Community News
CUSD #7 board turns down 2 consolidation requests
Hayes explains the consolidation request from Carlinville and Litchfield.
On Monday evening, October 24, school district #7 school board denied two requests to consolidate high schools. The school board received their first reorganization request from Litchfield and their second one from Carlinville. Carlinville sent the same request three years ago when the Benld Elementary was condemned. Mark Hayes opened the discussion up for board members since Mr. Skeans had no comment to make about the consolidation. Hayes described the move as a high school only move. “They don’t want our middle school or elementary students, they just want our high school kids,” Hayes said, “They want numbers, they are in the red, and they are in debt.”
Peyton Bernot expressed his issue with Litchfield, “Litchfield is in Montgomery County and they are not subject to PTELL [Property Tax Extension Limitation Law] and with that, I don’t want to burden our taxpayers with their debt.” PTELL was passed by a referendum in Macoupin County in 1992 and is lacked in Montgomery County. Essentially, they can levy any amount they see fit. Hayes responded that he agreed with Bernot and went on to reemphasize, “They just want our numbers.” Griffel’s main concern with both Litchfield and Carlinville was the busing of the students as “industry is leaning toward technology.” Griffel went on to suggest that technology is the answer instead of moving bodies. “Wouldn’t it be easier to have a web teacher that can teach a classroom of kids via a room with drop-down microphones,” Griffel suggested, “This would make a lot more sense as technology continues to advance.”
Skeans agreed with board members as he is going to deny both of these requests and move forward with our “financially sound” district, but also agreed on sending a letter to Bunker Hill per Bernot’s request. Bernot suggested for CUSD #7 to send a letter to Bunker Hill and express our concern in a consolidation request. After further discussion and under Griffel’s recommendation, Skeans said he would draft a letter and send it the school board of Bunker Hill explaining that we are still interested in their school population and our offer is on the table. “I don’t think we need to say what the benefits are or anything else,” Griffel recommended, “We just need to say our offer is still on the table and to contact us when you are ready.”
Under personnel issues, the school board voted 5-1 to hire Neil Balzraine as custodian for CUSD #7. With the only oblige coming from Peyton Bernot, the school board approved Balzraine who already has experience in the school district from prior custodian employment.
Joseph Tieman explains the school report cards.
In new business, the school board authorized the adoption of a resolution 6-0 for the annexation of Ben-Gil Elementary into the municipal limits of the City of Gillespie per ILCS 5/6-1-14. The board also approved the sale of their surplus property that rests in the town of Henderson. “This property has been surplussed in Henderson which consists of about 11 lots,” Hayes mentioned, “It is actually been a cost to the school district and I believe there are horses grazing on it now.” After a 6-0 vote, the motion was carried and the school board will sell the property to the highest bidder.
Assistant Superintendent Joe Tieman presented the school report cards to the school board Monday evening. “I would caution you against data,” Tieman explained, “It can be used any way you want it to be used.” Tieman went on to explain that as a district, reading scores increased 4.7% while math scores increased 2%. The district was unable to meet AYP (Adequate Yearly Progress). Benld Elementary’s reading scores increased 5.6% while their math scores increased 10.1%. Only white and economically disadvantaged met AYP in reading while all students met AYP in math. Gillespie Middle School’s reading scores jumped 4.6% while the math scores fell 4.6%. Again in the middle school, white economically disadvantaged students did meet AYP in reading but the school did not meet AYP in math. In the high school, reading scores increased 2.5% while math dropped 1.3% and neither subject met AYP in the high school.
According to Superintendent Skeans, barrier grouting will be completed this week at the new school site. “We are finding where we have to build the barriers,” Skeans said. Barrier grouting will be complete this week on the south side to permit infill grouting to begin. According to Skeans, the infill grouting will run to the barrier grouts and fill. The barrier grouts have to be tested before and that has already been done. The infill grouting, which is set to begin this week, will take approximately two weeks to be finished. Foundation and structural steel will take about 4 weeks to get the steel fabricated and delivered to the site. Structural steel will be able to be set in mid-December and will take place until the end of January, according to Skeans.
The October bills were approved and paid under the consent agenda. The bills which total $116,426.02 are as follows:
- $75,311.15 – Education Fund
- $29,228.61 – Building Fund
- $11,886.26 – Transportation Fund
Administrators from each school building then updated the school board of the current status of their school:
Mr. Dennis Tiburzi, high school principal, advised the school board that the month of September attendance was 94.7% and first quarter grade reports were sent home with the students. Tiburzi recorded that 49% of the students achieved honor roll. Per grant money obtained from the Illinois Department of Transportation of the amount of $2,000, Tiburzi explained the grant money will go to the MPACT’D program to fund various projects throughout the year. In other high school news, parent teacher conferences will take place this Thursday and Friday (October 27 & 28). In sports news, Tiburzi congratulated the volleyball team on first place in the Prairie State Conference which is the first time in 15 years. Finally, Tiburzi went on to say the football team will complete in playoffs this Friday.
Ms. Lori Emmons, middle school principal, advised the school board that 62% of students made honor roll in 8th grade, while 67% achieved it in 7th grade and then 58% in 6th grade. Board member Bill Carter asked to compare our standings to other schools around since “the public is always comparing us to everyone else.” Emmons went on to say it was just honor roll and is not comparable to able to be compared to other schools in the nearby area. In other news at Gillespie Middle School, the Gold Canyon Candles fundraiser was a great success. Emmons closed with the boys basketball program, their first game will be on Halloween (October 31) in Carlinville.
