Community News
Engineer informs Board that New Elementary School is going according to plan
Skeans answeres Mr. Rauzi's question concerning the lawsuit.
Mr. Rauzi opened discussion up on the New Elementary School when he was recognized during the ‘Public Recognition’ session by the board. Rauzi asked, “I want to talk about the lawsuit, where are we at on that?” Superintendent Skeans quickly responded with, “It is a lawsuit and it is a matter we cannot discuss because it is a legal matter.” Skeans went on to inform that the lawsuit is still pending and an answer could be given within the next year or the next 5 years, he is unsure. “We will not discuss this in any public fashion,” Skeans noted.
Tom Hyde, district architect, updated the board the on the current construction. Hyde stated that he put the building and construction bids off until December 9 due to the fact that there was not enough time to receive the bids over the Thanksgiving holiday. “As of now, the foundation and structural steel are ready to begin but there have been some delays,” Hyde expressed, “The delays are due to the grouting that have to do with some of the processes that have been encountered.”
Some of the issues include some difficulty in locating the mine. “It has been located much more firmly than it was before,” Hyde noted. From what Hyde had on his original drawings, the mine was about 20 feet away further to the east and 10 feet further to the north. The delay did not impact the construction, but it did impact to where they were drilling. According to Hyde, they were hitting too many coal holes and not void holes. “We got it straightened out, we have the mine located much more firmly,” Hyde addressed, “The work is proceeding in two different phases.”
Luke Vermeulen, staff engineer, shows his documentation from being in the mine.
Reschedule wise, “the construction is behind about one week.” Luke Vermeulen is a staff engineer from Marino Engineering Associates out of Urbana, Illinois. Vermeulen is on the site every day, all day when work is taking place. There are about 20-25 workers on site every day along with a handful of engineers and administrators.
Vermeulen’s job is to monitor where the mine is and to send a camera down, per Skeans request, to assure that they are in the right location. Vermeulen gave a short video documenting his videos he collected from his boring hole. “The mine is about 320-330 feet deep,” Vermeulen started, “It takes about 20 minutes to get down there with my camera.” The site is about 100 feet of clay and silt and below that is 200 feet of rock down to the mine.
“The mine is dry, there is no water down there,” Vermeulen stated, “I have not seen water in any of the holes.” The mine is typically about 10 feet high which, according to Vermeulen, is typical since the coal seam was about 9 feet. The mine is held up by many timber props that are about 1-2 feet in diameter. Vermeulen said he is willing to discuss anything with anyone in the public at the site, just stop by and he will answer any questions that anyone is pondering. Vermeulen confirmed that all the props are wood and he has not seen any steel. “The area was mined in the 1940’s or 1950’s,” Vermeulen closed.
Skeans went on to say that he responded to Litchfield and Carlinville to deny their request to potentially combine high schools in the future. Skeans acted on the boards decision. The school board is interested in sharing teachers via technology which Skeans referred to as “distant learning”, so board member David Griffel penned a letter that Skeans is going to take to three nearby districts. The decision would use the internet to increase the opportunities in the curriculum.
Tieman explains that the high school is in the top 31% of the State of Illinois.
For the Benld Elementary School, Skeans advised that the board is looking for grants to demolish the building or would consider selling the building.
The board explained that Andy Easton, who was in an accident, is on his way to recovery. “It is going to be long journey for him,” Griffel stated, “But he is in good spirits.” Easton is a business teacher in the high school and coaches football and girls basketball.
In personnel actions, Superintendent Skeans will be evaluated by the school board in the months of December and January. The school board went on to hire Rachelle Prough from Godfrey, Illinois as a first year, non-tenured special education instructor. Prough was previously a resource teacher at Southwestern school. Under non-certificated personnel, Misty Parker was transferred to the nurses office to assist and Parker’s job, Elementary Aide, was posted as vacant. A job vacancy was also posted for K-8 Counselor.
Mr. Tieman covered 3 parts of the district school improvement plans. The plans are state mandated and is an Illinois State Board of Education template that is driven exclusively from the school report card. Each of the documents are close to 40 pages and can be viewed by anyone.
