Community News
School Board Meeting Summary – Monday, May 23rd
Members of the Community Unit School District 7 Board of Education voted on Monday night to seek bids for grouting mine workings beneath the site of the propose new elementary school and for earth moving work to prepare the site for pouring the building pad.
As part of the motions to seek bids for the initial construction work, the board accepted school architect Tom Hyde‘s recommendation to slightly reposition the building on the building site to take better advantage of solid coal remaining in the seam beneath the school site. The adjustment moves the school about 30 feet further west than originally planned and about 40 feet to the south. The repositioning will put the building within 160 feet of the southern property line, but still leaves room for a parking area to serve the prekindergarten area located at the south end of the building.
Hyde said he was making the recommendation to shift the location of the building after further consultation with Gerry Maurino, an engineer based in Champaign who specializes in mine grouting projects.
The district will seek bids for grouting the mine workings to encompass an area representing a 15 degree “angle of influence” from the edge of the building. With the mine tunnels located approximately 300 feet below ground, the grouted area will extend about 90 feet from the edges of the building.
Hyde also recommended seeking an alternate bid to extend grouting to a 25 degree angle of influence off the northwest and southwest wings of the building. Earlier this month, the board discussed using enhanced construction techniques at the ends of the wings to further protect the building from subsidence damage in the event of a catastrophic failure in one of the adjoining mine panels. Extending the grout to a 25 degree of influence in those two areas would eliminate the need for enhanced construction methods, while increasing the cost of grouting by only three to four percent, Hyde said.
Answering a question from Supt. Paul Skeans, Hyde said the three to four percent increase in the grouting cost would still be within the budget the district has established for grouting.
In other areas, shifting the location of the building will provide virtually the same protection as grouting to a 25 degree angle of influence by better utilizing remaining coal underground. “Essentially, we can get a 25 degree angle of influence virtually everywhere without a big difference in cost,” Hyde noted.
At the same time, the district will seek bids for building pad grading on the site. That work, according to Hyde will involve removing about 18 inches of topsoil, then bringing in clay to build the building site up by three or four feet. The clay material will be compacted as it is installed to provide a stable building surface for the new school.
Hyde said the grading work should be done prior to the grouting work to facilitate the grouting project. Grouting the mine will involve drilling holes to the depth of the mine and injecting a concrete-type material to fill the mining voids below the school building site.
According to Hyde, having the building pad built up to an elevation of three or four feet will provide better draining and provide better working conditions for workers installing the grout. Wet weather and mud delayed drilling work earlier this year when engineers were testing to determine the exact location of mine workings under the site.
Hyde said bid specifications for the grouting and grading work have not been completed. The bid documents are likely to be approved at the next regular meeting of the board, or the board could call a special meeting for the purposed of approving specifications and getting the bid process started.
In other action, the board appointed School Board President Mark Hayes to serve as boy’s varsity soccer coach for the 2011-2012 school year. Hayes abstained from voting.
Skeans told the board and members of the audience that hiring Hayes for the position would not be a conflict of interest because soccer is a parent-funded sport. “We checked with our legal counsel to make sure that was the case,” Skeans said. “What happened is that Mr. (Joe) Tieman (High School Principal) and Mr. (Dennis) Tiburzi (Athletic Director) decided to pursue Mark Hayes for this position and he graciously agreed to accept it.”
In other personnel action, the board accepted the resignation of high school math teacher Katie Benz and voted to post the position as vacant, with the proviso that preference would be given to candidates with a masters degree. Benz, who taught for four years in the school district, has accepted a position with Staunton High School.
Hayes said the preference for a candidate with a master’s degree is based on the board’s desire to offer dual credit math courses which will give students an opportunity to earn college credits while still in high school.
The board also accepted the resignation of Gillespie High School band instructor Mike Sauerhage, and accepted the resignation of Carl Seago as a volunteer assistant high school football coach.
Board members voted unanimously to hire Christine Niehaus as a first-year, non-tenured language arts teacher at the middle school level, and to hire Celia Jubelt as the Gillespie Middle School volleyball coach for the 2011-2012 school year.
The board also hired Penney Feeley and Janice Hammann as cafeteria workers for the school lunch and breakfast program associated with the district’s summer school program.
After some discussion, the board agreed to authorize Skeans to sell bleachers and other items from the old Benld Elementary School to the Mount Olive School District. The Benld school has been vacant for two years since being damaged by mine subsidence. Skeans said the district has been removing material that could be salvaged for use elsewhere in the district.
The bleachers, however, will not work with the design of the new elementary school, he said, and Mount Olive has agreed to purchase them for $10,000. Mount Olive will provide the labor to remove and move the bleachers. On a motion by Peyton Bernot, seconded by Hayes, the board voted to allow the Superintendent to sell the bleachers, ceiling tiles, lights and other materials. Skeans said the material can be sold to Mount Olive School District without seeking bids through an intergovernmental memorandum of understanding. He said he will not dispose of fixtures and materials that would render the old building unsaleable.
In other action, the board:
Accepted a contract with TheraKids, Shipman, to provide physical and occupational therapy for the school’s special education program for the 2011-2012 school year. The company has provided such services for the special education cooperative for the past 14 years.
Approved application for a $145,000 renewable emergency relocation grant from the State Board of Education to pay for leasing modular classroom units to house displaced Benld Elementary School students.
Approved changes recommended by staff for the Gillespie Middle School student handbook.
Reauthorized cooperative athletic agreements with the Mount Olive School District for boys and girls cross country, boys soccer and wrestling.
-Written and Contributed by David Ambrose
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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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