Community News
Benld Council amends appropriation ordinance, backs away from salvaging Contratto Building facade
Benld City Hall
The Benld City Council on Monday night approved an amendment to the fiscal 2017 appropriations ordinance to bring it into alignment with actual spending for the fiscal year that ends on April 30, and learned that salvaging the Contratto Building facade on Central Avenue would be cost prohibitive. Council members also heard a report indicating that about half required number of income surveys have been collected to determine whether the city is eligible to apply for federal grant money to fund a major sewer renovation project.
Finance Committee Chair Ald. Peyton Bernot presented the amended appropriations ordinance, noting there had been unexpected expenses in some areas of the city government, primarily the Police Department. The amended appropriation ordinance was approved unanimously on a motion by Ald. Jim Tilashalsky, seconded by Bernot. The original ordinance, covering expenditures from May 1, 2016, through April 30, 2017, was approved last June. Bernot also reported that the Finance Committee is starting to work on the fiscal 2018 ordinance (May 1, 2017, through April 30, 2018), which will be presented for approval later this year.
Bernot characterized the amendment as a matter of routine housekeeping.
“We did this last year,” he said.
[pullquote]The appropriation ordinance sets spending ceilings restricting the amount of money the city can spend from specific funds.[/pullquote]
The appropriation ordinance sets spending ceilings restricting the amount of money the city can spend from specific funds. Under the amended ordinance, the General Fund appropriation is increased by $896, while the appropriation for Proprietary Funds (water, sewer and trash) is reduced by more than $21,000 and the Motor Fuel Tax appropriation is increased by nearly $14,000.
Within the General Fund appropriation, the spending limit for the Police Department is increased by nearly $35,000, primarily to cover the cost of a new squad car and other equipment earlier in the fiscal year. The appropriation for Unemployment Taxes is increased by slightly more than $1,000, while the Maintenance appropriation is increased by slightly more than $6,000. Those increases are substantially offset, however, by reductions in the appropriations for Administration, City Property, Legal Fees and Parks. The total General Fund appropriation increased from $497,003 to $497,899.
Within the Proprietary Funds Appropriation, the appropriation for trash hauling increased from $101,400 for the fiscal year to $111,000. That increase is more than offset by a $26,000 reduction in the Water Department appropriation. The appropriation for sewers remains unchanged at $238,233. The Proprietary Funds total appropriation is deceased from $644,374 to $628,205.
The Motor Fuel Tax appropriation was increased from $30,000 to $43,744 to reflect actual expenditures in that amount.
[pullquote]Bernot also reported that as of April 12, the city has spent $479,018 in General Fund monies—about $47,000 more than the city had spent at this time last year.[/pullquote]
Bernot also reported that as of April 12, the city has spent $479,018 in General Fund monies—about $47,000 more than the city had spent at this time last year. As the same time, Bernot said, General Fund revenues are down by about $17,000.
“We’re not at a deficit at this point,” he said. “We have about $17,000 left before we go into a deficit.”
CONTRATTO BUILDING
Without taking formal action, the council abandoned the concept of razing the rear of the Contratto Building, located across the street from City Hall, while preserving the building’s facade. City Property Committee Chair Brian Frensko reported that he had talked with several contractors and determined that the cost of such a project could range from $15,000 to $40,000. Moreover, since the building is attached to a building located immediately to the west, the project probably could not be accomplished without also razing the adjacent building.
“They suggested that we buy that building and do both of them at the same time,” Frensko said.
“So we’re looking at the cost of buying the building, plus $15,000 to $40,000?” Ald. Collin Obermeyer commented.
The Contratto Building is the subject of a condemnation suit brought by the city to acquire the property for the purpose of abating a nuisance. While the facade appears to be intact from the street, the roof of the building reportedly has collapsed, rendering the building unsalvageable. Council members last month discussed the possibility of preserving the facade to avoid leaving a totally vacant lot on the city’s main street. The suit has been continued several times and a Macoupin County judge recently entered an order giving the city until December to decide what it wants to do with the building. With no plan for dealing with the derelict property, one option would be for the city to dismiss the complaint, City Attorney Rick Verticchio has advised the city.
[pullquote]It’s kind of a moot point since we don’t own the other building.[/pullquote]
“It’s kind of a moot point since we don’t own the other building,” Mayor Jim Kelly said, deferring a decision on the property’s future for another time.
