Community News
Council declares cockroach infested rental home a public nuisance
A model of a proposed cabin to be built at Gillespie Lake for campers to rent rests on the table between Ald. Frank Barrett and Ald. Jerry Dolliger. Council members discussed a proposal for members of the GHS Service Club to build the cabin for the cost of materials only, but tabled the proposal pending more information.
A Gillespie rental home located in the 300 block of East Oak Street that has been the focus of repeated complaints about an extensive cockroach infestation is being declared a public nuisance—a move that will give the City of Gillespie to pursue remediation of the ongoing problem.
Meeting on Wednesday night because of the Columbus Day holiday, council members authorized city attorney Kevin Polo to pursue the home at 309 East Oak Street as a public nuisance, along with properties at 205 Francis Street and 211 West Baker Street. Mayor John Hicks told the BenGil Post that the Baker Street property had been cited numerous times for violating city ordinances regarding accumulations of trash and debris. The city incurred upward of $5,000 in costs related to hazardous waste abatement at the Francis Street property, according to Hicks, after an elderly resident died and authorities discovered containers of human feces and urine that had been hoarded inside the residence. Successfully identifying the property as a public nuisance will provide an avenue for the city to recover those costs.
Katina Weller, 307 East Oak Street, who has appeared before the council several times to complain about the cockroach-infested home next to her home, again approached the council with a prepared statement complaining about inaction. She advised that she and her husband recently sold their home and will soon be moving, but that neighbors in the area are depending on her to pressure the city into taking action.
“We are approaching the three-month mark of me standing here, beseeching you all to help our neighborhood eliminated this cockroach infestation,” she said. “I know government moves slowly, but at this glacial pace I feel like we will be colonized on Mars before anything substantial happens with eliminating my neighborhood of cockroaches. The infestation still exists and is not slowing down and continues to be an expense to me and my neighbors. Why is this acceptable to the council?”
[pullquote]The infestation still exists and is not slowing down and continues to be an expense to me and my neighbors.[/pullquote]
Weller acknowledged that Garella Pest Control inspected the property after last month’s meeting of the council, but that the property owner, Tim Loveless of Gillespie, is continuing to dodge responsibility for having the home properly treated.
“I would never begrudge an honest living, but instead of taking lavish vacations maybe Mr. Loveless should get his priorities straight and take care of the properties he owns and rents first,” she said. “Mr. Loveless needs to be held financially responsible for all of our costs incurred to deal with his tenant situation . . . Enough is enough.”
Weller previously told the council that she and her neighbors have expended substantial sums for pest control to deal with cockroaches gravitating to their properties from the infested rental home. Polo told her that recovering those cost would require a civil suit initiated by her and others in the neighborhood. Further, he said the city could compel Loveless to pay for treating the home. That could be done voluntarily or the city to force the issue by having the residence judged to be a public nuisance.
“Tim (Loveless) was going to be here tonight,” Polo said. “I don’t see him here so I don’t know that we have any choice (but to declare the property a public nuisance). That would be my recommendation.”
Polo said Garella gave the city a quote “to fix it with a guarantee.” That quote reportedly is in the amount of $500.
Ald. Dolliger said Loveless told him that Loveless and the tenant agreed to split the cost of treatment. It’s not known, however, if treatment has actually been scheduled.
Mayor Hicks assured Weller that the city is working on a solution to the issue.
“Be aware we are on top of it and trying to do whatever we can legally do,” Hicks said.
[pullquote]“Be aware we are on top of it and trying to do whatever we can legally do,” Hicks said.[/pullquote]
TIF GRANT EXPANSION
On the recommendation of City Treasurer Dan Fisher, the council voted unanimously to raise the maximum level of Tax Increment Fund grants to business owners from $5,000 to $20,000. The grant program is aimed at improving the appearance of city scapes within the Tax Increment Financing district. Most grants are awarded for landscaping and other exterior projects.
The program is a 50-50 reimbursement program, meaning a grant can cover up to half the project’s cost reimbursable to the grantee once the project is completed.
Fisher said the $5,000 ceiling on grant awards is somewhat limiting, restricting the size of TIF subsidized projects to no more than $10,000. Adam Tallman, who recently purchased the former Drew Ford Building, plans to remodel space for his insurance office and add batting cages and a golf simulator in the garage portion of the building. The project will include extensive exterior work, according to Fisher, including signage, landscaping, repainting the exterior and reconfiguring driveways and sidewalks.
Fisher said Tallman also plans to cooperate with the neighboring Police Department to use part of his property for a U-shaped drive providing access to the Police Department.
“It’s up to you whether we want to create a high ceiling,” Fisher told the council. “It’s my recommendation that we do that on a case by case basis.” Raising the limit, he said, will give the city the authority to offer grants for larger projects than in the past.
Fisher said the TIF Fund is relatively healthy with a balance of about $400,000. After making currently obligated payments from the fund, he said the balance would still be in the neighborhood of $225,000.
“I think it’s a very good idea,” said Ald. Dave Tucker. “They (grant recipients) are going to do more, so it’s a benefit to the community.”
