Community News
School board finalizes property tax levy, Commits more CEJA dollars to Plum Street project
Members of the Community Unit School District 7 Board of Education voted Monday night to commit the next round of Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) grant money to completion of the Plum Street renovation project, with the understanding the school district will not participate financially in future city street improvements and provided the City of Gillespie regrades a drainage ditch on LJ Avenue between the High School and football field, and corrects a drainage ditch between the football field and baseball field.
In other action, the board finalized the 2025 property tax levy for taxes to be collected in 2026, and welcomed two student representatives to the board.
The action followed a lengthy discussion about the role the school district should be expected to play in bringing Plum Street up to a level of repair to support school bus traffic.
The board previously committed about $89,000 in CEJA grant money to the project. With Monday night’s vote, the school district is committing about an additional $70,000 to completing the Plum Street project.
Plum Street has been a focus for the school district and city government since the district synchronized class start and end times at all three attendance centers. That change necessitated rerouting 10 buses onto to Plum Street in the morning and afternoon. City officials said the additional weight and traffic soon caused Plum Street to quickly deteriorate. The current project includes milling, repaving, drainage improvement and reinforcement of the road base to handle bus traffic.
The original engineers for the project were fired after it was discovered that the company allegedly had not filed proper paperwork with the Illinois Department of Transportation to secure approval to proceed with construction. The deficiency pushed construction to next spring at the earliest. Earlier this month, the new engineers came in with a new, more complete quote for the project that came in at $350,000—upward of $150,000 more than the city had anticipated.
Supt. Shane Owsley told the board he had spoken with Mayor Landon Pettit who suggested the new estimate could be more than the city could afford even with the $89,000 in CEJA money the school district had already committed.
“My No. 1 concern is the safety of students, as I’m sure it is with you,” Owsley said. He recommended committing the next round of CEJA grant money—about $70,000— to the project to ensure its completion before the 2026-27 school year with the provision the school could use the street for bus traffic “in perpetuity.”
Owsley said city officials told him the city cannot complete the project without the participation of the school district or cutting significantly into funds destined for maintaining other streets in the city.
Board members Bill Carter and Dennis Tiburzi both expressed reservations about putting more money into the project, suggesting the school district should not be in the “business of building streets.”
“I don’t want to be here next month being asked for more money,” Tiburzi commented. “We’re the largest employer in the area and I’m sorry, but they (the city) need to take care of the roads. We all pay road taxes.”
“What happens if they (the city) run out of money?” Carter asked. “Or the street falls apart five years from now? This one rubs me a little wrong. I worry about what happens down the road.”
Board President Mark Hayes said the city is willing to commit equipment and manpower to clean ditches along LJ Avenue and between the football field and baseball field. Board member Weye Schmidt agreed that the city should take responsibility for drainage improvements to eliminate “the swamp” that backs up behind the school’s Vocational Building.
The motion to commit anticipated CEJA grant funding to the Plum Street project provided the school’s attorney drafts an intergovernmental agreement signed by both parties committing the city to finishing the project, correcting drainage issues on LJ Avenue and between the football and baseball fields, granting the school a right to use Plum Street for buses in perpetuity, and acknowledging the school will not participate financially in future street improvements.
“For the safety of our children, I think this is the best option,” Hayes noted.
TAX LEVY
The board voted unanimously to approve a proposed property tax levy request following a brief public hearing required by law because the request exceeds last year’s tax extension by more than 105 percent.
Though legally mandated, there were no members of the public and no questions or comments about the levy during the three-minute hearing.
Owsley, who presented a formal analysis of the levy proposal during the November board meeting, again pointed out that the $3,920,295 levy request for 2025 property taxes collectible in 2026 exceeds what the district actually expects to receive in property tax revenue. Because of tax caps and other factors, however, the district expects to collect only an estimated $3,786,607 of the requested amount.
“We ask for more because we don’t know what our equalized assessed valuation will be,” Owsley noted. In calculating the levy, Owsley estimated an increase of 15 percent in the EAV even though the average increase over the past ten years has been about 8.8 percent.
