Community News
General Contractor bid awarded by School Board
Still two months behind schedule
Tom Hyde explains the general contractor bids.
During a regular scheduled meeting on Janaury 23, school district #7 met in a regularly scheduled board meeting to mainly award a general contractor bid for the new Ben-Gil Elementary school. Tom Hyde introduced 8 different bids that were submitted to him from contractors that are interested in the general construction of the new school. The low bid was submitted by Contrega Construction out of Edwardsville, Illinois. “[Contregra] has done numerous large projects,” Hyde explained to the board, “And are currently working on a forensic lab for the State of Illinois that is valued at $28,000,000. They were formed 15 years ago and I have already met with the president, vice-president, and project manager for this project.”
Hyde went on to say that Contegra is “ready to go” as their bid stands at $15,500,000. The average of the eight bids was $16,089,000 and were all within 8% of each other. The lowest bid was the lowest by just $200. The projected bid for this phase of the work was valued at $15,940,00, which is $440,000 less of what the board was expecting. He went on to say that he has not worked with Contegra before, but has heard “good things” from their subcontractors and even a few of their competitors. The board went on to award the general contractor bid to Contegra after a 7-0 vote.
Gerry Marino updated the board on the mine grouting project while he represents MEA. “As you know, there were difficulties in the beginning with the grouting project,” Marino started, “Recently, they have switched to a different system. When they started, they just batched the grout on site and now they getting grout from two other concrete plants in Hamel and Litchfield.” Hayward and Baker is grouting about 200 yards per day which is a significant increase. It is going very smoothly, according to Marino.
As of this week, the primary grouting has been completed and just a few spot holes are left. “I expect by the end of this week, part of the east side can be turned over the foundation workers,” Marino stated. On the west side, barrier grouting has been completed and the infilling will take until late Febraury or even early March. “The mine is consistent within 5 feet and is still dry,” Marino concluded.
Assistant Superintendent Joe Tieman updated the board on teacher evaluations. “The teacher evaluated tool is board approved as it is mandated by law,” Tieman explained, “I have granted you all with what a building supervisor must have.” Tieman went on to say that senate bill #7 is something that is currently in place and will drastically change the teacher evaluation process while changing principal evaluation process at the same time. Superintendent Skeans assigned principal evaluations for this year for all building principals which are Turcol, Emmons, and Tiburzi.
The principals meet with Tieman on a weekly basis and individually as well. The evaluations were recently completed and previewed with each principal, then handed over to Skeans. The last thing to keep in mind for senate bill #7 requires that the teachers union must meet by December 1 and vote on a series of possible proposals. “Basically it says the members from the bargaining unit and the members from the administrative team must agree to any changes that are allowable,” Tieman explained, “And that is something we are going to discuss next Monday night.”
Gerry Marino explains that the grouting will last until late Febraury or early March.
Tieman and Skeans went on to provide insight to the board about a new maintenance and transportation vehicle. The current truck, a 1979 model, used to shovel snow has 159,000 miles it and is “on its last leg.” Gary Niehaus, transportation director, is looking at a new vehicle for CUSD #7 which is included in the new five year place anyways. Niehaus was looking at 3/4 ton 4WD truck, but Skeans is considering a multi-purpose vehicle such as a skid loader that will not tear up the pavement and will be used in a multitude of ways. The skid loader could put different attachments on it such as a fork or bucket that could unload trucks or carry gravel as well as shovel snow.
In personnel actions, the board hired Catherine Barylske as a paraprofessional aide for Benld Elementary FSY 2012 and appointed Alina Fields volunteer assistant softball coach for Gillespie High School for FSY 2012 pending certification.
Principal of Benld Elementary Angela Turcol updated the school board on news in the pods. The elementary is preparing for the ISAT test and creating a work zone theme. The kids will “work” towards the test with the help of the construction crew which includes: teachers, paraprofessionals, custodians, cooks, and administration. Countdowns are posted in both buildings. The scores from the ISAT are planned to be plugged in to a RTI model which will identify which students who are struggling with a particular skill, concept, or curriculum area.
In other news at the elementary level, students started the candy sale on Wednesday, January 25. The sale will run through Wednesday, February 8. Students who met their AR goal for the first semester had lunch with the principal at Dairy Queen this week. 52 students met their individual goals. The goals are set according to grade level.