“I would like to announce that the Partnership of Educational Excellence has approved a mobile laptop lab,” Tieman stated, “The lab will be used primarily in the middle school, but as needed in the high school and elementary school.”
Tieman went on to say that the Partnership approved the purchase of 10 new computers. In the past year, the Partnership donated a mobile iPad lab. Skeans opened it up to the administrators to update the board on their school building:
Mr. Tieman, Assistant Superintendent, gave the update on the high school after the absence of Principal Dennis Tiburzi. Tieman highlighted that the high school placed in the top 31% in the State of Illinois for ACT scores. Tieman announced the high school’s 5 Illinois State Scholars: Abbie Cline, Dallas DeMartini, Ricky Mock, Adam Schmidt, and Michael Taylor.
The combination of their GPA and ACT Score nominated them for this award. Tieman went on to note that Dallas DeMartini received first in the physics competition at the recent Blackburn College Science Day.
In sports, Sam Wasylenko and Loni Nicole Manalia were selected as first team all conference for volleyball while Taylor Wasylenko, Allison Goldasich and Alexis Burns landed second team all conference. In football, 6 athletes were selected to the first team all conference and those selected were: Ricky Mock, Johhny Cox, Alex Greff, Adam Schmidt, Keith Lovejoy, and Jessie Smith while Cort Hellmann, Jessie Smith, Johnny Cox, Ethan Martin and Derrick Tibuzi were selected to second team.
Ms. Lori Emmons, principal of the middle school, advised that student council is sponsoring a penny drive with all donations contributing to the Joyful Angels. Emmons went on to explain possible factors that resulted in the low math ISAT scores and then continued with solutions the staff is taking to address them.
Principal of the elementary school, Angela Turcol, informed the board that the new technology has been beneficial to the students. The new promethian boards were placed in a 3rd grade classroom in the modulars and the other was placed in a first grade classroom in the middle school. Turcol went on to say that the Big Brother/Big Sister program is going really well and the date for the Christmas program is set for December 20.
Weye Schmidt explains what he learned about technology the school board's trip to Chicago.
Under consent agenda, the school board approved the November bills as follows:
- Education Fund: $337,105.26
- Building Fund: $15,378.42
- Transportation Fund: $10,370
- Site & Construction Fund: $220,789.51
- Insurance Fund: $30,922.80
- Grand Total: $614,565.99
In closing under new business, the board identified and reviewed bids for the identified surplus real estate property located in the Village of Henderson. After a tie in bids, the board called the two bidders to either increase or decrease their bid for review by the board. James Timpe was the highest bidder for lot 15, block 14 with a bid of $1,400. “The property is property that the district would probably never use,” Skeans advised, “It was an ongoing cost with mowing, liability, and a tree hit with lighting.” The board voted 6-1 to accept the bid as presented, with objection from Peyton Bernot.
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Community News
Gillespie Council approves $15.7 million appropriation ordinance for current fiscal year
Members of the Gillespie City Council on Monday night voted unanimously to approve an appropriation of $15,758,490 for the fiscal year that began May 1. State law mandates an annual appropriation to set spending ceilings for specific municipal funds. The ordinance sets spending limits only and does not serve as a budget, according to outgoing City Treasurer Dan Fisher, who conducted a 15-minute public hearing prior to the council meeting.
Actual city expenditures are likely to be no more than a third of the appropriation total, Mayor Landon Pettit said. The city’s actual annual expenditures average around $3 million to $4 million.
The newly approved appropriation is about $1.4 million less than last year’s appropriation of $17,130,799, which was inflated by anticipated grant funds for the city’s ambitious streetscape project and Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) funds. The new appropriation also inflated somewhat by $4.5 million, representing grant and local funds, for the streetscape project, and $1.3 million in anticipated CEJA grant funds. Removing those two items would take the appropriation of primarily local funds down to about $10 million, which is significantly less than pre-COVID appropriations.
