Community News
Cross country remains parent-funded at Gillespie CUSD 7
Citing financial uncertainty in the near future, the Community Unit School District 7 Board of Education declined to take action Monday night on a proposal to make cross-country a school-funded sport, leaving financial support for the program in the hands of parents at least for the time being.
“Taking on cross-country as a school-sponsored sport is not a huge financial commitment, and I’m not saying it’s not a good idea,” Supt. Shane Owsley told the board in making his recommendation to take no action on the issue. “What I’m saying is it’s not a good idea to take it on now.”
Owsley said school districts are being told to “hope for the best, but prepare for the worst” regarding federal funding in the immediate future.
“It’s something we’re constantly hearing about in regard to the possible elimination of the Department of Education,” he said. “We don’t know what exactly that’s going to look like—whether there will be substantial cuts or whether there will be zero cuts.”
Owsley said funding for so-called Title programs reportedly are risk, as are funds to support free lunches for schools with a high percentage of students from families living below the poverty line. Currently, schools are eligible for free lunch and breakfast programs if at least 25 percent of the student body comes from families with incomes below the poverty level. Proposals for the coming year would raise that threshold to 65 percent.
School districts are being told to anticipate 20 percent less in federal funding next year.
Federal funds comprise about 20 percent of CUSD 7’s total budget, Owsley said.
At the state level, Owsley said there is a strong possibility of Chicago Public Schools become Tier I schools under the state’s evidence based funding formula. In essence, other Tier I schools like CUSD 7 would have to share Tier I funding with the behemoth Chicago school system, meaning fewer dollars for downstate schools.
Though not yet approved by the legislature and subject to change, Gov. JB Pritzger’s proposed state budget anticipates no new money for education. To rein in school funding, the budget calls for reducing funding for several “categorical,” including transportation, special education transportation and special placements. Funding levels for those categories would fall, respectively, from 78 to 70 percent; 77 to 70 percent; and 69 to 51 percent.
“Those are all historic lows,” Owsley said.
Pending state legislation, if approved and signed into law, would ban cell phones from classrooms. To accomplish that, CUSD 7 would be required to purchase security bags to secure individual devices at a cost of about $22,000.
Other pending legislation would require school districts to eliminate names and images of Native American mascots, meaning Gillespie Middle School would have to choose a new mascot, buy new uniforms and eliminate references to the GMS Indians on buildings and signage.
Owsley said there also is proposed legislation to increase the minimum wage for non-certificated employees to $20 in the first year, $21 in the second and $22 in the third year. Statewide, that change could cost lost school districts another $120 million.
Given all the budgetary uncertainties the district is facing, Owsley said he recommended leaving cross-country a parent-funded sports.
Parents of cross-country athletes attended the board’s meeting in January to lobby for making cross-country and school-funded sport. Speaking for about 20 parents at the meeting, Dustin Fletcher estimated the district would have to cover about $13,375 in expenses to make cross-country a school-sponsored sport.
Board President Mark Hayes told parents Monday night the issue was one the board could revisit at a later date as budget concerns come into clearer focus.
PERSONNEL
Following a 45-minute executive session, the board voted unanimously to accept the resignations of Aubrey Morgan as BenGil Elementary School music teacher and GMS/GHS choir teacher Ben McCollough, both effective at the end of the current school year, and to post both positions as vacant.
In preparation for summer school offerings, the board also voted to post vacancies for summer school English, math and drivers’ education teachers, and two summer school food service workers.
In separate actions, the board accepted the resignation of Jake Kellebrew as assistant GHS men’s basketball coach, and hired Kellebrew as the head GHS mens basketball coach.
DISTRICT FOCUS
During a District Focus segment, seven Gillespie Middle School sixth grade students presented first person biography presentations for the board. The students—Mackenna Hendriex, Harper Thackrey, Sydney James, Eli Blevins, Levi Katava, Jaxsyn Raynor and Carter Plovich—were participants in a Language Arts unit that encouraged them to learn how to research, write a third-person essay, write a first-person presentation, and develop a public speaking presentation. An eighth student, Stephanie Timmermeier, was unable to attend.
“This is my walking wax museum,” said GMS Language Arts teacher Kim Henderson.
She said students were assigned to select a famous or notable person to research and write about. Students were encouraged to speculate about positive personality traits associated with the person they selected. Finally, the students presented story boards about the person they selected and prepared a first-person presentation about their celebrity. Presentations ranged from Barack Obama and Donald Trump to Princess Dianna, Grace Kelly and sports figures.
