Community News
Gillespie Council approves $14.7 million appropriation, eyes development of 45-acre solar array field
Members of the Gillespie City Council on Monday night approved an appropriation ordinance of about $14.7 million, voted to direct the Zoning Commission to schedule a public hearing on a variance requested by a solar power company, and approved the appointment of a new council member to represent Ward 4.
During a public hearing prior to Monday night’s council meeting, City Treasurer Dan Fisher again pointed out the appropriation, which covers expenditures from May 1 this year through April 30, 2024, is not a budget. Instead, the document merely sets the maximum amount the city is authorized to spend for specific line items.
“It’s kind of a formality, but it’s also a requirement,” Fisher said.
Coming in at a total of $14,655,990, the fiscal 2024 appropriation is about $1 million more than last year but nearly double the appropriation from two years ago. Fisher said the appropriation total is inflated by $4.5 million for a long-anticipated streetscape program and $1.2 million for water infrastructure improvement, both of which will be grant-funded if they take place during the coming year. Stripped of those two grant-funded programs, the appropriation would amount to about $11,000—up $4 million from the appropriation approved for fiscal 2022.
Broken down by individual funds, the appropriation ordinance authorizes expenditures of up to $4.5 million for the downtown streetscape program and up to $3,391,500 for the Water Department, including up to $1.2 million for water line improvements. Last year, the city appropriated $3,208,500 for the Water Department.
“We won’t spend $3 million (in local funds) for the Water Department,” Fisher said. “We might spend $1 million.”
The new ordinance appropriates $1,341,500 for General Administration expenses, compared with $1,313,400 last year; $1,281,000 for the Police Department, compared with $1,172,500 last year; and $1,120,500 for the Sewer Department, compared with $759,160 a year ago.
The new ordinance appropriates $961,500 for the Sewer Department, compared with $759,160 a year ago. A total of $500,000 is appropriated from the Motor Fuel Tax Fund for street maintenance, compared with $350,000 last year. The spending cap for Parks and Recreation is set at $553,300, more than double the $190,000 appropriated last year. For the $190,000 appropriation for Parks and Recreational Land includes $100,000 for park improvements, and is identical to last year’s appropriation.
The ordinance appropriates $270,000 in potential expenditures from the Tax Increment Finance Fund, which is the same amount appropriated last year.
The ordinance sets a spending ceiling of $210,100 for the Administrative Building, compared with $201,300 last year. The document also sets spending limits of $40,670 for the Public Library, $33,900 for Emergency Services and Disaster Administration, $5,000 for the Municipal Band, $150,000 for FICA, $65,000 for Liability Insurance, and $42,020—all of which are identical to last year.
Freshman Ald. Dave Link asked about the purpose and limits of the proposed ordinance before voting on it.
“We are authorized to spend this amount, but we are not budgeting for this much?” Link asked.
Fisher confirmed the document is a formality required by law that only sets the maximum amount that can be spent from specific funds. Typically, in most years, actual expenditures do not approach the appropriated amount, except in the event of an emergency. Though rare, the council can amend the appropriation before the end of the year if the city is forced to exceed the appropriated amount in a specific fund. Technically, the appropriation is not a budgetary device but simply sets the amount of spending the city cannot legally exceed.
POTENTIAL SOLAR FIELD PROJECT
Council members voted 4-2 to direct the Zoning Commission to convene a public hearing to consider a petition from Cypress Creek Solar to rezone property that is technically located outside the city limits but subject to the city’s zoning ordinance. The hearing would be an initial step toward paving the way for Cypress Creek to develop a 45-acre solar panel field on Washer Road.
Fisher pointed out a public hearing requires a 15-day notification from the time of publication, meaning the earliest opportunity for a hearing would be about three weeks from Monday.