The new ordinances authorizes expenditures of up to $2,400,600 for the Water Department, compared with $2,845,700 last year. The Water Department appropriation includes up to $200,000 for water line system improvements and $100,000 for a water tower improvement project.
Up to $1,855.000 in expenditures is authorized for the Police Department, compared with $2,316,000 last year. The appropriation of General Administrative Expenses comes in at $1,364,500, compared with $1,356,500 a year ago. A spending ceiling of $929,000 is set for the Street Department, compared with $1,281,500 last year. The appropriation for Parks and Recreation is $697,800, compared with $846,000 a year ago. A total of $200,000 is appropriated for Parks and Recreational Areas, which is the same as last year’s appropriation. The ordinance appropriates $665,000 for Motor Fuel Tax expenditures, compare with $600,000 last year. Expenditures of up to $200,000 are appropriated from the Tax Increment Financing Fund, compared with $280,000 last year.
The new ordinance sets spending limits for the Emergency Services and Disaster Administration (ESDA) at $58,900, which compares with $33,900 last year and includes money to replacement storm/emergency sirens.
The ordinance appropriates $170,500 for Administrative Building costs, down from $220,000 last year. The ordinance sets a spending limit of $165,000 for FICA, compared with $160,000 last year; $65,000 for Liability Insurance, which is the same as the previous year.
The ordinance appropriates $42,020 for Salaries of General Elective and Appointed City Officials, which is unchanged from last year.
A total of $40,670 is appropriated for the Public Library, and $5,000 for the Municipal Band, both of which are the same as last year.
Presenting the Public Hearing was the last official act for Fisher. Soon after convening the council’s regular monthly meeting, Rusty Fredericks was sworn in to serve a two-year appointive term as City Treasurer. Fredericks will have the option to run for election to the office in April 2027.
STREETSCAPE UPDATE
Mayor Pettit told the council the long-awaited streetscape project to enhance the downtown shopping district is set to begin soon. In the meantime, he said the city will schedule public meetings with downtown business owners to advise them about when and how construction might affect their businesses.
The streetscape project has been in discussion for about six years. Aimed at improving aesthetics and the business climate downtown, the plan calls for establishing downtown as a cultural center for small festivals, farmers markets, concerts and other activities. The plan includes converting parking from perpendicular spaces to diagonal spaces. The parking arrangement will marginally reduce the number of spaces. Triangular “dead spaces” at intersections will be converted into “green spaces” with small trees and other plantings, along with green spaces interspersed along each block. Sidewalks will be replaced, drainage will be improved with grates leading to the city’s storm sewer system, and new, more attractive light poles will be installed. With the creation of green spaces at intersections, the distance for pedestrian crossing will be reduced from 76 feet to 46 feet, not only improving aesthetics but also improving safety for pedestrians.
The city received a $4 million grant from Rural Development, a program of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and awarded a construction contract in March to Stutz Excavating, Inc., Alton, contingent upon the federal funds being released to the city. Pettit said the first installment of the grant money has been received, enabling the city to start construction.
In a related matter, the council voted unanimously to employ Lake Manager Ethan Martin to the city’s on-site manager for the project. Martin basically will monitor construction to ensure the work is congruent with contract provisions. Martin will be paid a supplemental salary in addition to his earnings as Lake Manager for the duration of the project, after which his wages will return to their original level.
WELFARE PARK IMPROVEMENTS
On the Mayor’s recommendation, the council voted unanimously to spend up to $50,000 for new bleachers and playground equipment for Welfare Park. Pettit said the existing wooden bleachers at the park are deteriorating and dangerous to spectators. He recommended replacing them with six four-row aluminum bleachers—two for each athletic field—which require less maintenance than the existing bleachers. The aluminum bleachers are low enough to not require handrails and will cost a total of $15,480, plus about $380 for hardware. Pettit said he also located playground equipment with plastic covered metal for about $3,000 from Uline, Inc., not including shipping and engineered mulch.
Improvements are nearing completion at Big Brick Park, which includes new playground equipment, picnic tables and other improvements.
“I’d like to see a little more focus on our parks,” Pettit said. “They’ve been let go for too long.”
