve temporarily as City Attorney while Polo is unavailable. Polo, reportedly recuperating from surgery, is expected to be absent one to two months. During that time, O’Brien will perform necessary legal services such as drafting proposed ordinances and resolutions, and advising the council on legal matters. The resolution notes that O’Brien, who currently serves as City Attorney for Carlinville, is an experienced city attorney.
O’Brien, who also is filling in for Polo with clients, said he will establish temporary hours at Polo’s Gillespie office and make himself accessible to city officials.
“I will try to do as good a job as he did,” O’Brien told the council, “though I’m sure I will fall short in that.”
CANNA THEATRE ISSUE
Previously owned and operated by the City of Gillespie, the century-old Canna Theatre has been offered back to the city, City Treasurer Fisher told the council. He said architect Dennis Schuette has inspected the structure and made note of several deficiencies, and he recommended deferring any decision on the fate of the building until after Schuette provides cost estimates for salvaging the building.
First opened as the Pert Theatre in October 1921, the theater was later purchased by the Frisina Amusement Co. and rechristened as the Lyric Theatre in 1930. Beginning in 1956, the theater was taken over by the Canna Anna civic group, which operated the movie house for several decades. The building was donated to the city in 2003. More recently, the Eisentraut Family of Hillsboro purchased the facility and operated it several years before transferring it to a local church which planned to renovate the building for use as a church and community theater.
Fisher said Schuette said the building needs new roofing on the south side and new brickwork on the west side. Most critically, he said, the building needs new guttering all around the top of the building. Deficient guttering, Fisher said, has allowed water to enter the walls of the brick and masonry structure.
“His opinion is that it’s salvageable but it probably doesn’t have much of a shelf life,” Fisher said of Schuette’s report. “If it goes another year or so, it may not be usable.”
Asked whether the building would have to meet federal Americans With Disabilities Act requirements, Fisher said that would depend upon how the building ultimately is used. If open to the public, he said an existing restroom in the building could be converted to a unisex, handicapped restroom with the other restroom serving as a unisex facility for non-disabled persons.
Fisher asked to put the issue on the agenda for action at a later date after Schuette provides cost estimates for needed repairs.
BIG BRICK PARK
Responding to comments from resident Elise Newman, Mayor John Hicks pledged to send workers to Big Brick Park to address facilities that reportedly have fallen into disrepair. The city announced on Tuesday that the park will be temporarily closed for maintenance.
Newman told the council that she lives next to the park and has observed broken playground equipment and weeds growing around the equipment. “The weeds are as tall as some of the kids playing there,” she said. She said some of the broken equipment has sharp edges that could pose a hazard for playing children.
“I’m not making excuses but we have so much grass to cut right now,” Ald. Frank Barrett commented.
“Our guys have been a little overwhelmed right now having to work on water main breaks,” Ald. Dona Rauzi concurred. Rauzi also commented that a Queen of Hearts game that has been delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic has pledged some of its proceeds to support city parks.
“Part of it may be that the park technically was supposed to closed until a couple of weeks ago for COVID,” Hicks said. “We’ll get someone down there to look at and see what needs to be done.”
Newman said she’d be happy to volunteer her time to pick up trash and help maintain the park, and Hicks told her such assistance from residents is always welcome.
GOLF CART FEES
The council tabled Ald. Barrett’s suggestion to pro-rate first-year permit fees for persons wishing to operate golf carts and similar vehicles for transportation within the city limits. The council recently approved an ordinance to allow residents to use golf carts in the city limits. Among other requirements, the new ordinance requires the purchase of a $100 annual permit. Since the year is more than half over, Barrett suggested pro-rating the permit fee at $50 for the first year.
City Treasurer Fisher objected to the measure, pointing out that the $100 fee is low when compared to other communities and that the city incurred substantial “start-up” costs to implement the program.
“If someone doesn’t want to pay the $100 this year, they can wait and buy a permit for next year,” he said.
Mayor Hicks pointed out that the ordinance specifies a $100 fee for the permit and questioned whether or not the city could charge a pro-rated fee without amending the ordinance.
Acting City Attorney O’Brien told the council the city should not issue any permits until it has established points at which golf cart users can cross Route 4. Those crossing points will be subject to approval by the Illinois Department of Transportation and will need signage to mark them.
“See,” Hicks said, “we’re not ready to start doing this anyway.”
CITY-WIDE NOTIFICATION SYSTEM
On a motion by Ald. Dave Tucker, seconded by Ald. Barrett, the council voted unanimously to purchase and implement a city-wide notification system to issue notifications regarding boil orders, water main breaks and other emergencies when needed. Tucker said the system is a computer-based system that residents will be able to go online and sign up for. Once enrolled, residents will automatically get city notifications when needed.
“This is a way we can get the information to our customers,” Tucker said. In the event of a boil order, he said the system can be modified to send the notification only to households affected by the boil order.
The cost of the system is about $1 per customer, Tucker said. He estimated an annual cost of $1,500 to $1,800, plus a one-time set-up cost of $350.
COAL MUSEUM LEASE AMENDMENT
On a motion by Ald. Barrett, the council agreed to amend an agreement to lease the former United Community Bank building to the Illinois Coal Mining Museum. The amendment increases the term of the lease from one year to 25 years, which will make the museum eligible to apply for a $30,000 grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
Ald. Tucker, who abstained from the vote due to his position on the museum board, said the amendment will not preclude the city from evicting the museum if the building is sold during the term of the lease. The lease includes a provision for the city to revoke the lease with a notice of 120 days.
EAGLE SCOUT PROJECT
The city informally agreed to support an Eagle Scout project proposed by Justin Spencer of Troy to place a welcome sign along Illinois Route 16 on the city’s west side. The city agreed to support the concept but took no action to help Spencer fund the project. Spencer said he will raise about half of the $1,000 cost of the project and asked if the city would underwrite the remaining $500.
Mayor Hicks recommended that Spencer work with a local civic organization to obtain the shortfall.
The sign, which will read “Welcome to Gillespie—Home of the Miners,” will be erected on school district property next to a storage building on the north side of Illinois Route 16. Spencer obtained permission from the Board of Education last month to proceed with the project.
City Treasurer Fisher advised Spencer that he should also consult with the Illinois Department of Transportation to ascertain regulations regarding minimum set-backs for signage located along state highways.
OTHER ACTION
In other action, the council:
- Approved a pay request totaling $320,070.36 to Haier Plumbing and Heating, Okawville, and Curry and Associates Engineers, Jerseyville, for work completed to date on an ongoing project to replace water lines within the city.
- Following a 20-minute executive session, voted to hire Zachary Besserman for a position at the city’s water treatment plant and Ethan Martin for a Public Works Department position.
- Approved the mayor’s reappointment of Brian Page, Mary Fritz and Kathy Ruyle to the Public Library Board of Trustees, and the appointment of Artie Herron to replace Mary Hicks, who recently resigned from the board.
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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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