Headquartered in Durham, NC, Cypress Creek Renewables has plans to develop a 45-acre solar field on the south side of Washer Road, essentially adjacent to the city limits. Nick Standefer, who identified himself as a zoning attorney, told the council the company secured the approval of the Macoupin County Board to launch the project but were advised to consult with the City of Gillespie because the site is within 1.5 miles of the city limit. Gillespie’s zoning code addresses lands within a 1.5-mile radius, zoning those parcels as “open lands.”
Impetus for the project is the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act passed in Illinois two years ago, according to Standefer. The legislation sets a target of meeting 50 percent of the state’s energy needs with renewable energy sources by 2040, and establishes a 10-year ramp-up to build community solar projects capable of generating five megawatts each.
Standefer told the council Cypress Creek wants to ask the Zoning Commission to change the classification for the property in question from open lands to either “permitted use” or “conditional use.” Permitted Use would allow Cypress Creek, or any other company, to proceed with a project simply by acquiring a permit. A conditional use designation would require developers to petition the Zoning Commission on a case-by-case basis.
“They would like us to make it a Permitted Use, meaning anyone could do a project at any time as long as they have a permit,” City Attorney Rick Verticchio said. “Instead of Permitted Use, I’d recommend making it Conditional Use” which would require the applicant have a hearing before the Zoning Commission and demonstrate how the project will benefit the community.”
Letitia Lew, an engineer for the project, which will be known as the Corfee Solar Project, told the council the company will conduct studies to ensure the project does not threaten endangered plant or animal species, and would conduct an archaeological survey to ensure no archaeological sites are threatened. While the project will take about 50 acres of farmland out of production, Lew said the project will “give the land an opportunity to rest for a bit.” During the estimated 40-year life of the solar field, the land under the solar panels will be seeded with plants utilized by pollinator species.
At the end of the 40-year lifespan of the solar field, Lew said the company is obligated to remove the solar panels and all associated equipment—essentially returning the land to its original condition.
Upon completion, the $10 million project will be capable of generating enough power to service 1,100 single-family homes. Local residents will be able to “subscribe” through their local utility provider to participate in the project. Lew said project subscribers should realize a savings of about 10 percent on their monthly electrical bill.
Cypress Creek expects to spend $4 million locally during construction and provide 21 local jobs during construction. When the system is operational, the company estimates it will contribute $40,000 annually to the local economy.
Ald. Landon Pettit questioned the provision for equipment removal at the end of the lease. “If your company goes bankrupt or you sell to another company, what guarantee do we have that everything will be removed?”
Lew reiterated that her company would be obligated by contract to remove the equipment. In the event the facility was sold to another company, according to Standefer, the new owner would have to petition the Zoning Commission and affirm it would comply with contract provisions calling for equipment to be removed.
Ald. Link had questions about the possibility of a fire at the facility. Lew said most fires associated with solar fields are related to batteries used to store power. The Gillespie facility will have no such storage devices. Instead, it will upload power to the grid as it’s generated. Moreover, she said, the facility will be remotely monitored 24/7 and local emergency service providers will be trained to respond to emergencies at the solar field.
Brought to a vote, the measure to direct the Zoning Commission to schedule a public hearing was approved by a vote of 4-2 with both Pettit and Ald. Wendy Rolando, voting “no.”
“We just received this resolution tonight,” Pettit noted. “I don’t think there is anyone sitting around this table who is prepared to vote on this.”
Verticchio pointed out the council was voting to schedule a hearing, not approve the project. “You can delay the vote if you want,” he said, “but I strongly recommend that you approve this tonight.”
NEW COUNCIL MEMBER
On Ald. Pettit’s recommendation, the council voted to appoint Janet Odell-Mueller to replace Ald. Larry Greene, an appointee named to the council in 2021. Pettit recommended Odell-Mueller, saying she lives in a part of the city that needs representation on the council and has a background that would make her an asset to the council.
Verticchio pointed out the procedure for filling a vacant seat is for the Mayor to make an appointment to be ratified by the full council. Mayor John Hicks initially asked Odell-Mueller if she would like to meet with him and other council members individually before he formally appointed her, but changed his mind when several council members noted they had either met or knew her already. Her appointment was unanimously approved after Pettit moved to accept the mayor’s appointment of Odell-Mueller.