“That’s why it’s so expensive when we do improvements,” said Ald. Wendy Rolando, who moved to authorize the expenditure.
Pettit said the city is due to received $70,000 in CEJA funding as part of the current grant cycle. That money should arrive in two to three months.
In the meantime, he said the city can pay for the improvements with existing funds and reimburse itself when the grant funds are available.
In a related matter, the council authorized the mayor to apply for a new round of CEJA grant funding for the current fiscal year.
BENLD POLICE CONTRACT
The council approved Ald. Dona Rauzi’s proposal to cease police protection services to the City of Benld if Gillespie and Benld can not reach an agreement for a new contract within 30 days. The current contract expired April 30, and Gillespie has continued to provide police protection to Benld for $20,000 per month under terms of the current contract. In April, both parties agreed to a 90-day extension to continue negotiations.
The 90-day extension will end next month, after which the City of Gillespie will terminate services.
Gillespie has provided police protection services to Benld for five years after the Benld Police Department was disbanded.
NUISANCE PROPERTIES
The council added 416 East Elm to a previously prepared resolution to declare 307 E. Elm as nuisance properties, after neighbor Geri Meyer voiced concerns to the council about the condition of the house.
“It’s a dilapidated house,” Meyer said, citing loose siding and a large whole that allows raccoons and other wildlife to enter the home. “It’s right there on what I call the main drag, and I was just wondering when someone was going to do something about it.”
Ald. Dona Rauzi said she spoke to the property owner, who assured her he was working with a contractor to start work on the house within the next two weeks.
“That’s exactly what he told me when I moved in two years ago,” Meyer commented.
“Other than that, I don’t know what I can do,” Rauzi explained. “I can’t force him to remodel his house.”
City Attorney Rick Verticchio agreed. “While you can’t force him to do it, this council can declare it a public nuisance,” Verticchio said, which would give the property own 30 days to at least start the work or face further legal action. “If you need to give him more time, you can do that but the first step is to declare it a nuisance.”
FOOD TRUCK ORDINANCE
On a motion by Ald. Rauzi, the council voted unanimously to amend an existing food truck ordinance to offer an annual permit at a cost of $300. The current ordinance required a daily permit fee of $25. Rauzi’s motion included a provision to waive fees for food truck operators who have already spent $300 or more for permits this calendar year.
Rauzi said the amendment will benefit food truck operators, and simplify record keeping for the Deputy City Clerk.
LJ AVENUE PARKING
Also on a motion by Rauzi, the council voted 6-1 to rescind a previously approved ordinance banning parking on the west side of LJ Avenue. The school district plans to post no parking signs in front of gates to the football field and along a 50-zone zone to restrict parking near a fire hydrant.
The issue has been somewhat controversial since Community Unit 7 School District rerouted buses at the beginning of the school year to synchronize class starting and ending times for all three attendance centers.
Ald. Janet Odell-Mueller case the sole negative vote. Ald. Rauzi, Ald Rolando, Ald. J.Q. Halteman, Ald. Dave Link, Ald. Frank Barrett and Ald. Bob Fritz all voted in favor of the measure. Ald. Bill Hayes was absent.
In a related matter, the council tabled further discussion of repairs to Plum Street.
Without taking formal action, the council agreed to have Ald. Fritz survey the city for missing street signs. Ald. Rolando said she had several phone calls regarding missing signs on Broadway and Frey. Mayor Pettit said street signs also frequently go missing from several other streets, including Baker and High. He said street signs are relatively inexpensive and the city should have money to pay for them. He recommended finding which signs are missing and placing an order for all of them.
“If there are some that go missing all the time, go ahead and order extras,” he said.
CIVIC CENTER CHANGE ORDER
Council members voted unanimously in support of Ald. Fritz’s motion to approve a $7,272 change order for ongoing remodeling work at City Hall and the Civic Center. Fritz said contractors discovered that the original fiberglass ductwork installed when the building was constructed is deteriorating and releasing fiberglass fibers. Mayor Pettit assured the council the city has available Tax Increment Financing (TIF) funds to cover the expense.