“The reason I increased the EAV as much as I did is because we have a number of solar fields coming online and if we don’t claim those increases now, we lose it forever, because we are subject to tax caps,” he said. The Property Tax Extension Limitation Law (PTELL), approved by Macoupin voters in 1995, limits the increase in the property taxes to no more than five percent or the Consumer Price Index, whichever is less. The current CPI is 2.9 percent, meaning the district can legally collect 102.9 percent of the previous year’s extension, plus any increases in the EAV and new construction.
“I think it’s important to point out that we have the second lowest tax rate in the county,” Bernot noted, adding that the tax rate has fallen by about $1 in the past 10 years.
DISTRICT FOCUS
The board was introduced to Maddie Durston, a sophomore who will join Student Council President Emily Bergen, as student representatives on the Board of Education beginning in January. Durston is next in line to become Student Council President. Bergen was unable to attend Monday’s meeting due to a prior commitment.
Supt. Owsley told the board that during a recent educators conference in Chicago “one of the things we kept running into was student voices.”
“Obviously we hear from administrators and we hear from teachers,” Owsley noted. “Who we don’t hear from are the students themselves.” Current board policy permits the annual appointment of the Student Council President to serve as a student representative on the board. Student representatives can participate in board discussions but cannot cast a vote. They also are prohibited from joining executive sessions.
“When we want to see what students views are on any particular subject, we’ll have a student right here to tell us,” Owsley said.
High School Principal Jill Rosentreter had high praise for both Bergen and Durston.
“I’m super excited to recommend Emily and Maddie,” she said. “They’re going to represent the student body very well. They’re both very well spoken. They’re both very excited to share ideas and take part in discussions.”
“I’ve been to some board meetings, and I enjoyed sitting over there and hearing things,” Durston noted. “To be on this side of the table and be a part of things is really exciting.”
PERSONNEL
Following an executive session of 35 minutes, the board voted in separate actions, to accept the resignation of Terrie Rhodes as a special education bus aide and to hire Rhodes as a full-route bus driver.
Additionally, the board voted to hire Paige Stoddard as a three-hour cafeteria worker, pending documentation of certification and a routine background check.
On a motion by Carter, seconded by Schmidt, the board voted unanimously to accept the resignation of Dan Smith as a volunteer assistant high school baseball coach.
FUND TRANSFERS/TAX ABATEMENT
In somewhat related actions, the board approved a resolution transferring $75,000 from the School Facilities Sales Tax fund to the Bond and Interest Fund to service indebtedness for previous capital improvements. The resolution also abates an equal amount in property taxes in keeping with a pledge the board made to voters before the current one percent School Facilities Sale Tax measure was passed by Macoupin voters.
The board also approved a resolution abating taxes previously levied to service a $1.6 million General Obligation Bond Issue approved in two years ago to finance capital improvement projects over the following three years. Those bonds are being serviced with revenue from the School Facilities Sale Tax fund in lieu of property tax revenue, enabling the district to abate the tax.
Both resolutions are routine items approved by the board on an annual basis.
MULTI-JURISDICTIONAL HAZARDS MITIGATION PLAN
By a unanimous vote, the board approved a resolution to participate in the 2025 Macoupin County Multi-Jurisdictional All Hazards Mitigation Plan. The plan has be written for the past two years, but Community Unit School District 7 was not included in the document.
Being included in the plan means the district could be eligible for grant funding for initiatives such as generators, grounding for electrical storms, drainage improvements, retention ponds, safety education and other items designed to mitigate against potential hazards.
“There’s no guarantee this money will ever become available,” Owsley said. “But if we don’t approve this, we won’t be able to apply for funds.”
BUILDING AND GROUNDS
Hayes and Owsley briefly reviewed discussions that took place recently during a meeting of the Building and Grounds Committee with Building Manager Brian Page. Owsley said Page presented an extensive list of improvements that have been completed, including adding a press box at the baseball field, completing a new weight room with HVAC improvements, an updated fire alarm system, a new intercom system, completion of a sidewalk between BenGil Elementary School and the high school.