Ms. Angela Turcol, elementary principal, explained to the school board that $646 was made off the bake sale from the past Saturday for the Promethaean boards. With Dr. Michael Haggerty’s $4,000 donation, the school has enough for 2 boards and $1,000 to their next two, according to Turcol. Turcol went on to say the Halloween Parade for the students will be at 1:00pm on October 31 at the track. Parents and community are welcome to attend.
IMACT'D and Student Council update the school board on what they are doing and what they have planned.
Taylor Monke and Katie Stromsland then updated the board on MPACT’D, the safe driving group in the high school. According to Stromsland, this is the 5th straight year MPACT’D has obtained the IDOT grant for the amount of $2,000. The group is also set to participate in AT&T “It can wait”. This project is directed toward students who take a pledge to not text while driving, “it can wait” is referring to the text message. MPACT’D is going to participate in the “Act out Loud” grant, according to Taylor Monke. The Act out Loud grant has 3 stages. Monke also mentioned that the group will host a ‘Road to Reality’ at the school along with a driver’s education night for parents and students to participate in. The group will continue to do seat belt checks at the school and compute the data recorded from the checks.
Elise Newman represented student council at Monday night’s meeting. Newman explained that student council has accomplished “quite a bit” this year and provided insight for more events that are planned. According to Newman, student council is planning a “Faculty of the Month” program along with a “Teacher Favorites” to recognize the faculty. Student council will continue to decorate the halls for Christmas and have a lock-in one night during Christmas break.
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FELONIES
Austin C. Drake, 30 of Girard, is charged with theft/unauthorized control (>$500<$10k) and bad checks/obtaining control of property in connection with a September 22 and an October 7 incident.
William C. Cooper, 41 of Gillespie, is charged with burglary in connection with a November 1 incident.
Joseph L. Schnurr, 63 of De Soto, Mo, is charged with aggravated fleeing in connection with a November 26 incident.
Derek J. Bultema, 40 of Gillespie, is charged with possession of methamphetamine in connection with a November 26 incident.
Brandon A. Martin, 26 of Wood River, is charged with aiding/abetting/possession/selling a stolen vehicle and aggravated fleeing in connection with a November 26 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Richard J. Williams, 44 of Staunton, is charged with criminal trespass to a vehicle in connection with a November 14 incident.
Ryne L. Manion, 41 of Mt. Olive, is charged with criminal trespass to a building in connection with a November 20 incident.
TRAFFIC
Terence L. Binion, 51 of University City, MO, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with a November 22 incident.
Andrew J. Goewey, 34 of Sawyerville, is charged with driving on a revoked license and driving 21-25 mph above the limit in connection with a November 22 incident.
Teresa J. Niewiadomski, 47 of Bethalto, is charged with driving on a suspended license, expired registration, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a November 19 incident.
Keona D. Roos, 22 of Freeburg, is charged with driving on a suspended license, improper use of registration/title, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and no valid registration in connection with a November 21 incident.
Zachary A. Johnston, 44 of Gillespie, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with a November 23 incident.
Alexis R. Spann, 32 of Auburn, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a November 19 incident.
Alicia N. Tamosaitis, 29 of Girard, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with a November 19 incident.
Justin A. Collins, 37 of Gillespie, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with a November 20 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Allan L. Petit versus Teresa M. Pettit
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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of West Wilson Street in reference to a domestic battery. Ashley A. Esmon, 39 of Staunton, was arrested for domestic battery.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Calcari Street in East Gillespie. Angel L. Bricker, 22 of East Alton, was cited for operating an uninsured vehicle and driving while registration was suspended.
An officer was dispatched to Spruce Street and Laura Street in reference to a noise complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Elm Street in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of East Elm Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Charles Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Elm Street. Zachary A. Johnston, 44 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for driving while license was revoked.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Chestnut Street in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 400 block of East Central in Benld in reference to suspicious activity.
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Cloud Street in reference to a domestic dispute. Steven O. Smith, 36 of Chicago, was arrested on a warrant out of Chicago on a weapons charge.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Abba Street in reference to theft and criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 300 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 300 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to criminal damage to property and criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Charles Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 900 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a 911 call.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of West Wilson Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of East Locust Street in Benld in reference to the removal of a subject.
An officer was dispatched to Circle Drive at Gillespie Lake in reference to an alarm sounding.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Penny Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to South 2nd Street in Benld in reference to unwanted solicitors.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2025
An Officer was dispatched to the 900 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Easton Street. Joseph L. Schnurr, 63 of Eagarville, was arrested for reckless driving, fleeing/eluding a peace officer, squealing tires, failing to obey a stop sign, improper use of registration, and operating an uninsured vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Chestnut Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of East Chestnut Street in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 300 block of South Illinois Street in Benld.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Elm Street in reference to a suicidal subject.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Broadway Street in reference to a fire alarm sounding.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Horizon Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Henry Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Cedar Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Francis Street in reference to a 911 call
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Henrietta Street in reference to an animal complaint.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Walnut Street in Benld in reference to a theft.
An officer was dispatched to the 900 block of North Hard Road in Mt. Clare in reference to disorderly conduct.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Central in Benld in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to a reckless driver.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Elm Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 900 block of North Hard Road in Mt. Clare in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Central Avenue in Benld in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 300 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer spoke with a male on Dorsey Road in Mt. Clare in reference to a vehicle that was parked on the lot for a few days.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2025
An officer was dispatched to West Central Street and North Trolley Street in Benld in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Lynn Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Broadway Street at Gillespie High School in reference to the fire alarm sounding.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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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.
