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
Justine D. Pocklington, 27 of Standard City, possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams), aggravated feeling police/21 mph over, no valid registration, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a February 2 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Katlyn N. Pilger, 21 of Benld, is charged with theft/unauthorized control (<$500) in connection with a March 28 incident.
Donald L. Lloyd, 46 of Staunton, is charged with criminal trespass to land in connection with an April 5 incident.
TRAFFIC
Tarina S. Slaughter, 47 of Girard, is charged with improper use of registration/title, unlicensed, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with an April 4 incident.
William C. Geiser, 60 of Gillespie, is charged with reckless driving in connection with an April 6 incident.
Lauren E. Wolfe, 21 of Granite City, is charged with improper use of registration/title and expiration of registration in connection with an April 3 incident.
Jim T. Wahl, 53 of Cottage Hills, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with an April 8 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Nora Washington versus Joseph D. Washington
- Samantha Lehnen versus Chad Wallace
MARRIAGE LICENSES
- Colton D. West of Hettick and Alina M. Carver of Scottville.
- Devin J. Martin and Mariah P. Crane, both of Bunker Hill.
- Jonathon E. Swisher of Shipman and Mackenzie P. Calvin of Saint Charles, MO.
- Lucas Boschelli and Danielle J. Boatman, both of Carlinville.
- Todd R. Leverton and Jennifer L. Bowman, both of Carlinville.
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SUNDAY, APRIL 5, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Oak Street in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Oak Street in reference to harassment.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South Main Street in Benld in reference to a civil standby.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Park Avenue in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Elm Street in reference to a civil standby.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
MONDAY, APRIL 6, 2026
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
Jonathan M. Kirkwood, 29 of Benld, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for traffic.
An officer was dispatched to Maple Street and Adams Street in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was out with a female at Trolley Street and Central Avenue in Benld in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the Gillespie Police Department to speak with a male in reference to a civil issue in the 200 block of South Main Street in Benld.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Henry Street in East Gillespie. Camden G. Zumwalt, 18 of Staunton, was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a well-being check.
TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2026
Cory D. Norton, 33 of Columbus, NC, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for driving while driver’s license was suspended. He also has a warrant out of Montgomery County for failure to appear while driver’s license was suspended.
An officer was dispatched to the intersection of Madison Street and Wilson Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was out with a male at Staunton Road and Charles Street in reference to a traffic crash. Tanner E. Moore, 28 of Gillespie, was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol, improper lane usage, using an electronic communication device, and failure to change address.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Frey Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Staunton Road in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South 4th Street in Benld in reference to unwanted solicitors.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Maple Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Richards Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was out in the 100 block of South Main Street in Benld. Amanda L. Broderick, 37 of Benld, was issued citations for unlawful possession of traffic signs and obstruction. Luther C. Welch, 31 of Shipman, was issued a citation for obstruction.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Berry Street in Mt. Clare in reference to a death investigation.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 300 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to illegal dumping and criminal trespass.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 6th Street in Benld in reference to criminal damage to property.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to identity theft in the 1200 block of Second Street.
An officer initiated a traffic stop in the 400 block of South Macoupin Street. Andrea M. Hulsey, 30 of Mt. Clare, was issued a citation for her minor child not wearing a seatbelt.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Broadway in reference to a neighbor dispute.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 900 block of Springfield Road in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Abba Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was dispatched to Ben-Gil Elementary School in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Elm Street in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to Kentucky Street and Hickory Street in Benld in reference to a noise complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Walnut Street to assist the Macoupin County Sheriff Department in serving an eviction notice.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Dorsey Road in Mt. Clare in reference to a well-being check.
THURSDAY, APRIL 9, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Dorsey Street in Benld in reference to a medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Donaldson Street in reference to criminal damage to property.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Avenue and Main Street in Benld. Trinity A. Pruitt, 22 of Benld, was issued citations for speeding and for illegal transportation of cannabis.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a civil issue.
The school resource officer brought a child to the Gillespie Police Department in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 200 block of West Spruce Street.
An officer was dispatched to the 2300 block of Staunton Road in Mt. Clare in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Clay Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of East Central Avenue in Benld in reference to suspicious activity.
FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2026
An officer was dispatched near the water plant in reference to juveniles fighting.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South Second Street in Benld in reference to assisting the Litchfield Police Department with a case.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Wilson Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Charles Street in reference to a civil issue.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Henry Street in East Gillespie. Leonard J. Schwartz, 55 of Edwardsville, was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Pine Street. Scott A. Byrd, 49 of Wilsonville, was issued a citation for expired registration.
SATURDAY, APRIL 11, 2026
Larry E. Conlee, 42 of Mt. Clare, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for dangerous drugs. He was also arrested for resisting a peace officer and aggravated battery.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to an animal complaint on Bishop Drive at Gillespie Lake.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South Hard Road in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of East Walnut Street in reference to solicitation.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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Community News
“History Belongs to All of Us”: Focus of Carlinville Community Conversation Series starting May 4
“History Belongs to All of Us,” a three-month series of events and activities commemorating the 250th anniversary of American independence and emphasizing Illinois’ role in seizing liberty for the American people will kick off Monday, May 4, and continue through July 16, 2026.