Council members approved a measure to raise the TIF grant limit to $20,000 on a motion by Ald. Frank Barrett, seconded by Tucker. Tallman’s grant application now goes to the Economic Development Committee for a final recommendation to the council.
In related matters, the council rescinded the previously approved sale of city-owned property in the 200 block of South Macoupin Street to Tallman. Tallman previously contracted to buy the vacant lot for construction of a new insurance office.
The council also approved a resolution to pay $78,280 from the TIF Fund to United Community Bank related to the city’s purchase of UCB’s former location which now houses the Illinois Coal Mining Museum.
Also approved was a $2,497 payment from the TIF Fund to Freddy’s Grab and Go for a previously approved TIF grant for landscaping work.
WATER INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT
Fisher reminded council members that bids will be opened Oct. 19 for an estimated $10 million water infrastructure project that will replace aging water distribution lines throughout the city. The contract could be awarded during the council’s next regularly scheduled meeting in November.
The council also concurred with Fishers recommendation that the full council meet twice monthly rather than once a month when the project gets underway.
“A project this size can easily take over a meeting pretty quick,” Fisher said. “We may want to set a special meeting per month.”
The council also approved payment of $124,124.72 to Curry and Associates for engineering work completed on the water project. The payment brings to $260,000 the total of payments made for engineering so far. Hicks said by the end of the project the city expects to pay an estimated total of $640,000 for engineering.
Also approved was payment of $7,465.25 to City Attorney Kevin Polo for legal work done in conjunction with the project.
TRICK OR TREAT
On Hick’s order, Trick or Treating hours were expanded from one night to two, Oct. 30 and 31, from 6 to 8 p.m. Hicks apparently made the decision after hearing complaints from residents after the council voted last month to allow Trick or Treating on Halloween night only.
At Monday night’s meeting and elementary student, Member Miller, appeared before the council beseeching the council to allow Trick or Treating on two nights instead of one.
Hicks told the girl the issue had already been resolved and that children will be allowed two nights for Trick or Treating as in past years.
LAKE CABIN PROJECT
The council referred to committee a proposal to have the Gillespie High School Service Club build a one-room cabin at Gillespie Lake to rent out to campers during the summer. Lake Committee Chair Barrett said the high school students would build the structure free of charge, but the city would have to pay for materials—estimated at $5,200 to $5,500.
Faculty member Mark Goldasich presented the council with a scale model of the proposed structure.
Newly appointed council member Dona Rauzi, however, asked about hidden costs associated with the project that haven’t been taken into consideration. The cost estimate, she noted, does not include what it will cost to have the building wired for electricity and to install air conditioning. There will be no plumbing costs; renters will be expected to use the campground shower building for personal needs.
“I’m not against the cabins but its not just $5,200 or $5,500,” Rauzi said. “We may need to add another $3,000.”
The Lake Committee proposed renting the cabin for $50 per night through the lake recreation season.
“It would take us two years,” Rauzi said, to pay for the cost of materials at those rates.
“They must be pretty popular,” Barrett said. “Litchfield is building one every year.”
“I think this needs to go back to committee,” Hicks said. “You need to get this down a little more precise.”
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Following a 45-minute executive session to discuss collective bargaining, personnel and legal issues, the council voted to dismiss eviction proceedings against lake resident Bill Tintera. Tintera appeared before the council earlier in the meeting to report that he had complied with the city’s demands for the property he leases at the lake as a permanent residence.
STOP SIGNS
Council members approved a series of ordinance amendments to authorize installation of four-way stop signs at various intersections in the city.
Ald. Tucker said the focus of the stop sign measures was primarily to require four-way stops at all four corners of Big Brick Park, plus a couple of other intersections in the vicinity of a day care facility. He said the Police of Chief reviewed each of the proposed amendments and sent them on to the city council.
Under the newly approved amendments, four-way stop signs will be installed at the intersections of Fillmore and Burton streets, Green and Wilson streets, Park Avenue and Clay Street, High and Easton streets, Green and Easton streets, High and Gillespie streets, and Green and Gillespie streets.
OTHER ACTION
In other action, the council:
- Hired Darien West, Benld, as a full-time police officer to replace Michael Stephenson, who recently resigned to accept a full-time position with the City of Carlinville. Police Chief Jared DePoppe said the 24-year-old West has been working for the city as a part-time officer. “I believe he will work out very well.”
- Hired Jim Allan, Gillespie, to replace Housing Inspector Bob Lancaster when Lancaster retires in a few weeks.
- Appointed Josh Ross as the city’s Emergency Services and Disaster Administration, pending his accepting the appointment.
- Accepted a bid of $3,500 for work to upgrade electrical connections at the Civic Building prior to connecting a generator being moved for the former Police Department to the Civic Building. The council previously approved a bid of $10,000 to move the generator, bringing the total cost of the project to $13,500. Locating the generator at the Civic Center will enable the city to use the building as an emergency shelter for residents in the event of a natural disaster.
- Approved the purchase of a used 14-by-30-foot portable building to be used by maintenance workers at Gillespie Lake. The cost of the building is $3,000, plus $500 to move it from Benld to the lake.
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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.
