Community News
School Board honors long-time member Dobrino, places fiscal 2022 budget on file for public inspection
The late Don Dobrino’s career and contributions to Community Unit School District 7 were recognized by the Board of Education Monday night during the board’s regular monthly meeting. The legendary football coach and long-serving school board member died July 4 after a lengthy battle with cancer.
In addition to a 29-year career as head football coach at Gillespie High School, Dobrino was a teacher for 24 years, served 25 years as a member of the school board and even served as a bus driver.
“Mr. Dobrino literally did everything for the district,” said Supt. Shane Owsley before Board President Mark Hayes presented a memorial plaque to Dobrino’s widow, Cyrelda “Cookie” Dobrino. “He touched the lives of thousands of students and athletes.”
Owsley said he coached football in a small community in northwestern Illinois before moving to Macoupin County. “I knew who Don Dobrino was long before I even knew where Gillespie was,” he recalled. “It was an honor to have known him.”
During his tenure as football coach, Dobrino led the Miners to 169 wins and established a record as the 14th winningest high school coach in Illinois. He was inducted into the Illinois High School Coaches Hall of Fame in 1987. In 2019, the Gillespie High School football field was renamed in his honor.
In other action Monday night, the board voted to place a proposed fiscal 2022 budget on file for public inspection for a period of 30 days and hired two full-route bus drivers and a cafeteria worker.
PROPOSED BUDGET
Board members voted unanimously to place on public display the fiscal 2022 proposed budget for a period of 30 days. The budget, developed by Owsley, will govern spending for the fiscal year that started July 1 and will end June 30, 2022. Formal adoption is expected during the board’s regular monthly meeting in September at which time Owsley said he will present a detailed summary of the spending plan.
The 30-day review period is required by law as is a public hearing during which interested persons may comment or ask questions. The hearing is set for 6 p.m., Monday, Sept. 27, prior to the regular monthly meeting of the board.
In the meantime, members of the public may examine the document at the District Office, 510 West Elm St., Gillespie.
PERSONNEL
On a motion by Bill Carter, seconded by Becky Hatlee, the board voted unanimously to hire Brad Snyder and Alicia Landreth as full-route bus drivers. Both individuals had previously been hired as substitute bus drivers and completed certification and background checks. The board did not formally post vacancies for substitute drivers but Owsley said the district continues to accept applications for substitute drivers.
The board also voted unanimously to hire Cora Schalk as a three-hour cafeteria worker.
The resignation of John VanDoren, who recently was hired as a half-route bus driver, also was unanimously accepted.
DISTRICT FOCUS
During a brief District Focus segment, High School Principal Jill Rosentreter introduced to the board members of the girls softball team and boys soccer team, both of whom recently completed successful seasons.
Rosentreter presented the girls with the regional championship plaque and a nameplate recognizing their conference championship designation and presented the boys soccer team with a conference championship nameplate.
The softball team, she said, compiled a 27-7 record, were regional champs and were conference champs with a 9-0 record.
“Several girls were named to all-conference: Sydney Bires, pitcher; Hannah Barrett, catcher; Keaton Link and Shelby Taylor, outfield; Megan Rife, utility player; Regan Bussmann, Mikala Hayes and Chloe Segarra for infield,” Rosentreter noted.
Additionally, Bires was the Alton Telegraph’s small schools softball player of the year, was named to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch’s all-metro team and the Springfield State Journal-Register’s Capital Region High School softball team.
Barrett was the Illinois Coaches Association’s choice for all-state second team.
Rosentreter noted that several of the girls, including Birds, were embarking on college careers after graduating last spring.
Coached by Jono Verticchio, the boys soccer team were co-conference champs with a 6-1 record and were undefeated at home.
The team started the season 0-2, being outscored 9-0. They went on, however, to win six conference games, outscoring opponents 17-2, winning two games that went double overtime and a shootout.
Five team members were selected for all-conference teams: Jeremiah Yakana, Camron Crowe, Camden Quarton, Spense Hoehl and Nate Fetter.
OTHER ACTION
In other action, the board approved job descriptions for the District Maintenance Director and District Transportation Director. Both positions remain vacant at this time and apparently no formal job description was written for them in the past.
The board also approved an EIS (Education Information System) Administrative and Teacher Salary and Benefits report. The report is required by law and will be placed on file for public review.
Owsley reported that total enrollment at the end of six days of the school year stood at 1,179, which is 28 more students than were enrolled at the same time last year. The enrollment, however, is below a five-year average of 1,278. Owsley attributed the downward trend to population loss, noting the latest census showed 500 fewer individuals living in the district than 10 years earlier.
He also extended thanks to building administrators and other personnel for their work in ensuring a school opening that was as smooth as possible under difficult circumstances.
“On behalf of the Board of Education, we want to thank everyone for all they do,” Board President Hayes added.
Michelle Smith, representing the teachers union, thanked the board for completing successful negotiations on the teachers’ contract and recognized the board’s current work on completing a contract for non-certificated personnel.
Hayes said work on the non-certificated contract is essentially done, pending legal review by a district attorney. “We’ve already signed off on our part of it,” he 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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LITCHFIELD, Ill. — HSHS St. Francis Hospital is offering service opportunities to area teens this summer through the 2024 Junior Volunteer Program. Applications are being accepted now through May 1.
Applicants must be high school students maintaining at least a “C” average, be a minimum of 14 years of age by June 1 and be willing to volunteer at least two hours per week during the summer program. Junior volunteers will perform a variety of duties in various hospital departments.
Registration materials are available on the hospital’s website volunteer page at https://www.hshs.org/st-francis/community/volunteer.
All participants in the program will be required to present proof of immunizations for MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella), and Varicella (chicken pox). An additional requirement includes attendance at a hospital orientation.
A limited number of positions will be available. For more information, contact HSHS St. Francis Hospital at 217-324-8200.
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