The series is project of Carlinville Winning Communities funded by a grant from Illinois Humanities. The events will encourage participants to examine and discuss the Declaration of Independence and other primary historical documents through facilitated conversations, according to Mary Tinder, a Macoupin County Historical Society & Carlinville Winning Communities board member.
Carlinville Winning Communities was one of only 13 entities statewide to receive an Illinois Humanities grant to support the Community Conversations Series.
We are fortunate to have received Illinois Humanities funding for this unique project, With 2026 being the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the 100th anniversary of Route 66, it is altogether fitting to explore where we’ve been and where we’re going, as well as to reflect on both and the cultural impact of our independence, Tinder said.
In keeping with the “History Belongs to All of Us” theme, several of the presentations and discussions will emphasize the role of Native Americans and the impact of American independence on Native American and other cultures.
Program topics will be explored through presentations by Illinois Humanities Road Scholars, live readings of historic documents, art, music and discussions. The programs are free to attend and all venues are handicapped accessible.
The series kicks off with “Illinois in the Revolutionary War,” a presentation by local historian and author Tom Emery, at 7 p.m., Monday, May 4, at the Macoupin County Historical Society’s Ruyle Genealogy Building, 920 W. Breckenridge St., Carlinville. Emery will lead a discussion of information included in his most recently published book, Illinois in the Revolutionary War.
“There was more to the war in Illinois than most people realize,” said Emery. “Revolutionary action took place in many parts of the state, and it was a struggle for all involved. It shows how hard many Americans worked for liberty.”
A discussion of Nicholas Welch’s 1812 Land Grant and the Autobiography of Ma-Ka-Tai-Me-She-Kia-Kiak, better known as Black Hawk, leader of the Sauk/Sac Indian tribes, is set for 7 p.m., Monday, June 1, in the Anderson Home parlor on the Macoupin County Historical Society grounds. Under the Land Grant program, the government set aside more than five million acres in western Illinois to compensate American war veterans with large tracts of land. Though Welch never set foot in Illinois, the granting of land to him displaced Black Hawk from his home in the area of present-day Rock Island. The facilitated discussion will focus on original historic documents, juxtaposing Welch’s land grant with Black Hawk’s experience.
Because of the smaller, more intimate venue, reservations are required. RSVP to marytinder1@gmail.com to reserve a seat.
“Relive the Mother Road: The Edwards Trace,” a collective analysis of documents and a look at contemporary research will be led by Illinois Humanities Road Scholar Anna Sielaff, Friday afternoon, June 26, during an Old Fashioned Route 66 Jubilee on the Macoupin County Courthouse lawn. Sielaff will discuss the 3,000-year-old Edwards Trace, used by Native Americans and early Illinois settlers, that stretched from Cahokia to Peoria. Portions of the trace run through Macoupin County, and some sections lay along the original alignment of Route 66. Imagine Rural Arts also will lead an art project in connection with how the trail was marked.
The Old Fashioned Route 66 Jubilee event runs from noon into the evening with food, musical performances, literary presentations, games, food and other activities.
The date is significant for Carlinville and Route 66 since 6/26/26 happens to be our zip code! The Jubilee offers a variety of experiences and taking a deeper look at the Edwards Trace and the Mother Road is an interesting way to explore local history on this unique date and location, Tinder noted.
Continuing on to the July 4th holiday, Macoupin County high school and college students will read the Declaration of Independence aloud in the main courtroom of the historic Macoupin County Courthouse in Carlinville at 10 a.m. The event also will feature a display of more than 30 historic flags provided by the George Rogers Clark Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution. A facilitated discussion will follow the reading and participants will be invited to sign the “Macoupin County America @ 250 Time Capsule” book. The book will then be on display at the Macoupin County Historical Society, said Andrea Duncan, one of the organizers.
A unique and somewhat mysterious artifact from Macoupin County will be the subject of a presentation at 7 p.m., Monday, July 6, at the Historical Society’s Ruyle Genealogy Building. Sharon Breyden and husband Tommy Breyden will display and discuss the Black Hawk Tablet, uncovered in the 1940s on a farm near Hettick. The odd inscriptions on the lead medallion suggests Black Hawk and an early Macoupin settler formalized an agreement to peacefully coexist in central Illinois.
For the final program of the Carlinville Community Conversations series, Illinois Humanities Road Scholar Kim Sigafus, a member of the Ojibwa Native American tribe, will present “We the Native People” at 7 p.m., Thursday, July 16, at the Historical Society’s Ruyle Genealogy Building. The focus is on Native Americans at the time the Declaration of Independence was signed. The interactive program will use traditional story-telling and music to help audience members understand the groundswell changes in Native American culture and lifestyle resulting from American independence and subsequent western expansion.
For more information and details about the “History Belongs to All of Us” series, contact Carlinville Winning Communities Board members, Andrea Duncan, (217) 204-1446, or Mary Tinder, (217) 825-9699.