“A lot of my students came out of their shells for this,” Henderson told the board. “Some of them said they didn’t want to do it, but when they did it, they loved it.”
GMS Principal Patrick McGinthy said he encourages students developing public speaking skills.
“This was a great way to introduce public speaking early in the sixth grade,” he said.
SCHOOL CALENDAR
The board unanimously approved a school calendar for the 2024-25 academic year that was tentatively presented last month.
The calendar calls for teacher institute days on Aug. 11 and 12, with the first day of student attendance on Aug. 13. The last day of student attendance would be May 26, but could be as early as May 18 if no emergency days are required.
School holidays include Labor Day on Sept. 1, Columbus Day on Oct. 13, Veterans Day on Nov. 11, Thanksgiving, Nov. 26-30, Martin Luther King Day on Jan 19, Presidents Day on Feb. 16, and Memorial Day on May 26. Winter Break would run Dec. 20-Jan. 4, and Spring Break would run April 2-6. Teacher Institute days are scheduled Oct. 24, Feb. 13, March 20 and the day after the last day of student attendance.
Classes will dismiss at 1:45 p.m. on Oct. 17, Oct. 22, Oct. 23, Dec. 19, March 13 and for the last day of student attendance.
Commencement is set for May 17.
EARLY GRADUATION REQUESTS
On a motion by Amanda Ross, seconded by Bill Carter, the board approved early graduation requests for Xzavier Burch, Andrew Grossman, Keegan Jett, Aiden Manley, David McCario, Myles McKee, David Noville, Lukas Parish, Mitchel Chalk, Sierra Steelman, Claire Wallace and Owen Boyles. All 12 seniors will be eligible to graduate at the end of the first semester of the 2025-26 school year, provided all graduation requirements have been completed.
OTHER ACTION
In other action, the board:
• Accepted a fuel bid from M & M Service Co. to provided gasoline at a fixed price of $2.962 per gallon and bio-diesel at a fixed price of $3.177 per gallon. The bid is a cooperative bid secured by several area school districts.
• Voted to renew the district’s IHSA membership for the coming year.
• Approved a certified employment list for the 2025-26 school year.
Comments
FELONIES
Trey W. Fenton, 34 of Mount Olive, is charged with residential burglary, burglary without causing damage, and criminal damage to property (<$500) in connection with a November 3 incident.
Peyton R. Pehrson, 26 of Benld, is charged with two counts of aggravated DUI/license suspended or revoked, DUI/BAC 0.08, DUI, driving on a suspended license, driving 21-25 mph above the limit, expired registration, disregarding a stop sign, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a November 6 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
John M. Molinar, 40 of Staunton, is charged with criminal trespass to residence in connection with a November 2 incident.
TRAFFIC
Robert M. Keffer, 38 of Benld, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with an October 25 incident.
Haidyn D. Branson, 25 of Hettick, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with an October 25 incident.
Asa M. Proctor, 47 of Gillespie, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with an October 28 incident.
Rodjai A. Johnson, 21 of Gillespie, is charged with driving on a suspended license and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with an October 27 incident.
Amber L. Burgess, 45 of Staunton, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with an October 23 incident.
Shane C. Chance, 29 of Carlinville, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with an October 28 incident.
Jerry J. Wilson, 77 of Carlinville, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration in connection with an October 30 incident.
Shannon J. Ward, 44 of Modesto, is charged with improper use of registration/title, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and being unlicensed in connection with an October 28 incident.
Blake D. Roberts, 28 of Carlinville, is charged with driving on a revoked license, unlawful use of cannabis/driver, and display plate attachment in connection with an October 30 incident.
Shota Gagelidze, 44 of Downers Grover, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit in connection with a November 1 incident.
Christopher P. Smith, 39 of Chesterfield, MO, is charged with driving on a revoked license, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and no valid registration in connection with an October 26 incident.
Chad C. Baumann, 54 of Chicago, is charged with driving on a suspended license and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with an October 27 incident.
David A. Rithe, 44 of Benld, is charged with driving on a suspended license, driver failing to give notice of a crash, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and failure to reduce speed in connection with an October 29 incident.
Donald E. Bruhn, 66 of Gillespie, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with an October 29 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Rocky Lyle Smith versus Rebecca Lee Smith
MARRIAGE LICENSES
- Tyler Luke Semplowski of Peoria and Margaret Anne Moore of Gillespie
- Craig Charles Wicker and Cheryl A. Scroggins, both of Staunton
- Jacob William Feeley and Kaitlin Marie Moore, both of Plainview
- Peyton Scott Hudspeth and Macy Danielle Rhodes, both of Divernon
- Cody Stephen Bradley and Savannah Michelle Norris, both of Auburn
Comments
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Walnut Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Henrietta Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of East Chestnut Street in reference to a 911 call.