“You have until December to decide,” Verticchio advised.
Following a 20-minute executive session to discuss litigation, personnel and real estate, the council took action to authorize the clean-up of the so-called Baima property, bounded by Central Avenue, Spruce Street and First Street, and took action to demand payment on a mowing bill associated with a property located at 301 West Park Street. The Baima Property reportedly is being sold and the sellers apparently wanted to confirm the status of a platted alley running through the property before proceeding with the clean-up. Though platted, the alley reportedly is nonexistent and is properly included as part of the real estate parcel. The owners of the West Park property reportedly have accumulated a mowing bill of $2,000 and Monday night’s action requires the owners to start making regular payments toward satisfying the bill to avoid legal action.
SEWER GRANT SURVEY
Mayor Kelly and City Clerk Terri Koyne reported that 80 income surveys were returned by mail last week from residents within areas of the city affected by a proposed sewer improvement project, and an unspecified number of surveys were returned to City Hall on Monday. Koyne said 275 surveys were mailed with water bills earlier in April. Under requirements for the federal grant, the city must collect responses from 75 percent of the affected residents—about 210 responses—to document that more than half of the residents are low to moderate income residences.
“We’re about half-way there,” Koyne said.
If the city doesn’t receive the minimum number of responses by mail, city officials will go door-to-door to households that have not responded in an effort to collect the necessary information.
“By the end of the week, we’ll be in a better position to know how many homes we’re going to have to contact,” Kelly commented. He reiterated that financial information supplied by respondents is confidential and is exempt from Freedom of Information Act requests.
Results of the survey will determine whether the city is eligible to apply for a $450,000 Community Development and Assistance Program (CDAP) grant to cover 75 percent of the cost of an estimated $600,000 sewer improvement project. The project tentatively includes plans to replace two sewer lines on the northeast side of the city, renovating two lift stations and improving up to 20 manholes.
CLEAN-UP DAY
Mayor Kelly again announced the city is planning a city-wide clean-up day for May 20. Persons planning to participate should have refuse on the curb in front of their homes by 6 a.m. Kelly recommended putting out trash for pick-up the night before to ensure it is on the curb when Flowers Sanitation begins picking up refuse as 6 a.m. Items for pick-up must fit into an area not to exceed four feet wide by eight feet long and six feet in height. Landscape waste, bricks, cement, masonry, paint, batteries, tires and electronics are among the items that will not be accepted.
After May 20, Kelly said, the city will step up enforcement of nuisance ordinances regarding accumulations of refuse.
“We’re going to be looking very close at nuisance ordinance violations,” he said.
Kelly also reported that he determined it will not be necessary to seek bids to repair a fence at the city baseball fields. After looking at the damage, he said, it was discovered that no more than one post, a post cap and some tie-downs will be needed to make the repair.
“We will get that done,” he said. “I can get enough volunteer labor.”
NEW POLICE CAR
Police Committee Chair Ald. Teresa Tucker reported the city recently acquired a surplus police car from the city of Wood River for a token price of $1.
“We got a new police car from Wood River at a very good price,” she said. Ald. Obermeyer reportedly located the vehicle and arranged for the transfer.
The vehicle is an unmarked 2006 Ford Crown Victoria with 93,000 miles on the odometer. Before going into service the city plans to install a new radio and have the vehicle checked out mechanically.
In further discussion, Ald. Bernot asked about the possibility of rotating police cars among officers to control mileage accumulating on individual vehicles.
“I think we need to do that,” he said.
Mayor Kelly formally thanked the City of Wood River for transferring the vehicle to Bend.
MAINTENANCE REPORTS
The council referred to committee the issue of requiring monthly maintenance reports from the Maintenance Department after Ald. Bernot asked about the possibility of the department providing such reports.
“That’s probably not going to happen,” said Ald. Obermeyer.
“Why not?” Bernot asked.
“I could tell them to do it,” Obermeyer responded. “But they could come back through their union and want more money because we would be adding to their work.”
Bernot said he isn’t looking for a detailed report, but a more general report to keep aldermen informed about what projects the department is working on and what projects they have completed.