A civil engineer in the Illinois Department of Transportation’s Collinsville District, Odell-Mueller will replace Greene, who stepped down after serving two years.
Odell-Mueller will be formally sworn-in during next month’s regular monthly meeting but was allowed to take her seat on the council immediately after her appointment was affirmed.
ATHLETES RECOGNIZED
Early in the meeting, Mayor Hicks presented the Gillespie High School baseball team with a mayoral proclamation recognizing the team’s record-breaking season. This year’s team broke the school record of 29-0 with the most consecutive wins in the school’s history. The team also tied for an all-time IHSA record with 11 consecutive wins.
Reading from the proclamation, Hicks cited Coach Jeremy Smith and Assistant Coaches Adam Tallman, Tim Margo, Dan Smith and Tate Margo, along with team members, faculty members and students at GHS who “were integral in guiding the team to victory through their unwavering support.”
Further, the proclamation encourages Gillespie citizens to congratulate and support team members, coaches and parents.
“They have proven that they are individuals stringing for and obtaining success in their endeavors,” Hicks read. “They have already started down the path to fulfilling their dream of multiple accomplishments and becoming valuable young leaders in our community.”
MOTOR FUEL TAX RESOLUTION
On the recommendation of City Treasurer Fisher, the council voted unanimously to approve a supplemental Motor Fuel Tax resolution increasing the amount of the appropriation for this summer’s street maintenance program from $250,000 to $500,000. The council approved the original resolution in December, anticipating the amount would be increased as estimated prices for materials were ascertained. Streets scheduled for resurfacing have not yet been identified.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Following a 30-minute executive session with Chief of Police Jared DePoppe and Lake Manager Gary Thornhill, the council voted unanimously to discipline an unidentified employee in accordance with the union contract for an unspecified infraction.
The council also voted to ban two individuals from Gillespie Lake property for unspecified infractions.
SURPLUS PROPERTY
On a motion by Ald. Bob Fritz, the council voted to declare as surplus and offer for sale the following pieces of city-owned property: 2007 Chevrolet Silverado pick-up truck, Air 225/200 amp wasp ac/dc welder mounted to a four-by-eight-foot trailer, Leaf Vac-Agri-Fab Mow-N-Vac with a Briggs and Stratton engine, Stone four-inch water pump with an 18 horsepower engine mounted on wheels, and two ceiling-mounted Reznor natural gas heaters.
The items will be sold “as-is,” and will be advertised for sale by sealed bids.
OTHER ACTION
In other action, the council:
- Voted 5-1 to approve payment of $400 to Schuette Architectural Design, Staunton, for design work related to a possible new Street Department Garage. Ald. Frank Barrett voted against the measure.
- Authorized payment of $187,213.78 to Visa-Sewer, St. Louis, for renovation work done to downtown sewers in preparation for the Streetscape Program.
- Approved a $935 project to run a water line and install a lockable hydrant on the north side of the Civic Center.
- With one dissenting vote, retroactively approved payment of a $15,000 invoice to TDI Concrete for concrete work done to bring a fuel storage tank into compliance with OSHA regulations. Ald. Link voted “no,” presumably objecting to the fact the bill was paid before it was approved.
- Approved an $8,000 project at Big Brick Park to install a water line and two hydrants.
- Approved purchase of a $3,300 1.5-ton trailer for the Lake Department which will be used primarily for maintenance work on the hiking trail. Ald. Pettit said the trailer can be pulled with an ATV and is “big enough to do what we need but small enough to get down the trail.”
- Approved payment of a $5,000 invoice submitted by Sylvia Newingham for the repair of damage done to her yard during a sewer repair project.
- Approved a donation of $100 to the Fire Department to sponsor a hole for the Department’s upcoming golf tournament.
- Referred to the Police Chief the issue of drafting a stop sign ordinance for stop signs at Francis and West Elm Streets.
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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.
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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.”
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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.