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 2300 block of Staunton Road in Mt. Clare in reference to a theft.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Oak Street in reference to an animal call.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Baker Street in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer initiated a traffic stop in the 200 block of North Hard Road in Benld. Mandy V. Aldridge, 44 of Benld, was issued a citation for driving a vehicle with suspended registration.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Kentucky Street and Central Avenue in Benld. Stormee M. Lyons, 32 of Benld, was issued citations for operating an uninsured motor vehicle and operating a vehicle while using an electronic device.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Lincoln Street and Edgar Street in Eagarville. Tony L. Law, 58 of Benld, was issued citations for operating an uninsured vehicle, no valid driver’s license, and expired registration.
An Officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Elm Street in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 200 block of Southern Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2025
An officer was out with a vehicle in the 300 block of East Central in Benld in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
An officer was out with a subject in the 100 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Frey Street in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer spoke with a juvenile at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a dispute in the 500 block of West Baker Street.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Madison Street in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Broadway Street. Seth E. Bruhn, 45 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for operating a vehicle with expired registration.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the Gillespie Police Department to speak with a female in reference to a domestic battery in the 400 block of South Kentucky Street in Benld. Devon W. Pulley, 18 of Benld, was arrested for domestic battery.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Broadway Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Walnut Street in Benld in reference to an animal complaint. Kussandra D. Hildebrand, 30 of Benld, was issued a citation for a dog at large.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Shelby Street in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Illinois Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Avenue and Main Street in Benld. Crystal D. Bryant, 37 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer was dispatched to Calcari Street in East Gillespie in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 100 block of South Hard Road in Mt. Clare in reference to criminal trespass.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Elm Street in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 200 block of Southern Street in reference to criminal trespass. Melissa J. Hughes, 50 of Gillespie, was arrested on a Montgomery County warrant for failure to appear for theft, and she was also issued a citation for criminal trespass.
An officer dispatched to Cedar Street and Macoupin Street in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to Route 4 and Route 138 in Mt. Clare in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Dorsey Street in Benld in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to Frey Street in reference to unwanted solicitors.
An officer was dispatched to Henry Street in reference to unwanted solicitors.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Avenue and 2nd Street in Benld. Alec T. Laughlin, 20 of Livingston, was issued citations for operating an uninsured vehicle and suspended registration.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a security check.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Broadway Street in reference to a motorist assist.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of South Main Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 1200 block of South Second Street in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the Gillespie Police Department to take a report of fraud in the 600 block of West Oak Street.
An officer was out in the 600 block of Broadway Street in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to the 900 block of North Hard Road in Mt. Clare in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 200 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 300 block of Central Avenue in Benld in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Spruce Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Montgomery Street in reference an animal complaint.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Staunton Road and Henrietta Street. Jackeline K. Hernandez-Montufar, 24 of Beardstown, was issued citations for no valid driver’s license and operating an uninsured vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Trolley Street in Benld in reference to a suspicious vehicle in their driveway.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Pine in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to Route 138 by Benld Cemetery in Benld in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to an ordinance issue.
An officer was dispatched to Osie Street and Madison Street in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was out on 5th Street and Locust Street in Benld in reference to suspicious circumstances.
An officer was out on the 200 block of West Locust Street in Benld in reference to a security check.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Comments
In a decisive finish that underscored his rising dominance in Illinois Class 1A cross country, senior Chaz Oberkfell of Gillespie High School claimed the state title with a time of 14:31.10 at the IHSA State Cross Country Championships held at Detweiller Park on Saturday, November 8.
Finishing just behind Oberkfell, sophomore Evan Knobloch of Toulon (Stark County) crossed the line in 14:46.25, placing second. Rounding out the top five were senior Blake McLeese of Tuscola (14:46.45), senior Luca Bryja of Elgin (Harvest Christian Academy) with 14:48.38, and senior Elijah Teefey of Pleasant Plains at 14:49.02.
This victory marks Oberkfell’s second IHSA Class 1A state championship. He also won the state crown as a junior in 2024 with a time of 14:31.87. In his sophomore year, he finished 21st with a 15:21.43 season-best time.
Looking ahead, Oberkfell is set to compete in the New Balance NXR Midwest Regional Championships on Sunday, November 16, at the LaVerne Gibson Course in Indiana. The meet serves as a critical stepping stone toward the national championships, and Oberkfell will look to carry his state momentum into the regional stage.