Lori Emmons moved to the middle school and announced the students of the month for December which are: Mark Richardson, Will Bertetto, Mackenzie Kasarda, Jacob Goodson, and Peyton Fair. Overall in the middle school, 51% of the students made honor roll. In the classroom, time is being devoted to reading and math ISAT skills not only on homework and tests, but also during study hall in all grade levels at GMS. The RTI team also finished AIMS Web benchmark testing and in the process of determining what percentage of student has in each section of the “triangle.”
Dennis Tiburzi concluded the updates with the high school. The attendance for the month of December was 91.6% which is low for the month. He went on to say that curriculum maps are due February 3 and PSAE/ACT questions are presented in all classes for the tests in April. Tiburzi congratulated Michael Taylor for winning the Voice of Democracy contest and went on to say Taylor was nominated for an appointment with the Air Force Academy. In other news, Tiburzi said the lock in fun night was a success and parent teacher conferences are coming up in February.
Assistant Superintendent Joe Tieman explains senate bill #7 to the board.
Under sports for the high school, Tiburzi announced that the wrestling team placed third in the Mt. Olive invitational and the girls basketball team got fourth in the county tournament while the boys got sixth place. Football coach Don Borgini was chosen small school coach of the year by the Alton Telegraph while Cox and Greff were chosen to the all-area defensive team.
The board went on to approve payment of January bills as follows:
- Education Fund: $75,505.85
- Building Fund: $14,291.79
- Transportation Fund: $7,489.44
- Site & Construction Fund: $789,022.55
- Grand Total: $886,309.63
Comments
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2024
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Pine Street. Jaylen M. Ronald, 22 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 4th Street in Benld in reference to a theft.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Shelby Street in reference to animal neglect.
Walter L. Vester, 30 of Benld, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for domestic battery.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Berry Street in Mt. Clare in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of North Hard Road in Mt. Clare in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Litchfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a home security check.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2024
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with a male in reference to telephone harassment.
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with a male in reference to a child custody issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Hickory Street in Benld in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of North 8th Street in Benld in reference to an unwanted solicitor.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Broadway Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Easton Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was speaking with a female in the 200 block of North Mt. Olive Road in Eagarville in reference to a civil issue.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to harassment by telephone.
An officer was dispatched to the 15000 block of Western Drive at Gillespie Lake in reference to neighborhood trouble.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South 4th Street in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2024
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with a male in reference to a child custody issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Chestnut Street in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer spoke with a subject at Gillespie Police Department in reference to identity theft in the 200 block of Park Avenue.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to spam callers.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Walnut Street in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Henrietta Street in reference to a suspicious circumstance.
An officer was dispatched to the Gillespie bike trail in reference to a suspicious person on a motorized bike.
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a juvenile issue.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2024
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 100 block of Maple Street in Benld.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 900 block of North Hard Road in Mt. Clare in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to criminal trespass to property. Joseph F. Frew, 49 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for littering prohibited.
An officer was dispatched to the 111 South 6th Street in Benld in reference to a civil stand by.
An officer was dispatched to the 10000 Friese Lane at Gillespie Lake in reference to a theft.
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with a male in reference to a civil issue.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2024
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with a male in reference to a theft in Benld.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Francis Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North 8th Street in Benld in reference to a theft.
An officer was out in the 100 block of South Hard Road in Mt. Clare with a suspicious vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to Macoupin Street and Walnut Street in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Litchfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a 911 call.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2024
Juan A. Cortez, 40 of Danville, was arrested on multiple warrants. Cortez had warrants out of Collinsville for possession of methamphetamine, Sangamon County for failure to appear for drugs, and Coles County for failure to appear for traffic.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Southern Street to speak with a male in reference to a civil issue
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 7th street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Park Street in Benld in reference o a medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 1100 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Hickory Street in Benld in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North 8th Street in Benld in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of West Elm Street in reference to an alarm call.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 4th Street in Benld in reference to a civil issue.
An officer met with a female at Gillespie Police Department to collect an item that she found.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to an alarm sounding.