“I get accused of not knowing what they’re doing,” he said, “and most of the time, I don’t know.” He said a generalized report would be helpful and asked Verticchio if such reporting could be covered under the “rights of management” terms in the union contract.
Ultimately, the issue was referred to committee for further investigation.
VERIZON CONTRACT
Mayor Kelly told the council that aldermen will need to vote in June on whether or not to continue with a Verizon contract that provides computer linkages for the police department. He said the basic cost of the service is only $35 per month, but data charges can quickly mount up. Last month’s bill, for example, topped $4,000, he said.
“It doesn’t take much of a hiccup for those gigabyte charges to mount up,” he said.
Kelly said the service is probably needed through May and into June, a time period that includes the annual Italian-American Days Festival. But the council could reconsider the contract at its regular June meeting. He referred the issue to committee for a recommendation for the June meeting.
ITS TRAIL RESOLUTION
Acting on a request from the ITS Bike Trail Committee, the council approved a resolution renewing the city’s support of the committee’s efforts to develop the trail. Committee member William Vogt appeared at the March meeting of the council to ask the city to approve the resolution. The committee is working on development of a walking/biking trail along the former alignment of the Illinois Traction System railway. The trail already has been completed between Edwardsville and Staunton, and the committee now hopes to extend the trail from Staunton to Benld where it would link up with the Benld-Gillespie Bike Trail.
SCOPEL DEPARTURE
Before adjourning, Mayor Kelly recognized retiring City Treasurer Mary Ann Scopel who chose not to seek re-election in the most recent Consolidated Election. She has served as treasurer or city clerk for 20 years in the city.
“I want to thank Mary Ann Scopel for 20 years of service to the city,” Kelly said. “We’re going to miss you I’m sure.”
Cindy Crites, who was elected without opposition to the position of City Treasurer, will be sworn in during the May meeting of the city council.
OTHER ACTION
In other action, the council:
- Accepted a bid of $1,000 from Ruff ’n Tuff Tree Service to remove a dead tree from city property in the 200 block of Eighth Street. One other bid of $1,800 was received.
- Tabled action on accepting a bid to replace doors at the Civic Center to give the vendor time to confirm the price of the doors from his vendor.
- Approved payment of annual dues of $250 for membership in the Illinois Municipal League, plus $30 for a statewide municipal directory to be published in August.
- Directed the Public Works Committee to seek bids on a 52-inch zero-turn mower to be used in conjunction with a 61-inch zero-turn mower the city currently owns.
- Agreed to hire Larry Wright as a temporary grass cutter at an hourly rate of $8.25 to work until the end of the school year, after which Tim Wargo will resume duties as a temporary grass cutter at an hourly rate of $10.50 through the summer. Wright will resume his duties in the early fall when Wargo returns to school.
- Agreed to again offer a surplus 2001 Ford Ranger truck for sale via sealed bids. The city previously received no bids on the vehicle. For the second offering, the city is removing its $1,000 minimum bid requirement.
Comments
Ye Olde Christmas is the theme of the Macoupin County Historical Society’s annual Christmas Show, which will be held Friday through Sunday, December 5–7, at the John C. Anderson Home and Museum, 920 West Breckenridge in Carlinville.
“The Christmas Show is one of the most magical times to visit the Anderson Home,” said MCHS Board Member and House Manager Brandy England. “Some families make it an annual Christmas tradition to visit the Anderson Home when it is decorated for Christmas. It’s a great opportunity to get into the Christmas spirit and pick up some ideas for decorating your own home for the holidays.”
MCHS member Kendra Mize, of Bunker Hill, who has coordinated the decorating effort for more than two decades, has again marshalled a small army of volunteers to decorate all 13 rooms of the home. Each room features a themed Christmas tree, along with mantle pieces, centerpieces, tabletop decor, garlands and florals, and other special touches.
The home will be open for self-guided tours from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, December 5; from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, December 6; and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, December 7.
“We’re very excited to offer for the first time candlelight tours from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday,” said Shawna Ashby, who serves as a co-manager with England. “Viewing the decorated home by candlelight promises to be a magical experience.”
The final candlelight tours on Friday and Saturday start at 7:30 p.m. Admission to the home is five dollars for adults and one dollar for children ages five to 12, with four-year-olds and younger admitted free of charge.
