Community News
William E. Schmidt Charitable Foundation contributes $30,000 to CUSD #7
Ben-Gil Elementary School is 50% Complete
Board Members David Griffel, Bill Carter, and Weye Schmidt listen as Tom Hyde (far right) explains progress on the Ben-Gil Elementary School.
Superintendent Skeans announced Monday, September 24 during a regular scheduled school board meeting, that the William E. Schmidt Foundation sent another donation to the school. “It is good to hear the building of the new Elementary School is going well,” John (William) said in his letter. “Find enclosed a check for $30,000 as a gift from the Schmidt Foundation in loving memory of our parents, William and Florence, and other departed family members.”
“Every time he does this,” Skeans started, “I am just humbled by his generosity.” Skeans went on to add that he wrote back to John “we are humbled by your recent contribution to the district.” “We are especially grateful for your contribution,” Skeans read from his letter back to John (William). Skeans explained that the check is going to go toward track maintenance and the technology upgrade in the Middle School.
Skeans explained that some of the donations are earmarked and some are not. The ones that are not, Skeans applies the money to where he feels is needed. “Every so many years that track has to maintained,” Skeans explained. “There will be adequate funds there to take care of that when it needs to be done, so it won’t have to be taken out of public taxes.” He explained that last year donations from the William E. Schmidt Foundation went toward the computer labs. “We always put it to good use.”
Joe Tieman, Assistant Superintendent, explains that enrollment for CUSD #7 has increased, according to 6th day enrollment figures.
As of last week, district architect Tom Hyde announced the new Ben-Gil Elementary school is 50% complete. “We have filled out all of the paperwork and signed the documents,” Skeans explained. “We should be receiving a check for $10 million to finish the building. We will receive the continuance money when we are 90% complete.”
Hyde explained that all the concrete work with Korte & Luitjohan from bid package 2 is completed and the Contegra building contract is currently 35% complete. “During the next 30 days, work will continued on walls in classrooms, metal roof installation, and interior electric, plumbing, and HVAC work,” Hyde noted.
As of last Tuesday’s construction meeting with Hyde and Contegra, the company is still confident they will complete their contract by April of 2013 “which is what their contract says.” Hyde explained that Larry Norville tested water pressure around the building and a fire pump is not necessary. After numerous board members complained about the concrete sidewalk looking like “a rollercoaster,” Tom stated he would assess the project.
The board then approved change order number 4 for Contegra and approved the inter-governmental agreement relative to Illinois Department of National Resources and Benld School Demolition. The board approved advertising for demolition bids. “The land is still ours after we award a bid, but everything else on the site is theirs (demolition company).”
Background Checks
Skeans then went on to update the board on a request from board member Jenni Alepra. “Do we do background checks on parents to go on field trips and volunteers for events,” he relayed the question. CUSD #7 does not do any sort of background checks. According to Skeans, they are initiating that process and it will go through the ROE. “We will have the machine over here and everyone will have to go through the background check,” Skeans explained. “We are moving forward with that.”
6th Day Enrollment Figures
Assistant Superintendent Joe Tieman presented the school board with 6th day enrollment figures. In the high school, there are 394 students enrolled which is a 3.1% increase. There are 285 students enrolled in Gillespie Middle School this year, just 3 students less than last year. The Elementary School has 632 students including all of their students outside of the district. It is close to a 3.9% increase for the Elementary School. “Keep in mind, these numbers change,” Tieman concluded. Overall enrollment is up.
Personnel Matters
The school board appointed Rusty Billbruck, previous school board president for CUSD #7, as assistant football coach for FSY 2013.
The school board then hired Brandi Schoen as special education paraprofessional at the high school level, pending certification.
School board president Mark Hayes explains how the sidewalk in front of the new school is not level.
School Board Election
The following Board of Education members are up for re-election in the April 9, 2013 election: William (Bill) Carter, Jr., Dorchester Township; Don Dobrino, Cahokia Township; and David Griffle, Brushy Mound Township. Nominating petition forms for the election are now available. Voters will be electing three persons to the Board of Education at the non-partisan election to be held on April 9, 2013. A school board candidate’s petition, signed by at least 50 registered voters, must be filed in the CUSD #7 Administration Office no later than 5:00pm on December 24,2012.
Any interested in the position, must reside in the appropriate township and pick up a packet from the Administration Office. For any questions, contact County Clerk Pete Duncan at 217-854-3214 or email at pete.duncan@macoupincountyil.gov .
Administrator Updates
Dennis Tiburzi, high school principal, noted that the faculty attended a very good workshop on “Teacher Performance Evaluations” and they will be implementing the new student information system. The new system will allow parents to check their children’s grades on the new system on October 22. Access code and passwords were sent home with the student’s mid-term grades.
He also noted that Mrs. Brown obtained a grant from the Dollar General Literacy Foundation for $2,000. The funds will be used to purchase Star Math and Star Reading to be used by the RTI program to assess students’ needs in both math and reading.
Joe Tieman read Lori Emmons report on the middle as she was supervising an athletic function. Tieman announced that mid-terms were sent home last week to parents. He also announced that GMS has a new student council and that the members “are role models and positive influences on the school environment.”
Angela Turcol, elementary principal, announced that 254 families attend the open house. “It was wonderful,” she added. Turcol went on to announce teachers are working with system and making the adjustments needs at the elementary level. She is working on including progress report in the new system.
New Business
The board explained that administrator and teacher salaries and benefits for FSY 2012 are now online on the district website. Internet posting is required by school code and law. “That is last year. That is what the state wants and that is what we have,” Skeans explained.
The board also adopted the FSY 2013 budget as presented. Lastly, the board approved FSY 2012 audit.
September Bills
The board approved payment for the September bills as follows:
Education Fund: $55,036.20
Building Fund: $61,644.31
Transportation Fund: $7,131.31
Site and Construction Fund: $2,459,334.06
Grand total = $2,583,145.88
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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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