“We’ve actually done a lot,” Owsley said, “a lot of improvements.” With revenue still available from the district’s Alternate Revenue bond issue, the district plans to resurface the track around the football field this summer.
While a number of improvements have been completed, Owsley said the school wants to be “proactive” in selecting the projects it takes on in the near future. As an example, Owsley pointed out the insurance policy accepted by the board depreciates roofs on the basis of a 20-year lifespan.
“If that’s the case, we probably don’t want any roofs that are more than 20 years old,” he said.
Owsley said he met with the school architect to discuss probable upcoming projects and discuss how the district can pay for them. The entire middle school roof is approaching the 20-year limit and will need to be replaced. A portion of the barreled roof over the high school gym will need to be replaced, and the high school HVAC system is approaching its 20-year life expectancy.
Page reportedly prepared a spreadsheet of possible projects, the age of the current installations and the expected life expectancy. The document is meant to help the district target the most urgent projects and prioritize them.
“The second question is how do we pay them?” Owsley commented.
“We’re at a point with some of our bonds that we may need to extend them out or refinance them,” Hayes said. School officials plan to ask Kevin Wills of Bernardi Securities, O’Fallon, to attend an upcoming meeting to explain how the board can issue Life Safety bonds without significantly impacting local taxes.
“We want to find a way to get this work done without dropping a lot of extra tax on our residents,” Owsley said. Payments to retire existing bonds are set to increase from $900,000 a year to $1.2 million. By extending the term of existing bonds by a few years could keep interest payments down and provide enough breathing room to issue Life Safety bonds for upcoming work.
Owsley said the district wants to “complete these projects rather than wait for something to happen” and have to find a way immediately to finance the work.
OTHER ACTION
In accordance with the state’s Open Meetings Act and Freedom of Information Act, the board agreed to destroy audio recordings of close sessions older than 18 months, and voted unanimously to keep recent executive session minutes sealed.
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FELONIES
Justine D. Pocklington, 27 of Standard City, possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams), aggravated feeling police/21 mph over, no valid registration, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a February 2 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Katlyn N. Pilger, 21 of Benld, is charged with theft/unauthorized control (<$500) in connection with a March 28 incident.
Donald L. Lloyd, 46 of Staunton, is charged with criminal trespass to land in connection with an April 5 incident.
TRAFFIC
Tarina S. Slaughter, 47 of Girard, is charged with improper use of registration/title, unlicensed, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with an April 4 incident.
William C. Geiser, 60 of Gillespie, is charged with reckless driving in connection with an April 6 incident.
Lauren E. Wolfe, 21 of Granite City, is charged with improper use of registration/title and expiration of registration in connection with an April 3 incident.
Jim T. Wahl, 53 of Cottage Hills, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with an April 8 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Nora Washington versus Joseph D. Washington
- Samantha Lehnen versus Chad Wallace
MARRIAGE LICENSES
- Colton D. West of Hettick and Alina M. Carver of Scottville.
- Devin J. Martin and Mariah P. Crane, both of Bunker Hill.
- Jonathon E. Swisher of Shipman and Mackenzie P. Calvin of Saint Charles, MO.
- Lucas Boschelli and Danielle J. Boatman, both of Carlinville.
- Todd R. Leverton and Jennifer L. Bowman, both of Carlinville.
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SUNDAY, APRIL 5, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Oak Street in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Oak Street in reference to harassment.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South Main Street in Benld in reference to a civil standby.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Park Avenue in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Elm Street in reference to a civil standby.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
MONDAY, APRIL 6, 2026
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
Jonathan M. Kirkwood, 29 of Benld, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for traffic.
An officer was dispatched to Maple Street and Adams Street in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was out with a female at Trolley Street and Central Avenue in Benld in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the Gillespie Police Department to speak with a male in reference to a civil issue in the 200 block of South Main Street in Benld.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Henry Street in East Gillespie. Camden G. Zumwalt, 18 of Staunton, was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a well-being check.
TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2026
Cory D. Norton, 33 of Columbus, NC, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for driving while driver’s license was suspended. He also has a warrant out of Montgomery County for failure to appear while driver’s license was suspended.
An officer was dispatched to the intersection of Madison Street and Wilson Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was out with a male at Staunton Road and Charles Street in reference to a traffic crash. Tanner E. Moore, 28 of Gillespie, was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol, improper lane usage, using an electronic communication device, and failure to change address.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Frey Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Staunton Road in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South 4th Street in Benld in reference to unwanted solicitors.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Maple Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Richards Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was out in the 100 block of South Main Street in Benld. Amanda L. Broderick, 37 of Benld, was issued citations for unlawful possession of traffic signs and obstruction. Luther C. Welch, 31 of Shipman, was issued a citation for obstruction.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Berry Street in Mt. Clare in reference to a death investigation.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 300 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to illegal dumping and criminal trespass.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 6th Street in Benld in reference to criminal damage to property.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to identity theft in the 1200 block of Second Street.
An officer initiated a traffic stop in the 400 block of South Macoupin Street. Andrea M. Hulsey, 30 of Mt. Clare, was issued a citation for her minor child not wearing a seatbelt.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Broadway in reference to a neighbor dispute.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 900 block of Springfield Road in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Abba Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was dispatched to Ben-Gil Elementary School in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Elm Street in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to Kentucky Street and Hickory Street in Benld in reference to a noise complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Walnut Street to assist the Macoupin County Sheriff Department in serving an eviction notice.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Dorsey Road in Mt. Clare in reference to a well-being check.
THURSDAY, APRIL 9, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Dorsey Street in Benld in reference to a medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Donaldson Street in reference to criminal damage to property.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Avenue and Main Street in Benld. Trinity A. Pruitt, 22 of Benld, was issued citations for speeding and for illegal transportation of cannabis.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a civil issue.
The school resource officer brought a child to the Gillespie Police Department in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 200 block of West Spruce Street.
An officer was dispatched to the 2300 block of Staunton Road in Mt. Clare in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Clay Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of East Central Avenue in Benld in reference to suspicious activity.
FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2026
An officer was dispatched near the water plant in reference to juveniles fighting.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South Second Street in Benld in reference to assisting the Litchfield Police Department with a case.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Wilson Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Charles Street in reference to a civil issue.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Henry Street in East Gillespie. Leonard J. Schwartz, 55 of Edwardsville, was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Pine Street. Scott A. Byrd, 49 of Wilsonville, was issued a citation for expired registration.
SATURDAY, APRIL 11, 2026
Larry E. Conlee, 42 of Mt. Clare, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for dangerous drugs. He was also arrested for resisting a peace officer and aggravated battery.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to an animal complaint on Bishop Drive at Gillespie Lake.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South Hard Road in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of East Walnut Street in reference to solicitation.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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Community News
“History Belongs to All of Us”: Focus of Carlinville Community Conversation Series starting May 4
“History Belongs to All of Us,” a three-month series of events and activities commemorating the 250th anniversary of American independence and emphasizing Illinois’ role in seizing liberty for the American people will kick off Monday, May 4, and continue through July 16, 2026.
The series is project of Carlinville Winning Communities funded by a grant from Illinois Humanities. The events will encourage participants to examine and discuss the Declaration of Independence and other primary historical documents through facilitated conversations, according to Mary Tinder, a Macoupin County Historical Society & Carlinville Winning Communities board member.
Carlinville Winning Communities was one of only 13 entities statewide to receive an Illinois Humanities grant to support the Community Conversations Series.
We are fortunate to have received Illinois Humanities funding for this unique project, With 2026 being the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the 100th anniversary of Route 66, it is altogether fitting to explore where we’ve been and where we’re going, as well as to reflect on both and the cultural impact of our independence, Tinder said.
In keeping with the “History Belongs to All of Us” theme, several of the presentations and discussions will emphasize the role of Native Americans and the impact of American independence on Native American and other cultures.