The Anderson Home Gift Shop will be open during tour hours, offering one-of-a-kind gift items and stocking stuffers. Santa Claus will be on hand in the downstairs parlor to greet children and listen to their Christmas wishes from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, December 6.
While the decorated home is the centerpiece of the Christmas Show, several other features on the Historical Society’s grounds will be open. The Red Barn will be open and serving hearty beef stew, chili, homemade pies, and warming holiday beverages such as wassail and hot chocolate on Friday and Saturday.
The General Store and Print Shop will be decorated and open to the public, with the Print Shop offering its popular handmade Christmas cards and other items produced in the shop; kids can print their own blank “Santa List” to keep track of their Christmas wishes.
“The General Store offers unique gift items, including some small antiques, for shoppers to peruse,” England noted.
Local blacksmiths will demonstrate their craft in the MCHS Blacksmith Shop located on the north side of the Historical Society Grounds, with wrought iron gift items, including stocking hooks and decorative pieces, available for purchase.
The Macoupin County Historical Society’s Christmas Show runs concurrently with the Carlinville Christmas Market and Downtown Christmas events, and a free trolley and shuttle buses include the Anderson Home as a regular stop during the festivals, enabling visitors to ride from the square or the Macoupin County Fairgrounds to the Historical Society grounds.
Comments
Members of the Community Unit School District 7 Board of Education on Monday night voted to approve a property tax levy request totaling $3,920,295 for 2025 property taxes payable in 2026. Because of tax caps and other factors, however, the district expects to collect only an estimated $3,786,607 of the requested amount.
In addition to acting on the tax levy, the board also held a lengthy discussion regarding annual district “report cards” issued by the Illinois State Board of Education to assess school performance from last year, approved a high school band/choir performance trip to Chicago in March, and agreed to apply for a school maintenance grant of up to $50,000 in matching funds.
The new proposed levy exceeds last year’s tax extension of $3,599,569 by more than $320,726—an increase of about nine percent if the levy were to be approved at the county level. The more realistic anticipation of $3,786,607 exceeds last year’s extension by $187,038, or an increase of about three percent. A Property Tax Extension Limitation Law (PTELL), approved by Macoupin County voters in 1995, restricts increases in the levy to five percent or the federal Consumer Price Index (CPI), whichever is less. This year’s CPI is estimated at 2.9 percent.
The approved levy seeks $1,650,000 for the Education Fund while expecting to realize $1,653,831; $450,229 for Operations & Maintenance, while anticipating $438,041; $200,000 for Transportation while expecting $180,434; $35,000 for Working Cash while expecting $42,602; $174,700 for the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund while anticipating $117,788; $154,101 for Social Security while expecting $105, 248; $247,264 for Tort while anticipating $240,570; and $33,501 for Special Education while expecting $32,593. For Bond and Interest, which is not subject to PTELL, the district is levying $975,500 while anticipating the same amount.
Local property tax revenue accounts for about 20 percent of the district’s overall annual budget.
Because the levy request exceeds 105 percent of the previous year’s extension, a public hearing is required. That hearing is scheduled at the start of the board’s regular December meeting at 6 p.m., Monday, Dec. 15. In the meantime, the proposed levy is available for public inspection on the district’s website and in the district office.
Using a PowerPoint presentation, Owsley emphasized the levy request is essentially a wish list for what the district would like to raise through property taxes.
“The levy is the ‘Christmas list’ I talk about every year,” Owsley said. “If you don’t put it on the list, you’re not going to get it.”
Projecting what the district can legally seek under tax caps can be challenging because the district’s total equalized assessed valuation will not be confirmed until after Jan. 1 while state law requires the district to file its levy request before the end of December. For that reason, local school districts routinely file requests that exceed what they actually expect to receive in property tax revenue, and rely on the County Clerk to adjust the request to the maximum amount the district can receive.
“Because of tax caps, we have one shot to capture increases in the EAV and new construction,” Owsley said. “If we don’t do that, we lose it in perpetuity.”
To calculate the new levy, Owsley projected a 15.12 percent increase in the EAV—nearly double the previous year’s rate of increase. By overestimating the EAV growth, the district expects to capture the entire increase in assessed valuation when that number is finally determined.