The council also voted Monday night to close out the TIF I fund and transfer remaining funds to TIF II.
SIDE-BY-SIDE
The council authorized the expenditure of up to $15,000 for a new Kawasaki 4×4 side-by-side for use at Gillespie Lake. The city previously used a UTV belonging to the former lake manager, who took his personnel equipment with him when he changed jobs.
The new machine will come from Action Powersports, Litchfield.
OTHER ACTION
In other action, the council:
- Tabled action on a policy regarding workers who want to return to work early after a medical leave. Attorney Verticchio is expected to review the proposed policy to resolve possible liability issues.
- Accepted a bid of $925 to be paid from Motor Fuel Tax funds from Emmons Tree Service, Carlinville, to remove three trees from boulevards on Chestnut and Maple streets.
- Referred a proposed ordinance to govern burning back to committee for further work before being presented to the full council.
- Referred to committee the issue of whether or not to hold a city-wide clean-up day. Mayor Pettit said the city’s cost for the event could be up to $18,000 for dumpster rentals. Meanwhile, Ald. Rauzi again pointed out that adopting a single-provider city-wide trash hauling service would include two annual city-wide clean-ups at no cost to the city. Ald. Rolando said a city-wide program would reduce costs for local consumers and limit the number of trash hauling trucks on city alleyways.
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SPRINGFIELD — Lincoln Land Community College has announced its full-time and part-time President’s and Vice President’s lists for the spring 2025 semester. Part-time students are enrolled in six to 11 credit hours while full-time students are enrolled in 12 or more credit hours.
Students who earned a 4.0 grade point average (GPA) are noted with an asterisk and earned President’s list honors. Students who earned between a GPA of 3.5-3.99 earned Vice President’s list honors. The excerpt below features Macoupin County students.
FULL-TIME STUDENTS
Bunker Hill – Logan R. Helling
Carlinville – Reid P. Evans*, Brody M. Reif
Gillespie – Maris E. Brill, Austin L. Grace*
Girard – Max Allen*, Katie Angulo*, Mick B. Downs*, Josh Hagerman, Reed Lewis, Michael S. Prose*
Mount Olive – Jakobb E. Brown*, Georgia G. Kampwerth
Palmyra – Alexis R. Bowman*
Staunton – Paige N. Horstmeyer*, Michael J. Matesa*, Lauren R. Mathis, Brandon Mo
Virden – Zorah E. Austin*, Michaeh N. Barnhouse*, Maddie Carver, Jackson R. Pierce*, Morgan C. Snell*, Grant M. Strickler, Courtney N. Ulinski*
PART-TIME STUDENTS
Benld – Christopher Young*
Carlinville – Alex C. Nance*, Jerry D. Nance Jr.*
Gillespie – Jessica L. Tiek*
Girard – Lindsey J. Ferguson*, Jackson R. Henke*, Natalie Moriconi*
Mount Olive – Kara A. Harmon*, Justin D. O’Neill*, Hayden Wylder*
Virden – Candace L. Carlile*, Lillian M. Carlile*, Natalie M. Little*, Josie P. Patterson, Luciano Pierce*
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The 2:18 Missions Team, a dedicated local outreach group based in Gillespie, is excited to announce its upcoming cookout fundraiser to support its community initiatives. The event will take place on Saturday, June 21st, at Randy’s Market in Benld.
From approximately 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., community members are invited to enjoy delicious homemade food while supporting a worthy cause. The menu will feature pork chops, pork burgers, hot dogs, and refreshing water — perfect for a summer day of good food and fellowship.
“All proceeds from this event will go directly toward our mission efforts to serve and uplift our community,” said a spokesperson for 2:18 Missions Team. “We’re grateful for the support of our neighbors and look forward to seeing everyone there!”
Come out to Randy’s Market in Benld on June 21st to enjoy a tasty meal, support local endeavors, and connect with others in the community.
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Beleagured board chairman responds to critics as County Board prepares to start budgeting process
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