Program topics will be explored through presentations by Illinois Humanities Road Scholars, live readings of historic documents, art, music and discussions. The programs are free to attend and all venues are handicapped accessible.
The series kicks off with “Illinois in the Revolutionary War,” a presentation by local historian and author Tom Emery, at 7 p.m., Monday, May 4, at the Macoupin County Historical Society’s Ruyle Genealogy Building, 920 W. Breckenridge St., Carlinville. Emery will lead a discussion of information included in his most recently published book, Illinois in the Revolutionary War.
“There was more to the war in Illinois than most people realize,” said Emery. “Revolutionary action took place in many parts of the state, and it was a struggle for all involved. It shows how hard many Americans worked for liberty.”
A discussion of Nicholas Welch’s 1812 Land Grant and the Autobiography of Ma-Ka-Tai-Me-She-Kia-Kiak, better known as Black Hawk, leader of the Sauk/Sac Indian tribes, is set for 7 p.m., Monday, June 1, in the Anderson Home parlor on the Macoupin County Historical Society grounds. Under the Land Grant program, the government set aside more than five million acres in western Illinois to compensate American war veterans with large tracts of land. Though Welch never set foot in Illinois, the granting of land to him displaced Black Hawk from his home in the area of present-day Rock Island. The facilitated discussion will focus on original historic documents, juxtaposing Welch’s land grant with Black Hawk’s experience.
Because of the smaller, more intimate venue, reservations are required. RSVP to marytinder1@gmail.com to reserve a seat.
“Relive the Mother Road: The Edwards Trace,” a collective analysis of documents and a look at contemporary research will be led by Illinois Humanities Road Scholar Anna Sielaff, Friday afternoon, June 26, during an Old Fashioned Route 66 Jubilee on the Macoupin County Courthouse lawn. Sielaff will discuss the 3,000-year-old Edwards Trace, used by Native Americans and early Illinois settlers, that stretched from Cahokia to Peoria. Portions of the trace run through Macoupin County, and some sections lay along the original alignment of Route 66. Imagine Rural Arts also will lead an art project in connection with how the trail was marked.
The Old Fashioned Route 66 Jubilee event runs from noon into the evening with food, musical performances, literary presentations, games, food and other activities.
The date is significant for Carlinville and Route 66 since 6/26/26 happens to be our zip code! The Jubilee offers a variety of experiences and taking a deeper look at the Edwards Trace and the Mother Road is an interesting way to explore local history on this unique date and location, Tinder noted.
Continuing on to the July 4th holiday, Macoupin County high school and college students will read the Declaration of Independence aloud in the main courtroom of the historic Macoupin County Courthouse in Carlinville at 10 a.m. The event also will feature a display of more than 30 historic flags provided by the George Rogers Clark Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution. A facilitated discussion will follow the reading and participants will be invited to sign the “Macoupin County America @ 250 Time Capsule” book. The book will then be on display at the Macoupin County Historical Society, said Andrea Duncan, one of the organizers.
A unique and somewhat mysterious artifact from Macoupin County will be the subject of a presentation at 7 p.m., Monday, July 6, at the Historical Society’s Ruyle Genealogy Building. Sharon Breyden and husband Tommy Breyden will display and discuss the Black Hawk Tablet, uncovered in the 1940s on a farm near Hettick. The odd inscriptions on the lead medallion suggests Black Hawk and an early Macoupin settler formalized an agreement to peacefully coexist in central Illinois.
For the final program of the Carlinville Community Conversations series, Illinois Humanities Road Scholar Kim Sigafus, a member of the Ojibwa Native American tribe, will present “We the Native People” at 7 p.m., Thursday, July 16, at the Historical Society’s Ruyle Genealogy Building. The focus is on Native Americans at the time the Declaration of Independence was signed. The interactive program will use traditional story-telling and music to help audience members understand the groundswell changes in Native American culture and lifestyle resulting from American independence and subsequent western expansion.
For more information and details about the “History Belongs to All of Us” series, contact Carlinville Winning Communities Board members, Andrea Duncan, (217) 204-1446, or Mary Tinder, (217) 825-9699.