“Even though we know the EAV will likely be around the historical average, we base our levy on a much higher amount so as not to lose revenue from new growth,” Owsley told the board. “We can do this without running the risk of overtaxing taxpayers because the district will receive no more than what we are entitled to by law.”
Owsley said relatively stable increases in EAV have resulted in a steadily declining tax rate. Since 2014 when the rate was $4.24 per $100 in EAV, the rate has fallen to $3.20 for 2024. In other words, the county can use a lower rate to generate the extension to which the district is entitled because the value of taxable property has increased.
“As long as the EAV goes up by more than the Consumer Price Index, our tax rates are going to go down,” Owsley noted.
SCHOOL DISTRICT REPORT CARDS
The board spent several minutes discussing recently released school report cards issued by the Illinois State Board of Education. Interested persons can view local report cards by visiting https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/.
All three attendance centers received a “Commendable” designation, meaning there are no student groups that are underperforming academically, and the high school graduation rate exceeds 67 percent. Last year, BenGil Elementary School achieved an “Exemplary” designation—the top designation a school can achieve.
Elementary Principal Angela Sandretto said administrators knew the school would not earn an Exemplary rating, even though students are state average in English/language arts, math and science. The Report Card designations are based on growth rather than academic performance. With students already exceeding state standards last year, the opportunity for growth was limited.
Assistant Principal Tara Cooper agreed, noting BenGil Elementary’s student performance is in the upper half of schools statewide that are meeting academic standards. “So, while we are not ‘Exemplary,’ we’re very happy with where we are.”
Supt. Owsley told the board the State Board of Education is working on revamping the assessment system because of the growth vs. performance issue. “That’s why they’re redoing all of this because they are penalizing schools for meeting goals,” he said.
For Gillespie Middle School, the report card shows students meeting or exceeding state averages in math and science but significantly lagging in English/language arts.
“ELA is our most concerning area,” Principal Patrick McGinthy told the board, “along with absenteeism.” The report card shows a chronic absenteeism rate of 25 percent, but Owsley and other administrators said the rate is exacerbated by the State Board of Education including nearly all absences whether or not they are excused.
Rosentreter noted the State Board will allow a student to be absent five days for illness without a doctor’s excuse. On the sixth day, however, the absence is unexcused unless the parent or guardian provides a doctor’s slip. Many parents, however, are reluctant to pay for a doctor’s visit for a child that is suffering from a minor illness.
McGinthy said Middle School teachers are attempting to address the deficiency in English/language arts by increasing writing exercises and requiring students to write in conjunction with other curriculum areas.
Rosentreter noted that the assessment standards for high schools differ from the standards for elementary and middle schools in that the State Board emphasizes graduation rates. For Gillespie, the graduation rate is an impressive 86 percent, though chronic absenteeism checks in at 31 percent.
“Math is definitely our shining star,” Rosentreter said, noting the school scored 17.8 points compared with the state average of 18. The school performed less well in the areas of English/language arts and science, scoring 16 points on ELA compared with the state score of 18 and 17.2 points compared with the state average of 19.
The report cards are based on results for the Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) test for elementary and middle school students, and ACT scores for high school students.
Administrators said it’s difficult to motivate students to do well on state-mandated tests since the tests do not affect the student’s grade point average. To incentivize testing, Rosentreter said the high school is offering to let students skip final exams if they hit state standards on the mandated tests.
Owsley noted that the district report card documents the continuing decline in school enrollment—dropping from 1,325 seven years ago to 1,082 for the 2024-25 academic year.
“We don’t see that turning around anytime soon,” Owsley said. “It’s not just a Gillespie thing; it’s a trend for schools throughout Macoupin County.
BAND/CHOIR TRIP TO CHICAGO
Following a presentation by band/choir instructor Brad Taulbee, the board approved a high school band and choir performance tour to Chicago set for March 19-21. Taulbee said the tour company retained for the trip places emphasis on security and safety for traveling students. The company supplements hotel security with its own security personnel to monitor student rooms during the trip.
The tour includes workshop sessions at Vandercook College in downtown Chicago, and performances by the choir at the John Hancock Center and by the band at one of the city’s museums.
Taulbee said he is attempting to keep the cost affordable for participating students. Depending upon the number of students who ultimately go on the trip, he said he expects the cost to be about $739 per person. Additionally, he is lining up sponsors who can help with expenses for students who could not otherwise afford to participate.