An officer was dispatched to Staunton Road and Heritage Health in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to South 4th Street and East Spruce Street in Benld in reference to recovered stolen property.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of North Jersey Street in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of West Walnut Street in reference to a hit and run traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to Maple Street and Oregon Street in reference to found property.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Hard Road in Mt. Clare in reference to a suspicious female in a vehicle. Kourtney K. Claro, 33 of Benld, was issued citation for no valid driver’s license.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 900 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to an alarm sounding.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to an alarm sounding,
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of North 4th Street in Benld in reference to a fire call.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to an alarm sounding.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Hickory Street in Benld in reference to a medical assist.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Comments
FELONIES
Kyle W. Bennett, 37 of Carlinville, is charged with a felon failure to return from furlough in connection with a November 8 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Dewey E. Morgan, 66 of Carlinville, is charged with retail theft (<$300) in connection with an August 29 incident.
Elizabeth A. Marfell, 35 of Gillespie, is charged with disorderly conduct in connection with an October 8 incident.
Dorothy J. Anderson, 40 of Staunton, is charged with criminal trespass to residence and resisting a peace officer/firefighter/corrections employee in connection with a November 27 incident.
TRAFFIC
Matthew D. Knick, 20 of Gillespie, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a November 7 incident.
Jennifer L. Arnotti, 34 of Staunton, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration in connection with a November 11 incident.
Kelan J. Stevenson, 27 of Gillespie, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration in connection with a November 17 incident.
Ernest L. Stevenson, 21 of Benld, is charged with improper use registration/title, unlicensed, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a November 16 incident.
Joshua T. Koniak, 43 of Gillespie, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a November 16 incident.
Casey R. Ness, 48 of Greenville, is charged with driving on a suspended license and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a November 18 incident.
Gary R. Priddle, 46 of Benld, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a November 19 incident.
Travis J. Bramley, 42 of Virden, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a November 19 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Matthew Diamond versus Stephanie Diamond
- Marilyn K. Loveless versus Jerel D. Loveless Sr.
MARRIAGE LICENSES
- Timothy H. Johnson and Jennifer Kay Woolsey, both of Staunton
- Daniel Allen Balai of Bunker Hill and Chloe Renee Yinger of Alton
Comments
FELONIES
Rex J. White, 49 of Mount Olive, is charged with aggravated fleeing police (21 mph over), reckless driving, improper use of registration/title, unlicensed, operating a motor vehicle with registration/suspended , and driving 1-10 mph above the limit in connection with a November 15 incident.
Britteny D M Herr, 30 of Brighton, is charged with violation of an order with a prior violation in connection with a November 17 incident.
Christopher L. Black, 42 of Virden, is charged with aiding/abetting/selling a stolen vehicle and driving on a revoked license in connection with a November 17 incident.
Jesse D. Cimino, 42 of Troy, is charged with possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams) in connection with a September 1 incident.
Jennifer R. Haneline, 39 of Godfrey, is charged with burglary and theft/authorized control (>500<10k) in connection with an August 6 incident.
Simone R. Para, 51 of Girard, is charged with possession of a controlled substance and driving under the influence of drugs in connection with an October 13 incident.
Crystal D. Hoffman, 45 of Staunton, is charged with obstruction of justice/destroying evidence and driving under the influence of alcohol in connection with a November 11 incident.
Andrew P. Hansen, 47 of Carlinville, is charged with received/possession/selling stolen vehicle and possession of meth (<5 grams) in connection with a November 20 incident.
Justin C. Grider, 42 of Carlinville, is charged with two counts of aggravated assault/operating a motor vehicle in connection with a November 21 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Jacqueline B. Jessen, 42 of Girard, is charged with giving/selling liquor to a minor in connection with a November 14 incident.
Perry L. Lair, 62 of Virden, is charged with giving/selling liquor to a minor in connection with a November 14 incident.
Kara E. Estes, 37 of Girard, is charged with giving/selling liquor to a minor in connection with a November 14 incident.
Melissa R. Robinson, 36 of Farmersville, is charged with giving/selling liquor to a minor in connection with a November 14 incident.
Kenneth J. Barker, 38 of Litchfield, is charged with resisting a peace officer/firefighter/corrections employee in connection with a November 19 incident.
Julio Isaias Pedro Felipe, 36 of Springfield, is charged with giving/selling liquor to a minor in connection with a November 14 incident.
TRAFFIC
Amanda J. Eberwein, 27 of Virden, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a November 12 incident.
Katherine F. Fugitt, 33 of Springfield, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with a November 15 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Michael C. Cummings versus Tracy L. Cummings