“Security is my main concern,” said Board President Mark Hayes. “We just came back from there and seven people were shot in the area we were in.”
Taulbee said he expects to recruit seven to 10 chaperones and will ensure that the ratio of students to chaperones does not exceed 1:10.
SCHOOL MAINTENANCE GRANT
The board concurred with Supt. Owsley’s recommendation to again apply for a state School Maintenance grant of up to $50,000. The grant is a “matching” grant requiring the district to match grant funds dollar for dollar. The district has successfully applied for the grant for the past several years.
If the application is successful, Owsley said the funds will likely be used to remove asbestos-containing floor tiles in the choir room and elsewhere in the Middle School.
PERSONNEL
Following an executive session of about 40 minutes to discuss personnel and other issues, the board voted unanimously to accept the resignation of Tim Wargo as an assistant high school baseball coach and post the position as vacant, and voted to appoint Wargo as the head high school baseball coach for the coming season.
In separate actions, the board approved maternity leaves for Alexis Lupkey, district paraprofessional, and Gear-Up Coordinator Jordan Bartok. Lupkey’s leave is tentatively scheduled from Dec. 8 through March 18. Bartok’s leave is expected from Dec. 12 through Jan.6.
Board members voted unanimously to hire Christopher Whaley as a substitute bus driver, pending a routine background check and documentation of certification.
The board also voted unanimously to terminate Makayla Huff as a three-hour cook and post the position as vacant.
On a motion by Bill Carter, seconded by Weye Schmidt, the board voted unanimously to rehire fall coaches as follows: Jordan Bartok as head high school girls volleyball coach with Shelsie Price, as an assistant coach; Cory Bonstead as head football coach with Nate Henrichs, Jarrod Herron, Korben Clark, Alex Jasper, J.O. Kelly, Billy Gill and Florian Seferi as assistant and volunteer assistant coaches; Jay Weber as head coach for the parent-funded high school cross-country program with Jack Burns as a volunteer assistant coach; Jake Kellebrew as head coach for the parent-funded high school golf program, with Michael Otten as a volunteer assistant coach; Tim Wargo as head middle school baseball coach with Trae Wargo as assistant coach; Michelle Smith as head middle school softball coach with Jim Matesa, Joe Kelly and Melissa Heigert as assistant coaches; and Liz Thackery as head coach for the parent-funded middle school cross-country program with Laura Peterson as a volunteer assistant coach.
DISTRICT FOCUS
During a District Focus segment, Supt. Owsley introduced newly hired School Resource Officer Jacob Linhart, and High School Principal provided a report with photos of a recent school-wide Veterans Day observance.
Linhart, who has served five years as a police officer on the Gillespie Police Department, replaces Wade Hendricks, who recently retired after serving three years as the CUSD 7 School Resource Officer.
Linhart said it is a “great privilege” to serve as a Resource Officer, protecting students and staff. “I’m honored that you guys are allowing me to do it,” he said.
High School Principal Rosentreter said the school served breakfast to about 200 veterans and their families Tuesday morning, Nov. 11. Later, the veterans were joined by nearly 700 high school and middle school students for a recognition ceremony in the high school gymnasium.
Since the event coincided with the 25th anniversary of CUSD 7’s Wall of Honor program, the annual event did double duty as an induction ceremony for five are individuals, all of whom happened to be U.S. Military veterans.
The inductees included the late Sergeant Major John Marion Malnar, Command Sergeant Major John “Jack” Burns, Colonel Mark Daley, Lieutenant Colonel William P. Falke and Captain Robert Leone. Rosentreter said Daley and Leone traveled with their families from Colorado and Texas, respectively, to attend the ceremonies.
Burns, a retired CUSD 7 teacher, later visited BenGil Elementary School to present a program and teach students how to properly fold an American flag.
Rosentreter recognized the City of Gillespie for a donation of $1,000 to help purchase food for the veterans.
Born in Benld and a resident of Sawyerville, “Big John” Malnar earned a Silver Star during the Korean Conflict and a Gold Star, awarded posthumously after he was killed in action in 1968 in Vietnam. A Marine training center at Camp Geiger in North Carolina is named in his honor.
Though not a Wall of Honor inductee, Jacob Miller, a 100-year-old World War II veteran and recipient of two Purple Hearts, was recognized with a standing ovation.
The annual Veterans Day breakfast and ceremony provides students with an opportunity to meet and recognize local veterans as potential role models for their own futures.
Owsley said the event is a major event on the district’s calendar which grew out of a simple flagpole ceremony initiated 25 years ago.
CEJA GRANT FUNDS
Board members briefly discussed plans for about $74,000 in anticipated Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) grant funds. The federal program is intended to compensate communities that have experienced revenue loss as a result of coal mine closures.
Owsley said the district committed about $86,000 in last year’s CEJA grant funds to the City of Gillespie to help pay for improvements to Plum Street, which is heavily used by district school buses. He has not transferred those funds, however, pending the start of the project.
Owsley said he was seeking the board’s input on how the money should be used.
“We could continue to partner with the city on Plum Street,” he said. “But there are plenty of project areas within the school.” The money could be used, for example, for continuing asbestos abatement. He identified other upcoming needs, including a new roof for the high school/middle school and an HVAC project.
President Hayes pointed out the school district paid for improvements to Kelly Street when BenGil Elementary was built and subsidized a project to reconfigure drainage on Broadway Street, in addition to the dollars committed for Plum Street.
“The school district is not in the business of building roads,” he said. “I think we’ve been more than generous with the city.”
Board member Peyton Bernot agreed the money should be committed for use by the school district.
TRIPLE I CONFERENCE
Several board members who attended a conference for board members and administrators Friday-Saturday, Nov. 21-23, in Chicago, commented briefly about their take-aways from conference sessions. Popularly known as the Triple I Conference, the convention is sponsored by the Illinois Association of School Boards, Illinois Association of School Administrators and the Illinois Association of School Business Officials.
Owsley said more than 700 Illinois school districts were represented, making the Triple I the largest gathering of education professionals in North America.
Bernot briefly reported on a session he attended regarding upcoming legislation and financial outlooks for school districts. He described the session as “much less optimistic” than sessions he’s attended in the past.
Owsley was among the convention presenters, discussing social-emotional learning. He commented that several districts attending reported efforts to involve students in school administrators. Some districts, he said, appointed a non-voting student representative to the school board to take part in discussions directly affecting students.
“When you think about it, we hear from faculty members and we hear from parents,” Hayes commented. “The people we don’t hear from are the most important part of what we do.”
Comments
The Holiday Sparkle Committee of Gillespie is preparing for the 4th Annual Holiday Sparkle Lighted Parade and Community Tree Lighting, set for Sunday, November 30, at 6:00 p.m. in downtown Gillespie. This beloved community tradition invites residents and visitors to kick off the holiday season with lights, music, and festive cheer.
Food trucks will line the parade route starting at 4:00 p.m., offering a variety of tasty options for families to enjoy before and during the celebration. The event will culminate in the illuminated parade and the ceremonial lighting of the community tree, signaling the official start of the season’s celebrations.
A highlight of this year’s festivities will be a special performance by Gillespie area students in grades 3 through 5. The group will join together to sing Christmas carols, lending their voices to the town’s joyous welcome to the holidays.
Parade participants are invited to bring extra sparkle to the evening—whether by entering a parade float, walking in the parade, or simply attending to enjoy the atmosphere. Participation helps make the event truly magical for the entire community. The only requirement for the parade is all entries have to incorporate holiday lighting.
To join the parade lineup, interested participants can sign up at https://forms.gle/L7Q4tEkgjj8Lt5E47. The Holiday Sparkle Committee expresses gratitude for the ongoing support of residents, businesses, and volunteers who help bring this festive occasion to life each year.
The second part of the holiday festivities will take place on Saturday, December 13 when the Sparkle will sponsor the vendor fair and food trucks in downtown Gillespie including a visit from Santa. Vendors will be located in the Gillespie Civic Center, Zion Lutheran Church, and Emma G’s Upscale Boutique while local businesses and eateries will also be open. An egg nog jog benefitting Gillespie Cross Country will also be held on December 13 and interested participants can join here.
The Holiday Sparkle Committee invites everyone to mark their calendars and join in the celebration. For more information, please contact the committee by email at gillespieholidaysparkle@gmail.com or visit Gillespie Holiday Sparkle on Facebook.
